concertman

New Site...

2006-07-09T13:09:00.000-05:00

Hey all.....there's a new site up now. I have moved from blogger to WordPress

Click here to go to the new ConcertMan site.

Coffee cleaner?!?!?!

2006-06-27T12:40:00.000-05:00

Ok I'm at the Roasterie right now and the guy right next to me just poured some of his coffee on a napkin then took the napkin and proceded to wipe his entire computer with it!!!

WHAT THE CRAP! Of course it was a Compaq so it probably was an upgrade...

people are crazy.....speaking of. Why is the coffee guy wearing a bandana around his next? Is he going to go riding with Billy the Kid after making this lady's latte? Maybe the guy at the counter that's bouncing the black super ball all over the place knows....

people ARE crazy.

Internet

2006-06-21T21:43:00.000-05:00

The ongoing experiment has proven tougher than thought. I ended up spending the night at my parent's last night because I was running a World of Warcraft instance with some friends. By the time we finished (took like 3 hrs) it was late enough that I didn't want to drive home (read as it was 2am). So I stayed over and used more internet in the morning after I woke up.

Today after class I'm probably going to stay at the school a little longer so that I can get some homework done for my programming class.

School

2006-06-21T21:42:00.000-05:00

If you want to make yourself feel really smart (or really dumb) you should take a class at your local community college.

Having already gotten a degree at a private university, I've found that the level of understanding between a 4 year university and a 2 year community college is astronomical. There doesn't seem to be much difference in the level of instructorship but when it comes down to understanding what is going on, there is a void.

Case in point... I was a C level math student during my first degree. I just got my first test back from my Math class and it was my first A on a math test ever.

ever.

I'm pretty sure I actually got the highest grade in the class.

hmmmm.

The Roasterie...

2006-06-15T14:21:00.000-05:00

So I am one of about 6 computer users right now, and one of two Mac users. The interesting this is that the guy in front of me is using Suse Linux. You totally don't see that too often.

Anyway, this experiment is getting into the uncomfortable zone now. I'm not gettig the amount of internet time that I want, which was expected. But I'm also not getting the quality of time that I want. Meaning that when I'm online in certain places it doesn't seem like I'm getting the most of what I'm doing. I'm rushing through things and not able to fully get done what I want.

Case in point. Last night I was at the school and working on some projects and trying to get some assignments turn in. Well I had to use the bathroom pretty bad. Of course being in a public place this was not the easiest of situations. I had all my books and computer spread out and I didn't know where the restroom was and also didn't just trust leaving my new machine right there while I go take care of business. Packing everything up would have been a hassel but a required part of the environment.

Needless to say I was a bit uncomfortable. I was able to get done what I needed to online and then go home and take care of business.

Right now I'm sitting at the Roasterie Café in Brookside. Very trendy place and one of those places to "be seen". But honestly, I don't think anyone is looking. They all have their faces in their computers with headphones on or their bluetooth headset on. Kind of surreal. I didn't teleport to LA did I? This is still Kansas City right?

Mercy....

2006-06-11T19:31:00.000-05:00

I am at the mercy of others that is. When you do not have your own internet connection at home you are at the mercy of other people's quality of service. Such as Panera Bread. Today I was hoping to go get some homework done for my programming class, homework which is due today, and I had planned to go sit and have a bagel and do my homework. Well their wireless network was not working. So for the time I was stuck. I could either go to work and use the one there, with all the noise and craziness that comes with that, or I could just postpone it and try and find another way to get my homework done.

I think I'm going to have to find somewhere else to go.

The worst part is I can't even email my professor to let him know.

Choices

2006-06-01T23:38:00.000-05:00

So I made a realization today about this experiment. Since my time online has now been drastically cut I must now be very judicious about what I choose to do with my internet time. It's not a matter of trying to squeeze more into less time but a matter of making that time have more quality.

Case in point. I have a list of about 150 websites I like to read on a daily basis. The average number of post to those websites per day is about 10. That's 1500 articles on average. Usually it can be more than that. Now if I were to get 3 hrs of internet time a day would I still be able to read all those articles and get done the other things I want to get done (school and Warcraft)? The answer is no. So I must trim down those sites and read just the ones that are the most important to me.

Maybe in my future surfing I will find something that downloads all my RSS feeds and lets me read them away from the net. I know there are some apps like that out there but I just haven't spent the time to find them yet.

Anyway, I wanted to leave you with this parting thought for today....well parting video....

Internet fix of the day...

2006-05-30T21:33:00.000-05:00

So today, since Mary is almost officially out of her apartment, I had to find another place to get my internet fix. Welcome to my parents' house. We had to take some furniture over there to be refinished and then we sat around and picked our noses (as evident by the picture).

So anyway. I've got to figure out how I'm going to start getting my net fix now. This is where the hard part of the experiment begins. The toughest part is going to be the internet part after 9pm like i had mentioned in a previous post.

The Front!!!

2006-05-30T21:28:00.000-05:00

Video of the Front!!

It was a killer show and I got some great shots with my phone!

Are there any other front fans out there? Let me know!!!

LONG DAY!

2006-05-28T23:33:00.000-05:00

So I missed blogging yesterday partly because it was such an incredibly long day. Started at 6.30am and didn't end until 2.30am the next morning. The great news about that is getting to actually meet the legend of

....That is the man MC Frontalot!!

I will be posting some pics from the show probably tomorrow (if I can find my cell phone charger).

Oh yeah, keep an eye out for the Nerdcore Rising Documentary(link to video) that is coming out. A certain someone and his girlfriend were interviewed for it and have a good shot at making the final edit!!!

video time!!!!

2006-05-26T23:20:00.000-05:00

ok it's not great....well I think it is..... Just watch!

ok maybe boring, but isn't that the coolest computer ever?!?!?

Well IT'S HERE!!!!!!!

2006-05-26T08:34:00.000-05:00

Yeah so i didn't post last night because I was too busy playing with my new toy....I mean tool. Who am I kidding, it's a toy, and it's a BLAST! I've never had a computer this powerful and it's just beautiful to look at.

Yesterday when it arrived it spent most of it's first hours transferring files from my old computer and getting some new software installed. Of course one of the new ones that I installed was World of Warcraft, and for all you warcrafters out there I'm already a level 6 after only a couple hrs of play :). Not bad for my first time!

Now for all you tech geeks out there.....some killer gear pr0n!!!

Memphis or Indianapolis....

2006-05-24T22:15:00.000-05:00

Where do you think it is? It's in one of those two cities right now. After making a brief stop in Anchorage, AK my computer has made it's way into the continental 48 states and will soon be hitting the heartland. Officially FedEx is saying Friday but it might even be tomorrow!

When ever it is, expect lots of unboxing pictures (gear pr0n for all you techies out there) and possibly a video post?!?!

You'll just have to check it out too see!!!

It shipped!!!

2006-05-23T21:19:00.000-05:00

Well that great day is nearly upon us. The day when I have my new computer and step into a whole new realm of computing power!!

Ok that line was geeky I know. I'm excited what can I say.

At 2:25am this morning my computer left Shanghai and will travel to Alaska and then Memphis then Kansas City. I'm hoping to get it Thurs. but more truthfully it will be Friday.

Of course I have all the tracking updates sent directly to my cell phone via text message (I told you I'm a geek). So I will know immediately when it hits US soil!!

We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming...

2006-05-22T22:29:00.000-05:00

To bring you the news that.....MY GIRLFRIEND HAS SO MUCH STUFF!!! IN 492 SQ.FT!!!!! AND ONLY ONE CLOSET!!!@!!!!@!@!!@!

Ok so it's not my usual blog topic but we've been working on getting her packed up for a while and I'm just amazed.

Anyway, I'm going to go fall over now.

pictures...

2006-05-21T22:15:00.000-05:00

Hey there, I don't have much to post on tonight because I was working all day long :P Actually i really love my job and am very attached to it.

Anyway, in leu of an actual post just jump on over to my flickr site and take a look.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/concertman/

just something I stumbled across

2006-05-20T23:21:00.000-05:00

So I stumbled on to this site the other day, ilovefreewifi.com, and found it to be very cool. You send it a text message with where you are and it sends you one back telling you the closest free (as in beer) wifi point to your current location. I have a feeling this is going to come in handy. Right now they don't have a page for Kansas City but trust me, I'm working on that.

Question for you all though. In my research I have not found a place that provides free wifi that is open later than 9pm (other than my parents house and no you're not invited). Do any of you know of any places in the KC metro area with free wifi that are open later than 9pm?

Please let me know!

And it begins...

2006-05-19T22:21:00.000-05:00

Today i received the first of a few packages that will be arriving over the coming week. This signals the beginning of my new computer and the new experiment because I will finally have my own computer to use and work with.

The software is more for my wonderful girlfriend to use and play with but I know I will get some use out of it too. The mouse is more for the programming and game play because it is actually a 4 button mouse with scrolling ball.

Is anyone as excited about this as I am? Probably not but I just thought I'd ask.

Here's your chance...

2006-05-18T23:07:00.000-05:00

I know there are a loyal group of people out there who read this site, and I appreciate you very much.

I want to get your thoughts on my experiment. What do you guys see as being the ups and downs of what I'm doing? Do you think I'll succeed or fail? Are there some things I've left out of the scope of this project that should be in?

Be an active part of this project!! It will be fun!

Thanks to LeoL30 on Flickr for the "?" picture!

What do you do?

2006-05-18T00:10:00.000-05:00

So what do you do with your spare time?

A large side bar to the experiment that I'm doing is, while trying to get the overall general idea of what a technophile does without internet, to figure out ways to better myself.

I've been without a computer for the last 2 months almost (other than my girlfriend's). That's probably been the longest I've ever gone. What have I been doing with myself? I've been doing things to make myself better. Mostly reading. I finished a total of 5 books with topics spanning from String Theory to a story about Hobbits. Ya know what, I feel better about myself too. I feel like I'm expanding my mind (too cliché?). I'm trying to go back and read stuff I was suppose to read in high school and college but was too naive to comprehend at the time. And ya know what? I get it. I finally under stand what they are talking about (mostly).

This is why I feel really good about going back to school. I think I'm at a point where ~~I'm the older annoying person in class~~ I can understand and absorb what the professor is saying ~~without going to sleep~~.

So bring it on.....bring on the "non-traditional student" status!!! I'm actually ready to learn!!! (yes I'm a total geek ;) )

$$$$ and more $$$$

2006-05-16T22:27:00.000-05:00

I honestly don't think I've ever spent so much money in one day, except for the day I bought my house and had to shell out the down payment. The good news is though......I got my car back, I ordered my computer, and paid my tuition!!!!

Everything is becoming reality now!

You should have seen how happy and giddy I was when I picked up my car. It was seriously nuts.

Anyway, just a quick note before I head off to bed.

Tomorrow's a Big Day!!!!

2006-05-15T23:16:00.000-05:00

Yeah technically it's only 45mins away, but it's still Monday.

Good news and more good news...

1) my classes weren't canceled today because of a glitch in the computing system for MCC (Metro Community Colleges for those of you not in the Kansas City metro area). I was told by someone there that I would have till Weds. Isn't that special :) The big deal was that I wasn't going to be able to pay till tomorrow anyway because that's when the loan money hits my bank account and now it's all cool :)

2) Since the loan money hits my bank account tomorrow I get to order my new computer tomorrow!!!

So there is going to be a lot of money moving very quickly through my bank account tomorrow, and ya know what? I feel good about that.

Today I also signed up for YouTube. Why you might ask. Well since my new computer has a built in camera I will be able to do some video blogging of my internet adventures. Isn't this idea just getting cooler by the minute (yes my girlfriend thinks I'm a geek)?!

Come back tomorrow to see how the ordering process and tuition payment goes!!

#101!!!! and something about school...

2006-05-14T23:13:00.000-05:00

OK, so I missed my 100th post yesterday. I had totally meant to say something about it but I didn't. Oh well, here's my 101st post! Let the party ensue!!!

Alright, enough.

If you want to relive my last 100 blog post (you must have a sad life) then just click on the links on the right of the page and head on back in time. You can step all the way back to 2004...

Anyway, I just wanted to update you guys on what is going on with school. So I got my loan as you all learn a couple days ago, and tomorrow my fees are due at school. So the moment of truth will be upon us. Once I lay down the cash for it then it's go time and this all becomes more of a reality.

I'm taking just two classes for the summer semester. Intro to Algebra, and Programming Fundamentals. Algebra is a lecture course that will happen at night (so after working all day I go sleep in some class room), and the Programming Fundamentals is the class I'm taking online. I hope to be able to post some screen shots of how that online class looks. If you're like me, and for your sake I hope you're not, you've always wondered what an online class consists of. Well if that is you, then this is going to be your chance to find out right along with me.

I will totally be posting some screen shots of what is going on, so you better stay tuned!

#101......OUT!

Second thoughts...

2006-05-14T00:06:00.000-05:00

Just like any major life altering change I am having second thought about my choice to follow through with this experiment. The questions that always come to mind, like "Did I make the right choice?", "What happens if...?", and "Why did I really choose to do this?", start nagging you left and right. Usually that seems like a sign I'm on the right path.

I do get some strange comments when I tell people about what I'm doing though. I had one co-worker state, "How the hell you going to do that? You won't be able to enjoy the game fully! You'll be wasting all that money!" Ok well let's look at that.

Internet at home...
Monthly game fee: $15
Monthly cable fee: $50

No internet at home...
Monthly game fee: $15
Monthly cable fee: $0

Will I get to stay up all night playing World of Warcraft? No. Will I be tired in the morning because I stayed up all night playing World of Warcraft? No. Will I still be a contributing member of the game? That is yet to be seen.

The other question that keeps bugging me is when do I pull the plug on this experiment, so to speak. In other words, at what point has not being able to have internet at home done more harm than good. Would it be if I'm failing a class because of lack of internet access? Probably yes. Would it be if I'm getting a C in my classes because of lack of internet access? Maybe. I don't know. I just know at some point there has to be a line drawn that if it is reached then the experiment is over. Problem is I might not know I've got to that line before it's too late.

Hence, the second thoughts. All that being said...I'm forging ahead. I'm going to do this to see if I can do it and see if it can be done. All I know is it's going to be a heck of a ride.

By the way did I mention I'm excited about getting my new computer :D haha, just ask my girlfriend!

Kansas City WiFi....

2006-05-12T22:27:00.000-05:00

With all my current work on getting my computer and figuring out where I was going to get internet access I remembered a site that I came across almost a year ago and that I now read daily. The site is BlogKC. If you're a Kansas Citian, or just know some, me for example, then I suggest you check it. They always seem to give the real dirt as to what is going on in KC. Stuff the 10 o'clock new doesn't want you to hear (check out the post about KCTV 5).

Along with some great insight to local news the also had another post that caught my eye. Someone has compiled a list of WiFi spots in Kansas City. While it's not an exhaustive list it sure does give some that I didn't know before (notably does leave out all Panera locations).

Anyway, you guys are bound to see me at some of these places if you look at the right time. Hey if you spot me then stop by and say Hi and we'll blog the moment together eh? :)

The Customer Service Award goes to....

2006-05-11T21:51:00.000-05:00

Yeah, thank you to a kind loan by the very fine people at Bank of America I now have the money to continue my experiment while my wonderful girlfriend is in CT. And yes, like the picture, it's going to be "5x Faster" because I am buying a MacBook Pro!!!! I'm very excited.

Let me back step a little though because I mentioned the fine people at Bank of America and I want to give them some credit. The loan process was a little rough but let me tell you, just today I had two people from that company bend over backwards for me so that I could get the loan for school and my new computer. Seriously, if you need a bank just come talk to me and I'll hook you up with those people. They are super cool!

Anyway, yes I'm getting a MacBook Pro! The order will go out Weds. What's great about that is the built in iSight camera so I can video chat to CT and see my girlfriend's beautiful face and I'll also be able to share photos and video with all you web readers out there.

So be on the look out for when the new computer arrives because I will be posting lots of pics!!!!

My current internet fix....

2006-05-10T22:27:00.000-05:00

So this is my place of internet use. No it's not my house but it is very nice and homey. Cute girls around too (well girl). Food and snacks always available. You really can't beat it. It's actually my girlfriend's current apartment. The down side is that it will be going away at the end of this month and with it the comfy internet access (along with my beautiful girlfriend).

So I am currently on the search for new places. With the acquisition (loaning to me) of a new computer (even though it's a Dell, it's very much appreciated) I am going to have to find a new place to land.

While talking with one of my customers yesterday and telling her about my experiment she mentioned that she uses the public library right near where I work. It's a brand new building all decked out and provides FREE WIRELESS, it also has a Barista too. That place is turning into a regular Starbucks (minus the massive corporate image).

Anyway, this experiment is up and going.

A New Direction

2006-05-09T21:10:00.000-05:00

From time to time I sit and wonder what life would be like....

...if I had all the money I needed
...if I didn't have to work
...if there wasn't crime
...if ... well you get the picture.

I always think about these things but rarely do I act on them. I'm not sure why I don't. Maybe it's because it's out of my comfort zone. Or, maybe I don't want to be different. Or, maybe I'm just too scared.

I've challenged myself to start taking some steps to hopefully accomplishing something that is for the good of humanity. To do this I think I need to understand it first. Yes this is getting into the philosophical and sociological realm, but I think it's time to update them to today's standards, specially philosophy.

Inspired by my girlfriend and by the fact that I'm lacking in the monetary dept. I have decided to take what would be a drastic measure for me. For the first time since 1992 I am living in a house with no internet connection. I made the decision yesterday to cut the cable and remove internet and cable TV from my house. Those who know me are probably trying to pick themselves up off the floor at the moment. It's a huge step for me considering my line of work.

For the next year I will not have internet access at home. My house will be an internet free zone. I have decided to turn this into a social experiment to see how a person, such as myself, can live in today's online society without having this kind of access at home. To make this more challenging I have decide to also take on a couple of tasks during this time.

1) I will blog my entire experience. I will try to do this daily but at this point don't know if that will happen.
2) Since my girlfriend is moving to CT in a few weeks I will attempt to use Skype or iChat anytime I can, to talk or video chat with her.
3) I will take on the online gaming world. I have been asked to join some friends in World of Warcraft. I will attempt to be a contributing member of their community.
4) I will attend college classes online. I have already enrolled for a computer programming course which is taught completely online. I am paying for this one and must do well in it.

Along with my daily blog reading, emailing and general internet merriment I will attempt those things listed above. No easy task I must assure. I have also thought there needs to be some rules here. Society has rules for a reason. They are meant to keep people safe and to keep their possessions safe. So here are my rules.

1) No Wardriving. There will be no tapping into anyone's private home wireless network I'm not invited to whether it is open or not. This has become a hot legal topic in the past year and I don't want to push those limits
2) No begging for internet. I will not mooch off my friends just to use their internet.
3) No paying for any internet service. Part of this experiment is to see if someone can get by without paying for internet. So no signing up for TMobile at starbucks or any of the other pay per use places.

As you can see this is going to be no easy task. I am looking forward to the challenge and really hope to learn a lot from my experiment. If this goes well you will certainly expect to see more experiments in the future regarding social and philosophical issues.

Stay tuned to see what happens.....this is going to be interesting.

Drum roll please.......

2006-04-06T20:55:00.000-05:00

And the Grand Total is up to........$653 (yes that is no different than yesterday). So that means I'm going to have to beg some more.

I'm also thinking about starting a new theme on the site along with the Wholesome Goodness of Green Lifestyles. Political Bumper Stickers. What do you guys think? You know you can vote by sending money via the donate button below! Give it a try!!!!

peace to you all....

(thanks to xandert@MORGUEFILE.COM for the pic!)

Just a little bit more....

2006-04-05T17:40:00.000-05:00

Hey all!!!!

Ok so you've noticed my absence (or probably not). But yes I have been away from the blog for a while and there is a good reason for this. My computer decided to take a permanent vacation. Now those of you who know what I do are just thinking "Well why doesn't he just fix it and get on with it." Well I tried but it's going to cost me too much in parts and I just can't do that. So thanks to my wonderful girlfriend Mary, of MaryMuses.com I've been able to get my minimal fix, but I haven't been as loyal to my faithful readers. I know some of you will just say "Well can't you blog from your phone?" And I can, but have you ever tried typing a product review on a cell phone? Anything more than a couple of lines is a total pain!!

So this is where I beg my loyal following, I humbly come before you on bended knee. I need to purchase a new computer to get the job done. I'm already at $653 and need to get to $2000. I think with your help we can get there and all the little children.....oh wait....wrong line. With your help we can get up and really get this blog going!!

So please click this button....
and give what you can.

And as the total goes up I will give you updates as to where we are. Let the Blogathon begin!!! (maybe blogathon is not the word to use....)

Head winds in IL

2006-03-13T11:47:00.000-06:00

Head winds suck the gas right out of the tank!

Grrr.....

2006-03-12T13:36:00.000-06:00

Ok I'm in Chicago and honsetly things have been crappy!!!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday just outside of Chicago on the way in I was feeling sick and just wanted to go crawl in a hole. Then when we get to our destination I find out that my computer is broken and I have to spend at least $300 to fix it!!! Then the final slap to the face.....the phone charger I brought for my cell phone.....doesn't work........AAAARRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH! Thank God I'm only here for one day or i'd have to end up shooting someone!!!!

The picture is depicting how I feel right now!!!

just pray I can make the drive home tomorrow by myself!!!!

mmmmm drugs....

2006-03-06T22:00:00.000-06:00

For as much as I like to be all natural there is something to be said for drugs. I do mean the legal kind like Aleve....oooooohhhh.

I've spent the entire day on my couch, laid up from the latest bug that is going around. After feeling like crap for long enough I decided to put nature aside for a bit and down some purely synthetic pills that make all the pain away. And ya know what...I feel so much better!!!

Anyway, just thought I'd share!

And the metal goes to...

2006-03-06T14:44:00.000-06:00

Well it's not actually metal is some kind of plant matter and natural sources but none the less it goes to...

Yep, as an astute reader mentioned a while back in the comments a few weeks ago Tom's of Maine is the way to go for under arm protection and to make sure you don't send the girlfriend running to the hills (although my girlfriend runs the hills for some other reason, of which I don't complain because I benefit from the results).

Anyway, since the switch to Tom's things have been smelling great!!!

Ash Wednesday?

2006-03-01T21:29:00.000-06:00

So after Ash Wed. We went to see Tristan Prettyman. Not too bad even the Toxic cover song (it's hard to make Britney Spears music sound good). The guy who opened was good too. Specially the song about liking some other girls guy. Hmmm....

Laundry Day...all natural style

2006-01-23T12:17:00.000-06:00

Well it's that time again. And to continue with my all natural lifestyle I've been trying it's about time to take that into the land of laundry detergent. I actually have been using this stuff for a couple of months now and it seems to be going pretty well. It's called Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day. I've been using the laundry detergent and fabric softener. It took some time getting used to the fragrance, a lemony type of scent, but after a while I found it pleasant and relaxing. The fabric softener also does a good job. The one down side I've found to this stuff is that it does not cut down on static and working in the industry that I do, static is a bad thing. So....anyone out there know of any good all natural anti-static dryer sheets? I'll test them out for you!!

In the works....

2006-01-21T14:34:00.000-06:00

Ok so I haven't posted in a couple days but I have good reason. I'm actually working on a new site that will make it easier for me to post and be a little more visually pleasing. Right now it's in Beta and I'm working the bugs out of the system. I also hope this will give you guys some better ways to interact with the site and others who read it.

For the time being, the picture included is a glimpse of what the site will be...

peace

Smoothies!!

2006-01-16T11:51:00.000-06:00

OK for Christmas my family totally came through for me and got me a blender. Now most guys my age would be making margaritas and the like but me being who I am I'm all about Smoothies!! With the organic fruit I purchased and stocked my freezer with I've been able to come up with my own concoctions. Today's blend...Apple juice, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and honeydew. I would totally suggest!!

Oh yeah don't you love the CareBear glass? Classic early 80's from Pizza Hut!

Lunch Time!!!

2006-01-13T16:27:00.000-06:00

In my natural quest I have found a place that that I can get something to eat without having the nasty artery clogging liquid fat that comes with eating at McD's. Nothing against McD's, but I've got a relative who works there and has since become a vegetarian...I think that speaks. hahaha

Anyway, Eden Alley Café on the Plaza in Kansas City totally fits the bill. From the pic you can see that the atmosphere is very chill, and laid back. The food is great, and they have free WIFI!!! I highly suggest it to anyone looking for something different.

A BREAK THROUGH!!

2006-01-12T22:29:00.000-06:00

So today I think I made a break through in the use of Burt's destinker stuff. It's a bit complicated but stick with me here and you might just learn something.

Ok, so what I did was after my morning shower I put on about 7 sprays under each arm. I then went about getting dressed and ate my breakfast. Then I thought "hey why not a couple more sprays for good luck. So I did. I think I managed to get some on my shirt too and that might have been the key. Because instead of trying to keep my arms glued to my sides all day I only noticed once during the day a foul smell and it wasn't nearly as bad as it had been before. So I'm going to try the same thing tomorrow and see what happens.

On another note, something I had mentioned in another post was that I'm trying to get suggestions from all you out there as to what products you'd like to see tested. The next one on the docket is Burt's Lavender Mint Toothpaste. I've already been using this one for a while now so I'll let you know how it's going soon.

The next day... Last day with Burt.

2006-01-11T00:13:00.000-06:00

Yeah the title says it all. The Burt's Bees (8 freaking dollars!!) deodorant is getting a failing grade from me. I can't go another day where I have to keep my arms nailed to my side because the deodorant is a failure!

i have to give props to a new reader. Jodi pointed out to me another company. She pointed out that Tom's of Maine specializes in all natural products so tomorrow I go in search of the end of the stench.

Jodi's recommendation also got me to thinking...I have a talent for testing a reviewing products. When I worked at the church that was part of my job and when I wrote for a couple different magazines my reviews were highly sought after. So here is your chance. In the comments tell me what all natural products you'd like to have tested. I will be your Guinea pig (aaww those cute furry little rodents). I will test out the products you are too chicken to test out on yourself!!! hahaha So there is your challenge people. By doing this I hope to get everyone thinking about how we can all be more nature conscience.

A new Series...

2006-01-10T09:41:00.000-06:00

I have been thinking, for a while now, about ways I can make my blog stand out and make it something worth reading for other people. Of course my pointless rambling and pointing out the oddities of life (read some former posts) does provide some nice comic relief.

Well yesterday it hit me. I'm going to take you guys on a trip through my venture into trying to go all natural. What the heck does that mean? It means I'm going to attempt to eat organic food (although I do have to have the occasional McDonald's), I'm going to change all my personal care items to natural items, and in the long run maybe even move my house to solar energy.

This whole idea started a couple of years ago when I bought a new car. I had decided to go with a hybrid and since then I've become more and more environmentally aware. So this year I decided to make it official and go full guns with it.

So for Christmas I asked my family for a blender and natural cook books and they came through. So of course right now I'm drinking my morning smoothie from organic fruits and also made my lunch for today ( a salad).

The food is all good and honestly it's pretty easy for me to do. The hard part comes when you try and switch over personal care items. Organic foods are pretty readily available and not too expensive (check your local farmer's market) but natural personal care items are not always around when you want them. Well I recently found 3 items to switch to that will help in my quest. One is a laundry detergent and fabric softener. The next would be toothpaste. But the final one, and the one I want to talk about first is deodorant. Now let's just say I'm pretty picky about stuff like this. I hate to stink. I don't really like to sweat either but since most antiperspirants contain some metals you don't want going into your body (aluminum) I thought I could give up the not sweating thing as long as I don't stink. So where do you find this stuff? Well this is what I found. Burt's Bee is a company that specializes in natural products, and when I found this deodorant at a local store I figured I would give it a go. The initial shock was that this stuff is $8 a bottle!! Ok that's freaking expensive! I'm used to paying no more than like $3 for a stick of antiperspirant. I went ahead and bought it hoping this stuff would last long enough to kind of even out the cost.

Well I'm about a week into this experiment and so far I'm not impressed. The stuff does smell good. A little flowery but you're not going to go around and smell like a girl all day. Girls smell nice and all but as a guy I don't want to smell like one. So anyway, this stuff kind of works. It took some getting used to though. Just because I'm sweating doesn't mean I smell bad. It's kind of a good thing I guess since sweating removes toxins from the body and cools you off at the same time. The problem I have with this stuff is that it seems to only work one pit at a time. One day I'll put it on and it work under the right arm but the left will stink. The next day it will decide to change. It's the strangest thing. I have no idea what's going on with that but at least I've got one arm pit covered. The way around this? Just don't lift the stinky arm during the day...ummm yeah right. I'm going to try this stuff out till the end of the bottle ($8!!!!!), but unless things change I'm not going to be purchasing this deodorant again.

I'll keep you guys posted day by day as to which armpit is covered and which which hand I won't be raising during the day.

some future reviews you guys can look forward to include Burt Bee's toothpaste and that laundry detergent I told you about. Also if you guys have any products you would like to see reviewed just let me know in the comments and I might just give it a go.d

What to post...

2006-01-09T09:58:00.000-06:00

Ok, so right now it seems like I'm posting once a month. Bad blogger!! Bad! I know, I need to post more so what to post.... Well I haven't put up any photos lately. I used to be able to post directly from my cell phone but for some reason my phone has been acting up and won't let me send SMS or MMS. I'm going to get it figured out soon, but in the mean time here is some stuff to tide you over.

This first pic just cracked me up. Usually you don't find the most healthy foods in vending machines but Ramen? and then look at the price!!! Who in their right mind would pay $.80 for Ramen? Can't you get that stuff for a quarter or something?

This one I just thought was pretty because of the colors. It was taken on the Plaza during my lunch break one day.

Anyway, I'll try and keep up more. peace!

Christmas List!!!

2005-12-04T14:05:00.000-06:00

This is what I want for Christmas. Well I'm probably not going to get one (price tag = $2530). It's way too cool looking though and the future of what kind transportation I want to have. Electric and easy to get around in. Of course living in Kansas City doesn't provide the year round weather to use this as a full time mode of transportation. Another downside is that I've only found this for said in Australia. So it would probably cost me just as much to get it shipped here as it would to just buy it outright. Anyway, it's an electric bike...how freaking cool is that. And it looks a lot cooler than any other electric bike I've seen yet. Go check it out at this site

I think I've already told most of my friends that I will never buy another gasoline engine car. It's either biodeisel, electric, or hydrogen power for me after I am ready to trade in my hybrid. Now I've talked to a few friends who say "yeah well it's still cheaper to buy a used regular car even if gas is up to $4 a gallon." Ya know what. That's probably right, but if that's the only reason you are wanting to get a hybrid then you've missed the entire point! It's not about what it would cost you personally, that's a very selfish way to look at it. The real question is what does it cost society and people as a whole? If we continue our dependance on any kind of oil domestic or international. What will it cost us in 20 years? 50 years? When our kids are 50? It's not been till recently that Americans have realized, how ever small and short lived the realization maybe, that our dependance on oil has some serious issues involved with it. With that I'll gladly do my part today and support (support to companies is not just moral support but financial meaning buying their product) more expensive technologies that will further society tomorrow.

Anyway, enough of the soapbox. If anyone wants to buy me that bike I will totally let you ride it some time :)

peace to all and have a great Advent Season!!!

Out to eat...

2005-11-11T23:04:00.000-06:00

Great food and hot girls.....can't go wrong there. Tonight I went out to dinner with my friends Nellie and Julie (they are sisters if you can't tell from the pic). The 3 of us decided to hit Tasso's here in KC. Holy crap was it good!!! Totally a fun atmosphere. The pic is of Nellie and Jules getting in on the belly dancing lessons. A great time was had by all!!! I would highly suggest going to Tasso's for anyone who is looking to have a fun dinning experience!

San Jose...

2005-09-17T21:27:00.000-05:00

Well our original plan was to go hit Alcatraz but it didn't happen...apparently you can't buy tickets the day of when you go there. So we went online and bought tix for tomorrow. So today that left us in San Jose. We had heard about this tech museum that is there so we decided to go hit that and catch an IMAX film.

Below are some photos of the trip so far.

Festival in Downtown San Jose

San Francisco Apple Store

Our apartment complex. Our building is the one on the left.

First time in Cali!!!

2005-09-11T22:37:00.000-05:00

Well I've made it to California!!!! I'm out here training for my new job and will be here for 2 weeks!!! I've only been here like 12 hrs and I love it already! It's in the middle 60's every day and NO HUMIDITY!!! I flew out of Kansas City this morning at 8am and arrived in San Jose around 11am.

The first pic on the left is as we were flying into Phoenix to change planes. The second pic is of the Mothership!!!!

I will be posting more pics of my journey out here.

Do you love this blog?

2005-09-05T23:37:00.000-05:00

Hey there, how much do you guys love this blog? I know I do. Well how about helping it out a little and keep it going by making a little donation to help the cause!!!

You can also help the cause by hitting the links over on the right side of the page. Help keep the blogosphere alive!!!

Remember though....only donate to this site after you have donated to the Red Cross by hitting the link below...

KSU!

2005-09-03T14:56:00.000-05:00

Halftime!

Gameday!

2005-09-03T11:47:00.000-05:00

Go CATS!

You know what to do....

2005-09-02T17:13:00.000-05:00

Biking today...

2005-09-01T22:32:00.000-05:00

Ok so I've been getting into biking lately. I usually ride along the Trolley Trail here in KC. it's a great ride and I usually ride down to the Plaza and back. It's about an hour and a half ride (10 miles). Well today was an interesting ride...

Just as I'm passing the quarter point of my ride I felt this huge drop.....then 20 million more. Holy Cow!! This was a huge down pour that came out of no where. As you can see from the pic I was completely drenched and since the trail was dirt and rock....I was mud covered. I ended up getting to the Plaza and stopping at my work to pick up a dry tshirt and take care of some business. I waited out the rain and then came back home.

Man it was crazy and I was completely drenched!!!

$4 Gas? BRING IT ON!!!

2005-08-31T11:47:00.000-05:00

Ok, go ahead and start flaming me but ya know what do it because I've got a point here.

The news stations here in Kansas City are saying that by next week the gas prices are going to be $4 a gallon. Ya know what? I love it!!! I think the gas industry should raise it to $5 a gallon just for the hell of it. You want to know why? Because now Americans are finally going to pull their heads out of their butts and see that this oil thing isn't going to last. Yeah we may have oil for another 100 years or even more but ya know what? Some day it will run out.

America has been so freaking slow at adopting new technologies to replace oil that it's just sick. Most of the other countries, save China and Southeast Asia, have already started some programs with the general population being open to the change. Things like smaller cars that get 60-70mpg or desiel cars that can run on biodesiel or veggie oil (biodesiel isn't ready for prime-time yet though).

Americans are too worried about material things and the immediate cost instead of long term gains. They want the Hummers, the Excursions or the Durangos. Or they want to get by with the cheap stuff (which I understand more but still, we need to make sacrifices to support our future).

The next rant...Hydrogen is not the answer. We won't see a viable hydrogen infrastructure for at least another 10 years minimum and the production for hydrogen is not eviromentally and cost effective yet either.

I have been talking for years that there is a cash crop out there that people will not take seriously. In high school (over 10 years ago) I found research that said the US could completely drop the need for imported oil if this crop was used. But no one would listen or would take it seriously until just recently.

Hemp for Fuel

This page give some facts about using hemp as fuel, among other things. Industrial hemp has been labeled as the ultimate cash crop. By using only 6% of American land for the crop, we could completely eliminate the need for imported oil. Hemp desiel would act as regular desiel. Using more farm land to produce the crop would make the US a world power in energy again instead of a world consumer of energy.

So I'll step off my soap box now. Just remember, I'm cheering for higher gas prices. That is going to force Americans to get creative in the way we consume and the way we use energy.

Go head and start your flame....just beware....educate yourself before you rant because I have educated myself.

Mac!

2005-08-26T19:14:00.000-05:00

My friend Cort got her first Mac!

Damn ATM!

2005-08-24T23:24:00.000-05:00

This is not what you want to see when you put your case into the ATM. I did manage to get my card back atleast!

Flowers

2005-08-08T19:51:00.000-05:00

Just got some new blooms in my yard!

My work

2005-08-06T15:34:00.000-05:00

This is what i do for work. Stage and lighting design for a church.

Hot!

2005-08-01T15:22:00.000-05:00

Crap! Yes that is reading about 105 degrees

Shoes

2005-07-25T17:30:00.000-05:00

My cool new shoes!

yeah so I'm kind of a strange guy when it comes to shoes. I love a new pair of cool shoes and specially with the deal I got today. Normally $80... got them for $32 and the sales girl was cute so that's a double score! Anyway these are some cool shoes I got!

Train station

2005-07-22T00:17:00.000-05:00

Waiting for the train in Oxshott. We are going shopping today.

This was a post from my cell phone while we were in london that never got sent. I went ahead and sent it so you guys can see. Hope you enjoy!

I love my hybrid!

2005-07-13T08:47:00.000-05:00

650 miles on one tank of gas. That is 55 mpg!

Oh man...

2005-07-04T23:29:00.000-05:00

I've never been a big fan of benefit concerts. I don't really think they accomplish much. To prove my point take a look at this article from the BBC about the clean up after Live 8 in London. Then remember this concert was held in like 8 different cities around the world.

Fahrenheit 9/11

2005-07-03T10:49:00.000-05:00

I never believe anything I hear or am told outright 100% without finding out for myself. That pretty much goes for everything, the good and the bad. I just finished watching the movie Fahrenheit 9/11 by Michael Moore. Notice I said movie and not documentary. This was on purpose and I will explain later.

I tried to be objective as possible while watching this movie even though going in to it I think Michael Moore is a selfish rich whitie that is no worse than those who he makes films about.

My first observation was how many of the quotes that were used in the movie were taken completely out of context or twisted around so that they would fit the message that Moore was trying to portray in his movie. I work in video and we do a lot of interviews and it is extremely easy to bend the words of someone. About 75% of the people that were interviewed by Moore came out and said that their words were misconstrued. I will give references later

Another point that Moore seemed to try and make was the Saudi people were our enemy, Iraq has never been a threat to the US, and that the Bush White House is responsible for all our problems.

The Saudi people have always seemed to be an ally from what I understand. Why shouldn't they be...Americans make them rich. What doe the Saudi's have to gain from the fall of American society? They probably have the most to lose. In the days after 9/11 travel plummeted. People stopped buying fuel, airplanes stopped flying (even less fuel used).

Another glaring omission from Moore's movie were the 8 years of time between Bush Sr. and W's presidency. There was zero mention of Clinton and what he did or didn't do to stop terrorism. In the government report it was stated that the terrorist had been in the US for years and had been planning. Moore does nothing but implicate that Bush was solely responsible for the happenings of 9/11. In reality he had only been in office 8 months before the attacks took place. The planning had taken somewhere around 4 to 5 years. It could have taken even longer than that. Yet Moore does not even hint at Clinton, he doesn't even acknowledge that those 8 years exist.

Moore mentions his "hometown" (he actually didn't grow up there) of Flint MI. He focuses on the poverty and the jobless rate. I would like to know what he is doing to help those from his hometown. Did he employ any of them in the making of his film? Or does he just exploit the fact so he can make a point while he is taking the money from his movie back to his Hollywood mansion.

That also raises the question... What does Moore offer as solutions to the problems he raises? In his film...nothing. He seems the type of guy who as a kid would release a bee in a classroom and leave the room to watch the chaos ensue. Moore does not want order because order does not help him sell movies.

Moore's movie was interesting to watch. I'm glad that I watched it but honestly it does nothing to further society. Moore did not make this film to point out injustice. He made the movie to make money plain and simple and when you watch the movie you have to keep that in mind. And that is why I call it a movie. Movies are entertainment and made from a business stand point to make money.

Now my sources. Most of them were news reports from all over the country but the most abundant source was from this website.

http://www.davekopel.com/Terror/Fiftysix-Deceits-in-Fahrenheit-911.htm

Go check it out. Again take it with the same grain of salt as you do when you watch Moore's movie.

this sucks...

2005-07-02T19:27:00.000-05:00

Being sick sucks. it's hard type, sit, or even be awake. I've been wanting to write the essay I told you all about but I'm going to wait till I'm in a better state of mind. In the mean time I'm going to sit here and watch all the CSI I have recorded on my DVR.

in the mean time have a great 4th! I'll post some pics from our family celebration

peace!

Apple!

2005-06-29T23:32:00.000-05:00

Oh the good old days!

Mullets

2005-06-27T12:50:00.000-05:00

There are still mullets in the wild!

update...

2005-06-25T16:30:00.000-05:00

Hey guys,

So I haven't posted in a while but I wanted to give you an update on some things I hope to be writing about soon. During my trip to Europe I can to a lot of conclusions about the differences between life in Europe and life in the States. There are lots of similarities but even more differences. Some of those differences are just merely perception but some are very glaring and directly affect quality of life. Below are the 3 subjects I'm going to hit on...

"Driving" - Courtesy, speed, and driving on the wrong side of the street?
"Working to Death" - How do Americans view the work week and how do Europeans view it?
"Socialism" - Who takes care of whom?

Hopefully through these 3 essays you guys will all get a glimpse of life and stop to take time and examine your own life in the process.

Paris...

2005-06-20T11:44:00.000-05:00

Ok my last picture post... this one is from Paris.

The family in Paris

Musée du Louvre

Mona Lisa

Venus

Video's will be coming soon. Once I recover and can focus a little bit more.

Pompeii

2005-06-20T11:37:00.000-05:00

This was my most favorite part of the trip I think. Pompeii was just amazing...

Pompeii in the back ground with the volcano looming.

People frozen in time...

The Streets of Pompeii

Store Front in Pompeii

Rome

2005-06-20T11:13:00.000-05:00

Here's some pics from the Rome portion of the trip...

Roman Forum

Trevi Fountain my favorite part of Rome.

Eating in Rome

The Pope

More Pope

More London

2005-06-20T11:03:00.000-05:00

Ok we finished our European "tour". Sorry I wasn't able to post the past week. Internet was sparce. I was kind of surprised by that but oh well. We are back in KC now and I have all the internet i want!!!! I'm going to break up these posts (it's easier for me) over the last week of our vacation.

So here we go...

Westminster Abbey

Shakespeare's Globe from the River Thymes.

Tower Bridge

Winsor Castle with Jessi posing out front.

The Pope!

2005-06-15T03:55:00.000-05:00

The Pope! Wed are standing in st. Peters square right now listening to a mass by the Pope!

Trevi

2005-06-13T15:43:00.000-05:00

Hey guys. Just wanted to give you a pic from Rome. This is a shot of Trevi fountain.

In Rome!

2005-06-12T15:46:00.000-05:00

Hey all. I'm making this post from my cell phone so its going to be short. We are in Rome right now and its beautiful! I do not have internet access at this point so there won't be many pics until we get back to london. I will send a special pic or two from my phone just to keep you up dated. Peace!

Day four...Video

2005-06-09T18:37:00.000-05:00

Ok guys, here's the video. Your normal hostess isn't around for this one so you will have to put up with seeing me on camera :P I know one of you asked to see more of me so here ya go!!!

Enjoy and leave me comments!!!

Day Four...

2005-06-09T18:17:00.000-05:00

oops did I skip a day? Well not really see here's the deal. Dad, Doug, the Drolettes and I all went up to Edinburgh today and just got back. We left at 4am this morning to catch an hour long flight up there. It was about 8am by the time we got there (don't ask long story). So since we had to get up so early Dad and i stayed at Doug and Rose's house so we could all travel together. So with that I was not near my computer so I was not able to make a post. Plus all the pics from Day 3 were taken on Jessi's camera so as soon as I get ahold of it I'll up load the pics and videos.

Anyway, enough of the story, here are the pics from today's trip to Edinburgh, Scottland.

Edinburgh Castle

The Royal Mile

Dad and I infront of Edinburgh Castle

Me on top of the Nelson Monument

That's it for today....video in just a minute!

Video Two...

2005-06-07T18:28:00.000-05:00

Click below to check out today's video!!!

Day Two...

2005-06-07T17:02:00.000-05:00

Well I'm hoping to get these up before I completely pass out. I just sat down and realized how very tired I am. Anyway, here are some pics from day two and a video will be up soon!

Tower Bridge

African Restaurant
This place had the most amazing food I've ever eaten!!! We had lamb, couscous, baklava (I know I've spelled all that wrong but I'm tired). The lamb had been cooked in prunes and grapes with mint and was so tender! You sit on these really low mats around tiny tables.

London Tower
It doesn't really tower as much as I thought it would but it was still really cool. We got to see the Crown Jewels here.

Westmeinster Abbey

First Video!

2005-06-06T14:32:00.000-05:00

Hey check out our video for the first part of our trip...

Click the pic to start

Pic set 1

2005-06-06T13:05:00.001-05:00

The family at KCI airport

Jessi in the phone booth

Jessi and I in front of Big Ben

first entry from the road...or air

2005-06-06T13:05:00.000-05:00

current location 37,000ft some where over upstate new york traveling at 592mph. It’s about 9:23pm central time. 6 hrs from london

So ok...flying in a 777 is not bad. In fact it’s dang nice. I wouldn’t advise trying to use the facilities if you can avoid it. it’s a tough job.
Anyway, it’s been great so far, although our first plane was dubbed “the pencil plane” by my sister. yeah it was small. one of those regional jets that has one seat on the left and two seats on the right of the isle. crazy stuff.
Anyway we are on the great 777 now and it’s a pretty smooth ride.
The guy in front of me keep jumping around in his seat and bumping into my computer and it is making it hard to type.
One thing I have to say I love about this flight is that each seat has it’s own TV. I’ve been watching CSI for almost 3 hrs now. after this I might just switch on the old iPod and go to sleep. I’m going to need the rest. our plane lands around 10am london time which will be about 4am kansas city time.
When I get to a place where I’ve got some internet service (I’m typing this in Pages right now) i’m going to post some pics to my flickr acount and I’m also hoping to get a video up too. Jessi has been doing some commentary and it’s going to be pretty good to see.
see ya guys in the morning!!! remember to post something in comments if there is something you want to see!

Time to go!

2005-06-05T16:29:00.000-05:00

Day 0. Packed and ready to go!

Getting close!

2005-06-05T13:27:00.000-05:00

We are ready to go. I'll post more from the plane.

Fireworks

2005-06-03T15:57:00.000-05:00

Fireworks @ memorial day celebration

LONDON BABY!

2005-06-01T21:14:00.000-05:00

yeah I haven't posted in a while. Partly because I've been so busy but mostly because I'm just to tired and lazy when I get home. The next couple of weeks will be a huge cornucopia of posts. The family and I are heading to meet with the queen and I'm hoping to get knighted.

ok well maybe not knighted and we probably won't meet the queen but we are going to London. It's going to be a great time and I'm hoping to blog from there every day. I'll be posting up pics of me and the fam doing our thing through the UK, Paris, and Italy.

It's going to be great! i've never been before and am really looking forward to it!

I hope all of you will be checking out the blog to see what all we are up to during our time there!

peace
jarod

Celebration at the Station

2005-05-29T20:14:00.000-05:00

Kansas city symphony.

Segway

2005-05-29T14:45:00.000-05:00

Only on the plaza!

I've been wanting to do this for a while. They give tours of the plaza for $50 and you get to ride around on Segways. They look like a blast (or a bust if you fall!).

amazing music...

2005-05-28T22:18:00.001-05:00

Every once in a while you run across something that just blows your mind. It can be something so complex that it is just incomprehensable or it can be something so simplistic that is just breathes beauty. I've come across a song to which the latter applies.

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's Somewhere over the Rainbow / What a wonderful world is a song just like that. so simplistic and beautiful. A song everyone should have.

Check it out here...

My dash

2005-05-27T22:21:00.000-05:00

My dash.

Yeah that says I am getting over 50 mpg!!! hahaha beat that :)

My Neighbor...

2005-05-25T18:25:00.000-05:00

We all have those people in our lives that we are just not sure how to take them. Most people call them weird or crazy. Some people just ignore them. Others have a strong dislike or are uncomfortable around them. No matter what they make us all, in one way or another uncomfortable.

One of my neighbors is this kind of person, and I think it's WONDERFUL!

Today after coming home from work I saw him outside working on his house. As I walked out of my garage I engaged him in conversation and asked him how he was doing. He proceeded to explain to me the intricacies of stucco and this new stucco substitute he is using on his house. During the entire conversation I kind of kept quiet just listening intently to everything he had to say. His speech was stuttered and littered with drops of profanity that seemed to come in at the most awkward time.

Some how our conversation moved from home construction (which is his profession) to physics and becoming a total human being. I was amazed! I learned that he studied physics in college and still kept up with it today. He was spouting off different scientist and concepts like they were his best friend. The whole time I'm thinking, "how did he end up in a run down house working construction".

His conversation became more passionate and intense as he turned the topic towards government and religion. He spoke of how all governments are evil and that religions are the most evil and corrupt thing ever created by man. Not wanting to offend and confront him (he was holding a hammer and chisel at the time) I chose to just listen. He completely fascinated me. He had such conviction and passion for what he was speaking about. Normally when people are confronted by someone with that kind of furor they get scared or defensive. I'm usually like that, but this time was different. I was completely enthralled with what he was saying. And the one thing that kept going through my mind was "this man is a child of God". This guy with all his honesties and imperfections, truths and deceptions was made in the image of God. The image of a God whom he emphatically professed didn't exist. He was wonderfully amazing!

As quickly as the conversation started, it had concluded and he decided he needed to get to work on his house again and I stood there in amazement at the creation of a God that my neighbor denies even exists.

I have a feeling this is the beginning of something very amazing. Stay tuned...

Bentley

2005-05-25T18:21:00.000-05:00

This car cost more than my house!

I saw this car pull up next to me at a stop light. That's a Bentley folks. That car, used, costs $350,000! That's USED!!!

Another site I visit...

2005-05-22T21:05:00.000-05:00

Well along the lines of sites that i like to visit. This one is by someone I met while working retail. He worked at the store for a while and he's a nice guy and has a great site.

http://www.grubesteak.com

Check it out. He has some great commentaries!

Graduation

2005-05-22T15:26:00.000-05:00

Blue Valley West graduation. My little sister is graduating!

So yeah you can't read what that says, but it says something about welcome to Blue Valley West high school 2005 graduation.

My work...

2005-05-21T16:49:00.000-05:00

This is where i work. I do the lighting and video engineering here. :-)

Sites that I check out...

2005-05-21T09:56:00.000-05:00

Every has a list of websites that they check out on regularly. I'm the same way. I have about 100 or more sites that I check out on a daily basis. I figured it would be good to give "shout outs" (WORD!) to those sites every once in a while.

The first one of these sites is from a friend of mine I met while in Nashville. He's one of the finest producer in Nashville and a man that has a real heart for musicians and God. Todd Collins is the man I'm talking about.

Beatmart is a new record label featuring Christian hip hop, and this is some good stuff!!! Trust me, I know music and Beatmart is only about the best.

An offshoot of Beatmart is the "What's Really Going On" podcast and blog. This is hosted by Todd Collins. It's one of the podcasts that I subscribe to. His podcast sheds light on the goings on behind a record label and it gives an outlet to artist who might not be able to be signed to a label. Todd takes questions from listeners, musical submissions for review, and talks about some of the stuff that the record label is currently doing. If you want an inside look at a record label check out this podcast!

What is this?

2005-05-20T18:37:00.000-05:00

Can anyone tell me what this is?

My hair

2005-05-20T14:58:00.000-05:00

Yes my hair is naturally curly. And dont call me shirly temple. :-)

Quintin Tarantino....BAD MAN

2005-05-19T20:59:00.000-05:00

Ok, I love watching CSI. I'm totally hooked on it!!!

Tonight's episode just scared me to the core. It was just messed up. Blood, guts, gore.. Mostly it was watchable and actually enjoyable but there is one section that I just can't agree with. And that section had Tarantino's distinctive mark.

The "dream" sequence where they were doing the autopsy was terrible!!!! I can not believe that would be allowed to be shown on TV!!! It was just pointless, gross, violent, and disgusting. I would say you should write into CBS and tell them that it was uncalled for.

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/csi/

At the bottom of that page is a feedback link. I suggest you let your feelings be known.

My church

2005-05-19T17:11:00.000-05:00

Is still bugs me seeing cars like this at church. More later.

Ok, it's later. My reason for posting this is that it's kind of hard to understand why christians would feel the need to buy a car like this. I mean I don't have a problem with new cars and having nice things but extravagant things like a Porshe just seem too much to me.

Where do we draw the line? leave your thoughts in the comments section...

StarWars...

2005-05-19T16:47:00.000-05:00

So I've been on this huge StarWars kick all day today. I've been showing everyone I know the pic that is posted below of me with the storm trooper. That was just some guy that came to watch the movie. Damn good costume!!!

Anyway, I must say that, while some don't agree (Melanie!), that this is the best starwars ever. The fight scenes were just spectacular! And Anakin's transition was great. This is the movie that pulled the entire story together and I think Lucas tied it up completely. He even left lines open for off shoots later on (rumors of a TV show!).

I think most of all, going to see StarWars at 12:01am is about joining together with other fans to enjoy something that is bigger than us. The whole situation is just rife with spiritual parallels. How we see ourselves verses how God sees us. Anakin's struggle will letting go of himself and giving up his power to God (the Force). How when we only rely and think of ourselves we can be lead to total destruction.

Feel free to post your thoughts in the comments section.