Blog 3

How are you feeling about the role of sports in our lives these days?

I don’t follow any athletic sports, but I do follow some Motorsport (F1 and 24 hours of lemons). As one could probably guess, the 2020 season has been delayed.  However, several racing the FIA has started streaming online sim racing sessions and  streaming old races. It’s nice to see that the community isn’t going to stop chasing their passion (and better lap times) just because of the current situation. Also, several racers have set up twitch streams playing all sorts of games, from fort nite to trucking simulator.

How are you feeling about the place of art in our lives these days?

Since we have more time at home to reflect on the current situation, art has become more important in our daily lives, as it can provide relief from reality and bring communities together. I’ve seen videos of rooftop performances, compilation recordings, etc. helping to keep spirits up.

How have your thoughts toward school changed?

The online learning has definitely change my thoughts towards school. It’s gotten bother easier and harder at the same time. On one hand, the work load has dropped significantly, and I don’t have presentations anymore. However, the disconnect of virtual learning has definitely started to take it’s toll. 

Journal 3

Mon: Name one thing in nature you have noticed/discovered in the last week.

These last few weeks, I’ve been trying to spend more time doing things that make me happy, instead of just playing games and watching YouTube all day. I needed some clay for a project, and since most of the stores are closed, I biked to the river to see if I could find any. I didn’t find any pure clay, but I did go home with some nice mud that 

suited my needs well enough. 

Weds: What did you do for fun today?

I made mashed potatoes as part of dinner tonight. Nothing special, but they tasted pretty good imo. Aside from that, I went for a bike ride to Gilson Beach, since I haven’t seen the lane in a while.

Fri: Name one thing you make sure to do that makes you happy, hopeful, more relaxed.

The easiest way for me to relax at home is to listen to music. I have a small hifi system and a record collection that has been growing for a few years now (specs below). I  really enjoy listening to music, especially because Iran just throw on a record, sit back, and just sink into the music.

TT: Sony PSLX300 (built in preamp)

EQ: Realistic 30-2000 10-band equalizer

Speakers (boombox) Panasonic RX-DT9 (cd+cassette)

Blog journal 2

1:

Spring break means spring cleaning time. It’s been a while since I’ve cleaned my room, but I finally got around to it over spring break. I like to work where everything I is within reach , but that often gets out of control pretty quickly. I also gave my workshop a much-needed decluttering as well. I had tools, projects, scrap, and dust all over my bench and floor, which got put back into their respective bins and boxes.

2:

How have your musical habits changed? Are you playing more? Listening more?

I’m definitely listening and playing more. With all this newfound free time, I’ve been practicing cello, both for school orchestra and my solo repertoire. I’ve also started listening to Bill Callahan, so thanks OC for turning me onto the good stuff. 

3:

I started reading a book called The Perfectionists  by Simon Winchester. It’s about the history of precision machining and manufacturing. It’s a pretty easy read, solid 9/10. I’ve also spent some (ok, a lot) time on YouTube watching random videos to pass time. I’ve linked a few novel/ interesting/ funny videos below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46DBNUfhATo&list=WL&index=5&t=0s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNMqxiZVxmw&list=WL&index=1