Michael's Shower

Oldest movie seen

Walt Disney’s filmography didn’t show Cinderalla but Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) predated them all.

Other movies:

Old school

Some days I feel like I am always doing old school computing stuff. Yet, I honestly learn new things all the time. I don't admit to it all the time. D'oh. Shouldn't have said that.

Anyway, I know bits and pieces of all kinds of things, yet I am not a computer nerd. I tried to get involved with some SQL Server installations to get into some system administration stuff, but I was "needed" as a developer.

I've known about Microsoft's Active Directory for years, but I can't honestly tell you more than what this article can. Basically, it follows the X.500 standard.

WinFS sounds cool

A new feature to NTFS is a database-based file system code named WinFS. The article inspired me to run out and study up on ADO.Net and what not.

You can T-SQL queries on the file system? Will this replace SQL Server?

MSDN Mini-Magazine

I found this MSDN Mini-Magazine among all the other millions of pages of information on Longhorn and Indigo. (They are code names for the next version of Windows and Web services respectively.)

I read Don Box's latest article and it was nice but I wonder if or when I'll understand it and if I will ever get to run the demo code.

New TV

I just wanted to be the first to say the Mannings got a new TV.

Gary scares me

A co-worker really scares me at times. During a test, I noticed a rogue process was hogging a lot of CPU cycles. I shared it with Gary.

“I never check my CPU utilization,“ he said as he pulled up the Windows task Manager (Ctrl-Shift ESC). “Wow, it’s almost at 100%.”

“What in the world are you doing?” I ran over to check it out.

“Oh yeah,” he says, “It is that background process.”

Again, what in the world? He told me about this Stanford project with such fervent admiration I thought I was going to be sick. “Now, why are you doing this?”

He smiled. “To help mankind.”

Fair enough I suppose, but I think I’d lend my excess CPU cycles to Pixar before I would do this. I guess I just don’t trust those things even if they can help mankind.

Prisoner of Azkaban

Trailers

I don't know what the choir was all about.

Trouble with recruiters

Now that I have thrown to the recruiting agency and have been I hired permanently, I can go off on how much I hate them.

Most of the ones I talked to are so technologically ignorant it was no wonder I didn’t get anywhere with most of them.

Second, they always wanted you to make some change to your resume. I figure if they are going to take a piece off my pay check, they should make the change themselves.

I suppose I should be glad because they did get me the job I have now.

Don Bluth

I was looking for the earliest movie that I can remember seeing at the theater. I think it was a toss up between E.T. and Secret of NIHM. And both were seen in the drive in that used to be on State Street in Orem.

The year would have been 1982 making me 6 years old.

Anyway, I thought it was peculiar that I found this guy. He has directed a few films over the years that I have liked. See Don Bluth’s Filmography here.

Clever girl: untold story

Here is a positive story. Now that I got the name of the post right, I’ll tell a story I didn’t witness.

One day apparently Corryn and her friend Molly were taking turns on this coveted chair. When Corryn wanted more time on the chair, she was told to wait until Molly got off.

Corryn said Ok and started to pretend to have lots of fun with some ordinary object. Soon it caught Molly’s interest and she wanted to join in on the fun. When Molly’s attention was absorbed into this new attraction, Corryn got this big smile and said. “Molly moved, huh Mommy?” and took the chair back.

Short week

Thank goodness. I actually got a job at work. Of course, I always have stuff to do, but when I don’t get specific instructions, I don’t know what people want.

I detest the MS Project stuff I have to fill out all the time. I can see how it gives you a good idea what is expected. Without a good design, any project management is just a waste. No wonder they do so much reverse engineering?

I’m glad and very anxious to see my niece. After going through my routine girl troubles, I told my roommate, “That’s why I just love Corryn. She is just so easy to please.”

Unlike, I should add, all these [ladies] who are holding out for the best of the best. Meanwhile, as time goes on the "best" leave. Never settle? Well, someone’s going to have to.

Waste of a good body

When I was down in Florida back in November, I saw a lot of flesh. Ok, not really. But it was more then I see on a daily basis.

There were a few that had several tattoos. Like this guy in the picture I found on google. I just thought to myself, what a waste of a perfectly good body.

Last smoking rant?

I can’t promise that, but I need to move on. I think everyone knows I hate the smell of smoke. I hate being around people that do. They not only take away my right to enjoy “cleaner” fresh air, but they get my clothes to smell bad too.

If I wanted to wear clothes that smelled like [crap], I would wipe my [butt] with my shirt and wear it.

Scary thought

When I booted up, I got a fatal error. I thought my computer was hosed. I don't have anything but a Windows 98 CD out here.

Here am I....

I was reminded about this story by the Colonial Ward's Bishop's ramblings last night. He was going off on how there are so many lovely sisters, bla, bla, bla… “All born in good families in a blessed country.....”

And not in Afghanistan? I repeated suspiciously.

"These wonderful sisters, " he continued. “All went to Church accredited schools…"

Now there is something to boast about, I taunted.

"And they are now out here looking for a man-"

"Here am I..." I said aloud, but at the same time trying to be inconspicuous.

Sheri Dew: who art thou?

A few years ago while attending the Cascade Center Ward in Orem, UT; I became a familiar with the name Sheri Dew. It was a few months later I found out who she was.

Had I paid attention when the Presidency of the Relief Society spoke or what not in General Conference, I might have known sooner who this mysterious person was. Had I read the biography of President Hinckley, I might have known as well. It’s not like the book wasn’t sitting on my shelf.

Anyway, one Sunday I heard someone quote her. In the following weeks, it was like everyone was quoting her. The sisters revered her and the guys mocked her name calling her Sheri Drew. You know, Nancy Drew’s little sister or something.

All I could surmise is that this lady, whoever she was, had a good understanding of Church doctrine and what not. I was also aware she always took the opportunity to mention that she was unmarried….bla, bla, bla. It really bothered me that she was revered so.

One day, I couldn’t take it anymore. I turned to my neighbor and asked. “Who in the hell is Sheri Dew?”

I listened to her speak during next General Conference. I was moved, but not so much as when she had to remind every one that she was unmarried. I was so moved; I got out of my seat and shouted. “Here am I, take me… then you can shut the [heck] up about it.”

Good thing I was not in the Conference Center. Or maybe it would have been good had I been there. I could have been hooked up with the new figure head at Dessert Book. How silly.

Highlights of Saturday

Well, I went running as stated in this entry. I found the Tennessee game as stated in this comment. The Tennessee Vols kicked butt. At half-time the score was 41-0. It was over and I didn’t want to listen anymore.

That was about the time my roommate left to go watch the BY/U of U game. I thought it would be good to join. Ah, I just didn’t want to miss out on the Colonial Thanksgiving dinner.

The Utes got the only 3 points early in the first quarter. It was a pathetic game. By half time, I was ready to leave.

The Thanksgiving feast was good and as could be expected, was crowded beyond belief. They even held it at a larger chapel! I was not expecting to meet someone who had seen my picture on my Mom’s desk at Richard’s Labs in Pleasant Grove, UT. I never met the guy before. That was weird.

We then proceeded to someone’s house for a movie. I was a bit leery about the idea because I didn’t know what the movie was about. Italian Job was kind of like Ocean’s Eleven – which I didn’t much like anyway.

I didn’t know it was Darala’s house, nor did I recognize her. I should have just played along like I knew what was going on. Oh well, it was not the end of the world.

Cool blog site

I like the ability to search through categories on this site. The only way for an end use to see my categories, you need an RSS feed reader.

Running is fun

I went running again this morning. I really need to do this more often. If my blog is correct, the last time I went running was Nov. 5!!!

I'm going to look for the Vols game here in a few minutes. Hopefully it is on a local channel.

Indian Ocean Islands

Background for the book.

Mauritius
Mauritius continues to fulfill every visitor's dream of a tropical island, from swaying palms to the dazzling blue of the ocean, balmy nights and smiling people. One of the loveliest gardens in the world, the island inspires visions of unspoilt natural beauty mellowing in the sun between sea and sky. Its racially diverse people is a part of the natural set up, ever beaming with the typical gentle tropical smile of sensual, carefree and contented happiness.

Mark Twain recorded his poetic delight when he wrote "You gather that Mauritius was made first, and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius".The Mauritian Garden of Eden is as much marine and 'sub-marine' as it is terrestrial.

This jewel of the seas, set within the beautiful Indian Ocean, is surrounded by a precious filigree of coral, created over thousands of years from the bodies of tiny marine creatures.

Reunion
The French colony of Réunion, has spectacular natural and scenic wonders. Reunions spectacular mountain country is a naturalist paradise! The rugged mountains and gorges offer great trekking adventures. If you like unusual hiking, you'll really enjoy Réunion's tropical lushness.

No Italian for me?

I just got another NVCC continuing education packet. It reminded me of my failed attempt to teach myself Italian. As, I mentioned school provides the schedule that forces on to learn or rather to focus on the subject at hand.

Oh well, I suppose. I kind if don’t want to go clear out there every night or whatever. It would give me something to look forward to. I suppose it would be better than publishing a bunch of posts every night.

Seconds

Unlike, my brother-in-law, I didn’t like Back to the Future II. I did like:

1. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
2. Toy Story2
3. Temple of Doom

1. Shanghai Knights
2. Lion King II
3. Little Mermaid II
4. Angels in the Infield
5. Return of Jafar
6. Superman II
7. Men in Black II
8. Mummy Returns

Posted by Michael at 06:20 PM | Comments (1)

Setting personal records

I am setting records every day. Ever morning is another day living in Virginia! I could list all kinds of other silly records, but here is one I thought was neat.

I got my first comment from someone that I don't know. I am aware that you can fake your ID, but I just thought it was nice to know someone reads this stuff. Maybe I should be more positive in my posts!

Turkey Day

It is hard to believe it is almost December. Time goes by fast, but not fast enough some days.

I've got a Turkey Day lunch at work tomorrow. A dinner party in the Colonial Ward on Saturday, and then next week at my Aunt's house. I'll be all Turkey'd out by this time next week.

I should be thankful. Despite the tone the entries below may stem, I am grateful for a great many things. I would do a post on it, but it would just as boring as anything else I might post here.

Mormon Standard Time

Mormon Standard Time is what is known as coming 30 minutes later than the specified time. It is not just false doctrine; it is not doctrine at all!

Those who cling to it should be thrown from the Church, head first.

Trouble with Friends

I read over some of my recent posts are they are weak and lame, but what the heck.

The trouble with friends is that I don't have any. Ok, that it is an over statement. Seeing how I have no personal enemies, I have lots of friends.

The trouble with crowds or groups is that you loose you will. Ok, in my case, I feel I have to surrender my will because if I want to go anywhere or do anything beyond what I can do for myself or what lousy public services can be rendered, I kind of have to surrender. It's barely freedom at all.

I can honestly say that I have never had a best friend.

Friends come and go all the time. Growing up, most friends I never dared to take home because Mom never liked the few that I did introduce to her.

150,000 blog enteries per hour?

I believe it. Sorry, they don't publish the article for free. I read it out of a magazine at work.

My brother-in-law got involved about the time when it started to become popular. When it was beyond popular, I still shunted it. Now, I'm hooked. I find it a nice way to organize some thoughts. I have used the search feature on my own blog several times.

I'm sure I post lame stuff like this. Ok, maybe not that bad.

Speaking of work, I got bored and did a search for RSS feeds. I found a list of them and selected a few. I have no doubt one could get 150,000 articles an hour. But who has the time or desire to read them all?

New roommate

The new roommate Jon, has bought a TV, DCD player, and a microiwave! He's awesome because I know I would not have bought any of that.

Blaze of Glory

The other weekend my sister put on a David Brown [made] MP3 CD which had a bunch of “old” songs on it. I believe I have mentioned that I have a similar CD.

Anyway, the Bon Jovi song Blaze of Glory reminded my sister of me in 1991, prior to the Gulf War, mimicking Billy the Kid from the movie Young Guns.

I have my own memories of that too. I liked the movie. I liked the song. I wanted to go out in a blaze of glory. The previous year, I was arguing my case that I wanted to die on a battle field and not in a hospital bed or worse, live my life as some vegetable.

Cann and Jerry

I just learned that Weston Cann is coming up to attend Jerry Fails and his hot sister's wedding in Baltimore. He might sing this song at my place if I can host his concert.

Dumped again

I was dumped on from someone I hadn’t met in person. It would have been cool if my work party was in DC where I could metro to. But no! I didn’t even read the bi-octhes excuses.

I hope our paths never cross again. Unfortunately, I’m not that lucky.

The Mauritius Command

I just bought The Mauritius Command on CD read by Patrick Toll. It is entertaining. I like it so far.

It is book 4 of Patrick O'Brian's series. The movie was book 10, but book 1 has a similar title.

Interesting evening

I set out to see downtown DC at night, made it to Borders and bought a book on CD. I then went to find this one Ebbitt Grill restaurant, but settled for Potbelly’s.

I went buy the White House and by the Capitol building before I was anxious to listen to my new purchase. I was tired of walking anyway.

I made it back to my work where I thought too begin my digitizing there. I noticed I was not the only one there because the door was unlocked.

I copied a few CDs when I heard the front door close. I ran out to see who it was and set off the alarm! I quickly shut it off and waited for the call, gave them the password and waited for the police.

I copied about 5 of the 12 CDs so I can get it burned. I can listen at home too -- which I’m finally there What a crazy evening. Maybe I should have suffered through Institute. I could have even caught a Simpson episode. Oh well, I set out to try new things right?

I know where socks go?

I just got an email from Weston Cann in Utah. He wrote a song called I know where socks go? It's a real funny song. I'm guessing he needed a place to stay when he comes to visit.

Fast Break

I went to my favorite store to get some hot pads and bought some Fast Break candy bars. Not that I really needed them, they just looked good. I bought a frying pan. I need a good pan with a lid though.

I also got a Christmas teddy bear I would give to Corryn or my mother. Had I normal life and a girl friend, maybe I'd give it to her.

I like Enya. I was listening to it while I typed this up.

Mind boggling

From the early Simpson family on the Tracey Ullman show, we get:
What is the mind? Is it matter?

Professor Severus Snape at Hogwarts:
"The mind is not a book to be examined at leisure."

I consider it to be a movie theater or a library of sorts, only this movie is in 3D. It would be full of detail; like every sense recorded in a prefect state, a memory if you will. I suppose every thought could be recorded to.

I would assume trivial information like the fact there are exactly 13 stairs in my Dad's house from the basement to the first floor, is only recorded once. Unless some traumatic event took place, there is no need to store the 13.586 times I went up and down those stairs.

If this is true, it would make the judgment day easier. I mean having all you sins and, of course, all the good things you have done reveled and played back. That would be nice to relive the good times of mortal life.

But where does it store it? I once thought the idea that only 10% of the brain is being used meant that the rest was used for storage. But when you die, your body lays in the ground or what have you, and your spirit lives on with full recollection of mortal and premarital life.

I think I’m over the infatuation

Somewhat painfully, I have taken the figurative look in the mirror. I had fun over the weekend, but it is over now. I get to work every day this week. I wonder when my sister gets home and when she leaves for Tennessee!

Go vols? Not me. I did like it when Auburn beat them, but I was kind of sad when LSU creamed Auburn. BYU lost to Notre Dame, but that was an obvious loss.

Well, it’s not over yet. 13 more years!

Here it is!

My Dad was a medic in Vietnam. This story I refer to him as the Doc. I have taken some literary liberties in telling this for a couple reasons. First, I do not have the news article I got information from. Second, I read that article years ago and I barely recall the details. Third, I pieced together what few stories I have heard my Dad tell of his service.

It’s probably not the best story. Had I researched it at all, I could have described the jungle better. I could have a city or camp name, etc. Anyway, I thought it was fairly good.

It was a warm humid day. Patrolling through the thick jungle was rather uneventful. As Doc crawled into bed that evening, shouts and rounds of gun fire were heard off in the distance which alerted the entire camp.

“Ambush!” Came the warning.

Doc quickly got up, readied his M-16 and took cover outside the makeshift hospital tent. As a medic, his job was only to assist the wounded. I understand that he was called on more then was required to go out on patrol, because as it was put “Doc was religious and always came back alive.”

A call for help was muffled by the dense surroundings. Doc slowly made his way towards the sound. It could be a trap he thought.

A medic was worth about as much as an officer. Get one of them and several others are bound to suffer had a medic not been allowed to treat them. Catching one was easy too, just wound a solider and the medic will come. Or another solider I suppose. The point is you can get two with “one” shot.

Doc found the wounded officer but didn’t rush to his aid. Surveying the area the best he could in the dark, Doc slowly made his way closer to the officer when he was certain the coast was clear.

The officer was shot in the leg. It wasn’t a bad wound but the officer was muttering in pain. Doc put down his weapon and pulled out some supplies.

“Quiet,” Doc whispered. “I’ll get you patched up then we'll get out of here---“

An artillery shell exploded the ground behind them throwing them both forward about ten feet. Doc shaken but vigilant, wiped the dirt and leaves out off his eyes and started to feel around for the officer who was deathly silent now.

The officer was out cold when Doc found him, but vital signs were found. Doc began to patch him up when a rustling sound was heard. Something or someone was coming. Doc panicked and frantically felt around for his weapon.

It was defiantly someone and it sounded like they were looking for something. Possibly looking for them. It was a trap, but the shell and moved them out of harms way.

Moon light shown down for an instant on what was unmistakably that of a Viet Cong solider. Doc’s heart jumped, they had seen each other! Only feet apart, Doc scrambled back into the shadows and desperately prayed for a weapon.

As the enemy charged, Doc was fortunate to find the officer’s M-16. One short burst of fire and the soldier fell at the Doc’s feet.

Bandaging up the officer, Doc was able to pull him back to the hospital tent. The camp had returned to normal by now. Well, as normal as it could be I suppose.

The officer awoke in the hospital bed. He looked around and saw a large blood stain on Doc’s backside that trickled down his leg.

“Doc,“ the officer moaned. “You're bleeding bad.”

“Negative, it is just from you guys.” The Doc waved his hands around all the other patients’ beds.

“I think he’s right Doc” another patient explained. “You should get that checked.”

“Nonsense.”

Later that night, Doc retired to bed. The massive adrenaline rush began to subside and a searing pain on his backside throbbed. Doc put his hand over the source of the pain and was quite shocked to see the amount of blood left on his hand.

For the second time that night, Doc pulled his clothes back on. This time dragging himself toward the helicopter that was bound for a safer hospital. No one helped Doc on or off the helicopter. With the low blood count, all the Doc could do was prop himself up and wait for someone to help. Finally someone did.

Anyway, the story goes on to say that Doc was taken to Australia for recovery and was awaredd the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for the heroic and eventful evening.

Silly Simpson Episode

The 8 o’clock PM Eastern Tine on Fox5, was silly. Well, it was better than some of the new episodes. It was a musical episode but it was just silly.

Langley Ward Thanksgiving

I went to the Langley Ward mainly just for their Thanksgiving munch and mingle. I got late to Sacrament meeting to my dislike, but it turned out OK.

I ran into Dan S. and asked him about his bear can cook book. I also learned that the bar is particular to the state. I wonder if Cori passed the Utah bar or the Virginia one.

I also ran into a Liz Anderson whom I don’t remember from the Center Ward. I didn’t get to talk to Mandy but that really wasn’t my intention for going.

Wave sound control

When I got my TV tuner card I messed with my sound settings. The tuner card had a wire that rerouted back into the Mic input jack ioto the sound card. For some reason I lost my system sounds. I thought it was just the tuner card taking over. I often messed with the sound to no avail.

This morning I tried again, because we cut our cable shows down. After about 20 minutes of trial and error, I noticed the wave sounds were muted. D’oh.

Secrets out

Lisa-Marie and Corryn are in Utah.

Matthew got a new dog too.

Love of Money

I figured I should post an image. I found Cori's picture in a Colonial ward list I got off a roommate during the summer. I didn't think I should post it though.

I wanted to post a secret that I know, but it would just add to my supposed craving of leaking information.

So, I typed in "money" in the google image search because I like money. I don't love it, but there is a fine line between like and love.

The other day Gary asked if the love of money was such a problem, why people don’t pay more attention to it.

I told him that it so common that it is not perceived as a problem. I would assume one would have to accept and understand this scripture before they recognize it as a problem.

RE-Reading the Book of Mormon

I recently decided to read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover again. I found that I was always reading my favorite parts over and over and felt I should not neglect the rest of the book.

This morning I read about Lehi's dream.

I had an experience kind of like this. I was in my favorite temple, San Diego, I was curious to do some exploring. I found an atrium and was desirous to show it to my parents and all.

No cable TV

We just canceled our Cable TV subscription which kind of stinks when I can't find anything good on my TV tuner card.

Oh well. I'll find other things to do.

Friday night

Frankly, I'm glad I didn't go to with Clay to the movies. I spent the night with a pretty BYU Law school graduate. She just passed the bar... Cori Smith was a nice lady!

We got the movie late and were able to exchange our tickets for a later show. We went to Joe's by my work and shared a pizza and great conversation.

The movie was kind of disappointing though. I was expecting a happy story and not the gory tales of life aboard a wooden ship during the early 1800's.

Harry Potter Jingle

The jingle on the Listening Library production of Harry Potter performed by Jim Dale brings back some fond memories. I almost listened to the end of book 5 again today just to hear the happy little tune.

Instead, I went to MSDN TV to learn about WinFX.

Cool links:
http://longhorn.msdn.microsoft.com/
http://wesnerm.blogs.com/net_undocumented/2003/10/winfx.html

http://www.google.com/microsoft.html

Alternate Realities

I was going to CRITICIZE another physics concept without researching it to death. I don’t have the time or the desire to read up on stuff that logically makes little sense. The statement that mathematically it can be shown, but can not be physically proved is so true in this case.

Anyway, in quantum physics there apparently is a concept called Alternate Realities. Basically for every decision there are two results. To clarify, for every minute decision an individual makes infinitesimal alternate realities are spawned.

Example:

I make this post and accept the result as reality, while my counterpart in an alternate reality did not post the article and has gone on to other things. Some how both entities exist and their frame of reality continues.

Apologies?

I posted the following with much trepidation, yet the more the comments stew inside, a feeling that my statements can not be dismissed in one whopping sweep demands attention.

Santa, Bart, and Sharks

Corryn doesn’t like things that can move on their own.

Actually I don’t know what her phobia is but she didn’t like when people wore masks on Halloween. She didn’t like the inflatable Bart Simpson. She didn’t like the puppet shark I teased her with it after I knew she was scared of it. And she didn’t like the Santa robot guy. When I found the button to get Santa to dance for me, I pressed it and her grip become very tight. I thought it was kind of funny.

As we walked to the van, she kept saying “I no like him.” Sorry, Santa, not this year?

Deathbed Marriage

Now we know deathbed repentance will not work, but what about deathbed Marriage?

According to D&C 132:16-17 if one is not married one is forever screwed or damned to be an angel, never to become a God. Never ever?

One would view this as hell or damnation. For all eternity one would question why marriage never came around in mortal life. Surely they could have found someone. If only they weren’t so picky.

There should be a list for poor unfortunate souls as myself, worst case scenario, to be allowed to marry another on the death bed. This would fulfill this quota and allow one to obtain all the blessings.

What about those who died without being married? They could receive the gospel and have the saving ordinances done for them with the exception of celestial marriage. Doesn’t seem fair, but I suppose some would like it.

For me, I want to create worlds and play around with SuperNovas and destroy galaxies, for testing purposes of course.

Goofy Corryn

At the Disney (or as Corryn calls it, the “Mickey Mouse”) store, she was seen pushing around a baby doll in a stroller. When she laid eyes on the even smaller Goofy doll, she put Goofy in the stroller and baby on the shelf.

The stroller was too big for Goofy. It was a very goofy scene.

Record hunting

When I moved to Alexandria and I got a job here, the Langley Ward Bishop told me to get my records forwarded on. I finally took the advice and he was excited to pass them on.

I talked to the Woodbridge Ward to get them to request them even though Langley said they would send them.

Well, it has been over a month now. I am left to wonder if Woodbridge doesn’t want my records, Langley doesn’t want to give them up, or the Church has taken them unto themselves for some reason.

Aaron Skonnard

I was reading Aaron’s article in the Dec. MSDN magazine and was interested in all his references to Utah.

What in the world? I looked up this University that is in Salt Lake. It is dedicated to software developers...

I was further interested in when I learned that Aaron was part of developmentor – the company Don Box was with.

If I ever go back, I might take a few courses.

Crazy Grandma

I find out last night that my grandma had wood floors installed in their home and immediately had it covered with carpet. Why in the world did she do that?

My brother, who has taken over the house, plans to tear off the carpet and restore the wood finish. I think it will look nice. They need to do something with the yard one day. The sprinkler system is a maze of old pipes.

What new mysteries will be uncovered in the future?

Good Entertainment

• Book of Mormon movie
• HaleStorm Entertainment
• Johnny Lingo
• Charley
• Other side of Heaven

Trouble with my Dad

The problem with talking to my Dad is that I feel I'm always trying to get the right interface - I only have one chance to bring something up and rarely do I get a good response.

When I do get it right, I like not having to explain everything to him.

Belated Entry

Dave Heldenbrand, one of my favorite professors at UVSC, wrote back finally. I told him about my new job. His reply said nothing about good luck or congratulations. He must have thought I was dumb as a brick like everyone else. (i.e. Jeff Compass, Ken Knapton, etc. )

It's kind of unnerving when I am asked a question that I don’t know. I suppose this is where the above mentioned refer to. I know things but have no experience to back up what I say. I can’t get the experience I want because to get those jobs you need experience.

Mormonads

Cool, I always liked these New Era posters.

I guess it is bad that I link to this image. See here for more... They are fun.

Tunnelrunners: Background information

My Dad was a medic in the Navy during the Vietnam War.

The Marines, at the time and probably still today, didn’t have their own medics so they stole them from the Navy. I believe my Dad was assigned to those who I believe were called tunnel runners or tunnel rats.

While in Fort Polk, I talked to a paratrooper and we discussed the dangers of his position. Apparently he had done some research – which I can not confirm - but he stated that the life expectancy of a paratrooper during Vietnam was about 7 days. Tunnel rats? 2 1/2 days.

My Dad was on land for a year or so. These statistics would imply that out of 360 marines he went out with, only 144 would have been alive when he came home. No wonder he doesn’t talk about it much.

Harry Potter annotations

1. Why did they not fingerprint the wand that produced the Dark Mark at the beginning of book 4?
2. If there are other wizards world wide, why is it just the Ministry of Magic (assumed to be chiefly in the UK) the seemingly only group fighting Voldemort?
3. When the Weasleys came late to pick up Harry, it really bothered me too. I assume that the clocks were not synchronized.
4. Before I listened to book 5, I related the story to that of WWII. Appeasement and denial. Maybe the American counterpart of Harry Potter will still appear when the fight looks grim and save the day! USA!!!
5. If Voldemort is so powerful, how is it a teenager keeps kicking his butt? I guess he hasn’t reached his stride?
6. Where’s my new movie? June 2004? Why so far away? To give time for Rowling to write her 1200+ page book 6?
7. Why doesn’t the ministry have a Marauder's map of sorts? That way they could locate every one.
8. I was kind of disconcerted when the said the Dursleys were almost too clean or unnaturally clean?
9. How can the Ministery tell if magic was done in a Muggle community?

Cool SharpReader feature

Every time SharpReader refreshes itself, I get a notification of new items or posts for my subscriptions.

Bronze Star

I was contimplateing to write a short story about my Dad. I don't have all the detaiuls because he doesn't talk much about it. I read an news article about the incident my Dad was awarded the bronze star for. I read it years ago. My Grandmother, Nona as we call her, had it in her room.

Basically, I want to write a story that refelcts:

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the military of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

I'll piece a bunch of materials together.

Dang cold

It was 32 degrees outside this morning.

I haven't had the desire to post anythi9ng for a while, but I have some good ideas. Stay tuned?

Nazi gone?

I ran across the street to get some treats for poker night. I hate going out knowing I have money on me. It is so much easier to say "I give not, because I have not" when I am not carrying my wallet.

Most of the time I justly my ruthless distrust to "beggars" and the lot with this phrase: "I give not, for I have [none for you] to give." And then under my breadth I curse, "you lousy bum. Get a job! I got a job...."

Anyway, this guy approached me out of the shadows. When I was finally able to focus on the man's hand extended in a sort of act of friendship, I refused to shake it. I refused to even acknowledge the gesture.

"Get to the point, you lousy bum!" I so much wanted to say and felt justified when his request for change was made.

Humble up

I used this phrase the other day and it was misunderstood. I had to go to the source to find out more what it means. I found that Elder Maxwell has used it a couple times without much explanation.

"Again, our experiences surely do not approach those of Jesus, yet the same principles and processes apply. His perfected attributes exemplify what can be much further developed by each of us. ... Strange as it seems, we sometimes respond better to larger challenges than to the incessant small ones. For example, ... One can have humility that is hierarchical: being humble up, but not humble down. ...Such shortcomings must be addressed if we are really serious about becoming more like Jesus."

I’m guessing it means that one would be humble "up" when dealing with someone more wealthy or more powerful than oneslf and ruthless to those “lower” than oneelf.

'Brane-Storm'

I got a load of information from Gary today and did a quick search and found: 'Brane-Storm' Challenges Part of Big Bang Theory.

Don loves VB

I thought Don's VB song was pretty funny.

Microsoft fights Internet viruses

Microsoft yesterday unveiled a $5 million reward fund to help track down creators of viruses and other types of malicious activity on the Internet.

I guess it doesn't include piracy.

What happened to the sun?

It has been pretty warm the last couple days. The day I go running, it gets dark and windy. It was good though, at least I got some exercise.

Job hunting

I hate looking for jobs, yet it is pretty interesting to get a feel for how companies work internally. I disliked having to fill out my resume several different times for every new web site I found.

Some sites were cool and allowed users to cut and paste or upload a Word document and it would parse out what it could. Others, just accepted the document itself.

One thing I thought of but could not convince anyone – Ok I only told my Mom and Joe, I think – that my idea would be great. I only just remembered my idea today. I still think it would be difficult to convince people to go that way. Maybe Monster could pull it off for their customers.

Anyway, here it is. I guess it is kind of what Microsoft’s InfoPath would do. I further assume it would be accomplished easily using XML.

Take a huge repository of data where job seekers could post their resume in one spot. Any company interested in the applicant can request the user to allow authentication credentials to access certain pieces of his data store. That way these companies can format the resume into its corporate layout or standard.

Trouble with Noah's story

I have often wondered the following questions regarding what little we know about Noah’s ark.

• What about the marsupials indigenous to Australia? Did Noah have a koala on board?
• What about the insects? How did they survive if they weren’t on board?
• How did the fresh water fish survive along side the salt water fish? (Assuming that there was no Aquarium on board.)
• Was the world completely covered (i.e. baptism by immersion.) or was the world as Noah knew it covered with water?
• Where did all the water come from and where did it go?

I think that is it.

What are you doing?

Corryn called me today. It was fun although I couldn’t get her to say much. I should have asked what she was doing. She usually goes off on that question at home.

Wrestle Mania

In one corner we had 25 pound Southern Bell, Corryn Manning. In the other corner the whopping 180+?? pound Utahan recently relocated to Virginia, me.

Corryn got am early head start and jumped on the back of my neck shouting “I got you”. I would peal her off and let her begin again. My job was primarily not to allow her to get hurt.

I didn’t like the idea that she would playfully bite me back, not that I really cared but I didn’t want her to get in trouble. So, I started to whimper that she should stop kissing me. Then I got plastered with kisses. I was almost a bit worried I’d get a hickey of sorts.

Anyway when she called for her Dad’s help, I teased her that he wasn’t coming. When he did come, I was just as surprised as she was that he wanted to wrestle too.

You get what you pay for

Most of the time, the dollar store treats me ve4ry well, but I have a serious issue with the lotion I bought. The shower curtain isn’t all that great, but it works.

I got a free couch a while back. I was gearing up to replace some of the furniture. The Nazi brought the price of his furniture way down and my roommates snatched it up. I brought the couch in my room. Looks nice.

What a day; what a weekend.

It was quite the day. I pretty much signed my life away several times.

I forgot a couple important things over the weekend and I started to get a headache. I was anxious to get home to see the damage left by the Nazi. It was just as I expected, not too bad at all.

The toilet exploded and I felt bad for the people below who called in because the water came through the ceiling.

I finally got everything cleaned up. The apartment management had to replace a valve thingy and I hope they don’t send a bill.

Game Driver: Slow Sunday

It was supposed to be Fast Sunday, but I ate all the cookies and lots more candy. The days lately seem to drag on.

I played a couple of my favorite games with my sister. The conversation ventured down an aera I knew I wanted to bring up one day. Now, I guess I have to post it all?

Corryn and I had lots of fun this weekend.

David Mark Brown

I went to look up my brother's new email address and I found a message from an old friend. When I saw he wanted my brother’s new email address too, I started to wonder if that was not his real motivation for writing.

Anyway, Dave was the same age as my older brother, David. They were best friends. Well, up until high school some where. I hung pout with them on occasion. WE had some good times. We grew up in the same ward.

Dave and I continued our friendship in the Center Ward after he went to Japan and I to Louisiana. He got married and we crossed paths less frequently.

Last I saw him, I thought he was being a punk. I followed the stupid Caldera vs. Microsoft case then the SCO (Caldera with a new name) vs. IBM suit with mild interest. I thought it was ultimately an attempt to get more money in Ray Noorda's pocket.

There are a lot of memories involving Dave. Maybe one day I can compile them all.