Michael's Shower

Mario Brothers

The daily Wikipedia email that I signed up for over a month ago seems to be working finally. Today’s article was on Mario Brothers 64. (A game for the 64 bit Nintendo system) Although I never played beyond Mario Brothers 2 on the original NES, if still brought back some fond memories.

I wish I could blog via some telepathic procedure. I've had a couple dozen thoughts, over the weekend I wished I could have persisted to some digital medium for later recall.

ACM books

I just joined ACM for its online books. Work is supposed to reimburse me, so I thought it was worth it. I noticed it did not have any Don Box, Keith Brown or Chris Sells books. Maybe they are included in the more expensive package. I did see some Richter books though.

There are a lot of interesting books. I found a great one on Threads. I’ve been messing with them off and on over the years. Nothing very serious…

I am interested in the Business courses and books too. Of course they are more IT related, but it is still good. Now that OAK Management is at CMM level 2, I aught to read up on what Configuration management is among other stuff.

Wilson brothers and Brooks

It is kind of funny that I get interested in some famous people lives, yet I shun the Entertainment Channel and everything like unto it. I also thought it was crazy that there were many that would be so fascinated with these other people they never met.

Anyway, I walked in to the living room where my roommate was watching this show on TV. I made the comment that the one guy sounded like Owen Wilson. Turns out it was his brother, Luke.

When I went to look online for more info, I found a link to James L. Brooks. Everyone that watches Fox should note the connection to Simpsons.

More Reflection: snow day

I was going to post the following with this post, but I sent the link to a different email address.

I picked up this old lesson manual. I randomly turned to this lesson. I remember sitting in the Center Ward chapel, during Elders Quorum, when this lesson given.

I wonder what the Church is going to teach after they run out on the prophets' teachings books in a few years. When they started out, each prophet's book was used for a two year period.

Lunchables

I could not get Lunchables all the time when I was a kid. Now that I buy my own food, I get them all the time. I wonder if this like my Dad's obsession with Disney.

Today's came with no drink but shortbread cookies. It reminded me of the trefoil cookies the Girl Scouts sell.

Building the cliental?

Wealthy people, stars (rock, movie, sports, etc.) and others will almost never win inmy book. I’m not sorry, I belabor my negative sentiments. If one ever befriends me and I can enjoy what they have maybe I would change my opinion. I have no worries I’ll become one of them.

When I heard what the Gates Foundation had done, I wondered if Mr. Bill is not investing in the future. If these children live long enough, it is possible they could buy software from Microsoft.

Point of Reference

I noticed I had like 900 old emails in my inbox at work. Amazing how time flies? Over the weakend, I listened to the Titanic soundtrack. I brought memories to my mind as if I saw the movie yesterday. The movie has proved to be some kind of milestone marker in my history.

I guess it is more of a landmark or reference point. Anyway, I really enjoyed the music. I swear I had made a post on it before. Huh, I thought it was longer than this.

I then got in a conversation about how time goes so much faster when you’re older. When I was a kid seasons seemed to last forever. Now, I blink and almost miss Christmas.

Bird Bowl

The Eagles game was OK. The Steeler's loss was almost as pathetic as the Colts's. Now, I guess I would like to see the Eagles stop the Patriots. Honestly though, I am more anxious for the commercials and maybe another flashing.

I played Ages of Kings over the weakend too. I defiantly could have benefited from a Mayor, Sergeant Major or other AI units. It was slow moving to micromanage everything.

I felt gypped that I missed Church. The snow was a fun change, but it is too cold to do much.

One of the most beneficial thing I did was my preliminary research on Blizzard. It lead me to a SAN server I was not aware of; the HP EVA.

Right to Habeas Corpus for non US citizens

Like always I am probably behind the times. I’m still not quite sure what habeas corpus is and how it is applied, but it seems to me that anyone who feels they have been imprisoned indefinably without reason can challenge the lawfulness of the act. See definitions.

I am curious about the date in this disclaimer.

I have no problem allowing a US citizen to claim the right listed in section 9 of article I of the US constitution. If non citizens, like those held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba can claim Constitutional rights, who else can?

Sounds like the judicial branch has already used US tax dollars for these non taxpayers. If they want representation, then they should pay for it. Was not this what the American Revolution was all about in the first place? Well, at least in part? This Supreme Court seems to have opened the doors to detainee’s all over the world.

Too lazy to post

I guess I am going to cheer for the Steelers now that my team was humiliated.

In the Navy

Sometimes at work I come across something very cool. A coworker was passing out this chart of all the ships in the US Navy. It listed the commissioned ships by class and had a profile image of each. It also listed those under construction and under consideration.

Had I paid more attention to the news, I would have learned about these three Sept. 11 “memorial” ships: USS Somerset, USS Arlington, and the USS New York. All amphibious transport dock (LPD), San Antonio class.

The USS Virginia (Virginia class) submarine was new to me.

The USS Salt Lake City must be an incredible submarine. I’m just joking.

It was kind of disturbing that this non US web site knew more about the Navy than I did. I guess that isn’t too shocking though.

SPICE

I could have made a post about my use of Tony Chachere's this evening. Or I could have told of the time I put jalapeño slices on my chicken and dumplings because it was so bland that I thought I was going to be sick.

We are doing this CMM training at work. That is why I was so mad that I was late. Oh well, things worked out OK.

Anyway in Appendix G of one of the books, it had a thing on SPICE. I got a booklet on that in my EE class at the U. At least I think it was the same thing. The book is with all my other books in Utah. According to the University of Pennsylvania, it is not the same – which makes sense because it is not software related.

Least privilege

As I read Keith’s book, the more I wonder what in the world he is talking about. I kept reading because I like the printed word and I do understand most of what he is talking about.

On Keith’s blog he mentioned he was getting clearance to instruct some government dudes to secure their software? Cool, but I would have hoped the government already had this security stuff down. Well, I suppose not every agency is as concerned about it as the military and others would be.

Game night

I made my roommate go to game night at a friend's place with me. He didn't want to stay long and I told my friend the plan. I thought I was very nice and friendly to her, but my roommate told me later that he thought I was kind of rude.

[Dang], I just can't win.

More waste

The Colts game was almost as sad as the Vikings game. Sad as in poor/pathatic football. Next weeks game with the Steelers should at least be a good match up although I did not want either team to win. Oh well, such is life.

Public Prayer

I had to give a prayer in Church the other day. I’d rather give a talk any day over a prayer. A talk you can at least read from. My prayers are almost as random as these blog entries. I didn’t think it would nice if I took up all the time babbling on. I just wanted to get out of as soon as I could…. Shortest prayer ever.

What a waste

I was pressured in to watching Dumb and Dumber. I was glad I had not wasted my time with the movie before. I could have done with out the crudeness. The title gives it away, Dumb. Had I been given the remote, I’m not sure I would have wasted time fast forwarding. I would have gone straight for the power button.

Anyway, I learned a lesson today. It was a very slow, boring day. Maybe things will change; I kind of doubt it. We’ll see.

The Steelers game was fun to watch although I only saw the beginning and the end. I accomplished what today?

Vacation Spots

West Yellowstone (WY in MT) is to young single adults out West as Outer Banks (OBX in NC) is to those out here. Well, let's just say I've been to both places.

I dare say the Yellowstone trip was a lot more fun. The crowd was smaller and I knew them all for the most part. It helps we were in the same ward, which was about a forth of the size the “mob” ward I’m in now.

While eating some swordfish with a nice lady from my WY trip, I was told the OBX trip was now frowned upon by 1st ward bishopric. Ah, like I was going to go with the “mob” again anyway. I am going to go this year if the Mannings go. I missed out last year because I was trying to be loyal to work.

On schedule

I left work early yesterday to go running. I almost slipped on the last stair case… glad I didn’t hurt myself like I did that one year as I ran out of my Condo…. Anyway, the rain came out of nowhere but I was in a great mood. If things go well today, I’ll finally be going to Papa Razzi.

Watched Surviving Christmas; it was alright. I did not watch it in fast forward.

I’m thinking of posting the end of Dad’s story soon. I was going to rewrite it somewhat, but it is probably better to go with the original.

The Village Mission

''Hey", Rosco called out as he pulled up in this old, beat up, green camouflaged truck. ''Want to come with me to the village?"

''Sure, what's in the village?" Doc asked.

"A mission."

Doc paused. "What kind of mission would take us to the village?"

Rosco smiled wryly. "I'll tell you in the truck, Rookie."

Doc climbed in and the truck rolled out of the camp. It had rained the night before and the roads were still a bit muddy.

''So," Doc finally asked. ''You going to tell me?"

''We're decoys; trying to weed out unfriendly villagers." replied Rosco.

Great, Doc thought. Live bait.

As they approached the village Doc was reminded that he wasn't home. The foreign shops and signs made an impression never to be forgotten.

Doc almost did not remember what he was doing there. Rosco's voice pulled him back to reality.

''We've got company."

Doc strained to see what Rosco was looking at in his mirror. Two Vietnamese men on scooters pulled up behind the truck. One looked as if he pulled something off his belt. He tossed something towards the truck!

''Bail!" shouted Rosco.

''What?" Doc questioned, but Rosco had gone. Something clattered around in the back of the truck. He quickly opened his own door and fell face first in the mud.

The truck rolled on for a few feet then exploded in a ball of flame. Machine gun fire rang out and shortly both scooters lost their riders.

Doc lay still until a large hand pulled him upright. "You OK Doc?”

KOWA site

I do not remember ever seeing the Korean War Memorial, it was one of the fun things I did last night. I also found this about National or DC Mall.

A date with an older woman

I'm not sure what to do some days. Isolation I know and it is less heart breaking, but it is so lonesome at times.

I was quite perturbed when we did not make it to Papa Razzi. I was pacified though that we went somewhere where I had not been. Her roommates must have talked because I was also taken to the DC Mall. I've never been there at night.

The conversation was all over the place and finally left me in the state of consternation. I wrote up another Rosco story which I hope to put up tonight. It was great to dwell on something else.

Am I worse than Randy Moss?

I admit I sound like a jerk in some of my posts, but I am not as bad as Randy Moss am I?

I took over the DVD remote last night because I had no patience to get answers to my questions about the movie The Village. This was not a movie I wanted to see when it came out, but my roommate relinquished control and left the room so I could fast forward.

I'm glad I did. It was an interesting story, but there were a few parts Im glad I did not wait to see played out. I watched at normal speed every once in a while to catch the dialogue and get the gist of what was going on.

I'd kind of like to live in an Amish community. Had I grown up in one, I guess I would have been scared of the red dudes too. When I first saw the "creatures" I knew imediately they were human and I had little fear of attacking one... but I was not in the movie.

The idea of breaking off from society is not a fresh one. That was the story of Star Trek Insurrection and my story about Zem.

MMmmmm, Pancakes.

I love breakfast food. Especially pancakes. I had German pancakes a while back.

I have had Norwegian waffles, Belgium waffles, French crapes and Austrian pancakes called Schmorn.

All this time I thought this Schmorn was another invention of my Dad or his Mother, my Nona.

Just be friends?

Now that I am in the mood for posting dating experiences, I wanted to remind the reader of this one.

Most, if not all, of the times I’m told a phrase like “let’s just be friends”, I never see or talk to the person again. I cannot deny that I have at times, figuratively extended the middle finger and shouted, “Befriend this!”

If a friend can be broadly defined as not an enemy, by no effort at all we are still friends? What a worthless classification. Friends call. Friends do stiff together.

Not a good idea?

I was once rejected with the phrase "I don't think it would be a good idea." I asked this lady out unofficially a few weeks earlier. At that time I thought she was an idiot that she had not planned her time very well. I recently realized that I may have given her the wrong directions. Oh well.

Anyway, was it a warning? “Not a good idea?” What's not a good idea? Who was she protecting? I might agree after the date, but how did she know it's a bad idea?

I've heard a lot of bull crap, but this one really bugs me the most. A polite "No thanks" or "I'm not interested" or even ignoring me outright would have been better.

My only comfort is that a friend, who also knows the lady, told me that for my sake it was a good idea that we did not go out.

I once thought this lady was so paranoid she'd turn out like her lousy sister, marry a dead beat or wife beater... that she had become “incapable of love”. Sad she must thought I was a dead beat.

This now said, I wouldn't be surprised if she gets engaged soon. Or at least before I do.

More déjà vu

It has been very weird that lately I have had many déjà vu experiences. The Horse Bowl is one simple example. I even made a post on the subject last year.

I hope to look back next year on the forthcoming events. It would be great to say “2005 was a very great year.”

These fond memories reminded me that l cannot live in the past and I must do what I can to make good memories.

The Perfect Pita

I went to a Perfect Pita franchise for lunch. It was good but they don't take credit cards. That annoys me because I dislike ATM-achines.

Trillian 3.0

Not that Instant Message people a whole lot, but I did download Trillian 3.0 the other day. It's pretty neat. I got introduced to this and Google back in 2000.

Wow, it has been quite some time.

Being Appraised

I liked this post. She stares at me for a long time too. Last time I was down there, she took a few seconds to identify me then she smiled and latched on to my finger. We get along great as shown in this picture – of which I do not like.

I don’t like any of my pictures. I believe I have a rather negative, but honest, pending post on that. I was recently told (for the Xth time in my life) that a “romantic relationship” – whatever that meant – was not wanted. With a face like mine, who would?

A Lost Art?

There is this short film called the Mailbox. It is about an old lady that stands by her mail box every day waiting for letters from her children that never write. She makes a comment to her daughter who called once that she can not relive a phone conversation. I suppose you could if it were recorded.

l like email in I that I can always refer to an old message, even if it is just to reread it. I forget things sometimes and it was nice to get someone to repeat what they told me on the phone. I know there are plenty of reasons just to talk to the person face to face, but in this case I got a good referable message.

Hmm, now who do I feel about that message? How do I go about and explain it without making myself sound negative?

Green Mile

I watched the cleanflcks version of this show the other day. I was pretty crazy. We started the movie late at night and I had to go to bed around 1:15 because I was too tired to continue.

I had take a nap the next day so I could be ready for the evening. I am an above average looser. I took second out of 5 on the looser table at our card game.

It was swell evening.

Outlook for 2005

It is only day 6 into the year, the only thing I foresee as of right now is replacing two roommates. One should have gotten married a long time ago; really burns me up when I think I cannot even obtain what he takes for granted.

My other roommate? Well, let’s just say he is taking off for the whole month of February and claims he has not asked for time off. It just donned on me that he isn’t telling me something. Oh well.

I’m all alone right now. Strangely enough, I do not feel lonely at all. I went swimming briefly because the pool was crowded. I went to my favorite store and bought a bunch of stuff for the kitchen. I was quite happy with my meager purchases.

Friends call

I was going to post this the other day when it did not mean much at the time. It is just another one of my requirements.

Returning calls or email messages is a given. It is my policy to always return something. It generally only applies to family or friends.

No ACK? Now what?

Fat MJ

I walked about 4 miles home today. I have known for sometime I’ve been packing it on, so I need to start sweating it off or what have you.

7up Plus!!!

I like going to new places and occasionally trying new things. Well, I almost always try NEW things. (Occasionally new menu items and places to eat...)

If you want to sell something to my Mom, put the word "SAVE" on it. Want me to buy? Put the word "NEW".

I found a new place to eat for lunch today, and got me this NEW 7-up plus drink: mixed berry, Calcium, Vitamin C, low carbs... It was rather good. The 7up.com web site was new to me.

Stretching clothes

I’ve been teased twice now when I have made the claim that some of my clothes have shrunk. I know my waistline isn’t shrinking – which is a renewed goal that I am shooting for.

Anyway, I am wearing a shirt I bought around the time of this other shirt I swear has shrunk. This tiger shirt, as it has been called still fits perfectly! Explain that one Mighty Mouse.

Stupid X-box

Today has been an adventure. I got my keys back, got to Church way early, set up chairs, talked to old friends, got invited to a party … it was all good. When I got home I watched the Redskins game. I wanted the Vikings to win too, but it looks like I’ll be going out for lunch tomorrow.

I dozed off a couple times during the game and figured I’ll go to bed early. Just in time before these punks take over my TV.

We were told that a Baptist church had burned down over the holiday season and the Stake President had offered our building temporally. Not sure what is going to happen. It sounded like we were going to share the 9am meeting time. Crazy? Oh well.

Week 1

It is week 1 of 2005. I really should be getting some sleep. It is the third day in a row it is past midnight and I am still up.

I watched the Utes kick butt over the overrated Pittsburg team. I know nothing about the BCS BS, but the game was pretty sad. Well, it got very comical towards the end. The lame communications major/sports caster who had been trashing on Utah all night started to praise the team. The quarterback for the other team was the pits. I’m glad it got sacked over and over. 9 times to be exact!!!

Frankly I would have liked to have seen the Utes play Auburn, but I probably would not have been rooting for them. I should be grateful I even saw the game. I mean, I forgot my keys – like an idiot – and my phone…. Good thing someone was here to let me in.

I read over some thread synchronization articles and thought I ought to post something before I crashed. I really hope 2005 has something special for me.

A new year

Another year gone by, another story was told… I think that was part of a poem I wrote once. New Year’s never seemed to mean much to me. Change the calendar, get ready to go back to school, and what not.

Last night I was not expecting to stay up all night. Well, past midnight. My sister had some friends over and we played games and filled up on junk food. I feel it was a lot more fun than the dance I could have gone too. Knowing me, I would have been aimlessly walking around most of the dance.