SitRep

Fire Sale

2009-01-29T19:50:00.002-05:00

FYI I am/have moved! The SitRep Blog is now being primarily hosted over at WordPress. Follow this link to get there (and please make a note of the new location). Take a minute or two to look around the site and let me know in the comments what you think about the look and feel of the page. My other primary blog "Coming to Christ" can be found here. As always the breadth of TeamLaws' content can be accessed on Dipity here.
Cheers!

http://teamlaws.wordpress.com/

http://comingtochrist.wordpress.com/

http://www.dipity.com/teamlaws

Free, Last Known

2009-01-24T04:22:00.000-05:00

This is a handy little site that gives you the ability to search and find those little indispensable items that are so helpful and often costly too. Free is good.

via LifeHacker

2009-01-23T04:22:00.001-05:00

This should coincide nicely with your New Year's Resolutions!

The Seven habits of Highly Effective People

Via LifeHacker

Sweet

2009-01-21T04:22:00.003-05:00

If you're a Rush fan this is for you! She's 13 years old! WOW!

via boingboing

Amazing Landing and Rescue on the Hudson River

2009-01-17T04:22:00.001-05:00

This was an amazing event as a fully loaded airplane made an emergency landing on the near-frozen Hudson River in NYC. I thrilled as the word got around that all of the passengers and crew had survived. The pilot has been lauded by all sources for his skill and daring. The thing I find fascinating is how Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger III eschewed the spotlight completely (to his credit IMO). When there's so much crappy news being dissiminated it's cool to have an event like this to hear about

Image via Janis Krums on an iPhone

This is RADICAL!

2009-01-15T04:22:00.000-05:00

wingsuit base jumping from Ali on Vimeo.

Super Cool Stuff, with very little margin for error...

No Frills You Tube Searching

2009-01-14T04:22:00.000-05:00

Ever wanted to search for a certain video on You Tube and you wanted to do so by image only without all of the surrounding clutter on the site. Your time has arrived! Give this a shot! The pic at left is all of my vids on You Tube which you can search with the term "TeamLaws". Have fun!

The same thing can be done with Flickr here.

via LfeHacker

NOW There's a Dilemma!

2009-01-13T04:22:00.002-05:00

They say sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven, well in this case if you "sacrifice" just 10 of your facebook friends Burger King Corp will reward you with a FREE Whopper (I like mine with Xtra pickles). If I fall off of someone's friend list I will completely understand!!

via CNET

The Word Cloud

2009-01-13T04:22:00.000-05:00

I believe I may have featured this before but even if so it's so cool it needs to be hit again. Wordle is a site that will create a "word cloud" from the data you inject (either by link or cut and paste). It's super cool. The image features text from SitRep.

via Wordle

If You Use Outlook This is 4 You!

2009-01-12T04:22:00.004-05:00

If you use Outlook as your client for handling your emails this is for you! If you're not sure watch the video! It's impressive and FREE...a great combination!!

Xobni

via LifeHacker

LDS Roper Among 3 to Win World Titles

2009-01-11T04:22:00.000-05:00

This is a great story with an undercurrent of priorities...

via LDS Church News

The Pinnacle for Sure

2009-01-10T20:36:00.002-05:00

Not only did he garner this high honor, did you know that he was endorsed by CHUCK NORRIS? There is nothing higher or cooler unless you are an excercise equipment manufacturer!

via SL Trib

It's Been Around but is Pretty Good

2009-01-10T20:24:00.005-05:00

Though you've probably seen this it's worth seeing again!

What Moms Say

Blago's Greatest Moment (Yet)

2009-01-09T23:23:00.003-05:00

Did you catch that news conf with Gov Blago this PM? Woah that guy has taken the trip on around the bend! It was the most surreal thing ever. He brought in a number of destitute and underprivilidged souls who he claims to have saved from certain death and asked after citing what he did to save their life: "Is that an impeachable offense?" No not at all, but then there's the matter of all of the other dispicable things he is accused of. Nevertheless he quoted a little Kipling to take the edge off. That was swell. Man is this guy out there!

The Sky is OFFICIALLY Falling!

2009-01-08T12:45:00.002-05:00

Well President Elect Obama has made it official: we are in deep do-do. American Recovery and Reinvention Plan. The change must begin in Washigton. Ya think? Only government can solve these problems. Also a true statement.

The problems of the wild credit market are not ones we arrived at in a day or two but have been building for a generation. The broadband stuff sounds like a great idea to me. There are a ton of hillbillies and back woods types who still need a computer though.

The "paradox and promise of this moment": paradox I get promise I'm not so sure about. Standing by for more bad news...

Cougs Play Some Big Time Teams in '09

2009-01-07T05:23:00.004-05:00

This should be exciting to watch. Too bad the CFB season is nearly over; it's my fav sport to watch although this season has been highjacked by personal dramas small and large. Maybe 09 will be normal (whatever that is!)
via BYU Newsnet

The "T" Word

2009-01-07T05:22:00.003-05:00

There is speculation (National Budget Office) that the federal deficit is going to be 1.2 TRILLION in 2009. What does that compare to? Anyone have the ability to quantify that in layman's terms? Holy smokes!

Good Times

2009-01-04T20:51:00.004-05:00

The fam was in town this last weekend and we did a little looking around at some properties in the local area. We saw some of all sorts of stuff (some we clearly found interesting and much that was "not so much"). The property at left had some real promise as a "fixer-upper". Whatcha think? BTW we have a great house in Pensacola for sale. Anyone?

The Kiss of Death

2008-12-31T09:02:00.004-05:00

The amazing gall of Blago has taken yet another wacky turn. In something out of National Enquirer, he took the opportunity the other day to nominate one of his old cronies/foes (Roland Burris) to fill the seat vacated (you know the one he wanted to sell) by pres-elect O. Just when the saga turned from sad to weird to pathetic to sad again here comes more weirdness. Meanwhile everyone from the pres-elect on down says this won't fly. Can anyone tell me why it's so dang hard to can a bad actor from the political arena. I've heard of checks and balances but this is ridiculous!

image

Top Tech in '08

2008-12-30T05:22:00.002-05:00

This was a pretty impressive list #10, 9, & 5 were the most impressive to me.

via Wired

LOL

2008-12-29T05:22:00.001-05:00

In a depressed economy this is much easier than housing and feeding sheep dogs. Good stuff!
via Shanghaiist

An Incredible Intersection

2008-12-28T14:45:00.004-05:00

Today was an amazing day. Read on to find out why...

Sacrament Talk
Kingsland Ward
P.D. Laws

“The Goodness of God Times Three”

We worship a personal God.

A being who rules and governs infinite space but at the same time is intimately aware of each of His children…

A Father whose divine love is more immense and deeper than our ability to comprehend. A loving parent who delights to bless His children, often wildly beyond what they deserve or have earned. I have been the partaker of His goodness throughout all of the days of my life. Today I wish to share three examples of His manifest love for me. And in so doing cast a spotlight on His unspeakable love for each of us His cherished children. The first two examples are intended to point to the utility of the third to each of us.

I desire that you will pardon the personal nature of my remarks and choose to focus on the greater message, not the incidents cited. Reflect and see for yourself if your experience has not been similar to mine. I will proceed in reverse chronological order beginning with today.

As many of you know I am new to the Ward and am currently separated from my family who are in Pensacola Florida awaiting the sale of our home there prior to joining me here in Kingsland. This is for me an exercise in controlled misery; I miss them terribly and feel constantly handicapped and joyless in their absence. In such circumstances it has been fairly easy and convenient to feel sorry for myself and to neglect my relationship with Father. This last Sunday Father reached down through the irritation and frustration and blessed me with the most excellent “Tender Mercy”.

As of the last statistical report issued by the Church in the April 2008 General Conference Church membership stood at 13,193,999 (Just under 13.2 Million) with 52,686 Missionaries serving full-time in 347 Missions.

Several months ago one of my oldest and dearest friends Tim, whom I consider literally my brother, a man with whom I shared the restored Gospel in 1986 and had the privilege of baptizing a member of the Church and his wife sent their oldest son on a mission.

He became one of the Lord’s 52 thousand warriors sent forth to declare His word in anyone of 347 missions that literally dot the earth. When I heard Tim & Karrie’s son had accepted a mission call, I was overjoyed. WOW!!

Little did I know this was only part 1 of a much greater blessing…

This last Monday, Elder Kemper, son of Tim & Karrie Kemper, was transferred to the Kingsland Ward.

So what are the chances? I am led to answer as Nephi did:

“I do not know the meaning of all things” (but) “I know that he loveth his children”! (1 Nephi 11:17)

Incident #2:

In 1991 our little family, then composed of my wife, two daughters, and I, were transferred to Homestead AFB in South Florida. Shortly after arriving I was serving as the Ward Mission Leader of the Leisure City Ward. One Sunday in Sacrament Meeting I gave a talk about “the power of example & planting seeds”. As part of the talk I recounted a brief incident from my Basic Training 6 years earlier where another trainee and I had had several discussions about the Gospel and I shared a small ”Articles of Faith” card I had left over from my full-time missionary days. I told the Ward I had no idea what had ever happened to Roy Cannonizado but that I felt good about the encounter. I continued with my remarks blissfully unaware of the amazing thing that had just occurred. After the meeting was over it was revealed to me by the amazed members that Roy and his wife, to whom he was sealed, had been members of the Leisure City Ward prior to our arrival! Even later I found out the Cannonizados had also been in my younger brothers Ward in California! God is aware of every on of His sons and daughters…all of the time!

So how does our omniscient, omni-loving Father encounter us most directly and personally over the weeks, months, and years of our mortal lives? How does He lead us back to His glorious presence? The answer is simple. He does it through the ordinance of the Sacrament.

A few more numbers for you to consider:|

From Friday, July 21, 1972 to Sunday, December 28, 2008 is

13,310 days (36 years, 5 months, 8 days)

13,310 days is ~1901 weeks (rounded down)

21 Jul 1972 was the day I was baptized a member of the Lord’s Church and the second of course is today!

Accounting for 2 General Conferences a year, 2 Stake Conferences, and a conservative 6 additional missed Sundays for illness or military duty (10 missed per year for 36 years)

1901 weeks Less [10 X 36 = 360 less 5=] 355 = 1546 weeks!

So I have personally partaken of the Sacrament over 1500 times!

Was each as significant to me as the first on Sunday the 23^rd of July 1972 in the Winnsboro Branch or the last on Sunday the 28^th of December 2008 in the Kingsland Ward?

Do I “remember” each of the intervening occasions?

Clearly I do not…But Jesus Christ does!

His Father who notes every “sparrows fall” (Matt 10:29) “remembers” every last one. He who notes and blesses the intersections of our lives with priceless memories desires to bless us with the covenants of salvation and exaltation. Rest assured they have not for a moment forgotten! This is why the Sacrament is such a direct embodiment of God’s love for us His children. Through this ordinance each of us maintains our standing in His Plan for the salvation and exaltation of His children.

“I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say;”

(D&C 82:10)

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed [it], and brake [it], and gave [it] to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave [it] to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

(Matt 26:26-28)

It is expedient that the church meet together often to partake of bread and wine in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus;

And the elder or priest shall administer it; and after this manner shall he administer it--he shall kneel with the church and call upon the Father in solemn prayer, saying:

O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

The manner of administering the wine--he shall take the cup also, and say:

O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

(D&C 20:75-79)

AND it came to pass that Jesus commanded his disciples that they should bring forth some bread and wine unto him.

And while they were gone for bread and wine, he commanded the multitude that they should sit themselves down upon the earth.

And when the disciples had come with bread and wine, he took of the bread and brake and blessed it; and he gave unto the disciples and commanded that they should eat.

And when they had eaten and were filled, he commanded that they should give unto the multitude.

And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he said unto the disciples: Behold there shall one be ordained among you, and to him will I give power that he shall break bread and bless it and give it unto the people of my church, unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name.

And this shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, even as I have broken bread and blessed it and given it unto you.

And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.

And it came to pass that when he said these words, he commanded his disciples that they should take of the wine of the cup and drink of it, and that they should also give unto the multitude that they might drink of it.

And it came to pass that they did so, and did drink of it and were filled; and they gave unto the multitude, and they did drink, and they were filled.

And when the disciples had done this, Jesus said unto them: Blessed are ye for this thing which ye have done, for this is fulfilling my commandments, and this doth witness unto the Father that ye are willing to do that which I have commanded you.

And this shall ye always do to those who repent and are baptized in my name; and ye shall do it in remembrance of my blood, which I have shed for you, that ye may witness unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.

And I give unto you a commandment that ye shall do these things. And if ye shall always do these things blessed are ye, for ye are built upon my rock.

(3 Ne 18: 1-12)

With what was the multitude filled?

But he truly gave unto them bread to eat, and also wine to drink.

And he said unto them: He that eateth this bread eateth of my body to his soul; and he that drinketh of this wine drinketh of my blood to his soul; and his soul shall never hunger nor thirst, but shall be filled.

Now, when the multitude had all eaten and drunk, behold, they were filled with the Spirit; and they did cry out with one voice, and gave glory to Jesus, whom they both saw and heard.

(3 Ne 20:7-9)

Is the experience you and I just had with the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper any different than these described in scripture? Are we any less the recipients of the “Tender Mercies of the Lord” when we worthily partake of the emblems of His “Great and last sacrifice” (Alma 34:10)? Of course not. The very Sacrament before us carefully laid each Sabbath day is a tactile reminder of infinite realities so sweeping and important the Lord commands us to:

…meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.

(Moroni 6:6)

…that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day;

For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;

Nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days and at all times;

But remember that on this, the Lord's day, thou shalt offer thine oblations and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren, and before the Lord.

(D&C 59: 9-12)

An “oblation” is a gift or sacrifice presented in worship or sacred service. The oblation our Savior seeks from us is a “Broken heart and a contrite spirit” (3 Nephi 9:20).

For each of us the path to His presence consists of the same requirements, the same process. For each of us the Sacrament is the constant companion of our spiritual lives. Partaking of the emblems of His matchless sacrifice reminds us of our standing before God. It reminds us of the constant need we have of the Savior’s atoning blood. It invites us to do better, to sin less, to “remember” more. As we do so this divinely appointed bellwether of spiritual fitness invigorates and informs us of what we yet lack. In my opinion the Sacrament provides a most personal and intimate form of spiritual union with our Father and our elder brother Jesus. Lest we forget His ever-present concern He stridently reminds in the words of the ordinance that we are to “always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them”.

I seek and have sought this blessing more and more as I continue to learn about and appreciate the scope and breadth of God’s love for me. Today I have explored but 2 of hundreds of examples of this virtue in my life. For you and I of one thing there is little doubt: The “tender mercy” of the Sacrament of the Lord supersedes them all!

Media:
Elder Kemper
Short Version
Pictures (Facebook)
Hi Res Pics (Flickr)

Merry Christmas Joli!

2008-12-23T19:16:00.006-05:00

So Joli! You wanted Edward Cullen for Christmas?
Here you go!
Merry Christmas!!
Love Dad

Searchme

View in searchme: full | lite

Great Tune, GREAT Price

2008-12-21T15:57:00.004-05:00

"O Come, O Come Emmanuel" one of the tunes from Enya's latest album "And Winter Came" is currently free on iTunes. Check it out. This one is worth downloading!

Good News

2008-12-15T05:22:00.001-05:00

This has been years in the making and will be generations in the appreciating! I saw a brief piece on it on BYU-TV a few months ago and it is going to be INCREDIBLE in scope. For those who have concerns about Joseph as an inspired prophet, maybe 29 volumes from now they will begin to see what is so clear to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Check it out!

via LDS Newsroom

Calling All Book Lovers!!

2008-12-13T20:27:00.002-05:00

Book Lovers! This is for you. At this site you can tag and set your used books free "into the wild" and see where in the world they end up (think Where's George? dollar bills).

BookCrossing.com

Via Lifehacker

Disparate Tragedies

2008-12-12T05:22:00.004-05:00

If you've followed the 24 hr news cycle this last week you'll recall both of these men being in the news (for very different reasons). That they appeared at about the same time only serves to heighten the difference between them. Some of the worst and best of human nature on display! Especially touching to me was Mr Yoon's comment about the Marine aviator being a "treasure of our country". I recall seeing the Yoon family car in front of the house completely unscathed while mere feet away a blazing funereal inferno was touched off by the crippled super hornet jet.

Meanwhile "Blago" (or any of several dozen other slurs) as he has come to be called continues to drag the people of the state of Illinois through the proverbial mud. In a word unbeliveable in another few: hubris run amok. Has he no shame?

Rod Blagojevich

Dong Yun Yoon

Hey Twilight Fans!

2008-12-06T22:25:00.002-05:00

For all of those fans (I am in house full of them; myself included) there is a trailer (clip) of the new Twilight Movie now available on iTunes. It's a free download. Check it out!

Microsoft SkyDrive

2008-12-05T22:50:00.002-05:00

Microsoft has just gone live with SkyDrive an online storage solution that gives users an astounding 25 GIGS of storage space. Free is what I'm taking about!!

via: LifeHacker

Missonary work IS DANGEROUS!

2008-12-03T20:13:00.003-05:00

aka "Things Your Mission Pres should NEVER find out about" or "Why Elders shouldn't carry around video-enabled cameras". This is Napoleon Dynamite-worthy!! I love the little "spit" at the end and the "I guess we better go home and change" ha ha. Hilarious...

Missionary Work is Challenging...

2008-12-02T20:11:00.001-05:00

2008-11-27T21:50:00.000-05:00

Joli thought this piece of turkey looked like something. Can you guess what it was?

BofM Timeline

2008-11-21T20:52:00.001-05:00

This is a cool way to keep track of the details in Book of Mormon history!
via BYU TV

There's BIG and Then There's This!

2008-11-20T22:54:00.002-05:00

I've seen some big spiders but this is ridiculous!

Via Lifehacker

Get it While its HOT!

2008-11-08T22:53:00.003-05:00

This is an amazing tool for keeping track of EVERYTHING you'd ever want to know about tons of different Gospel topics. For a very limited time you can get the software at a discounted price, so go for it!!

Not Exactly As Planned

2008-11-03T22:14:00.002-05:00

This is an interesting set of photos. You'd think a release would be so simple. It appears the bear had a different idea in mind. Click on the photo to make it bigger.

Team Movement(s)

2008-11-03T20:56:00.003-05:00

So the latest news from Team Laws intl HQ is that I have been hired for a new job (more specifically a job transfer) in the great state of Ga!! I got final word earlier this afternoon from the Vice President of East Coast Operations for Metson that I have been approved to be the Project Manager for the King's Bay site for Metson Marine Services (the company I have been working for in Pensacola as a Rescue Swimmer for 2 years). The PM job represents a considerable promotion for me and allow me to continue to grow professionally within the company and also in the maritime industry. Metson was recently awarded a contract for maintenance and other watercraft services aboard the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. The Base is beautiful and very spacious and there are tons of cool places to visit nearby. We are especially excited to be closer to a Temple (Orlando, 3 hrs).

We're very excited for this opportunity to see another part of the Southeast and though we figured if we moved again it would be west of Pensacola; it appears there is just a bit further east we can go (next stop the Bahamas?).

Anyhow I will be heading over there later this week and starting permanently next week. Becky and the kids will join once the house is sold. Anyone looking for a great deal on a great house in Pensacola should hook up with our realtor Michelle Schoonover ASAP. We are indeed sad to leave Pensacola (again) and will leave behind MANY great friends and indeed "family" members. The good news is that the King's Bay area is only 400 miles from Pensacola and so we should have the opportunity to see all of the old faces from time to time. I'll say in advance (and though it goes without saying) of the move that our casa is always open for visitors! I took some shots of the base and a bit of the neighborhood when I was up there several weeks ago. More Details to follow...

Girl on a Bike

2008-10-31T17:03:00.000-04:00

Just in Case...

2008-10-27T22:13:00.004-04:00

Just in case you were wondering how the Lamanites are leaning on "8"
via: email from J. Bradshaw

C'mon Utah Stop Stinking it Up!

2008-10-23T17:35:00.002-04:00

Utah has been a top contender for this ignominiuos prize for too long. Clearly many of these folks are LDS which doesn't bode well for listening to the General Authorities who have counseled for years for members to live within their means. Here's one of the latest talks on the subject and a classic one. We have adopted the tenets in Elder Ashton's land mark address. It has made all of the difference!!
via Deseret News

Bill is Back!!

2008-10-23T17:16:00.002-04:00

Has anyone read this one yet? I loved his Body for Life book. Somebody give me a review!

Available at Amazon

Most Spoken

2008-10-23T17:06:00.005-04:00

This was really cool. This is a compilation (in the form of a word cloud) of all of the words used by speakers in the recent General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It doesn't include connector words like it and and.
via LDS Media Talk

Try it yourself

Civics Lesson

2008-10-22T21:10:00.002-04:00

Not exactly sure where this one originated from (if I find out I'll post that) but I like it!!

In the Current Economy This Might Be the Answer

2008-10-19T05:22:00.002-04:00

If you're looking to "go off of the grid" take a look at these housing ideas!

The FM Waves are Out There! (here's proof)

2008-10-17T05:22:00.002-04:00

Thanks Becky!

Propisition 8 (California) Amendment 2 (Florida)

2008-10-16T20:52:00.004-04:00

You've probably heard about these ballot issues. Marriage is an institution involving one man and one woman but this historical definition is currently under attack. Know the issue and vote to preserve marriage as an institution BOTH sexes. You'll recognize Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Clearly this is an issue of great concern to leaders of the Church! Get out and vote!! More info

Funny Indeed

2008-10-16T05:22:00.002-04:00

Humor comes in a number of forms and this definitely qualifies on several levels. The website referred to in the article is called passive aggressive notes dot com. I'll warn you in advance that some of the notes contain "colorful language". We received a note in this category (and this one) earlier this year. Pretty funny stuff.

via www.utahgossip.com/

Thanks Becky!

Weekend Yard Sale

2008-10-14T22:27:00.002-04:00

Our team had a yard sale this past weekend (pt 2 of the "world's cheapest yard sale") and we made a few bucks. I was amazed at the volume of stuff we had out there and continue to be amazed at all of the stuff we still have in the house. It is remarkable how much "stuff" we accumulate in the process of living in these United States. Our general affluence is remarkable when juxtaposed with the rest of our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world. I felt grateful as we were able to help a number of folks to enjoy some of our old, out-grown, out-loved, out-of-our-way stuff. A yard sale is like spring cleaning; something that may get put off but once done feels so good! After we wound things down I still filled the car with stuff and headed to the Waterfront Mission (local thrift store) to donate the rest. One word of advice there. Before you have a yard sale poll your Church congregation and/or neighborhood. Maybe you'll find a young couple, a family, a widow, or someone else that could use/wants what you plan to sale. If they do, give it to them and you'll get the best feeling of all!

The rest of the pics

Too Good to Be True?

2008-10-14T20:38:00.002-04:00

This would have been good to know back in the day...To hear my wife tell it, I did a lot of faking over the years...

via Boing Boing

A Little Better Cloris but...

2008-10-13T22:38:00.000-04:00

Better than last week no doubt but still...

I Don't Understand Cats!

2008-10-13T22:31:00.002-04:00

Not sure what I like more the content or the music; together they're pure majic!

Everybody Needs a Gig!

2008-10-10T21:38:00.001-04:00

Via Boing Boing

Worst EVER! (DWTS)

2008-10-10T18:38:00.008-04:00

A new high in lows on Dancing with the Stars, which raises the question WHO IS VOTING FOR HER?

A succinct review (Brooke & Derek: dancing's hottest quarreling couple)(highly recommended)

Reveille

2008-10-10T17:18:00.001-04:00

This is great!

clipped from video.google.com

New Twilight Trailer

2008-10-09T22:37:00.001-04:00

If you haven't read the book(s) there's still time!

Temple 411

2008-10-09T18:39:00.002-04:00

More details on the 5 Temples announced by President Monson this last weekend in General Conference.

Polar Opposites: Gov Sarah Palin’s Visit to Not-So-Sunny Pensacola

2008-10-07T21:32:00.006-04:00

Gov. Sarah Palin braved one of our infamous "Florida Rain Events" to visit Pensacola today. What was originally billed as a brief visit to Pensacola Aviation (at the airport) turned into a major rally at the downtown Civic Center. Over 10,000 (that's capacity) people stood in line in the pouring rain and wind for hours to get through the metal detectors and get inside to view the speech.

That being said, they had 4 metal detectors and several people with wands to process 10K wet people. Reportedly there were several hundred ticket holders who were turned away (and were livid after standing in the rain for hours!) by the fire marshal as the building was already full. Once you got through security no one was taking tickets so that would explain that problem of the building being full (why give out tickets if you're not going to take em?! On the way in no umbrellas were allowed so hundreds of umbrellas were left out front (BTW both of our got jacked) along with countless water bottles, food, mints, nail clippers, etc, etc...

Prior to Gov Palin's remarks several warm up speakers got the crowd revved up. Col George "Bud" Day, the most decorated living veteran and northwest Florida resident, gave a great speech followed by Representative Jeff Miller (our congressman) and Gov. Charlie Crist, the Governor of Florida. No one bothered to give Gov Palin an intro which was a little weird however when the lights went down and the strobes kicked on it was electric in the room. She got a nice ovation after which she spoke for about 30 minutes or so. Her speech was good and she made some nice comments about the military community. The sound system was too low for the size of the crowd which drowned her out regularly. At the end she got washed out by the crowd. I thought it was cool she stayed afterwards to take pictures w/ folks, shake hands, sign autographs and of course kiss babies! The rest of the images I shot are here. (Click all thumbnails for a bigger pic).

You're Kidding Right?

2008-10-06T22:47:00.003-04:00

OJ Simpson was convicted of a whole raft of charges this last weekend in Vegas (fitting location). One would think after the circus of the 1995 case where he somehow escaped conviction for the murder of his ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend, he would have had enough attention in the court department. Clearly OJ just can't seem to keep himself out of the limelight the ultimate irony of which could be a life sentence for his latest shenanigans (remember the "If I Did It" book?). In a word (no two!) ridiculous and disgusting. This is why you should never EVER let your ego get the better of you...insane!

The "War of Words" (VP Deabte)

2008-10-04T09:48:00.002-04:00

I watched the VP debate the other night (along with pretty much everyone else in the country). There was great hype that Gov Sarah Palin would succumb to some terrible gaffe or some such, but that never happened. The fact that she would be mixing it up with veteran politician Sen Joe Biden (try finding an actual website for this guy?) also made for an interesting situation. All of the pundits had their say afterwards naturally and both the right and the left casted aspersions concerning the numerous lies the opposing camp had foisted on the unsuspecting American people. Naturally (we those people) are left to disentangle the mess thus created. This is to me the least desirable part of the political process. At the end of the day (or in this case the end of the interminable election cycle that began months and months ago) I believe one must carefully (and prayerfully) select the party and/or candidate they believe will most closely mirror and execute their beliefs and feelings about the major issues they espouse.

Since no official will ever marry up to this idealized notion (or set of notions) it is a close approximation only.

In ancient times (at various times) the Nephite nation desired kings to rule them but were counseled by their leaders to seek judges instead. The reason given for rejecting the notion of kings was the damage one man with absolute power could wreak on the people. As a people selecting leaders that honor God and strive to execute the religious principles upon which this, the greatest of all nations, was founded seems a central task each election cycle. I sometimes wonder how well we are doing when the various controversies and scandals erupt among and within the ranks of our elected officials. I am comforted by this guidance (given in the Book of Mormon) imparted to the Nephite nation anciently:

Now it is not common that the ^avoice of the people desireth anything ^bcontrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the ^cpeople to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law—to do your business by the voice of the people. (Mosiah 29:26)

Sounds like a pretty good plan!

Mormonads @ LDS.org

2008-10-03T22:32:00.002-04:00

Remember these from back in the day? They have been appearing in the New Era (LDS Mag for youth) for many years. (One of my favs from back in the day is below). They always send a great message. Click here to see them all!

Surname Prevalence Tracker

2008-10-03T05:22:00.002-04:00

This is a pretty cool little app that will show you where in the world has the greatest prevalence of your surname. It will also show you the most popular forenames as well!

Via Lifehacker

http://lifehacker.com/5048420/map-your-names-frequency-across-the-globe

General Conference Helps

2008-10-02T19:11:00.006-04:00

With General Conference right around the corner (this weekend!!) it's time to get ready. For many folks that includes getting something to keep the little ones (and maybe bigger ones too) busy. Here are several activity documents you might find useful. I got the one pictured above (14 pages) from Sister F. in my Ward. Download it here. And here's another (a little more stylized and femmy IMO/7 pages/Images below) from Deseret Book. Let me know how they work out!

Moneygami

2008-10-02T05:22:00.003-04:00

This is pretty cool (though probably against the law at least technically): I guess the other thing to consider is if you can find a dollar bill or two to work with!!

http://art.commongate.com/post/The_Art_Of_Moneygami

Don’t Blink!

2008-10-01T05:22:00.001-04:00

http://www.boingboing.net/2008/09/29/womans-eyes-randomly.html

This definitely qualifies for my "news of the weird" tag. This lady has a condition that causes her eyes to close at random intervals, sometimes for days at a time. What a pain!

Via Boing Boing

Original Article here

New World Record in the Marathon!

2008-09-30T05:22:00.002-04:00

This was something else! From what I hear his pace was 4:43 overall and he holds the top 3 fastest marathon finishes of all time. Incredible!

Saturday Work Project

2008-09-29T19:21:00.010-04:00

A number of us went over to Houma, Louisiana this last Saturday (27 Sep 08) to aid and assist the victims of hurricanes Gustav and Ike. The Pensacola Florida Stake chartered a 55 passenger bus to take us over (that was super nice not having to drive, especially after working all day!). The Perdido Ward had the following go on the trip: Manny S., Michael S., Don S., Jennifer D., Jeremy C., Mike C. (he drove his own car), and from Team Laws: Joli, David II, Miranda, Becky, and myself. David, Miranda, and I also got to do relief work last weekend in Baton Rouge, La.

We left the Pensacola Stake Center at about 4:15 local time and with our driver Walt behind the wheel we made good time arriving in Houma a little before 9 AM. Good Time Tour Service, which is a local charter company, provided the bus and driver. Walt, being the consummate professional that he was, expertly guided the bus through early morning New Orleans traffic effortlessly. We crossed the Mississippi River with about an hour remaining in our journey. When we first arrived in town we got lost briefly having turned left on Highway 311 instead of right, nevertheless in short order we were at the Houma chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Here's a view out the window of the bus as we pulled into the parking lot. The owners of the tents had come from all over the Southeast region in order to spend the weekend helping others. Our disembarking group consisted of both genders and ranged in age from my 12 year old daughter Joli to senior citizen age (I didn't ask!). After a short briefing we broke into smaller groups of 8-10 people a piece with each group getting 2 or 3 work orders. The orders were received by the Church through community and federal agencies like the American Red Cross and FEMA. We had 3 work orders for our group (Katie M, Katie S, Michael S, Don S, Jennifer D, Team Laws, +4 others). After being ferried in a very small car we arrived at Senator Circle in Houma. After about 90 minutes Walt came with the bus (this was not the original plan) and he ferried us around for the rest of the day. I mused to myself that maybe the spirit of the work we were doing must have rubbed off on him too as he was supposed to be "resting". It was great to have the bus to move us from place to place that's for sure! Once we were at Senator Circle and after several logistical delays we began the assigned task which was to remove the contents of three duplexes and sanitize the floors (as much as we could). The offending and oppressive odor of rotten and decaying food, soiled clothing and bedding, and various and sundry other smells combined with the rising heat of the day to create a riot of olfactory sensations!! Several people hung those ubiquitous "pine tree" car air fresheners off of their ears to ward off the smell. Several other groups of yellow-shirted "Mormon Helping Hands" joined ours as we worked from house to house. With all of us laboring together it wasn't very long before all of the belongings in each home were on the front lawn and the floor cleanup was well underway. Those residents we could see were clearly still in shock as they looked on almost helplessly as the accumulations of the years (most of it sopping wet and growing mold) was brought out into the bright sunlight. Once the homeowner for the first home we did showed up with her poodle "Tokyo" she directed us to place all bedding, all furniture, most clothes and toys, well pretty much everything except for the stuff that had been in the tops of the closets, across the street for pickup and disposal. This was a good call as most everything had gotten wet and much of it had mold growing in it. This particular neighborhood had water about 3 feet deep come into it bringing along with it animals, insects, mud & detritus, and of course raw sewage.

The work was smelly, messy, hot & sticky, and oddly, fun. The last part is the miracle of hurricane relief work. It is so gratifying to be able to assist those in need in such a direct way in such an emotionally challenging time. In spite of the type of work the response of those who are helped makes every effort seem effortless. Having been on both sides of this equation I know how they feel! After several hours we had cleaned out and cleaned up 3 houses and our work was done in Senator Circle. The afternoon session was conducted in Dulac Parish. Read about it here.

News Articles: Here and Here.

Pres Monson's Hilarious Anecdote!

2008-09-29T18:44:00.003-04:00

Via the Keep on the Sunny Side of Life blog!

Saturday Work Project in Houma & Dulac, La

2008-09-28T22:34:00.000-04:00

Houma & Dulac Louisiana Service Project 27 Sep 08

“Forever Strong” Movie

2008-09-26T20:56:00.005-04:00

Got the following email about this movie (info here) which is playing in Pensacola (Rave) and maybe in your town too. For LDS audiences this might be a good one to check out. If you do so please let me know what you thought (I can't afford the ticket price unfortunately so I'll be waiting for the video!) It is rated PG-13.

PDL

Two weeks ago we made you aware of the upcoming film "Forever Strong," about a former LDS seminary teacher turned sports coach who has helped shape the lives of hundreds of young men. If you missed the email please click on this link to read it.

There was an overwhelming response from our customers regarding this film and we thought you would want an update on the film's progress. The national press is rallying around this inspiring movie with possible interviews Wednesday or Thursday morning on "Fox and Friends", Thursday on CNN's "The Glenn Beck Show" and possibly Fox New's "Hannity and Colmes" Friday night.

Thanks, LDS Living & Deseret Book

Microsoft Imaging Compositing Software...Free!

2008-09-26T05:22:00.001-04:00

How often do you get that combo? The Microsoft Image Compositing Editor (MICE? I wonder if they thought of that?) is pretty easy to use and appears to work pretty well. Just take your shots, drag and drop em to the interface and viola! I tried it out with a 5 pics of our front room (w/ Survivor Gabon playing on the tube). Not bad and like I said it's free! Check it out here and/or here
Cheers!

Buddy is a REAL Pal!

2008-09-25T17:24:00.003-04:00

Did you hear about this story out of Az abt a dog that dialed 911 to save his master (and this was not the first time!)? Pretty incredible. Via the Seattle Times

DWTS is Back

2008-09-23T20:49:00.005-04:00

This is better than the show (which I must admit is pretty good). Cloris is gotta go, and the young Disney boy too while you're at it!! Warren Sapp moves pretty good for a big dude but his tailor needs to be a little more generous w/ the cloth (if ya know what I mean!).

Baton Rouge Treefest 08

2008-09-22T23:01:00.007-04:00

Miranda, David, and I spent the weekend in Baton Rouge doing some post hurricane service work. Eddie Pressley, Jeremy Clark, and Michael Stegman also attended from the Perdido Ward. It was inspiring to see all of the people and equipment that was assembled to aid the members of the Church and the residents of the community. Over 400 men, women, and youth converged on the Baton Rouge Stake Center for Saturday and Sunday's cleanup effort. Over 370 separate work orders (the actual number of projects completed may be higher as this number represents those work orders that were documented via call in) were completed in the 2 days. The work consisted mainly of tree and debris removal caused by the successive storms (Fay, Gustav). As with three years ago when we went to Pascagoula, MS for a cleanup, the work was hot and strenuous, but we found the spiritual rewards and satisfaction derived from selflessly helping others was also the same. I observed many of the same folks from our Stake were back for another dose of "living water" (it is most abundantly found on such occasions as these). Conversely, the dearth of volunteers for this important effort saddened me. The reasons there were not more folks on hand are not as important as the loss of a an opportunity to bask in the spirit of service to others in one of it's pure forms. As awful as hurricanes and tropical storms are without them there would be no opportunity to fill work orders for member and non as well as canvas a neighborhood seeking to help those in need to put their lives and possessions back in order. Having been on both the giving and receiving end of this divine equation I know the joy each party receives.

An additional benefit of this particular trip was being in the vicinity of the House of the Lord in Baton Rouge (the BR Temple is on the same tract of land as the Stake Center. We pitched our tent right outside the back door of the Stake Center with the doors facing the temple (it was kind of like the crowd in King Benjamin's time). The Temple itself is in a little depression behind the Stake Center ( I'm sure if the Temple had been built first it would occupy the site of the Stake Center) the first I've seen not on a hill, BTW most of Baton Rouge seems to be lowland and fairly swampy. Fortunately most of the damage was from fallen trees and not from flooding in this case.

Two things from the weekend stand out.

The Sacrament Meeting on Sunday morning with all of the workers sitting shoulder to shoulder was a spiritual treat. Those in attendance at the brief meeting were clothed in the "garments of the laborer" (D&C 42:42) prepared to leave the meeting to continue the weekends service. As we sang the three songs (opening: "Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel", Sacrament: "Jesus Once of Humble Birth", & closing: "God be With You Til We Meet Again") there was a tangible bond and spirit, everyone singing with the same enthusiasm and vigor used in the labors at hand that I have felt only one other time (Pascagoula Sacrament Meeting in the gutted Pascagoula Ward Building, Hurricane Katrina cleanup Sep 05).
Meeting the Cannon family. The Cannons were the last family we assisted on Sunday. They had two large pecan trees (I now believe that pecan wood is every bit as hard as oak) that had been topped by the winds and had fallen into their yard and their immediate neighbors. Mr Cannon was in his yard working when I spotted him and walked over to see if we could be of assistance. They graciously accepted and the work was on! Our little group (Miranda, David, Mike S. and myself) had joined with a group from Panama City (I linked up with Jason Koertge's [Ashley Rohm Koertge's husband]. I was in the Bishopric with Ashley's dad Bernie when we lived in Panama City, Fla in 1993-4) and they were absolute WIZARDS at tricky tree removal!! I personally swore off the fence below this "widow maker" on no less than three occasions but alas due to their skill and brute strength the fence is as straight and tall as ever. The proof is here: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3. After we had completed the work we were able to meet with the Cannon's son JJ who is a very special young man. I was reminded of the Gospel truth revealed in Matthew:
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:14)
JJ is in that company, I'm sure of it. It was really a great experience to help the Cannons and we were doubly blessed to be able to spend a few minutes with JJ too.

I have found a secret in the grime of storm surge, in the muck of raw sewer, in the mass of mangled debris, in the detritus of shattered dreams and diminished hopes for property preservation in a hurricane.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (John 13:34)

One of the great manifestations (if not the greatest) of love is service (think Atonement). This is to me the "pearl" rising from the ashes of devastation. This service is the pearl I have found each time I have gone on one of these work projects and it's the primary reason I'll keep coming back, and back, and back for more!

Pics Here

Videos here

Hey Mike: Don’t Give Up Your Day Swim!

2008-09-18T22:56:00.002-04:00

Michael Phelps, the exciting and explosive US swimmer who captured 8 gold medals in the recent Olympic Games in Beijing, China hosted the premiere of Saturday Night Live this last Saturday. CNN described him as a "fish out of water". I agree. Not much comic timing, stage presence, or skill in making the audience laugh. His skits ranged from jabs at his mom (w/ Amy Poehler) to jabs at himself (w/ Will Arnett), to jabs at the Yearning for Zion group that captured an international media circus earlier this year. I found the latter to be distasteful and distracting. Maybe some found it funny. I turned off the show before it ended as I was nodding off (always a bad sign) anyway. My advice to MP, hold what you got, hit the pool, weightroom, and masseuse and we'll see you in four years. OK fine, we'll see you on a wheaties box, but that's it! Please give up TV while you're still ahead!

Geez Charlie Gibson! You can drop the Grumpy Grandpa Schtick!

2008-09-17T23:28:00.002-04:00

Did you see the recent interview of VP Nominee Sarah Palin w/ Charlie Gibson of ABC News? Man did CG have a 'tude or what? I guess I wasn't the only one that found the tone of his interview (his tone, demeanor, & obstinance in questioning) a "little off" let's just say. I wonder why it's always so obvious when an interviewer has a personal (or corporate) agenda. This isn't always the case (think Tim Russert or David Gregory) but seems prevalent. Maybe the media doesn't trust the general public with the wits necessary to make an informed decision. My wouldn't that be refreshing if they simply brought the issues to the fore and allowed the candidates to pontificate on them undeterred? I'd be grateful were that to occur. One of the catch phrases used by Fox bears on this. "We report, you decide". While it is impossible to keep every shred of bias out of a conversation it would sure be nice if it were delivered to our mental mealtime as a side rather than the main course. I don't know about you but I'm "full of it" already!

The “First Dude” of Ak.

2008-09-16T19:55:00.003-04:00

Todd Palin (aka "first dude" in Alaska) was interviewed in the first of a two-part interview last night by Greta Van Susteren (On the Record/Fox News Channel). Things I leaned and/or took away from the interview:

He seems like a genuinely nice, hardworking, family man (who also happens to be happily married to (and in love with) the governor of Alaska.
His commercial fishing business consists of sockeye salmon fishing (using nets near shore in a pre-designated area) for several weeks each summer. The permit allowing him to do this was inherited/given him by his grandfather.
He works one week on one week off on the north slope of Alaska in the oil business and has done so (with one small hiatus) for the last 20+ years.
He is supportive of his wife's political (and other) activities.
He has large strong hands
He appears to be physically fit
He races snow machines (like a snowmobile but faster) and has clocked speeds over 100 MPH.
He is a 4-time winner of the grueling Iron Dog race (2000 miles!) considered to be the toughest race of its kind anywhere in the world (the course is the north Iditarod sled trail)
He seems genuinely pleased with his wife's political achievements
He's a total outsider to the scene in Washington, D.C.

About the only thing not addressed last night was his religious views (maybe the topic will come up tonight). I found the interview to be interesting and informative. The scenery was beautiful (are there any ugly parts of Ak?). He was unpretentious and interesting to listen to. He seems like a throwback to the type of man one would find in nearly any community where hard work, integrity, and grit were the commodities most valued. Clearly he and Sarah have endeared themselves to their fellow Alaskans on the gubernatorial scene as well as all of the locals in Wasilla (where she grew up and he met her for the first time in HS). Just as with his wife, (our next vice president I hope) he was for me a breath of cool fresh Alaska air. I feel this sort of bracing arctic blast is precisely what is needed politically for the GOP. The mad scrambling, name calling, and defensive countermoves by the Dems seems to corroborate and confirm this feeling. Well done Mr. Palin! I look forward to seeing part 2!

Sheesh! (The Cold War is Over 4 Sure!)

2008-09-15T21:18:00.007-04:00

Today I had my first physical as a civilian. The doctor I saw is from Russia (you know the cold arctic wasteland on the other side of the planet). Without repeating this excellent description of events (with minor alterations), and taking into account that each and every female reader of this entry is snickering and saying "yeah right, try getting a female exam!", I must say

"Sheesh Doc! take it easy wouldya"?!? (I think all that stuff is attached; or at least it was until you started poking and probing).

Holy smokes, I had a stomach ache after this guy was through (and the fact I was fasting had very very little to do with it!).

Anyhoo, It appears I am in the healthy way at the moment which is a blessing. Too bad I had to come to this knowledge via the route I did. I know I'm a wimp, but on my behalf, please add docs to the dentists list! Thank you and have a great day!!

Good Stuff!

2008-09-12T21:22:00.002-04:00

Here's a pretty insightful video of the "lipstick on the pig" comment featuring Dennis Miller on "The Factor" w/ Bill O'Reilly.

Hurricane Ike Still Barreling On…

2008-09-12T19:21:00.005-04:00

600 miles in diameter (as big as Texas!!)

Cat 2 winds 105 MPH
Pressure: 955 MB
Water Rise: 9+ feet already (5:30 PM CST)
Projected damage: 100,000 homes (catastrophic) at the outset from storm surge, and then unknown

Via Yahoo! News: "A 1900 hurricane following a similar track to Ike inundated Galveston Island, killing at least 8,000 people — America's deadliest storm."

Great site for checking progress: Details

Idiot Watch

Video of the idiocy in Tx

Part 2

With all of this in mind WHY would 14K+ of the people on the barrier island near Galveston (soon to be called ground zero) STAY? What kind of morons? The prediction for them "Certain Death". It's hard to have any pity for inidividuals like this. The sad part is that others will inevitably risk their lives to help them in the aftermath (if they aren't simply washed away).

To anyone who might be listening or reading this: let me assure you there is nothing formed by the hand of man that can stop the advance of the giant walls of ocean water and rain that are shortly to become the nightmare of the locals there (maybe a boat would be good). The storm will arrive full force in the early morning hours (darkness) right about the time of the next high tide (3 AM) so count on the AM footage being dramatic. I'm thinking a new beach far inland from where the old one used to be. Here in Pensacola we have had all sorts of flooding and surge and we are over 400 miles aaway. People of coastal Texas are prayers are with you. People of coastal Texas who didn't evacuate when told to: if you're alive tomorrow you'll have the rest of your life to regret your poor decision. Having met a few folks who rode out Andrew years ago, to a person they all said it was the most terrifying expereince of their life.

In the picture above an example of a 10' surge in Pascagoula, La from Katrina in 05 (check out the date, pretty ironic huh?). Makes for a pretty open air residence when the ocean propelled by hurrican force winds blows in! More pics from the cleanup we did with the Church here.

The "Devil Tooth" Goes the Way of All the Earth!

2008-09-11T22:35:00.001-04:00

Lest We Forget 11 Sep 01 Remembrance

2008-09-11T22:24:00.004-04:00

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Where were you on that fateful day? I remember the moment I realized what was REALLY happening. I was on military assignment to Hurlburt Field, FL taking a course in Joint Aerospace Command and Control (JAC2C). The classroom we were in was a large auditorium with a floor to ceiling screen at the front. We (all branches officer and enlisted) all watched in frozen horror as the two NY landmarks fell and later as the Pentagon and other targets were revealed. It was a shocking, audacious, COWARDLY act that seemed to be to me at the time the "Pearl Harbor" of this generation. It was a shocking bitter experience to hear of the number of the innocent who persihed that day 7 years ago.

I hope we never forget the despicable acts of that day and vow to fight those who would do such a thing endlessly. Everything changed that day. I got a USA Today newspaper the next morning. I have yet to be able to look at it. It sits in my closet. I can't bear to read it or to throw it away...

Breaking Down Breaking Dawn

2008-09-11T21:32:00.003-04:00

I've soldiered on, I've finished the course & now the Twilight saga is at an end with the final "the end" on the final page of the final book (#4) Breaking Dawn. As suspected the love triangle between Jacob, Bella, and Edward continues unabated. Stephenie Meyer's world of supernatural beings speeds on the complex plot twists Mrs. M must have had in mind from the very beginning. Within this volume of the series (Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse) there are three subbooks: Bella, Jacob, & Bella. Not sure why she set it up this way or why all of Bella's chapters have 1-2 word titles and all of Jacob's range from 8-25 words! I found this to be distracting and irritating for some reason (maybe SM had a ghost writer for the Jacob chapters). While I'm whining can anyone tell me why you would name a child Renesmee, and then have the gall to feel badly when everyone around the child calls her "Nessi" instead? Duh! It didn't seem to me that Bella and Renee or Bella and Esme had relationships deep enough to warrant the naming convention in the first place! Whatever. Besides those two gripes the book itself was a fast-paced action packed read (as were the others). Bella gets the prize as my fav character in this book (her change and the resulting narrative was grand IMO). One need not fear the outcome when glancing through the chapters and finding the last entitled "the happily ever after". Getting to that point is not as "messy" as I would have liked. I felt there many individuals who could use some attention from Bella (if you know what I mean; if you don't read the book). That being said the pensmith SM has left herself wide open for book 5 and beyond should she desire (or her fans demand) it. I wouldn't be shocked to see it happen. Suggested book title for book 5: "Mid Morning"

These Graphics Blow!! (in a really cool way!)

2008-09-10T05:22:00.002-04:00

WOW this makes getting pummeled by a hurricane seem fun (OK not that part but the eye popping graphics and Google earth tie-in is bound to impress). Take a look at this site to see what storm is going where!

via Lifehacker

Heee's Baaaack (Lance Armstrong that is)!!

2008-09-09T21:19:00.004-04:00

Who really retires anymore really? (you pick your fav sports star and he has probably un-retired at least once). It is being reported by Vanity Fair that Lance Armstrong is coming out of retirement to ride professionally for the Astana team next year. HOWEVER, Astana has denied this is the case so I guess the drama has begun. I can't imagine why any cycling team on the planet wouldn't want him on the team!

Zoiks Batman! It's a Zonkey!!

2008-09-09T19:32:00.003-04:00

This was cool.That is a nice pair of socks Junior!! (the 80's are back! are those legwarmers?)
Via "Our Simple Life Here at Home"

Sarah Palin (in images)

2008-09-07T21:06:00.001-04:00

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Thanks John McCain (cont.)

2008-09-05T18:53:00.004-04:00

I wanted to pontificate a bit more on the selection of Sarah Palin as Sen. John McCain's running mate for the upcoming presidential elections in November.

It was a brilliant move on McCain's part (or his selection committee, or gophers, or whoever) to reenergize the conservative base, blind the Dems w/ a stunning blindside, and of course turn the liberal media inside out scrambling for dirt. So far on the latter account the media outlets have been buzzing non-stop with wall to wall coverage of all things Palin. Us Republicans out here really appreciate the balanced and judicious approach being taken (not really) in the "getting to know you" phase of revealing who SP really is and what exactly she has done that has qualified and prepared her, at age 44, to be selected as the first female VP candidate in the history of the GOP. I've got to admit I was rue to vote for McCain (yikes consider the alternative!) but was resigned to the idea that while he is not conservative enough for my liking that at least we might get some center (or even right) "lean" with his VP pick. I'm elated with his choice and hope it will be enough to earn him the White House. Here are my ten reasons why Palin was precisely the right pick (in no particular order):

Sarah Palin is relatable. She comes from working-class small town America and IMO 90+% of all Americans can relate to her on this level. She sounds practical and common sense. Her vocabulary and accent are pleasant to listen to and she's undoubtedly authoritative.
She has a serious novelty factor. When was the last time you saw a "hockey mom" (insert soccer, PTA, car pool, etc… mom) rise in meteoric fashion to the pinnacle of American politics. When have you ever seen a major political figure hold and kiss a baby on the head and IT WAS THEIR KID!! She exemplifies something I haven't ever witnessed in American politics. It's interesting to watch family values in the political arena rather than just "hear" about it (ie Bill Clinton, John Edwards, that speaker of the house nominee, can't remember his name…had to decline the job because of an affair years earlier). I hope the novelty will not turn out to be anything other than a great shift in thinking and experience for the public.
She's Young. John McCain isn't and she brings a youthful energy to the ticket that even though he's spry seems very useful. I believe it was Newt Gingrich who commented recently about how many decades of service that potentially lie ahead for her. Factor in the idea that if elected it's not beyond the pale to see her run for the top job in 4 or 8 years…
She's aggressive. To be in politics this quality seems 100% essential. She has it in spades. An early sign might have been an upbringing in AK and the nickname "Barracuda" (dubbed in High School as a basketball star)
She has a ton of energy. She's run a marathon, plays hockey, and has five kids. The youngest of which was born in April of this year. Did I mention she is the mother of 5? She is fit to lead. Plus her sweetheart (future 1^st husband?) is a world champion snow machine (snowmobile) racer. Anyone who has this much going on and is still upright deserves respect!
She's pretty. I realize this is somewhat of a bonus as looks are completely extraneous to the task of being a politician (witness Janet Reno, Geraldine Ferraro, or even Hilary Clinton); however, McCain (who has had his share, yea much more than his share) has had a TON of "sand kicked in his face" (by brutal and bullying captors in Vietnam) and really comes off a little more elegant statesman especially when he's standing next to (or getting a squeeze from) his attractive running mate. An additional plus for me here is hearing all of the reports of other females (especially the aesthetically challenged) castigating her publicly (I'm not saying the jibes are wholly without merit) I wonder if they hear what we're all thinking: you're just jealous you don't look like that, getting the nom, rockin the fashion, whipping the RNC into a frenzy… The tragic figure here is Hilary. Can you imagine the private hell she must be in at the moment. Has she made any statements about SP's nod?
She seems trustworthy. There's a certain gravitas when she speaks. Maybe this relates to some of the previous items. Moms are trusted figures in families and with the exception of the explosive news of Bristol's unplanned pregnancy with her boyfriend it seems as if the Palin ship is "steady as she goes". (I'm sure the Dems are looking into this thoroughly to see if there are any other skeletons in the closet.
She has actual experience being a leader. In her home, in her past (in sports and in local politics), and importantly as Governor of a very LARGE and industry rich state (bordering a foreign country and across a narrow spit of water from Russia). Have you ever been to Alaska? They raise (and/or import) a different kind of folks up there. It is brutally beautiful there and brutally challenging to survive (at times) this produces a certain grit and to be chosen a leader there by the locals and being an individual who came in and "cleaned up some messes" (my words) says volumes about SP. (See item 4). Did I hear that she has more executive experience (i.e. being in charge and being required to make actual decisions) than both Obama AND Biden? This is crazy sounding to me considering Biden has been in politics for 30+ years!
She's conservative. This country was founded by conservative Christian men who loved the Lord and desired to do His will. SP is pro-life, pro-guns, pro-militray, con-tax, con-waffling around, con-indecision. I think the buck has stopped with SP and that's a good thing.
She is direct. It will be fascinating to see her debate Joe Biden in October. You can bet her answers and comments will be shorter (and meatier) than his.

So thanks JMcC for giving us this "breath of fresh air" in the nat'l politico scene. It's been awhile in coming for the GOP and now that it's here it seems overdue. I'm optimistic for republicans in Nov especially now that Governor Sarah P is on the ticket!

Images via Our World As We See It

Another great blog

Thank You John McCain!

2008-09-04T22:44:00.005-04:00

Thanks JC for picking Sarah Palin as your VP! I'm excited and energized about the Rep ticket again. Did you see her speech last night? It was really good! Check it out here. More about this later! USA! USA! USA!

The Latest Name to Despise...

2008-09-04T22:43:00.004-04:00

In case we were feeling like nothing is going on here comes another storm. Hopefully it will hook right! Oops the "i
s" have not been kind to us in the past. Remember Ivan?

Jacob Are You “Eclipse(ing)” Edward Again? My Review of Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

2008-09-03T18:56:00.003-04:00

An eclipse (as you probably know) occurs when one planet obscures or blocks another. An "eclipse" in fiction happens when a wildly popular teen romance saga hits its third gear. In this case (the fictional teen romance that is) Stephenie Meyer (SM after this) has placed Jacob Black (who is growing like an out of control weed) between Bella (Isabella) Swan and her one true love Edward Cullen. Edward I'm sure you know by now, is a vampire.

In this installment (as with the first two books) spending time with Bella who is now a High School senior is never dull. You will recall she is a bit accident prone having cut herself, broken limbs, been thrown about by a dangerous vampire, and generally tripped over her own shoelaces (multiple times). She's been moody in the first two books; that continues unabated. She is hopelessly in love with Edward that continues (with some strange new complications). In short it's the same old Bells in a whole raft of new and dangerous circumstances. One thing that hasn't changed here is Chief (Police Chief of Forks, Wa) Charlie Swan's obsession with TV (sports) . Does he ever do anything else? Yes, of course; he goes fishing with his buddy Billy Black. Other than that he's as one dimensional as a piece of cardboard.

In book 3 SM introduces us with much greater detail to the Cullen sibs & gives us a reason to care about a coven of vampires who incidentally don't drink human blood (isn't that humane?). I did find myself continuing to be irritated with some of Bella's antics throughout hoping that Charlie would turn off the TV and intervene…Meanwhile Jacob Black, as the romantic foil comes into his own (in more ways than one). With Bella madly in love with a vampire one would think SM would have her hands full with trouble enough but she finds a way to add more creatures from myth and legend w/ each chapter. At the climax of the book it appears that Bella is going to get just what she really wants (from Edward) but just then Mrs. ("sister") Meyer instead gives us a pleasant "alternative". Meanwhile Jacob Black is bounding towards his goals and destiny too. I found the interplay and antagonism between the three main characters (Edward, Bella, and Jacob) to the be the juiciest and most enjoyable part of this novel. My favorite character in this book had to be Jacob (who doesn't like an underdog?). He was such a love-sick pup I just felt for the guy (especially at the end). SM has carefully developed a sympathetic set of lovable characters in her created world of Forks, Washington (oops, glad I checked!!). Somebody please pass me book #4 (Breaking Dawn). I can't wait to see who gets the girl, who gets bit, what enemy lies ahead, and how SM will tie it all together into one blood-chilling (or warming) conclusion!

Media "Hurricane Palin" Rages On!

2008-09-02T22:16:00.006-04:00

I posted a few vids of the recent Bristol Palin pregnancy flap and they've been getting tons of views (clearly everyone is interested in how this will play out). The interest in this story has all but eclipsed the Democratic effort to get some air time (as long as you don't include the liberal media's tireless effort to denigrate SP and her "family values" and her "lack" of experience). I think we should all move on to issues facing the country (although I will admit teen pregnancy is certainly one of them!). I have baited breath to see her speak tomorrow! The pundits are saying she won't say anything anout her daughter...I don't know her any better than anyone else in the blogosphere at the moment but I think she'll continue to buck conventional wisdom and at least mention it. Stay tuned...

The guy in the scout uniform in this pic is going to be the most famous scouter in the USA if this continues! Let's hear a little about him!!

Republican MoJo

2008-09-01T20:03:00.006-04:00

I'm glad these guys headed down here instead of commencing the RNC and I'm thinking that's gonna provide some good political mojo for them and for the Republicans in general. Looking forward to Wednesday night!!

2 of Gov Palin's Biggest Critics: (Females to boot!)
Sally Quinn
Maureen Dowd

Commentary from tonight's "Factor" w/ Bill O'Reilly concerning those two here.

Monday's Blustery Arrival

2008-09-01T14:35:00.003-04:00

Not the best Labor Day ever and no BBQ on the horizon for today. There have been a number of spin-off tornadoes today in the counties in this part of Fla and SW AL. Hopefully all will be well as we proceed. Clearly some intervention took place for the New Orleans area. It appears they are not getting hammered like they did during Katrina. Every storm is so different!

Bristol Palin, 17 Year Old Daughter of VP Candidate is Pregnant

2008-09-01T13:28:00.009-04:00

The campaign of John McCain (and the Palin family) has confirmed that Bristol Palin, the oldest daughter of Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin is pregnant. She is reportedly 5 months along and will marry the father of the baby.

That was really cool that the Dems were circulating the rumor that Sarah Palin had faked her own pregnancy (how do you do that exactly?) and that Trig (or was it Track) was actually Bristol's baby! WOW we're getting some great drama already! Hopefully the rumor (certainly not the grist) mill will be quieted by the immediate quash provided by the VP-to-be herself. Her statement (via Telegraph.co.uk)

"We have been blessed with five wonderful children who we love with all our heart and mean everything to us."

"Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support," the Palins said.

"Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realise very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family. We ask the media, respect our daughter and Levi's privacy as has always been the tradition of children of candidates," the statement concluded.

I guess in hindsight this is why Bristol was hugging Trig so closely to herself the other day at the introduction of her mom. At 5 months I'm sure she's showing pretty well. How this will be played out by the Dems is anyone's guess... For SP I'm thinking no worries.

"Grandma-to-be" Palin looks to be the real deal and will not be derailed by this circumstance. You know what they say about the handsome and the pretty! Sometimes perception IS reality...Maybe, just maybe, Sarah Palin is more than just a pretty face. Plus anyone who does stuff like this in their spare time is worth getting to know a little better!

Republican Reaction: Video

Democratic Reaction: Video

Sunday's Gustav Report

2008-08-31T22:38:00.004-04:00

This sucka is HUGE. It appears we will be getting tropical storm force winds here in Pensacola and we are over 200!
miles from there! Should be some interesting viewing in the next 24-36 hours on the weather channel. Pray for the residents of New Orleans that all of their stuff (including their city) doesn't get washed away (again).

Temple Bound

2008-08-30T23:27:00.005-04:00

We are heading to the Birmingham, AL temple with the Stegmans. Cruising in the Lincoln Town Car we are (I know I sound like Yoda, sorry). It is providing a seriously smooth ride for us as we journey to the House of the Lord. It is a pleasant thing to have the conveniences afforded by the time in which we live. Just a generation ago such comfortable traveling circumstances were not the norm. For a brief time period when I was called as an ordinance worker I enjoyed being in the temple on a monthly basis. Though it was a large commitment of time and $ I rejoiced helping the patrons enjoy their service there. One of the real benefits of temple service is the peace and inspiration one may receive in the Lord's house. Being there invites inspiration in every conceivable way.

I love to see the temple
I'm going there someday
to feel the Holy Spirit
to listen and to Pray

For the temple is the house of God
a place of love and beauty
I'll prepare myself while I am young
This is my sacred duty

(Primary Songbook #95)

We are now heading home and had a wonderful time at the temple. Becky and I got to do some sealings (proxy marriage for the deceased) as well as several endowment sessions (individual proxy work for the deceased). Don & Becky Stegman had some family file (family names to do temple work for) so we were able to do some of those which was nice. Good times!

Image

Today's Version of Misery

2008-08-30T23:23:00.002-04:00

Here's todays version of misery...A lot of irritation in the New Orleans area. I think they should move the city back about 15 miles or so; couldn't hurt!

An Unexpected Twist!

2008-08-29T20:02:00.003-04:00

This was a little different than expected (jaw hitting floor)! I was hoping Sen. John McCain was going to tap Mitt Romney for his running mate on the Republican ticket but must admit after seeing the coming out party for Alaska Governor Sarah Palin I was impressed! Fortunately the announcement came right at lunch time so I was able to see the announcement live. Though she is new to politics (relatively speaking) she apparently has more experience than Barack Obama in managing a large state’s National Guard and other concerns. She seemed refreshingly uncontrived and apolitical to me. Maybe she is the “maverick yang” to McCain’s “yin”. I loved that her family was brought center stage and was impressed that she lives her ideals giving birth to her youngest (of 5) child Trig (a boy with Down syndrome) earlier this year (April). It will be (in a word) fascinating to see her square off with the old timey liberal Joe Biden (please get one of those $400 haircuts John Edwards gets to smooth out that terrible comb over) as the Vice Presidential debate occurs Thursday October 2^nd in St Louis. It looks like a historical election for both parties and regardless of who wins in Nov (PLEASE no B.O.!) it will be history making. I feel badly for the heavy smokescreen Geraldine Ferraro that’s for sure!! that was employed to pull off this stunner but you can’t feel too bad about this pick because standing next to her even John McCain looks a little better. She’s no

Other cool things about Gov Sarah Palin:

1. Happily married to her High School sweetheart for 20 years

2. Is a mother

3. Pro-Life

4. Stands on principle

5. Understands the working family ethic

6. Wants to drill in ANWAR

7. Doesn’t like to spend money that isn’t there

8. Returns money to the taxpayers

9. Wears great shoes

10. Eloquent (4:20)

11. Sued the Federal Government

12. Supports the Military (her son enlisted in the US Army last Sept 11)

13. Is an outsider from “small town America”

14. Is a woman

15. Opposes same-sex marriage

16. Christian

17. She’s younger than McCain (44) He's 72

18. Posed for Vogue Magazine, was a Miss Alaska Finalist

19. Hunter, NRA Member, hockey player, High School basketball star

There Now...

2008-08-29T18:16:00.001-04:00

That's a little better now, but let's be sure there's no "wobbling" near the end!

C'mon LEFT Turn!

2008-08-28T22:30:00.002-04:00

One hates to think such things but a nice healthy LEFT TURN would be good about now. It's unfortunate that these little "wind events" have to hit somewhere at all. Keepin our fingers crossed here to be missed...New Orleans not feeling the warm fuzzy at the moment...