This page contains all entries posted to Manufactured Environments in May 2003.

The New Mix

I’m proud to announce that there’s a new mix over on the music page. It’s a full 79 minutes of great music via streaming Real audio. It’s called Heartaches + Happiness. Check it out!

This one will be in the mail next week, friends, after I finalize the cover art for it. If you’re not on my mailing list, you can get yourself a copy of the mix CD by naming the group that contributed the last hidden minute of the mix. If no one gets it right away, I’ll offer up a little hint in a couple of days.

In other news, I upgraded my Movable Type installation, and we’ll see if they fixed the CSS on Win/IE bugs that were happening on the comments.

Went for a walk by the river today. Gave a presentation on XML. Had dinner with a friend. What did you do today?

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Movies and Mixes

I said to M. let’s go to the Matrix two weeks after it opens — maybe a matinee. She said okay. I was determined not to read any reviews — to see the movie with as fresh of a mind as possible. But many, many people have felt the need to tell me how the movie is. And they all seem to come to the same conclusion more or less… as Chris from LA says, it’s 45 minutes of movie stretched out over two hours. My brother saw the movie on Memorial Day and said the crowds were already light — little more than a week after its release.

So a change of plans. We’re going to Bruce Almighty instead this weekend. That is, if I can convince M. that the money will be better spent on a comedy than overwrought science fiction. I loved the original Matrix. I mean I really, really liked it. But sequels are nothing more than that and often far, far less.

I’m listening to the new mix CD tonight. It sounds pretty good. Mix CD’s are an art that I’ve honed over the past 15 years, starting first with mix tapes, of course. This one is so very close to being done. I’ve got a question mark over track 18 (there’s 20 tracks). It’s a song by the Beautiful South called “The Book.” It just doesn’t seem to fit quite right. Yeah, I guess I’ll probably replace it, but that song is one of my “pets.” It’ll be sad to see him go, but go he must I think. Right now I’ve got track 5 on, which is this great, great song by the Decemberists called “Odalisque.”

[ minutes pass … listening to music … deep in thought ]

Okay, problem resolved. Gone are The Beautiful South and this 2-minute bookend track of african drumming at the end of the mix. With my newly freed up 5-minutes I’ll place a second Decemberists track in the track 18 slot. It’s “Shiny” which is a great little tune by them — not track 5 greatness like “Odalisque” but it’s perfect late in the mix… Ah. The mix is done! [Dan celebrates!] I’ll put the mix online of course, and check here later.

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A Little Help from my Friends

This message is mostly for my friends, near and far —
Hey, Folks! I hope you’ve been feeling the love as much as I have. It’s been a good year. And now it’s time to bring on the summer fun. But just pause for a moment before you head out to the festivities and think about all you’re grateful for — especially think of all of those mix CD’s that a certain someone has been sending in the mail. Yes, I know that music means as much to you as it does to me.

It’s a special time of the year — that transition from spring to summer (just imagine a transition you southerners) — a time to give thanks for the harvest yet to come. It’s time for those ships to come sailing in. And so, it’s time to spread the love. That’s right, my birthday is nigh approaching. A little less excitement this year — it’s #31 for me — but a little more love in the air too.

So check out my Amazon Wish List as you think about what to get me this year. I know you’ll find something. Dear friends, thanks for being there this year — many miles may separate us — but let us be together in our hearts. (And by the way a new mix CD will be on the way next week!)

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Anniversaries in Iowa City

This morning I’m touching up my PowerPoint for a presentation I’m doing on XML this week. Seems like the spring semester disappeared in a flash. We went to El Ranchero last night around 7pm and were seated immediately. It’s amazing how different this town is when the students are gone. Everything kind of empties out for a few months during the summer.

The main thing I note with Memorial Day Weekend is the passage of time. This weekend marks my anniversary of having come to Iowa City. As of this weekend, I’ve been here seven years. Friends wonder from afar how I could move to Iowa and worse yet STAY there. But I must say I’ve enjoyed my time here. I’ve picked up a master’s degree, worked as an adjunct professor, and enjoyed the people I’ve met here. Many people you find here in Iowa City have come here from someplace else.

That said, I’ll say that I think Iowa City and Johnson County by extension is somewhat different from the rest of Iowa. In terms of politics, it’s the only county that votes Democratic in a Republican state. In other parts of Iowa, Iowa City is known as “Sin City.” Of course, being midwestern it’s actually pretty mellow as far as that goes. Iowa City isn’t really big enough or seedy enough to have a red-light district. It is often listed towards the top of American cities friendly to gays and lesbians.

Iowa City is a town of two identities, and sometimes it struggles with that. On one hand is the literary nature of the city. Iowa City is known for the Writer’s Workshop, which was the first of its kind in the nation. Over the years it has churned out a whole host of well-known writers. At one time, receiving a master’s degree for creative work was unheard — but is quite commonplace. I think the Writer’s Workshop students receive an MFA. The Workshop focuses on fiction and poetry, but there’s also a nonfiction writing program here and also an International Writer’s Workshop program.

The other identity for Iowa City is that of a research town. To the chagrin of the literary folk, the University of Iowa administration tend to claim the UI as a research university and somewhat recently that has become their primary focus. We are home to a large teaching hospital, which ranks highly on many national scales, and have centers for research on numerous fronts.

So the two sides peacefully coexist for the most part. That is to say, that no matter if you’re into literature and writing or science and medicine, there is a lot going on in this town.

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Dividend Voodoo

If Warren Buffet doesn’t convince you that you’re getting screwed, I’m happy to report that no one ever will. [Tip of the hat to dori oops — I meant andrea.]

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An evening on the town

M. and I started our Saturday evening at a downtown coffeehouse. It was simply amazing — we found the perfect table. I should note that this past weekend was also graduation time for the college students. The academic year is of course thrilling, but little things like finding a great table at the cafe or finding a choice parking spot on a Saturday night means a lot too.

We headed over to the Atlas for dinner. That’s my new favorite spot for dinner. All of the outdoor tables were taken, but we were seated indoors (our preference) with little fuss. The food at Atlas is great. As much as I love going to the downtown Mondo’s for lunch, the Atlas has taken that place for evening fare. I had blackened catfish, and M. opted for a Thai satay salad. We took a long walk and looked at the freshly christened gold dome on the Capitol.

And yet when it comes to picking restaurants, I’m usually more concerned about the service and the atmosphere — in my experience, those are key for a successful lunch or evening. To me it doesn’t really matter if its Thai, Indian, or American — I look for a place where you can have a great conversation.

I like them on the cozy side and definitely on the busy side. My theory is that it’s much easier to have a private conversation at a busy, bustling restaurant where everyone is talking than some quiet place where the couple at the next table can’t help but overhear what you’re saying.

And I always patronize local establishments — they pay a lot more attention to details like acoustics and atmosphere. Ever been in a chain restaurant? Busy and lots of people talking, yes, but the acoustics are deafening. The music is too loud and everything echoes. And besides, they serve lizard heads with their salads. True story. The wife of a professor here was none too happy about that.

So if there’s a moral to the story: dine local.

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About A Boy

We watched About A Boy tonight on DVD. I enjoyed it as much as I did in the theater. As a single 30-year-old male, I hear some of Hugh Grant’s characters inclinations. I’ve read the Nick Hornby book as well — and despite different endings — both are good. I think tomorrow I’ll watch 8-1/2 again just for the style of it. Oh that’s all for now. Good night.

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I’m flying a kite

It’s been a busy day as always. I am laughing here heartily. Another day down, 25,000 more to go! Molly of Milwaukee sends a scan of her baby to be. Molly of SoCal sends an email of a trip to be. Chris of LA send an email of real jobs in the real world. Faust of Iowa sends an email of life at the small-town college.

Today was kind of exciting actually. It was the last official day of the academic year. There’s not much to be said about this, except I can’t wait to find an open table on Monday at the downtown Java House.

It occurred to me the other day that I have daily encounters with four operating systems. This makes me think I have too much contact with computers in my life, but here goes… Everyday I see Windows 2000, Windows XP, Mac OS 9, and Mac OS X Server. How did my life become so enamored of computers. Well, I’ll be honest — that’s the way I’d like it. I enjoy the machines, and (I think) the machines enjoy me! So here’s to having a multiplicitous operating systems experience. Here’s to diversity. I suppose the next step will be to add some Un*x’s into the mix. Where art thou Linux?

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Trip Shakespeare

Have I ever mentioned here how much I still enjoy Trip Shakespeare’s music? They were a little band out of Minneapolis and had a few albums in their day, of which Across the Universe is essential. On that album their best qualities come out — namely their vocal harmonies. Fantastic!

I saw them live once or twice down at my alma mater — and they were a great band live. Lots of kinetic energy and showmanship. They also seemed like pretty cool guys except for the drummer who seemed like a cool gal.

You can find a few MP3 files by Trip Shakespeare over on my music page. Please write to me if you’re interested in hearing more. “Toolmaster of Brainerd” was one of their best songs live, but that album Are You Shakespearienced? isn’t quite as developed as Across the Universe.

So if you’re looking for a band with great harmony and vocal interplay, slightly goofy lyrics, and midwest sensibilities look no further than everyone’s favorite: Trip Shakespeare.

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Stoked

It just occurred to me the other day to get my travel plans solidified. J. was telling me at lunch today over at Mondo’s about some great fares she knew of. She sent me an email — I investigated and indeed the airfare was quite reasonable — much cheaper than anything you could find on Expedia or Orbitz or whatever. So I made a few phone calls and booked the tickets tonight. Exciting! I’m stoked. I’ll share more details soon.

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Family duties

Various family members were down this weekend — including my 80+ year old grandparents — for a visit. All in all a very nice weekend. M. came along for dinner on Saturday night as we dined in a festive Mother’s Day mood.

My grandparents are some of the most amazing people I know. Grandfather was noting how Ford Motor Co. is celebrating it’s 100th birthday. I think he was born in 1921. He talks about technology a lot, and his sense of history is amazing. He’s seen so many different things come to pass in his lifetime. He’s about as interested in the Internet as anyone I know, but I think he’s resigned himself that he may be getting to old to be on top of this one. The screen is hard to see with his eyes. The keys are a little too close together for his fingers. Ah, I guess there comes a day in life when you have to say, “This is as far as I’ll come.” I’m hoping he makes it to his 100th birthday too. I’m just not expecting any email from him — though he does call me on his cell phone. God bless him.

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i+love+daniel+stout

To the anonymous person who searched for my site by typing “i love daniel stout” into a search engine: Thanks! I love you too.

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“Is my creator God or Man? Yes, yours too.”

People ask me occasionally about the Chameleons. I’ve got them listed as musical influences on my website, and I enthuse about them from time to time. Who are these guys? Let me start by saying that the Chameleons are one of my all-time favorite bands. These guys are incredible.

Okay, that said, the Chameleons only released 3 proper albums back in the 80’s. They started with Script of the Bridge. If you ever look at a Chamelons album — this is the one to explore. I’m sitting here listening to it now thinking that it’s been almost 15 years since i first heard this album, and it never fails to amaze. The band is from Manchester, and the boys are still around. They got back together in 2000 and toured around a bit and released a new album and an album of acoustic covers of their old songs. But in my opinion stick to the 80’s material, and you’ll be fine.

What do they sound like? Well, it’s rock. But it’s like this shimmering cloud bringing down a quiet rain as I stand on the curb with the roar of the city behind me and miles of expansive landscape ahead of me. It’s music for the interior — it has always put my mind in a certain comfortable place that seems hard to reach any other way. I think too that this is distinctly male music. I’ve never met a girl who was a fan of the Chameleons, but I’ve met lots of fans who are guys.

The second album they put out was What Does Anything Mean? Basically. A difficult second album. It is almost as great as Script, but maybe is a little on the bleak side (the song “Intrigue in Tangiers” is so very very good, and so very very lonely). I can listen to Script all night long, but What Does Anything Mean? Basically is best taken in small doses.

And finally there is Strange Times. Also a great album but probably ranks #3 of the 3 in my mind. This album is a little more accessible and might appeal I think to a somewhat wider audience while still keeping the poetic lyrics and the layer upon layer of guitars.

At the end of the day I find it difficult to describe the Chameleons to other people. It’s such a personal experience. I think the best thing someone can do is just listen to one of the albums. For me it was love on the first listen. I still vividly remember where I was the first time I heard Script of the Bridge. They’re a band you either get it or you don’t. I don’t think there’s much in-between.

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Personals Ads

So an old friend from college called tonight. We spent an hour on the phone catching up on the last few years. I figured that the last time I saw him in person was on Halloween a few years ago in New Orleans. But that’s a story for another time. Tonight I want to talk about personals ads.

Friday night before going out to the Sanctuary, M. and I took a look at some of the personals ad sites online. I had three sites to show her: personals.salon.com, personals.yahoo.com, and match.com. M. is much more involved in conversations over the internet than I am. She’s a chat room regular and uses instant messaging a lot. But the personals ad scene was kind of new to both of us.

I’m a regular reader of Salon so I’ve come to notice their “catch of the day” over in the right column on the front page. They feature some young, fresh face everyday and if you click on it you can see that person’s personal ad or search for ones in your area. Overall, I really like the format of the Salon personals ads because they involve a lot of input from the person — most of the ad is in that person’s words. That’s a big plus in my book. So of the three I mentioned, Salon takes the cake as being the best — it weeds out some of the riff-raff and offers more of the person’s personality. It allows for the most creativity. I should note that Salon’s service is run by a third-party and the ads appear on other sites as well, such as the Onion.

Compare that with personals.yahoo.com. While I think the quality of the people on Salon is generally high, Yahoo is a little broader, which offers the advantage of offering more selection. The problem, as I see it, with Yahoo’s service is that the ads have almost no input from the person. There’s only a tiny little box at the bottom of the ad for them to add a statement in their own words. I’d think the Yahoo ads would be popular with baseball fanatics because they basically read like a stat sheet on the person — age, height, religion, and so on. The person checks a few multiple choice boxes and if those stats match up with your stats in some way, you have a match. I’m pretty analytical, but looking at a stat chart about somebody is an unappealing way to search for a potential date. It’s like asking a woman her measurements and then deciding whether you’re willing to go out with her.

At the far, far bottom of the heap was Match. Match is the exact opposite of Salon. Where Salon solicits the words and personality of the person, Match instead puts words in people’s mouths. It’s only after looking at a few ads that you realize that the multiple choice boxes that people select in their ads fill in stats about them but also Match’s description of that stat. At first glance, it looks like people are writing short descriptions of themselves on various questions, but on close examination it’s actually the words of whoever wrote the multiple choice question. M. and I both noticed that the quality of the ads on Match were decidedly lower. And I suppose people would let Match put words in their mouths about who they are, are not the kind of people we’d want to attract. If I would take out a personals ad, I’d want my own words in there, not the words of some copy writer out in Silicon Valley or wherever.

So that’s my take on three online personals services. Has anyone out there actually posted an ad on one of these or somewhere else? I’m interested in what your experience was like. You can write to me via the contact page.

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The Sanctuary / The Hamburg Inn

Dave Moore played last night over at the Sanctuary. M. and I had a good time. That was her first time at the Sanctuary. Personally, it’s one of my favorite places to go here. It’s one of the first restaurants I happened upon when I moved here besides the Hamburg Inn.

The Hamburg is notable for relatively cheap eats, and also for its “Presidential” tables. Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton have both eaten there (not at the same time!), and Clinton’s most recent visit to the Hamburg Inn #2 (as it’s officially known) was about a month ago when he was in town to give a speech. The walls of the Hamburg are a veritable photo gallery including pictures of life at the Hamburg going back some 50 years.

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Quiet day

My mentor and I had a leisurely two and a half hour dinner over at Mondo’s Tomato Pie tonight. We talked about PhD’s, travel plans, and the high cost of landscaping among other things. Time well spent.

I’m looking forward to a quiet Friday. Most people in the department are off to a conference in a nearby city. The conference, which I’ve been to twice before in previous years, didn’t look as interesting this year, and I had a lot to do back at the office so I opted out this year.

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Google memories

<grin>I still remember back in 1999 when you searched Google for “more evil than satan himself,” the #1 hit was www.microsoft.com.</grin>

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