Thursday Threesome for July 29th

What, you thought I'd skip town without doing this week's Thursday Threesome? What were you thinking! :)

This week, it's brought to us by knitters and The Back Porch.

Onesome- Knit one: Do you have a crafty hobby? Knitting, stitching, scrapbooking or model building, whatever it is, tell us about it! Or is there a crafty hobby you'd like to take up if had the time and/or money to do so?
I did ceramics for a few years with Grandma Baker.  But other then that, nope.  And that was in elementary school, so it's been a long time.  I don't have room or the patience for something like that.

Twosome- Purl: Or rather, pearl. What's your birthstone? And while you're at it, what's your sign? *g*
I had to look it up, but my birthstone is aquamarine.  And my sign is pisces.  Not that I even know what that means or should mean.  I don't pay attention to that kind of stuff.

Threesome- Too: Too much? Have you had enough of the political coverage already? ...or are you waiting for things to really gear up in the Fall?
I've had way too much of politicians lying.  And I'm ready for the last month since that's the only time most people pay attention anyway.  But this is the first Presidential election in recent years I've really paid any attention to, so I'm enjoying it at the same time.  Have my VCR set for my Fox shows on Saturday.

I really don't have anything to say

Honest. Life the last couple of days has been quiet. In fact, Monday night I had the place all to myself, which was nice. Took advantage by finishing up the Tomorrowland DVD set.

Tonight, I finished Your God is Too Safe. Faith, I owe you big time. Think I need to reread it in about six months. Hopefully, I can absorb more then.

I thought I had an exciting moment for a little while tonight. I caught a personalized liscense plate driving home from work that said Bbylon5. Naturally, my first that was Babylon 5, one of my favorite TV shows. Could it be the car of the creator of the show? Didn't look like him through the window. And, considering it was a little car, and I think a Kia at that, probably not. In fact, the more I thought about it after I turned, I bet it was another fan. But it was still pretty cool.

Saw a report on TV about a new computer program the FBI is using to potentially predict crime. Anyone see Minority Report? Scares me.

Well, I need to go finish packing. Hope everyone has fun at Trixie Camp. See you when I get back from my brother's wedding.

My message Sunday

Since Mary asked so nicely, I thought I'd share the basic outline of my message from Sunday wtih you.  :)

The verses are all from I Samuel 17.  So here are 7 reasons that God was able to use David to defeat Goliath.

1) David was where he was supposed to be.  Both working in the field as a shepherd and then running an errand for his father.  (vs. 17, 23)

2) David was upset when God was shamed. (vs. 26)

3) David followed his conscience and not his peers.  Or in this case, his brothers.  (vs. 28-30)

4) David didn't let his age stop him.  (vs. 33-36)  And he was probably under 16.

5) He had abilities God had developed elsewhere.  (vs. 36)

6) His faith was in God and not his ability.  (vs. 37, 45)

7) David thought creatively.  After all, I don't think a sling shot had entered anyone else's mind when facing the giant.  (vs. 39, 40)

So there you have it.  I did promise the bare bones outline, didn't I?

Memories of the TV Past

Yep, it's time for the TV Tuesday for this week.  And the theme this week is memories.

1. What's your fondest memory of something on TV?
Watching Babylon 5 with Debbie and Josh, I guess.  Of course, that's more about the who then the what was actually on.

2. What's the first show you remember watching regularly?
This one's the easiest one this week.  Mr. Roger's Neighborhood.

3. What is the (pick one: stupidest, saddest, silliest, most disgusting..) thing you've ever seen on TV?
Just about every reality dating show on TV.  And it applies to all of them.  The ads are enough to send me running to a different channel.

~Bonus~ (From the hubby! LOL) What's the best series finale you remember?
I'm really trying hard not to go with Friends since it was so recent, but I really liked it.  Left me with the right feeling of melocoly that it's all over and sorry to see it go (even though I was ready for it to go.)  Kinda of the warm fuzzies with a sad edge to them.  I tend to not like finale's that leave you wondering "What?" or that try to change the point of the series for one final laugh.

Speaking of which, I also like the Babylon 5 finale.  It's sad, but the right ending to the series.

Sometimes I get so ahead of myself

So the whole point of my post on Friday was supposed to be that I was going to take the free visit at the chiropractor, which was the whole reason I was leaving early.  And did I actually get that far before my mind wandered off somewhere else?  Of course not.

The appointment was fine.  Basically, the only problem I have is from sitting in a chair at a desk all day.  Did do a minor adjustment which helped me out right away.  I'm going to try some of the stretches he recommended to help my back out.  Not that it's that bad to begin with.  Still, if moving them around several times a day makes my back better, I'll do it.

Saturday, I spent all day helping the Durons move stuff into storage.  I know, should have gone to the chiropractor today.  :)  It was around 100, so I was beat by the time the day was over.

Yesterday, I actually spoke in Sunday School.  Went well as far as the jr. higher's paying attention.  Hopefully they got something from my stuttering thoughts.  :)  Spoke on why God used David to defear Goliath.  Positive traits we can use in our daily lives.

And I've gotten quite a bit of reading done the last few days.  Saturday morning, before I left for the Duron's, I finished Murder Between the Covers.  You know, I still don't know what I think of this series.  The mystery was decent, but the main character is still stupid and her situation still adds so much stress to my life it's not even funny.  Still, I'm thinking about reading the third when it comes out.

As of right now, I'm half way through Your God is Too Safe, sent to me by the wonderful Faith.  We're finally to the part where he's going to stop identifing the problem and hopefully start working toward a solution.  Since he had me with the prologue, I've been ready to get to this part for a while now.

Just got off the phone with Donald and Pete.  Having lunch with Donald and Heather on my way back from Mike's wedding Sunday.  And I'll be having lunch with Pete on Wednesday.  Both sound great.

Word Association for July 25

Which, as always, I take from here.

1. Sleep:: Tired
2. Stats:: Amazon (votes per review, etc.)
3. Portfolio:: Art
4. Lipton:: Iced Tea
5. Telly:: Tubbie
6. Immigrate:: From another Country
7. Viable:: Solution
8. Serene:: Calm
9. Mountain:: Cold
10. Natalie:: Jones

Leaving Work Early!

I'm leaving work in 30 minutes!  Of course, I skipped lunch to do it, so there is a downside.

And it relates to something I forgot to blog about Wednesday.  I'm finally taking advantage of the free message and chiropractic appointment I won back in April.  The message was Tuesday's lunch hour and today is the appointment.  Really enjoyed the message.  I can see why people like them so much.

Other then that, not really much else to report.

Last night's youth group was interesting.  The couple who was supposed to be running game time didn't show up, and the youth pastor thought they'd be there.  Meanwhile, we worship leaders were planning on that time to get everything together since one of us had been on vacation.  Basically, we didn't have an organized game time last night.  We let them hang out for half an hour, sang, did the study, etc., then let them hang out with soccer balls and Frisbees for another half hour.  Could have been worse, but not the best either.

So that's what's news in this corner of the universe.

It's Thursday, Isn't it?

Then maybe I should have done today's Thursday Threesome sooner.  Totally slipped my mind.  Anyway, this week, it's brought to us by Murphy's Law and The Back Porch.

Onesome: If-- Ever hear of that guy Murphy? If you have a story that can add to his legacy, can you share it here?
I know I do, and I've shared some in the past.  But, naturally, I can't think of any off hand.

Twosome: it can-- What is it that you can never remember to get correct? Is it which way to turn the wrench to loosen the screw? How about directions to that one restaurant? ...or maybe it's people's names? What is it you call for assistance on?
I have the worst time remember names and putting faces with names.  Or matching faces from different settings.  I really need to work on it.

Threesome: go wrong...-- ..and the big finish: what was the last thing you had go so gloriously wrong that all you could do was just stare in awe at the aftermath? I mean, come on, you can tell us ...
My desire for fun at the church campout?  I guess I'm really brain dead tonight, aren't I?

If I come up with better answer, I'll play again.

You Take the Good; You Take the Bad

My life seems to be made up of good parts and bad parts these days.  Of course, most of the bad is just me being immature and selfish, I know, but it's still frustrating.

The Good:
Lots of booksignings.  Saturday was a signing for Laura Levine's new book, Killer Blonde.  I think there were only two of us who showed up, and one got her books and left right away.  I, on the other hand, stayed visited for a while.  Really nice to get to know her a little more.  And she's a very nice author.

Then last night I headed down to the UCLA area and Mystery Bookstore for a signing with Sarah Stewart Taylor, author of O' Artful Death and recent read Mansions of the Dead.  Again, very few of us showed up.  One other person, two family members, and me.  She knew me right away from my reviews at Amazon.  Really nice getting to know her a little better.  Honestly, I'm beginning to think I need to meet authors to fully enjoy their work.

And Saturday night, I had fun at my friend's party.

The Bad:

I'm just frustrated with stuff right now.

Our guest is still at the condo.  Now I agree that it was good he had a place to go.  But for how long?  And, since I had never met him before he moved it, it does kinda worry me.  What if his step-dad shows up?  Furthermore, the guy who knows him has been studying like crazy, so it's fallen on the rest of us to play host.  And with a condo our size, there really isn't much you can do if you need to get away.

Of course, two of the guys are supposed to be housesitting for the next week.  And I'd think this guy would go with him.

I think part of the problem is the guy kinda moved in.  There was no explaining to us what was going on or why or how or anything.  When I asked questions (making me feel like an evil person), I was told it was just going to be for a night or two.  It's now been four with no explanation.  I have no idea what's going on and what's being done to arrange something permanent.

Yes, I'm willing to help, but I like to know what's going on.  And since it effects me, I really don't think I'm asking for that much.

In other news, last night was my ultimate game for the week.  (As well as the signing.)  We lost again.  Frankly, we were playing pretty poorly.  Were down by 6 at one point.  Lost by 4 when the lights went out.  But the most frustrating thing about the game was that the other team kept making bogus calls.  It's never fun to play when the other side is winning and still trying to cheat.

Amazon is making some major changes to their system.  As always, this means major bugs.  (Maybe they need to learn about upgrades from blogger.)  And going to the discussion board to try to get a little information only makes it worse.  Honestly, the people there just drive me crazy, still.  Their attitude is "Amazon should have run this by us first and should have worked out all bugs before it went on line."  Now I will admit to being frustrated, but I've learned that things will work themselves out.  They always do.  So we need to be patient.  There is one new feature that needs to be seriously reevaluated pronto, and people effected have a right to be upset about that one, but Amazon owes us nothing unless we've ordered from them.

Speaking of which, my order from last week still hasn't shipped even though everything shipped within 24 hours.  Now poor customer service?  That's something to complain about.  Poor launch and poor design of new features they don't have to give us in the first place?  Cry me a river.

Finally, I'm really getting fed up with the major news media who promote a story for months, but when it turns out they were misled, they bury that part in the middle of the paper.  Or spin a scary story about a former national security advisor so that his crimes suddenly aren't the issue.

Of course, part of my problem might be lack of sleep.  I went out last night after the game and didn't get home until 1.  Tonight, I go to bed early no matter what.

Tuesday Meme's

Hey, you guessed it.  Time for this week's Tuesday Meme's.  First up, the TV Tuesday, now at it's new home.
 
1.  On a whole do you feel most Special Reports are really that special?  Or are they simply annoying?  
Some are, and some aren't.  Living in LA, we often get "special reports" on car chases, high speed and low speed both.  Those have been known to just make me mad.  As when a local station spent 30 minutes searching for more looting after the Lakers won the NBA championship the first time.  But when it's a nationwide issue, I think it is special.
 
2.  What special report has effected you most?  (IE:  (9/11, Reagan being shot...etc)  
9/11 definitely.
 
3.  Do you stay tuned in for Special Reports or do you reach for the remote?  
I stay tuned for a few minutes.  If I'm interested, I'll keep watching.  Otherwise, I change the channel or turn it off.
 
~Bonus~  Not exactly a special report but more on special coverage.  What are your thoughts on some of the "Special Coverage" spots that have hit TV lately?  One that comes to mind for me is the 24 hour a day coverage of Ronald Reagan's body laying in state at the White House.  Something we needed to see or just plain morbid?
I guess I'm a modern media guy, but this seems like something for the all news networks, and something to be done in the background unless something major is happening.  In my mind, unless it's a Sept. 11 type of thing, the major networks (CBS, ABC, NBC)  should leave full time news to the cable networks these days.  Which I think is what they tend to do anyway.
 
And today, Rick has posted a Tuesday 3 from an e-mail list he's on.  Thought I'd play along.
 
1) What's the last thing you listened to on the radio?
News on the way in trying to get an update on the fires.  (Basically useless.  Their story didn't give me the info I wanted.)
 
2) What's the last program you watched on TV?
I confess.  I watched the TV's Funniest Families last night.
 
3) What's the last thing you prayed?
Help me get through today.