.: What’s Bruin :.

Help me out! I decided to jump on the bandwagon for the free iPod thingie that I’ve seen a couple of bloggers post about.
This thing really works. What a great marketing tool. I only need four three two one more people person to sign up and I’ll get my brand new 20 GB Apple iPod. Sign up today, pretty please. Here is the link: http://www.freeiPods.com/?r=12325262.

Steps to Signing Up:

1. Create a free account.
2. You can accept or reject offers for email subscriptions.
3. Complete very short survey.
4. Sign up and complete ONE online offer. (Example: I signed up for the two-week free trial of Blockbuster Online - like Netflix)
5. Get five others to do the same (sign up and complete one offer) with your referral link.
6. Order and receive your free iPod.

Help me! Do it now!

Tags: geek_stuff, iPod

Tags: Rants

Last night we were at my parents’ house for Thanksgiving. I was starting to feel sorry for myself, thinking negative thoughts.

My cousin Cherryl announced that they were going to have another baby. I was happy for her, but sad that I probably will never know that joy. I started wondering if my stepson thinks of me as just a stepdad or just a friend or a dad. He was there with us and not with his biological father. Actions speak louder than words.

Have you ever looked at your life and wondered what happened?

God, why did I major in biology? What a frickin’ waste. Why did I spend 11 years teaching when I hated it for the last seven years? Why does my current job only pay me an amount almost $10K less than I made while teaching lameass teenagers?

Then I visited my site this morning just for the heck of it because I thought it was down. And I saw this morning’s verse 1 Chronicles 16:34: “O give thanks to the LORD, for [He is] good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

Then I realized what was wrong yesterday. I forgot to give thanks on Thanksgiving.

I am truly thankful for:

1. Being healthy and alive.
2. My wonderful wife.
3. My son and the bonds of sonship which transcends genetics, biology, and last names.
4. Having a job even after recently quitting a career in secondary education.
5. Having a nice home.
6. Being able to finish a master’s degree and getting it paid for.
7. Supportive parents who I have come to appreciate more and more each year.
8. Being free and American.
9. The armed forces who protect my life and my freedoms while I sleep.

There’s more. Each of us should be able to make a long list. Thank You, my Father in heaven.

Tags: Reflection

Smile, Conrad. Long time, no see.

Wednesday, November 24, 2004 . . which is 18.7 years later since that fateful day on March 6, 1986 (my birthday, but more importantly the SCIDM Competition - that’s Southern California Invitational Drill Meet).

We can also say 224 months later or 6,838 days since then.

First element leader Conrad and I met up at BJ’s Pizza and Grill in Westwood, CA. I was in town to pick up my son Pourpa for Thanksgiving. So I called Conrad up and we decided to get together to catch up. We had not seen each other in about 18 years! More accurately, it’s about 17 years since Conrad was in one of my bible studies in Rieber Hall during 1987.

We both gave each other the lowdown on our lives since 1986.

Here’s the scoop on thirty-something Conrad:

• Conrad finished school with a degree in Finance and Accounting from CSUN
  in 1996.
• Has worked about three or four jobs in finance area. Passed both CPA and
  CFA exams on first attempts.
• He performs sell-side equity research, specifically covering domestic
  restaurant stocks.
• Mom sold house in Pacific Palisades in the early 90s (now lives in
  Oregon).
• Sadly, Dad died in 1999 from lymphoma. Conrad got to spend a lot of time with him, helping him through that.
• Dating a lovely lady right now.

It was awesome to see Conrad again. Jim Zupon was supposed to meet with us too, but he had a business trip in San Francisco. I called Clarence Warren to see if he wanted to join us, but he has not returend the calls.

Here’s some pics from dinner. Oh by the way, as I finish writing this article, I’m listening/watching my SCIDM tape. And Cadet Colonel Bartock from Moreno Valley High School is reporting in for Exhibition Drill. Next up on the tape, is our first place performance in Regulation Drill.

Tags: AFROTC, Friends

FQ1: What’s your favorite ending to a movie or play?

The best kind of endings are where the bad guy gets killed at the end like in Sleeping with the Enemy where the victim is pointing a gun at her ex-husband/assailant. He’s daring her to shoot, taunting her that she can’t do it. So she picks up the phone and dials 911, “Please hurry, I’ve just shot an intruder.” Then she blows him away.

FQ2: What’s your favorite ending to a song or musical?

U2’s performance of Bad at Live Aid. The song ends with the same melodic synthesizer/guitar rift as in the beginning of the song. (clip is from the beginning of the song)

FQ3: What’s your favorite ending to a book or graphic novel?

I don’t really know what book to pick since I’ve read so many. So I guess I will stick to one that I’ve read recently. It’s a bittersweet ending to Todd Beemer’s biography. It ends with his now famous words: “Let’s Roll.”

FQ Memorial: What would be your favorite ending to your life?

To be surrounded by my family and die in my sleep, painlessly.

–Meme from FridayQ

Tags: Participation

UCLA Football 2004

I am happy that UCLA pulled out a late win over the Oregon Ducks 34-26. With about 1:09 left to play, the Bruins stopped a 4th down play. Then without any warning at 4:00 PM (Pacific) ABC switches to the lame ass Texas A&M vs. Texas Tech game which also had about a minute left to play.

[rant]

Needless to say, I am very pissed. I called Cox Cable to complain, but learned that they do not control network programming. So then I called the local ABC station in San Diego, KGTV. I got the voice mailbox for sports programming, but it was full so I could not leave a message. I hope other angry Bruins fan filled it up with vitriolic complaints on my behalf.

Stupid idiots at ABC need to take their heads out of their asses and be aware of local programming desires over national programming desires. Dumb asses.

[/rant]

Go Bruins!

Tags: Sports, Television, UCLA

FQ1: Who is your one favorite author and why is their work so appealing to you?

This is a really tough question. I’ve read from so many authors, spanning many genre, from Christian books, biographies, to science fiction and novels. I’ve read for different purposes ranging from entertainment, satifying my own curiosity, to seeking inspiration. So how do you pick one favorite author?

Well first, I think I would have to pick according to the set of books by the same author. Clearly, I could not pick a favorite author if I had only read one book by that writer. I’ve read multiple books by Elisabeth Eliot, John Grisham, and Michael Crichton. From those three, Eliot is ispirational, while Grisham and Crichton are entertaining.

I would have to say, then, Elisabeth Eliot for sheer inspirational value. She is a Christian author, once married to famous American missionary Jim Eliot. Eliot’s husband was martyred by the Auca Indians, detaled in Eliot’s book, Through Gates of Splendor. Another favorite of mine by Eliot is Shadow of the Almighty. And yet another favorite of mine regarding love, marriage, and relationships is called Passion and Purity.

FQ2: What are your two favorite literary subjects and why is reading about them interesting to you?

1. Conservative Politics: This has recently become my favorite reading topic because I enjoy reading and learning about this line of political persuasion. I especially enjoy books about Ronald Reagan, as well as others that denigrate liberalism.
2. Biographies: I love reading about inspiring people. I like to learn from their lives and emulate their qualities that inspire others.

FQ3: What are your three favorite books and why are each of them special to you?

1. The Blessing by Gary Smalley and John Trent: One of the first books I read as a new Christian that helped me realize what I was missing during my childhood and adolescence. I highly recommend this to anyone, especially if you are a parent or plan on getting married or are currently married or have someone special in your life. The title, “The Blessing”, refers to how we can communicate deep love and worth to others.

2. East of Eden by John Steinbeck: A classic by one of the greatest American authors. I like it because it shows the struggle between brothers, as well as an internal struggle of uncertainty of a father’s love.

3. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis: The first book I read after becoming a new Christian. It is a spiritual classic, probably the definitive work on what it means to be a Christian.

FQ Author: If you had to write a book, what genre of book would you pen (mystery, romance, science fiction, biography, etc.) and what would it be about?

It would be a non-fiction book, a family autobiography, chronicling the major events that have shaped my life.

–Meme from FridayQ

Tags: Participation

Veterans, I salute you! Thank you.

Tags: Reflection

My wife gave me the okay to keep the portable DVD player! It’s a Minitek MDP-1810 with an 8″ TFT screen. I got it at Costco for $249. It comes with the player of course, car adapter, AC adapter, rechargeable battery, two headphones and adapter, and a remote control.

Of course, I have to inaugurate it with the best movie of all time, my favorite, “The Return of the Jedi.” Finally getting the chance to watch the new DVDs released last month.

So I’m trying to watch ROTJ and do my Econ homework at the same time. Homework is not going very well. Oh well, it’s due Saturday.

Tags: geek_stuff, technology

Got this email at work. Very funny.

How To Clean Your Toilet - The Fun Way
Instructions on how to clean your toilet

Cats Suck

1. Put both lids of the toilet up and add 1/8 cup of pet shampoo to the water in the bowl.
2. Pick up the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the bathroom.
3. In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close both lids. You may need to stand on the lid.
4. The cat will self agitate and make ample suds. Never mind the noises that come from the toilet, the cat is actually enjoying this.
5. Flush the toilet three or four times. This provides a “power-wash” and rinse”.
6. Have someone open the front door of your home. Be sure that there are no people between the bathroom and the front door.
7. Stand behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift both lids.
8. The cat will rocket out of the toilet, streak through the bathroom, and run outside where he will dry himself off.
9. Both the commode and the cat will be sparkling clean.

Sincerely,

The Dog

The Last Laugh

Tags: cats, Humor

I have a friend and colleague (Martha) in my MBA Program whose husband (Ryan) is a US Marine helicopter pilot (Cobra). He’s currently stationed in Iraq and she has not heard from him in a few days. Needless to say she is a little worried given the current siege in Fallujah where Camp Pendleton marines are leading the charge. Helicopter support of the attack is certain. Martha does not yet know if Ryan is part of the attack. Would you join me in prayer for Ryan and Martha? Thank you.

1 But now, this is what the LORD says-
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.”

The Bible: –Isaiah 43:1-2

Update (3/6/05):
Ryan is home.

Just wanted to let you all know, Ryan made it home yesterday around 9:30 a.m. I’m very happy to have him back home for a while. He looks great - happy and healthy with all of his fingers and toes.

Martha email

Capt Ryan Schiller arrives safely home

Tags: Spiritual

Marines turn to God ahead of anticipated Fallujah battle

Keep our troops in prayer. It’s our part in the war to participate in spiritual warfare.

Here is a link to my church’s web page of military prayer requests.
(more…)

Tags: Spiritual

Is this the result of Phelps’ temptations of fame at an early age?

The great Olympic champion, despite the accolades, admiration, and worship, is still human subject to the frailties of character, just like you and me.

No matter how sharp one appears on the outside, I guess there’s always potential for being a “dull blade” in the knife drawer.

“I want to say that last week I made a mistake. I wanted to share my feelings and I know that getting in a car with anything to drink is wrong, dangerous and is unacceptable,” Phelps told The Associated Press.

“I’m 19, but I was taught that no matter how old you are you should always take responsibility for your actions, which I will do. I’m very sorry this happened.”

MSNBC - Olympic standout Phelps arrested for DUI

Tags: Sports

Please consider giving something or sending something to others we have forgotten, especially since we are so fortunate to be shielded from hunger, war, and poverty.

Operation Christmas Child - Christmas gifts for needy children

Books for Soldiers - Supporting our troops with letters, gifts, and encouragement

Adopt A Soldier - Send letters and care packages to soldiers, lots of other links for giving and charity

There are many more for sure. This is just a start. As we sit around eating and drinking and making merry this Christmas, don’t forget about those for whom this is not such a happy time, especially those who are in harm’s way defending our freedoms.

Update - Urgent Need: There are many wounded soldiers coming in from Iraq and Afghanistan. These wounded heroes literally just have the clothes on their back. You can help for only $40.95 to send them things they need, things we take for granted every day. Here is a picture of a First Response Backpack.

The web site ordering system is not working. But you can place your order via email to soldiersangels@gmail.com. They will get back to you with the address where you can send your payment by check.

Please respond. We can easily spend $40 on ourselves on entertainment on a Friday night. Give up one night for a wounded soldier.

Tags: Christmas, Spiritual

FQ1: Share an obscure movie or show and tell us why we should watch it.

Dark Heaven: while clearly a B film, the character development and plot are very good. It’s essentially a post-apocalyptic setting in which a cop has visions of violence and is haunted by dark angels. Get past the cheap set and watch it.

FQ2: Share an obscure band or musical talent and tell us why we should listen to it.

Children of Bodom: pretty much the most hardcore band I’ve ever heard, but they’re pretty awesome. Being from Finland, they’re not huge here as in Europe, but they played at the House of Blues in LA on November 1… wish I could have been there. Not for the timid.

FQ3: Share an obscure blog or web site and tell use why we should visit it.

Winter of Discontent: not really an obscure weblog, but a new one. Someone who says he is not liberal, just anti-Bush. My dad was “interacting” with him over the election results. They both have similar career interests. The guy’s name is Michael C. - don’t know the last name.

FQ 15 Minutes: There will one day be an event in your life so big that it will drag you out of obscurity and make your name known to the entire world. Speculate on what it will be that brings you your 15 minutes of fame!

Easy. I’m a civil engineer, and my friend is an electrical engineer. He’s designing the circuitry; I’m doing the structure… I can’t disclose the product, but seriously, it will make things easier for everyone. Trust me.

–Meme from FridayQ

Tags: Participation