California High Speed Rail

Many people this past November were excited about the two main candidates for president, there was a big following of Proposition 8. Heck, the chickens even got some love in that election. While everyone was following those stories I was compelled by another, Proposition 1A. This prop dealt with the proposed California High Speed Railing System. Well, if you haven't heard, that proposition passed by a small margin. So by 2030, California's High Speed Rail System will be fully functional!


2030?? Yes, supposedly that's when it should be completed. However, supposedly by 2020, "Fly California" as it looks to be named, should be in the early stages of it being up and running and passing through some of the major cities. Trains are supposed to run at about 220mph and can get you from Fresno to Los Angeles in 1:38 for $38. From Fresno to Anaheim, 1:43. Irvine? 1:52. San Diego? 2:42. Gotta love that!!! Here's a look at the routing system.


So wait? Why did we pass something that won't take effect for several years?! Well, we've gotta start somewhere right? Plus the whole process should bring a boost in the economy with all the jobs it'll bring to the areas it is being built. Then add the increased visitors to each station it'll bring. It will definitely unify the state and be good for California. This should also boost the Central Valley's economy since Fresno will be the spine of this system. Plus for all you "green" environmentalist folk, this will reduce CO2 emissions vastly.

So the east coast has their subways, and in time we'll have our trains! I'm looking forward to riding one. Wherever I am by that time, I'm excited that other cities will only be a jump, skip, and a rail away. I hope you are as excited as I am!!! If not, start reading up on it...

http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/

Well, that's all for now! FLY CALIFORNIA!

Laundry Day

Sunday, also know known as Laundry Day for me. Before I continue a little video from Dr. Horrible:



There's something about doing the laundry that I really enjoy. I don't know what it is.. (ok, maybe I do but I'm not telling!) This is the only chore that I actually look forward to doing. It's like a build up to Laundry Day! Do you like how I've capitalized "Laundry Day" when I use it?

Here's one reason I enjoy this activity. Each time you do your laundry, it's like a fresh start. You get to start over, everything is new again. It's quite refreshing. I have quite a few items of clothing so I don't do my laundry very often, about once every 3 weeks. I know it's time to do laundry again when I run out of socks to use. But, once that day comes homeostasis is restored, the aura is cleansed, the batteries are charged... you get the picture!

So what was the point of this? Nothing! Absolutely nothing... I have no educational value in these postings. Like it or hate it? I don't care, I'm gonna keep writing! Hence, "The random musings of one David D.M."

Ciao mi amici!

Modern & Tuscan Design Styles

So I know I said I would try to write daily but let's face it... life happens! I guess there are more important things out there than writing about random topics that only I probably care about. I'm back though and tonight's focus of discussion shall be the Modern and Tuscan Design Styles.

If you have been lucky enough to get to know me throughout the years you'll know that I'm a bit of a traditionalist in more ways than one but my favorite style has to be the Tuscan style for the warmth that it brings. I am particularly fond of the use of stones as accents, the detail in the molding, and the richness this style provides. My current apartment complex is designed to have a taste of Tuscany. I have also decorated the interior to match with elements of that Tuscan style. Here is an example of an outdoor space using this style. In addition to the stones, notice the use of columns.



The style that I have not been a fan of in the past is the modern design style, at least for the home that is. Truth is, after really looking into this style recently it is actually more appealing to me than the traditional style and despite how welcoming traditional design is supposed to be I find that with the right combination of colors and elements, modern design could potentially be warmer than traditional.

There is a common misconception that modern design is very cold and unwelcoming. Well, yes, it can be. Since the style focuses on straight lines and hard edges it is easy to see why that is. However if it is done correctly, it can be quite a warm and welcoming style.

Here with a touch of some traditional features in the book casings, the use of an electric fireplace, and some dark tones in the floor balance out this modern space. So with that being said I wouldn't be opposed to actually living in a modern styled living room. It would definitely fit better in a High Rise Condo. The lesson for the day: Match your style to your surroundings and it'll come out quite nicely.

Cindy Lou Who?

Each year as Christmas comes around we all have our little traditions such as decorating the tree, buying gifts, or even watching a movie. For me there are two movies I like to watch to put myself in the Christmas Spirit. First is Serendipity (2001) and the second is Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). Oh and yes, I just cited the year it was made, I've been working on my Literature Review for far too long I guess. Every time I put on The Grinch it just makes me happy. Plus you gotta admit that little Cindy Lou Who is just the cutest thing ever...

When I have a kid I hope she's this cute. I've always wanted a little blonde hair, blue eyed child. In the movie when little Cindy Lou Who giggles it's just so stinkin' cute! I can't believe that this movie came out over 8 years ago now. As I was watching this movie again recently I wondered what the actress who played her is up to now. Turns out her name is Taylor Momsen and is now on the show Gossip Girl.

Looks like Cindy Lou Who has grown up. Careful gentleman, this girl is only 15 years old. I'm glad she has grown up into such a beautiful girl but a part of me is sad. The reason I'm sad is that innocent little girl is gone! I guess this must be how parents must feel as their children grow older. Well, here's hoping my little ones will grow up to be knockouts just like Taylor here. FYI, the plan is to have 2 girls then a boy! Oh and yes, I have my reasons for that order. Now all that's left is to find a wife that will provide me with those beautiful babies just like Cindy Lou Who!

Well, that's all folks! Some Future Topics: Bicyclists, and Dishwashers.

The New Henry Madden Library

Well, after a long process it seems as if the Henry Madden Library is almost complete. Just in time for my last semester at Fresno State. For those who haven't seen the renovations in person there is a great photo album online you can check out. Here is the link and just a few of the many pictures you'll see.

http://picasaweb.google.com/fresnostatelibrary

The entry way inside the main entrance is pictured above. Very elegant I must say. This will definitely be a top notch library in California amongst the institutions all over the state. I think the architects did an overall great job. It is still not completed but so far so good. My one issue is the south side of the new building. At this point it remains a cement color and I don't believe they plan to paint it either. Unfortunately, it reminds me of a prison from that angle. You can see a portion of it in the picture below.

It just seems to clash with the red brick next to it. Hopefully when the final product is complete it will mesh better. Like any art project, interior design, or building structures, the final product always looks better when it's 100% completed. What I am impressed with so far is the work in the Peace Garden. It is just amazing! It looks very serene and the glass exterior of the library compliment it very well.

The many walkways included in the design make it much more accessible than the previous layout. Hopefully they add a few benches there for people to enjoy the area. As you can see, much work has been put into this building and students will be proud to have something like this on their campus. Upon completion of this project, the campus flow should free up a little better with the additional space being utilized. In addition, the library will house a cafe and a Starbucks for some late night cram jams. January 2009 should be an interesting time for Fresno State, let's hope they complete it as planned.

That's all folks! I hope you enjoyed the tour. If you liked it check out the link on the top of this post for more pictures.

For future topics coming up we have: Cindy Lou Who, PEZ Candy, as well as the previous topics listed. I'm only going to do one a day so that I don't run out of stuff to talk about.

High Rise Condos

Day 2 of my random musings. I'm excited to talk about this... really, I'm not that interesting, so talking about other stuff will be much more amusing. So High Rise Condos, I used to think they were dumb but upon further evaluation of things, they may not be so bad. Afterall, who wouldn't want to have a Chet, the doorman?? (Bad Boys movie reference.) I mean take a look...



Wouldn't that be nice to come home to everyday? Maybe. There are pros and cons to everything. Let's take a look at the cons first.

Cons: If you have a car and are constantly getting in and out of it like I am then a place like this might become a hassle going up and down, up and down. Similarly, if you are really high up it could take some time before getting there. Also, do you really want someone up front knowing everytime you leave and come back? Plus, if you have guests will they have to check-in at the front desk or can they just go up and see you? Then during Christmas time do you need to get Chet a gift?

Pros: Okay, one good thing about a high rise condo, the view. A good city scape, really, what more could you ask for? Then the security of having someone up front screening visitors. I'm sure the ride up the elevator is interesting. You would really get to know the people in your building this way. I bet you I could score a date on an elevator!! Also, having someone up front, if you forgot your key or something, boom! Right there!

So there you have it, some pros and cons. Obviously there are more than the above listed but you get the idea. With that being said, living in one of those would be a lot of fun!

Well, that's all for today. Check back for more on topics like: The Henry Madden Library, Laundry Day, and... something else I can't remember!

(I need to write down future topics cause I tend to forget easily!)

Meeting Maker

So I originally created this blog page for a class I was a TA for last semester. Obviously it wasn't put to much use in that course. Well, I think I might start using this more to post stuff that may be quite random that I'm interested in such as Home Design Styles, Italian Cities, and other things I enjoy. For this first edition I have decided to talk about Meeting Maker.






















This is the calendar program I use for work. I think I would be lost without it. I check it constantly and without it I sometimes forget where I'm supposed to be. I have never been good at using planners and always start off putting everything in it but never open it afterwards. With this program I can arrange my schedule to fit my needs. This is also how students schedule in appointments to see me for an advising appointment. Isn't it grand?!

Well, that's all for now. Up next on David's to discuss items: High rise condos, modern design, and much more!