Wait. How can you call it a year in review when only three weeks have passed? Well, technically almost four. This year in review is actually going to be more of a talk about what's coming up this year.
First off, there's going to be a lot of holidays. One every month, really, except for August. Dang August, no wonder no one likes you. I'm sure there will be plenty of birthdays, also. Lots of people will have birthdays this year. Hmmm.....what else will happen?
Well, just this past week I started two classes online. Two classes? Whatever for? I've decided that it is time to waste some money on a useless Master's degree. Just kidding. I'm not wasting money nor is this degree useless. For almost twenty years I have been involved in Educational Technology in some form or other. Most of that was spent in San Diego though, coincidentally, when we moved from San Diego to Rancho Cucmaonga, I managed to stay in the education realm, continuing to support technology.
I knew that a degree in Educational Technology was something that I wanted for a long time, however, with various bills to pay and money to save, I wasn't able to fulfill that dream. That has changed thanks to my job at Loma Linda. The administration there are very supportive and would constantly ask me if I wanted to further my education. After being asked several times, I mentioned that I did but was not ready financially. They casually reminded me that as an employee I receive a benefit of tuition reimbursement every year. Yes, I have to pay up front but am then reimbursed at the end of each fiscal year. That was definitely good to know.
With that in mind, I simply had to find a program. After a lot of research, emails and phone calls, I discovered the Master's in Educational Technology at Boise State University. The program is entirely online and I never have to go there unless I want to walk at graduation. I think the program is going to really help me with my own job and provide me with information and resources that will be effective for years to come.
Don't be surprised, then, if there happens to be a blog about my classes or if I link to some of my work. Also, watch my Twitter feed as there could be updates for my classes as well (just warning you in case you happen to look and don't understand something that gets posted).
But that's not all this year will hold. As you know, I am still trying to become a published author. I still have my one novel that is being read by a couple of other people and I have hope that another story of mine will begin to mature and finish sometime this year.
There are also plenty of movies coming out this year that are on my list to see. However, since I have a child, it might be hard to see them in any appropriate time and I might just have to rent them eventually to see them, but I will see them. Look for reviews as I'm able to write them. I think that March might mark another month of 31 posts in 31 days but don't hold me to that just yet. Plus other random blog posts about the most mundane (to most people) topics and book reviews on books that I choose to review.
The year may have just begun but I'm already behind on Christmas shopping and Christmas cards. I think I'll make it easy this year and just make a blog post when the time comes. Who knows what the rest of the year might hold but it's going to be fun.
Until next time.
Showing posts with label Random Thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Random Thoughts. Show all posts
Friday, January 25, 2013
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
I've Got A Golden Ticket
I figured this blog needed a little cheering up after the previous post, so here goes.
I’ve got a golden ticket.
I’ve got a golden twinkle in my eye.
So why am I quoting Willy Wonka? Simple. It’s because I got a golden ticket. Look at the picture below and I shall paused a few seconds.
And while this one (unfortunately) doesn’t come with a lifetime supply of chocolate should I survive the strange and silly factory tour led by Willy Wonka himself, it does protect my phone very well. However, since I don't really care for a lot of chocolate, I wonder if I could just get a lifetime of NERDS. I love NERDS. I don't even need to take over the chocolate factory. I could just let Abby have it.
So how did this come to be? How did I manage to find the golden ticket? Well, I didn't find money in the street and go get a chocolate bar if that's what you're thinking. Remember what I just wrote about not really liking chocolate?
Actually, since I purchased the iPhone 4 a few months ago, I have been wanting to find a very cool case. I've looked at hundreds of cases and I would send Joanna sevreral links to ones that I liked but one never popped out. That is, until I literally found the golden ticket.
I was sitting at home one morning and was looking through a website called Red Bubble. It's a website dedicated to helping artists sell their merchandise. Basically artists will create something and Red Bubble will make posters, postcards, mouse pads, iPhone cases, etc. Well, I just happened to see this one and showed Joanna. We were both immediately taken with the case and I purchased it. The picture above does not do it justice and it will just have to be seen to be believed. As I said, it protects the phone very well, though I do not wish to fully test it's drop capabilities. For now, I'll wander through the factory looking for the Fizzy Lifting Drink and avoiding being chopped to bits by the fan on the ceiling.
Until next time.
Monday, October 29, 2012
It's Time Again
Yes, I have found another blog entry by one of my favorite bloggers, Chris Matyszczyk. He really has a way of writing things and not only making them funny but making them understandable to the common person.
In today's article (actually written on Saturday), Chris is talking about an article from the New York Times and how it suggests that people are becoming ruder because they have a smartphone that can give them an instant excuse to get out of something they don't want to do.
I tend to agree. While I have never had a friend text me or call me when I was in the middle of something I didn't want to be at, but it has always been an option. Chris continues to cite the article from the New York Times and how it suggests that humans are simply egotistical and they use the fact that their friends have smartphones and can just get out of whatever it is they don't want to be doing.
I don't do a lot of texting but when I do it's because it's important. Whether it's trying to let a friend know I'm at the appropriate meeting location or that I'm running behind. It's not because I simply think that I'm so important that they need to know my every move. That's what Twitter is for, right?
I mean, most people tweet their current status, much like Facebook, so how is that any different?
Chris also feels that instead of becoming ruder because of the smartphone, humans are actually becoming more like themselves - rude. Read the article. He makes a pretty good argument.
When you've read the article that I'm referring to, feel free to read other postings. He's great.
Until tomorrow (two more days left).
In today's article (actually written on Saturday), Chris is talking about an article from the New York Times and how it suggests that people are becoming ruder because they have a smartphone that can give them an instant excuse to get out of something they don't want to do.
I tend to agree. While I have never had a friend text me or call me when I was in the middle of something I didn't want to be at, but it has always been an option. Chris continues to cite the article from the New York Times and how it suggests that humans are simply egotistical and they use the fact that their friends have smartphones and can just get out of whatever it is they don't want to be doing.
I don't do a lot of texting but when I do it's because it's important. Whether it's trying to let a friend know I'm at the appropriate meeting location or that I'm running behind. It's not because I simply think that I'm so important that they need to know my every move. That's what Twitter is for, right?
I mean, most people tweet their current status, much like Facebook, so how is that any different?
Chris also feels that instead of becoming ruder because of the smartphone, humans are actually becoming more like themselves - rude. Read the article. He makes a pretty good argument.
When you've read the article that I'm referring to, feel free to read other postings. He's great.
Until tomorrow (two more days left).
Friday, October 26, 2012
Scare Us
I learned something today. Neil Gaiman, the author, a few years ago, started something really cool. It is called All Hallows Read. It's an opportunity for people to be reminded to read. When he started the program, it was with the hope that people would share scary stories with each other. He hoped that children would receive appropriately scary stories as well.
It seems like a great concept and it's something that I would like to try, though it seems a lot of people that I know might not care about scary stories.
Neil Gaiman, for his part, decided that this year, for a change, the scary story that he decided to write, he would actually record. You see, Neil Gaiman is also a producer of fine audio books for Audible. His story this year is called Click-Clack the Rattlebag. It is a short story, just about ten minutes, but in just those few minutes, it manages to be creepy and makes you wonder exactly what could happen next.
While I'm not going to go into any detail, what I am going to do is point you to Audible's website. The reason I am is because Neil Gaiman has decided to give you his short story for free. Yes, free. Naturally, Neil Gaiman doesn't need the money and, in fact, had hoped to allow for a donation to a specific charity. Unfortunately, Audible is not set up that way. However, with the help of Audible, Neil still managed to give his book away and agreed that for every download of the book, Audible would donate $1 to a charity of his choice. There you have it. You download a free, ten minute story, written and read by Neil Gaiman and in turn donate a dollar to charity. No extra work on your part.
You have to act quickly, though, because this offer is only good through Halloween.
Here's the link: Scare Us
Wake the neighbors and phone the kids. This is for a good cause. Listen to the story and be scared by not knowing.
Until tomorrow.
It seems like a great concept and it's something that I would like to try, though it seems a lot of people that I know might not care about scary stories.
Neil Gaiman, for his part, decided that this year, for a change, the scary story that he decided to write, he would actually record. You see, Neil Gaiman is also a producer of fine audio books for Audible. His story this year is called Click-Clack the Rattlebag. It is a short story, just about ten minutes, but in just those few minutes, it manages to be creepy and makes you wonder exactly what could happen next.
While I'm not going to go into any detail, what I am going to do is point you to Audible's website. The reason I am is because Neil Gaiman has decided to give you his short story for free. Yes, free. Naturally, Neil Gaiman doesn't need the money and, in fact, had hoped to allow for a donation to a specific charity. Unfortunately, Audible is not set up that way. However, with the help of Audible, Neil still managed to give his book away and agreed that for every download of the book, Audible would donate $1 to a charity of his choice. There you have it. You download a free, ten minute story, written and read by Neil Gaiman and in turn donate a dollar to charity. No extra work on your part.
You have to act quickly, though, because this offer is only good through Halloween.
Here's the link: Scare Us
Wake the neighbors and phone the kids. This is for a good cause. Listen to the story and be scared by not knowing.
Until tomorrow.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Is It All Soul's Day Yet?
I am still impressed by bloggers that manage to write several articles a day. I suppose they take the time to do some research or interviews and decide what their readers want to see. For Pop Candy, I know that Whitney does a lot to ensure a very eclectic mix of pop culture information. Of course, at the moment she's in the throes of mommy hood, having given birth to her first child, a girl, at the end of September. However, she has a loyal band of guest bloggers that also take the time to come up with several ideas for the blog.
Maybe I should ask you, my readers (all three of you), to give me ideas of what you would like to see me write about. It could be about anything, within reason, of course. And if I use your idea, great. If not, at least you don't have to feel too bad.
With everything that goes on in a normal day at work and at home, I can't always come up with great ideas. That's where you could come in. Send me ideas. See a funny article? Send it to me and I'll make comments that might be just as funny. See something really strange and you want to know what it's all about, let me know and I might be able to do more than just a Google search.
It would be nice to be able to get this blog to the point that going on vacation didn't mean the blog would disappear for a week or some while I was gone. Instead, with your help, perhaps it could continue. Of course, as you've already discovered, I am prone to several vacations during the year.
Until tomorrow.
Maybe I should ask you, my readers (all three of you), to give me ideas of what you would like to see me write about. It could be about anything, within reason, of course. And if I use your idea, great. If not, at least you don't have to feel too bad.
With everything that goes on in a normal day at work and at home, I can't always come up with great ideas. That's where you could come in. Send me ideas. See a funny article? Send it to me and I'll make comments that might be just as funny. See something really strange and you want to know what it's all about, let me know and I might be able to do more than just a Google search.
It would be nice to be able to get this blog to the point that going on vacation didn't mean the blog would disappear for a week or some while I was gone. Instead, with your help, perhaps it could continue. Of course, as you've already discovered, I am prone to several vacations during the year.
Until tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Filler Part 2
It seems that on days when I am very busy at work or at home in the evening, I can't think of things to write about later each night. Perhaps that is why the blog ends up taking several hiatuses (is that a word?), because I just am not seeing enough things happening in the world that I want to talk about.
Of course, there are things that are happening in the world:
The debates, the election . . . those are off limits because I choose not to write about politics. It's not to say that I am uninformed or ignorant about politics, I just simply don't want to talk about my politics.
The recent abductions and murders of little girls in New Jersey and Colorado. As a father of a little girl, you can understand why I don't really want to talk about this subject.
Work. Work is going well. We are in process of doing several remodels around the building which make it fun when one group has to be moved to compensate for a room not being big enough or not having the proper tech equipment for their needs.
Writing. Obviously, I'm writing every day at the moment. I am attempting to keep up with my own fiction writing as well, but that tends to be a little harder since I am trying to maintain the one blog a day attitude at the moment. Honestly, I can't understand how bloggers can have several entries per day that are interesting. I suppose if my job was simply to write about stuff all day, I could figure something out.
I guess that's enough subjects to talk about. Maybe something exciting will happen tomorrow to give you something better to read.
Until tomorrow.
Of course, there are things that are happening in the world:
The debates, the election . . . those are off limits because I choose not to write about politics. It's not to say that I am uninformed or ignorant about politics, I just simply don't want to talk about my politics.
The recent abductions and murders of little girls in New Jersey and Colorado. As a father of a little girl, you can understand why I don't really want to talk about this subject.
Work. Work is going well. We are in process of doing several remodels around the building which make it fun when one group has to be moved to compensate for a room not being big enough or not having the proper tech equipment for their needs.
Writing. Obviously, I'm writing every day at the moment. I am attempting to keep up with my own fiction writing as well, but that tends to be a little harder since I am trying to maintain the one blog a day attitude at the moment. Honestly, I can't understand how bloggers can have several entries per day that are interesting. I suppose if my job was simply to write about stuff all day, I could figure something out.
I guess that's enough subjects to talk about. Maybe something exciting will happen tomorrow to give you something better to read.
Until tomorrow.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Filler
Today was a very busy day at work so I was unable to find a few minutes to find a subject for the day's post. That doesn't mean that I didn't read a lot or nothing happened. It's just that I wasn't able to really grasp anything that happened in the world to fit my particular needs for a topic for today.
I do know that the Bears managed to win their game against Detroit, which was impressive considering Jay Cutler had been flattened early in the game.
I also know that the St. Louis Cardinals lost to the Giants because they didn't want to get on the ark in time (for those of you that don't know, God had decided to wipe out the San Francisco Giants because they weren't worthy enough. However, the Cardinals got in the way and took the hit that the Giants were supposed to). Because of that, rain drenched the field in San Francisco and I think that Jim Leyland (the manager of the Tigers) should begin filing a protest because the ground will not be in good shape for the game.
The Giants may have a decent offense, but they are going to be shut down by not only the greatest pitcher in the game today (Justin Verlander) but the rest of their rotation ain't half bad either. Good luck, Tigers.
Until tomorrow.
I do know that the Bears managed to win their game against Detroit, which was impressive considering Jay Cutler had been flattened early in the game.
I also know that the St. Louis Cardinals lost to the Giants because they didn't want to get on the ark in time (for those of you that don't know, God had decided to wipe out the San Francisco Giants because they weren't worthy enough. However, the Cardinals got in the way and took the hit that the Giants were supposed to). Because of that, rain drenched the field in San Francisco and I think that Jim Leyland (the manager of the Tigers) should begin filing a protest because the ground will not be in good shape for the game.
The Giants may have a decent offense, but they are going to be shut down by not only the greatest pitcher in the game today (Justin Verlander) but the rest of their rotation ain't half bad either. Good luck, Tigers.
Until tomorrow.
Friday, October 19, 2012
What A World
Okay, you can admit it, I don't care. All of you either have an iPad or are jealous of those that do. Am I right? I, for one, do not want an iPad and that's because I have an iPhone. Yes, you can spout all you want about bigger screen size and being able to watch movies and what not, but an iPad is not practical. It cannot fit into your pocket nor does it work like a phone. And even the iPad mini which is supposed to be announced next week, will not be a phone. Therefore, this story that I'm going to talk about is utterly hilarious to me.
It turns out that someone decided to play a cruel trick on Walmart. This stands to good reason, I'm sure (think sarcasm as you read that). Someone initially purchased an iPad from Walmart and then returned it. First off, good for them, but in reality, it turns out that that person actually returned the box and not the iPad.
Here's the story: CLICK ME (if you dare)
For those of you that don't dare, here's a rundown. A woman went to Walmart in hopes of purchasing a new iPad for her daughter's birthday. Once purchased, she went home, wrapped it and waited for said daughter to open what should have been a great gift - something that would have scored points for the mom for at least a year in today's market. But no. All the girl got when she opened the iPad box was a set of yellow notepads. Get it?? iPad - notepad?
Well, the woman went back to Walmart, and as you would read in the article if you bothered, they were reticent to admit that anything was wrong on their end. It only took the help of a local news station before Walmart actually paid attention to the problem. Of course, Walmart was able to realize what had happened but have not found the original purchaser as of yet. I'm sure they're working really hard on it.
This just goes to show you. No matter what technology you are purchasing, you might want to have a look in the box before you walk out of the store. At least it would save you from having to come back.
Until tomorrow.
It turns out that someone decided to play a cruel trick on Walmart. This stands to good reason, I'm sure (think sarcasm as you read that). Someone initially purchased an iPad from Walmart and then returned it. First off, good for them, but in reality, it turns out that that person actually returned the box and not the iPad.
Here's the story: CLICK ME (if you dare)
For those of you that don't dare, here's a rundown. A woman went to Walmart in hopes of purchasing a new iPad for her daughter's birthday. Once purchased, she went home, wrapped it and waited for said daughter to open what should have been a great gift - something that would have scored points for the mom for at least a year in today's market. But no. All the girl got when she opened the iPad box was a set of yellow notepads. Get it?? iPad - notepad?
Well, the woman went back to Walmart, and as you would read in the article if you bothered, they were reticent to admit that anything was wrong on their end. It only took the help of a local news station before Walmart actually paid attention to the problem. Of course, Walmart was able to realize what had happened but have not found the original purchaser as of yet. I'm sure they're working really hard on it.
This just goes to show you. No matter what technology you are purchasing, you might want to have a look in the box before you walk out of the store. At least it would save you from having to come back.
Until tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Still Going.....Barely
Not much of a blog tonight as I'm feeling tired and I have a sore throat. Let's just say that I had originally thought of a couple of topics, but as I can't think of them any more, I'm just going to write this so I can keep the streak going.
More tomorrow, I'm sure.
Oh yeah. One other thing. Go Tigers.
Until tomorrow.
More tomorrow, I'm sure.
Oh yeah. One other thing. Go Tigers.
Until tomorrow.
Monday, October 15, 2012
The Power of WE
Today, for some reason, is Blog Action Day. I just heard of it today because of a different blog that I read. However, I have a feeling that today's blog entry will not focus on the actual theme and spirit of the day. According to the website, the theme, The Power of We, is meant to inspire bloggers to talk about a group of people that inspire them to create positive influences in the world. On the blog that I read this morning about the topic, it was more a celebration of duos from television and movies. Granted, these duos did inspire a lot of positive influence for the world, so I suppose it kind of counts, but I have a feeling that the true meaning of the theme is something a little more worldly. Since I don't really think globally, I decided that the idea of my favorite duos would be good to write about.
Though I will list them here, they are in no particular order because it would take longer than I have for the day to compile an actual order of the list. Therefore, I will just tell you about them.
R2D2 and C3PO. Of course I would write about them because they are part of one of my favorite movies, Star Wars. They are the comedy relief of the film but they also are what drives the plot. Without R2 receiving the stolen plans, he doesn't attempt to find Obi-Wan Kenobi, doesn't find Luke, doesn't escape Tatooine and doesn't help the rebels defeat the Death Star. Did I just spoil the movie? If you haven't seen Star Wars by this point of knowing me, then we should just stop being friends.
Mickey and Minnie. Also a natural choice because of my affinity for all things Disney. Mickey and Minnie are the practical faces of the Disney franchise and are symbols of positive influence across the world (hey, look, I did actually find the theme of the day). No matter what, Mickey and Minnie find ways to stay positive about all of life's events. Of course, I've never seen them have to explain heavier topics that death, divorce or politics, but I'm sure there's a first for everything.
These are just two sets of duos. Though I'm sure I could think of several others, I'm drawing a blank. Is it the fact that I am being distracted by music? Or the Internet in general? It's what happens when I see something related to Star Wars and start looking up Star Wars information and then keep going from there. Well, I suppose at least I got some of the theme, if not the original spirit of the theme.
Until tomorrow.
Though I will list them here, they are in no particular order because it would take longer than I have for the day to compile an actual order of the list. Therefore, I will just tell you about them.
R2D2 and C3PO. Of course I would write about them because they are part of one of my favorite movies, Star Wars. They are the comedy relief of the film but they also are what drives the plot. Without R2 receiving the stolen plans, he doesn't attempt to find Obi-Wan Kenobi, doesn't find Luke, doesn't escape Tatooine and doesn't help the rebels defeat the Death Star. Did I just spoil the movie? If you haven't seen Star Wars by this point of knowing me, then we should just stop being friends.
Mickey and Minnie. Also a natural choice because of my affinity for all things Disney. Mickey and Minnie are the practical faces of the Disney franchise and are symbols of positive influence across the world (hey, look, I did actually find the theme of the day). No matter what, Mickey and Minnie find ways to stay positive about all of life's events. Of course, I've never seen them have to explain heavier topics that death, divorce or politics, but I'm sure there's a first for everything.
These are just two sets of duos. Though I'm sure I could think of several others, I'm drawing a blank. Is it the fact that I am being distracted by music? Or the Internet in general? It's what happens when I see something related to Star Wars and start looking up Star Wars information and then keep going from there. Well, I suppose at least I got some of the theme, if not the original spirit of the theme.
Until tomorrow.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Wii Are Contributing to the Delinquency of Minors
With some offense (instead of little) to the administration of Pittsburgh's Whitehall Elementary School, I have one thing to ask: What the hell are you thinking? If you'd like to know why I'm willing to curse on my blog, simply CLICK HERE.
That link will take you to an article about this school in Pittsburgh that has decided to offer the opportunity for students to play the Nintendo Wii. Yes, I can understand that by "moving" while playing a video game is considered slight exercise, but it is not exercise by any true definition of the word.
According to the article, it is only one day a week that the children get to play on the Wii, but I think that is one day too many. I know that at home children are apt to sit in front of the television or the computer and play non-stop for hours before and after dinner until it's time for them to go to bed. However, child obesity continues to grow. Outbreaks of early onset diabetes is rampant among children and teenagers. And this school thinks that by letting their children play a video game once a week, that's going to help? Sure, the game they are playing is Just Dance - a physical game that requires mimicking dance maneuvers and earning points.
I shall reiterate with different words: Not enough movement.
Kids have plenty of time to play video games. They don't need to be allowed to play them at school also. Don't these kids have to have a certain amount of time exercising. I'm sure that playing the Wii is not on the approved list. If it is, why wasn't it on there when I was growing up and didn't like PE? Oh yeah, I know. Besides the fact that the Wii hadn't been invented, I actually liked to go out and play.
Even now, with my own daughter, she doesn't get to play on a computer (mostly because she hasn't mastered more than pounding the keyboard several times as hard as possible). She does get to watch television - mostly Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, X-Factor, America's Got Talent, American Idol and a view other judgemental shows. She actually likes them because she likes the music. But that's not the point. She only watches these shows when she's close to falling asleep, so she really doesn't get to watch much. During the day, when she is at daycare or her grandma's, she's a very active little girl. She has no need for a video game.
Until tomorrow.
That link will take you to an article about this school in Pittsburgh that has decided to offer the opportunity for students to play the Nintendo Wii. Yes, I can understand that by "moving" while playing a video game is considered slight exercise, but it is not exercise by any true definition of the word.
According to the article, it is only one day a week that the children get to play on the Wii, but I think that is one day too many. I know that at home children are apt to sit in front of the television or the computer and play non-stop for hours before and after dinner until it's time for them to go to bed. However, child obesity continues to grow. Outbreaks of early onset diabetes is rampant among children and teenagers. And this school thinks that by letting their children play a video game once a week, that's going to help? Sure, the game they are playing is Just Dance - a physical game that requires mimicking dance maneuvers and earning points.
I shall reiterate with different words: Not enough movement.
Kids have plenty of time to play video games. They don't need to be allowed to play them at school also. Don't these kids have to have a certain amount of time exercising. I'm sure that playing the Wii is not on the approved list. If it is, why wasn't it on there when I was growing up and didn't like PE? Oh yeah, I know. Besides the fact that the Wii hadn't been invented, I actually liked to go out and play.
Even now, with my own daughter, she doesn't get to play on a computer (mostly because she hasn't mastered more than pounding the keyboard several times as hard as possible). She does get to watch television - mostly Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, X-Factor, America's Got Talent, American Idol and a view other judgemental shows. She actually likes them because she likes the music. But that's not the point. She only watches these shows when she's close to falling asleep, so she really doesn't get to watch much. During the day, when she is at daycare or her grandma's, she's a very active little girl. She has no need for a video game.
Until tomorrow.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Keep Thinking Young
Today I got to witness the power of youth coupled with the weakness that is old age. And before you say anything, yes, I know I am old. However, I'm talking about something slightly different.
Today was Joanna's grandmother's 96th birthday. Ninety-six years. That's a long time. Two World Wars. Two Gulf Wars. Two other "conflicts". And that was just the military. A lot has changed in the world in the past ninety-six years and Grandma keeps going. We lost Grandpa almost five years ago and while it's still sad for all of us in different ways, we know that as time marches forward, it gets sadder for Grandma.
As we were driving today (we went to an Open House of our nephew's school), she mentioned that three women that she had known for some time passed away this week. To my knowledge, each of them were just a little younger than she was, so naturally, she was saddened. However, even she knew the power of young children on the old and how they can magically make them feel young again. Grandma knew that by being with her great grandchildren, she would feel happier once again instead of the loneliness that accompanies the news that another friend has passed away.
Watching Abby with her cousins is always fun. The three of them like to run around and play as much as possible and Abby loves both of them to the point where if one decides to run in one direction, Abigail with try to follow as well. Of course it doesn't always work because they get out of hand, but when the three of them are together, it is always entertaining to watch.
Despite the sadness that Grandma began the day with, I know that she was happier by the end of it because she got to see the people that she loved on her special day.
Happy birthday Grandma. Ninety-six years is definitely not enough. Let's push for one hundred.
Until tomorrow.
Today was Joanna's grandmother's 96th birthday. Ninety-six years. That's a long time. Two World Wars. Two Gulf Wars. Two other "conflicts". And that was just the military. A lot has changed in the world in the past ninety-six years and Grandma keeps going. We lost Grandpa almost five years ago and while it's still sad for all of us in different ways, we know that as time marches forward, it gets sadder for Grandma.
As we were driving today (we went to an Open House of our nephew's school), she mentioned that three women that she had known for some time passed away this week. To my knowledge, each of them were just a little younger than she was, so naturally, she was saddened. However, even she knew the power of young children on the old and how they can magically make them feel young again. Grandma knew that by being with her great grandchildren, she would feel happier once again instead of the loneliness that accompanies the news that another friend has passed away.
Watching Abby with her cousins is always fun. The three of them like to run around and play as much as possible and Abby loves both of them to the point where if one decides to run in one direction, Abigail with try to follow as well. Of course it doesn't always work because they get out of hand, but when the three of them are together, it is always entertaining to watch.
Despite the sadness that Grandma began the day with, I know that she was happier by the end of it because she got to see the people that she loved on her special day.
Happy birthday Grandma. Ninety-six years is definitely not enough. Let's push for one hundred.
Until tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
I'm Tired
Not really sure why the past few days I have been so tired that I want to go to bed well before my normal bedtime of 11:30. It's quite unusual for me to be this tired, so it's a little strange. So strange is it that I wonder if I'm getting sick. I suppose the fact that my body aches quite a bit makes it a little hard for them to figure out if I am sick or not. Even while writing this blog entry and the one from last night, I noticed that I am falling asleep.
So what does that mean? Am I getting too old to be staying up late? Have I been this way for a while? Do the combination of long work days and a long commute make it harder for me to stay awake? Or is it the constant following of a two year old that does it? I'm not sure which is the answer but I think the two year old has to be a factor.
In the past few minutes I have nodded off and something has happened in the sense that my fingers have pushed down several keys and had to delete them as well as hearing the computer live its life as it makes CD copies for Joanna's office. And yet, I keep coming back because I need to finish this blog entry or at least give it enough of a blog entry. Hopefully it is coherent as I am not any longer.
Until tomorrow.
So what does that mean? Am I getting too old to be staying up late? Have I been this way for a while? Do the combination of long work days and a long commute make it harder for me to stay awake? Or is it the constant following of a two year old that does it? I'm not sure which is the answer but I think the two year old has to be a factor.
In the past few minutes I have nodded off and something has happened in the sense that my fingers have pushed down several keys and had to delete them as well as hearing the computer live its life as it makes CD copies for Joanna's office. And yet, I keep coming back because I need to finish this blog entry or at least give it enough of a blog entry. Hopefully it is coherent as I am not any longer.
Until tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Would You Like an iPad With Your Order?
I read another article on CNET by my favorite author. In fact, if I've counted right, I've used his articles as the source for three of my recent blog posts. Oh well. At least I'm citing him and not just trying to use his work as my own - that's naughty.
Anyway, the story that he is writing about today is the fact that a McDonald's restaurant in Virginia Beach, VA has decided to have iPads available to their customers in order to play. For free. That's right. People can go into that specific McDonald's, order their fries and shake and go read the latest news from CNN or The Onion. no longer do they have to worry about bringing their own iPad or iPhone and letting the children mess around with it while you are eating breakfast, lunch or dinner.
While this can become a great service to the people - especially those that are curious about an iPad but not willing to purchase one just yet, it gives them the chance to "test drive" it, if you will, basically getting their opinion. Plus, since the McDonald's rents the equipment from a different company, they are more than willing to repair or replace any damaged Ipads.
Here's what I don't get:
Why so into a McDonald's and spend money just to play on an iPad. If you have an iPad, simply stay home and use it. If you don't, can you imagine how quickly you can purchase one if you stopped going to McDonald's in the first place.
Until tomorrow.
Anyway, the story that he is writing about today is the fact that a McDonald's restaurant in Virginia Beach, VA has decided to have iPads available to their customers in order to play. For free. That's right. People can go into that specific McDonald's, order their fries and shake and go read the latest news from CNN or The Onion. no longer do they have to worry about bringing their own iPad or iPhone and letting the children mess around with it while you are eating breakfast, lunch or dinner.
While this can become a great service to the people - especially those that are curious about an iPad but not willing to purchase one just yet, it gives them the chance to "test drive" it, if you will, basically getting their opinion. Plus, since the McDonald's rents the equipment from a different company, they are more than willing to repair or replace any damaged Ipads.
Here's what I don't get:
Why so into a McDonald's and spend money just to play on an iPad. If you have an iPad, simply stay home and use it. If you don't, can you imagine how quickly you can purchase one if you stopped going to McDonald's in the first place.
Until tomorrow.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Corporal Punishment Still In Schools?
Texas school OKs opposite sex spankings after principal breaks rule
When i read this headline I had to first think about one thing: there's still spanking in school? And then I couldn't help but read. That's when I discovered that this was at a high school. A high school? And it was a male principal with female students? I'm not sure how many things are wrong with this story but I can think of several.
Here's a link to the story.
There were complaints? I should think so.
Complaint one: High school students are so out of hand that the administration thinks that spanking is necessary? (Granted, it's Texas, so I suppose you can generalize and stereotype if you want to)
Complaint two: a MALE administrator was the one that spanked FEMALE students. Can I get a sexual harassment call here?
I think the worst part about this is the fact that the school board has decided to ensure that a female administrator will be in the room if a male administrator is going to be doing some spanking. That leaves one big problem - they're still spanking students. And not just Kindergartners or First Graders. HIGH SCHOOLERS!!!!!!
And it gets better. If you read that article, you see that the mothers of both girls gave the principal PERMISSION to spank their daughters. I'm still going crazy that the need is even there. Yes, some high school students can get quite out of hand at times but spanking? Really?
As much as I think it is important to punish your children when they have done something bad or naughty, I don't think that hitting them is the answer. I could be wrong but for me, my wife and our child, no matter what she does, we will not hit her. We might get angry and try to keep her from doing anything for a few moments, but she will not be hit by either of us. We even make sure that if she hits one of us, or the cat, that she knows that it's bad. I'm not trying to turn her into a pacifist, I'm just trying to teach her that hitting just to hit is not good.
Regardless . . . . . . Texas, quit with the corporal punishment.
Until tomorrow.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
The iPhone Cometh......Actually, It's Already Here
Today I upgraded my phone to an iPhone 4S. If you recall from a blog post way back when, I bought an iPhone 3GS so that I could jump on the bandwagon, so to speak. Well, now that the hype from the iPhone 5 has died down and everyone can't stand Apple's Maps App (wow, try saying that ten times fast), I figured it was high time to upgrade. The best part, I can keep my 3GS as an iPod Touch and use it when around free WiFi - that means that Joanna can check Facebook and Twitter and the Internet without having to use my phone (unless we're out driving or somewhere that doesn't have WiFi and then it's back to the same old thing).
So far, I've tried Siri to almost full success. There have been a few things that she hasn't been able to access but I chalk that up to poor speech on my part. Siri has played songs from my music list, searched for a drive in theater and even shown me what movies were playing there and even opened an App just so I could check traffic. OOOOOOOOOOHHHH.
Anyways....as I was speaking to the clerk this morning as he helped me, I realized that I have been an AT&T customer for 18 years this month. I remember all those years ago that I bought a cell phone through Cingular Wireless with my phone number. And that phone number has followed me all of these years. At one point, I thought of switching carriers (in the early 2000s) but discovered they would not have been able to keep my number had I done that. And since I didn't feel like telling people my new number, I stayed.
I'm glad I stayed, though, since AT&T was the first to get the iPhone, which really has changed the way people use a phone to access information. And while I can say it has changed my life in some form or other, I do my best to avoid looking at the phone during dinner. I still think that's rude. Granted, I will look at something if a subject comes up that needs an answer but usually I can wait.
Until tomorrow.
So far, I've tried Siri to almost full success. There have been a few things that she hasn't been able to access but I chalk that up to poor speech on my part. Siri has played songs from my music list, searched for a drive in theater and even shown me what movies were playing there and even opened an App just so I could check traffic. OOOOOOOOOOHHHH.
Anyways....as I was speaking to the clerk this morning as he helped me, I realized that I have been an AT&T customer for 18 years this month. I remember all those years ago that I bought a cell phone through Cingular Wireless with my phone number. And that phone number has followed me all of these years. At one point, I thought of switching carriers (in the early 2000s) but discovered they would not have been able to keep my number had I done that. And since I didn't feel like telling people my new number, I stayed.
I'm glad I stayed, though, since AT&T was the first to get the iPhone, which really has changed the way people use a phone to access information. And while I can say it has changed my life in some form or other, I do my best to avoid looking at the phone during dinner. I still think that's rude. Granted, I will look at something if a subject comes up that needs an answer but usually I can wait.
Until tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Another Reason Texting Is Bad For You
News came out last week of a woman in Kodiak, Alaska, that fell off a cliff outside of her home. The reason she fell off? She was texting. And smoking, but that's less of a factor than the texting. Here's a link to an article that talks about it:
Click Me
It's a funny article about something serious and yet why should it be serious? There is nothing but funny in this situation. Even Jay Leno joked about it. I don't have a clip to embed but I can tell you the joke. After talking about the situation, he said, "What's scary about this situation is that she has signal up in Kodiak, Alaska! I walk into my house and my calls drop! What's up with that?"
The article that is linked above also has a link to a video of a woman falling into a fountain last year because she wasn't paying attention to where she was going. Granted, I will sometimes look at my phone when I'm out for a walk but I will always look at my surroundings. I look up to make sure that I'm not going to be run over by a car coming through a driveway or when I cross a street. However, when crossing a street, I don't look at my phone. That's danger.
Basically the point is that you need to be more careful when looking at your phone. Don't do it while driving. Don't do it while walking and certainly don't do it when you are just a few feet from a cliff.
Until tomorrow.
Click Me
It's a funny article about something serious and yet why should it be serious? There is nothing but funny in this situation. Even Jay Leno joked about it. I don't have a clip to embed but I can tell you the joke. After talking about the situation, he said, "What's scary about this situation is that she has signal up in Kodiak, Alaska! I walk into my house and my calls drop! What's up with that?"
The article that is linked above also has a link to a video of a woman falling into a fountain last year because she wasn't paying attention to where she was going. Granted, I will sometimes look at my phone when I'm out for a walk but I will always look at my surroundings. I look up to make sure that I'm not going to be run over by a car coming through a driveway or when I cross a street. However, when crossing a street, I don't look at my phone. That's danger.
Basically the point is that you need to be more careful when looking at your phone. Don't do it while driving. Don't do it while walking and certainly don't do it when you are just a few feet from a cliff.
Until tomorrow.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Chris Wept
It is said by some that the shortest verse in the bible is the sentence, "Jesus wept." Well, this isn't any sort of bible talk, but I have to admit that I wept.
Please note that this blog entry begins the 31 in 31 post series. It also deals with a television show that you might not watch (if you do, spoilers). If you don't, sorry, but it is something that I watch and therefore something I want to talk about. Plus, the episode was just too damn good.
I watched the mid season finale of Doctor Who on Saturday night, ironically with the evil Weeping Angels. And even though I knew that it was going to be the Pond's last journey with the Doctor, I was not expecting it to turn out the way it did.
I have been watching Doctor Who for seven years and it seems that there have only been a handful of times when I was sad during an episode. One was when Rose Tyler was stranded in the another dimension and couldn't be saved by the Doctor. Another was when 10 "died", because I had watched David Tennant for four years.
But this. This one episode had me crying at the end.
(I shall pause a moment while you laugh)
I cried because at the end, when it seemed as if all was lost, love won. It was Amy's love for Rory that saved them. Twice. It's the love that anyone has for another. Amy for Rory. The Doctor for Amy. The Doctor for River. And it's that love that caused me to cry at the end of the episode. A love that can be shared by a married couple for decades, allowing them to have all of the adventures that they want without having to worry about time travel and just being able to live the life they had always wanted - together. It's a love that I experience with Joanna and a love that I hope that all of you - those few that actually read this - will find (or have found) someday.
Now, I am crying for a different reason. Doctor Who will not return until Christmas. But it gives me time to catch up with all the other shows this fall. And it gives me hope that the new companion will come into the show as an individual who will not replace the Ponds but will be just as adventurous as they were. While I will miss the Ponds, I am excited to meet the new companion and have new adventures with the Doctor.
Until tomorrow.
Please note that this blog entry begins the 31 in 31 post series. It also deals with a television show that you might not watch (if you do, spoilers). If you don't, sorry, but it is something that I watch and therefore something I want to talk about. Plus, the episode was just too damn good.
I watched the mid season finale of Doctor Who on Saturday night, ironically with the evil Weeping Angels. And even though I knew that it was going to be the Pond's last journey with the Doctor, I was not expecting it to turn out the way it did.
I have been watching Doctor Who for seven years and it seems that there have only been a handful of times when I was sad during an episode. One was when Rose Tyler was stranded in the another dimension and couldn't be saved by the Doctor. Another was when 10 "died", because I had watched David Tennant for four years.
But this. This one episode had me crying at the end.
(I shall pause a moment while you laugh)
I cried because at the end, when it seemed as if all was lost, love won. It was Amy's love for Rory that saved them. Twice. It's the love that anyone has for another. Amy for Rory. The Doctor for Amy. The Doctor for River. And it's that love that caused me to cry at the end of the episode. A love that can be shared by a married couple for decades, allowing them to have all of the adventures that they want without having to worry about time travel and just being able to live the life they had always wanted - together. It's a love that I experience with Joanna and a love that I hope that all of you - those few that actually read this - will find (or have found) someday.
Now, I am crying for a different reason. Doctor Who will not return until Christmas. But it gives me time to catch up with all the other shows this fall. And it gives me hope that the new companion will come into the show as an individual who will not replace the Ponds but will be just as adventurous as they were. While I will miss the Ponds, I am excited to meet the new companion and have new adventures with the Doctor.
Until tomorrow.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Welcome to Season 5!
It's September! Along with the new seasons of television shows and new shows
in general beginning, it looks like I'm beginning a new season of blogging.
Yes, I know I was gone for over a month, but hey, if television can take a
break for the summer, so can I.
Not much. Mostly spent time with Abby and Joanna. And two weeks in Switzerland! Yes, we went to Switzerland and while I was a little worried about the plane ride with Abby (it was her first), she actually did really well on the way there. On the way back, not so well, but we dealt with it. But that was just one part of the summer. The rest of the summer I spent working, because that’s what I do. I did travel a bit, but mostly to Disneyland with a few other day trips here and there.
But that’s not what this blog is about. It’s about the new season!
What’s ahead this season? Plot twists? Surprise guest stars? Cliffhangers? Probably not. But here are some topics that might be covered:
So that’s that for now and we’ll see just how well the season plays out. I hope my ratings are good enough to score a sixth season, because I have a feeling things are just going to keep getting interesting in my life (no, that is not a statement that anything big is happening that I am keeping from you. It’s just a figure of speech).
Until next time.
So, "what did you do on your summer vacation?"
Not much. Mostly spent time with Abby and Joanna. And two weeks in Switzerland! Yes, we went to Switzerland and while I was a little worried about the plane ride with Abby (it was her first), she actually did really well on the way there. On the way back, not so well, but we dealt with it. But that was just one part of the summer. The rest of the summer I spent working, because that’s what I do. I did travel a bit, but mostly to Disneyland with a few other day trips here and there.
But that’s not what this blog is about. It’s about the new season!
What’s ahead this season? Plot twists? Surprise guest stars? Cliffhangers? Probably not. But here are some topics that might be covered:
- We can look forward to another rousing edition of 31 in 31
- Possible movie reviews (if I can actually get to another movie or watch one on DVD/cable/computer)
- MLB Review (it might even be later, though I don’t think the Diamondbacks have a chance at the playoffs)
- Maybe television show reviews? Who knows? New year, new topics. Right?
- Other miscellaneous random stuff (I already have some things but I might want to hold off until October in case I can’t find good material)
So that’s that for now and we’ll see just how well the season plays out. I hope my ratings are good enough to score a sixth season, because I have a feeling things are just going to keep getting interesting in my life (no, that is not a statement that anything big is happening that I am keeping from you. It’s just a figure of speech).
Until next time.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
An Olympic Moment
Alright. If you remember (and don't worry if you don't), I wrote a post a little while back about American Idol. It happened to be the night of the finale and I was complaining about Phillip Phillips and his inability to sound unique. Cue him as the winner anyway and he sings his "coronation song", Home. It's alright and I don't even really pay attention to the song once it starts because I'm disappointed in the Idol experience that would allow him to win.
Okay. Idol's done. Phillip Phillips gets all this medical stuff done to him hopefully to make him better (I may not like the guy as a performer but his health is very important to him, especially since he's young). And that's the last that I really hear about the Idols and the Idol Machine until everyone up and quits the show and they have to start looking for new judges.
That's not the important thing and that's not what this blog is about. It, unfortunately, is about Phillip Phillips.
Last week, while watching the U.S. Women's Gymnastics team, a song started playing. It sounded really cool and I used an app on my phone (Shazam - the best $5 I've spent on an app) to find out what it was. Unfortunately, Shazam had partnered with NBC and the Olympics to offer information about the events and not the song that happened to be playing. So what does one do when they don't know the answer to something? Google, of course. And what to my wondering eyes did appear?
Search: NBC women's gymnastics song
Results: Phillip Phillips song, "Home"
Really? Phillip Phillips? Dammit. I was ruined. I actually liked a song that he sang. And as if it wasn't bad enough, I went and bought the song. Well, actually, I didn't have to pay for it. I had a free song from Amazon and used that to get the song. So, technically, I didn't spend my money on his music. I do, however, really like the song.
Anyway.....
I've been very proud of the U.S. Women's Gymnastics team and also of all the U.S. competitors so far. Congratulations to all of them, medal winners or not, they are still doing something that I would not be able to do.
And yes, I suppose congratulations to Phillip Phillips for managing to get your song heard by billions (see the official video below)
Until next time.
Okay. Idol's done. Phillip Phillips gets all this medical stuff done to him hopefully to make him better (I may not like the guy as a performer but his health is very important to him, especially since he's young). And that's the last that I really hear about the Idols and the Idol Machine until everyone up and quits the show and they have to start looking for new judges.
That's not the important thing and that's not what this blog is about. It, unfortunately, is about Phillip Phillips.
Last week, while watching the U.S. Women's Gymnastics team, a song started playing. It sounded really cool and I used an app on my phone (Shazam - the best $5 I've spent on an app) to find out what it was. Unfortunately, Shazam had partnered with NBC and the Olympics to offer information about the events and not the song that happened to be playing. So what does one do when they don't know the answer to something? Google, of course. And what to my wondering eyes did appear?
Search: NBC women's gymnastics song
Results: Phillip Phillips song, "Home"
Really? Phillip Phillips? Dammit. I was ruined. I actually liked a song that he sang. And as if it wasn't bad enough, I went and bought the song. Well, actually, I didn't have to pay for it. I had a free song from Amazon and used that to get the song. So, technically, I didn't spend my money on his music. I do, however, really like the song.
Anyway.....
I've been very proud of the U.S. Women's Gymnastics team and also of all the U.S. competitors so far. Congratulations to all of them, medal winners or not, they are still doing something that I would not be able to do.
And yes, I suppose congratulations to Phillip Phillips for managing to get your song heard by billions (see the official video below)
Until next time.
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