Michael's Shower

Cool web cam of DC

I found this in a web search for my Rendezvous point for this Friday. I wish I could find other online web cameras. I’d get one of those cool monitors and have it watch cool landscapes across the nation and possibly the world.

I like movies like Bourne Supremacy. If anything it opens my eyes a bit to other places around the world. I often find myself not caring much about news in other countries and such. I was glad I went stateside on my Church mission. I might have gone crazy and taken a few with me when I got impatient with the people because I could not speak the language well enough… I just want a [dang] cheese burger!

Anyway, it’s not a wise idea to search for web cams. It’s been my experience to learn there are severel of them that feature Candy, Jennifer or any number of her topless friends. That’s not exactly the kind of stuff I want to see.

Actually this site seems to be just what I want.

Blogs are worthless?

My intent for keeping a web log (blog) was for my own benefit. If anyone reads, l wonder how much is retained.

I also find myself ''claming up". More so than normal, when I know I have made a post on a certain subject. At other times, I'm glad l made the post first. In conversation later I often am able to recall what I wrote and am better prepared to verbalize a "well" thought out remark.

Ensign via MP3s

I have known that it is possible to get a recording of the Church's monthly publications. I would probably only "read" the Ensign. I just didn't want one of those huge tape players.

I recently learned that the Church now publishes, I suppose, digitized versions of these accessibility recordings. I think it is great. I might finally "read'' an entire magazine now.

I usually only browse through the pictures of the printed version. I usually read most of the First Presidency message, but now I can put it on my lousy Axim and listen to it several times over.

Cadbury Adams

As l took a piece of Trident whitening gum, I started to read over the labeling as I often with products The copyright read Cadbury Adams. Could it be the same Cadbury? I j impel online.

Well, I'll be. The logo for the gum products sure looked the same as the logo for the chocolates they are known for. I wonder what other products Cadbury sells in the US.

I found a history on the Cadbury.com site. Apparently Cadbury was born in 1768. Pretty interesting how so many things are connected.

Underground City

On a wall in the spy museum is a miniature display of a series of tunnels in Vietnam. They called it the Underground City. The tunnels connected several rooms together.

My Dad had talked about these tunnels. I understand the marines who searched these tunnels were called Tunnel rats. They had a life expectancy of 2 ½ days. I am glad I got a better idea of what he might have seen.

The membership has proved very informative. On my first visit, I didn't stop to read about the display because it was crowded. The second time, I overheard my Mom asked my Dad about the accuracy of it. By my third, I was anxious to read it for myself.

Primary Memories

What do I remember from Primary? I can recall the layout of the room were all the classes gathered for sharing time. The smaller chairs were in front. As I got older, I progressed toward the back were there were some padded benches. I remember pulling out the weights in the curtains.

I could recall a few lessons, leaders/teachers, and sharing times if I were to think about it long enough. First and foremost I remember the songs. We sang a lot. Once when my mother was Primary President, she called me to be a pianist. It was a disastrous mistake.

During one primary performance we were singing the Armies of Helaman. I believe it was one of the first times I can say I felt the Spirit of this work. I looked around at this "army" and wondered who felt the same as I did. By the time I left Primary there two or three of my age that seemed to here stayed with the Church.

Always waiting

If there is one thing I hate... I'd be a happy man. Honestly though, I suppose all the things I hate can be summed up under “lack of control”. I don’t consider myself as a control freak, but when I want something and it takes too much or too long… that is when I wish I had control…

Anyway, it was around 8 this evening before I could go running. Most of the time, the Peapod deliveries came early, but when the sun went down I was extremely upset. If only I could drive or had a slave… I could have got all that stuff faster on my own!

With my luck had I decided to go running earlier, I would have been charged extra because I was not home when I said I would be. Oh well, it’s all in the past now?

Silly me

I just noticed I had the wrong version of ActiveSync installed for Axim. When I got the CD, I didn't bother to read there was a new version.

I noticed a message was displayed when I tired to connect. This time I took the opportunity to read it!

I'm trying to get my Classic toy connect too. It has been having power problems... I'm glad I got a new one. Too bad the wireless is kaput.

Is mortgage debt?

When I am asked if I have any debt (meaning: do I owe lots of money to a creditor) I tell them that I do not. It occurred to me today that while I am not behind on my mortgage payments, the outstanding balance not immediately due could be considered as debt.

If you pay off a credit card's monthly balance when due, at what point is dept considered? At occurrence of a purchase via credit? When you fail to pay in full one month?

I would assume if you keep up on the monthly payments it is better (psychologically) not to think of a mortgage, car payments, and possibly other loans (i.e. student/ school education) as excessive debt.

What a day?

I'm glad the General came to town. It has been 24 hours now that I have been the only one at my apartment. Well, I went to Church mainly to see someone who wasn't there!

The self-inflicted solitary confinement reminded me of the several days I spent in my Condo. I need to get a better life.

I’m going to attempt the China bus run one day. It should be alright now I know what to expect. Should have gone this weekend. Oh well.

50 Greatest Movie Animals

I watched this program pm the Animal Planet, but I disagree with the outcome. If the animated or fictional animals count, and despite how I feel about an unhealthy dose of Disney, Mickey surely comes in first place. Toto, the dog, is a minor part of the Oz show.... he barely would make it on my 50 Greatest Movie Animals list.

New Feelings on Vietnam

I was going through a bunch of old bookmarks (Favorites) and I saw this picture and thought about Rosco. Lately, I have realized my thoughts of the war have been changing. I’m not sure how I really feel about it anymore. Maybe one day, I’ll work it all out and put out more stories.

China bus

I am too chicken I suppose to take the China bus to NYC. Getting there wasn’t an issue, it was coming back that was not a pleasant thought. Well, I get that almost every Monday morning when I slug from Woodbridge I guess. Oh well, I don’t particulary like big cities.

Yesterday, I caught up to the General at Archives. We walked around a few Smithsonian’s until they closed. Walked by the Supreme Court building and then headed over to Ballsten where I was told there was an IHOP close by. We also tried to catch a movie but there was nothing that really caught our interests so we came back to watch Crocodile Dundee 2.

National Geographic museum

I suppose the hike up to the place wasn’t a waste. The exhibits were smaller than I expected, but we were able to swing guest passes to the cafeteria. The sign said for employee’s and invited guests only. The General missed the “IDs required” bit and I tried to pull him away from talking to the security personnel.

Maybe it was my awesome FBI T-shirt (Not the gay ones with the letters, but the actual FBI seal) that earned us the passes. We dressed very similar so I wonder how many people we ran into thought we were with the FBI. Maybe it was just our pathetic, hungry looks…

It was quite the long day. Fun, but very tiring day.

General Wood is in Town

That’s right, the General is in town. I plan to show him some sites and I will be going to NYC this weekend.

Information Inhibitor

I'm not sure what the deal is but I can pick up a book I have read before and be surpassed by its contents. Even my own blog entries shock me. "I don't recall making that post," I find myself saying.

Then there are people like Ken Jennings who can recall such obscure information in nanoseconds!

On the other hand often the strangest things trigger recall on loads of information I didn't know was stored in my memory bank. The amount of detail is incredible. Glad I didn't waste more time with Nintendo.

Silly Pine Cones

l am glad I came I down to Woodbridge this last weekend. Sure, I wonder what might have happened had I not. It probably would have been uneventful.

I have wanted to show Corryn a pine cone for some time now but I haven't seen one. Well, until she pointed one out on our walk. I was happy and I made her touch it so she would get over being afraid of it. Once she realized it was alright she went around and picked up more of them.

We also had a good talk about creatures, plants and things. I wonder if she will ever remember any of these things. It is a silly thing for me I suppose, but hey it’s all good.

Executive Orders

The main thing that bugs me with Clancy style, tough guy ego stories is when these tough guys more or less bully the President into submission. Clear and Present Danger has the President in the story, but nobody is telling him what to do.

I have been interested in the chain or order of succession, but Clancy's Debt of Honor sounded too implausible. I'd probably read it just for the action though.

Executive Orders takes off where that book leaves off. The tough guy doesn't bully the President, he is the President because he was the last authority figure in line.

Appeasement and Kerry

I admit I don't follow political discussions, especially this coming Presidential election. I caught a news report that briefly addressed Kerry's comment about fighting a more effective and sensitive war on terror. Reaction to his comment came up in Cheney 's speech....

John Kerry's talk of being sensative not only made him sound like he is gay, but like a terrorist sympathizer. I wonder if he would have appeased Hitler too.

Rhino-skin

My classic toy can be retired very soon? The cradle for my new toy finally showed up. I had lots of trouble with Dell in ordering it all. I think it is defective too. Oh well.

The protective case came yesterday. The screen protector sheets should come soon.

On a connection test at work, it was very smooth. A connection test at home? Well, I think I may have killed something. It will not sync with Outlook or the hard drive. I tried to have both toys connected to the machine. That and my security settings may have caused some confusion to the installation.

Maybe, I’ll figure it out one day.

Time Sensitive Entry

When I bought these CDs from Sam Goody, I was given a free six week or so subscription to Entertainment and Sports illustrated. I knew I wouldn’t read the Entertainment trash, but I might look through them both.

This issue had a top 10 college picks. LSU was number three! (I’m partial to that team.) USC was number 1, but I had to ask who they were. I remember Oklahoma (#2) from last year… The beloved Tennessee Volunteers #11 (on the web site) and my Auburn Tigers came in thirteenth. My school, the Utes are #19? BYU must be hateing that. Well, Crowton stinks as a coach.

Wow, if I get any more into football I might be in with the guys. Hmm, I kind of doubt I will follow many games.

First and Only Time I Was Asked Out

I was pressured into asking someone out for a prom. I think l was even bribed.

Anyway, I picked out someone whom I knew from junior high school at least. I walked straight up to her door and asked. I wasn't going to play around with some creative, silly invitation.

About a week later L. Hall called to cancel but was too embarrassed to talk to me. So, I understand, in tears she told my mother why she could not go.

Nothing against Hall, I rejoiced with the news. I didn't want to go anyway with anyone. I had asked and that was all that I had to do!

I ran into Hall at school one day. Again she apologized. I reassured her it was alright.

I suppose when I would not respond win ''perhaps another time" or what have you, she said she would have to ask me out some time.

I knew it was very rude the second I busted up laughing. It seemed very ludicrous at the time.

Anyway, these brief meetings continued throughout the remaining school year. I think I even told her I was offered finical support to go to prom because I had limited funding of my own.

When she called to ask me out in June, two weeks after school let out, I felt bad for lying to her about how I had no money. I was just being a jerk.

In short we went to Blimpies, mini golf and some other fun stuff at her expense. I remember telling her I was no good at mini golf as I got a hole-in-one on the first hole.

I don't recall ever seeing her after that, but in all honesty that means little. I barely recognize anything from a distance.

Supreme Spoiler?

Well, kind of. l can not be held responsible if you keep reading.

I thought the whole under water scene with Jason's dead girlfriend was a bit silly.

The movie had a lot of intense action that ended abruptly. Did they run out of money or did the screen writers die before it was completed?

Maybe that is how the book ends. I have yet to find out.

Grade School Graffiti

l was at Tyler Cory's house the night two neighborhood kids came by. Tyler and I were outside on his trampoline, in our sleeping bags.

These boys showed up to invite us to go spray paint the school.

''No thanks." I told them.

The next day at school, I got my first look at their handy work. I had no reason to break my promise that I wouldn't tell on them. They had spray painted their names on the wall!

Incredible.

Bourne Legacy

I ''ruined" the movie for my brother-in-law. If anyone looks into the original books or Legacy. I think it would do just as much damage. The descriptions on Amazon didn't seem to match the movies. I suppose Matt Damon as Jason Bourne could continue in future movies.

Disc Golf

I had all but forgotten about Frisbee (disc) golf until a coworker had brought it up. I tried to get my relatives to go when I first got out here a year ago. I since surrendered my normal Frisbee to my niece. She uses it as a Play-doh plate.

Ed first introduced me to the sport and I have gone to the park several times. If it would have been closer, I might have gone more. I noticed there were a lot more courses in Virginia than Utah. I was excited to come out ere just for that!

?It surprised me to find out there was an association. Even if I went out to play as much as I could, I still don’t imagine joining a team of any sort or competing. I just thought it was fun.

On the Metro

I listened to this family sitting in front of me. They had to have been from the South some where. The little girl had an accent.

Sure enough, they were from Alabama. I over heard them talking to another tourist.

As it got close to my stop, this older couple got on so l offered up my seat. The lady took it but the man asked if I was from Orem.

Turns out he was from the Stake Presidency over the Timpanogos 8th ward and had seen me from one day while visiting. What a realy good memory. It has been years since I was in that ward

What are the odds we would meet years later, hundreds of miles away from North Orem?

Grandparents' gifts

I know my older brother and l were each given $300 in a savings account. I'm not sure when the event happened, but I recall watching the small amount grow over time.

I have often wondered if my other grandparents knew about this gift. It seemed they were pretty competitive at times. Did it really matter which grandparent gave the most?

Arguably, I still have the $300. Had I been given it when I was born, its possible it may have tripled in value already.

Who's next?

Elder Maxwell and Haight’s passing was not much of a shock. I am surprised so many of them are still hanging on. That is a good thing though; the Church needs a familiar face to lead them. Well, I suppose I can only speak for myself.

I need to find out all I can about the "new guys". I spent lots of time "getting to know" Elder Holland and Eyring. I can not afford another misunderstanding as l had with President Hunter. Change was problem at the time for me. When Benson passed away this old dude whom I swear I had never seen before was sworn in so to speak.

I admit I never knew the prophet. It was hard for me to accept him. I was probably the only one to be glad he passed away so quickly and someone I have known and loved for a long time filled the position, President Hinckley.

Full circle

Amazing how much my life seems to be going in circles. I just got the DVD Fog of War which I set out to watch months ago.

In process of my Wonka information search, I revisited wikipedia which is a wiki, but I still was quite surprised to see I could edit the content myself.

I was further impressed n see the GNU open document license link at the bottom of the layout. I first ran into GNU at the U. Over the years it has come up in several instances.

Wonka

I had some bottle caps a while ago, while I reminisced the summer days at Scera theatre, I put down on Netflix Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

l happened to watch the show on TV recently. It further inspired research on Wonka candy. Which came first the book or the candy?

It also inspired conversation of Ronald Dahl. Here is where I found out about the new Johnny Depp movie. Had l not eaten the bottle caps would I not have been so keen to find out Nestle owns Wonka?