Live, or Die Trying...

110228 A Monday

2011-02-28T15:24:00.002-05:00

Hello, and welcome back.

There has been a long stretch of silence on here and I have something to say about it.

I bought an HTC Incredible, also known as a Droid Incredible, or ADR6300, last year. It is a smartphone running Google's operating system called Android.

When I bought it, Android version 2.1 was the latest and greatest. Shortly after I bought the phone, 2.2 was released. But not for my phone. Alas even now, some phones have yet to have 2.2 (also referred to as Froyo) pushed to them by their carriers. I believe it was almost 6 months after I bought my phone that it officially received Android 2.2.

I used my phone for probably a month before I used a software tool (called unrevoked) and gained root privileges on my phone. I then manually loaded 2.2 on it. It was great.

Right now the hot new release seems to be 2.3 (ala Gingerbread). I read and waited and read some more hoping to find out when it would be pushed to (automatically upgraded) my phone from Verizon. Sadly I learned that my phone (most likely) would not be receiving the 2.3 update from Verizon.

So, Friday last, I manually loaded my phone with Android 2.3. Not from Verizon, but from a team of dedicated individuals with a lot more knowledge of programing than I. (Thank you Cyanogenmod & Team Douche.)

Once again, it has been like getting a new phone.

My point you say? What is my point?

My point is this. I am glad that I bought the phone that I bought. It runs well. It is well supported even if not by Verizon. That is all.

Watch out for tornadoes!

100728

2010-07-28T10:13:00.002-04:00

Who wants a front row seat to watch the giant fall? Who wants to watch the perfect stumble?
The line for tickets starts back
there.
Don't cut line, it is frowned upon.

Stay within the lines.

STAY WITHIN THE LINES.

100506 Update

2010-05-06T10:14:00.002-04:00

WOW.

That about sums up the time since my last post.

Not really. Its been a whirlwind of activity and change. However, now that the dust (literally and figuratively) is settling, I have a much stronger sense of stability and permanence. I've also come to appreciate how many of my friends are willing to put out effort to help me.

I have discovered french press coffee and like it.

Bought a house.

Moved into it.

My wife gave birth.

Being a Dad takes quite a bit of time.

PS. I am still using the Dvorak layout. It has gotten better, and I prefer it over QWERTY.

PPS. I opted to not get the Casio Brigade because of its cost; functionality/cost vs functionality/cost of an Android device. I haven't upgraded phones at all for the moment.

100119 Update

2010-01-19T10:19:00.001-05:00

So... I'm learning to use the Dvorak keyboard layout. Still kinda slow, but I see great potential.

100111 Update

2010-01-11T13:58:00.002-05:00

1 Piece of Rubber flooring $0
1 Eight inch zip tie (found in floor) $0
2 Feet of black electrical tape. $0.0057
My Samurai's engine warming up like it was summer outside, Priceless.

Its been colder than average the past few weeks. I don't really mind, I enjoy the cold. I also don't get cold easily so there's that to consider also.

So the Christmas tree is down and out. A vast improvement from last Christmas. Groceries are expensive, but not as expensive as fast food. (or slow food for that matter).

Looking forward to a new cell phone to be released by Casio. The "Brigade" looks like it will meet my requirements. (P.S. Still happy with Verizon Wireless)

Two a day pages rock my world. Yay.

That's all for now.

091111 picture from a few days ago

2009-11-11T09:50:00.002-05:00

A Dodge Viper parked at our local college.

090601 Update

2009-06-01T21:40:00.003-04:00

Regarding my last post. My friend's video commercial won the contest by a landslide. (It garnered more than 100 votes over any of the other 4 videos.) Good job kantaford, a victory well deserved.

I have 4 new tires on the samurai! Finally after two years of riding on old, dry rotted, multi-plugged, unbalanced, tired tires, I have the quiet comfort of new rubber. For you chosen few out there that care, (you know who you are) I put 30x9.5x15's BFG A/T's on it. I like them, they make me happy.

In other news, I haven't been sleeping much lately. Not because I don't want to, its just difficult to find the time.

The fam has a new cat, well two new cats I think. Haven't seen them yet. A brother of mine graduated. A sister of mine graduated. I'm going to FL soon for a vacay. Work is going well, about to wrap up a big project I've been working on since November '08. I'm not sure, but I think its going to be hot tomorrow. I'm going to see Land of the Lost this coming weekend. Not really sure what to expect of the movie.

Thank you and good night.

My friend needs help

2009-05-19T18:37:00.003-04:00

Hello all. A friend of mine has entered a video commercial contest. If you would be so kind, follow the link and leave a comment for his video. His is Lesson: Learned, his name is kantaford. The more comments giving props to him the better. You can leave 1 comment per email address per day.
Here's the Link
http://cheapoair.wordpress.com/2009/05/18/commercialvote/
Thanks and happy voting.

Gun Control and how it works.

2009-03-16T09:38:00.001-04:00

090219 Shocks

2009-02-19T06:59:00.003-05:00

Things are progressing. I ordered shocks (front and rear) for the Samurai on Monday. They should be here in two weeks.

090303 Update:

The shocks came in on Friday of last week. I installed them on Saturday. My Sami has been reborn. It rides so much nicer now. Yay.

090210 The Roar

2009-02-10T11:37:00.008-05:00

So, I stayed up last night and replaced the passenger side front wheel bearing on the Samurai. This morning on the commute to work I noticed a difference. The difference being that, now, instead of being surrounded by a roar of wheel bearings, I was only assaulted from the rear wheel bearings. A distinction I previously could not make. It is noticeably quieter in the cab.

So that you can know the gist of what I did, I've written the steps to replace the bearing and race.
A. Set Parking Brake, get paper towels, tools, drink.
1. Position Jack under axle.
2. Extend Jack until it contacts axle.
3. Loosen but don't remove: lug nuts, and the 10 & 12 mm bolts holding the hub in place.
4. Extend Jack until wheel is off the ground and can spin freely.
5. Remove lug nuts, take off wheel. Put wheel out of your way, you won't need it.
6. Remove the 10mm bolts from outer part of hub. (the "cap" if you will).
7. Pull cap straight off, set aside.
8. Remove the six 12mm bolts holding the actual hub.
9. The fun begins, remove the snap ring holding the hub on the axle shaft. (this one is about an inch across.
10. Pull the hub straight off. Set aside.
11. The hub nuts should now be exposed. Before removal, the locking washer tab should be bent out of the way. Use a 2" socket or a 50mm socket.
12. Use a 17mm Socket and remove the two big bolts holding the brake assembly. These are on the backside of the brake shield.
13. Pull the caliper assembly, complete with brake pads off the rotor and set on the axle. DO NOT let it hang by the brake line.
14. Wiggle the rotor straight off the axle. The old bearing may fall in your lap at this point.
15. Lay the rotor on something softer than concrete (paper towel?) on the lug bolts.
16. Use a blunt metal object (I used a 3/4" driver extension) and big (35oz) hammer to drive the race out from the back side of the rotor. You will know you are beating on the correct race when your blunt metal object (driver extension) is at a significant angle and you can't see what you're beating on through the axle hole. The race is the only lip you'll be able to beat, aside from the other bearing which is very close and visible.

NOTE: I'm assuming you'll be cleaning each piece before you reassemble it. Mine had some rust and old grease that I removed with a razor blade and some petroleum based cleaners paired with paper towels.

17. Turn the rotor over so that the lug bolts are pointing up. Place the new race with the thick side down where the old one was located. (so that the new bearing will sit easily inside it)
18. Use the 2" socket you used to remove the wheel hub nuts to insert the new race. That is, put the race in place, put the socket on it, then use the big hammer to fully seat it. This will be loud, don't do this near sleeping people, especially late at night.
19. Open the new bearing and force grease into it. They make a bearing packing tool and sell it at Sears for about $25USD. I used my finger, about $0 dollars. The fun of playing in the grease, priceless.
20. Set the bearing aside on something clean, like a paper towel? Put the rotor back in place. Put the caliper back on it. Reinsert the 17mm bolts and tighten.
21. Slide the new bearing into place. Follow with the big washer you took/fell off, and the first hub nut.
22. Tighten the hub nut. You want this pretty tight. Its holding your wheel on your car. Its important. You can use the locking washer to gauge how close to tight enough you have it. (the washer will only go on one way, and assuming you left the backwards facing bent tab bent, it should line up with a flat side of the hub nut. )
23. Put the other hub nut on, tighten it, bend the damn locking washer towards you to keep it from loosening and falling off. If you fail to do this and the outer hub nut comes off, it may cause your entire hub general physical decay.
24. Put the hub onto the axle, it must go on straight, and the spindles must line up. You'll know that they are lined up properly when it goes on smoothly.
25. Put that damn snap ring back on (the end of the axle).
26. If you chose to replace the seals that go betwix the hub and rotor, you should have already done it by now. You can usually find these seals at a long, far, over the rainbow, [read, distant] Suzuki dealership.
27. Put the 12mm bolts back into the hub. Finger tighten them.
28. You'll want to turn the hub "cap" to the Free position before trying to put it back on. Tip: the largest spring in the hub "cap" assembly needs to be compressed to prevent a headache. Cryptic, maybe, but you'll figure it out.
29. Put the 10mm bolts into the hub "cap". Finger tighten them as well.

NOTE: I'm making a lot of assumptions about your ability to clean and reapply grease to the parts you clean. For the record, here's the instruction, GREASE GOES ON MOST EVERYTHING. If in question, put grease on it. Except your rotor and brakes. You would definitely be a moron if you grease your brakes.

30. Put the tire back on. Tighten the lug nuts as tight as possible while holding the tire.
31. Lower the jack until the tire will not turn, but not all the way down.
32. Tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.
33. Lower the jack completely and put away.
34. Tighten the 12 and 10mm bolts on the hub.
35. Remember you had a drink and drink most of it.
36. Put your stuff away. Look for any pieces you may have forgotten to put back inside the hub.
37. Pray and take it for a spin.

Disclaimer: I didn't tell you to do anything or how to do anything. I told you what I did (or wish I'd done) in a second person viewpoint. If you happen to change your wheel bearing it will be for your own reasons and from your own personal knowledge.

Tools I used in no particular order:
2" Socket, 24 point
17mm Socket
19mm Socket (lug nuts)
10mm Socket
12mm Socket
1/2" Ratchet
3/8" Ratchet
5" Extension for 1/2" driver
3" Extension for 3/8" driver
2 Flat Head screw drivers
Razor knife
Headlamp
Paper Towels?
Big Hammer
Grease (mine was reddish in color)
Steel wire brush
Gasoline
Carburetor Cleaner
24" Breaker bar, 1/2" drive
1/2" to 3/4" adapter
Snap ring pliers
Car jack
Linemans Pliers

A funny Craigslist post

2009-02-06T08:47:00.000-05:00

To the Guy Who Mugged Me Downtown (Downtown, Savannah)
Reply to: pers-982078099@craigslist.org [?]Date:2009-01-06,
3:43AM EST

I was the white guy with the black Burrberry jacket that you
demanded I hand over shortly after you pulled the knife on me
and my girlfriend. You also asked for my girlfriend's purse
and earrings. I hope you somehow come across this message.
I'd like to apologize. I didn't expect you to crap in your
pants when I drew my pistol after you took my jacket.. Truth
is, I was wearing the jacket for a reason that evening, and it
wasn't that cold outside. You see, my girlfriend had just
bought me that Kimber 1911 .45 ACP pistol for Christmas , and
we had just picked up a shoulder holster for it that evening.
Beautiful pistol, eh? It's a very intimidating weapon when
pointed at your head, isn't it?
I know it probably wasn't a great deal of fun walking back to
wherever you'd come from with that brown sludge flopping about
in your pants. I'm sure it was even worse since you also ended
up leaving your shoes, cellphone, and wallet with me. I
couldn't have you calling up any of your buddies to come help
you try to mug us again. I took the liberty of calling your
mother, or "Momma" as you had her listed in your cell, and
explaining to her your situation. I also bought myself some
gas on your card. I gave your shoes to one of the homeless
guys over by Vinnie Van Go Go's, along with all of the cash in
your wallet, then I threw the wallet itself in a dumpster. I
called a bunch of phone sex numbers from your cell. They'll be
on your bill in case you'd like to know which ones. Alltel
recently shut down t he line, and I've only had the phone for
a little over a day now, so I don't know what's going on with
that. I hope they haven't permanently cut off your service. I
was about to make some threatening phone calls to the DA's
office with it. Oh well.
So, about your pants. I know that I was a little rough on you
when you did this whole attempted mugging thing, so I'd like
to make it up to you. I'm sure you've already washed your
pants, so I'd like to help you out. I'd like to reimburse you
for the detergent you used on the pants. What brand did you
use, and was it liquid or powder? I'd also like to apologize
for not killing you and instead making you walk back home
humiliated. I'm hoping that you'll reconsider your choice of
path in life. Next time you might not be so lucky.
If you read this message, email me and we'll do lunch and
laundry. Peace!
- Alex

090204 Update

2009-02-04T11:21:00.004-05:00

It finally happened...

The driver side front wheel bearing on the Samurai has been fixed. I replaced it with a new one last week. The noise level has dropped a bit so that I can clearly hear the other wheel bearings roar. Last night I bought a replacement wheel bearing for the front left wheel. I should find time to install it in the coming weeks. The rear bearings are pressed on, so I'll have to have them pressed off by an auto shop. (Which will be slightly easier for me and a bit more expensive.)

All for now. Have a great one.

Ice cream is good, but what about the Cow?

2009-01-26T07:56:00.004-05:00

From a third grade teacher in the Nashville area

We are worried about "the cow" when it is all about the "Ice Cream."

The most eye-opening civics lesson I ever had was while teaching third grade this year. The presidential election was heating up and some of the children showed an interest. I decided we would have an election for a class president.

We would choose our nominees. They would make a campaign speech and the class would vote.

To simplify the process, candidates were nominated by other class members. We discussed what kinds of characteristics these students should have. We got many nominations and from those, Jamie and Olivia were picked to run for the top spot.

The class had done a great job in their selections. Both candidates were good kids. I thought Jamie might have an advantage because he got lots of parental support. I had never seen Olivia's mother.

The day arrived when they were to make their speeches. Jamie went first.

He had specific ideas about how to make our class a better place. He ended by promising to do his very best. Every one applauded. He sat down and Olivia came to the podium.

Her speech was concise. She said, "If you will vote for me, I will give you ice cream." She sat down.

The class went wild. "Yes! Yes! We want ice cream."

She surely would say more. She did not have to. A discussion followed. How did she plan to pay for the ice cream? She wasn't sure. Would her parents buy it or would the class pay for it. She didn't know. The class really didn't care. All they were thinking about was ice cream.

Jamie was forgotten. Olivia won by a land slide.

Every time Barack Obama opens his mouth he offers ice cream and sixty percent of the people react like nine year olds. They want ice cream. The other forty percent know they're going to have to feed the cow and clean up the mess.

Economics 101 OR Why May feel Tax Breaks for the Rich are Unfair

2008-10-27T07:45:00.001-04:00

Bar Stool Economics:

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all
Ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it
would go something like this:

The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.

So, that's what they decided to do. The ten men drank in the bar every day
and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw
them a curve. 'Since you are all such good customers, he said, 'I'm
going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20.
Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.

The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the
first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what
about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the
$20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?' They realized
that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted
that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would
each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it
would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he
proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.

And so:

The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33% savings).
The seventh now paid $5 instead of $7 (28% savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before And the first four continued to
drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare
their savings.

'I only got a dollar out of the $20', declared the sixth man.
He pointed to the tenth man,' but he got $10!'

'Yeah, that's right', exclaimed the fifth man. 'I only saved a
dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than me!'

'That's true!!' shouted the seventh man. 'Why should he get $10
back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!'

'Wait a minute,' yelled the first four men in unison. 'We
didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!'

The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up. The next night the tenth
man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without
him. But when it came time to pay the bill they discovered something
important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half
of the bill!

And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is how our tax
system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from
a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they
just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas
where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics, University of Georgia
For those who understand, no explanation is needed.
For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.

I Am An American!

2008-10-08T09:10:00.002-04:00

I Am An American!
by Chuck Baldwin
July 18, 2008

Free republics are not known to have long life expectancies. At the ripe old age of two hundred and thirty-two, America is definitely showing her age. She is long past her prime, and some are predicting her demise. No, some are PLANNING her demise.

Thomas Jefferson and the other founders of this once-great country believed there was a controlling cabal that was crafting America's servitude. With the assistance of Heaven, they decided to fight those forces. Pastors fought with fiery sermons from the pulpit; newsmen fought with the power of the pen; statesmen fought in the halls of Congress; and merchants fought with the sacrifice of their material gain. Together, they lifted Lady Liberty to her feet and defeated the powers of darkness.

It took the global elite a long time to recover, but they have reemerged with a vengeance. They are now on the precipice of accomplishing what their great granddaddies failed to do: bring the "Liberty or Death" colonists under their power and control.

Sadly, we no longer have the will to resist servitude. Our pulpits are too busy preaching a prosperity gospel; newsmen are in bed with the forces they once disdained; statesmen have been replaced with opportunistic, self-serving politicians; and merchants know no god but money. Hence, it is left to a small--and I mean very small--remnant to sound the clarion call for freedom and independence. Unfortunately, few seem to be listening to their cries.

2010 seems to be a banner year for these designers of despotism. That is the target year for the implementation of the North American Community, which will commercially unite the United States with Canada and Mexico. The global elite suffered a minor setback when the U.S. Senate failed to pass the Bush/McCain/Kennedy/Graham amnesty-for-illegal-aliens bill. But if you think that John Mccain is going to let that bill lie on the floor of defeat, you don't understand these people. Should McCain become President, He will do everything he can to implement some kind of amnesty law. Barack Obama will do the same. The reason? It is essential to the designers of despotism that our borders be eliminated.

Yes, I am saying it: George W. Bush, John McCain, and Barack Obama are part of the global elite that seeks America's entrance into an international New World Order. In fact, neither Presidential candidate from the two major parties will offer any resistance to this obstinate and oppressive oligarchy.

Perhaps one day the American people will wake up and realize that they are being led as sheep to the slaughter. I'm just not sure that it will be soon enough, however. 2010 is just around the corner.

There seems to be only one obstacle standing in the way of the globalists: America's citizens are the most heavily armed people in the world. That fact must surely stick in the throats of the globalists like a chicken bone.

Thank God that America's founders put the Second Amendment in the Constitution. Without America's deep-rooted commitment to the right of the people to keep and bear arms, we would have been sold into slavery decades ago.

Without the intellectual understanding of the principles of freedom and the moral resolve to maintain those principles, however, guns, by themselves, will only protect us for so long. In the end, our strength and protection come from God, and not too many people these days seem to be interested in His opinion.

Lady Liberty is walking very gingerly these days, and the path she treads is laden with traps and quicksand. The globalists have their handpicked puppets positioned to take up where The Three Amigos (George Bush I, Bill Clinton, and George Bush II) have left off. The pieces of the puzzle are almost all in place. 2010 just might be the year that Lady Liberty lowers her torch, folds her arms, and falls fast asleep.

For what it is worth, however, I pledge no loyalty to this emerging New World Order. Neither will I let Lady Liberty die without a fight. I will say it again: the battle today is not between conservatives and liberals or Republicans and Democrats. It is a battle between Americans and globalists. And, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am an American!

--Chuck Baldwin

"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost." -- John Quincy Adams

A Funny Story

2008-08-20T09:57:00.001-04:00

I was talking to a friend of mine's little girl, and she said
she wanted to be President some day. Both of her parents, liberal
Democrats, were standing there, so I asked her, "If you were President
what would be the first thing you would do?"
She replied, "I'd give houses to all the homeless people."
"Wow...what a worthy goal." I told her, "You don't have to wait
until you're President to do that. You can come over to my house and
mow, pull weeds, and sweep my yard, and I'll pay you $50. Then I'll take
you over to the grocery store where the homeless guy hangs out, and you
can give him the $50 to use toward a new house."
She thought that over for a few seconds while her Mom glared at
me, then she looked me straight in the eye and asked, "Why doesn't the
homeless guy come over and do the work, and you can just pay him the
$50?"
And I said, "Welcome to the Republican Party." Her folks still
aren't talking to me.

080813 Update

2008-08-13T07:54:00.003-04:00

May: Don't remember much of May.

June: Moved (then) Fiancee out of her basement apartment for a more favorable two bedroom duplex. My bike developed chain issues.

July: More of a blur really. There was much money spent. A bit of stress. Lots of help and support from our friends. The wedding was beautiful I've been told. (Yes, I was there, but I didn't see much of it on account that I was the groom.) The honeymoon was a blast. Of note, we went to Busch Gardens during said honeymoon. The roller coasters there are great.

August: Married life is wonderful. I love my wife. I love my life. I love my God who has provided all things to me and my wife. He has provided so much so, that we didn't go into debt for the wedding or honeymoon. We paid cash.
Also, my wife is going back to school this semester and due to her major, an organization on campus is paying all but $50 of her tuition.

Basically, life is rocking for us and I hope it is for you as well.

See you later, hasta luego, σας δείτε αργότερα, vedilo più successivamente, см. вас более поздно, 後で会おう, veja-o mais tarde, bis später, 以后再见, zie later u, 당신을 나중에 보십시오.

Thanks for reading.

Ps. I have not bought a wheel bearing yet.

080430 Update

2008-04-30T15:42:00.002-04:00

Hello world. Here's your update in brief.

January 2008, Ann Cox moved out of her home and left her husband and 7 children in pursuit of self happiness and preservation.

February 2008, Was cold. One brother had a birthday.

March 2008, my Dad and another brother had a birthday. Fiancee had a birthday. Reception venue confirmed.

April 2008, Wedding venue confirmed. Two more birthdays. Last full month that Jesse will be away. Renewed motorcycle registration. Achieved 26MPG in the Samurai around town. Gas hit $3.49 for 89 octane. I have the most awesome, bestest, loveliest, Fiancee in the world.

Tune in for next month:
Predictions~
Gas will go up more.
Weather will be good.
I'll get a new wheel bearing.
Global warming (Global Weather Cycles would be a better term) will be called off in favor of more harping on Political Disputes. (See also, Fox, CNN, Blogs, Obama, Clinton)

I must confess

2008-03-03T09:43:00.002-05:00

I don't own a pair of sweat pants.

I don't have any access to television or internet where I live.

I abhor oatmeal as a hot cereal. (cooking ingredient OK)

If I had grown up in the '90s I would have been labeled ADD and mildly dyslexic.

My motorcycle is older than I am by several years.

I don't care that my motorcycle is old. I think its cool.

I used to be really addicted to Myspcae and Facbeook.

I meant to misspell them. (If you noticed.)

We'll miss you.

2008-02-27T14:53:00.004-05:00

Samuel, I'll miss you.

Aug, Sept, Oct, And now November...

2007-11-09T17:11:00.000-05:00

Wow, Its been a while since my last post. Not a great while, however I don't think it is sufficient. Somehow I'll try and convey what's been going on in my life as I would have you understand it.

First off, I'm now engaged to my best friend, PrynsisSwtP. If you don't know her but really are curious, send me an email or leave a comment. Today is actually one week since that event in my life. To the left you'll see a picture of her ring (.5 carat princess cut center stone, with 58 round cut diamonds adorning all sides for a TDW of 1 1/10 carats, man does it sparkle).

I'm not real sure if I've mentioned this before, but this past summer my Celica died in a tragic "she turned left in front of me in the intersection so it was her fault" accident. There was a 3 week period that I had no car and was left to sink or swim on my motorcycle. That was an interesting 3 weeks. And yes, I still ride my bike. I rode it last night in fact.

The car, ahem, truck that replaced my celica is a 1988 (not to be confused with a 1988.5) Suzuki Samurai. It's baby blue with a grey soft-top with 130K miles. I've really been enjoying it and it has pleased me with its off-road ability. It will need tires soon, but for the moment, life is grand.

Seeing that the monthly posts for August and September '07 have been skipped, I'll attempt to recount them here in two sentences.
1. (August) I came to a point at my employment that I would be OK if I stayed there and was promptly fired so that the owners son could have my job.
2. (September) I began searching for another job and wound up working as an assistant manager near the end of September.

Sorry if that's not enough detail for you. I decided to err on the side of safety and anti-boredom.

Right you say, but now it's November. Yes indeed, it is Novemember. I'm feeling settled at my new job and have high hopes for it. PrynsisSwtP and I are looking at a wedding sometime late summer of '08. If you'd like an invitation, lemme know.

And now for something completely different. In other news, the watermelon that's been in the fridge for a month or two now, has grown small dark soft spots. The bro and I are still pondering the best way for it to go. My vote lies with the tossing it off a bridge theme. However, that was suggested to be somewhat illegal. We'll see. Oh, and if the hot dogs growl at you, its time for them to be thrown out as well.

This year marks the first year since 1994 that I haven't mowed a single lawn. I don't miss it much. It has made fresh cut grass smell just a little bit sweeter.

The last thing I'll mention is that I plan to bring in the new year with my fiancee, my Pastor and his wife and their two kids in Walt Disney World (FL).

Thanks for reading. Hope you have a great time, whatever time that may be.

Hidden Talent

2007-10-05T12:59:00.000-04:00

At the end of the show
the lights dim to
Thundering Silent
Applause.

The cast and crew
S l o w l y Dissipate.

The performance over,
never

to be

repeated.

The single audience
member unable to
move, remained long
after, AWESTRUCK at the
Beauty of the production.

Perhaps next time,

two will be invited.

Most rights reserved: Wildcard356 2007

It's July Already...

2007-07-11T13:17:00.000-04:00

Looking back at my previous posts, I've noticed a trend. That is, I've posted only one or two posts per month. It would be silly to try and keep everyone who reads this up to date with one post per month as it would be ridiculously long. So, you dear faithful readers, will have to settle for the highlights.
~I've been riding my bike (Suzuki GS750e '79) for the last three weeks and I'm enjoying it more than I ought.

~I've said goodbye to my dear friend Jesse, as he has left again for the other side (Iraq) of the puddle.

~My thoughts on the iPhone... It's a phone, and from what I gather, AT&T coverage and customer support is somewhat lacking. I'll stick with Verizon Wireless, thanks.

~Movie recommendation: Go see, "Live Free or Die Hard". An excellent movie to be sure.

~Mint chocolate milk shakes and Chili Three way (Steak & Shake) taste weird when eaten in rapid succession.

~I loaded Beryl on my laptop, (Ubuntu Side) and it is rather amazing what it can do.

Linux Ubuntu, Yay.

2007-06-05T21:41:00.001-04:00

At one time I thought a new computer would be really cool. I still do think it would be cool, but no longer do I wish for it as I did in the past. I am a linux (Ubunu) noob. It is helping me curb the hunger for something other than Windows. (And hey, it's FREE.)

Hello world.

2007-05-17T15:48:00.000-04:00

Su effter lung lest, I gut my vureless cerd oon my leptup tu vurk veet Leenoox. I'm feeleeng pretty heppy ebooot thet. Iff fect, I'm useeng Leenoox (Uboontoo 7.04) reeght noo. Ooh, I elsu vent tu FL a veek oor su egu und mede-a it hume-a eleefe-a. Yey. If you can't read the above, try watching the Swedish chef from the muppets and try again.

ugh.

2007-05-04T10:51:00.000-04:00

Habits are hard to change.

Which is Safer?

2007-04-03T09:43:00.000-04:00

I'm Alive

2007-03-27T15:24:00.000-04:00

I should be afraid. But I'm not. I'm doing something that is considered dangerous and crazy. Is it dangerous? Sure, I could die. Is it crazy? Crazy is a matter of opinion.

So you may be asking, why am I doing something dangerous that could kill me? Good question, deserving a good answer.

Right now, I'm alive. I've been alive for 20something years now and not once have I died. Well duh, right? Sure, but I should be dead multiple times over. (For clarification, I'm speaking in physical terms, not spiritual). I can not begin to count how many instances in my life where there was a direct divine intervention that kept me from perishing. I claim Christianity as my faith and believe in the God of [what's known as] The Holy Bible.

I believe I was made by God for a purpose. A purpose beyond merely existing. So, when I find myself in a lull, merely existing, I tend to question my purpose. I question if I still have a purpose. I ask God why I'm here.

One of the main reasons I am alive is to live adventurously. It is what gets my blood pumping. Adventure is what makes living bearable to me. For me to become docile and lame is for me to die. I need adventure. I need danger. The commonplace occurrences of life are no threat to me. I don't need God to believe I'll continue existing through a blah lifestyle. But when I go on an adventure, to attempt something beyond expected clear sailing, I must lean on God. To be challenged beyond what I'm prepared to do, demands I trust my Father God.

The bigger the threat, the greater the level of trust required. So, for every new victory, every challenge met, I have a greater level of reaffirmed trust in my Father God to be my strength. Every time He comes through for me in the moment I would fail, my sense of purpose grows stronger. Every time He comes through for me, I am able to exchange my imagined sense of control for a greater reliance on His ability to take care of me.

It is in fact, when I am most out of control, when I am closest to danger, that I feel His presence and His love for me the strongest. I must admit, it is this feeling of complete reliance on Father God, not the adrenaline, that is most addictive.

I'll wrap this up now. If what you just read leaves you scratching your head, well, bring it up sometime and I'll try to explain myself further. If you understand what I said, I hope it helped you in some way.

Please

2007-03-12T10:57:00.000-04:00

Lord, I need your help. I will fail miserably without you. I need You.

2007-03-02T10:57:00.000-05:00

Advanced Global Personality Test Results

Extraversion	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	40%
Stability	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	83%
Orderliness	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	63%
Accommodation	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	50%
Interdependence	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	56%
Intellectual	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	50%
Mystical	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	36%
Artistic	\|\|\|\|\|\|	23%
Religious	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	90%
Hedonism	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	56%
Materialism	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	36%
Narcissism	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	56%
Adventurousness	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	83%
Work ethic	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	36%
Self absorbed	\|\|\|\|\|\|	23%
Conflict seeking	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	50%
Need to dominate	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	43%

Romantic	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	70%
Avoidant	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	63%
Anti-authority	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	56%
Wealth	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	36%
Dependency	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	43%
Change averse	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	36%
Cautiousness	\|\|\|\|\|\|	23%
Individuality	\|\|\|\|\|\|	23%
Sexuality	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	70%
Peter pan complex	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	50%
Physical security	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	90%
Physical Fitness	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	50%
Histrionic	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	36%
Paranoia	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	50%
Vanity	\|\|\|\|	16%
Hypersensitivity	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	36%
Female cliche	\|\|\|\|	16%

Take Free Advanced Global Personality Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

Good Quotes

2007-03-01T11:17:00.000-05:00

Fanaticism consists in redoubling your effort when you have forgotten your aim.
-- Santayana

Experience is the name we all give to our mistakes.
-- Oscar Wilde

It now costs more to amuse a child than it once did to educate his father.
-- Vaughan Monroe

If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you.
This is the principal difference between a dog and a man.
-- Mark Twain

Master books, but do not let them master you. -
Read to live, not live to read.
-- Edward Robert Bulwer-Lytton

Wisdom has two parts:
1) Having a lot to say, and
2) Not saying it.
--Unknown

Always forgive your enemies --
nothing annoys them so much.
-- Oscar Wilde

Everybody is a moon, with a dark side never to be seen by others.
--Mark Twain

Today

2007-02-23T16:06:00.000-05:00

I have nothing to say that you want to hear. How do I know? I'm just good like that.

2007-02-19T14:04:00.000-05:00

Silence will often be misunderstood, but never misquoted.

Song for this week

2007-02-02T09:09:00.000-05:00

I can’t wait to get out of here
I can’t fake through this pain I feel
It’s been too long, that I’ve been gone
But now I’m coming back, I’m coming back
So long, it’s gone
This burden that I carry

And I’ll give it all to You, to You
And I’ll give it all to You, to You, to You

And I'll wade out and the waves are bigger
I can’t sort through all this junk so I'll surrender
And I’ve gone on, way too long
Now I’ve had enough, I’ll give it up to you
This storm is great, but You are so much greater

I’ll give it all to You, to You
And I’ll give it all to You, to You, to you
And I’ll give it all to You, to You,
And I’ll give it all to You, to You, to you

And I can’t wait to see you standing there so bright and special
And all the waves that crashed around my head
Fall silent at the whisper of your voice

I’ll give it all to You, all to you, all to you
I’ll give it all to You, all to you, all to you
I’ll give it all to You, all to you, all to you
And I’ll give it all to You, all to you, to you, all to you

Artist: Bleach
Title: All to You

Myspace is RETARDED!

2007-01-31T12:50:00.000-05:00

Myspace doesn't allow html code from www.StatCounter.com to work on my site. That's just retarded.

Peace

2007-01-29T10:39:00.000-05:00

3 You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.

Isaiah 26:3 (Amplified Version)

8 Minutes

2007-01-26T17:22:00.000-05:00

In approximately 8 minutes my weekend adventure begins. First stop, Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Next Stop, the shed that currently houses the 2 big beautiful wooden, gold gilded, picture frames. (Big as in 9'x5'). Next stop? Old Lyme Connecticut. Caleb G. here we (Razorsedge and I) come.

Why I'm choosing Apple/Mac

2007-01-26T12:45:00.000-05:00

For all of you reading this online, as I assume most of you are, I've been thinking about PC/Windows vs. Apple/Mac for a little while now. I found an article discussing Windows Vista's security concerns during a recent search for information. I'll post a few snippets from the article and a link for the whole thing.

"As part of the ongoing testing performed by Webroot’s Threat Research team, it was discovered that Windows® Defender failed to block 84 percent of a testing sample-set that included 15 of the most common variations of existing spyware and malware."

"One PUP tested was able to install under administrator privileges, run and capture keystrokes without any adaptation from its Windows® XP operating environment, and Defender did not detect the installation or the running application."

Read Full Article HERE.

I understand that there is third party software available that will work better than Windows own security measures. But I don't want to mess with it. Apple's OSX Tiger and the soon to be released Leopard, aren't going to need third party security software. (Yes there are a few viruses for the Mac OS, but you have to be a birdbrain to catch them.) Thanks for stopping by.

Today I...

2007-01-23T19:59:00.000-05:00

I broke my fork. So I got another one and continued eating. I have nothing else to say.

Messages - Option - Erase Inbox

2007-01-18T08:42:00.000-05:00

A very freeing thing occurred yesterday evening. Through every fault of my own, the text messages in my Inbox (63) and Sent folder on my cell phone are now gone. Just like that, poof! Yes I meant to erase them. Yes, it was freeing. No, I don't regret it.

A Word to a Sponsor

2007-01-15T17:07:00.000-05:00

I would like to thank the people at Monster Beverage Company out in Corona, CA for the new favorite drink. It has in part, made this post, and several others like it possible.
www.monsterenergy.com

70 Degrees on Jan 14th

2007-01-14T20:16:00.000-05:00

So it was 70 degrees today. Yes, I do realize that today was/is the 14th of January. I don't know why it was 70 degrees today; but in lieu of complaining, I went to Rock Town. My hands are a little sore. But it feels good to be sore and all around tired. Physical exertion is a good way to take the mind off the troubles of the day. However, it doesn't keep them from coming back once you're done. Crap.

Anyways, tomorrow is a Federal Holiday; ML King Jr day. Hope all you school kids (and federal employees) enjoy the day off.

Julie (Whittier, California), wrote in and asked...

2007-01-09T08:49:00.000-05:00

Hope this answers your questions Julie (Whittier, California).

1. Where do you see yourself living in 15 years?
The answer greatly depends on the next 15 years. But to answer your question, I don't see myself living in a building complex in the middle of a city, nor do I see myself living out in the sticks. I will have a comfortable abode. It will not be the most expensive dwelling, although it will be very nice and functional. It will be within reasonable distance of an airport, cable internet, and Verizon cellular service.

2. Your idea of adventure is:
Taking a 14,000 mile road trip to Alaska with two friends, to mountain climb, back pack, raft, and otherwise explore the entire state.

3. If you could take a dream getaway, where would you most likely choose to spend a week?
Right this minute I would drive to Colorado and climb another 14k, as well as procure some REAL skis and go back to Loveland.

4. Do you consider yourself an ambitious person?
Yes.

5. How often do you find yourself laughing?
At least once a day.

The other day.

2007-01-08T16:24:00.000-05:00

Me~ "Is it possible to be both a cynic and an optimist?"
J~ "Yes"
Me~"Ok, that's what I am, a cynical optimist."

To Jamie of Cleveland, Tennessee

2007-01-05T17:01:00.000-05:00

These Five go out to Jamie in Cleveland, Tennessee.

1. How often do you lose your temper?
Practically never.

2. How important is chemistry to you?
See answer #2 in my last post.

3. How trusting are you?
I'm careful. I will test the waters before wading into them.

4. Do you consider yourself physically affectionate when involved in a relationship?
I am to an appropriate extent.

5. Are pets an important part of your life?
There are pets where I live. They're nice. If they were to go away I wouldn't miss them much. I don't like pets in the house unless they're in a cage. (Like a gerbil, snake, or something like that. Fish don't hold my attention very well.)

These go out to Valerie (Toccoa, Georgia)

2007-01-05T16:44:00.000-05:00

Here are another 5 questions that deserve answering. These go out to Valerie in Toccoa, Georgia. (NOTE: Question 1 is the same as Question 4 of my last post.)

1. Which of the following marriage issues do you fear most?
Before or after I'm married? Before marriage, I would say I don't want to marry the wrong person, i.e. someone that won't work out long term. (Anyone can get along short term.) After I'm married it doesn't matter, I'll work through anything; I don't believe in divorce.

2. How important is chemistry to you?
Chemistry is really important. Meaning, if we don't get along you and I will both know it.

3. Which of the following indoor activities sounds like the most fun to you?
I'm going to assume you meant anything indoors, not just inside a house. So, indoor climbing is fun, followed by indoor paint ball/laser tag.

4. What best describes your parents' relationship towards each other:
Married and loving.

5. What is your opinion of traditional gender roles?
My gut reaction is to ask what you define as traditional, but I'll forgo that and answer as best as I can. Women tend to be better at nurturing and caring for children, as well as being more detail oriented. Men and women should share the load as they both have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone is different, each marriage will be different. I DO NOT agree with women being allowed in combat. If you are in the armed forces or know someone who is and my last statement offends you, we probably won't work out. As a general statement, I agree with traditional male/female roles.

For you Rosanne (Oliver Springs, Tennessee)

2007-01-05T16:29:00.000-05:00

Here are the answers to some questions I've been asked recently:

These 5 go out to Rosanne in Oliver Springs, Tennessee.

1. If you decided to stay at home for the evening would you tend to:
Straighten my room, check email, watch about 10 minutes of TV, eat dinner, get shower and attempt to go to bed early. (Which would probably be the initial reason for staying home; that is, going to bed early.)

2. If you were taken by your date to a party where you knew no one, how would you respond?
I would respond by asking if she knew anyone. Hopefully she would at least know the host, and make the first introduction. After that I would play it by ear.

3. When in a relationship, how much personal space do you generally find you need?
It depends. It varies. There is no blanket answer to this question.

4. Which of the following marriage issues do you fear most?
Before or after I'm married? Before marriage, I would say I don't want to marry the wrong person, i.e. someone that won't work out long term. (Anyone can get along short term.) After I'm married it doesn't matter, I'll work through anything; I don't believe in divorce.

5. Which sort of date sounds like the most fun to you?
E. None of the above. My date would begin early morning when we'd throw the gear in my car and head off to either a trail or cave for a day of adventure. Ending with a hot meal at a nice restaurant covered in the dirt of the day smiling at the people who obviously didn't have as much fun as we did.

2006 Looking back

2007-01-03T13:59:00.000-05:00

Things I've learned in 2006.:
~Relationships can start in an instant with no prior contact, based solely on an introduction.
~It's cold in Prudhoe Bay AK, all year long.
~Move the groom's car before you wrap it in plastic wrap.
~I really like dark chocolate.
~Passing the last class feels good
~Graduating feels better.
~Receiving a kiss from someone who loves you is priceless.
~To join the polar bear club is a cold uncomfortable affair.
~Angels go with me even when I'm going someplace I shouldn't.
~Gasoline costs a lot of money in Canada.
~Glaciers make noises that sound a lot like bears.
~Loving and losing is better than never loving.
~God loves me even when I'm cynical.
~Some things are better left uneaten.
~I can go a whole year without getting a speeding ticket. It is possible, I did it.
~It's not a good idea to wash your hair with dish soap.

Hope you all had a good year.

New Years Day 2007

2007-01-01T17:11:00.000-05:00

So it finally seems to be getting colder today. It's about fricken time. Hope everyone had a safe day. Catch ya later.

My New Favorite

2006-12-29T13:04:00.000-05:00

My new favorite acronym is CUBY.
It is more of a modern acronym, as it is a combination of a regular acronym and instant messanger slang.
CUBY = C U BY = See You, bye.
Cuby is pronounce, "Koo Bee", not "kub bee".

So, between the lines...

2006-12-29T08:52:00.000-05:00

The road less traveled....

...is not crowded...

...and can be lonely.

I'm going..

2006-12-28T13:39:00.000-05:00

I'm going to stand under Fall Creek Falls this Saturday 30th. If anyone wants to join me or come and take pictures you are more than welcome. (It won't be THAT cold, come on, it'll be FUN!)

Content somewhat lacking.

2006-12-27T14:24:00.000-05:00

So I ate week old pizza today for breakfast and week+1day old Mexican fried steak and chicken for lunch. (Don't worry, I nuked both really good before consumption.)

Jessica, the Cafe Latte candle you gave me a while ago finally burned out last night.

Tip for today:

When ordering at Taco Bell, wait till after you've paid for your food to ask for a cup of water. By waiting, you will most likely avoid spending the extra 10 cents they'll charge for the cup were you to ask for the water before paying.
In this way, if you save the 10 cents from every meal, after the 10 millionth meal you'll have saved a million dollars.

I'm going to Fall Creek Falls this Saturday (the 30th). If anyone wants to come with me, comment and tell me how to reach you.

So what was your excuse again?

2006-12-22T22:00:00.000-05:00

18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Romans 1:18-20

2006-12-21T10:23:00.000-05:00

Awww ****.

Its worth a try...

2006-12-19T14:26:00.000-05:00

I'm going to try and receive a free something or another from a website by signing up for one of their free trial offers. (I chose NetFlix.) Part of getting the free something is to share the offers with 10 others. If you feel so inclined to look into the FREE offers (which you can cancel easily), follow the link below.

Link to Help a Friend Out

Thanks, and when I complete the deal I'll update you all and let you know if its for real.

Atheism vs Theism & Logical Reasoning

2006-12-13T13:53:00.000-05:00

I got this in an email. I thought it was worth posting. Enjoy, it's about Atheism vs Theism & Logical Reasoning.

2006 - 32 (December)

"When all is said and done, Tiger, we’ll either hold fast to the truth, or we’ll face the consequences." – Doc Noebel, President, Summit Ministries

Key Resources

Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview

J.P. Moreland and William Land Craig

Warranted Christian Belief

Alvin Plantinga

More Resources on Philosophy

Of Unicorns and Straw Men:
Why God Must Exist

Note: The following is an Open Letter to Mr. Edwin Kagin, Director, Camp Quest

Dear Mr. Kagin,

Recently a friend told me about your camp, Camp Quest, an unique camp for children of secular humanists. I visited your website[1] and noted that, according to your 2005 Camp Director's letter, you offer a prize of a "godless (without "in god we trust" on it—made before 1954) one hundred dollar bill" to any camper who can prove that two invisible unicorns do not reside at your camp. I assume this challenge is to develop critical thinking skills in your campers, helping them understand that believing in something that can't be seen is irrational. Therefore, belief in an unseen God also is irrational.

In your Director's letter regarding the unicorn challenge, you state that "Campers come up with the oddest refutations—like [the camp director] Edwin should have to prove that the two invisible unicorns are there. How ridiculous! It is pointed out that I have faith, and that is all that is needed? Isn't it?" Later in your letter, you mention that campers are assigned a project to offer advice to inhabitants of another planet to consider "whether or not their emerging society should be encouraged to develop along lines of critical inquiry or along faith and belief in the supernatural."

Knocking Down a Straw Man

The way these examples are worded assumes that critical inquiry is incompatible with faith in God. I assume from the context of your letter that you define faith as "blind" belief, devoid of reason or evidence. However, claiming that belief in God is based solely on "blind" faith is a straw man argument—one that, as you point out in your letter, is easily knocked down.[2]

May I suggest that by presenting belief in God in this way you actually are doing a disservice to your campers. By providing a refutation based on a flimsy caricature of theism, instead of developing critical thinking skills in children you provide them with a false sense of security for their atheism. A more robust approach would teach children about the actual reasons theists claim a belief about God and then go about refuting those reasons.

I propose that your campers would be better instructed by explaining to them that everyone, whether theist or atheist, begins by making a foundational assumption about the nature of reality. As it turns out, when it comes to beginning assumptions, there are not many options. You identified two in your letter, either nature is all that exists (atheism), or both nature and the supernatural exist (theism).[3] Since that's the case, a proper starting point for teaching critical thinking skills would be to evaluate these two assumptions in light of our experience.

Applying Reason To Real Life

May I offer the following example for applying empirical reasoning to life experience. Everyone senses a concept we call justice. We may quibble over exactly what is just and what is not, but deep down we all intuitively know that some human actions are right and others wrong. So the question is: Which beginning assumption, atheism or theism, provides a sufficient basis for this common human experience?

On the atheistic worldview, the beginning assumption is that only nature exists—molecules in motion, if you will. These initial molecules did not have a sense of justice. Then, it is further assumed that, over time, molecules bumping into each other developed the capacity for moral reasoning. But how can something (molecules with a sense of justice) come from nothing (molecules with no sense of justice)? Given a cause/effect universe, that's a stretch, isn't it? All of our experience suggests this cannot be because every effect must have a sufficient cause.

The science of socio-biology offers a response to this impasse. Social biologists suggest that evolutionary theory explains how molecules gradually developed into living organisms, and over time, those organisms which developed a "cooperating" gene were naturally selected for their ability to better survive and reproduce. This resulted in homo sapiens inheriting this cooperating gene, what we refer to as moral behavior.[4]

However, this scenario, while an interesting story, is unconvincing on two counts. First, we all tend to look up to people who sacrifice themselves for someone else. This ultimate form of morality, called altruism, is completely out of sync with evolution's focus on the struggle for survival. If the goal is to pass on your genes, helping someone else pass on theirs makes no sense. It's not just that evolutionary theory has not yet provided a satisfactory explanation for altruism. It's much more than that. The insurmountable problem is that Darwinism is counter to our experience.

And second, the Darwinian story does not provide a satisfactory explanation because evolutionary theory is driven by random, chance mutations. But actual laboratory experiments have never shown that point mutations of DNA are able to add any new information content to the genetic code.[5]

In other words, what geneticists have found is that mutations either delete information or rearrange information that is already there, but genetic mistakes never add new content. And significantly new information in the genetic code is needed if we expect to begin with a non-moralizing molecule and end up with a descendent having a sense of moral justice.

By beginning with atheistic assumptions we find that we cannot adequately explain a fundamental experience of human life, our sense of justice. Let's turn to the alternative to see if we fare any better.

The Assumption of Theism

On the other hand, if we start from the other assumption, the idea that God exists and has the attribute of moral reasoning, and we further assume that God created man with a moral capacity, we have a sufficient cause to explain what we all experience, those pesky moral notions. This is the only logical position. No "blind" faith at work here. Just some good ol' deductive reasoning.

Ah, but the objection may be raised, "If God is the cause of everything, then what caused God?" Interesting question, but it's not pertinent to the discussion. That's because every worldview begins with assuming something is real and this reality is, by definition, eternal, therefore having no cause.

Either we begin with assuming matter is eternal or God is eternal. So there is no going further back to any other "causes." Either "In the beginning, Matter" or "In the beginning, God." Both views are equally religious, since they answer an ultimately "religious" question, "What about God?" Additionally, each position is equally a starting point from which to construct a worldview. The question is which assumption is more logical, given other things we know about the universe, life, and ourselves.

Please note, I am not suggesting that just because we can't explain how something comes into being we insert the phrase "God did it" to fill in our lack of scientific knowledge. My argument is not this so-called "God of the gaps" argument. It is the opposite. I'm basing this line of reasoning on what we do know. We know we all experience a sense of justice. We know that every effect must have a sufficient cause. We know genetic mutations do not offer a sufficient cause to produce moral notions, thus eliminating a naturalistic explanation. Therefore, we should consider another explanation that better fits the facts.

So, once again, the issue is, how can non-moral molecules develop the ability to sense moral concepts? Or, for that matter, what about love—does love come from non-loving molecular interaction? Or, along the same line of reasoning, how can we arrive at rational thought, given non-rational matter and randomness as the only building blocks?

Over one hundred years ago Nietzsche correctly concluded that in a universe devoid of God, there is no morality, nor love, nor rational thought. So how can anyone use rational thought to make claims about the nature of reality or the non-existence of God? This is quite a quandary, given an atheistic worldview!

I wish you the best as you seek to develop critical thinking skills in the lives of the next generation. The fact that you have that desire demonstrates the imprint of an Intelligent First Cause, the only rational explanation for a very human sensibility.

Sincerely,

Chuck Edwards

PS: May I suggest the following as staples for your camp library:

Faith Has Its Reasons, Kenneth Boa and Robert Bowman
Unshakable Foundations, Norman Geisler and Peter Bocchino
Reasonable Faith, William Lane Craig
Philosophical Foundations for A Christian Worldview, J.P. Moreland and William Lane Craig
Warranted Christian Belief, Alvin Plantinga

Notes

http://www.edwinkagin.com/Camp_Quest/Edwins%20Epistle%20to%20the%20Vancouverians.htm
The idea that faith in God is non-rational, known as fideism, does have adherents in the Christian tradition, beginning with the second century theologian Tertullian, through the writings of Luther, Pascal (a Catholic), and more prominently displayed in the works of Kierkegaard, Barth, and more recently in Donald Bloesch. However, the more extreme views of Kierkegaard and Barth are not the view of the majority of current evangelical apologists, who hold to some form of rational evaluation of evidences for basing belief in God. For that reason, defining faith as a "blind" belief without reason is offering a weak argument for theism, a view not defended by many today, and is therefore a straw man argument.
Actually, there is a third option: only the supernatural exists (pantheism), but for the sake of simplicity, I'll just evaluate the first two options, atheism and theism, since, you would agree that any form of supernaturalism, including the pantheistic variety, is irrational.
Richard Dawkins champions this idea in his book, The Selfish Gene.
For a more in-depth explanation of why evolution fails to explain genetic "progress," see my article, "Of Monkeys and Men: What the Genetic Code Reveals," at http://www.summit.org/resource/tc/archive/1106/.

Knock, Knock, (echoes....as in a big empty toomb)

2006-12-08T09:13:00.000-05:00

The visitor creeeeked open the door and poked his head inside...
Helllooo? He shouted.

Nothing and no one greeted him but his lonely echo in response.
HELLLLOOoooo? He shouted a second time, slightly louder than the first.

Again, nothing. He kicked the door open hard enough for it to SLAM the wall it was hinged too. The noise reverberated around for what seemed like a long time.

And once again everything was silent.

Satisfied that he was indeed alone, the visitor took off his fleece jacket and hung it on a stray nail that was set in the wall by the door he had just entered.

“This will work.” he thought. This is just what I need. And the visitor began working.

Alaska Trip Part 1 Phase 1

2006-10-04T09:08:00.000-04:00

It occurred to me that many of you didn’t hear much about my trip to Alaska. Well, I’m going to tell you (in brief) one of the many tales from that trip.

We (Nathan, Jesse and I) are leaving town, and we drive downtown to say goodbye to my dad. We park outside his office building and show off all that we’ve done to the truck and 4runner. We hug and he tells us to be safe and be careful. We tell each other we love you, and drive down the street. I hop out next to Greyfriars and fill my Greyfriars mug with coffee as Nathan and Jesse circle the block. They come around and I hop back in the 4runner. We proceed to I-24 W out of town.

And it was just like that… the trip had begun.

Packing Peanuts Rock!

2006-09-27T13:21:00.000-04:00

Hello and welcome to my blogspot. It hasn’t been used much lately but it still works. This won’t be a very long post, just long enough.

If you want something done, delegate someone else to do it.

If you want something done now, delegate someone else who you can obligate to do it now.

If you want something done now the way you want it done, do it yourself.

Life can be 2 of 3 things; Fast, Cheap, & Easy. Pick any two; you cannot have all three unless you’re fixing Mac’n Cheese or Ramon Noodle soup.

I was having dinner Monday evening with my good friend Mr. E.W_____, and I realized once again that spending time with friends is quite possibly one of the most rewarding ways to spend time. Think of it, read a good book and you may be wiser, watch a good movie and you’ll be entertained, go to an amusement park and you’ll be thrilled, eat dinner and you’ll be filled, but do any of these things alone and they will be an empty and cheap passing of time. (Ever noticed the feeling of waking up as you leave the movie theater, or finish a book?)

Ecclesiastes 4:10

If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!

If intelligence is a curse, what is stupidity?

2006-09-14T00:03:00.000-04:00

I gave blood today. It wasn't the first time. My hemoglobin was 16.5; this would be considered high and above normal. No worries, it just means I'm really healthy.

I rode my bicycle 9.5 miles this week over a period of three days. It felt really good.

It's getting cooler at night. I like cold weather. It makes me happy.

I watched Talladega Nights last Saturday. What a waste of time, money, and energy. That movie is nothing more than a slam against Christians and a "Positive Propaganda" statement for homosexuals.

To end this on a positive note, I've posted again, confirming once again that the rumors that I am still alive and have internet access are indeed true.

I'm still happy with Verizon

2006-07-10T15:27:00.000-04:00

Just a quick update for those wondering. I'm still pleased with Verizon Wireless' service. Since my previous post on November 10th '05 I've taken two extensive cross country road trips, one in January from TN to CO, the other from TN to the most north and south parts of AK. I've been very pleased with the amount and quality of service available. I recommend Verizon Wireless over Sprint, Cingular, T-Mobile, and Cricket.

Technorati Tags: verizon, wireless, cell phone, coverage, service, quality

Sunday June 4th 2006

2006-06-04T17:26:00.000-04:00

We're in Fairbanks AK again. Feels good to take a shower after a another week of not having one. It's snowing right now. Hope everyone is well and healthy.

Alaska Trip

2006-05-25T16:53:00.000-04:00

This is actually in British Columbia.

This was taken while driving on the Highway at the Top of the World. HTTW hwy runs from a small town (Dawson) in Yukon to the township of Chicken, Alaska.

Finals are OVER. Smile everyone.

2006-05-04T19:22:00.000-04:00

Ode to Coffee

2006-03-17T08:36:00.000-05:00

Technorati Tags: Coffee, cartoon, funny, ode, poem, poetry, java,

March 15

2006-03-15T18:20:00.000-05:00

So I'm still alive. Hope you all are well. Stay tuned, I may eventually post again.

Wednesday March 1st 2006

2006-03-01T10:49:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone out there is doing well. Dear readers, I haven't completely forgotten about you. Things have been rather busy lately. Take care and don't die.

I'm sorry, the number you've dialed is busy...

2006-02-15T23:29:00.000-05:00

At some point it becomes hopeless to try and relate everything happening in my life to those not directly involved. That point is either here and now or is now past. I hope everyone is fairing well. I am. I've rationalized away any feeling of remorse about not keeping the invisible internet reader base up to date. I know that most of you are just as busy as I am and understand where I'm coming from.

I take my exit exam tomorrow.
Weekends are going fast, book yours today.
Its been a year since my last speeding ticket. (This is a very good thing.)

Truism for Yesterday

2006-02-14T19:17:00.000-05:00

Man plans, God laughs.

Coca-Cola Machine Hack

2006-02-10T15:39:00.000-05:00

Did you know that if you push the Coke selector buttons on a Coke machine in the order 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 (counting #1 as the top button), you can then cause the display to cycle through CASH, SALE, ERROR by pushing button #2.

Now you know.

Technorati Tags: Information , funny , hack , Cocacola ,

Sometimes

2006-02-08T15:37:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I amaze myself. Waiting until the day an assignment is due, even to within a few hours of class really does help me be creative. Go figure, well, I'm off to class. Hope everyone is having a wonderful blessed day.

Why, can someone please tell me...

2006-02-03T16:45:00.000-05:00

Why is country music so popular? Do YOU like country music? Why? Why not?

Second Test of Performancing

2006-02-02T10:27:00.000-05:00

Are we having fun yet? I know I am. This post made possible with the help of Performancing with Firefox.

Technorati Tags: Test, performancing, firefox, extension

Test of Performancing

2006-02-02T10:19:00.000-05:00

Just checking out a new extension. Hope everyone is having a great day.

No title

2006-02-01T17:15:00.000-05:00

A little piece of paper with a picture drawn floats
On down the street till the wind is gone
The memory now is like the picture was then
When the paper’s crumpled up it can’t be perfect again

Linkin Park

Updated Useless Information

2006-02-01T12:44:00.000-05:00

Time started: 12:50pm Updated from the December 7th Post

Full Name: Wildcard356
Single or Taken: Single (and taking applications, see previous post)
Sex: Male
Birthday: I am 21 or older.
Siblings: yes, 6 of them at last count.
Eye color: Hazel (leans towards green)
Shoe size: 9.5 USA
Height: 5' 7"
Innie or Outie: innie
What are you wearing right now: Cotton, leather, man made materials. (Jeans, t-shirt, shoes)

Where do you live : I've been spending an inordinate amount of time in my car. But I live at home.

Righty or lefty: It depends. Both I guess.
Can you make a dollar in change right now?: Not quite
Piercings/tattoos: No

Relationships
-------------------------------------------------------------
Who are your closest friends: Narr and Godsmoon.
Do you have a BF or GF?: No, see above.
Did you send this to your crush: Haha, no.
When did your last relationship end?: August '05, Last serious one ended June '02 I think.
Best place to go for a first date: Some place where we could talk.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Where is your fav place to shop: Becky's or the Clothes House.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Favorite
Kind of pants: Blue jeans
Color: Black (it matches my hair)
Number: 1
Boys Name: I still haven't given it much thought.
Girls Name: See above.
Animal: Cat (the other white meat)

Drink: IBC Cream Soda (with additives)

Sport(s): Rally racing
Football: IDC
Basketball: Go Wildcats. yay.
Hockey: Custos' team.
Baseball: Braves, yay home team.
Month(s): the cold ones.
Movie: There are several that come to mind.
Juice: Orange
Finger: OK.
Breakfast: Deer tenderloin on a homemade biscuit

Favorite cartoon character: Bugs Bunny

----------------------------------------------------------
Have you ever

Given anyone a bath: Younger siblings.
Smoked: Not on purpose, it's a side effect of sorts from being on fire.
Bungee: Not yet.
Skydive: Yeah baby!
Completed a 240° in your car: Yes
On a major road?: Yes
Gotten a speeding ticket: Yes
How many: 6
Been underground: yes

Made yourself throw-up: No
Gone skinny dipping:
Eaten a dog: Could have, went to Mexico for a bit.
Put your tongue on a frozen pole: Sure.
Loved someone so much it made you cry?: Not in a long time.
Broken a bone: Still no.

Played truth or dare: Yes
Been in a physical fight: As in trying to hurt someone, no.
Been in a police car: Yes
Been on a plane: Several times.
Come close to dying: Without a doubt.
Been in a sauna: Yes

Been in a hot tub: Yes
Swam in the ocean: Yes
Fallen asleep in school: Yes
Ran away?: No
Broken someone's heart: Yes
Cried when someone died: Yes
Cried in school: No
Saved AIM conversations: Yes

Saved e-mails: Gmail, need I say more?
Fallen for one of your best friends? No
Used someone: No
Been cheated on?: Don't know, don't care.
____________________________________________

What is...

Your good luck charm: I don't believe in luck.
Best song you ever heard: It is You By:The Newsboys
Stupidest thing you have ever done: Breaking the speed limit by 65mph.

What's your room like: 15' by 12', two beds, two dressers, two desks.
Last thing you said: I'll take care of it.
What is beside you: A filing cabinet
Last thing u ate: A cheese wrapped hotdog.
What kind of shampoo do you use?: The kind that is in the shower.

Best thing that has happened to you this (2005) year: I turned 21 and my insurance went down.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have you had...

Chicken pox: Yes
Sore Throat: Yes
Stitches: No
Broken nose: No
Believe in love at first sight: No
Have picnics: some times
Like school: I'm about over the whole school thing
What schools have you gone to: High school, college
If you were stuck on an island, what people would you want with you: Narr, Godsmoon, A good chef, a boat maker, and someone who knew where we were.
Who was the last person that called you: Abby
Who was the last person you slow danced with: I don't remember.
What makes you laugh the most?: God and his sense of humor.
What makes you smile?: There's a lot that makes me smile.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Who is the last person

Who broke your heart: I don't remember.

Who told you they loved you: I don't remember.
Is your loudest friend?: Jr.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you/Are You:

Do you like filling these out: Sure, why not.
Do you wear contacts or glasses: no
Do you get along with your family: For the most part.
Stolen anything over $50: no
Obsessive? No
Compulsive? No
Anorexic? No
Suicidal? No

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final questions...

Hated someone in your family: No
Gotten any awards: A few.

What car do you wish to have: Lexus IS250 AWD
If you could change something about yourself, what would it be?: I would be wiser.

Good Singer: Sing, yes. Sing good, no.
Have a lava lamp: No
How many remote controls are in your house: 3
Are you double jointed: yes
What do you dream about? I don't recall.
Last time you showered: Today

Last time you took a bath: ?
The last movie you saw at the theatres: The End of the Spear
Scary or happy movies: Happy
Chocolate or white chocolate: Dark Chocolate
Root Beer or Dr.Pepper: IBC Root Beer
Mud or Jell-O wrestling: Mud
Vanilla or chocolate: Chocolate
Skiing or Boarding: Both.
Summer or winter: Winter
Silver or Gold: Yes
Diamond or pearl: Diamond
Sunset or Sunrise: It depends
Sprite or 7up: Sprite
Orange juice or apple juice: Orange
Cats or dogs: Cats

Coffee or tea: coffee

Phone or in person: In person
Are you Oldest, middle, youngest or only child: number 2

End Time: 1:15pm Eastern

LOL

2006-02-01T11:58:00.000-05:00

Dear Readers, Here it is, what you've all been waiting for without knowing it.

The Girlfriend Application

Something to chew on

2006-01-31T14:24:00.000-05:00

I'd like you to read the following excerpt from a book I'm reading.

"When we do not have something that makes our hearts beat rapidly, that makes our senses quicken, we do not force the blood out to our extremities and we begin to dry up and wither from the outside in. Many times the kind of person who dies way before his time is the kind of person who has tried to conserve his energy, who has believed in "the bland leading the bland." The bland life, the life where one seeks to avoid stress, seeks to avoid hard work, seeks to avoid the big challenges of life -- can literally lead to an atrophying, a drying up of the total body."

"Are they really out to get you?
Doesn't that sound ominous? Are they really out to get you? We have of course a particular kind of psychosis called paranoia where the individual has the deep-seated feeling that others are out to persecute him. This can only be treated adequately by a trained professional psychiatrist. It is well for the relatively normal, relatively well-adjusted person however to recognize that you're not really that important. Nobody's really out to get you. You can build this up in your mind to a point where it truly becomes a ghost, where it truly becomes a persecuting straw man.

For instance, let's take a look at the shy person. If you have a tendency to withdraw from certain social situations, if you have a tendency to withdraw from a confrontation with you boss, if you have a tendency to avoid (through a series of well contrived excuses) certain social engagements, in short - all kinds of affairs that take you into active contact with a lot of people and you say with an apologetic and sometimes rather proud smile, "I guess I'm just shy, I'm bashful, always have been and guess I always will be," my temptation would be to say to you privately but with considerable sincerity and feeling, "What makes you think you're that important? Who do you think you are? How conceited can you get?" Because, you see, the basis of shyness, the basis of so called bashfulness is almost always an exaggerated feeling that others are going to be looking at you, analyzing you, out to get you, being concerned with you, ready to focus on your weaknesses, and the bald fact is it just ain't so. People don't care that much about you!!

The only way people really care enough about you to give you a lot of attention is when you have shown a real interest in them, when you learn to listen to them with interest, with sincerity, when you learn to ask penetrating questions, when you have indicated that you have some interest in giving them something. This will build a real interest in you on their part, but certainly the usual passive withdrawal type of thing which we call shyness and bashfulness is usually simply a comfortable set of crutches to enable you to wallow in your self-preoccupation without getting too unhappy because nobody's out to get you. The only person that can get you is you!!"

Book title: Dare to Live Passionately
By: Joe D. Batten & Leonard C. Hudson
1966 Printing, Parker Publishing Company, Inc.
West Nyack, N. Y.

Library of congress catalog card number: 66-27959

Many thanks to Godsmoon

2006-01-30T13:43:00.000-05:00

This post is dedicated to my dear friend Godsmoon. He's a great guy. Knowledgeable, smart, funny, an all round cool person. He helped me put dates with the previous posts links. He introduced me to Gmail, Gaim, Firefox, Blogger, Bloglines, Google Reader, Flickr, and several people from the BCM. Thank you Godsmoon. You're my hero. (one of them anyway)

Have you heard about Pando?

2006-01-29T13:29:00.000-05:00

Resigning with style

2006-01-23T15:49:00.000-05:00

Author: Jonathon Horsman
Created: Fri 13 May 2005 10:30
Topic: HUMOUR

Apparently, this is an actual letter of resignation from an employee at "Zantex Computers", Australia, to his boss, J Pilgrim. His boss, known as Pilly, apparently resigned very soon afterwards!

Dear Mr Pilgrim

As an employee of an institution of higher education, I have a few very basic expectations. Chief among these is that my direct superiors have an intellect that ranges above the common ground squirrel. After your consistent and annoying harassment of my co-workers and myself during the commission of our duties, I can only surmise that you are one of the few true genetic wastes of our time.

Asking me, a network administrator, to explain every little nuance of everything I do each time you happen to stroll into my office is not only a waste of time, but also a waste of precious oxygen. I was hired because I know how to network computer systems, and you were apparently hired to provide amusement to myself and other employees, who watch you vainly attempt to understand the concept of "cut and paste" for the hundredth time. You will never understand computers. Something as incredibly simple as binary still gives you too many options. You will also never understand why people hate you, but I am going to try and explain it to you, even though I am sure this will be just as effective as telling you what an IP is.

Your shiny new iMac has more personality than you ever will.You walk around the building all day, shiftlessly looking for fault in others. You have a sharp dressed useless look about you that may have worked for your interview, but now that you actually have responsibility, you pawn it off on overworked staff, hoping their talent will cover for your glaring ineptitude. In a world of managerial evolution, you are the blue-green algae that everyone else eats and laughs at. Managers like you are a sad proof of the Dilbert principle. Seeing as this situation is unlikely to change without you getting a full frontal lobotomy reversal, I am forced to tender my resignation; however I have a few parting thoughts.

1. When someone calls you in reference to employment, it is illegal to give me a bad recommendation. The most you can say to hurt me is "I prefer not to comment." I will have friends randomly call you over the next couple of years to keep you honest, because I know you would be unable to do it on your own.

2. I have all the passwords to every account on the system, and I know every password you have used for the last five years. If you decide to get cute, I am going to publish your "favourites list", which I conveniently saved when you made me "back up" your useless files. I do believe that terms like "Lolita" are not usually viewed favourably by the administration.

3. When you borrowed the digital camera to "take pictures of your mothers birthday", you neglected to mention that you were going to take pictures of yourself in the mirror nude. Then you forgot to erase them like the techno-moron you really are. Suffice it to say I have never seen such odd acts with a ketchup bottle, but I assure you that those have been copied and kept in safe places pending the authoring of a glowing letter of recommendation. (Try to use a spell check please. I hate having to correct your mistakes.)

Thank you for your time, and I expect the letter of recommendation on my desk by 8:00am tomorrow. One word of this to anybody, and all of your little twisted repugnant obsessions will be open to the public.

Never f*** with your systems administrator. Why? Because they know what you do with all that free time!

Sincerely

Adrian Barragan

Bus Stop

2006-01-23T14:24:00.000-05:00

ARTIST: The Hollies
TITLE: Bus Stop
Lyrics

Bus stop, wet day, she's there I say
Please share my umbrella
Bus stop, bus go, she stays love grows
Under my umbrella
All that summer we enjoyed it
Wind and rain and shine
That umbrella we employed it
By August she was mine

Every morning I would see her waiting at the stop
Sometimes she'd shop and she would show me what she bought
All the people stared as if we were both quite insane
Someday my name and hers are going to be the same

That's the way the whole thing started
Silly, but it's true
Thinking of a sweet romance
Beginning in a queue
Came the sun, the ice was melting
No more sheltering, now
Nice to think that that umbrella
Led me to a vow

Bus stop, wet day
She's there I say
Please share my umbrella
Bus stop, bus go, she stays, love grows
Under my umbrella
All that summer we enjoyed it
Wind and rain and shine
That umbrella we employed it
By August she was mine

A longer post

2006-01-22T15:42:00.000-05:00

So I haven't written much of anything lately. I started school this past week. Three night classes, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday night.

Three classes : $967.00
Three books for those classes: $164.38
Graduating May 5th: It's about freakin time! (what? you were expecting priceless?)

Undeniable traits/characteristics of myself:
-It is not uncommon for me to go over 100mph on certain sections of interstate. I rather enjoy it.
-I like coffee.
-I take risks. It's who I am.
-I tend to over-analyze. It's better than not thinking enough.
-I am an INTJ. Deal with it.
-I floss.
-I struggle between hopeless romanticism and apathetic cynicism. (who doesn't?)
-Bulletins, I don't repost them as a general rule.
-Comments are sparsely given. Do Not make ANY assumptions based on comments or lack thereof. They are not my preferred method of communicating.

There, you've probably learned something. Have a great day.

Goodday to you all.

2006-01-22T13:17:00.000-05:00

Life is soo full. I hope you all are having as much fun living as I am. Take care. As Coca-Cola puts it... Give. Live. Love.

Gmail Rant

2006-01-19T11:46:00.000-05:00

Gmail should offer read receipt's. Outlook has them, why doesn't Gmail? Gmail team, make Gmail better by adding read receipt capabilities. End Rant.

Why Switch Off?

2006-01-17T08:48:00.000-05:00

If you have the time, HERE is a great article about switching Off.

No Title

2006-01-17T08:38:00.000-05:00

A Terrorist and a Marine

2006-01-16T14:00:00.000-05:00

A U.S. Marine squad was marching north of Basra when they came upon an
Iraqi terrorist, badly injured and unconscious. On the opposite side of
the road was an American Marine in similar but less serious state.

The Marine was conscious and alert and as first aid was given to both
men, the squad leader asked the injured Marine what had happened.
The Marine reported, "I was heavily armed and moving north along the
highway here, and coming south was a heavily armed insurgent. We saw
each other and both took cover in the ditches along the road.
"I yelled to him that Saddam Hussein is a miserable, lowlife, scumbag,
and he yelled back that Senator Ted Kennedy is a good-for-nothing, fat,
left wing liberal drunk. So I said that Osama Bin Ladin dresses and acts
like a frigid, mean spirited woman!"
He retaliated by yelling, "Oh yeah? Well so does Hillary Clinton!"
"And, there we were, standing in the middle of the road, shaking hands,
when a truck hit us."

SWM

2006-01-13T20:06:00.000-05:00

Hi, my name is Wildcard356. I'm 5' 7", 170 lbs, black hair, hazel eyes. I enjoy the outdoors. I've been mountain climbing, skydiving, caving, biking, running, backpacking, scuba diving, skiing, snowboarding, off-roading, road racing, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, body surfing, sailing (w/sharks), and some day I hope to do some extreme things like take dancing lessons, learn to drive the speed limit, and sit in a recliner.

Some life goals include marrying, having kids, not dying while doing the mundane, traveling the world, and keeping several close friends.

Sometimes I wonder if everyone is just being polite. Like the second I walk out the door or the moment I hang up the phone they breath a sigh of relief. Most of the time I convince myself this is not the way the world works. The rest of the time I have my doubts.

In brief...

2006-01-13T18:44:00.000-05:00

In brief, here are the most recent happenings starting December 24.

Dec 24, Drove to KY to visit my dad's side of the family.
Dec 25, went to mom's side of the family, also in KY.
Dec 26, while in KY helping my grandfather work on a house he bought, I jumped in the lake. Yes, it was cold.
Dec 27, drove home home in the evening.
Dec 28, went caving with PAS, Cates, Dalilylady, @ Petty John's
Dec 29, Thought about packing for CO. (Among other things.)
Dec 30, Worked with Narr on his 4Runner that we were taking to CO, helped Godsmoon propose.
Dec 31, Worked all day on Narr's 4Runner.
Dec 31 Evening, wound up hanging out with Dr. Self, Dizzytrist, Godsmoon, and A. Roth at a place called Midtown. (A musical venue downtown)
Jan 1, Went to church, continued the battle against Narr's 4Runner.
Jan 2, Won the battle and the war against the 4Runner.
Jan 3 , After a stint at Wally World Narr and I left for CO @4am.
Jan 4, arrived in Burning Bear camp ground (elevation 9,600 FT) CO around 5am local time. Slept till noon.
Jan 4, After packing backpacks began hiking around 4pm (there was a lot of snow, we wore snowshoes [which are decidedly from God])
Jan 4, 8:30pm, marched off trail into the woods and laid down in the snow (Elevation 10,400 FT). Feet were a little cold, the night passed.
Jan 5, Got up and continued hiking. Arrived at base camp (elev. 11,100 ft) around 4:45pm. Set up tent and cooked dinner.
Jan 6, Left base camp for summit of Mt Bierstadt 10:05am. Reached summit 4:20pm (elev. 14,064 ft.) No, there wasn't much air, and I know what is meant by "the nose bleed section" now. Made it back to base camp around 7:45pm. Ate then slept.
Jan 7, packed up camp and headed down the mountain. Arrived at 4Runner approx. 2:15pm. Laid gear on fence to dry and changed clothes. Drove to Georgetown CO. Got a room at the Georgetown Motor Inn. (now called the Georgetown Mountain Inn) Took a shower. Ate at the Red Ram.
Jan 8, Sat in the hot tub with the snow coming down and let my hair freeze. Checked out and toured the traffic light deprived town of Georgetown CO. Ate lunch at a local shop and drove up I70 to Loveland Basin. Unpacked the skis and snowboards and played in the parking lot. Slept in the 4Runner.
Jan 9, Woke up at 2:30am to ice all over the inside of the car. It was 0 degrees outside and about 10 degrees inside. That's Fahrenheit folks. Started the car and let it warm up. 7am, woke up started car again and ate. Dressed to kill, we took our snowboards to the slopes. (Loveland Ski Resort) A few hours into it, in a dramatic display of skill and finesse I crashed while on a steep slope and ripped both bindings off my snowboard. We then got the skis from the car. The skis lasted a bit longer. It was nearing 3pm when I attempted a double front flip off a two foot drop off. I managed one front flip, but I think the skis have to stay intact and on your boots to count. I remember the sky was very blue when I opened my eyes.
We drove back to Georgetown and ate at the Red Ram again. Great place. Packed up and started for home.
Jan 10, 10:15pm Arrived home. Went to Narr's appartment and unloaded the gear. Took several muscle relaxers and went to sleep 3:15am jan 11.
Jan 11. Washed clothes. Went to the college and re-registered for Spring classes. (ugh)
Jan 12, Ran errands all day. Ate lunch with Dad.
Friday the 13th. Now at home writing what I can only hope you will read. (I don't really care if you do read it. It's for me.)

Hope you all have a great evening. will post pictures soon.

I'm back

2006-01-11T02:31:00.000-05:00

I'm back in town. I'm in one piece. 'Nough said for now.

And I? I took the road less traveled by...

2006-01-08T06:10:00.000-05:00

Mt. Bierstadt CO, 14,064 Ft.

Ship passing in the night...

2006-01-01T04:53:00.000-05:00

"I'm not dead."

Leaving for CO this evening. Will return by the 11th of January. If I haven't posted by... say the 20th of Jan. then you can wonder what happened to me.

Know that "I love you [all] but I won't be thinking about you."

Drive carefully and don't do anything stupid.

Lawyer Joke

2005-12-22T10:44:00.000-05:00

* Lawyer: "Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?"
* Witness: "No."
* Lawyer: "Did you check for blood pressure?"
* Witness: "No."
* Lawyer: "Did you check for breathing?"
* Witness: "No."
* Lawyer: "So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?"
* Witness: "No."
* Lawyer: "How can you be so sure, Doctor?"
* Witness: "Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar."
* Lawyer: "But could the patient have still been alive nevertheless?"
* Witness: "Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law somewhere."

Dude!!!

2005-12-22T10:19:00.000-05:00

You've got to look at this. A bit of caution would be advised if you are currently not sober or are using any mind altering medication.

LINKY

The Pope and Tree Huggers

2005-12-20T16:15:00.000-05:00

On a tour of Alaska, the Pope took a couple of days off to visit the mountains for some sight seeing. He was cruising along the campground in the Pope-mobile when there was a frantic commotion just at the edge of the woods. A helpless Democrat, wearing hemp sandals, burlap shorts, a "Save the Whales" T-shirt and a Tree Hugger Hat, was struggling frantically, thrashing around trying to free himself from the jaws of a 10 foot grizzly. As the Pope watched horrified, a group of Republican loggers came racing up.

One quickly fired a .357 magnum into the bear's chest. The other two reached up and pulled the bleeding semiconscious Democrat from the bear. Then using long clubs, the three loggers beat the bear to death and two of them threw it onto the bed of their truck while the other tenderly placed the injured Democrat in the back seat.

As they prepared to leave, the Pope summoned them to come over. "I give you my blessing for your brave actions!" he told them. "I heard there was a bitter hatred between loggers and environmental activists, but now I've seen with my own eyes that that is not true."

As the Pope drove off, one of the loggers asked his buddies "Who was that guy?"

"It was the Pope," another replied, "he's in direct contact with God and has access to all God's wisdom."

"Well," the logger said, "he may have access to all God's wisdom, but he sure doesn't know anything about bear hunting.....is the bait holding up okay or do we need to go back to town and grab another one?"

CO trip date

2005-12-16T12:56:00.000-05:00

Here are the dates I'll be gone to CO in January. From the evening of the 1st to the evening of the 11th. Cell phone should work for most of the time. It's going to be an awesome trip.

A, a B, and Groups

2005-12-15T10:24:00.000-05:00

This semester is over. Finally. Got an A in Financial Management, and a B in Macro Economics. Also, Gmail has added a groups function to its address book. This is wonderful. If for some reason you aren't using Gmail and would like to be invited, let me know.