BrentCollier.com http://www.brentcollier.com Most recent posts at BrentCollier.com posterous.com Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:37:00 -0800 Dillan is intense http://www.brentcollier.com/dillan-is-intense http://www.brentcollier.com/dillan-is-intense

Dsc_0263 Dsc_0267 Dsc_0266 Dsc_0265 Dsc_0268
See the full gallery on Posterous

When it comes to running in the backyard, my younger boy Dillan doesn't play around.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/103326/3646549587_ac9b36ae8c.jpg http://posterous.com/users/cARrelnOq Brent Collier brentmc79 Brent Collier Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:27:00 -0700 Halloween 2011 http://www.brentcollier.com/halloween-2011 http://www.brentcollier.com/halloween-2011

P110 P112 P114 P116 P118 P119
See the full gallery on Posterous

For those not in the know, Cameron is a creeper. A monster from one of his favorite computer games, Minecraft.

Oh, and the house with all the decorations in not mine. I just wanted to give an idea of how they roll in my neighborhood. They don't play around.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/103326/3646549587_ac9b36ae8c.jpg http://posterous.com/users/cARrelnOq Brent Collier brentmc79 Brent Collier Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:01:37 -0700 Losing Lost Teeth http://www.brentcollier.com/losing-lost-teeth http://www.brentcollier.com/losing-lost-teeth

P71

Both of Cameron's front teeth finally came out. Unfortunately he managed to lose both of them. One got dropped on the car and disappeared under the seat somewhere, and the other was lost while he was at summer camp for the day. Thankfully around here the Tooth Fairy only requires that a tooth be pulled out. The whole putting it under the pillow part is optional.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/103326/3646549587_ac9b36ae8c.jpg http://posterous.com/users/cARrelnOq Brent Collier brentmc79 Brent Collier Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:04:00 -0700 Children of the sand http://www.brentcollier.com/children-of-the-sand http://www.brentcollier.com/children-of-the-sand

Image 0image
See the full gallery on Posterous

IMG_0167.MOV Watch on Posterous

I don't know what it is, but as soon as I started building a large sand castle a group of little kids began forming around me. They were all very interested, asking lots of why/how question, but there was one question that became a common theme...

"Can I knock it down?"

I told them that they could knock it down once I was done and suddenly they could think of nothing else.

"Are you done? Are you done? Can we knock it down now?"

They were becoming restless and I began to fear for my own safety. So I declared it finished before they took me out. It was all I could do just make them wait until the camera was out and I had started recording.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/103326/3646549587_ac9b36ae8c.jpg http://posterous.com/users/cARrelnOq Brent Collier brentmc79 Brent Collier Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:28:30 -0700 Dilly & Daddy http://www.brentcollier.com/dilly-daddy http://www.brentcollier.com/dilly-daddy
Photo_1 Photo_2 Photo_3 Photo_4 Photo_5
See the full gallery on Posterous

Dilly and I were having some fun with the front-facing camera while we were hanging out at the recent family reunion.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/103326/3646549587_ac9b36ae8c.jpg http://posterous.com/users/cARrelnOq Brent Collier brentmc79 Brent Collier Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:25:00 -0700 Homebrew #3 - Blue Top IPA http://www.brentcollier.com/homebrew-3-blue-top-ipa http://www.brentcollier.com/homebrew-3-blue-top-ipa

Photo_2 Photo_1 Photo_3 Photo_4
See the full gallery on Posterous

I finally got around to bottling this IPA that I cooked up with my brother-in-law about 3 or 4 weeks ago. This is the longest primary that I've done so far. I wanted to rack it sooner, but really the extra time should do it some good. And I'm still drinking on my last brew (Belgian Wit) so hopefully I won't be in such a rush to crack one of these open.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/103326/3646549587_ac9b36ae8c.jpg http://posterous.com/users/cARrelnOq Brent Collier brentmc79 Brent Collier Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:24:00 -0700 Getting off my ass w/ a standing desk http://www.brentcollier.com/getting-off-my-ass-w-a-standing-desk http://www.brentcollier.com/getting-off-my-ass-w-a-standing-desk

Before After
See the full gallery on Posterous

I've been eating healthy and working out for the past 4 months or so, but I still manage to sit on my ass for 8 or more hours a day.  That just didn't seem right, so after hearing several coworker swear by their standing desk setups I decided to do something about it. Fortunately this didn't require me to buy a new desk since the Ikea model that I currently have is adjustable. I just had to disassemble it and reassemble at the desired height. We'll see how it goes...

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/103326/3646549587_ac9b36ae8c.jpg http://posterous.com/users/cARrelnOq Brent Collier brentmc79 Brent Collier Sun, 05 Jun 2011 09:32:11 -0700 Stinky feet! http://www.brentcollier.com/stinky-feet http://www.brentcollier.com/stinky-feet
IMG_2092.MOV Watch on Posterous

Dillan and I always play this game where I smell his feet and tell him they're stinky, but this time he turned it around on me...

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/103326/3646549587_ac9b36ae8c.jpg http://posterous.com/users/cARrelnOq Brent Collier brentmc79 Brent Collier Tue, 31 May 2011 14:07:45 -0700 Cameron's Dragonfly Costume http://www.brentcollier.com/camerons-dragonfly-costume http://www.brentcollier.com/camerons-dragonfly-costume
Photo_1 Photo_2 Photo_3
See the full gallery on Posterous

Cameron's school is putting on a play about bugs and each student had to pick a bug that they wanted to be. Cameron chose the dragonfly, so I threw together this costume using cardboard, pipe insulation, and zip-ties. What do you think?

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/103326/3646549587_ac9b36ae8c.jpg http://posterous.com/users/cARrelnOq Brent Collier brentmc79 Brent Collier Thu, 26 May 2011 18:43:00 -0700 Homebrew #1: Amber Ale http://www.brentcollier.com/homebrew-1-amber-ale http://www.brentcollier.com/homebrew-1-amber-ale

Image 0image 1image 2image 3image 4image 5image 6image 7image 8image 9image 10image 11image 12image 13image 14image 15image 16image
See the full gallery on Posterous

I have made my own beer. It feels like the first time man made fire or something. It's awesome. I'm sure had I bought the exact same beer from the store, I'd think it was nothing special, but when you make it yourself it's just great

I had been thinking about getting into homebrewing for at least six months, but it wasn't until my lovely wife surprised me (and my bro-in-law) by taking advantage of a LivingSocial deal and signing us up for a homebrew class put on by a local brewery. As soon as the class was over I went straight to the brew shop and picked up a complete kit, complete with ingredients for an Amber Ale. I started the brew a few days later and it went off without a hitch. The only problem I had was getting a good boil going on the glass-top stove, so I ended up moving the kettle out to the grill to finish it off. I let it sit in the primary fermenter for two weeks.

When I cracked it open to bottle it, I gave it a little taste-test and I wasn't exactly enthusiastic about the result. A little Internet research reassured me that it would be better with more time and carbonation.

About four days later, my dad was in town but just for one night, so I popped open one of the bottles so we could sample. I was super-worried it would taste like garbage, but thankfully it was really good! All of my time and effort hadn't gone to waste.

All in all it's been fun, I'm happy with the outcome, and I'm ready to start another batch!

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/103326/3646549587_ac9b36ae8c.jpg http://posterous.com/users/cARrelnOq Brent Collier brentmc79 Brent Collier Mon, 18 Apr 2011 13:18:30 -0700 Mac Mini HD Replacement http://www.brentcollier.com/mac-mini-hd-replacement http://www.brentcollier.com/mac-mini-hd-replacement
Image 0image 1image 2image 3image 4image 5image 6image
See the full gallery on Posterous

I replaced the 160Gb hard drive in my Mac Mini with 250Gb drive that was previously in my laptop. I had always heard that this was a pain to do on the Mini, but it really wasn't bad at all.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/103326/3646549587_ac9b36ae8c.jpg http://posterous.com/users/cARrelnOq Brent Collier brentmc79 Brent Collier Sat, 16 Apr 2011 16:43:59 -0700 Steamed Clams! http://www.brentcollier.com/steamed-clams http://www.brentcollier.com/steamed-clams
Image 0image 1image 2image 3image 4image
See the full gallery on Posterous

I made some steamed clams and roasted asparagus to go along with our margaritas. I've steamed mussels numerous times, but this was the first time I've done clams. A little butter, onions, garlic, white wine, lemon juice and that's it! It really doesn't get much easier.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/103326/3646549587_ac9b36ae8c.jpg http://posterous.com/users/cARrelnOq Brent Collier brentmc79 Brent Collier Mon, 11 Apr 2011 18:13:55 -0700 Dillan counts to 14 (sort of) http://www.brentcollier.com/dillan-counts-to-14-sort-of http://www.brentcollier.com/dillan-counts-to-14-sort-of
IMG_1636.MOV Watch on Posterous

In the tub, at 2 and a half years old, counting to 14... Sort of.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/103326/3646549587_ac9b36ae8c.jpg http://posterous.com/users/cARrelnOq Brent Collier brentmc79 Brent Collier Sat, 12 Mar 2011 13:21:00 -0800 Zombie Cake http://www.brentcollier.com/zombie-cake http://www.brentcollier.com/zombie-cake

Photo_4 Photo_1 Photo_2 Photo_3 Photo_5 Photo_1 Photo_2
See the full gallery on Posterous

It's that time of year again. I'm making a birthday cake for my bro-in-law Chris. Kim suggested a zombie cake so I ran with it...

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/103326/3646549587_ac9b36ae8c.jpg http://posterous.com/users/cARrelnOq Brent Collier brentmc79 Brent Collier Sat, 29 Jan 2011 09:14:00 -0800 Coffee Tasting @ Muddy Dog Roasting Co. http://www.brentcollier.com/coffee-tasting-muddy-dog-roasting-co http://www.brentcollier.com/coffee-tasting-muddy-dog-roasting-co

Photo_4 Photo_5 Photo_1 Photo_2 Photo_3
See the full gallery on Posterous

 

So, the other day Kim, my sister-in-law, asked if we'd be interested in checking out this place called Muddy Dog Roasting Co.  I was a little confused.  First, I was fairly positive that Kim didn't drink coffee.  And second, coffee roaster -- what the hell is that?  I wasn't really sure if it was a kid-friendly place or what, but it sounded interesting and worth checking out.

As you can see from the pictures and this panorama, it was not a coffee shop.  It was a coffee roaster, basically they imported, processed (roasted), and distributed coffee.  Fortunately for us, they occasionally did these "tastings" to spread awareness of their business and I guess broaden people's coffee palate.  We hung out for about an hour while Jim, the part-owner with his wife (whose name I can't remember), brewed up several different batches of both teas and coffee.  The coffees were from all over the world; Costa Rica, India, Nicaragua, etc.  With each different coffee, he told us all about the different harvesting and processing... umm...  processes.  Heh, he also went on about the various flavors in each brew.  Fruity this.  Lemony that.  All I know is, it was some damn good coffee.

I was worried about how the boys would do there, but Jim and his wife were very accommodating.  They supplied the boys with paper and markers which kept them sufficiently entertained until we were ready to go. 

I went in not knowing what to expect, and came out carrying a bag of several coffees and tea.  It was a nice way to spend a Saturday morning.

 

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/103326/3646549587_ac9b36ae8c.jpg http://posterous.com/users/cARrelnOq Brent Collier brentmc79 Brent Collier Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:22:00 -0800 Building a Linux box for my son http://www.brentcollier.com/building-a-linux-box-for-my-son http://www.brentcollier.com/building-a-linux-box-for-my-son

Linux-build-03 Linux-build-01 Linux-build-02 Linux-build-04 Linux-build-05 Linux-build-06 Linux-build-07 Linux-build-08 Linux-build-09 Linux-build-10 Linux-build-11 Linux-build-12 Linux-build-13 Linux-build-15 Linux-build-14 Linux-build-16 Linux-build-17 Linux-build-18 Linux-build-19 Linux-build-20 Linux-build-21
See the full gallery on Posterous
My son, Cameron, who's about six and a half now has been using an old HP Pavilion that we bought back in 2006.  Its been through multiple upgrades over the past few years, but it finally kicked the bucket a few weeks ago -- something with the onboard graphics.  You could only use it for about 20 seconds before the screen would become distorted and unusable.  I thought, enough with the upgrades, its time for a new computer!

This was an unexpected expense, so I was on a budget.  That meant no new Apple computer or big box Windows pc.  With those two out of the picture, there was only one option left -- a Newegg build with Ubuntu.  Besides, you're never too young for Linux, right?

Here's my parts list:

Parts I salvaged from the HP:

  • 2x1Gb DDR2 800 memory
  • DVD drive
  • Wireless card
  • 480w power supply

Total cost: $206 shipped

You may have noticed that listed the power supply twice.  That's because I ordered a MicroATX power supply to use in the MicroATX case, but it turned out that the case uses a normally sized power supply.  Doh!

I threw all the parts together and then booted it up with an Ubuntu 10.10 dvd.  All of the hardware was immediately recognized, including the wireless card which I was pleasantly surprised by.  Then, a few keystrokes and about 20 minutes later, I had a brand new computer -- fully functioning and ready to go.  I opted to include the third-party packages during the install, so once it was done I just installed Chrome and set up a few extras for my son, like bookmarks for Lego.com, Nickjr.com, and a Lego Star Wars desktop background.  This was definitely my easiest Ubuntu install to date.

 

Once he came home from school, I told him that after he finished his homework, I had a surprise for him.  He finished his math and spelling in record time, so I took him upstairs and showed him his sweet new Linux box.  ;)  He was really excited, especially when he saw the Lego Star Wars background.

 

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/103326/3646549587_ac9b36ae8c.jpg http://posterous.com/users/cARrelnOq Brent Collier brentmc79 Brent Collier Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:49:18 -0800 Icy Shrubs http://www.brentcollier.com/icy-shrubs http://www.brentcollier.com/icy-shrubs
Photo_1 Photo_2 Photo_3 Photo_4
See the full gallery on Posterous

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/103326/3646549587_ac9b36ae8c.jpg http://posterous.com/users/cARrelnOq Brent Collier brentmc79 Brent Collier Sat, 08 Jan 2011 09:33:00 -0800 A Few Walnut Pieces http://www.brentcollier.com/a-few-walnut-pieces http://www.brentcollier.com/a-few-walnut-pieces

Photo-1 Photo-2 Photo-3 Photo-4 Photo-5
See the full gallery on Posterous

I picked up this big block of walnut from the bargain bin at the Woodcraft store a few weeks ago.  I took it home, ripped it down into smaller pieces, and have since made a few items from it.  I have to say, I really like the the hardwood.  Its easier to work with and the results are so much better.  Its harder, heavier, and the grain is really beautiful.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/103326/3646549587_ac9b36ae8c.jpg http://posterous.com/users/cARrelnOq Brent Collier brentmc79 Brent Collier Wed, 05 Jan 2011 14:05:00 -0800 The MacBook Paper http://www.brentcollier.com/the-macbook-paper http://www.brentcollier.com/the-macbook-paper
Photo_1 Photo_2 Photo_3
See the full gallery on Posterous

Check it out. My son made a paper laptop. He drew songs on the screen (iTunes) and an (upside down) apple on the back, so I named it the "MacBook Paper". The little blue thing on the side is a disc that's being burned. I think it's awesome!

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/103326/3646549587_ac9b36ae8c.jpg http://posterous.com/users/cARrelnOq Brent Collier brentmc79 Brent Collier Mon, 27 Dec 2010 07:54:59 -0800 Almost White Christmas http://www.brentcollier.com/almost-white-christmas http://www.brentcollier.com/almost-white-christmas
Photo

The snow didn't start until late Christmas night, but we woke up to 6+ inches the next morning and it kept coming down until around lunch time.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/103326/3646549587_ac9b36ae8c.jpg http://posterous.com/users/cARrelnOq Brent Collier brentmc79 Brent Collier