Better, stronger, faster?

I hate AOL! No wonder they are number one? So easy to use, but so very limiting.

I am aware that they are expanding into broadband and new areas, but until they support email filters they will forever stink in my book. Parental controls only give you a few extreme options but fail to provider subject filters and what not like Outlook (a normal email application). Heck, Novell's CrapWise (GroupWise) even gets it right and it took them too long to accept TCP/IP!

I admit that my AOL email is more secure than the one I use most often. Not so much that the other address is so faulty, it is free. (I offered my friend money for hosting it, but he wouldn't take it.) Where as my AOL account is being paid for by my parents so when I have a problem, I can expect to call them and remind them on how much they stink.

Why do I care now that I have a different account? Sometimes I give out my AOL address when I want to be sure I get something. So I check that address online every now and then.

It seems to be random, but most of the time when I go to AOL’s site, they start this gay video about how AOL is better, stronger, faster. I just want to check my email not waste more time stopping that stupid video on top of deleting spam that could have easily been rooted out via subject filters!!!

AOL has a big office out here, but I'll never go by it. AOL is the biggest commercial virus in existence.

Are you ready for some football?

I'm not really. I like to watch football over any sport but I never really got into it because I felt I always got a head ache when my Dad had it on Sundays and what not. In retrospect, I think I was just hot (my Dad loves the heat more than I do and I don't like it at all most of the time) and the screaming, whiste blowing, etc. didn’t help. Especially on Fast Sundays where I was already preoccupied with hunger.

I think it is fun to watch the avid fans more at times. What a bunch of wackos.

Whores!!!!

That is all I have to say about Madonna, Christina Aguilera, and Britney Spears.

I can't even post the picture, but here is a link.

Great day

Today was a pretty great day. Work went by quick and I was able to get a bunch done. I got my pay stub too. I’m ready to spend some. Got any good ideas?

I ate at McDonalds for dinner. Two McChicken sandwiches for a dollar each is a great deal. Hesitated flirting with this brown sugar, went on a long walk, watched the Simpsons, and got ready for a short vacation to Shenandoah National Park this Labor Day weekend!

And Gary is working Monday? Looser! (kidding, he went to New York last week.)

I just tried to use the speech recognition in Word XP and I found out I didn’t have enough RAM. That’s been the only down side to this day.

Controversial post

Lisa Simpson is at it again. Personally, I think she is wasteing her time trying to make a stand. And there should be a little blanket party for everyone in this school.

Blackout image

I know this is old news, but I just git the picture today.

It's unreal to see such an outage.

For a larger image click here.

Google rocks

Another week post? Probably.

I heard on the news the other day about this Confederate flag to go home in Virginia. I could not locate the artice on the Internet.

This morning I wanted to find this article Honolulu Public Bus Workers Go on Strike. I thought it was cool that Hawaii had a transit system. I don't know why I ever considered they didn't.

Anyway, after looking around in vain, I remebvered Google had a News search ferature.

Salesmen or friend?

I finally got all the lousy paper work to refinance on my Condo. I have hesitated to do this before because it just seems very fishy that these people are so eager to help me. Yesterday they were strangers and it ticked me off they took so long to get me these papers, what will they be tomorrow?

The man in black stated that life is pain. If stated otherwise, that person is selling something.

Great, what did I get myself into now? The 50+ pages of crap to go through were just exciting. The paper work is just another reason for me to stay out of law school.

Work is a drag sometimes

We are close to Critical Design Review (CDR), the project manager is pretty stressed out, the lead developer still gives me the feeling he isn’t very technically savvy and that he treats me like I know less than he does.

I’ve taken the last week or so to go over my code a million times. It’s kind of good in that I found a couple bugs that would have surfaced later. I was glad to get a brief review of my own because it gave me a short list of things to do.

I got on the bus last and there was one seat available although several were standing. I hesitated to go for the seat, but some old lady kept telling me about the seat. When I did sit down, I was in direct view of the sign “These seats are reserved for the elderly and disabled.”

DAMN IT!! I knew that is why nobody else took the seat. That’s why no one looks me in the eye either than? When I get a hold of that surgeon who did this to me, I’ll beat him for eternity!

Plural marriage

When I wanted to make a post of this nature, I wanted a list of all the biblical individuals who had more than one wife. Well, at least all the well known ones.

At the start of my search, I found this! What better list than from the Lord Himself?

1 VERILY, thus saith the Lord unto you my servant Joseph, that inasmuch as you have inquired of my hand to know and understand wherein I, the Lord, justified my servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as also Moses, David and Solomon, my servants, as touching the principle and doctrine of their having many wives and concubines--

Using a form of the argument or line of reasoning used in the movie Mountain of the Lord on vicarious proxy, anyone who accepted these men must accept the doctrine of plural marriage.

Free newspapers

There was a new guy handing out the a free copy of the Northern Virginia Journal at the metro stop this morning. What gives? Hurting in sales?

The WashingtonPost has been giving out this Express paper for free for a week and a half now. I've wondered what this was all about too.

What’s next? How long will this free paper last?

US flag map

I found this off a google search. I liked it so much I had to barrow it from this site. I am going to post something about the US in a few days. I love this country, but I am now starting to feel we are wasting our time with the Middle East. Should have wiped it out when we had the chance.

Ok, I'm not that barbaric. I'm just convinced those people have their heads so far up their butts, they can't tell which way is north.

I feel sorry for the military units stuck in that scorching, dry wasteland.

Utah Mormon

The discussion with my brother-in-law about Steven R. Covey being accused of preistcraft or in words I can only recall: “bottling Mormon doctrine” was quite interesting. I never really agreed with these people. For lack of exact names I said the Utah Mormons said this.

A Utah Mormon isn’t a term I would use much or endorse for that matter. If I were to define one it would be simply a religious fanatic. But I’ve found the same in Louisiana and Idaho too. If I had the time, I could find some every where.

In a follow up email, my brother-in-law stated the following:

Jeremy Manning: discourse on Utah Mormons

I don't have a clear definition of the term either...in fact...I think that Utah often gets unfairly criticized when that term is used. What I usually mean when I call someone a Utah Mormon is that they are a Mormon who needs to calm down.

When I refer to Utah Mormons I am usually referring to people who pipe up about things that are either none of their business or who make a big deal about things that usually don't matter in the eternal scheme of things. For example: Anyone who would correct someone else in a meeting or in a conversation because the offending person said "Free Agency" instead of "Moral Agency" would probably fit into my classification of a Mormon who needs to calm down. Anyone who spends a lot of time concerned about the moral or other religious shortcomings of people who are in their ward but not under their stewardship is a Mormon who needs to calm down. Anyone who claims that men who are prophets are infallible and will never make an error of any kind is doctrinally incorrect and is also a Mormon who needs to calm down.

There are other things that people do that make them Mormons who need to calm down. I guess this should all be common sense to most people but it isn't. Usually someone who falls into this category that I unfairly label "Utah Mormon" is participating in a behavior that is unbecoming of a Mormon and they don't recognize that they are doing it. No one is perfect and for the most part everyone will fall into this category at one time or another (including me).

This kind of behavior always bothered me but I never associated it with Utah Mormonism until I moved away from Utah. I guess I am wrong to use that term...but it is an easy label that I can apply to people who do things that I think reflect poorly on the church that I am a member of and the belief system it espouses. I'm going to work on a different term.

Am I being too judgmental in applying a derogatory term to others when I see this behavior? I think if I were to take it to the point that I am being excessive then yes...and in fact I'd probably be a Mormon who needs to calm down myself. It is important to remember however that people who participate in unbecoming behavior...especially at church...are acting as an example to non-members and others who could be negatively affected. A new convert who is corrected by someone in an Elders Quorum meeting or Gospel Doctrine class because they said "Free agency" instead of "Moral Agency" probably won't go inactive but will probably think the person who corrected them is jerk. They would be right. I want to identify this behavior and catalog it so I will remember not to participate in it myself.

So, there you have it.

Obstruction of Justice

Something I have often thought about and have asked about is the assisting of assumed peace officers or federal enforcement agencies.

I mean you often see in movies these agents [commandeer] vehicles in the heat of the moment chase with the bad guy. You never see anyone tell the agent where to go. Are they afraid of getting slapped with obstruction of justice charges?

According to Duhaime's law dictionary:

Obstructing justice

An act which tends to impede or thwart the administration of justice. Examples include trying to bribe a witness or juror or providing law enforcement officers with information known to be false.

If some one pulled rank on you so to speak, how can you authenticate valid intentions?

In the U.S. Constitution: Third Amendment you read about Quartering Soldiers -- which was explicit to the times of the revolution. It has never been addressed by the U.S. Supreme Court, but I would be interested to find case law “broadening” this so to speak to apply to all government bodies.

It's possible to obtain military uniforms and to the untrained civilian "impersonate an officer" so to speak.

Anyone can make clothes baring three letter acronyms affiliating with an agency or flash a wallet and claim association in urgency or need of a vehicle or what have you.

On the flip side, say the government can [commandeer] stuff temporally and then the vehicle gets trashed in pursuit. Is that individual entitled of fair market value of the item taken? How can that person file a claim?

[Updates added... see comments.]

The General

Brandon Wood, a long time friend called me today. Although we have known each other since grade school at Cascade Elementary, our friendship seemed to begin in the Center Ward after our missions. I went to Louisiana and he went to South or Central America. I forget right now.

Anyway, that’s not important right now. Brandon has a video or some old photos of one of his early birthdays. I was there apparently, but I don’t really remember it.

There seems to be little we have in common but we are pretty good friends. Brandon is in law school and he has aided in my interest in law. I was glad he called; I was going through withdrawals about my lack of legal material.

During our conversation I remembered all the resources on the Internet. Oh, the wonders of the age.

It’s quite a long story about how Brandon became the General. The short story is that the rank was self proclaimed. I think he was an Admiral like his brother.

Trouble with work

I took off the afternoon to write this. Just kidding, I needed to pack for my Woodbridge, VA weekend excursion. One of many I have had out here. I figure it is better to hang out with my family than to hang out with myself.

I know I need to get more involved with the young single adults, fun activities and other crap I don't find that exciting. Besides, I think it is pretty cool that I mean something to my niece.

This was supposed to be about work. Yeah, well what are you going to do?

First one

I was the first one in to work today and I tripped the alarm. I was just glad no cops showed up.

Idol Worshipers

I may be the only one in the world that has never watched a reality TV program for longer than 20 minutes cumulatively. This American Idol show especially.

Bryan the baby

I swear I've mentioned it before, but I made the mistake of telling Bryan how much I make - which is probably a lot less than you can out here. But ever since then, every conversation we have had, I have been pressured into buying something.

Today, it was this gay lamp. Yesterday, it was a pitcher, the day before, a chair. What's next, he'll take the pillow back? Wait, I bought an expensive pillow today because the ride to IKEA was so thoughtfully taken from me.

OK, Ok. I bought the pitcher today too. And I took a broken chair until I can get a cheep fold away. It's the principle of it all! Corryn is only two, but she understands about sharing.

And he thought I was taking advantage of him? Well, what a great idea. I'll start doing that. Kidding, I’ve wasted enough time venting.

Temptaions

I have been so tempted to go to the 1776 play at the West End theater here in Alexandria among other things. But it was easy to resist when I saw the price tag.

I'd love a camera phone for all the times Corryn did something cute. I will never forget the scandalized look I got after she accused me of giving her a slobber kiss.

"That wasn't a slobber kiss,” I said. "This is a slobber kiss."

I touched my tongue to her lips. Oh, it was too much to see her like that.

I doubt I'll get a camera phone either. I drop my old phone too much as it is.

I've also been tempted to get a Pocket PC phone, Tablet PC, Dell laptop, etc. I guess it is fortunately I am so conservative. For me money is not easy come, but easy go.

Meet together oft

In a Simpson episode, Homer goes on a mission!!! The question is asked by a local islander how often one must go to church.

"Every Sunday." another responded.

"No, " he laughed."Realy?"

In the Book of Mormon it states that we should meet together oft. But how oft is oft enough?

Moro. 6: 5
5 And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.

Bold statement

It is healthy to get your blood pressure up a bit. I played a fun hide-and-go seek like game with Corryn over the weekend. I gave her a good freight at times, but we had a good laugh about it all.

I also got my blood pressure up as did Jeremy when I pointed out a supposed flaw in the book Eve and the Choice Made Eden by Beverly Campbell.

Jeremy said it was researched very thoroughly and defended that is was just a mater of semantics. Maybe, but I just wanted more information.

Chapter 9, I believe, stated that Adam and Eve where immortal. How could they be immortal? Why not skip straight over the whole mortality stuff? For the benefit of mankind?

2 Nephi 2:25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.

I was depressed that Russell M. Nelson's talk on the Atonement in 1996 (in a footnote) was the only reference to being amortal.

I suppose it is just semantics. Like the Free Agency versus Moral Agency (it isn't necessarily free) ordeal or the fact that God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost are one in purpose although the Book of Mormon doesn't just come out and say that either:

3 Nephi 11:27 And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one.

Trouble with roommates

They are never around when you need them and are always around when you don't.

Old MP3 CD

I haven't listened to that CD for the longest time. Some songs brought good memories, some songs I didn't recall ever hearing before, others made me uneasy of how dumb the song was or how offensive it now is.

Game Driver: Simpson Jepordy

Simpson Jeopardy? That's right. Now all that time used to watch all the reruns was put to the test. Well, I kicked butt on the second round. All the topics were in my range of expertise.

Just a note: I believe it does say NRA4EVR on the register in earlier Simpson episodes.

Butterfly kisses

One of the songs on an old MP3 music CD sent to me from home has Bob Carlisle’s Butterfly kisses song on it. Although it refers to a man and his daughter, it reminds me of Corryn.

I checked on her this morning before I left my sisters place. I wanted to say goodbye. She was awake but could have stayed in her bed a bit longer. I hope it didn't cause too much trouble.

Stories from the past

I was told a story from my not so distant past. I'd have to consult my journal to verify the accuracy of the story. I do admit that some details are veritable on it's own but may have been taken out of context.

It is true that I am not very patient. It is believable that I would wait for 10 minutes or so and then just leave. It is questionable that I would be seriously angry if I found my ride later and knowing they had spent time looking for me.

This was the story I was told that I did to my sister after Institute a few years back. I would also believe that this would have been prior to getting cell phones.

Don Box's blog

I just went back to the GotDotNet blog list and noticed Don Box's name on the list. No way, not the great COM evangelist turned XML activist, co-author of SOAP, Microsoft employee, respected, saluted, the great.... OK, OK.

Here is Don's blog site.

Lost my recomend?

Hard to believe that one tiny paper can cause such a ruckus if it is presumed lost. The other day it rained pretty badly while I was out and about. I came home soaked. I took everything out to dry out.

This morning I went looking for my recommend which was in the bag. Now it couldn't be found! I don't go to Busch Gardens so I can go to a cousins wedding and now I can't do either?

Fortunately, I was smart enough to put it with all my other temple stuff. And I should say thanks for the help (answering prayers...) to cover [myself].

Work of art?

Well, it is not a Heinee, but it is pretty dang good for an amateur graphic artist. It looks a heck of a lot better than this image. (Warning : Image may be shocking.")

A year late, and a dollar short?

It seems as if I am always looking back at old MSDN magazine articles from a year ago to understand "new" stuff today. I'm not a computer nerd in the truest sense of the term, although I have passively looked into Microsoft .Net classes such as RSACryptoServiceProvider. Not something ordinary people do.

Well, I found this article that should help me better understand this cryptography stuff. Maybe if I would have paid attention in school more, I would not be looking this stuff up now.

Is Ned Flanders for real?

Is there really a Ned Flanders out there in the world? Well, I have seen honest people run a penny in for over paying on a prepay gas service station. I've heard of people not watching TV on Sunday. OK, that is a dumb argument... It’s not very logical and could be applied to anything. (i.e. Not using electricity on Sunday because someone had to work to get it to your house.)

People have their own views on what is right, but is there an extreme? Or have I just gone to the other end of the spectrum of not really caring.

I really wonder if I am perceived as being dishonest at work. I don't take lunch, but I bring stuff in all the time and eat while I work. After the eight hours, I am out f there!

I'm glad I'm not a Bishop either. I knew a man once who is the closest to Ned Flanders that I have ever met. I've heard of stories that bishops face. I'm sure some are incredible but silly stuff like Ned Flanders? I know I could not take it and would have to tell the person to pull their head out.

The guy was Tommy Hillton. (Not really). Father of two kids. Software developer. Weird, funny guy. His family went on a trip to Florida. When they got back, I kid you not that he told me, almost in tears, that he had to talk to the Bishop because there were so many scantily clad women down there...

My goodness man, get over it. What is your freaking problem?

Anyway, some people just shouldn't go to Florida I suppose. I'm excited about going down there this September although I will probably be too preoccupied watching my niece having fun to notice much of anything else.

100 Entries!!!!

Yahoo!!!

I have posted over 100 entries since my start in July 2003.

Fudgeing appraisals

I got in a brief debate about an appraisal myth found on my sister's website.

Myth: The appraised value of a property will vary, depending upon whether the appraisal is conducted for the buyer or the seller.

My best argument was one I have used before. I know from what I have read the appraisal industry is regulated very tightly. Well, it seems like it.

Scientific experiments were thrown out with fudged pharmaceutical tests and biased endorsements. Homer said: "Facts can prove anything that is even remotely true." From my statistics class, with the right population or sample you can "fudge" the results to reflect the desired outcome.

Gary went on to say, "Yeah but if could scientifically analyze appraisals, it would show this myth to be true."

"Maybe,” I countered. "But we already ruled out Science."

Bad Joke

Gary asked me if I knew what the Spanish word for trash was. I laughed at first. I know I told him before I'll go to my grave before I learn Spanish. I wasn't sure if he was telling a joke, I didn't know ho to respond.

"Um," I began. "El Mexicano?"

Trust in the Law?

I wouldn't trust my life with the legal system. I fear it caters to loosers and punishes good people. Ok, I don't really believe that, but I still don't want to try my luck with it.

I just got news that Jonathan plans to move back home once Matthew takes over grandpa's old house. Another reason I wish they got rid of the place.

Jenny's father wants to take over the Condo. That's fine with me, but the stupid Condo Association will probably stick a lean on my place because I didn't follow the rules.

Why punish me when I am just trying to get extra cash to help out on the mortgage?

New York Power

Stay in place DC plan? Fear of people taking advantage of the dark... looting in NYC?

When I got up this morning I knew it was going to be hot and humid. The sun was a pink color, but it was not too bad. Fortunately it has been very cool for the summer. I'm glad I am not in Utah where it is burning up.

Today was bad for lots of people north of here. New York City gets a lot of attention but they are not the only ones without power. That would not be good if the whole East Coast went out. I'm glad I have power.

It was crazy to see everyone on the streets in NYC.

Northrop Grumman

I submitted a resume to Northrop Grumman via someone in the Colonial Singles Ward. It was an entry level position and it promised a security clearance.

I like my current job for the most part. Like any job, it gets repetitive and boring I'm sure. A security clearance is very important out here for getting a job.

Update on cleaver girl

I was just thinking if I spelling the title of a previous post wrong. No, I spelled it right just got the wrong word. I meant clever not cleaver.

How silly.

The trouble with siblings

The trouble with siblings is that they are people too. Here I go off on my brothers and sister. Keep in mind I am sure I irritate them as much, if not more, as they do me.

David and I used to be best of friends for the most part I think. When I got back from Holy Cross the second time he was like a totally different person. It was a parting of the ways in some aspect.

I admire him today, yet suspiciously. He's nice to me and has two awesome sons.

Lisa-Marie used to hold rides over my head like it was out the kindness of her heart to bestow such a gift to me. Her sarcastic and often demeaning remarks burned deep. God forbid I'd ever get in that situation again.

Unfortunately, instead of begging rides from her, I was begging complete strangers. At least my Mother would willingly help me.

Lisa-Maris has always been the sibling I've gotten along with the best despite all the bad memories.

Jonathan had changed a bit while in Brazil. He is a good kid. I still feel bad for throwing the pencil at him so many years ago.

Not every thing had changed though. He was still a selfish, rude punk when he wanted to be.

l asked him for rides a couple times. I don't believe I ever really got more than an ear full most ot the time. The last straw I still recall vividly. He rudely told me he was not going to help me. I frowned - which he reacted to - because I knew I would never ask for another favor again. Now he pays me, at least he should every month. I only feel bad for not charging him more for rent. Well, some of the time I feel that way.

Mathew is a good kid too. Well, he's always been pretty nice to me. I have a lot of good memories of him.

Flaming Moe's

I love the Simpsons. Well, most of the time. I finally saw the episode to this MP3 song. I swear I have never seen it before.

I like the reference to Cheers, the old television show. I got fond memories of that show. Or rather, fond memories of watching that show with my Dad.

I saw the pub in Boston that was the inspiration for the show.

More Savior Like Thee

I need to be more penitent and thankful now that I have a job. Things could be worse, and they are a lot better from a year ago.

Although, I tire of roughly doing the same thing at work, I got screwed out of trip to see my niece, and I slid down a hill about 10 feet, I suppose it could be worse. I only had a few minor abrasions.

I mean I could be in Iraq in 150 degree heat. Rhett Rhese might like that, but I sure wouldn’t. There are still lots of people unemployed.

Missed out, again

I was getting annoyed when Bryan had not come home yet. Although I was not looking forward to spending money, I wanted to go with him. (I made the mistake of telling him how much I make at work and every time we talk anymore I feel he is trying to get me to pay for something...)

Anyway, we were supposed to go to IKEA. I was more excited that the closest one is down in Woodbridge! Bryan came home and said the trip was off.

I then wondered what I was going to do for the evening. Nate comes out of his room all dressed to go to the Temple. Well, thanks for inviting me! And it is a mystery why I hate people?

Missile detection

Oh come on, what's next? A missile detection system? Why don't you just shut down the whole damn air transportation? Why not? Too many people are just too damn paranoid and they deserve to be shot down.

From a UK article, randomly selected:

The affair has already brought fresh calls on President George Bush from Congress to authorise a multi-billion-dollar programme to equip all large commercial airliners in the US with missile detection devices.

What a brilliant way to waste money!

Cleaver girl

I love to watch Corryn as she exercises her growing intellect. Is that fair to say? I mean it is not really a matter of learning anew but more of remembering.

Anyway, the other day when I was babysitting, I didn’t want to hang around the house. I convinced Corryn that she wanted to leave too. Outside, she saw the car and said “In the car?”

“No, “ I moaned. “Not in the car.”

Corryn gave me a look like she wanted to say, “Why not in the car?”

“I don’t have the keys.” I explained.

She stopped. “Keys?”, she asked as she turned back to the house as if she were to go get them.

I picked her up. “Oh no, we’re not going back in there.”

Sad will be the day when she learns how worthless I am when it comes to driving. This is a sensitive issue and I hope to address it in my trouble with siblings post.

Bad news is good news?

As I was explaining my view on the falsehood of the statement: "No news, is good news.", Gary added the final twist to it.

"No news is not good news." I said. "If I put my ATM card in the machine and I get no response, that's bad."

Pausing to let my example sink in, I collected my thoughts.

"Indeed," I continued. "No news is not good news at all."

Gary smiled. "Bad news is good news."

"What? It can be... no, you are right. Bad news is good news."

Trouble with in-laws

The trouble I have found with in-laws is that they are not perfect. Well, that was obvious. No, I mean that I almost naturally find faults with everyone. Why do I do this?

No need for anyone to point out my faults, all I need to look in the mirror! Actually, "no news is bad news". I'd rather hear what I am screwing up then sunshine blown up my backside.

Anyway, my brother-in-law is totally awesome. He's smart, funny, friendly, but has a problem with scheduling. Maybe my sister and I just inherited our mother's over zealous sense or worry, but the other day when it started to rain all I could think about is all the times they complained the basement would flood.

I figured it wasn't my house nor was I ordered or empowered to do anything about it while Jeremy played his game in the next room. When his attention was brought to the fact it was raining all I could think of was "hows that for you obession of old homes?"

Yes, he has this strange obsession with old houses. See the comment on this post about my Granddad’s old house.

My sister-in-law Nancy is good to me, and I think David is her perfect match or just as evil twin. Don't know much more than that really except a bit about her side of the family.

Jenny is extremely nice; don't like her family either from what little I do know. Becky has been nice to me too. Don't know anything else except her mother is good friends with Jenny's Mom.

Well, I'm probably never going to hear the end of the reaction to this post. But I figure it had to be said. As long as my brother's love them, I'm cool with what I got for in-laws. Oh, same with my sister and Jeremy.

Peapod.com

My Peapod by Giants grocery store order came. It was pretty nice to stock up on food although I still have food I brought from Utah, food I bought while in Vienna and food I bought randomly.

I might not order from that again for a while, but I am glad to know they exist. They only issue I had with them was when I made the online purchase, there was no lock icon in the browsers status bar indicating a secure web site.

IEEE magazine

Gary gave me this IEEE magazine to read on the bus. It had some good technical information, a funny picture on SPAM email, and a insert my mother reminded me of as I talked with her.

No, she didn't read it. She is just the typical ordinal folk that shy from technology. Well, in the conversation she got very heated while voicing her frustrations on not knowing how to do all this modern stuff.

I feel stupid when I read or hear something that goes over my head. Yet, on the other hand, I feel alienated when I know all this modern stuff and fail to fall in to the ordinary folk crowd.

Today at work

It wasn't as bad as I feared. I was dreading this all weekend - which didn't help with my already deterred speech. Fortunately, I was able to enjoy working on a new project. Nor was I reprimanded.

I tried to work somewhat on this problem I ran in to, but something else came up. I am actually looking forward to banging my head on my desk over this nasty BUG.

IKEA 2004 Catolog

This home furnishing store, IKEA, is really big out on the East coast. Maybe it is because there is an outlet in Woodbridge and my brother-in-law pretty much lives there. OK, he is not as bad as my Dad and Home Depot

I got the 2004 catalog and I browsed it. I'm looking at getting a bed frame. I should get a bunk bed to utilize the space in this rather tiny room. I like the queen bed my sister so graciously let me barrow.

Honestly, I found some stuff I would consider getting. Most of the time I think: "What in the world is this junk?" when I have gone through IKEA.

“Moroni sad.”

At Church I waited outside the Nursery to pick up Corryn only to find out she was not there. I am glad I’m not a nursery leader.

Anyway, when I found the Mannings, Corryn wanted me to hold her. I picked her up and looking at the picture of Moroni, an ancient North American prophet, she asked if it were Jesus.

“No, “ I said. “That’s Moroni.”

She stared at the picture a bit longer. “Moroni sad.”

I tired to explain that he probably was sad because he was all alone at this time. Not to mention he witnessed most of his people getting wiped out. I tried to reassure her that he is probably extremely happy now though.

Grandpa’s house

I remember I used to love to go to Grandpa’s house but something changed and I am not really sure what it was. I call it Grandpa’s house because Grandma got more recognition in the prime of her golden years.

I just learned that my parents sacrificed their cut of the house to appease my Aunt’s interest in the old house and that my little brother is taking it over. I’m not sure how I feel about that at all.

I do wish I could have bought the house and the neighboring one, knocked them both down and built anew. The neighboring lot is huge.

Game driver2

I am not so apposed to games. I just played Monopoly the card game. Beginner’s luck; I won!!!!

It was a quick and dirty game. So much better than the real thing.

Lots to say

I really have a lot to say, but when I sit down to make an entry I think about what should I say in public that I might want to keep private. And, an issue with journal writeing, who gives a [care]?

If I go about trying to please everyone, I'll find I cannot. If I try to only please myself, I'll find I should not.

Some things never change.

I watched part of this 1955 opening of the Disneyland Park in California. It was interesting t see how things have changed over the years. Prior to watching this, I saw an old Mickey Mouse cartoon.

Although much has changed, a lot remains the same. This extends beyond Disney and beyond the purpose of this posting.

I have several cherished memories of Disneyland. Or rather of my family and Disney, but mostly of my Dad. I would like to locate this picture I took of Nona and my Dad at Disneyland. I remember it was a great profile of mother and son although you really couldn’t tell it was taken in California.

I like Disney World better now, although much of what you find there refers back to fun times in the past. It will be really great to be with my niece this September in Orlando, Florida.

'Undefeated'

It has been a while since I posted an image.

At work I asked someone about these HMS Victory pictures they had hung on the wall. This led to a simple search. And I found that the HMS Victory is the only remaining 18th century ship of the line anywhere in the world.

It's a pretty ship, but I like the USS Constitution much better!

déjà vu

Some days at work remind me of a time I spent with DrawPerfect, the predecessor to Corel's Presentations (or old WordPerfect office product.)

I mean, there was a time I vainly thought I would gain praise and what not by drawing several tiny pictures in the details of my much larger image. I'm glad I gave that up after a while. Who knows, I might have still been working on my first picture today.

More on blogging

I was surfing on some computer web sites and noticed the blog section there. I clicked on the link to find about twenty people with related blog sites.

My goodness. What funny trends people get involved in. I can see the history books of the future: Some 21 century Internet surfers spent a lot of time blogging.

Church and Work

I looked up the OFFICIAL DECLARATION 1 by WILFORD WOODRUFF
President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
October 6, 1890

I thought it was good to mention this misunderstanding is over 100 hundred years old.

I love the dollar store

I often feel like every time I turn around out here I am getting ripped off. Everyone seems to want to take money from me. The dollar store is one of a few places I can go with out feeling I spent too much. I figure the Colgate brand toothpaste with Spanish writing is good enough for me.

DB crap

I really dislike programming database stuff. It’s not that I don’t know SQL or what not; it just seems that every time I do a database application I am always finding a new way to execute the query, store the data, or just plain connecting!

Maybe I should just do more.

Tips how I loath them

I’m not that much of scrooge to really believe the title of this post, but I really hate when I don’t control the tip amount.

When I stepped into the hair salon, I knew communication was going to be an issue. I was just checking on prices, but I got suckered into getting a hair cut. I told her shave it all off and just leave a little on the top. I got the sides shaved with a little off the top.

I saw the Visa sticker out side. The card machine was broken and I had spent all my cash on junk food. I was marched to an ATM close by. I should have ran off, but I’m a nice, generous guy.

The total came to six dollars with a six dollar tip? What the? Did you even discount me for the ATM fee? The inconvenience of being marched off is worth something? I don’t mind giving money away, but when I am screwed out of it?

Game driver

My sister really loves games. I swear she gets at least one new game from me a year. I play with them once or twice and then I never really see the game again.

I guess I just create an emotional attachment to games. I suppose I remember the fun times we had and I just can't let it go. I want every game to be like the ones I remember. Like Home improvement the game. Those were fun times.

On the other hand, some games just never go away and I really hate them. Well, maybe it is because I don't have the entrepreneurial mind for it. I’m talking about Monopoly. I like taking the side of Fat Tony or the corrupt player that steals from the bank. So much easier on the mind to take from someone else rather than work out a deal and trade.

This post after my security post. What about the irony?

Cryptography

I just read and was enlightened by Keith Brown's MSDN article. The .Net Framework comes with many cryptographic service provider classes. Like RSACryptoServiceProvider or DESCryptoServiceProvider amoung others.

I had done some experiments on using the service providers with no luck. Or rather no understanding. This further turned me off to security.

Why can't we just get along? Why do I have to waste my time securing my computer or bogging my already burdened process with another piece of software? Is it all just for a false sense of security?

I need to get a place out here.

Example:
I wash about 2 loads a week, but stuff them all in one dryer to save a little. So it works out to be the following.

Roughly $223.60 a year - about the same price as a washer!

Masonic Temple

I went with my roommate, Nate, to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Temple near the King Street Metro stop - where I work. Or rather, close to where I work.

I mentioned to the tour guide, my step-grandfather, Forest, was a Masson. He than started to ask my questions in a manner unfamiliar to me, or rather using terms I knew not of. I suppose this was Masonic lingo. I told the guide that we never talked much about it.

I kind of felt bad that we never have really talked about it or anything really for that matter. Nona, my grandmother, and Forest were out here but I don't think they stopped in. I think he would have enjoyed the free tour of the place.

What little I know of Forest, I think he is a great guy.

What to do?

I'm sitting here with a million things I could do, but don't know what I should do that would be the most beneficial. Maybe it doesn't matter.

I am not really motivated to write new source code. I have the new Web Matrix tool, but I have no desire to see what is new. Nor am I motivated to write C# applications - which i know I would like too.

I could post stuff all day until I tire of that. I could continue digitizing these CDs of the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I could read a book. I could watch TV.

My sister's family is heading out to Utah to visit my parents, who just returned from a cruise around Norway, among others. Part of me wishes I was going with.

Cults

I never understood why people would think the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is a cult. I know I could talk about this all day, but not right now. Accrording to Merriam-Webster, first definition, a cult basically aplies to every church.

1 : formal religious veneration : WORSHIP

Leaving Early

I stopped off at the local grocery store on the way home thinking I could easily catch another bus home when I was ready. I bought way too much, barely missed the bus, and had to wait in the rain for the next one. Good thing I had my umbrella but I left it on the bus when I got off!!!

That is what I get for leaving work early. Had I stayed, it would have been pouring so I would not have impulsively stopped off at the store!

One, Two, Twee?

Twee is a word! It was the word of the day on Merriam-Webster’s website.

twee • \TWEE\ • adjective
chiefly British : affectedly or excessively dainty, delicate, cute, or quaint

Joe's blog

I got Joe hooked on bloging too. In an email, he states:

Our little discussion about Blogs the other day really got me going. I searched high and low for a Blog that I could use but I didn't like any of them so I wrote my own. :-)

Here is the demo site he is working on.
http://www.nitewaryr.com/blog/