Holy deity tapdancing on a stick...

Busier than a rooster in a hen-house over here...

1. Got to go check out the Star Wars exhibit at the local COSI. A very cool thing. I got the chance to drive a hovercraft. If you've never ridden one or, in my case, driven one, it's an interesting experience. Just remember, that you have to be gentle with it. You can't just yank the wheel around (like I did), expect it to start spinning (like I did), and straighten it out by simply spinning the wheel back the other way (like I did). Oh, also, I want a light saber. Bad.

Geek Link: Can I make a light saber? (See answer #7. Dammit.)

2. I've been listening to episodes of Penn & Teller's "Bullshit!" while I work over the last couple of days. It's a great show. A good skeptical take on a lot of issues that many people deal with daily. I highly recommend checking it out. Head on over to Google Video and do a search for PENN TELLER BULLSHIT. Not only is it a good show, it's a fun search term collection. Note: Don't listen to this out loud at work. Penn's delivery of the word 'Fuck' is potentially second only to Henry Rollins.

Geek Link: Google results for PENN TELLER BULLSHIT

3. I've finally gotten my teeth into some web development. I've been playing with sessions, cookies, a little bit of command running from web pages... it's been fun. I'm able to apply what I'm learning both at home and at work. Some changes coming up at Maxwell's Alley, and I can start properly securing web apps at work. Yay!

Geek Link: PHP.net

4. I've also been honing my DBA skills a bit. Here's a tip. Only expect undocumented features to work in their current versions. I've been digging into a method of finding out what files are loaded into SQL on a nightly basis, and what jobs they load to. Via the MSDB database within SQL Server. Every object is converted into a binary identifier, so files like \\server\share\loadfile.txt become 0xF200000067000000. And it may have more than one ID. Fun. To reconcile all that and put it together for each file, job, database, and task step, has been interesting. Once I get it all put together, I may just have to write a stored procedure and publish it.

Geek Link: MSSQL stuff on DatabaseJournal.com

5. On the advice of my current idol, Mr. James Randi, I just started reading Carl Sagan's "The Demon Haunted World". It's a page turner, and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. He is an astronomer and a scientist, not a fiction writer, so it can be a bit dry in points, and I'm a slow reader. But I am getting an interesting kick out of watching the train of thought go by, and I hope to be able to apply what I learn to my critical thinking skills.

Geek Link: get the book from Amazon.com

6. Speaking of physics as we were, (?!?), I spent last Saturday at Cedar Point, checking out coasters, and a miscellaneous ride or two with Evelyn. She's a little coaster monster, at 3 years old. Good for her. I hope she retains that 'no-fear' attitude. I'm looking forward to the day I can take her on the Corkscrew or the Mine Ride. Both excellent rides. I admit I have a bit of a fondness for the Corkscrew. it's got a fun name, and it's a good ride that doesn't get a whole lot of publicity. Sure, it may seem tame by the standards of the Milennium Force or the Top Thrill Dragster, but I think the ride's the thing. The MF is over too quickly, though the first drop is a doozy. I haven't ridden the Dragster, but I expect it would be much the same experience. Out, one turn, and back. It's a speed rush, which is cool, but when I get on a coaster, I expect a ride. I prefer a longer ride, with lots of twists and turns to one that is a straight-up stomach lever. Soon, sweetie. Soon.

Geek Link: Amusement Park Physics

7. I started weight training again. I have no idea why. I just felt the need to put more into an exercize routine. Feels good so far, even if that last bench press set this morning was a little rough. I have a full routine worked out, and I'm adding to it, slowly, over time. I put on some music in the morning, and just go. It's enjoyable so far, and I'm already seeing some results. What I need to add is some cardio or aerobics to the routine, since I have the stretching and joint work with the Tai Chi, and the resistance training with the weights. Maybe it's time to bring the Gazelle back out.

Geek Link: Excellent Wiki on Wight Training

Go be geeky.