Michael's Shower

Bear and the Dragon

I stopped listening to this book because I had trouble staying focused or interested. It was too offensive as well I think.

Why do people have to ruin a good story with trash?

Rosco Detail

I recovered the original story about Rosco. I only remembered parts of it. Included was lots of information I can research: location and city names, Kilo Company, rank, etc.

It also contained the tale of the first and of the last meeting between Doc and Rosco.

The beginning of the short story did start out as l said, but this paragraph was crossed out.

I misrepresented him a bit too. Rosco is pretty laid back.

Strong defense

We have always had a department for Homeland Security. It is called the Department of Defense.

"The best defense is a strong offense."

If true, I am all for preemptive strikes like that with Iraq. It would also take us out of a reactive mode to a proactive one like that stated in Tom Clancy’s book the Teeth of the Tiger.

Best sermons?

I heard some where, that it was known to have been said of some great orator, the following. I have adapted it to my blog site.

''The best speeches l have heard were in my own shower."

I find myself, some times awake at nights thinking about or over analyzing "odd" thoughts.

I need a woman.

Teeth of the Tiger

I got two abridged Tom Clancy books on tape. I wanted them on CD to digitize them, but oh well.

I liked how there were several references to places I knew of in Virginia and Utah.

The dialog was often pretty silly. I wonder if it was just how Stephen Lang read the story. Most characters were too unreal, tough guys who always talked in an "as a matter of fact'' tones.

I didn't like all the sexual innuendoes and the swearing. And yet I swear myself too much.

I want to go through the book again to research some of the supposed security secrets mentioned.

Tower targets? A description of New York City was mentioned in passing.

The terrorist attacks were pretty predictable and underlined that cheep shots like these are the extent these supposedly religious, America haters can do.

Christmas report

If you read Jeremy's post on our experience with NorthWest and my post Get on with it, the logical question would be did something happen or was prevented from happening?

It was good to see my nephews. The red headed infant was a shock.

I forgot Matthew's gift. I felt bad when I learned he didn't get any gifts.

I didn't really get anything I wanted, so I ordered the Indiana Jones DVD set online. The only problem was I forgot the suite number to my work. I tried to go back online to update this an hour later and the order was already getting ready for shipping. I hope it comes to the right place!

Trolls and Monsters

I had fun showing Corryn all of my Dad's Trolls. She liked them except when I made them move.

Corryn had a thing with monsters. I tried to convince her there are no monsters.

I showed her this stuffed animal-like beaver. She didn't like it when I made it move like a puppet.

Orem 5th Ward

I was writing up blog entries during most of the first hour, Sacrament Meeting. In my opinion, the only important part of that meeting is the sacrament. The songs are great and prayers are always good. I am just too critical of the speakers at times.

When it occurred to me that it was about time to go, I stopped writing. Sunday school, the second hour, gets a raw deal on time when the ward has excellent teachers.

I checked the clock and it was exactly 1 hour since the beginning. I kept muttering that the guy needed to sit down and that he was wasting my time. I got excited when his endless stories began to wind down, but he blabed on for another 20 minutes!

Frankly, I don't recall what the point of his talk was nor did I care at the time. Probably don't care now either.

I enjoy a good teacher. It inspires me to study more. This particular teacher has made comments in the past that made me question if intellectual interest was favored over practicing what was preached.

It was easier to follow through with my plan to skip the third hour because the Manning’s were leaving. There is something wrong about packing 20 grown men into a tiny room. Especially in the winter when the heater is already at 80 degrees or so!

Appraisers

I would not make a good appraiser even if I knew what to look for.

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If it looks nice, I'd appraise it high. If I thought it was ugly, well you get the idea.

When I worked for the dot-bomb company, I often felt I was the only one that would not so easily complain about different web sites. Rarely even now do I find myself complaining about web sites. Incidentally, out of the few sites I return to, Sprint PCS's site almost always is slow or unreliable but the layout is alright.

So my view is based more on functionality than beauty.

A coworker asked me if there was a better way to bridge these two independent code segments. The bridge code looked alright to me and it worked! I guess he thinks l am some kind of genius. I admired the ingenuity and he was asking me?

I'd have to walk across the ''bridge'' a couple hundred times before I could improve on it if necessary.

Should have called weeks ago

I should have called Sprint PCs weeks ago. Although the stores I checked didn't have my phone charger in stock, the main distribution center did. I'll get in a couple days. Well, I had it sent to Utah. Hopefully I'll get it while I am there.

Why bother fixing my old phone? Well, I like that phone. Plus it was a $40 charger (including shipping...) compared to a fancy $120+ phone, plus $40 for a BS changing phone fee, plus some other BS probably, bend over for more, and then I'd get my new phone.

This delayed route was better over all.

Which XAML?

I have been watching with passive interest, Microsoft’s new planned desktop operating system and development platform. Code name XAML differs a lot from Webopedia's definition.

Get on with it.

I shut off the TV just now because I got really sick of the sob story for the mass murderer Malvo. I say... no correction... I said, months ago, kill the [punk] and kill him the same way he killed others. Let him walk free but don't tell him when or how many people will be taking shots at him.

That is justice and it saves money too.

On another note, the alert status was again raised. I'm sorry, but I am reminded about how I was so intensely glued to the TV watching for anything the Y2k bug could have brought about. I was very upset I wasted so much time and nothing happened.

I'll probably get the FBI knocking at my door when I dare say something better happen with this new threat.

I mean you can only cry wolf so many times before no one will listen. If I was a terrorist, I would issue threats left and right until I was caught or until so much money was wasted that the defense was lowered so I could live out my suicidal, yet personally heroic, dreams as a car bomber and join the rest of my retarded mercenaries in [heck].

I can take hint

I was going to post about my dislike of Malvo and this new terrorist threat, but the server is acting up.

Oh well, in 24 hours or less I'll be haveing fun with my neice and getting ready to go home for the Holidays.

Once upon a December

I like the cartoon Anastasia. I like this song, melody and lyrics, Once upon a December. I find myself humming it. The lyrics remind me of Christmas somewhat. I guess the “December” part does.

Other tunes I often hum is, the African lullaby in Might Joe Young which sounds a lot like another favorite I only learned about years ago. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings it in the Saturday Morning Session of the 173rd Semiannual General Conference, October 2003. I wish I could bookmark a position in the streaming media link. (The song is towards the end, right after President Faust’s talk.)

I haven’t seen Veggie Tales for a long time, but there is a song in there that I like. Fortunately, no one knows that song. Gary picked up on the old Church hymn mentioned above. I wonder why it was taken out of the hymn book.

Goldenseal, enzymes, and multiminerals

These are the only natural herbs or supplements I will probably ever endorse.

Goldenseal works great to stop my fairly frequent ear aches.

Enzymes like this one I have found useful for when I go out to eat at Outback or when I’m going to eat a big meal (i.e. Thanksgiving dinner.) or a meal that might give me heart burn – not that I can say I have had it.

It doesn’t seem wise to use this as an excuse to pig out. Just because you digest food faster doesn’t stop your body from storing unwanted sugar or fat.

And multi minerals usually come with my multi vitamins, keep my acne situation under control.

Spirit to Serve

I just read the J. W. Marriott, Jr.'s book Spirit to Serve in fast forward, random indexed selection, and what not. I was curious to see what he had to say. I stole it from the room that I stayed in.

A few points of interest:

1. A&W Rootbeer, or rather a franchise in DC, was started by Willard Marriott (Senior) and his wife Allice. According to this site, it does not look like A&W stands for Allice & Willard.

2. The Marriotts mentioned above, moved to DC from Marriott Settlement, UT which is near Ogden, UT

3. Frist Hotel in Arlington, VA.

4. Forward written in Bethesda, Maryland? What does that mean? What is that all about? Does he live there?

5. Marriott contemplated buying Disney in the 1980s. Maybe it was a good move not to buy.

6. Church mentioned and Spencer W. Kimball quoted.

WTC Freedom Tower

It has been a while since I posted an image (Thanks ABC News!) and done a post that isn't about me. I am glad they are not turning the WTC site in to some silly memorial. I guess that is old news for everyone but me. Oh well, I tired to put my two cents worth in.

Sprint PCS pong

I made it out to the store. It was way beyond walking distance.

The sales lady sent my to this other place where I waited for a short while I suppose, when someone finally asked if they could help. I explained that I suspected my charger was dead.

The told me the technicians were out but to come back tomorrow. I didn’t want to argue with them. I didn’t want to tell them it was a pain in the BUTT to get all the way out there. I didn’t want to tell them what I really thought of them, but I did tell the guy where to go.

I looked around for a charger and new phones if it came to that while I waited for my ride who had gone next door. Some guy came up to me and asked if he could look at the phone. He confirmed my suspicion but didn’t have a charger to sell me. Of course they want to sell me a new phone.

Five Guys

I had two burgers today. One at Stella’s and one at Five Guys.

Stella’s was way over priced, well I was also with a huge crowd from work and all I had was a $20 bill. I got $5 back. It was my Christmas gift to someone at work. It was expensive but I guess the environment was what it was all about.

Five Guy’s was a less expensive, but just as good, maybe better. The crowd I was with was better too perhaps. It was a grease ball, but it was good.

Communication Restored

Yahoo!

Only Time

I love Enya, well I guess just her music. I can't say I even know the lady personally.

Anyway, her music has good memories tied to them. I first heard of her on my mission.

This song came out a couple years ago and like many songs I like, I either can't understand what is being said or there are no lyrics.

Clear and Present Danger

I am surprised out how serine I have been this evening. I knew I was coming to a place cut off from the world with no phone and no Internet.

I put on the movie Clear and Present Danger. I love Harrison Ford. It's a great movie, although the phrase "Clear and Present Danger" is in reference to Free Speech during war times according to the Supreme Court I believe.

Towards the end, I was kind of hoping for some company, but when my roommate showed up that changed quickly. He offered news that the cable might not be fixed, because I guess someone has to be here when they come.

Not very bright is he? Friday morning someone will be home? Only you jerky. I also questioned about going to the Sprint PCS store in vain.

I'm looking forward to going to Utah next week, but I am already sad because I know I have to come back. At least my Mom will help me, that is what I pay her for.

Actually she doesn't take the money I offer her for cleaning up after my brother and the mess he left at the Condo.

Mission Life

I read my brother-in-law's blog entry about how he missed his mission. I'd be curious to learn more honestly. All he mentioned was the sunset and Pizza Hut.

I spend so much of my time thinking about myself. My mission had brought many new insides to my life which I never really shared. I admit I tried to share a few things which were not regarded as highly as I held them and I stopped sharing.

Mission life was very surreal. It was clear what was expected and there were few things to worry about.

I admit I do not find missionary videos or movies with missionaries close to what mine was like. Maybe that is too much of a generalization, yet it bothers my I don't match the mold so to speak.

Tough material

It's been awhile since I have written about Doc. This story is totally fictional, but I thought it was funny when I heard my Dad tell it.

As the company was out on patrol, as usual, they walked single file though the dense jungle. In a rather small clearing, shoots were fired.

It is a natural reaction for an inexperienced soldier to jump off the trail immediately into the bushes, but it didn't take long to learn that was a really dumb idea. The VC liked this form off gorilla warfare where they would build these deep pits in the underbrush. The bottom of the pits where lined with sharpened bamboo poles. The pits were then covered and disguised.

This company was all to familiar with this tactic and crouched down and returned fire. Most of the time shots were just fired in the air to get the Americans to take cover and fall into the pits.

It was silent for a brief moment. Doc started to fall over slightly. Rosco rushed to his aid and yelled to the others to find cover. Immediately the jungle irrupted in an array of gun fire.

Bullets showed down on the surrounding area as Rosco pulled Doc to safety. While examining the bullet hole on Doc's right coat pocket, he panicked. Doc was out cold. With a swift, easy motion, Rosco ripped off the buttons of the coat.

Doc was alright. The Bullet didn't go through.

What a relief, thought Rosco as he tried to wake his pal up.

Every now and then, between reviving Doc and readily looking around, Rosco would shoot off a couple rounds.

As Doc awoke, Rosco pulled back and shouted. "Don't you ever die on me!"

Dazed, the Doc checked out the tattered coat. Then he started to smile. "Good thing I was wearing this," he said as he pulled out this pocket size Bible.

Rosco didn't notice the curiosity Doc had as he thumbed through the book to find where the bullet stopped.

"Maybe, it'll be something that will change my life forever..." Then Doc found it and started to laugh.

Rosco pulled back again. "What's so funny?"

"The bullet." replied Doc. "Isaiah chapter 1."

Rosco screwed up his face. "What does it mean?"

"It means -" he chuckled. "It means that nothing can get through Isaiah."

St. Patrick's Catholic Church

I went to a free concert Handel's Messiah at St. Patrick church downtown DC.

I think it was my first experience in a Catholic church, it was pretty interesting. I think I'll go to a mass one day.

I suppose I am just accustomed to the typical Mormon culture. I suppose that is why I don't like the Colonial Ward. I mean the building the ward meets in is just odd compared to the latest standard meeting houses.

Anyway, I only recognized one song. I was only planning on staying for an hour. When that time came, they broke into some kind of service. Before I finally slipped out I donated a couple bucks for the Christmas collection or whatever.

I was temped to look around because I saw a sign for the Spy Museum. I wanted to get home though because if the Internet wasn't working, I could barrow a roommates phone. I even ignored the temptation to go to work and check my email there.

I am somewhat relieved now that I was at least able to call my friend to check the status of the email server. Nate came out of his room after my much cursing. That's terrible I know, but I knocked on is door first. I just assumed he was gone. D'oh!

No phone! No cable! No Email!!!!

Wednesday, December 17, 2003 - 4:30 PM
Dang it! I have no communication ability at home. I gave my roommate, who said would call Comcast, the number 24 hours ago. I even asked him if he would call right then. He shrugged it off!

The punk also promised to go to the Sprint PCS store so I can get my cell phone working. We left without the address I emailed him earlier… now there I agree with the Nazi. Most people you would think would look up where they were going before setting out. Unfortunately too many think by some miracle they will find their destination.

That mentality is just really lame.

The browser client for my personal email stopped working early this morning and I thought I could just check it tonight. Surely the punk would have called by then But NO! You see what I have to deal with? This is why I need a slave… I want complete control!

I told my roommates to cut the regular phone line weeks ago to save money, so that killed any possibility to get on AOL. It sucks, but it is reliable.

I hope the web mail client is up or I am going to have to try pulling all my email down via Outlook - which I don't want to do. If I get a ton of email, I'd have to forward it to myself so I can get it again in a different location.

I even prepped myself for this loss, but it still did not prevent an angry rush!

Slow website?

As I posted stuff today, I noticed that it is was slow to load my shower blog area of the site. Was it because I have so much junk? I have over 400 posts but they are not all being loaded at once!

Do you see a delay on your end?

Our fun talk

The other night Corryn and were alone in the basement. Her Mom was trying to get some sleep because she was sick, as always (kidding). Her Dad was out to the store.

We were told to be quite. The house made some noise and Corryn ran for me thinking it was a monster or something making that noise.

We sat together for a while just talking and then the house made another noise. She clutched tighter now. I chuckled a bit and told her there was nothing to be afraid of because I am a monster too!

She shook her head. "No, you My-cool."

I growled and said I was a good monster because I love Corryn. Our fun talk came to an end when her Dad came home and it was bed time.

Shanghai Knights

I extremely disliked this movie. I was kind of critical before I even saw it. I couldn't see any good story line that could pick up where the last one left.

When I learned that Brandon Merrill, the Indian wife from the first movie wasn't in it I was bummed. Then when I heard every other joke had something to do with the guys unit, I was totally turned off. There was just too much silly stuff in the movie.

I thought it was funny I saw the DVD at my relatives' place during Thanksgiving dinner. The Simpson's are pretty much banned from the house but they allow this other crap in?

Pseudo Grand Jury

Just to see if I was in the right, or rather not completely at fault, I presented my case to a one person pseudo grand jury.

He found one ambiguous thing against me but agreed I was not 100% at fault.

That's good.

It's almost Christmas

Unbelievable! It is almost Christmas. I just wish I things were excellent all the time. True they are a lot better than a year or two years ago.

I turned down an invite or rather, a ride to a party because I need to get some sleep. I literally slept on the job today. Besides, I doubt I would enjoy it very much.

My roommates probably think I am next to the biggest looser in the world.

We had to give this guy a ride home and then he asked us inside where my roommate talked to him. Never made it too the party.

Dora the Explorer

I hate that Kids show. It would make a better computer game. In fact, I almost think it was and they just recorded someone playing it.

Corryn loves it though. She is so awesome to watch. She's growing up fast, but she has always been smart.

Anyway, the other night as we watched a prerecorded Dora episode, I decided to show off and draw Dora on this magnetic drawing board. Corryn liked it.

I tried to draw the other characters, but it was difficult to see the details so I paused it for a moment. Corryn fussed about it and I teased her a bit.

Next thing I know, Jeremy pokes his head in the room and threatens to take Corryn to bed early.

"She's fine." I quickly said.

And she was, when I left her alone. In fact, she went to grab her Dad after one last slide on her new toy from the Boy Scouts.

Crapy day, yesterday

I should not focus on all the negative events that happened this afternoon, but it is too late I already started.

I busted my pocket zipper on my coat. My phone did not recharge. The Internet was down and I wanted to post a lot of things because my life is so exciting.

Undiscovered Country

Friday I went back to looking ahead. So many unpleasant tasks. Too many unknowns.

As l was serving my time for my rubber stamp degree, it was difficult to find work. I wondered if it was not a reflection of the future.

I turned a wonderful lady down because of fear of the Undiscovered Country among other things.

About a year ago I found myself looking in the mirror everyday, after hours of vain job searches.

"Yeup, I was right. I hope she is better off."

A dieing phone?

I shut down my old, used cell phone after almost an hour of attempting to get a heart beat on the recharge function Sunday night. 24 hours later, I made a quick call and it seems to be recharging now – finally!

I still have the imprint on my check book when I got my first brick phone. My sister and I were getting this 2 phones (free bricks) for 1 shared plan. I accidentally wrote on the plastic cover of my check book. I thought the pen I was using was bad because the writing on the check was very faint.

Anyway, I got a neat, slick, thin phone off a friend and swapped out the brick.

I hate Sprint PCS. Well, I view them almost as I do doctors but more like a bank.

I fear talking to them because I feel they charge too much for every little thing and I get less for paying more.

Why do l stay with them? I fear change more sometimes I guess. I know the digital service is good most places I have gone.

If l can switch providers and keep the same number that world be one less worry. But I don't want to waste time researching such a trivial mater.

Gary says I should ask for a free phone, but I don't want another brick to haul around. Besides, they most likely will charge me for some conversation fee or some other silly, evil MBA concocted fee.

I just hope it is the cord. Last replacement piece of hardware cost me the vibrate functionality - which wasn't that big a deal seeing how rarely people call.

Lazy Sunday

I figured I should post something more pleasant on my site.

I enjoyed this last Sunday. It snowed during the night and was still cold outside. Church was canceled - which I admit was good so I did not have to feel like I waned to hide or repress my anger.

I got some good reading done. While engaging in my book, my sweet niece came up and said. "You no need eye patch?"

You just can't hurt a woman

I publicly carried on a "relationship" once with a small, secret desire that I could hurt her as much as she hurt me.

I never feed this desire. In fact I thought it died before the "relationship" started to. Right at the end though, she said something that activated this desire and I let her have it.

Looking back on the whole ordeal, I am of the opinion she just blew it all off and said "Finally, I am rid of the weirdo."

Half Truth or a lie?

An often debated subject of mine is finding the line between uttering something which is absolutely true, but withholds all the truth. Does it make it a lie? Every word utter was indeed true. The Meaning, true. The statement as a whole, true. The withheld information, while unknown doesn't make it a lie.

The intent of the withholding must be considered. If the intent was to mislead, then I agree it is a lie. Without intent however, it could still be viewed as a falsehood.

Which lead into the following so easily.

If one is raised with half truths as doctrine, does it make them liars? One who believes a falsehood believes without complete understanding.

How is one to be judged if they have not the whole truth but only to that which is known to be true?

How is one to judge another if they have not the whole truth from which to judge?

I guess it is starting to sound like a Church talk.

Bludgeoned Affair

Disclaimer: Don’t try to read this and make sense of it.

Communication is a key. I wonder if some people misconstrue a conversation enough as a tactic to allow it snowball out of control, to shift blame and take an easy route out.

It would be clever alright. A clever mind game that would be understood by someone who took the LSAT I suppose. And yet, I was accused of hosting the game. Wait, I suppose I was misleading...

All I can consol myself with is that all the facts were not presented. I take blame for the miscommunication and accept the loss although it was truly unfair.

USS ALLIGATOR

I thought the news of the blueprints of the first US sub was pretty interesting although the USS ALLIGATOR never really got the attention or saw the action of it's rival at the time, H. L. Hunley of the South.

Good news from the Middle East

When I first read about the capture of Hussein , all I wanted to know was where are the chemical weapons? I hope he is very cooperative. I want the French to pay dearly, assuming they had their hand in it: funding the program or what not

I wish I would have paid more attention to the four hour gun fight with his sons. I suppose they should be congratulated they lasted that long, because it was a pretty stupid for them to take us on like that. I suppose they wanted to die like heroes in their own shower.

Rubber stamp degree

A coworker of mine got some kind of Maritime engineering degree. Basically he knows all about designing boats. I’m sure that required other engineering courses because it would explain why he knows the lingo.

It is amazing what people are motivated to do in life. Now that I am no longer – if I can rightly say I ever was – in good standing with this lovely lady who recently passed the Virginia state bar exam, I want to say: if the statistic –

My goodness, I’m just crossing all kinds of lines with this post. “Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up.”

After my fairly horrible experience with statistics; not that I didn’t pass the class. I aced it! But I didn’t learn a dang thing except how to program my calculator to get the answers and to show my work.

I also learned that with the right population, you could prove almost anything. So, generally, and I have always felt, statistics are bunk. About 2 out of every 10 statistics I hear about are skewed big time.

This being said, I have to contradict myself by saying that statistics can give a person a relatively good idea on what a certain outcome might be and therefore is not completely worthless but retains some merit. How’s that for one sentence?

Anyway, back to the lawyer statistic. In a Simpson episode, a truly noteworthy source, it was stated something to the effect that there are about 2 lawyers for everyone in the United States. What great hearsay evidence? I can’t even quote it exactly.

So, I mention here that I am not so awed by someone’s desire to become a lawyer because they’ll still have to stand in the same unemployment line if dreams go bad. I do feel most of these people are over achievers, but my pedestal is not tall enough to truly look down on them.

I've got a rather bland, rubber stamp degree. A paper for the masses. Defiantly not the road less traveled on. But I suppose it is better than one in Communications or the arts.

OWOL Christmas radio

I found myself missing the good old OWOL.bomb online radio station that I revamped. I did a search on the Radio Station Guide and found lots of good stuff. I can't believe it; I'm going to say it.

Merry Christmas!!!

Must be a Jerk

I know I must be a real jerk. I can't complain enough on my blog site and I can't hide my discomforts in real life - which only adds to my already grumpy look.

I was talking to a friend about why I don't drink. Later, I started to formulate the idea that I am just so full of hate that drinking would force all that out and I'd be more of a jerk than ever.

That idea might explain why I get kicked in the groin so often. (Figuratively speaking.)

Another crazy day

I got kicked in the groin again, figuratively speaking. I mean I got dumped or rejected by a nice lady. Maybe she was dating someone already.... I hate that.

Work was rigorous. I did get a good breakfast though. Another company in the building decided to cater for everyone else in the building as a Christmas token of good cheer.

Lousy Tenets

The more I hear about my new tenets the more they really start to bug me. I suppose I should not complain too much because they are paying and they are only there for 6 months.

Crazy Day

I forgot my cell phone at work, fell in the mud with my white pants, went back to work on the stupid bus... I had a million things to do and people to call.

Too bad I don't have cool pants like Jeremy's.

Hecht’s ‘Great’ TV Spots

Every time I see those commercials I think if the Relief Society sisters.

“No, you’re great.”

“She’s great.”

“You are all great.”

It is so not what the Elders are saying to each other.

Rosco

My Dad called tonight and we talked a bit. Before, I lost my time slice, I asked him about Rosco. He said that he was a composite of different people.

I also got permission to do what ever I wanted to the guy. Cool, because I was going to anyway.

Today's Evening

I probably should have gone with my roommate to FHE, but I didn't really want to. I had a lot of things I wanted to do.

I thought he knew that Cori would be there or he just thought I need to get a life. Either way, I should have gone.

I met an attractive, young recent convert to the Church. I'd like to ask her out, but with my luck, I might scare her out of the Church.

AutoComplete.Net

I decided to start using my AutoComplete .Net application. I figure that the more I use it the better I can know how to improve it

In just a few seconds of use, I have noticed several desirable features.

* Larger font of the drop down combo box.
* A little help dialog box.
* A context menu.
* Spell checker.

Randaomized Dinner

Jennifer Peters hosted a dinner. It was good, I brought the good Minute Maid Fruit Punch. There was about eight of us that showed up. It was fun.

Everyone then went to the Stake Center to watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional message. I went home to listen to it via the Internet.

Popcorn, my eyes!

I surely have missed Corryn this weekend. I found my self singing "Popcorn, my eyes." It is her version of Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree.

The sun

It was a beautiful day out side despite the fact it was cold and I was stuck at the L'Enfant Plaza metro station for a while because it was closed and there was no sign saying that I should go to the next station or where it was.

I hate the sun's heat when it is already hot. But when it has been cold as ice for the last couple days, the sun's rays were more then welcomed!!!

PocketPC magazine

I bought a PocketPC magazine along with my junk food lunch and thought it was cool that there was an article in there from Bill Bell in the Orem city government, Building Safety Division.

I also liked the TDS Recon - Extremely Rugged, Moderately Priced? It is like $1400? I am very cautious about my toy and would love to get this.

Ages of Empires for PocketPC? I like that too. And CalliGrapher® 7.0, rocked. Maybe it could read my hen scratches.

Christmas party and work

I finally made it to the party, but it was good that we got there when we did. I wanted to leave for the room about an hour earlier than I did, but it is so dang cold and I was not sure exactly where the Marriot was.

To top it off, this Marriot didn't have a pool. The Haunted Mansion wasn't on pay-per-view so I just watched the History Channel.

The party was alright. I'm glad I went. It was an interesting experience.

I was also thought it was odd that I didn't find a Book of Mormon in the room. Every Marriot I have stayed in has had one.

All choked up

Yesterday when I was fuming about being stuck in a hole in Maryland, I tried to relieve some tension by calling people. I don’t know why I called the Mannings, it just angered me more.

I called Kevin and was excited he was all for going out shouting his mini A-14 (or AR-15?) during the Christmas holidays. Sweet, then I can get some pictures of that too. Maybe I could get the General to bring his cousin, Cameron (the Reverend), and his AK-47 with us!

I was much relieved, but it didn’t last long. What little patience I had was already used up hours earlier.

I called my Mom again. Even if she couldn’t do anything maybe I could convince her that the phrase “What is to be, is up to me.” Is a bunch of crap …. As I started into my rant, I heard a squeaking noise on the other end.

“What was that?” I asked.

“The baby.” Was the reply.

My new nephew had come home! I was much calmer than I had been 15 seconds earlier and found it was necessary to continue.

Same phone number

I admit I haven't kept up on the new phone number thing. Some places I have heard that you can keep your home number and use it as your cell number.

Now who wants to do that? I hate getting called by call centers promising some great deal.... I get enough junk mail; I don't want them to call my cell phone.

I only got one sales call on my cell phone and I was so not polite about it. Frankly, I wouldn't cry too much to see these industries and the phone book people go away for good.

MSG, NAK, MSG, ACK, ACK, ACK, ACK…

Where does it stop?

I have often wondered as has Gary when is it necessary to stop sending ACK messages in email.

In computer networking via TCP, a message sent (MSG) is replied to by an ACK or NAK. If neither is sent, the MSG is sent again.

Gary gets a lot of help from various news groups. When someone replies to him, he sends them a "Thank you" message. The other day, someone responded with a “Your welcome” message. Gary wanted to know if he needed to send a “Thank you for the ‘your welcome’ message.”

Generally when I get a message I will respond even if it is with a short “OK” ACK. Most of the times, I would like to get at least a NAK message as opposed to no message at all. I’ve often wondered if anyone is silly enough to exchange lots of ACK messages.

John Paul Jones

I am going to Annapolis, MD tomorrow for a work dinner party and free Marriot hotel room for the evening. I could not get anyone to come with even when I offered to pay their expenses to get me up there. True, I didn’t offer it in those words. Oh well, their loss.

I want to go see John Paul Jones. Well, what is left of him. I’m not sure I will get much time to site see. I need to get to New Carollton by the after noon sometime. Todd, from work offered me a ride from there. And I might have to get a ride with him early Sunday morning.

Todd is the man, the AutoCAD man.

copperLux

I bought a very nice new pan the other day. It was perfect for Jambalaya dinner. It was a copperLux.

I invited a couple people over but only my roommates showed up. Well, after an hour or so after I the time I said I would make it. I’m glad I didn’t wait.

Great News

I have a new Nephew! I forgot the size of the lad, but Skyler has red hair and I guess he was a big baby.

Congratulations Jonathan and Jenny!!!

My Condo has also been rented out -- which is totally awesome. I hope they like the place.

New comment

I just got a comment to the VB snipit I found. You know, when I think about it, the code makes a lot more sense.

GUIDs in .Net

The program I am working on relys on GUIDs - which has made it hard because we are not using the .Net Framework. Here is C# sample that would make it nice had we used .Net

Well, the idea that a GUID is native type would have been nice.

using System;

class GuidApp
{
  public static void Main()
  {
    Guid g = Guid.NewGuid();
    PrintMe(g);
  }

  private static void PrintMe(Guid guidVal)
  {
    Console.WriteLine(guidVal.ToString());
  }
}

Double Chocolate Brownies

    The mess hall was packed today. It was more of a tent, but that would have sounded funny to call it a mess tent. It was double chocolate brownies today and hungry marines were all crowding in to get theirs.
    “Rosco!” a lance corporal yelled across the tent. “Suppose Doc has enough for these.”
    Rosco looked over and grunted at the man’s prize. It was a handful of dark brown bags which could only mean he had acquired several brownies.
    “I hate these MRE meals,” Rosco said as grabbed a box out of the bin.

    Joining his buddies at an adjacent table, Rosco was soon deep in conversation and did not notice the Doc scramble in.
    It was indeed double chocolate brownie day. A day the Doc lived for. The best dessert ever to come of these prepared, air compressed, ready to eat meals were those coveted brownies. It wouldn’t come as much of a surprise if someone did kill for one of them, but this was what the Doc was counting on. Well, not exactly, but it was a different craving he wanted to exploit so he could get those brownies.
    Doc smiled pleasantly as he walked up to Riosco’s table. “Make a trade?” he asked as he pulled out these cigarette bundles. Now the Doc didn’t smoke, but he collected these from earlier MREs because he knew that they made great bargaining tokens.
    Rosco smiled wryly. “Not today Doc.”
    “Suit yourself,” the Doc taunted as he strode up to the guy behind the counter.
    He’ll be back he said to himself “What do you got that’s cold?”
    “Same as yesterday, “ The burley mess sergeant said. “Beer and milk.”
    “Yeah, I know. Never hurts to ask though. I’ll take a milk.”
    Rosco turned his attention away as someone stepped up to the Doc to make a trade. Doc scored big time on the brownies!
    After a while, the Doc headed back to his tent. He began to hide his trophy with some satisfaction as Rosco came walking up behind him.
    “Make a trade?” he said.
    Doc turned, smiled when he noticed Rosco’s anxious twitch. “I sure do.”

I need a slave

I often wonder if a slave wouldn’t be better than a wife. I want someone who can drive me anywhere at anytime. I don’t want to listen to her complain or what not, just shut up and drive.

I would like to be able to talk to her and make her listen to me. True, it would bother me if she wasn’t interested in what I have to say though. The lovin' would kind of stink too. I would get a mail-order bride if I was guaranteed she would leave me after she got a US citizenship. Maybe I should leave the country… um, no. Maybe for Canada.

I just so sick of trying. I was accused for trying to hard once. Frankly, I do think I try hard at all. I mean to date in general. I suppose when I met someone, I tend to skip all the dating crap and want to elope. And for good reason, give her time to learn that I am not as exciting as I might sound, and I’ll never be able to win her over.

I met a lady when I went back to school for some law classes. It would really bother me when she was very flirtatious but every time I tried to do "my job", I suppose, and ask her out, plan a date, and all that, she would always try to drag a couple of her friends with…

I had to finally tell her that I was not interested in her friends. Ok, I never got that pleasure. I think time passed and it got easy to not talk to her when the rare occasion came up.

Anyway, back to the slave issue. I see lot’s of attractive women all over this place. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder? Well when you partially blind, everything looks good. If they can drive, I'm set!

I found myself asking when I can meet these women. I come to the conclusion that this was the time. I may never see her again, and I usually don’t. Should I have even attempted to talk to her? What if she were only 17?

A good slave would make a nice substitute. Maybe, not the happiest or eternal solution. But by golly, it’s a [dang] solution I want here and now!

DCAMS in the NEWS

Here is my my work in the news. Ok, I am working on a new version of DCAMS.

The link is to this quarter's Fathom Magazine, which features an article on DCAMS.

Picayune, MS

The word of the day was picayune. I was in Picayune, MS for about three months. To this day I have wonder if my visit there was picayune, or of little value.

History lives on

WWII dictator who almost lost a war the Ethiopia has an ancestor who is involved with Italy's politics. Mussolini's granddaughter is continues to make headlines.

I thought it was fairly interesting.

Earth's protection

I needed to post a picture so I chose this because we talked about how the magnetic fields of the earth protect us from the sun's radiation.

Like always we had some fun discussions. However before I left for home, a comment was made that reminded me of a private journal entry I had made about the one who first befriended me will be the first to turn against me.

I suppose it was nothing to worry about.

My sister

There are days where I'm not sure who she is, there are days I am amazed what she can do, there are days she bugs the crap out of me, but best if all there are days I am glad she is my sister.

I can't forget to mention my sister has an awesome daughter too. This last weekend, I had a lot of fun wrestling and what not, but I also was reminded that she is a little girl and likes to do little girl things. It's hard to pretend I like her baby doll, when naturally all I want to do is drop kick it or body slam it.

Looks like Christmas

The building management has put up all kinds of Christmas stuff. They even turned the fountin into a tree. I'll have to get a picture of it.

Wow, that's amazing

I actually learned about something before Don Box. See post. I knew the Longhorn SDK was on line, but a lot of good it has done me.

Dutch Touch

There is a place close to where I work. It is ran by Koreans but it good food and convenient. This morning I got the pancake special. It was a very early lunch.

It is a convenient store of sorts too. A salad bar is set up every day and like breakfast you can order stuff they will make right there for ya.

Cake and frosting?

Corryn is the smartest little kid I have been around. I guess my view is skewed because I have really only been around her.

Anyway, I called my Dad last Sunday on his birthday only to find out that they were are all pretty sick with something. I felt it pretty ineffective to wish him a Happy Birthday when he was miserable.

Corryn heard me and started to shout Happy Birthday. I put her on the phone and the first thing out of her mouth was “Where’s the cake?”

She also learned the words “neat” and “dangerous”. I was impressed when she correctly used them without even being prompted.

Out on Patrol

One day out on patrol, the Doc heard someone whistling behind him.

Rosco shot the Doc a disgusted yet perturbed look before disappearing into the dance jungle. It never seemed to amaze the Doc that if he wasn’t careful enough he could easily get lost in this rough terrain. Probably tie worst terrain in the world. Pushing the gigantic leaves apart with the gun barrel, Doc barely could make out the Marine in front of him.

The whistling sound came again. Doc noticed Rosco's slight twitch this time, while his own finger nervously caressed the trigger on his M-16.

Doc strained to listen closer and could make out a sort of melody!

What in the world? Doc asked himself. It couldn’t be. No one was that stupid.

Doc thought he head a tune. He paused briefly to confirm his suspicion. Sure enough, someone behind him was whistling a tune. Doc stopped his march and waited for everyone to pass.

Doc looked into every man's eyes as they passed. Each knew what the Doc was looking for, and seemed to commend him.

When the last Marine came by, Doc's temper was almost unrestrained. Probably some new draft, in a matter of weeks probably, was thrown in to LBJ's blood bath. He was a young man, happy as can be. Whistling away like it was some
Sunday stroll.

If the kid lived through the war, I'm sure he would tell you he never whistled again after that day on patrol with the Doc.

Christmas shopping done!

Well, I already bought my person the required gift. During my little stroll through the little Landmark Mall, I stopped in to FYE to see if there was anything I could get for Corryn.

It just dawned on me that the Manning’s were probably there! They went to get family pictures done. I wonder of they saw me.

Anyway, I might have gotten ripped off, but I got the following. I know it ruins the surprise, but Corryn can’t read and I doubt anyone will read this.

• Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh DVD for Corryn.
• A Bug’s Life collector’s edition DVD for Taylor and Oakley. I wanted Corryn to see the movie, but I figured I should be nice.
• Mighty Joe Young for me, but I will “give” it to Skyler so his parents don’t get on my case.
• It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown for me!

AHA updates

I just did some updates to the Advantage Home Appraisal website. I did some quick database stuff.

The management tools for the site are all online and are really cool.

I am aware Joe can do a lot more cool, more nerdy, more powerful, more illustrious PHP stuff. But I've got other intrests too.

Be happy

You Know, I liked the Bobby Mcferrin silly ''Don't worry. Be happy" song of the 1980's I believe it was.

As I was playing with Corryn, she hugged me and asked or rather it sounded like she Stated. "You to be happy."

I smiled down at her and said "l am happy."

And l am, most of the time.

No heroes?

My Dad wrote a story once about a soldier named Rosco in Vietnam. I'll have to get it when I go back to Utah for Christmas.

Anyway, I don't know if it is fiction or if the guy was real. It might even have been a composite of several men.

At any rate, Rosco was a tough, tall proud African American in the US Marine core. Saved my Dad's life on occasion I suppose.

My Dad started his short story with something to the effect of: There were no heroes in Vietnam except Rosco...

I liked the character so much; I think I'll use him in my stories.

Voice of Corryn

• Merry Christmas
• I love you My-kool

Toy cover

I spent a lot of time writing blog entries on my toy.

The protective cover made it a real pain. I suppose prolonging another replacement screen is better.

Spanish HBO

I never thought I would see anything worse than Star Wars episode II. but to see it in Spanish was pretty sad.

Switching back to the English HBO, I finished the movie. I am sad to report even the Yoda fight scene could not atone for the pitiful movie this time.

OB1 reminded me of Weston Cann. I was very annoyed by it.

I am glad now my Mom refused to buy Star Wars merchandise when I was a kid. I do remember with fondness however, the time I played with Paul Roberts and his Darth Vader action figure and stuff.

Wrestle Mania II

I had fun with Corryn over the weekend.

I’m actually looking forward to this weekend now that it seems clear I can actually get up to Annapolis for the work dinner party and free stay at the Marriot!!!

Kick against the Pricks?

What does that phrase mean?

I suppose I am not stupid enough to leave the Church because of the acts of some pricks. (See last definition.) I can manage getting myself thrown out without other's help.

That's not the correct meaning I’m sure. If it were, the phrase would be more appropriately stated thus.

To kick with the pricks. Meaning to hang with the same to which you have become.

Private and public rebellion against the Church means very little except to the rebellious individual or prick.

See BD Pricks

Simple Life

The Simple Life sounded interesting when I heard the commercial spot on the TV. It reminded me of Tim Allen's For Richer or Poorer (1997). I liked that show except the first 10 minutes. (I think they went over board on the fast paced life.)

Then I looked up at the TV and saw Paris Hilton in a bikini and said, "Oh, that's what it is really about."

No, I don't think I'll watch it now. I was really wondering if this would be the first reality TV show that I would watch.