Asymptomatic

There must be intelligent life down here

vip622 Software Update Woes
April 10, 2007

I guess that Echostar/Dish Network decided to roll out a new version of their software onto my satellite receiver recently. There has been talk of it on the forums, but I’m still wondering just what benefit this software supposed to have to me.

I only noticed that the software update had taken place because the receiver is now completely unable to play back a HD show while it is recording it. As an example, I was recording 24 in HD last night but wasn’t watching it. About 45 minutes into recording the show, I turned on the TV and started to watch. I tried to, anyway.

The Standard
April 06, 2007

In the Standard Hotel lobby, behind the reception area, there is a large glass enclosure. Inside the enclosure, hanging from the ceiling, is a makeshift claw apparatus. This claw is not unlike the claw you might find in a midway game to pick up stuffed creatures to deposit in a chute as a prize.

Like the midway game, this claw enclosure is filled with stuffed white teddy bears. Also like the midway games, there is a single special prize that everyone attempts to grab, but nobody ever seems to accomplish, leading to much profit for the midway operator.

A Mock Me
April 05, 2007

After work in the client’s Hollywood office, I took some time to walk down Sunset looking for something to do and/or eat.

What strikes me as an oddity in bars in LA is that there doesn’t seem to be any draft beer. Surely, I haven’t been in many bars here, but of the ones I have been in (and there are a few within walking range of my hotel on Sunset) there isn’t a single tap. It’s all about cocktails.

Flight to LA
April 04, 2007

I’m about four hours and ten minutes into this light to LA, and I’d like to take an account of the experience of travelling by plane these days, since in the near future, everyone will be cryogenically frozen when they leave their car at the airport and loaded onto their destination flight. For their protection, of course.

The first thing I would like to complain about is the passenger in front of me, who is one of those people who believe that it is their duty, without the regard for the people around them, to recline their seat into my face for the duration of the flight. I think that in this age where the leg room and, lets face it, breathing room of the jet capacity is so low, that people would be considerate of their fellow man and just not do it. I know you’re awake. Sit up! Sit up!