Inspiron E1705, Intel Core 2 Duo processor T7200 (4MB/2.00GHz/667MHz)
17 inch UltraSharp TrueLife Wide-screen WUXGA, for Inspiron 9400/E1705
2GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm, for Inspiron 9400,E1705
256MB ATI MOBILITY RADEON X 1400 HyperMemory, for Inspiron9400/E1705
120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive for Inspiron 6400/E1505
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, English
Vista, PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
Integrated 10/100 Network Cardand Modem, for Inspiron
Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.0, for Inspiron
Roxio Creator Basic
8X DVD+/-RW Drive, for Inspiron 9400/E1705
Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps) for Inspiron 9400/E1705
Trend Micro PC-cillin InternetSecurity, English, 15-Month Subscription
80 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery, for Inspiron 9400/E1705
Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student Edition
3 Year Limited Warranty
CompleteCare Accidental DamageProtection, Inspiron, 3 Year
Thank you for choosing Dell!
Gonna be here in a week or so...
Pictures to follow.
Money to dissipate.
Mar 28, 2007
Mar 26, 2007
Blogdump time...Life's fiber.
Time for a blogdump. Why? Cause I'm sitting here at the computer, the windows are open, it's just a little too nice outside, there is a freshly poured glass of RC Cola sitting here...and I have lots of thoughts right now. Plus I have the day off...
--------------------
First off, a new link out of the way. The Secret History of Star Wars. Just ran across this on one of the forums I infrequently frequent, and while I haven't read it completely, looks to be an excellent read. If you want to know what went wrong literally anywhere in the course of the Saga, here you go.
--------------------
I've discovered an interesting thing about my Bible reading habits. Unless I'm forced to my a "Bible in A Year" plan or something, I will never choose on my own volition to read anything pre-Psalms or post Ezekiel. I know it would be good for me to read more of those books, but I just can't bring myself to do it. Spiritual failing or laziness? You decide.
Recently though I've been reading through Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Acts. Yes, kinda diverse and random, but that's just where I'm at. And I've come to the conclusion that Proverbs and Eccl. are two of the more depressing books in the whole Bible. It's a two part thing; one, depressing because it shows just how far I have to come in terms of general wisdom and reliance on God; the second is it reveals just how messed up everyone else in the world is too. When you look around and all you see are the "fools" Proverbs is fond of, you start to get a little down. Add a dash of Rush Limbaugh and a scoop of today's "popular" culture, and you start despairing of life in general.
Ok, something specific from Proverbs that stuck out to me. Proverbs 26:4-5: "When arguing with fools, don't answer their foolish arguments, or you will become as foolish as they are." And then verse 5: "When arguing with fools, be sure to answer their foolish arguments, or they will become wise in their own estimation."
So which is it? Please, feel free to enlighten me...I value input from Baptists, Centrals, and Pentecostals, and the occasional PenteBaptistcostal.
--------------------
A thought - Why do people who listen exclusively to Bach, Beethoven, and other forms of classical music tend to elevate their musical tastes over others? I understand simply preferring one form of music to another; but what is it that sets it upon a pedestal as the epitome of music?
--------------------
Picked up a copy of Jeffrey Overstreets' book Through A Screen Darkly. So far...not bad at all. I only meant to read the introduction before going to bed, but then I got through two chapters before putting it down. I'll write a full review of it later.
Jeffrey's website.
--------------------
The search for a laptop continues. One of my fellow coworkers suggested I look into Dells because of their financing options. I'll admit, the idea of spending $100 or less a month toward a laptop, as opposed to $1500 all at once, is enticing. So...with that idea in mind, I've visited two Dell kiosks (Dell Direct, excuse me), one at Southdale and the other at Rosedale. Southdale had a really nice laptop that I'd consider; it even had HDMI output. We messed around with some settings online, and came out with a really nice product.
The next day, I went to the Rosedale store to look at it again. Except, "it" wasn't there. In fact, they claimed that all kiosks had the same models, and they had never heard of that one. And the internet didn't have it either, although a day before it did. So now I'm fairly confused about the whole situation, and really don't want to drive back out to Southdale.
Plus, another guy at work told me that even though he was married, owned a car and a house, and had a full time job, he still couldn't get financing through Dell. And that scares me, since I've got nothing compared to him. Just more charm is all...
--------------------
I suppose I should wrap this up. But one final thought or two before I log off.
God has recently been bringing to my attention my attitude regarding certain people, be they from work, my school past, church past, future, or whatever. Namely, He has been saying "Be bigger than that. Get over it!" I will readily admit that there are plenty of people I DO NOT LIKE, for various reasons. Whether it was the person who decided to invite himself to my church and then proceed to make out with his girlfriend in the back of my car both to and from church; the former manager at work who abused my time and abilities and tried to set me up for the fall; the woman who taught me in my senior year while treating me like a four year old; the professor who would abuse prayer to God in order to use it as a tool to control a classroom; or the old youth pastor who publicly took you to task for trying to find God in other editions of the Bible besides the holy KJV.
There is a song that comes to mind when I think of these people...older song, goes something like..."You took Jesus from me"...or something...think the real lyrics were "I saw Jesus in you" but that can't have been the case...
But God is working. Get over it. And so I've been making steps to try to correct my thinking and change things around.
I might not still like you. I might choose to avoid you and not have any contact with you. But I do not want to be chained by you or embittered toward you anymore. For that I sincerely apologize.
It is way too easy to empower people unknowingly...
--------------------
Anywoo...time to sign off.
Leave a comment, I'd appreciate it.
--------------------
First off, a new link out of the way. The Secret History of Star Wars. Just ran across this on one of the forums I infrequently frequent, and while I haven't read it completely, looks to be an excellent read. If you want to know what went wrong literally anywhere in the course of the Saga, here you go.
--------------------
I've discovered an interesting thing about my Bible reading habits. Unless I'm forced to my a "Bible in A Year" plan or something, I will never choose on my own volition to read anything pre-Psalms or post Ezekiel. I know it would be good for me to read more of those books, but I just can't bring myself to do it. Spiritual failing or laziness? You decide.
Recently though I've been reading through Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Acts. Yes, kinda diverse and random, but that's just where I'm at. And I've come to the conclusion that Proverbs and Eccl. are two of the more depressing books in the whole Bible. It's a two part thing; one, depressing because it shows just how far I have to come in terms of general wisdom and reliance on God; the second is it reveals just how messed up everyone else in the world is too. When you look around and all you see are the "fools" Proverbs is fond of, you start to get a little down. Add a dash of Rush Limbaugh and a scoop of today's "popular" culture, and you start despairing of life in general.
Ok, something specific from Proverbs that stuck out to me. Proverbs 26:4-5: "When arguing with fools, don't answer their foolish arguments, or you will become as foolish as they are." And then verse 5: "When arguing with fools, be sure to answer their foolish arguments, or they will become wise in their own estimation."
So which is it? Please, feel free to enlighten me...I value input from Baptists, Centrals, and Pentecostals, and the occasional PenteBaptistcostal.
--------------------
A thought - Why do people who listen exclusively to Bach, Beethoven, and other forms of classical music tend to elevate their musical tastes over others? I understand simply preferring one form of music to another; but what is it that sets it upon a pedestal as the epitome of music?
--------------------
Picked up a copy of Jeffrey Overstreets' book Through A Screen Darkly. So far...not bad at all. I only meant to read the introduction before going to bed, but then I got through two chapters before putting it down. I'll write a full review of it later.
Jeffrey's website.
--------------------
The search for a laptop continues. One of my fellow coworkers suggested I look into Dells because of their financing options. I'll admit, the idea of spending $100 or less a month toward a laptop, as opposed to $1500 all at once, is enticing. So...with that idea in mind, I've visited two Dell kiosks (Dell Direct, excuse me), one at Southdale and the other at Rosedale. Southdale had a really nice laptop that I'd consider; it even had HDMI output. We messed around with some settings online, and came out with a really nice product.
The next day, I went to the Rosedale store to look at it again. Except, "it" wasn't there. In fact, they claimed that all kiosks had the same models, and they had never heard of that one. And the internet didn't have it either, although a day before it did. So now I'm fairly confused about the whole situation, and really don't want to drive back out to Southdale.
Plus, another guy at work told me that even though he was married, owned a car and a house, and had a full time job, he still couldn't get financing through Dell. And that scares me, since I've got nothing compared to him. Just more charm is all...
--------------------
I suppose I should wrap this up. But one final thought or two before I log off.
God has recently been bringing to my attention my attitude regarding certain people, be they from work, my school past, church past, future, or whatever. Namely, He has been saying "Be bigger than that. Get over it!" I will readily admit that there are plenty of people I DO NOT LIKE, for various reasons. Whether it was the person who decided to invite himself to my church and then proceed to make out with his girlfriend in the back of my car both to and from church; the former manager at work who abused my time and abilities and tried to set me up for the fall; the woman who taught me in my senior year while treating me like a four year old; the professor who would abuse prayer to God in order to use it as a tool to control a classroom; or the old youth pastor who publicly took you to task for trying to find God in other editions of the Bible besides the holy KJV.
There is a song that comes to mind when I think of these people...older song, goes something like..."You took Jesus from me"...or something...think the real lyrics were "I saw Jesus in you" but that can't have been the case...
But God is working. Get over it. And so I've been making steps to try to correct my thinking and change things around.
I might not still like you. I might choose to avoid you and not have any contact with you. But I do not want to be chained by you or embittered toward you anymore. For that I sincerely apologize.
It is way too easy to empower people unknowingly...
--------------------
Anywoo...time to sign off.
Leave a comment, I'd appreciate it.
Mar 22, 2007
OS X and XP

Now THAT is something I kinda like. I don't know why, not really...but I like it.
Macs. Interesting machines. Granted, most of my user experience with them is on that insanely crappy machine running in the Harpel's basement...you know, the Mac that takes a day and a half to open eye(sore)Tunes, can't view videos online because of it's dying screen, and has that annoying mouse that tends to forget it's attached to the machine.
Or are those just hardware issues? Hard to tell at times...
I should probably take the time to post a whole blog about this...later though. But I'll just say this up front here:
If I could get a Mac to do everything a PC does, and do it as well as a PC without relying on "illegal" programs to provide basic user compatibility, or any gimmicks (making movies, podcasts, "hey look a camera!"), can natively play any computer games I might already own and that I might wish to own in the future (within graphical reason), all for under $1500...
I'd buy a Mac. Although 95% of the time I'd still hate OS X with the exception of one or two programs.
I'm already learning slowly but surely to hate Windows Vista. Yes, it has only been out for a handful of months and needs time to shake the kinks. Yes, I still wish I could do everything in DOS cause I like having control (OS X, Vista, and to an extent the 95/98/XP family does the same thing).
It's the OS I can't get over. That and the Dashboard...ugh.
There will never be a perfect computer. This I know. The most I can hope for is an easy to understand and use experience. Which seems to be screaming Mac nowadays.
But so help me if I become a self-absorbed materialist left-wing jerk who appears in commercials...
Mar 20, 2007
A Very Convenient MisTruth
I've been getting really tired of many things recently. I'm really tired of Al Gore and his global warming...excuse me, climate change...agenda. Getting really tired of people telling me that Hillary Clinton "makes sense" and would be a good President. Getting really tired of people telling me that it "is so unfair!" that we are in Iraq.
Getting really sick and tired of all the stupid ignornant morons who are convinced that they know the truth without doing any research. REALLY. SICK. OF. IT.
New rule with me - if you think you have an opinion on a political subject, and you think your opinion is valid, then I'm going to ask you a few simple things. And if you have no idea what I am talking about, or try to work your way around the questions, then just shut your mouth. You are an ignorant cog in the masses. You are, simply, NOTHING. Grow up.
I'm thinking of several people in particular here, but I will not name names.
And now...to finally do away with all this nonsense about global warming, read this.
An Inconvenient Truth To Promote A Cause
My title, not the authors. Excuse the lame but intentional pun on Gore's "picture."
Getting really sick and tired of all the stupid ignornant morons who are convinced that they know the truth without doing any research. REALLY. SICK. OF. IT.
New rule with me - if you think you have an opinion on a political subject, and you think your opinion is valid, then I'm going to ask you a few simple things. And if you have no idea what I am talking about, or try to work your way around the questions, then just shut your mouth. You are an ignorant cog in the masses. You are, simply, NOTHING. Grow up.
I'm thinking of several people in particular here, but I will not name names.
And now...to finally do away with all this nonsense about global warming, read this.
An Inconvenient Truth To Promote A Cause
My title, not the authors. Excuse the lame but intentional pun on Gore's "picture."
Mar 19, 2007
God of Work, The Sequel!
Little bit of good news I should probably post on here, for those still wondering. I've been told that within the next week to 10 days, I should finally be able to take over the late baker's position, netting better hours and hopefully better pay.
Hopes are high...although I've heard this exact same thing (minus the time frame) a few times over the last few months. So...soon at least.
Hmm...kinda sounds like the withdrawal from Iraq talks. Oh wait...politics. Can't go there.
But anyways...I probably will not be able to get to church right at 7 with my new schedule...but depending on my level of nastiness and sweat, I should be able to be there by 7:30 or at least 8! Just in time for "the good stuff"...
Although, hopefully, I would love to be able to be there by 6:30. As I was talking to JP, I'd love to take over, or at least help with, the recording of the service and running of the soundboard. I've been doing it for several years now, already enjoy it, so it seems a perfect fit.
One last thing before I shuffle off...THIS is what has been taking all my time and attention recently. And it is amazing.

Hopes are high...although I've heard this exact same thing (minus the time frame) a few times over the last few months. So...soon at least.
Hmm...kinda sounds like the withdrawal from Iraq talks. Oh wait...politics. Can't go there.
But anyways...I probably will not be able to get to church right at 7 with my new schedule...but depending on my level of nastiness and sweat, I should be able to be there by 7:30 or at least 8! Just in time for "the good stuff"...
Although, hopefully, I would love to be able to be there by 6:30. As I was talking to JP, I'd love to take over, or at least help with, the recording of the service and running of the soundboard. I've been doing it for several years now, already enjoy it, so it seems a perfect fit.
One last thing before I shuffle off...THIS is what has been taking all my time and attention recently. And it is amazing.

Mar 17, 2007
Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses, Live from Target Center
Wow...has it really been almost a year and a half since this show? Amazing...
The song of course is Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses, from the Achtung Baby album. Just a little different arrangement from the original.
While the Minneapolis show was special because it was here in MN, obviously, as well as being the show where I officially "introduced" U2 to Joe and David...personally, I think my previous show in Chicago was better, May 12 (a few days after Bono's birthday). While the Chicago show was my very first U2 show, it was better for more reasons than that.
The one thing that bummed me about the Minneapolis show was the number of acoustic songs. Don't get me wrong; we got an awesome show, one that is always listed in the most downloaded Vertigo Tour shows online. "The First Time" was played, "Crumbs From Your Table" was played live for the first time, the above "Wild Horses" was also special...really, great song choices all around. But, in my mind, it was lacking.
What I really wanted, and especially wanted my friends to witness, was U2 overload. Specifically, the "ZooTV lite" segment on most Vertigo Tour shows: "Zoo Station," "The Fly," "Mysterious Ways," and "Until the End of the World" (especially this one). I got to experience this in Chicago...with the exception of "Zoo Station"... and it made my day. We in Minneapolis were treated to a variety of rare and acoustic songs; in Chicago, we got to see U2 rock out.
The more I look back on it, the more that Chicago show was the "perfect setlist" for me, or at least perfect for my first show. I got almost all the songs I've always wanted to see performed live. And I'm lucky enough to not only have audio cds of the show, but a really decent dvd of the show too (except for that annoying time delay in parts). For Minneapolis, I've only got a halfway decent (aka crap) audio copy. I know there are various cam shots from the show, which the above footage is from, but the only way I can get those is from a torrents site, and my internet connection doesn't have the horsepower to do that. One day...one day...
Still, I'm grateful for the shows that I got. Never mind that a friend of mine was literally on the edge of the ellipse during the tour opener, got to see them maybe 6 more times during that first leg, as well as getting to go see the last show of the tour in an open air stadium in Hawaii...
I'm still grateful.
Looking forward to the next tour!!
------------------
You know, if people were to try to get to know me based solely on the strength and topics of this blog, they'd think I was obsessed with U2. I'm not. At least not entirely. I know that more people read this blog than I know of...I'm always hearing about someone else reading or at least knowing about my blog. And if they don't want to take the time to comment, that's ok. I'll do my best to keep you entertained.
"Your mama is so fat...on a scale of 1 to 10, she's a seven-forty-seven." -Sharpton to Obama
I really need to start to diversify my blog posts...
The song of course is Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses, from the Achtung Baby album. Just a little different arrangement from the original.
While the Minneapolis show was special because it was here in MN, obviously, as well as being the show where I officially "introduced" U2 to Joe and David...personally, I think my previous show in Chicago was better, May 12 (a few days after Bono's birthday). While the Chicago show was my very first U2 show, it was better for more reasons than that.
The one thing that bummed me about the Minneapolis show was the number of acoustic songs. Don't get me wrong; we got an awesome show, one that is always listed in the most downloaded Vertigo Tour shows online. "The First Time" was played, "Crumbs From Your Table" was played live for the first time, the above "Wild Horses" was also special...really, great song choices all around. But, in my mind, it was lacking.
What I really wanted, and especially wanted my friends to witness, was U2 overload. Specifically, the "ZooTV lite" segment on most Vertigo Tour shows: "Zoo Station," "The Fly," "Mysterious Ways," and "Until the End of the World" (especially this one). I got to experience this in Chicago...with the exception of "Zoo Station"... and it made my day. We in Minneapolis were treated to a variety of rare and acoustic songs; in Chicago, we got to see U2 rock out.
The more I look back on it, the more that Chicago show was the "perfect setlist" for me, or at least perfect for my first show. I got almost all the songs I've always wanted to see performed live. And I'm lucky enough to not only have audio cds of the show, but a really decent dvd of the show too (except for that annoying time delay in parts). For Minneapolis, I've only got a halfway decent (aka crap) audio copy. I know there are various cam shots from the show, which the above footage is from, but the only way I can get those is from a torrents site, and my internet connection doesn't have the horsepower to do that. One day...one day...
Still, I'm grateful for the shows that I got. Never mind that a friend of mine was literally on the edge of the ellipse during the tour opener, got to see them maybe 6 more times during that first leg, as well as getting to go see the last show of the tour in an open air stadium in Hawaii...
I'm still grateful.
Looking forward to the next tour!!
------------------
You know, if people were to try to get to know me based solely on the strength and topics of this blog, they'd think I was obsessed with U2. I'm not. At least not entirely. I know that more people read this blog than I know of...I'm always hearing about someone else reading or at least knowing about my blog. And if they don't want to take the time to comment, that's ok. I'll do my best to keep you entertained.
"Your mama is so fat...on a scale of 1 to 10, she's a seven-forty-seven." -Sharpton to Obama
I really need to start to diversify my blog posts...
Mar 11, 2007
XM gospel and The Secret

Been hearing about The Secret a lot recently. Oprah seems to be on a big kick about it...as are others. Well, I think I figured out what the secret really is...
A few days ago, as I was walking back to the bakery to get to work in the morning, pushing my 3 or 4 shopping carts (we somehow use them all), I had a lot of things on my mind. This is typically normal for me; but this past week or two I've been in a different kind of funk. Not depressed, just lots on my mind. Most of it has to do with only getting the occasional day off, and not two days in a row or anything; so just a general feeling of being tired and weary (shovelling snow, 50 lb bags of cake mix, and moving pallets of food around can do that to you).
So...I was just walking back to the bakery, pushing my carts, lost in my own mind (but still alert for forklifts). Scene set. We have XM Radio or some other satellite service that pumps music throughout most of the store; our little corner gets nothing but our blown out boombox. Normally we tend to listen to a lot of 80's hair metal...yick...but they decided to put on some hit list station for that morning.
Two songs in particular stuck out to me. First, that one song that all the radio stations can't seem to stop playing...that one song that Jelani likes...goes something like:
"I keep on waiting, waiting/ Waiting for the world (song) to change."
Or something like that. Hideous song, equally stupid music video. Bad artist all around. Anyways, the song seems to be the current message that keeps being said around the world: everyone wants change. They don't know what they really want, but go ahead and change the status quo anyway. Anything is better than what we currently have, right? We got the war in Iraq going on, Bush is still in office, the Vikings suck, everything just seems to be going downhill, huh?
So as the song closes..."Keep on waiting, waiting...waiting for the world to change," the next song that the playlist (or DJ) decides to play is essentially the answer to that cry.
See the world in green and blue See China right in front of you See the canyons broken by clouds See the tuna fleets clearing the sea out See the Bedouin fires at night See the oil fields at first light and See the bird with a leaf in her mouth After the flood all the colors came out
And then later...
What you don't have you don't need it now What you don't know you can feel it somehow What you don't have you don't need it now Don't need it now It was a beautiful day
U2's Beautiful Day, if you haven't figured it out. And once again, Bono's lyrics speak volumes. A song of hopelessness followed by a song that practically shouts "HEY! It's already better! Things got better a long time ago! There is a way out, that you can take, right now! How can it not be a beautiful day?"
I don't know. Once again, I'm having trouble writing what I'm thinking, or remembering how I felt at the time. But it just struck me as important, you know? Yeah, this world sucks. It's pretty messed up. But things are going to better. Christ is coming, and in a sense, is already here. While we might still struggle in the dirt, sometimes even enjoying it, ultimately we are clean and will be clean. And the only way that is accomplished is through Christ.
You understand me?
Feb 24, 2007
Where-in I root for a team and ponder on podcasts
Tonight my old high school's basketball team, starring my brother, is in the championship game for the local Minnesota Athletics Convention. I'd be at the game, but I look outside, and I cannot see my street. My car already scares me in the snow (more so because I just found out my front right axle or something is broke...$300 broke) and I'd rather not take any chances.
So...go Warriors. Win one for us (finally).
----------------------
Update on job situation- I'm pretty much getting the late baker's position. Better hours, better pay, better everything I hope. Unfortunately, I probably will not actually start that position until a few more weeks. We are currently looking for someone to fill my stocker position; a position that, when I was hired, was told that three other people had held the job in the last few months before I did. Still, I remain hopeful.
And even though I'm confirmed for the new job...I won't truly believe it until I'm done waking up at 3 in the morning.
----------------------
Updated a bunch of links to the right of this blog. Most of them are websites I frequent, or contribute to, on a daily or semi-daily basis. I even know the owner/manager of one or two of them. Go check them out, lots of good stuff to be found online.
----------------------
Since I'm missing certain people's email addresses, and currently are too lazy to actively search them out, I'll just post a question here.
What are podcasts encoded as?
I'd love to download Bruce's sermons, but lacking an mp3 device (I do accept nano donations), I'd be forced to either sit at the shared family computer or burn them to a cd. If they are in MP3 form, I could put multiple ones on a disc, which would be ideal.
Hopefully though I'll be able to actively attend church regularly again...once that new job kicks in.
Although I must confess, I really don't like having church in the frat. So small, so confining, so...big pole in the way, and it's not right having the band spread out. Drums behind, guitars front and center!
-------------------------------
Ok, that's it.
Good night and have a pleasant tomorrow.
So...go Warriors. Win one for us (finally).
----------------------
Update on job situation- I'm pretty much getting the late baker's position. Better hours, better pay, better everything I hope. Unfortunately, I probably will not actually start that position until a few more weeks. We are currently looking for someone to fill my stocker position; a position that, when I was hired, was told that three other people had held the job in the last few months before I did. Still, I remain hopeful.
And even though I'm confirmed for the new job...I won't truly believe it until I'm done waking up at 3 in the morning.
----------------------
Updated a bunch of links to the right of this blog. Most of them are websites I frequent, or contribute to, on a daily or semi-daily basis. I even know the owner/manager of one or two of them. Go check them out, lots of good stuff to be found online.
----------------------
Since I'm missing certain people's email addresses, and currently are too lazy to actively search them out, I'll just post a question here.
What are podcasts encoded as?
I'd love to download Bruce's sermons, but lacking an mp3 device (I do accept nano donations), I'd be forced to either sit at the shared family computer or burn them to a cd. If they are in MP3 form, I could put multiple ones on a disc, which would be ideal.
Hopefully though I'll be able to actively attend church regularly again...once that new job kicks in.
Although I must confess, I really don't like having church in the frat. So small, so confining, so...big pole in the way, and it's not right having the band spread out. Drums behind, guitars front and center!
-------------------------------
Ok, that's it.
Good night and have a pleasant tomorrow.
Feb 2, 2007
No doubt in my mind
I mean, c'mon, how can anyone seriously argue that Bono and his fellow members of U2 are not Christian??
This alone should prove it.
If your heart is still hard, try this...
I realize to like 90% of the people who read my blog agree with me, but for those stubborn few...
This alone should prove it.
If your heart is still hard, try this...
I realize to like 90% of the people who read my blog agree with me, but for those stubborn few...
Jan 31, 2007
Salt and Light in Blogger u2.0
And I've converted to Blogger 2.0. Why? Cause it wouldn't let me do otherwise. Sigh...I've "Made the Switch."
Two thoughts tonight. The first...I've noticed that it is getting easier and easier to not go to church. Part of it has to do with the schedule I'm on. Having been up for work since 3 am, unless I manage to grab a few hours nap in the afternoon, come 7, 7:30, I'm dragging. I'm sure I'd feel really good and coherent come the end of church around 9:30.
I know I need to be at church. I want to be at church; preferably on Saturday night so I can see my friends, but Wednesday works just as well. Pray that God will change my work schedule so that I can begin attending regularly again. There is a possibility I might get a part-time baker's position, with hours closer to 1-6 pm than my current 5am-10am. Pray that something works out.
Ok, the second thing for this evening. I was reading through One Step Closer: Why U2 Matters to Those Seeking God by Christian Scharen (actually a really, really terrible and poorly written book), but some scripture he used struck out to me. Specifically, Matt 5:13-4 (salt and light of the world).
(EDIT- Ok, the book is not horrible. It's by far not the worse book out there. I've just noticed some errors with it, both factual and textual, that I didn't like. I apologize if I came across as unduly critical. I guess it's the editor in me...)
What is meant here by "salt" and "light?" Since they are two different words, defining two different objects (one physical, one quasi-physical...lol), I'm gonna assume that they are referring to two seperate things. But the usage of both words is similar, and really kinda mean the same thing. So what is that thing (or things)?
What put this thought into my mind was the way the author of that U2 book, as well as Jesus, used these examples. Right now I'm lacking the words to explain what I was thinking, but these words sort of stuck with me and I can't seem to get rid of them. I'm just really curious what is being referred to specifically here. I've always heard these verses/words interchangeably, but I somehow doubt that is the case.
I'm wondering if a proper Biblical study will yield some answers.
Any thoughts?
Two thoughts tonight. The first...I've noticed that it is getting easier and easier to not go to church. Part of it has to do with the schedule I'm on. Having been up for work since 3 am, unless I manage to grab a few hours nap in the afternoon, come 7, 7:30, I'm dragging. I'm sure I'd feel really good and coherent come the end of church around 9:30.
I know I need to be at church. I want to be at church; preferably on Saturday night so I can see my friends, but Wednesday works just as well. Pray that God will change my work schedule so that I can begin attending regularly again. There is a possibility I might get a part-time baker's position, with hours closer to 1-6 pm than my current 5am-10am. Pray that something works out.
Ok, the second thing for this evening. I was reading through One Step Closer: Why U2 Matters to Those Seeking God by Christian Scharen (actually a really, really terrible and poorly written book), but some scripture he used struck out to me. Specifically, Matt 5:13-4 (salt and light of the world).
(EDIT- Ok, the book is not horrible. It's by far not the worse book out there. I've just noticed some errors with it, both factual and textual, that I didn't like. I apologize if I came across as unduly critical. I guess it's the editor in me...)
What is meant here by "salt" and "light?" Since they are two different words, defining two different objects (one physical, one quasi-physical...lol), I'm gonna assume that they are referring to two seperate things. But the usage of both words is similar, and really kinda mean the same thing. So what is that thing (or things)?
What put this thought into my mind was the way the author of that U2 book, as well as Jesus, used these examples. Right now I'm lacking the words to explain what I was thinking, but these words sort of stuck with me and I can't seem to get rid of them. I'm just really curious what is being referred to specifically here. I've always heard these verses/words interchangeably, but I somehow doubt that is the case.
I'm wondering if a proper Biblical study will yield some answers.
Any thoughts?
Jan 28, 2007
Demo of new U2 song
I think Blogger really, really wants me to switch to their new version. It's "Make the Switch" all over again...
Anyways, this is a fan made video of a new U2 song/demo. Basically a guy with a camcorder hung around outside Bono's house in the south of France (summer home) back in the summer and recorded some tunes. This one is actually my favorite of the ones I've heard so far.
Unfortunately, I have a feeling this is far from the finished product. The song just seems to start abruptly and not have an ending, two things U2 needs to fix. But otherwise, it's perfect!
Anyways, this is a fan made video of a new U2 song/demo. Basically a guy with a camcorder hung around outside Bono's house in the south of France (summer home) back in the summer and recorded some tunes. This one is actually my favorite of the ones I've heard so far.
Unfortunately, I have a feeling this is far from the finished product. The song just seems to start abruptly and not have an ending, two things U2 needs to fix. But otherwise, it's perfect!
Dec 31, 2006
Dec 29, 2006
What is the Art of It?
Jelani posted this on his blog recently. I managed to convince him to let me borrow it.
------------------------------
WHAT IS THE ART OF IT?
What is the sign of the end
The time of unperil
The time to descend and rise
The time of acting and..
The art of living and letting
At least I have my homie
What else do I need to live?
I hope the Lord Hears me!
Can you Hear me?
Or is it just a vain imagination
Or is it just plain concentration
The Free will of choice
To do evil or do good
What is the art of living this life?
Is it a formula or a ritual?
Rituals brings religion
Religion brings legalism
Legalism bring death
What is this relationship that I choose to be a part of ?
Is it hopeless for me as a slave
Or am I a friend?
Can you answer that
I hope I hear from you soon
I know I have drifted away a little
Well maybe alot like I alwayz do.
What about everyone else?
I am not seeking man approval but yours
But maybe you can't see that
I hope you do and all I want is to please you
But in my demise I fail
Unspeakable thing which are told
Am I worthy to speak of those things?
You tell Me ?
------------------------------
WHAT IS THE ART OF IT?
What is the sign of the end
The time of unperil
The time to descend and rise
The time of acting and..
The art of living and letting
At least I have my homie
What else do I need to live?
I hope the Lord Hears me!
Can you Hear me?
Or is it just a vain imagination
Or is it just plain concentration
The Free will of choice
To do evil or do good
What is the art of living this life?
Is it a formula or a ritual?
Rituals brings religion
Religion brings legalism
Legalism bring death
What is this relationship that I choose to be a part of ?
Is it hopeless for me as a slave
Or am I a friend?
Can you answer that
I hope I hear from you soon
I know I have drifted away a little
Well maybe alot like I alwayz do.
What about everyone else?
I am not seeking man approval but yours
But maybe you can't see that
I hope you do and all I want is to please you
But in my demise I fail
Unspeakable thing which are told
Am I worthy to speak of those things?
You tell Me ?
Dec 24, 2006
Another Window In the Skies video!
Two videos in two weeks. Pretty good for the guys.
This one is also pretty unique. Essentially, they took a bunch of old photographs, and did this quasi 3D thing to them were you are zooming through the photos, so close you can almost touch them!
The song never gets old, and you get a look at the biggest rock band in the world when they were in their early 20's just getting started. Worth checking out!
This one is also pretty unique. Essentially, they took a bunch of old photographs, and did this quasi 3D thing to them were you are zooming through the photos, so close you can almost touch them!
The song never gets old, and you get a look at the biggest rock band in the world when they were in their early 20's just getting started. Worth checking out!
Dec 19, 2006
Blogs must be evil
Found this on Cruel.com. Thought it was kinda funny...in a sad way. Reminds me of some people's comment I've heard regarding copyright laws.
------------------------
Bloggers are going to hell one entry at a time, according to Kevin D. Denee of the Restored Church of God's Ambassador Youth magazine:
Should teenagers and others in the Church express themselves to the world through blogs? Because of the obvious dangers; the clear biblical principles that apply; the fact that it gives one a voice; that it is almost always idle words; that teens often do not think before they do; that it is acting out of boredom; and it is filled with appearances of evil -- blogging is simply not to be done in the Church. It should be clear that it is unnecessary and in fact dangerous on many levels.
Let me emphasize that no one -- including adults -- should have a blog or personal website (unless it is for legitimate business purposes).
Photo sharing is acceptable to the Restored Lord in some circumstances:
Some questions naturally arise: "Can I have a photo gallery?" For example, maybe you visited an exotic country and want to share your photos with close friends. This can be done, but certain guidelines apply. Of course, there should never be any inappropriate pictures (again, be careful of the appearance of evil); it should be private and password protected, and only shown to family and closest friends.
------------------------
Bloggers are going to hell one entry at a time, according to Kevin D. Denee of the Restored Church of God's Ambassador Youth magazine:
Should teenagers and others in the Church express themselves to the world through blogs? Because of the obvious dangers; the clear biblical principles that apply; the fact that it gives one a voice; that it is almost always idle words; that teens often do not think before they do; that it is acting out of boredom; and it is filled with appearances of evil -- blogging is simply not to be done in the Church. It should be clear that it is unnecessary and in fact dangerous on many levels.
Let me emphasize that no one -- including adults -- should have a blog or personal website (unless it is for legitimate business purposes).
Photo sharing is acceptable to the Restored Lord in some circumstances:
Some questions naturally arise: "Can I have a photo gallery?" For example, maybe you visited an exotic country and want to share your photos with close friends. This can be done, but certain guidelines apply. Of course, there should never be any inappropriate pictures (again, be careful of the appearance of evil); it should be private and password protected, and only shown to family and closest friends.
Dec 16, 2006
Official video for Window in the Skies
Interesting video. The band only make cameo appearances...the rest of it is carefully editted footage of old singers "singing" the new U2 song. Clever.
Dec 11, 2006
Creepy PS3 ad
Does this make anyone actually want to buy a PS3? All it makes me want to do is go find a shotgun...
Dec 6, 2006
A key to being a good leader
I've been having some problems with my current supervisor at work recently. I say current, because up until a few days ago, he wasn't the only supervisor; our head manager is now gone for a few months following her knee surgery. And honestly, I do not know how long I can last with this guy fully in charge.
Then I ran across this quote, and it basically explains perfectly the problem I have with him and some managers from my past.
"You don't get to be a leader until you learn how to get people to trust you enough to follow you. And the way you do that is by learning to get along with other people, understand them, learn their needs: cooperate. Effective leaders are people who can build communities, not people who defeat all rivals." -Orson Scott Card
My managers are the exact opposite of this. It's them against everything else, and it is their sovereign duty to make sure that the universe runs according to their plan and schedule. If you don't fit, then you get booted or forced to fit.
So now my problem is having to live and continue to work with them. The Bible talks about treating them with respect, heaping "burning coals", doing the work unto God, etc. All great things to have in mind.
But how do they help in the practical every day occurences? Especially when you get so frustrated and full of anger that after you count to 10 you are looking for a bat to hit something with...
Then I ran across this quote, and it basically explains perfectly the problem I have with him and some managers from my past.
"You don't get to be a leader until you learn how to get people to trust you enough to follow you. And the way you do that is by learning to get along with other people, understand them, learn their needs: cooperate. Effective leaders are people who can build communities, not people who defeat all rivals." -Orson Scott Card
My managers are the exact opposite of this. It's them against everything else, and it is their sovereign duty to make sure that the universe runs according to their plan and schedule. If you don't fit, then you get booted or forced to fit.
So now my problem is having to live and continue to work with them. The Bible talks about treating them with respect, heaping "burning coals", doing the work unto God, etc. All great things to have in mind.
But how do they help in the practical every day occurences? Especially when you get so frustrated and full of anger that after you count to 10 you are looking for a bat to hit something with...
Nov 23, 2006
ThanksgivWiing.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
For some reason, I feel the need to blog. Not really in a sentimental way...no, I'll let others do that. And not in a need to list a bunch of things; that'd be too cliche. I really don't know...just need to blog.
Well, I suppose I can get sentimental on one little thing. There are quite a few coworkers of mine who have no place to go for Thanksgiving. A box of pizza, some cocoa, and a dvd are all they have to look forward to, for whatever reason. I'm not really in the best of positions to invite them over; it's not my house, not my food, and my parents had already invited another family over (the Forteza's). Still, I wish I could do a little something for them. I know that if I had a place of my own, and one with a little bit of space, I'd have just invited them over; probably have even gone to all the trouble to cook and everything.
--------------------
I know I should be thankful (here we go...) about my job. Well, some days I am, other days I am not. It's a little disappointing, but with my job, the bad days outweigh the good days. That's not to say that the majority of days I work are really bad days; they're not. Most days are just work days; blah days. But the really bad days definitely outweigh the really good days.
As I'm writing this, I'm very conscious of the fact that today has been my only day off in quite a while, and that in less than 12 hours, I need to be back at work. I'm one of the "lucky" few who get to go in an extra hour early tomorrow. So while the rest of my family enjoys a halfday and two days off, all I really feel like doing is just sitting back and resting and trying to overcome all the physical pain that has developed in the last week or so. Mainly in my arms and ankles.
Although too much tylenol makes me feel the veins in my arms...which is creepy...
------------------------
So I said I'd blog about it, so I might as well right now. Made two major purchases recently. The first one being an HDTV. The second one being the Nintendo Wii. (Yes, I'm one of the chosen elect.) I might post pictures later if I decide to take some.
Ok, first...the tv. Samsung 27" Slimfit HD. Slimfit meaning that it's not plasma or lcd, but it's about 17" deep. Very small, very light. On just regular rabbit-ears, I'm already picking up most of the HighDef channels for free around town (although for some reason WCCO seems to be having issues with theirs...). I even get several bonus channels, like a weather channel, and The Tube, which is the coolest music television channel I've ever seen. Not only does TheTube play new videos, but I've seen stuff going as far back as The Doors, seen lots of live concert footage, and even videos that feature mashup songs! So far I've only seen U2 once on there (Vertigo live from Chicago), but they did play the Frank Sinatra/Bono video (I've Got You Under My Skin).
The tv has been working great. There is one little problem with it though. On the left hand side, about halfway down, the picture starts to curve. It wasn't too noticeable watching or playing games when I first got it; but now that I have the Wii, it has become more pronounced.
The Wii is awesome. Serious. It comes with Wii Sports (baseball, tennis, bowling, boxing, and golf), and the package deal from Costco that I got also included Zelda: Twilight Princess and ExciteTruck (which sucks, so I sold it and got Call of Duty 3). The Wii also plays Gamecube games, can use the old GameCube controllers and memory cards, and eventually, I will be able to connect it to the internet and download old Nintendo and Sega games (for a small fee, of course).
You know, the Wii needs it's own blog in a while. Besides, it's starting to hurt to type.
Upcoming on STU2's blog: a look at why I can't seem to, for the life of me, raise my hands in praise during service. Is it fear, lack of praise, or too much exercise? And as a special bonus, I might finally reveal my "test" that tells me which dating couples I know will stay together or not. Stay tuned...
Oh...one final thought for now. I've been meaning to get my hands on a copy of the New Living Translation for a while now, mainly sense it's what we use in church. Well, I was going to just go to one of those Christian bookstores and pick one up for WAAAAAY too much, but I decided to check out Half-Price Books instead. Managed to find one fairly cheap there, and ironically, it happens to be the Spirit-Filled Believer's version. Coincidence or divine proof?
Hmm...ok, a coda thought/bit o wisdom. If you have wisdom to offer someone, don't just give it freely; wait until someone asks or is ready to hear it before you speak up. Til then, keep your mouth shut.
For some reason, I feel the need to blog. Not really in a sentimental way...no, I'll let others do that. And not in a need to list a bunch of things; that'd be too cliche. I really don't know...just need to blog.
Well, I suppose I can get sentimental on one little thing. There are quite a few coworkers of mine who have no place to go for Thanksgiving. A box of pizza, some cocoa, and a dvd are all they have to look forward to, for whatever reason. I'm not really in the best of positions to invite them over; it's not my house, not my food, and my parents had already invited another family over (the Forteza's). Still, I wish I could do a little something for them. I know that if I had a place of my own, and one with a little bit of space, I'd have just invited them over; probably have even gone to all the trouble to cook and everything.
--------------------
I know I should be thankful (here we go...) about my job. Well, some days I am, other days I am not. It's a little disappointing, but with my job, the bad days outweigh the good days. That's not to say that the majority of days I work are really bad days; they're not. Most days are just work days; blah days. But the really bad days definitely outweigh the really good days.
As I'm writing this, I'm very conscious of the fact that today has been my only day off in quite a while, and that in less than 12 hours, I need to be back at work. I'm one of the "lucky" few who get to go in an extra hour early tomorrow. So while the rest of my family enjoys a halfday and two days off, all I really feel like doing is just sitting back and resting and trying to overcome all the physical pain that has developed in the last week or so. Mainly in my arms and ankles.
Although too much tylenol makes me feel the veins in my arms...which is creepy...
------------------------
So I said I'd blog about it, so I might as well right now. Made two major purchases recently. The first one being an HDTV. The second one being the Nintendo Wii. (Yes, I'm one of the chosen elect.) I might post pictures later if I decide to take some.
Ok, first...the tv. Samsung 27" Slimfit HD. Slimfit meaning that it's not plasma or lcd, but it's about 17" deep. Very small, very light. On just regular rabbit-ears, I'm already picking up most of the HighDef channels for free around town (although for some reason WCCO seems to be having issues with theirs...). I even get several bonus channels, like a weather channel, and The Tube, which is the coolest music television channel I've ever seen. Not only does TheTube play new videos, but I've seen stuff going as far back as The Doors, seen lots of live concert footage, and even videos that feature mashup songs! So far I've only seen U2 once on there (Vertigo live from Chicago), but they did play the Frank Sinatra/Bono video (I've Got You Under My Skin).
The tv has been working great. There is one little problem with it though. On the left hand side, about halfway down, the picture starts to curve. It wasn't too noticeable watching or playing games when I first got it; but now that I have the Wii, it has become more pronounced.
The Wii is awesome. Serious. It comes with Wii Sports (baseball, tennis, bowling, boxing, and golf), and the package deal from Costco that I got also included Zelda: Twilight Princess and ExciteTruck (which sucks, so I sold it and got Call of Duty 3). The Wii also plays Gamecube games, can use the old GameCube controllers and memory cards, and eventually, I will be able to connect it to the internet and download old Nintendo and Sega games (for a small fee, of course).
You know, the Wii needs it's own blog in a while. Besides, it's starting to hurt to type.
Upcoming on STU2's blog: a look at why I can't seem to, for the life of me, raise my hands in praise during service. Is it fear, lack of praise, or too much exercise? And as a special bonus, I might finally reveal my "test" that tells me which dating couples I know will stay together or not. Stay tuned...
Oh...one final thought for now. I've been meaning to get my hands on a copy of the New Living Translation for a while now, mainly sense it's what we use in church. Well, I was going to just go to one of those Christian bookstores and pick one up for WAAAAAY too much, but I decided to check out Half-Price Books instead. Managed to find one fairly cheap there, and ironically, it happens to be the Spirit-Filled Believer's version. Coincidence or divine proof?
Hmm...ok, a coda thought/bit o wisdom. If you have wisdom to offer someone, don't just give it freely; wait until someone asks or is ready to hear it before you speak up. Til then, keep your mouth shut.
Nov 14, 2006
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