It's like this matt.

I am alive ...

2007-10-02T20:59:00.000-07:00

... but sick! So this will be a quick post.

I know I haven't posted for a while - well a real long time - but I've been busy working for the man!

The new job is going great. I'm managing a few different projects for Boeing, both planes and helicopters. Things are new, exciting, stressful, frustrating and challenging. Just the way I like it.

I did 7 years of schooling to become and engineer, not a manager - things haven't turned out exactly as I expected them to. But as I've learned here, nothing goes exactly to plan!

Did you know...

2007-08-08T10:48:00.000-07:00

... in Canada, the Currency Act says, "A payment in coins ... is a legal tender for no more than ... twenty-five cents if the denomination is one cent."

That means no one is legally obligated to accept more than 25 pennies at a time.

Is it time to abolish the penny?

My New Baby

2007-07-22T17:55:00.000-07:00

Step 1: Find a job [Check]
Step 2: Find a place to live [Check]
Step 3: Find a way to get there [Check]

In August I will be moving to Vancouver for a new job. I've found a place and now I've found a way to get there! Here she is! My 'new to me' Mazda Protege 5.

Camping - Crescent Falls, Nordegg, Alberta

2007-07-02T18:02:00.000-07:00

To celebrate Canada Day my friends and I headed south to Crescent Falls near Nordegg, Alberta. Hot damn, it was beautiful up there! Here are some of the highlights!

A Richardson's Ground Squirrel...

2007-06-24T14:26:00.000-07:00

...well, maybe it's a gopher or a prairie dog, but that's not the point. The point is that it has been living in my parents garage for the past week. Here's a picture of the little guy while we had him in a holding cell awaiting the arrival of his transfer box.

And once in the box we had to take a victory shot of the successful trappers (my pops and I). Man that little creature can make a lot of racket! Note: the giant golf club was the softest pokin' stick we could find, my mom wouldn't let me use a hockey stick because I might hurt the little gaffer.

And here's a video of its release back into the wild!

.mov to .avi? Get RAD Video

2007-06-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

Here's a good free tool for converting videos. I use it to convert the .mov files my digital camera takes to .avi so I can use Window Movie Maker to edit them. Works fast and it's free! Just make sure to convert the audio at the same time as you convert the video!

Get it HERE

Edmonton to Vancouver...

2007-06-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

Some pictures from my trip to Vancouver from Edmonton through the Canadian Rockies!

Leaving Edmonton: Around Whyte Ave

The side of our crappy plastic rental car, a Jeep Compass

Hello Mountains!

Kamloops Railyard

We took the scenic route... no traffic and quite purdy

The new and improved Downtown Vancouver

Just a funny sign in a pretty posh neighborhood...

Matt: An Update

2007-06-03T21:32:00.001-07:00

Well, unfortunately I have yet to find a job in my desired field. But this doesn't mean I'm sitting around doing nothing, in fact, I've been working 12 hour days out in 30°C weather... The company my buddy Tom works for needed some extra people to work on a excavation crew that's building a new road for a small new subdivision. Here's the google map. The house is being moved across the street and should be replaced with 30 town houses. Here's my new ride...

White Teeth In 1 Min With $1!

2007-05-28T13:54:00.000-07:00

Here's something random for ya!

Rather than using ash, I would bet that charcoal would work better. But it's not likely I'm going to try it any time soon! :)

White Teeth In 1 Min With $1 - The funniest videos clips are here

Sorry for no updates

2007-05-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

For the last little while I've been busy moving my web identity to a new host (siteground.com). I'm also trying to convert my static professional site to the Drupal CMS so it will be easier to maintain. Anyway I'll post some quick random stuff to keep you busy!

My new site can be found here: www.40two.ca

It's all under construction so hopefully it will slowing evolving with time.

-Matt

Woohoo, I'm #2

2007-05-08T11:09:00.000-07:00

51 days after I flew to Holland to be interviewed for a young graduate position with ESA I have finally found out that I am number 2 - the 'back-up' if you will. If the applicant who was offered the contract, for some reason, does not accept the contract I will be offered the position. I will apparently know more in a few weeks.

Meanwhile my life continues to be on hold - just as it has been for the past 6 months. ESA is a strange machine, everything seems to take a little longer than it should. My whole YGT process began on December 15, which is the application deadline, now it's May 8th. It's been almost 5 months. The position comes with a one year non renewable contract... 5 months of waiting for a one year position. Thank goodness it's an amazing opportunity, or maybe this wouldn't be worth it.

But while I've been waiting I've found myself as a co-chair and member of the 'local organizing committee' for the International Lunar Conference (ILEWG9-ILC2007) in Sorrento, Italy, 22-26 Oct 2007. So maybe life is really in slow motion rather than pause.

Note/Edit: Does anyone out there know who the number one is? The space community is small someone has to know! :)

"ESA+YGT+2007"

2007-04-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

I see my blog has become a fairly high ranking result on Google when variations of "ESA+YGT+Something". I know some people have heard, some people have already received their contracts, and some people are still waiting.

But I just wanted to say 'Hey' to all the other YGT applicants. What a stressful process it's been! It's almost over and we will soon be able to move on.

Take care everybody,

-Matt

Marylin Manson & the VT Tragedy

2007-04-18T23:09:00.000-07:00

Here is an old video of Marylin Manson on the Fox's O'Reilly Factor - which happens to be the worst of the worst shows on television.

The whole interview very interesting, but you have to wait until (or skip to) 5 minutes in to get to the part about situations like the VT tragedy. He's got a pretty good point if you ask me.

Waiting Patiently

2007-04-18T14:28:00.000-07:00

There has been no news, and the career aspect of my life remains on hold.

Wow, this sure is a solid post!

Does it work: Life Brand Essentials 'Whitening Wraps'?

2007-04-15T23:05:00.000-07:00

Note: I was never able to finish the experiment. Half way through I found myself with a pretty bad flu. Maybe I'll try again another time. Or maybe I'll just try charcoal and lemon juice! :)

Introduction & Welcome

I would like another hot girlfriend, and television has taught me that only guys with white teeth get to have two hot girlfriends. For 14 days I will be putting the Life Brand Essentials 'Whitening Wraps' system to the test! I welcome you to come along on my whitening journey!

Figure 1

Method

The subject, a 25 year old male with NO cavities, does not drink coffee or smoke. The subject does on occasion enjoy a cold brown pop or tea based beverage.

Life Brand Essentials 'Whitening Wraps' (patent pending) were purchased specifically for this experiment from the local Shoppers Drug Mart. At a cost of something... I don't remember. They are a wax on plastic system. The ingredients are as follows: PVP (a film-forming agent), PEG-8, Acrylates Copolymer, Hydrogen Peroxide (the whitening agent), Sodium Saccharin (for flavor?), Disodium EDTA & Poloxamer 407.

Application of the "Whitening Wraps" will be done as per the manufacturers instructions. They're pretty simple so I shouldn't have any problems. See Figure 2. Application will most likely occur during the late evening, not that this should make a difference.

Figure 2

Figure 3

To document the experiments progress (and hopefully the whitening of my teeth) I will use digital photography. Figure 4, an initial "before" picture has been taken as a reference. I will take a picture in a similiar fashion, using the same camera settings, after each application of the "Whitening Wraps."

Figure 4

Results

Well there's a slight burning in the back of my throat. But burning isn't an "irritation such as redness, swelling or soreness" so I will assume it's part of my usual spring time irritation and continue.

Figure 5

I'm also not really sure what to do with all this spit that's building up ... I don't really want to swallow it ... but the packaging/instruction insert DOES NOT say I can't. However, spitting it out is easy enough. The first problem has been overcome!

Alright, not much to say here. My teeth are shown after the first application in Figure 6. As expected, there's not much of a change. I guess I will just have to wait... did I mention the money back guarantee?

Figure 6

10 Things...

2007-04-15T15:17:00.000-07:00

... I have to do before I can ride my bike:

1) Replace broken derailleur hanger (Brodie #6)
2) Find some blue loctite for brake rotor bolts
3) Replace lost brake pad set screw for Hayes Sole calipers
4) Bleed front and possibly rear brakes
5) True rear wheel (should be an easy true)
6) Re-adjust front and rear derailleurs
7) Find a Maxxis Detonator or similar slick
7) Clean/Lube drivetrain
8) TBD
9) TBD
10) Wash thoroughly

Then it's time to ride! Or put it back in the case ship it to Holland. One or the other... hopefully some before the other!

Note: My Infinity has been with me for a couple years now and it's followed me all around the world. From Vancouver (Canada) to Strasbourg (France) to Boston (USA) and then back up to Edmonton. This great ride has, on occasion, not been treated well during the long plane; thus the wobbly wheels and broken hanger. If I take it to Holland I will definitely invest in a bike case!

ESA YGT News!

2007-04-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

If you are waiting to hear about a 2007 ESA YGT position I've got some news! The unconfirmed word on the street is that some of the positions have been designated to applicants! Digital notification, hopefully either way, should come within a week. Contracts for the successful applicants would follow in the next couple weeks.

This is good news for everyone involved. Either way we are going to be able to move on with our lives!

And if you can't wait, you could just call them to find out. ;)

This should brighten up your day

2007-04-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

Finally some competition on the dance floor!

And still no YGT news. But for all you interested parties, an excellent source should be able to reveal some news tomorrow ;).

Mars Warming?

2007-04-05T11:48:00.000-07:00

In an odd coincidence it seems scientist, not politicians, have found that temperatures on the surface of mars have been increasing for the past few decades. This work is part of a letter published in the current edition of the journal Nature. You can read the news articles here, and here. I know we're thinking the same thing, Martians were supposed to have switched to alternative fuels a long time ago, right?

It's not proof we're not the cause of earth's climate change - but it's interesting. How much money are we planning on spending globally fighting climate change again?

The New Retroencabulator: Engineering Genius!

2007-04-04T22:42:00.000-07:00

ISU Rings are in!

2007-04-04T14:45:00.000-07:00

The International Space University class of 2006 was lucky enough to have a goldsmith in the family. My ring arrived today and looks pretty good.

It's silver (white gold was an option) with blue enamel, which are the ISU colors. A small rivet of space flown metal, aluminium that flew aboard MIR station, is set on two overlapping rings. These rings symbolize the orbits of the earth and moon. It is engraved with ISU 2006 MSS (or MSM) on the inner surface. Very cool!

Here are some pictures:

New Joost

2007-04-03T11:12:00.000-07:00

A new version of Joost came out today. Apparently there are new channels, so that's good. I also have a few Beta invitations to give away so if you want one, let me know by leaving a comment.

Human Activity, CO2 & Global Warming?

2007-04-02T13:36:00.000-07:00

When it comes to global warming I'm on the side that feels that "if you think humans cause global warming, you're giving us too much credit." I've also been a supporter of the "Hate H2O not CO2" camp, since H2O is much more abundant in the atmosphere and a much more effective green house gas. Don't get me wrong it's not that I can't see that global warming is happening - I can and do. The problem, and the part I really don't agree with, is where the blame is being placed and the world wide economics of it all. The blame should be placed where it belongs, square on the shoulders of Apollo.

I encourage you to think about it for your self. I've looked at both side - and chosen this side.

A post on the website GoGlobalWarmingAwareness2007 does a great job of showing 5 simple arguments that show human activity is not responsible for increasing global temperatures and how CO2 levels really don't have anything to do with the increase in temperature we are seeing.

Argument 1: There were periods in time with temperatures higher than today where there were lower amounts of manmade carbon dioxide.
Argument 2: In history, the economic boom and industrialization after the second world war increase CO2 productions but there was a global temperature drop.
Argument 3: Human made CO2 is not causing global warming since manmade carbon dioxide is not the main source of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Argument 4: Ice core records use by many globalwarming activist and some politicians that show that global temperature and CO2 correlate is misleading.
Argument 5: The layer of the atmosphere where greenhouse gases are found do not have any significant increase in temperature.

get the details and read the whole post here.

-matt

I'm Still Waiting

2007-03-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

Like the title of this post says, I am still waiting to hear about the YGT position. So for all of you who have been asking/reading about how things are going, have no fear, when I know you will know (either way).

You don't have to be stupid to like metal

2007-03-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

Many gifted teens dig loud, trashy music: it relieves pressure of being smart
Tom Spears, Ottawa Citizen; CanWest News Service
Published: Friday, March 23, 2007

The most gifted teenagers often love heavy-metal music because it relieves the pressure of being smart, says a British psychologist who has boosted the images of bright kids and metalheads together.

Stuart Cadwallader is getting thanks from all directions after his cliche-shattering data, announced this week at a psychology conference in England.

The gifted students are relieved not to be seen as clarinet-toting Mozart-lovers. The metalheads are pleased that someone, for a change, isn't calling them all losers.

Metal was pioneered in the 1960s by bands such as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple and had a resurgence in the 1980s with bands such as Van Halen, Motley Crue and Quiet Riot.

Now their guitar-heavy, big-on-drum anthems are getting some respect in the academic community

Cadwallader is happy, too. He's a PhD student at the University of Warwick. "This was my master's project. I was expecting it to be read by about three people," he said in an interview.

How wrong he was.

His findings that about one-third of gifted teenagers enjoy heavy metal perked up a conference that otherwise had topics along the lines of: Toward a meta-methodology of qualitative research.

A few years ago, Cadwallader read an article about how musical tastes relate to a person's identity.

His university is home to the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth, for students ranked in the top five per cent academically. Cadwallader surveyed 1,057 boys and girls aged 11 to 18 there, asking about their emotions, families, interests and musical tastes.

The results: Six per cent of gifted kids chose heavy metal as their favourite music. And a full third rated it among their top several styles, along with the universally popular rock and pop.

"I ended up studying heavy metal because I think it's so incongruous with the stereotype of gifted youth listening to classical music, spending all their time reading," he said. "Quite a fun stereotype to dispel a little bit."

There's a tradition of viewing Iron Maiden and Metallica fans as delinquents who do badly in school, and this turns out to be untrue, he adds.

"Heavy metal can be scary for adults, or for people who don't appreciate it... It can sound very aggressive."

But this music actually relaxes many of the study's teenagers. It releases anger and frustration -- feelings that many blamed on the pressures and expectations that come from being labelled as gifted.

"They spoke specifically about using heavy metal for catharsis, literally using the loud and often aggressive music to 'jump out' frustrations and anger," Cadwallader writes in a summary of the results.

And the survey's findings on classical music?

"It was the least popular genre."

© The Edmonton Journal 2007

I'm Back Home!

2007-03-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

After a journey across an ocean covering pretty much 7000km (4300miles) I am finally back home! My luggage is not so lucky. It's somewhere between Amsterdam and Canada; I would like to thank Air Canada for that. And over all that distance I amazingly only missed 2 (two) flights; I would also like to thank Air Canada for that.

But my interview went really well, now I just need to wait "four to six weeks" before I hear something. I have a feeling that either way, if I get it or I don't, I will hear before two weeks. Thanks to everyone who wished me luck and to the millions of people who asked me how it went :)!

Airbus 380 in Frankfurt before heading to N.A.

2007-03-20T07:25:00.000-07:00

Hey DIGGers, here some pictures of the Airbus A380 that flew to Los Angeles on Monday. The Pictures were taken on Saturday (Mar 17, 2007) as I flew into Frankfurt from Toronto, Canada. When we landed there were people in yellow safety vests on the tops of all the buildings along the runway. I was confused as to why they were there until I saw the 380.

St. Paddy's Day in Amsterdam

2007-03-19T04:16:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from Saturday night. It was a pretty good time over here, but there were no hardcore St. Patrick's Day parties, kinda seemed like it was just another Saturday night in Amsterdam.

1/3 of the way there....

2007-03-16T20:42:00.000-07:00

My trip started out very nicely. For the flight to Toronto, from Edmonton, I had an executive class ticket ... that meant a little trip to the Star Alliance Lounge for a quick Kilkenny. It is after all the day before St. Patricks day so I figured I would get started a little early. After that, I had a very nice and comfy trip to Toronto. I'm a fan of airplane food and executive class food is pretty much the same as economy, except they serve it differently. Salad first (with bread) and then the actual dinner. Maybe it would have been a little different if I drank wine, cause it was flowing like nobodies business up there.

When I arrived in Toronto I began the hike from gate 140 to gate 170. It doesn't sound that long but it took a good 10 mins (even while taking the moving walkways). Then I had to ask a nice lady to go through a special door. She said "is your plane delayed?"... with a little bit of fear/sadness in my voice I replied "maybe". SURE ENOUGH THE DAMN PLANE IS DELAYED 3 (THREE) HOURS AND 30 (THIRTY) MINUTES! So now I'm sitting here with a duty free bottle of Gibson's Finest 12 year old Canadian Whiskey wishing I was cramped into a little economy class seat some where above the Atlantic. Maybe even if I was lucky I could have a large sweaty man falling asleep on my shoulder ... at least I would be on my way and not sitting here listening to the ramblings of 30 high school kids.

Ye Haw!

I just realized - this could be the first real story post on my blog in about a year. Hope ya like it! I wish I had some ginger ale. :(

Back to Europe

2007-03-14T14:52:00.000-07:00

I will be in the Netherlands (Amsterdam/Leiden/Noordjwik) next week for a job interview at ESTEC. I haven't booked a ticket yet (there is some red tape in the way), but I plan on leaving this Friday, 2 days from now, and being there on Saturday. My interview is on Monday but I should be there for the rest of the week.

If you are there and I'm there we should get together! Let me know!

International Astronautical Congress 2007

2007-03-12T14:50:00.000-07:00

The 58th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) will take place in Hyderabad, India between 24 - 28 September 2007.

I'm not sure I will be able to make it there, but I will be co-authoring a number of Lunar Exploration papers. Plus the Lunar Explorers Society is currently trying to set up a small workshop during the conference. If you are interested check out the Hyderabad site:

Or see the International Astronautical Ferderation for more details.

One small step for a Matt...

2007-03-12T14:40:00.000-07:00

could be one giant leap for Mattkind.

For those of you who are interested ... and I know who you are Mr. cm-84.209.1.226.chello.no and Ms. gw-asdl.ae.gatech.edu ... I have an interesting but short story.

This morning I awoke to an email from the Materials Science department of ESA (http://esmat.esa.int/). I have been short listed for a YGT (young graduate training) position at ESTEC in the Netherlands! This a great news! I'm in Canada so a real interview is difficult but a skype pre-interview "casual conversation" is being scheduled for the near future.

It would be a great opportunity and a great experience. I know nothing is for sure, but a little positive thinking is in order!

Mmm Beer

2007-03-01T22:25:00.000-08:00

This just something random. Like most of my posts. Sadly Killick Ale is no longer available - the beer still is being made but it's called something else now. It was made by a company called Storm Brewing (out of NF not Vancouver). Mmm beer.

Putting Our Money Where Our Mouths Are: Boycott the RIAA in March

2007-02-23T13:47:00.000-08:00

There are lots of ways to run a business ... and the way the RIAA does it shouldn't be one of them! Although I live in Canada and the RIAA isn't as relevant as it is in America, I think you should check it out.

"With that in mind, Gizmodo is declaring the month of March Boycott the RIAA month. We want to get the word out to as many people as humanly possible that we can all send a message by refusing to buy any album put out by an RIAA label. Am I saying you should start pirating music? Not at all. You can continue to support the artists you enjoy and respect in a number of ways."

Read more atGizmodo.com!

Day Trippin'

2007-02-20T11:49:00.000-08:00

I'm off for a last minute trip to Calgary (400km south of where I am now) with some paramedic friends. Something about karaoke ... but don't fret, we'll be back on Wednesday!

Top 10 reasons to date an engineer

2007-02-19T12:38:00.000-08:00

10. The world does revolve around us... we choose the coordinate system.
9. No "couple" enjoy a better "moment".
8. We know how to handle stress and strain in a relationship.
7. We have significant figures.
6. We understand the motion of rigid bodies.
5. Projectile motion: Do we need to say more?
4. Engineers do it to specification.
3. According to Newton, if two bodies interact, their forces are equal and opposite.
2. We know it's not the length of the vector that counts, but how you apply the force.
1. WE KNOW THE RIGHT HAND RULE!

It's like this AstroMatt

2007-02-16T00:53:00.000-08:00

On Monday February 19th, I (and several colleagues) will have the pleasure of unveiling the new and improved Lunar Explorers Society.

For the time being I would like to ask those of you who are interested in space exploration, especially lunar exploration (ex. the construction of lunar hotels ;) ) to join the us as Lunar Explorers. Check out the site, specifically keeping an eye out for any major bugs, which can be reported in the forum. Please keep in mind we are just starting out so there will be some very apparent 'issues' still remaining.

To join and for more information follow the link:

"The Knack"

2007-01-29T12:02:00.000-08:00

Shaved Cats

2007-01-25T11:06:00.000-08:00

This is pretty random but I thought I'd share it with all you kids out there on the interwebs.

Have you ever shaved a cat? These people have!

-matt

If It Should Be

2007-01-22T09:45:00.000-08:00

If it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand;
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years -
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come, so let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend
And please stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve - it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years -
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

--Author Unknown

Goodbye my girl ...

Wedding Pictures!

2007-01-21T12:43:00.001-08:00

Congrats to Christina and Mark!

10 points for having a great wedding!

2007-01-21T12:36:00.000-08:00

Drool, Drooling, Drooled?

2007-01-08T21:04:00.000-08:00

2008 Mitsubishi Prototype Lancer Evolution X

2008 Honda Accord Coupe Concept

2008 Lexus IS-F

http://www.leftlanenews.com/

Blue Origin's First Test Flight

2007-01-04T10:53:00.000-08:00

www.blueorigin.com

Fernie Boarding Pics

2007-01-03T12:50:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics from our new years trip to Fernie. The snow was great and the weather was perfect! Happy New Years!

Econoline Crush in Fernie BC!

2006-12-30T12:14:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics from the Econoline Crush show that we randomly happened upon in Fernie last week! It was awesome!

Going, Going ...

2006-12-28T08:59:00.000-08:00

... Gone!

We're outta here! Happy New Years everybody!

Whatch out for Y2K7!

-Matt

12 hours to go ...

2006-12-27T19:27:00.000-08:00

... until Jared, Mike, Kristi and I jump in the CRV and head to the Rocky Mountains for a new years on the boards. 4 days in Fernie will be most excellent ... 'gnarly' if you will!

Wax the Old Board (Check)

Check Ski Report (Check)

Hit the Road (Pending)

Merry X-Mas Everyone!

2006-12-25T20:31:00.000-08:00

Lights 'n Snow

2006-12-17T20:31:00.000-08:00

Ain't it purdy?

Sleep now in the fire...

2006-12-17T20:24:00.000-08:00

Twisted Christmas

2006-12-10T22:28:00.001-08:00

If you can tough it out through the first 2 minutes ... it's definitely worth it :).

Today your love, tomorrow the world.

2006-11-27T23:21:00.000-08:00

Wow... I've been a few places...

2006-11-27T19:54:00.000-08:00

How I Select my Clothes

2006-11-08T20:15:00.000-08:00

We all know that men are not quite as adept at fashion as women. In fact guys will pretty much wear anything, anytime, with anything. This creates the false impression that guys just "throw" any old thing on. This however is not the case. As this handy little guide points out, getting dressed is a highly complex and organized ritual for men

read more | digg story

Terry Tate - OSPN

2006-11-03T21:38:00.000-08:00

I love Terry Tate. The world needs more guys like Mr. Tate. Oh-Yeah!

Google search for "Worst band in the world" results in search for Creed

2006-11-03T14:54:00.000-08:00

When you Google worst band in the world, it brings up results for the band "Creed".

Funny.

read more | digg story

It's a bird... it's a plane...

2006-10-31T17:09:00.000-08:00

no... it's just my dog sugar!

Happy Halloween!

2006-10-31T01:41:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've carved a pumpkin... Europe doesn't believe in the evil that is Halloween. Here she is!

Before:

After:

Just as an aside... this years Halloween is extra special for me. I have an appointment with the dentist at 15:00 today. Just in time to come home and rot my teeth with all the candy I'm planning on eating! Yeehaw! And NO, the fact that I am 25 years old has nothing to do how much candy I plan on eating...

Hurtin' Albertan

2006-10-30T15:31:00.000-08:00

Well I'm back in Alberta, and The Corb Lund Band pretty much sums it up:

well saskabush is pretty, yup she's pretty flat
and lord knows i'm a prairie boy so I’m pretty used to that
but farmers facin off with gophers, man it ain’t the same
as bein home at the saddledome for the oilers at the flames
the roads get better every time i cross that saskatchewan line
i tip my hat and it's good to be back on mountain standard time

It's snowing in Edmonton!

2006-10-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

This is my backyard... it's finally winter time!

Vacation from my vacation... in Vegas!

2006-10-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

My Pops running from the police!

Just a cool pic.

This one is for KVB!

It's just like the real thing... or not...

Mmmm... Cold Beer.... and dirty girls?

And my second!

2006-10-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

My first youtube video!!

2006-10-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

IAC 06 in Valencia Espana!

2006-10-08T11:21:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics of last weeks trip to Valencia. Spain in a great place! Beers are cheap and the beaches (and girls) are beautiful!

The train station in Madrid, quite beautiful.

This is the conference hall in Valencia.

Mic and Ramon looking like they know their "Fertile Moon" stuff!Me representing both the Canadian Space Agency and Iron Maiden!

Vlado (maybe Croatia's first astronaut), Yang Liwei (China's first Taikonaut) and Me! The beach. Easy as that!
Vlado chowing down on some tapas in Madrid. After 3 hours on the train and before the plane to Milano nothing goes down better than tapas!

Our zero-g project is big news in Croatia!

2006-09-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

On Friday Vlado and I appeared on the Radni Rucak show, a midafternoon national news show. And today, Sunday, we have a full page in the the Jutarnji, a daily news paper in Zagreb. The article is here.

We're big stars! Aiming for the stars!

The new website is up and running!

2006-09-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

Check it out here.

French Surgery In Micro-G

2006-09-28T03:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of the setup they used. Pay close attention to the most important tool on the bench.

And here is a pic of the Tuesday flight practice round.

Our Zero-G flight was anything but smooth...

2006-09-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

And that's the way I liked it! Vlado on the other hand could have used a smoother ride.

Our experiment worked well, we got some good results and we had a great time.

Here are some pics.

Our A-300 and the sunrise

After the flight!

I will also post some videos at a later date.

We are in Bordeaux

2006-09-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

18 Hours of driving... (well I was sleeping for 17 and my hero Vlad was driving)
4 Countries...
130 Euros in tolls...
and ZERO time zones crossed!

From Zagreb, Croatia, to Bordeaux, France just to experience microgravity.

I'll update you on the experience as soon as I can! We have our flight certification tomorrow (Monday) and we fly on Tuesday.

Peace Out,

Matt

Preparations are almost completed...

2006-09-20T14:53:00.000-07:00

One more week to go!!

2006-09-18T08:57:00.000-07:00

Our mission patch is finalized and printed. You want a sticker? I got stickers!

Just a post of boredom...

2006-09-15T04:58:00.000-07:00

A beach story

2006-09-11T06:29:00.000-07:00

Sunset from the ferry to the islands...Thunder and Lightening on the Sea!

I think this one looks like Vlado...

I found myself some high quality "Mike" sandals...

The summer house is just a few steps behind the camera!

This dawg likes to swim... and eat pine cones.

This view sure is hard on the eyes.

There were 8 people at this beach... it's a tough life.

The view from the village on top of the mountain.

Mmmm figs, and they keep you regular too. Did I mention they came straight from the tree?

I'm Headed to the Coast!

2006-09-08T05:27:00.001-07:00

My first weekend in Croatia will be spent at 'Losinj', an island off the coast... I sure have a rough life!

Have fun with your weekend!

Finally, Zagreb Pics!

2006-09-06T14:08:00.000-07:00

Hello from Zagreb!

2006-09-05T08:29:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought that a country long thought to be filled with savages and ugly girls, was really filled with savages and beautiful women!

"Kidding!" It's an amazing place! The weather has been great and the girls are indeed beautiful.

Here are some pics:

Pics will come later, either blogger sucks or it's the internet I'm 'borrowing'...

It's Official!

2006-08-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

I submitted my masters thesis to the Faculty of Graduate Studies today! I am done!

Hello!

2006-08-23T18:07:00.000-07:00

The trip is almost done ... and that mean a million pics to come. But you'll just have to wait.

San Fransisco is Grrreat!

2006-08-21T10:51:00.000-07:00

"The coldest winter I've experienced is a summer in San Fransisco!" - Mark Twain I think...

Anyway it's true.

But it's a great place, we should be visiting Alcatraz today, if we can get off these computers.

YeHaw!

It's time for a road trip! Houston to San Fransisco!

2006-08-14T14:11:00.000-07:00

Ahh... the pool!

Those are some damn big engines...

I agree! But I didn't think I would see it in Texas!

Team Road Trip: Maja, Matt and Vlado!

More rockets!

Me, Vlado and fellow ISUer Bobby Guinness at NASA JSC!

The OutPost Tavern, a famous astronaut hang-out!

Just in the nick of time...

2006-08-11T20:28:00.000-07:00

Well it's my last night in Boston, what a trip it's been. A summer full of school, trying to make the best of my time at MIT. Focusing on nothing but school (and school related activities) and now that it's over...

So I'm standing at the bus stop waiting for my last late #64. And who do I meet? A russian girl and a "half italian / half swiss" girl. And it just so happens the 'italian/swiss' girl is my neighbour, and just so happened to not have her house keys. What a guy to do, offer her a cell phone... sure, offer her a beer on the porch... yuhuh.

Well it turns out that this girl, I like to call her Gisele, has 5 girl friends. And they're out for cosmos and beers... Yes please. Two hours of girl talk, it's been a while since I've had the pleasure of enduring that!

Why does shit like this always happen to me right when I'm about to pack my bags? The cosmic muffin must hate me.

Killing time, while time's killing me...

2006-08-08T16:43:00.000-07:00

I just got an email from one of those 'classmates' website and guess what! It's time for the 10 year reunion of the the 1996 graduating class form VJM Junior High School!

I know, I know, it's freaking great! No...

3 more years to a real reunion! And three more years to do something productive with myself.

-Peace, love and writin' papers,

M

As a side note, there is also a new URL in the family: http://www.killickengineering.com

Massachusetts Institute of Matt

2006-08-04T20:00:00.000-07:00

Now that I have my camera back from repairs and it survived the trip through the washing machine... I've gone picture crazy once again. So here are some pics of MIT.

Pre-Summer-Pics ...

2006-08-01T19:29:00.000-07:00

Håvard could be intoxicated...

Arthur in the airport, very suspicious.

It Sure is blue out there...

A space shuttle in Canada? eh?

Jon ... Drinking and driving is bad! Bad Jon!

Isn't Vancouver pretty? eh?

Who is that sexy man in the red helmet?

It's like this cat.

And finally we have my summber home, ah Boston.

Sorry, the parts are out of stock

2006-07-31T21:34:00.000-07:00

Oh, did I say out of stock? Really I meant it's stilling right here. Sorry about that.

I'll have my camera back in a day! I bet you can't wait for all the picture goodness that's in your future!

-m M.A.Sc

This is for you...

2006-07-25T19:23:00.000-07:00

I havent posted a real post in a while... well its because Im busy! (side note: what the heck... my apostrophe button pops up the find bar in my firefox window.. wtf?)

On Friday morning I will defend my UBC masters thesis... one down one to go! Sometime after noon on the 28th I will be a master!

Heres a pic of me (just in case you forgot who I am) and some friends from MVL (Marita [black hair] and Kristen [brown])

wait that's the wrong pic (side note: what the... it work's now!)

That's better...

2006-07-24T16:57:00.000-07:00

I'M ON SKYPE!

2006-07-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

I have jumped on the Skype bandwagon ... yar - matt.killick is my name!

ISRU ... I Copied U ... Well Sorta

2006-07-08T17:49:00.000-07:00

Done and Done...

2006-07-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

First and foremost, I would like to thank Dr. Sinclair for all of the support he has given me during my time at UBC. For his patience during the writing of this thesis, I am especially grateful.

Special thanks are also due to: Dr. Han at the National High Field Magnet Laboratory in Florida, USA, for providing the wire drawn material studied in this work; M. Mager for her guidance throughout many hours on the SEM and TEM; and finally, R. Mcleod and the rest of the machine shop for keeping the rolling mill in tip-top shape.

I would also like to thank B. Raeisinia and R. Roumina, both brilliant scientists and equally amazing officemates. The remainder of my fellow graduate students, especially J. Cheng, E. Lu and S. Sarkar, also deserve recognition for many hours of discussion, helpful advice and keeping it real out on the field and on the ice.

And Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my parents and sister for all of their support through all of my adventures.

Can you see it?

2006-06-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

Courtest of Wikipedia

Put your face fairly close to the screen, Nothing will jump out at you! I promise!

The "Monster"

2006-06-16T12:42:00.000-07:00

How to make a 'monster' ice-cream sundae:

- Place 2 Brownies in the bottom of a dish
- add 3 scoops of 3 types of ice-cream (9 scoops total)
- ice (like a cake) with a layer of fudge followed by another layer of peanut butter
- cover completely with a layer of whipped cream
- sprinkle with gummie bears, chopped nuts and oreo cookie bits
- and finally top with 3 cherries

Enjoy!

If you think you can do it, visit the Chilly Cow in Arlington Massachusetts (451 Mass. Ave.). You'll see my picture on the wall!

Sorry for the lame pics, they're taken with my lame Motorola SLVR. Don't ever buy this phone!!!

Some Work Pics ...

2006-06-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

Here a few pics of me and a glove from a US Space Suit (EMU). The robot type thing next to me is exactly that, a robot type thing. It's used to measure the torques required to bend the joints of the EMU, or any other suit for that matter.

p.s. The lines on my leg are part of my experiment, but I tell people they are guide-lines for my new full-leg tatoo, ;).

Oh, Canada

2006-06-05T11:32:00.000-07:00

These are posted all over Boston ...

Well, my day started off with evil!

2006-05-31T08:38:00.000-07:00

So this morning I rode my bike to the office, as usual. Last night I left my shoes here so I didn't have to bring them to school in the morning. We I got in I put my shoes on. Everything went smoothly with the left one, however there was something a little off with the right one. It felt like there was a piece of paper in it or a gum wrapper or something. I was distracted and I forgot about.

Then, a short while later, I remebered again. I took my shoe off and reached right in there... And pulled out a God-Damned Cockroach!!!! I think it must have been moving around and that that's what made me notice it again.

I screamed like a little girl, all the girls in the office came running... it was pretty funny. I did manage to pretty much kill it with my bare hands. Kristin came in and finished it off, and them wiped up the 'juice'.

To top it off, this was my first experience with a live cockroach! And now I have phantom cockroach feeling in both shoes!

Today... was paintball day...

2006-05-28T17:28:00.000-07:00

Sniped right in the neck by a guy named Geoff... What a way to spend an afternoon, some of them MIT kids are deadly with that paintball gun!

Holy Hockey Batman!

2006-05-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

It's official! The Edmonton Oilers are going to the Stanley Cup! Ye Haw!

This is only a test, of the emergency broadcast system

2006-05-24T20:45:00.000-07:00

And no one cares...

Moving to the city...

2006-05-22T18:07:00.000-07:00

Well Boston/Brighton/Cambridge are nice places... It's been a while since I've felt like I was in such a big city.

Today was my first day of 'school' at MIT... that right, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. My day started off with a bang, it came from the front wheel of my bike but that's okay. I was late on my first day, I started low so there's no where to go but up!

I discovered that most bike shops have cute redheaded girls working at them. It must be a some sort of sales gimic.

Anyway, in summary: MIT is great, and Samuel Adams Boston Ale tastes like river water... but I had to buy it!