The Many Hats of Engineering

Recently, I've been wearing lots of cool hats. I've been a load master, mechanic, carpenter, mythbuster, and phone jockey. It's cool doing different things everyday.

The biggest thing to come my way was the new energy regulations requiring all NEMA framed motors previously covered by EPAct to pass the new NEMA Premium Efficiency Standard [EISA Fact Sheet Provided by Applied Industrial Technologies]. Everyone was freaking out because they thought the new motor frames wouldn't fit, but a few quick phone calls and I debunked that myth. I didn't get to blow anything up tho ):

Another amazing thing happened this past week. My folks came up to Atlanta so we could catch a flight out to go up home to Ohio. While touring the house, my mom actually said my bathtub was "really clean". I nearly fell off the mezzanine. MY Mom, saying MY house is clean. That's like a double rainbow all the way. It really is amazing what you can get done with all the free time that is available when homework and senior projects don't cramp your style :DDD

As a bonus, all the flights I'll be taking for the rest of the year will have free GoGo in flight internetz. Thx Google!!

On a final note, I've come to the conclusion that Atlanta has the happiest people in the world. I've seen evidence of this at Wal-Mart where parents have cart races in the parking lot, and more recently, at the Dept of Driver Services (Driver's License) and Tax Office (Car Tags). Everyone was really happy and upbeat. I ran into a snag at the Tag Office because I didn't have Georgia Insurance. The clerk said I couldn't get a tag until I had a faxed proof come in. I told her I felt like I was on Parking Wars and everyone laughed (: There was also a girl singing church gospel to everyone in the waiting room like she was trying out for American Idol. She was pretty good and everyone enjoyed it.

Next week I'll venture into the world of appliances. I need to snag a washer and dryer so I'll be able to Xbox AND bust suds. Now that's smart!

The Gamer is Reborn

I had a great idea... I wanted an Xbox. Hey look! The new Kinect. Yeah, let's get that!!

Onto Best Buy I went and purchased the latest in gaming technology. Let me say, it is FANTASTIC. I think Microsoft did something right, finally. I was blown away as I went through the tutorial learning all the stuff the Kinect can do.

First, it can detect your movements, just like they tell you in the commercials. No wand with a glowing ping pong ball or Wiimote to get in your way. Just wave your hands like an idiot and you're good to go!

Second, it has a camera, just like a webcam. It can automatically sign people in by facial recognition. It can also be used for video chat. However, both parties need a Kinect if you're doing Xbox to Xbox. You can also connect to people on the computer with Windows Live Messenger. Only the person with the Xbox will need a camera then. The camera also follows you around (it has a motor to automatically adjust the tilt).

Third, it listens to you. Yup, voice recognition. It felt cool to say "XBOX!!!", "PLAY DISK!!!" The mic is also pretty good for just regular party chat. I haven't tried it in a game yet though.

I think it is pretty slick. Pretty scary, too. I get the feeling that Bill and friends are watching your every move since it is always "on" when the box is on...

I also picked up Fable 3. Sweet action, just what I needed.

Now all I have to do is jump on the bandwagon and pickup Black Ops. I might wait a bit and give Fable a good go until it gets old. Dance Central looks promising, too. I'm just not to hot on spending $50-$60 on games...

As for life in Atlanta, I've officially claimed my yard by throwing down some winterizer fertilizer. This spring is gonna look lush and luxurious (I hope).

I'm going to catch a plane to Tampa tomorrow to visit the Lakeland plant and help out there for the remainder of the week. It is nice to not spend any money for a week, but I'll be away from Clark the Xbox ):.

Did I mention I got Netflix on it?! Where has this thing been all my life!