Michael's Shower

Codeproject RSS feed

I looked around to add some RSS feeds to SharpReader and found that codeproject.com has one.

Religion, a matter of convenience

1. If everyone uses a different Bible, then there is no final declaration what is right and wrong.
2. If I don’t like something, or I want to do my own thing, I’ll just draft my own Bible.
3. See Alma 1:17
4. This jihad pushed by those fetchers.

That is what a modern day prophet is for. Unfortunately, I didn’t testify of it. Oh well, I’ll just bring it up tomorrow.

Later, Tim informed my somewhat on how the Catholic Church governs its people. Sounded reasonable that they have a modern day voice, I just don’t accept it as revelation. I mean where are the twelve apostles like it was in Jesus’ time? Where are the seventies? Who is this Pope guy and where did he get his authority?

Only a mother would love?

Yeah, probably.

I love my mom. She has her own quirks, but over all she is always there to help me.

I didn't go straight from tonight. I went off exploring a bit. It was fun. I saw a lot of movies I wouldn't mind getting. I saw some decent TVs I could have bought for the same price as my tuner card, but that would have been another item taking up room in my tiny abode.

Poor kids

The Harry Potter book 5 is almost unnecessarily long. Especially for little kids. It is much more fun to listen to it anyway.

It’s not a kids story anymore.

Security happy

OK, today’s complaint is somewhat unrelated to my favorite Department.

I needed to get a money order – which is very rare. I pulled out of the original plan to get it shipped from Utah. Had I known that it would have been a pain?

The bank wanted $10 because I didn’t have an account. The post office wouldn’t take a personal check. The Debit card only allowed me to take out $300 a day!

I blame the stupid apartment management. Fortunately, this is the only one I’ll need.

Purgatory

I have heard this term a couple times and one guy said it was in the Bible. I had to check and the online search of the King James Version of the Bible returned no results.

Joseph Smith once said, not that we worship the guy; he’s a good one to quote.

"...the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible.

Why is that? One reason, as pointed out by the History Channel, is that every one uses a different version of the Bible. This lack of a common base is a serious source of understanding, or misunderstanding on both sides of an issue.

The U.S. Constitution stands as the base for American law. All states, except Louisiana which stems from French Law, follow English common law. Despite this difference, all states adhere to the U.S. Constitution, which is basically left to interpretation by the Supreme Court as times dictate.

DAMRON CEMETERY

I wonder what the relation is.

Albert Einstein V FBI?

FBI conducted an investigation of Albert and the resul;ts have been published.

Check out the list of other famous people who came under the watchful eye of the FBI. Includeing Elvis Presley, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Lucille Ball.

Alexandria library

I finally went down and got an Alexandria library card. Once I finish with HP4, I want to get something new.

Here is all the Patrick O'Brian search results. Cool.

Pretty lame projects

I thought the projects I am doing now would have been rough. And they are, I figured out some quick fixes but the projects are pretty lame. Someone at work keeps steering the way into a very lousy direction.

Today, I implemented something that I purposed a while ago. I figured I should prove it is a better way indeed.

Most of the time, work is great.

Nephews

Taylor Cage Damron got his name from Taylor made golf clubs, probably. Cage came from Nicholas Cage who incidentally changed his name from Coppola . According to this article, he got the name from a cartoon caricature.

Oakley Woods Damron got his names from Oakley sun glasses, Tiger Woods, and of course the family name. I actually think it is a pretty cool name because I got a job with OAK management. I've never met the guy, but I will in December...hopefully.

Now, Skyler Jade Damron? Where the heck did that come from? I haven’t heard yet. Jade sounds really corny. I mean, I can see it coming from some stupid video game Jonathan would play. There was a Mara Jade from Star Wars.

Owen Wilson

I thought I would post my thoughts of what little I know about Owen Wilson’s movies. He is a funny guy. He sounded like a good guy in the comentary of Shanghai Noon.

I'd like to see I-Spy, but I haven;t yet.

When I saw Rushmore, it was late. They started the movie at one in the morning. I was already tired, and all I remember is that Cameron Sawyer said it was the funniest movie and Brandon Wood kept saying that he needed to see GalaxyQuest – which isn’t an Owen film.

Anyway, I saw Zoolander with my old roommate. It was not worth watching. Never again did I volunteer to see a movie I didn’t know anything about.

There was once great scene to be salvaged. Owen’s character was supposed to retrieve a file off the computer. After he couldn’t figure out how to get the file, he smashed the computer on the floor. The pieces went everywhere

“Where did the files go?” Owen said.

I thought it was funny because it reminded me of those people who can’t find the “any” key.

Behind Enemy Lines was a good show. Owen’s character was supposed to be serious. It was a good role to get Owen out of his humorous roles in other shows.

Shanghai Knights was a waste of a film.

The best and first movie I saw Owen in was Shanghai Noon, I loved that show. I saw it with Ed Stratford, and several times after that. Infact, I about the DVD.

News media

I dislike the news media although, I watch it occasionally just to find out what is going on. My first reaction not to believe everything they say. It's mostly depressing anyway. How can people watch all those crap about homicides, and heinous crimes and not be affected?

Mark Twain, in this book of Jeremy's, blasted the news media in this speech. He also claimed it is a source of good. Well, it can be.

In the article, Twain mentioned about how this editor libeled him about him beating his wife. I did a quick search and I find the claim unsubstantiated. Although, I realize that the content on the Internet is tainted too. I would have thought it would mention it on the History Channel.

Crate & Barrel

As I was on break, walking around in the rain, I had an idea to go this little outlet store by my office building; I thought to check on folding chairs. I am glad I did because the Nazi had raided my room over the weekend takeing back the chair I had barrowed.

The place reminds me of IKEA. A lot of fashionable crap I don't see myself ever buying. But it was good I found a nice wooden folding chair that cost about as much as the two metal frame chairs I would have bought over the weekend.

There was no time on Saturday because we had a great time mowing down the jungle behind the Manning's house. It was hard work, but I took the easy route and tended Corryn for most of the time.

When Andrew started to cut down a tree with a power saw whose blade was way too small for the job, I couldn't stop thinking about Monty Python. "You must cut down a tree with a herring." In this case, a power herring.

Mysteries of the Kingdom

In Church a cool definition came up, I found the definition in this dictionary too. (See 1a)

Here is the search result for the word mistery in the standard works.

Mysteries arn't secrets that need solving, you just need revelation.

Hardy Boys: Case Files

I was watching TV with Corryn in the library when my mind reflected on all the Hardy Boys books I used to collect. Unfortunately, I never really read most of them.

When I went looking for all my old books, few Hardy Boys books could be found. I didn't find any of my favorites from the new series called the Case Files. Now, as I looked around the Internet there is even a newer series.

I suppose the books were given away to protest my desire to collect them. Collect and not read them.

My sister and David got into the Nancy Drew like my mother before them. They were into those books for a while. I only read one book where the Hardy boys teamed up Nancy. Anyway, those are some good memories.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

We had a brief moment were we (Jeremy, Andrew my cousin’s husband, and I) made fun of the movie. I like this cartoon though.

My complaints:
· The curse of being a beast is not so bad. The Crocodile Hunter would have agreed it was a beautiful creature: it’s super human strength, it’s animal-like ability to gracefully move around and leap staircases in a single bound…Wild. I would love to be that creature.
· The beast looked better than his human form, especially when light was coming out of his toes. What was that all about?
· If he was a prince, why was he answering the door when that enchantress came by?

Jeremy:
· No surprise that he was all upset that the enchantress even came knocking at the door at such a late hour. I’m surprised he didn’t say that the door was for the prince’s connivance.
· The enchantress was a bad witch because she goes around punishing the Prince. Was it in her jurisdiction? (Question mine.)

Andrew
· I forget what he said about it. I guess he didn’t like the whole book-reading bit. (Bell’s obsession.)

The computer animated ballroom dance sceene was awesome.

I like Bell too. Last time I saw parts of the movie, she reminded me of Melanie Carter. I think it is still Carter.

Anyway, not Bell’s beauty but more of her demeanor or kindness reminded me of the kind Melanie.

AOL 9.0

In accordance to an earlier post, I since talked to an AOL software architect out here explaining my gripes. He informed me that the new version has filters. I have yet to see them, but my mother says they are pretty good.

That testimony from someone who loves AOL because it is so easy to use. As long as it works for her, I suppose that that is fantastic.

I still hold a grudge about AOL's website. They need to stop running that dang video when you go to the main page and they need to implement filters on the web mail capabilities. They may already have added the web filters feature; I haven't looked into it yet.

I just hate the dang video so I had to post my complaints.

Out of the Loop

I am getting used to being kept out of the loop on many issues. I know that it is my desire to remain impartial, among other things I’m sure, keeps me out.

Anyway, I just learned the name of my forth-coming nephew. AS it stands now, it will be Skyler J. Damron. I am not running up the stirs to get the paper, so the initial J will have to do right now. I hope I spelled it right too.

The three S's

1. Swearing
2. Sweets
3. Sensual thoughts

Andrew's new job

I just heard from an old roommate and that he got a game programming job in Reno. That's good, I hope things work out. He starts out as a contractor, but don't we all?

I never cared for games - writing or playing. Well, I was big into Nintendo, but one day I just thought I could be doing more with my time and forever walked away. There are a few exceptions. I really liked Ages of Empires and Ages of Kings.

Am I better off? I don’t know. Depends on what you mean by better off. I just feel I have done more with my time. I have yet to be told that I have endured well… The other day when I talked to my blind friend, Howard in Mississippi, he darn near came close to that phrase though.

Lots to do

I finally got all the details of what I am supposed to do at work. I think I have the next month planned out which is a good thing.

[Dang] it!!!

I just realized that Halloween is not this weekend. Bryan has still got a whole week!!!!

I want that stupid dog out of here!!!!

Untold stories

I heard this story about my favorite niece. Ok, Corryn is my only niece. She is still my favorite!!

Anyway, I know she has good vision and hearing as stated in this blog entry but the following story confirms it.

I guess the Mannings were at the store and Corryn wanted to go see the baby. Everyone looked around, but saw no baby. Barely audible and almost unnoticed, in the distance a crying baby could be heard.

What in the world: Wiki

I learned about a wiki from good old Don Box. I don't know why anyone would want one, because some punk could go and change anything anonymously. See this site before they fix it.

Ctrl-Shift X

Best Microsoft launch event ever!

I met up with my brother-in-law at the Woodley Park metro stop to go to the Office 2003 launch event at the Marriott. Good thing he knew the correct hotel.

The content was not the greatest, but we got all kinds of free stuff. I ate at least four blue berry muffins and two lunches. Yes, we got lunch! I am not one to brave crowds, but Jeremy is awesome like that. He even found me in a crowd. No wonder he works for the State Department.

Anyway, I got the following free stuff:

• A valid copy of Visual Studio.Net 2003– probably because the next release of the development environment will be released next week at the PDC.
• A valid copy of VB.Net 2003
• T-shirt – which is what I like.
• A voucher for OneNote – a cool new Office tool.
• Desktop Deployment Customer Toolkit – whatever that is.
• Code Focus magazine
• Security Readiness Kit
• Sample chapters of some book.
• Office 2003 evaluation
• Two Microsoft journals – well, that is what I use the notebooks for.
• VB.Net Resource Kit
• HP Key chain
• Ear phones – I hope are in Jeremy’s “pack pack”, as Corryn would call it. My bag was torn, so he was holding stuff for me.
• Visual Studio Tools for Office
• SQL Server 2000, Access 2003 Developer Edition
• MSDN CDs

It was a great day. I ate at McDonalds for dinner. I was too lazy too cook anything. I should have just got a drink…. I ate way too much today. Good thing I am not on the points plan!!!

Auburn vs LSU

I had to post this so I can remember to check out the site during the game on Saturday. I don't know what the numbers mean: Auburn (5-2, 4-0) vs LSU (6-1, 3-1), but I hope the Tigers win.

Here is the site.

Reasons for getting a dog?

Anyway, here are the best reasons I can think of.

1. Companionship - if you like something that smells, sheds and poops on the floor.
2. Exercise - if you walk the dog, clean up after it, etc.
3. Build you immune system - Gary showed me this when I asked him why have a clean house.
4. The joy of picking out new carpet to replace the stained and mildewing carpet.

A clean home

The next best scripture would be:

D&C 42: 41 And let all things be done in acleanliness before me.

The Dursleys in Harry Potter like a clean house, but I guess they are the extreme. Bob Saget’s role in Full House is an extreme as well.

Here is a reason not to clean, I suppose:

How a clean home can be a killer...

Ok, but this doesn’t explain why Mrs. Weasley’s cleaning magic is so ineffective. How long have those pots been scrubbing themselves? I would assume one could conjure the right spell and get it all clean in an instant.

I had a strange dream once that I had super powers and was able to clean super fast. I accomplished a lot in a few minutes. Then I started to think how unsatisfied I was. Why, I had a clean house? I just felt cheated on a the accomplishment.

Redirecting standard output

I got juked out of a ride to Institute, but it was alight I guess. I wanted to check out this article I found.

Visual Studio.Net made it smooth to modify the project. It seemed pretty easy to redirect output. I always wondered how that was done, but never took the time to find out how.

As I started to think about it, the Win32 API function, CreateProcess had a lot of parameters. Surely one of these had to be start up information.... and ultimately the stdout.

The LPSTARTUPINFO lpStartupInfo parameter is just the key. Further inqury lead to the HANDLE hStdOutput as part of the structure.

Sweet code

Monday, after another celebration at the bar/restaurant, I hammered out this idea that would save literally hours of work. It worked! I honestly sat on that accomplishment for a while and occasionally worked on other projects.

I thought it was pretty awesome, but I can’t sit on that accomplishment forever.

No nap time?

A few weekends ago, I released Corryn from her locked room. It was locked because she was sent to take a nap. We played for a while, then she got a little cranky. I asked her if she needed a nap and if she wanted to sleep on the bed down stairs.

Corryn laid down but didn’t want to be alone. I was a bit sleepy myself, so I took the other side of the queen bed. After about twenty minutes, I felt her get out of bed. Lazily I called after her, but I soon fell back asleep.

Next thing I knew, Corryn was waking me up. Shortly thereafter, her parents came home. At least one of us got a nap.

The next day, after Church, Corryn turned to me and sweetly asked. “No nap time?”

I told her it wasn’t up to me. When her Mom started to ask is she needed a nap, Corryn quickly said no. I knew exactly what she was talking about. And soon, her parents will know the truth about that day.

10% of the human brain?

When Heinee was the only one to respond to my query about the validity of the statement that “human’s only use 10% of their brain”, I could conclude it as a fluke.

I found a cool link. It was one of several. This stated that it is a myth.

Another worthless lifeform

Just like Andrew (so rudely called "the Mexican"), Bryan ("the Nazi") really knows how to push all my buttons before they get out of my place.

Bryan's got a little puppy now, I was very upset that he didn't leave it at his brother's house like he said he would. All the more reason to stay n my room and watch TV. Actually, I think I'll read now. Goodnight.

More TV

I stole this off a Wallgreens commercial. The still frame capture is a feature of my new TV tuner card.

I've been "watching" a lot of TV lately. Maybe this card isn't the best idea. Oh well, it could be worse.

Have a scary Halloween!!! Shop at Wallgreens! I will. OK, maybe not.

No fighting, no biting

One night on our way to or from Florida, Corryn took a good bite on my leg. Immediately her mother pulled her away and scolded her. I felt bad and I’ll explain later.

Corryn kissed me n the check and went back to her mother.

“Did she say it?” Lisa-Marie asked.

Yes, I lied. Corryn must have known that I lied and she whispered that she was sorry.

“It is OK, “I said. “Just don’t bite so hard.” I actually said "again", but I meant this.

When playing with Corryn prior and even after this incident, I made this same growling noise and would fake bite Corryn. Or I would rub my chin on her stomach. It was all in good fun.

I think Corryn thought it was OK to bite, but bit too hard. Once again, I got her in trouble.

Chris Sell's blog

My brother-in-law again:

I'd trust an MBA any day of the week over someone with a computer science degree! At least MBA's speak English and aren't accused of boring the socks off everyone around!

Don bashing

My brother-in-law stated:

I checked out Don Box's website once. I was there for about 30 seconds. I haven't been back. Pretty lame.

I agree, but it can be useful at times.

Gases and such

I suppose smoke is a gas because it s not a liquid or a solid.

Anyway, I was standing downwind of some people on cancer sticks. The second hand smoke got to me. So, I moved to the other side of the bus stop.

Funny, the carbon monoxide doesn’t smell as bad on this side.

Repetition

About a week ago, my coworkers and I were getting drinks and the conversation lead to religion. Well, it was on a religious topic for a moment. I’m not quite sure the intention of why it was brought up.

One guy, apparently not fond of his Christian upbringing was very adamant against the idea that those who had not heard of Jesus Christ are already damned. I didn’t think it was the time or the place to share my beliefs for every one had some type of alcoholic beverage and I wondered if anything I would say would be remembered.

At any rate, the subject moved to repetition of certain things like the rosary or the Lord’s Prayer. “Why do I have to say it ten times?” the guy asked. “Can He not hear me the first time?”

I was reminded of the story I heard about a teenager, probably, who had written the Lord’s Prayer onto a card. Before jumping into bed he would place a hand on the card and say “You can read.”

I don’t exactly like the idea of repeating things over and over. It feels like a chant. Chants I associate with satanic rituals like séances.

I suppose everything is somehow a twisted version of the truth. Or every lie is laden with truth.

Not very charitable

Yesterday at the bus stop, I debated on waiting for a bus that went closer to my place when this man came up to me with a sob story asking for fares to get on the metro. I told him a lie and that all I had was my bus pass.

The debate was over and I jumped on this other bus. Did he really need the money to get on the metro?

A few weeks earlier another guy’s story was that he needed change to make a phone call. I pulled out my cell phone and he walked away.

On another hand, every time I make dinner for myself or what not, my roommates show up unwanted and hang around. I usually offer them some, but not the other day.

I wasn’t in the mood to share because I often feel it is one sided, and I’m always the one doing the sharing. After my roommate committed this cheese to community property, if it wasn’t already, I still didn’t offer up anything.

Had he asked, I might have given in.

Documentary Hypothesis

I watched on the History channel this two hour program on who wrote the Bible. I’m even tempted to buy the DVD, if they sell it.

One concept of interest was the Documentary Hypothesis theory. Basically it states that there were four authors of the five books of Moses. Mr. “E” used Elohim as name of the Deity.

In my first area in Bogalusa, LA, we got into a discussion (or argument) with a preacher over the name of Deity. I knew what he was getting at, because I had thought about this before. He was not looking for titles, but a name. Like Bob, or John.

I then told him it was Elohim as stated in the Bible Dictionary. He thought what I said was way out in left field. My missionary companion said it was modern day revelation that gave us that information. How can t be, if it appears on the History Channel?

Is this His name or just another of many titles?

Trouble with knowledge

I am of the opinion that the renaissance was good for the proliferation of the printed word. Now, there is so much to read that one can literally be ever learning and never come to the truth.

Take my coworker; he is some what of a hobbyist and knows quite a bit about other religions. He was unaware the LDS church does not practice polygamy, but had accepted what is so commonly misunderstood.

Martin Luther, according to the movie, disagreed that the Holy Roman Church was the end all place for salvation. I believe he misunderstood however, that “upon this rock” didn’t mean Peter was the rock or foundation of Christ's church. I assume that this is because it is what scholars, even today continue to, accept.

Life Needed

I call Don Box a looser and what did I do today? I went to breakfast with a group who was going to go hiking. I was disappointed to find that they didn’t have pancakes but muffins and doughnuts like you would get at a lousy complimentary breakfast.

I went to the mall in Ballston to reminisce the time Jeremy and I watched Pirates. I also wanted to check out the place.

I grabbed a bite at the Arby’s there. I should have got the cordon blue sandwich. Anyway, I was pretty shocked they charge for refills!

On the way home, I stopped of at Borders to check out some books. I looked up the legal section, some computer stuff, and this Da Vinci code book. I also checked on the O’Brian books.

Inspired Reformist

I went to see Luther. I decided to stay indoors because I was getting over a sore throat. I went to see this movie as I walked around the mall in Ballston. It wasn’t an action movie or even a comedy. But it was based on history and not a wild WWF adventure staring the Rock.

I was also excited to see the trailer about the Alamo movie. It comes out Christmas 2003. It looks good.

I found some of Martin Luther’s works. He was inspired in his reformative views.

Don and Chris

Why Don Box and Chris Sells are nuts, but I guess their fat pay check consoles them.

Don is always talking about dinner with all these guys! Then he is up til 3 in the morning, working!

My Dinner With ChrisAn
After Dinner with Chris
Inside Information

Chris stated he writes 100 ten line apps to understand every tiny detail in the Microsoft development arena.

Inside Information.

HP3: Rehash

• At the climax, the shrieking shack, the story tends to slow down.
• Why did everyone get effected when the Dementors came as Harry and all headed back from the shack? Before this, Harry was the only one that reacted to them.
• Harry travels through space and time and not like Back to the Future style time travel.

I liked the question by Dumbledore. "Do the dead really leave us?"

Dam project

It was a high school sophomore Biology class project; a hypothetical situation where the town wanted to dam up this valley. Groups were organize d to present arguments for and against it. Four judges were selected end one high judge was appointed to break a dead lock of the lower four.

I honestly wanted to be impartial and make a good judgment call.

The arguments were very good. Some were for the dam because it would bring boating recreation; others against it claimed it would take away from bike trails and other existing forms of recreation. Neither were bad arguments.

This computer geek went off on how it could bring jobs, higher standards of living, etc. I figured it would bring more jerks like him to the town.

Then some lady brought up that the valley was a habitat for American bald eagles.

I was supposed to break a tie, but l used my influence to get an unanimous vote against it!

Coach Steele expressed shock; I explained the case was thrown out because the EPA or the federal government might take interest in the eagles and might over turn our decision anyway.

I was reprehended because it wasn’t the point of the excersise.

Good thing it is Friday

I'm glad it was a short week. I am staying in Alexandria for the weekend. I was planning on going on a hike Saturday, but I think I will skip out after breakfast. I am starting to get a head cold or something.

The week went pretty slow for some reason. I did a lot, but it just dragged on.

TV on WinXP Pro

I finally got the TV tuner card installed. Gary, who just got back from his New England tour, came to my house and helped me. So far it has been pretty nice. I actually typed this up while watching the news.

I had to move my room around a bit to get everything settled. But I was kind of planning on tat anyway.

Cool SharpReader

What Is An RSS Feed?

Read Chris Sell's article. I downloaded and installed SharpReader. Here is a demo screen shot! I like how it can show the subject info.

Corryn in the pool

I am very aware my niece watches my every move. Had I have been
smaller or if the slide was larger, I would have gone down it myself. To prove it was safe and fun!

Corryn saw me sit in the pool and she wanted to try. Good thing we were in the shallow end. She saw me go into the big pool and she wanted to test the waters.

Corryn had seen me jump up, almost out of the pool, before but I don't think she expected me to jump so high while I was carrying her! With each jump into the air, her grasp become tighter. To bad I can't jump high enough to clear the surface myself. I guess that would be a pretty freaky experience!

Exploring is fun

I don't recall being encouraged to explore new things as much as I try to encourage my niece.

When playing games like Ages of Kings, I liked exploring new lends more than fighting. Especially when I was loosing.

Had I a car, I might have gone exploring all over the U.S. I could have been a complete drifter. Well, until gas money ran out.

Life with a car

Where would I be today could I safely drive a car where ever I wanted?

Not sure. Maybe in some small town working 3 or 4 odd jobs. I doubt I would have gotten into computers.

I guess the more important question is where do I want to be in a few years?

Unfortunately, I don't that answer either. I feel so inadequate at times.

New things

I tried this Korean salad bar the other day. Me, a salad! It was pretty good actually. It had some interesting Korean stuff, I just ate it. I don't know what it was exactly.

I finally got a Virginia cell phone number. Not that I'll get any more calls, I figure it is just easier than explaining what an 801 area code number is.

I just transferred my records to the Woodbridge Ward. I doubt they'll call me to be in the Elder's Quorum president, but that position is opening up.

I would love to move around. There are a lot of cool places around here. I was just informed my roommate found someone that is going to take the room. Looks like, the only new thing is to get rid of the Nazi and take on a new guy.

Game driver: Trivial Pursuit DVD

The latest of the myriad of games was not my favorite at best. It was cool, but games like these exploit my lack of knowledge of People magazine articles and such.

Why do I not care for famous people? Pride, probably. Most have more money than I, more opportunity, more character, more charisma, more, more, more …. I don’t consciously support any of them.

Terrible lyrics

The idea of singing a song about the Savior in a first person manner or singing as if you were the Savior, does not sit with me well at all. It really killed that song for me. How hard could it have been to put it in third person?

I would say it was sacrilegious if it was not endorsed by the First Presidency. Well, the book has this huge disclaimer of sorts at the beginning of it.

Here is an excerpt from the text of the song:

... Think of me, thou ransomed one; Think what I for thee have done. ...With my body on the tree I have ransomed even thee.... On the cross of Calvary I have suffered death for thee.... Cast upon me all thy care, ... That thy Savior I may be.

A taste of the Holidays

I went to my favorite store for toothpaste and found a shower curtain among other things which I needed and didn't want to spend a lot on it.

I even bought my first ever Christmas tree and Halloween decoration!

Supreme Court Takes on Pledge

I thought this is pathetic. I am of the opinion that you can not completely seperate the two. (Church and State)I'll have to find the talk read in Church last Sunday - which illustrates my view.

Die Fledermaus

Jeremy has this flying bat Halloween decoration. I hate it! Well, it has scared me three times now! It is pretty cool when you know it is there and it is flying.

Sunday School today: at first glance

I usually want to research these topics before posting. I reserve the right to correct any falsehood if applicable.

In Sunday school today I heard at least two irritating ideas. First, which can easily be dismissed was that Melchizedek was “higher” because Abraham paid tithing to him. I’ll get the Hebrews reference later.

It is like President Hinckley paying tithing to whoever his home ward bishop is. “Higher” is just mans way of ranking “important” events or items.

The second statement basically needs more research and has many arguments to counter it. The easiest I will address.

Some gentleman stated the following regarding the “linage” of the Melchizedek priesthood. Every member of the Church can trace the line of authority back to Joseph Smith, where it was restored to the earth via Peter, James and John. And those three got it from Jesus. And, according to this gentleman, Jesus got it on the Mount of Transfiguration, as it is called.

If the definition of the priesthood is to be correct, which is: the authority to act in the name of the Lord. Now, if the Lord cannot act in His own name regardless of who administered to Him, then we are all screwed.

House number 16

I remember going through homes during the Parade of Homes while growing up in Orem, Utah. My tastes have definitely changed and arguably it wouldn’t matter where I wanted to live now unless I had a reliable transportation to work.

Anyway, one cool house was #16 on the list. I believe it wasn’t a rank, more just for identification purposes. Frankly I only remember a drinking fountain and a phone booth in the house. Both features I am pretty sure would have gone out of style.

I mean, I barely like drinking out of public drinking fountains as it is. I get the “germs phobia” from my mother, I’m sure. And the phone booth would have gone un used once I got a cell phone – which would have been a good 10 years after moving in to the house had we got it when we saw it.

BEST catalog

About this time every year when we were kids, my brother, sister and I would go through the BEST catalog. We liked to pick out all the stuff we wanted for Christmas. I got my list up to over fifty items once, that year I realized that I had not gotten anything on the list. I wonder if I ever had.

I remember getting my first electronic keyboard. It may have cone from there. I remember buying stuff there with my own money. It really was the BEST store.

There were days that our parents would take us out to eat before browsing the store. We ate at Rax (the dinosaur) Roast Beef, a fast food place kind of like Arby’s. It was in the same lot as BEST used to be. Those were some great childhood memories.

AES, Pizza, Remote Desktop, and Drinks all around

Yesterday was very proactive day. Well not really. I took some time to check out the demo code on an MSDN magazine article on AES, a new encryption algorithm.

We went to the Dc office for pizza. The information in the meeting could have been sent via email. But, I guess it was good to be together.

Once back at our office, I was able to do a little bit if work. Then the fire alarm went off. Everyone went outside. It’s a long way down the stairs from the sixth floor. I could only imagine how it was on Sept. 11.

Once outside, the boss offered drinks all around. I got teased a bit when I ordered a Coke. They told me to put some cherries in the hard Coke.

After this, I went up to Rosslyn. Jeremy and I waited for a long time before we could slug to Woodbridge.

The Russelkin family

     “We have dinner with the Russelkin family today,” Elder Dilrod said.
     “The people in the dirty house with the fluffy white dog?” I asked.
     “Did you even look at the dog? It barely had any hair at all. Those were flees flying around it. A huge circus of flees.”
     As I walked down the path between the garbage filled hallways, I anxiously looked for the dog. Sure enough, on close inspection the dog only had a few patches of hair. There were the Russelkin family mesmerized by the glow from the television. It was like some type of sedative that made them oblivious of the filth they lived in. Nice entertainment system though.
     As we sat down for dinner, they pulled this tray out of the oven. Upon it were hamburger patties that were still red for the most part! My, I am not eating that!
     Tactfully I declined to eat as Dilrod gulped down the half cooked hamburger. I tried the lemonade and spit that back into the cup. How do these people live like this?

Formated 10-12

All hands meeting

Cool, I'm going downtown DC for a all hands meeting today. One of the executives mentioned I will get hired perm. in November. My manager said next week!

Oh well, as long as they keep paying me, I'll show up.

New phone number

Well, I finally got a new Virginia number for my cell phone and it didn't impress me how SprintPCS made it sound that it would be so hard to change it. "You will be out of service for about two hours," I was told.

After hangingup with them, my cell phone rebooted so to speak and came back online with the new number! Two hours, my butt.

Another grip is the SMS feature. Everything is a service!!! But it doesn't work unless you send a message though sprintpcs.com and not via email address - that is a whole different service!

Glory of XML

I read an MSDN magazine article on WordML, a new XML schema available in Word 2003 and I really didn’t see why anyone would want to do this. Then I found this.

Years ago I read Don Box’s XML Manifesto - where he pretty much renounces all the COM doctrine he had been preaching - and trued to jump into this band wagon. Although I have seen several uses for XML, I don’t believe I have fully grasped what it is all about. Or in other words, I have not gained a testimony of it.

Corryn’s new game

Last weekend Corryn and I played a simple new game of knock the cup off the table. It was fun while it lasted although I got sent to time out after she fell the second time and got the wind knocked out of her.

I guess I was too busy defining the semantics of the game that I neglected to see why she kept falling. As her mother played as a safety net, I noticed Corryn was more in a sitting position and was totally fine.

The second her mother went away, Corryn sat up. Instantly the following thought came to me. I kid you not, I made the observation that her center of gravity had shifted dangerously close to the edge of the seat.

I pushed her back in to a sitting position and we had no more problems except that the game got boring.

Busy week

It has been a busy, yet eventful week so far. I went to Borders yesturday while waiting for my ride to the DC temple and I found a book(s) I might be interested in. They are written by Patrik O'Brian.

They had them on CD as well as some Tom Clancy books that I am going to ask for Santa for Christmas.

Tuesday night, I got half way to the Cannery before I was told the assignment was canceled.

Tonight, I feed the missionaries. When ever they call, we'll go to McDonalds. I haven't been to the store for a while.

This weekend I'd like to go to my sister's although my blog postings usually suffer. I really hate that keyboard of theirs. Maybe we could go swimming to make up for that!!!

May the Swartz be with you

Now that Arnold is the Governor of California, or in the words of Dark Helmet: "I see your Swartz is as big as mine, let's see how you handle it."

Let's see how he does. Was there any doubt he was going to be elected? Not anyone outside of California [thought so]. Well, I knew he would make and I don't even live in that lousy state.

I hate Virginia

Probably just haveing a bad day, but I haven't really enjoyed being out here for longer than a full day at a time. I suppose it is all relative and has nothing to do about where I am.

American Political History

I found a book at the Mannings house called Great American Speaches. It was pretty intersting. I found this web site and found it just as intersting and somewhat related to the book. American Political History

Corryn is listening

The other day, I spilled a can of Sprite on my shorts. I cursed and went into the kitchen to clean it up. Corryn followed me in repeating the curse I had uttered.

"You shouldn't say that." I told her hypocritically.

She started to say it louder.

“Stop that.”

Again louder. I got afraid I was going to get busted right on the spot.

The big three

Some of my favorite movies were done by at least one of the following. The best came when all three joined up with Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones This work or art comes out on DVD this month. I can not wait to get my copy.

Stephen Spielberg started to lose the touch, in my opinion, when he decided to do that stupid tiny toons cartoon. George Lucas lost it with episode I and II of Star Wars. But John Williams still captivates my interests.

Spielberg’s redeeming quality is his name. For Lucas, the fact that he owns THX and ILM. John Williams is still going strong.

Trouble with the Mannings

The truth must be told.

While I enjoy going down to visit, it is always good to leave. Well, for a few days I suppose. Then I start to go through withdrawals about having fun with my niece.

The difference between the Mannings and my other close relatives, OK siblings, OK David...I can not, for the life of me, see David ever expressing to want to watch Conference. Let alone, make a blog posting on it.

I could point out differences all day; that would obviously be silly. I mean, if people were all the same, it would be quite boring. I used to be closer to my older brother, but that was a long time ago. I never got to know my nephews as much as my niece. Even when I was in Utah! Taylor seemed to be a tough kid though compared to this wimp I know out here.

Anyway, it never ceases to amaze me how little I even know about my own sister. She’s awesome and I’m not just saying that. Jeremy is full of interesting information. And of course, the cutest of them all has to be Corryn!!!

Lessons learned from the "Nazi"

AS I was out and about with [the] Mannings [Saturday], the thought came to me that if my brother-in-law was more like the Nazi, I'd be paying for most of this stuff in the cart. Then I started to think that I hadn't really paid for anything all the times I had been down there to visit.

If Jeremy was more like the Nazi, I would not have gotten away with it. Well, my sister makes more than I do on one house. (Well, for one week. Assuming she has slow weeks.)

This argument didn't settle with my conscience. I gave then a $20, but was that enough? I could see the Nazi breathing down my neck trying to squeeze every penny out of me.

My conscience didn't say it was enough. I could not think of a way to bring it up except via blog. So, I offered Corryn a twenty dollar bill. I know she has no concept of money, nor is she legally able to bind a contract. It was worth a shot.

Corryn didn't take it. I even put it in her pocket. She got all upset, pulled it out and said "No, my cool, no."

Second football game

I watched my second football game of the year last night. It was awesome.

Before the game, Jeremy said Tenn. would have a hard time. I actualy felt sorry for them when Auburn stomped all over them in the first quater. Then I noticed Tenn. was ranked number 7 and expected better. And better it came.

I liked the Tigers. The running game seemed to be unstopable and the QB was good too. I think it will be my new team, not that I plan on watching them all that often.

At any rate, I was looking forward to a good game because the BYU v. Air Force game I saw was a drag.

Smithson

I have been meaning to post this since I got home from DisneyWorld. While visiting the Shenandoah Park here in Virginia, Lisa-Marie picked up this fun puzzle of the DC area. It was a cartoon map full of fun facts.

One fact which was of most interest to me was the one about a guy named Smithson. I did a quick search on the Internet and found more info.

Here is a PDF of his biography.

My Talk Guidelines

I am not the greatest speaker in any stretch of the imagination. Here are some things I think would help. One guideline is to watch the General Authorities of the Church. I missed them during the General Conference weekend.

These rules probably strictly apply to sacrament meetings.

Anyway, number 1. They usually start on time and end on time. Probably because they are allotted so much air time. I would dare say they do it to show the Church that Mormon Standard time is not doctrine.

2. They don’t waste 5 minutes telling a long or a series of jokes that have little or nothing to do with the subject matter of which they are speaking about.

3. If they did start writing their talks the night or even the morning before, they don’t mention it. Slothfulness is not an excuse for lack of preparation.

4. They never waste time having people look up the scriptures they use. In fact, I rarely even hear a complete reference.

5. Avoid “ums” and “ahs”.

6. Look at the audience as much as possible.

7. Slowing down is one I have trouble with. Especially after telling what I thought would e a funny joke and no one laughs. I get all nervous and zoom through the rest of the talk.

8. Be nice when people tell you that you gave a good talk. Especially when you think you did lousy.

Lunch with Naomi

I had a fairly great lunch conversation with Naomi. I need to be more like my brother-in-law in that everything is awesome. Oh well, it’s all good.

She is awesome. I met her and her brother, Brigham in the Timp. 8th ward in Orem. Brigham and I went to West Yellowstone. It was a fun trip.

Dang cold

The heater in my place is out which made for a cold night. I turned on what heat sources that I have in my room: my computers, this candle warmer thing, and I lit up another candle.

Extra clothing helped. I had a good rest after that.

Corryn in the pool

Corryn was a bit apprehensive about water at first. I remember we had to encourage her to take another step in to the pool. When she real started to enjoy herself, I tried to get her to go down one more step.

I thought she would be able to stand up easily. Trusting me and with enthusiasm she took the next plung, literally. As she slipped under the water I knew I made a mistake. Grandpa was quicker to the rescue.

Corryn thought it was funny. Unfortunately, it was much harder to get her to brave a new adventure in the water.

This memory came to me out of the blue and I almost burst out laughing during the temple session. I’m glad I didn’t. It would have been very embarrassing.

Right Arm

The title of my last blog (see below) reminded me of Marty Monsen, my high school chemistry teacher. There are many stories that come out of those times, but this one is quick.

I always remember Marty would saw “Right Arm!” and hold up his right arm. He said this as a pun to “Right on”.

He would also tell us to have a “Strong end” instead of wishing us a good weekend.

Marty has been gone a long time now, he surely has been missed.

“Right arm, Marty. You were the best.”

Ride On!

Today was a very great day in deed. I only went for a half day then metroed up to GWU to meet this lady. Well, she was a temple worker from the Langley Ward on her way to the all day Stake temple excursion. Actually she had done baptisms earlier and was taking a break I guess.

Cute lady, but I never saw her after entering the temple. I scared her off pretty good I guess. Anyway, I went through a session and spaced out on some important parts. D’oh!

Oh well, I was going to go through again after my cafeteria break. I had the idea about checking out a possible bus route home during the day time so I could see where it went. Turns out the bus only runs a short time Mon-Fri. Oh well, it was an adventurous trip home. In Alexandria, I took a bus I have never been on and I learned where KFC was. There was an Arby’s next to it! Now, I don’t have to sneak down to Woodbridge…

When I finally got home, I learned Nate had swung a great deal with the apartment and it looks like I’ll be staying here for about a year. That is if my job lasts that long. It should; I was just told I’m being hired permanently!

Run away Universe article

I was looking for Einstein’s exact wording and found this instead.

Disney Energy

Disney uses a lot of energy to power up all its parks every day. After going through the conservation stuff at Epcot, I wondered how much energy Disney uses every day. I'm not going to say that it may have been better served else where, because entertainment is a small need.

I have often wondered if energy can be harnessed from the many patrons or guests. I got the idea from the counter wheel thing that everyone has to go through on most rides.

In a Simpson episode, Bart is shown smoothly riding his bike home in the dark. When he realizes a light is needed, he throws the switch and comes to a grinding halt.

It is a simple gag on the cost of resistance required to harness energy.

It wouldn't go over well if patrons got tired out after struggling too long with a wheel of sorts, nor would it be cost effective to harness a minuscule amount of energy with large systems.

I am not sure how much energy can be produced by one spin of a wheel on a stream, or a windmill, or why they have to be so big. I would be curious to know, because it would show how silly my idea might really be.

Well, what does every patron do at Disney without obstructions? They walk.

My idea encompassed a system of tiny little wheels embedded into the carpet. These wheels are triggered by the pressure put on the top. See picture.

If this carpet could be placed in major traffic areas, how much energy could they harness?

If this is a plausible idea, it could be used by more extravagant or more illustrious consumers of energy. (Like Vegas!) Metro systems, Sea World and others could use it too.

If the carpet gets damaged, i,e. broken spring, jammed pin, spilled juice, or crumbs get in the fine integrated circuits...! It would be pretty expensive to replace.

October already?

Hard to believe at times. Some days are better than others. This morning, I got a purple ribbon for domestic violence awareness month. Oh, fun. I told the lady. I also got a watch tower magazine that talks about Iraq. The gentleman and I had a brief discussion. I bit my tongue when he asked what God thinks about the war. I was going to be flippant and say the He is probably out doing something more important… like skiing.