Sunday, June 25, 2006

Amazing computer capabilities video

Watch this video of interactive computer commands demonstrated with Google Earth and Warcraft III (Created by Edward Tse)

I wanted to share this because I was amazed at how natural the communication with the computer(s) seemed. I think there are some pretty powerful possibilities related to this work.

Monday, June 19, 2006

My first day of school


I start my first class at UW today. Yes, I know it's summer, but I'm getting an early start on the year since Kari's still studying. I'm at the William H. Gates Hall law library right now. I went to the University Bookstore and bought my textbook, a new mechanical pencil and a 3 section, UW logo, spiral notebook. My class starts at 7pm so I've got some time before I walk across campus.

Kari agreed to hang out in the library till my class is out to give me a ride home. She's the BEST! She's studying real hard for the BAR exam and I know she's going to do well. I saw several other 'law student husbands' over the weekend at a baby shower and we're thinking of starting a support group. It's only another six weeks or so to go; after three years of law school, the end is definately in sight.

Not like my education. I'm just cresting the half way point, but it feels good to learn new things and have a sense of accomplishment. It can be hard to get that feeling from work sometimes.

Thursday, June 08, 2006

Evolution of Dance

You simply must set aside 3 minutes (or so) to watch this video.

Put on some headphones, turn up the volume and let the memories flood back. :)

http://www.evolutionofdance.com/



If you're still not convinced, let me just say; this dance routine may even be better than Napoleon Dynamite's.

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Blogging Dictionary


I found this clever article through lifehacker.com


Blogging dictionary article from lifehacker.com


The Giant Blogging Terms Glossary

Sunday, June 04, 2006

Convention; Day 9 - Final (D.C.)

Saturday began at a more relaxed pace. We made plans Friday night to have breakfast together with Jeff and Heather and Steve at Open City. I was looking forward to my fourth meal there in one week. Steve dropped his luggage in our room so he could check out without paying for Bell service and we met the Roys in the lobby. We enjoyed a nice walk across the bridge above Rock Creek Park. The weather had cooled off and it felt like the humidity had relented as well. The restaurant was busy when we arrived, so we got some coffee and a scone to help us bide time till a table opened up. Fullertons were there with the Vails and Abares too. Once again, Open City was worth the wait.

After breakfast, we made plans to meet the Roys for dinner and said goodbye to Steve. We took the Metro to Capital South and walked to the Supreme Court. It’s an immense, beautiful, impressive building but we weren’t able to see the inside on a Saturday. We walked around the Capital and found an interesting brick fountain. We opted out on the tour of the inside this time and instead, walked across the street to see the statue of Grant on our way toward the U.S. Botanic Garden. The walks through the garden building and nearby Bartholdi Park were fun and informative.

We wanted to see the National Archives next, so we headed to the nearest Metro station at Federal SW and arrived at the Archives/Navy Memorial stop. Our feet were tired and our tummies were rumbling so we started looking for a good place to stop for a snack. Andale caught our eye and we started talking about chips and dips but alas, they were closed for Siesta. We ultimately arrived at Austin Grill and shared Queso Fundido. Once we were feeling better, we ventured out again, but as we arrived at the National Archives a tour bus full of junior high kids unloaded in front of us. We decided we would be back in D.C. and that it wasn’t worth the wait, so we headed up the street past the FBI building.

Out next stop was Ford’s Theatre where we heard a National Park Ranger recount President Lincoln’s assassination. I didn’t know before that literature on Lincoln measures second only to Jesus Christ. We opted not to visit the house across the street where he died to avoid more crowds. Up around the corner, we entered the International Spy Museum. The waiter at Austin Grill recommended it and warned that it’s not a part of the Smithsonian, so we were prepared to part with our entrance fees. We spent about 2 hours going through and it was worth it.

Our next stop was Union Station and Capital City Brewery. Jeff and Heather met us there for more good food and good conversation. Kari and I were both said when they dropped us off at the hotel and said goodbye. We had a really wonderful time with our friends in D.C. but we’re excited to get back home too; to wash our own clothes and make food in our own kitchen. It’s all just one long day in an airplane away.

Friday, June 02, 2006

Convention; Day 8 (D.C.)

I got up at seven again today to meet Jeff downstairs. I was really glad when he showed up unexpectedly carrying a Venti coffee for me. Things seemed to be in good order for an Urban Impact meeting and a Pastoral Care breakfast with Pastor Jack. Mike came down to check on a few things and make sure all the people were getting their stuff out of the ballroom; there would be more people showing up to setup for a Navy event at around noon. He had traded in his suit for shorts and sandals. His right ankle was wrapped up and he was eager to show off his bruises.

Jeff and I managed to hold up the ICFG Communications truck to stash a few banners and curtain rods. Then, when Mike recognized that the City Lights band was going to lead praise and worship next door to Pastor Jack’s prayer breakfast, with only a 2 ½” air-wall between them, he hurriedly recruited the hotel staff to swap the rooms. Jeff and I helped move tables and chairs and booklets and then we took a break for breakfast.

Once the final meetings of the Convention were ready to start, Mike suggested we all get some breakfast, so we headed up the escalator to the hotel restaurant. Jeff’s wife Heather came down to meet us and we all shared a leisurely buffet. After a few harassing phone calls, Stevie finally came down to join us. I went back to our hotel room after breakfast to check on Kari and, since things were kind of slow, I took a cat nap.

We wanted to get some sightseeing in, so we made some calls and found everyone waiting downstairs. Apparently, there were a few more items to be picked up. Mike, Jeff and Steve were lounging in the Cabinet Room, which had been used as the V.I.P. green room through the week. It had a private elevator and a private bathroom for use if/when President’s visit. We moved the rental furniture out of that room, into the courtyard/foyer and then Stevie and I set out to move the rented scissor lift back over to the loading dock level. After we moved the ramps into place, I drove the larger lift down and then scooted the ramps back into place for Stevie. Somehow, he managed to knock the smaller ramp down a step and it looked like he was going tipped the lift over. Fortunately, Steve kept driving and all was well.

About this time, Kari and I discovered Segway tours on the National Mall and wanted to go try ‘em out. We hopped in a rental minivan with Mike and Debbie, Jeff and Steve. They were going to drop us off at Capital Segway, but we hit bad traffic so we jumped out on a nearby curb. We grabbed a quick sandwich at Potbelly and then met up with our tour. We had a really great time cruising the mall; lot’s of other tourists looked at us longingly from the window of their tour buses. We saw the Old Executive Offices, the White House, the Capital and as much of the rest of the mall as possible in two hours. Our tour guide was really knowledgeable and friendly guy named Kyle. He’s a history student at GWU and had lots of unique tidbits to share. Apparently I pulled too many ‘advanced’ maneuvers and I wore the batter out too soon.

At about 5:30 we caught a cab to Georgetown to eat at Five Guys with Fullertons, Roys, Vails and Steve. I had no idea how big and messy their burgers would be when I ordered, but they were gooooood. After dinner we all met at Filmore school to see Emily perform in a dance and theater recital; she was really great. We had a quick pit-stop at the hotel, then we all met at Cosi for s’mores to celebrate! It was really great to hear Mike share about some of his struggles and his visions; an excellent conclusion to an exhilarating (and exhausting) week.

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Convention; Day 7 (D.C.)

Things have started to slow down a bit and it’s a good thing because I’m starting to slow down. The fatigue is starting to catch up. We were able to break a little earlier last night than we had before and we showed up in the ballroom at 7am instead of 6am. We had another great worship session with the City Light band and a powerful presentation by John Mazariegos. After a brunch break, we heard some more worship from New Song and then a passionate purpose was delivered by Robert Stearns. Before he took the stage, we finally played the Israel promo video for next years convention. Some people got a good laugh.

The business meeting kicked off almost immediately after Mr. Stearns concluded and the CFO is presenting the treasurer’s report right now. It’s pretty dry material but we’re making it through because Kari was sweet enough to pick up California Pizza Kitchen to pick us up some snacks. SHE’S THE BEST EVER!!
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The rest of the day has gone by pretty fast. I’m back in our hotel room now, waiting for room service. We broke down the bullpen before the crowd had cleared the room. I helped fold up all the flags and then, we carted all our gear, on our office-type chairs, up the elevator and down the endless hallway to the convention office.

The evening program was really great. It included honoring international missions, sharing stories from inner city churches and hearing from the Chaplain of the Senate, Barry Black. He had an amazing voice; if he gets tired of political life, he could be the next James Earl Jones. Bishop Ken Ulmer wrapped up the evening and the week of excellent presenters following several honorary doctorates. I was really impressed to learn that Bishop Ulmer held church in the Great Western Forum. At first I wasn’t sure if he had skipped a line in his notes because he started repeating himself, but it soon became clear that certain repetitions and reiterations were injected for both comic and considerate impact. It was another late night, but the end is in sight.