Monday, April 30, 2007
Little Ditty 'bout Don 'n An-gie
Two 'merican kids both lit-er-a-ry
Wrote some stories
Won some prizes
This is why I don't write mo' po-et-ry
Wrote some stories
Won some prizes
This is why I don't write mo' po-et-ry
Visual DNA
Since Jason tagged me, I guess I better play along.
Here's my Visual DNA:
And if we're looking to tag people, I'll tag Angie, Linda, and Michelle (who I think already did this, so she's halfway home).
Here's my Visual DNA:
And if we're looking to tag people, I'll tag Angie, Linda, and Michelle (who I think already did this, so she's halfway home).
Sunday, April 29, 2007
So *That's* What Bluetooth's All About
Finally took the big step and got a cell phone today. I had been looking at some pay-as-you-go set-ups, but decided to horn in on my brother's plan. Knowing I'd call Mom (collect if need be) and tell her that "Bill isn't sharing," he went along with the deal.
So I pay for the bump up in their service ($20 -- at least what I'd be spending per month with the pay-go set-up) and I got the free phone, which came with a free bluetooth headset.
(Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communications protocol. Kinda-sorta like infra-red tv remotes, with differences you can read about here or by visiting your local public library.)
My PowerBook came with Bluetooth, but I never really saw the point in getting any bluetooth peripherals. Do I really need a portable keyboard when I've got one built in? I do have a cordless mouse, despite the trackpad, but I went with the standard USB jobby so it's compatible with other (non-bluetooth) computers.
But the free bluetooth headset was a good deal. And now I'm one of those people who carry on conversations with the empty space two feet in front of their faces. The ones with the thing in their ears, not the ones abducted by aliens or conducting liver-pickling experiments on theirownselves.
Plus the phone will talk with the Mac. And since the phone has a built-in camera, I'm able to transfer pix from phone to laptop ... and you can see things like this.
Aren't you blessed?
And, no, I'm really not doing that liver-pickling thing. Honest, Mom.
So I pay for the bump up in their service ($20 -- at least what I'd be spending per month with the pay-go set-up) and I got the free phone, which came with a free bluetooth headset.
(Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communications protocol. Kinda-sorta like infra-red tv remotes, with differences you can read about here or by visiting your local public library.)
My PowerBook came with Bluetooth, but I never really saw the point in getting any bluetooth peripherals. Do I really need a portable keyboard when I've got one built in? I do have a cordless mouse, despite the trackpad, but I went with the standard USB jobby so it's compatible with other (non-bluetooth) computers.
But the free bluetooth headset was a good deal. And now I'm one of those people who carry on conversations with the empty space two feet in front of their faces. The ones with the thing in their ears, not the ones abducted by aliens or conducting liver-pickling experiments on theirownselves.
Plus the phone will talk with the Mac. And since the phone has a built-in camera, I'm able to transfer pix from phone to laptop ... and you can see things like this.
Aren't you blessed?
And, no, I'm really not doing that liver-pickling thing. Honest, Mom.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Winging My Way Home (Almost)
I got bored playing Python tonight at the markfennell.com arcade and clicked on another of the games in the sidebar: Wings.
Fun, fun, fun.
You play an eagle soaring over Google Maps data. I chose Eugene, USA and, once I oriented myself (you start south of the Willamette on 127), started flying the route back to Blachly. Good memories.
Unfortunately the data runs out about 10 miles west of town. Or flood waters have consumed the coast range and covered everything in a robin's-egg-blue void (I really hope that's not what happened). Or maybe they've built that big blue dome they were talking about...
Still, fun little application (moreso once you realize what the <spacebar> does).
Enjoy!
Fun, fun, fun.
You play an eagle soaring over Google Maps data. I chose Eugene, USA and, once I oriented myself (you start south of the Willamette on 127), started flying the route back to Blachly. Good memories.
Unfortunately the data runs out about 10 miles west of town. Or flood waters have consumed the coast range and covered everything in a robin's-egg-blue void (I really hope that's not what happened). Or maybe they've built that big blue dome they were talking about...
Still, fun little application (moreso once you realize what the <spacebar> does).
Enjoy!
Labels: Flash Games, Weird Stuff
Special Alert: Door News Bulletin
If you're a Wittenburg Door Insider subscriber, you've already seen this. If not, you need to subscribe; meanwhile, here ya go:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: C. Mike Sell
The Door News Service
TBN GOES HI-DEF, 3,400 HOSPITALIZED - Irving, Texas (April 26, 2007) - When Trinity Broadcasting Network switched over to a high-definition signal Saturday morning, prayer requests doubled almost immediately.
"People were calling, reporting headaches, nausea, spontaneous blindness," said Byrum Culpepper, prayer room shift leader at the network's Irving, Texas, headquarters. "We prayed for them immediately, but when people called back for the second, third, and sometimes fourth time, we suggested they supplement their faith with medical attention."
"The migraine was a killer," said Molly Freburg of Enid, Okla. "One minute I was fine watching Paul and Jan Crouch, the next..." Despite massaging her temples for several minutes Freburg was unable for further comment. "I'm sorry, I can't relive it," she said before terminating the interview.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that at least 3.400 people were admitted to hospitals following TBN's foray into hi-def.
According to CDC spokesperson Ryan Benson, "We've never seen vectoring like this before. It's baffling -- several of our own analysts have been brought down by flu-like symptoms during the course of the investigation."
Heading off a CDC and FCC ban on the use of high-definition signals, TBN has voluntarily taken the hi-def feed off the air. "We're assuming that something in the signal is causing the problem, like strobe effects can trigger epilepsy," said Culpepper. "Since we've gone back to the old signal prayer requests have leveled off and begun declining. We're glad to pray for folks, but we were running double-shifts for a while."
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: C. Mike Sell
The Door News Service
TBN GOES HI-DEF, 3,400 HOSPITALIZED - Irving, Texas (April 26, 2007) - When Trinity Broadcasting Network switched over to a high-definition signal Saturday morning, prayer requests doubled almost immediately.
"People were calling, reporting headaches, nausea, spontaneous blindness," said Byrum Culpepper, prayer room shift leader at the network's Irving, Texas, headquarters. "We prayed for them immediately, but when people called back for the second, third, and sometimes fourth time, we suggested they supplement their faith with medical attention."
"The migraine was a killer," said Molly Freburg of Enid, Okla. "One minute I was fine watching Paul and Jan Crouch, the next..." Despite massaging her temples for several minutes Freburg was unable for further comment. "I'm sorry, I can't relive it," she said before terminating the interview.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that at least 3.400 people were admitted to hospitals following TBN's foray into hi-def.
According to CDC spokesperson Ryan Benson, "We've never seen vectoring like this before. It's baffling -- several of our own analysts have been brought down by flu-like symptoms during the course of the investigation."
Heading off a CDC and FCC ban on the use of high-definition signals, TBN has voluntarily taken the hi-def feed off the air. "We're assuming that something in the signal is causing the problem, like strobe effects can trigger epilepsy," said Culpepper. "Since we've gone back to the old signal prayer requests have leveled off and begun declining. We're glad to pray for folks, but we were running double-shifts for a while."
Labels: In Print, Wittenburg Door
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
In Like Flynn
If Flynn had been a Texas Teaching Fellow.
After the TTF Welcome Reception tonight, I checked and found out that I had completed all the steps necessary for enrollment. I was under the impression that I had, so it was a relief to know that they knew that I had as well.
That they know that I know that they knew that I had is less a concern, but it's good to know that too.
I guess.
Anyhoo, good news.
After the TTF Welcome Reception tonight, I checked and found out that I had completed all the steps necessary for enrollment. I was under the impression that I had, so it was a relief to know that they knew that I had as well.
That they know that I know that they knew that I had is less a concern, but it's good to know that too.
I guess.
Anyhoo, good news.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Return of the Heroes
Heroes resumes new episodes tonight, 9pm/8 Central.
I enjoy being in the Central time zone.
I enjoy being in the Central time zone.
Labels: ALSW, Television
Friday, April 20, 2007
Interesting (to someone, I'm sure) Factoid
I'm 14,000 days old today. (38.33 x 365.25)
Yay for me!
(I need to sit down.)
Yay for me!
(I need to sit down.)
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Free Tibet and Ben & Jerry's
Only Tibet won't give you a free scoop today.
Though total consciousness before you die is a nice thing to have going for you, too.
Though total consciousness before you die is a nice thing to have going for you, too.
Labels: Bargains
Monday, April 16, 2007
For He's (Almost) A Jolly Good Fellow
I have been accepted into the 2007 "cohort" of Texas Teaching Fellows, an accelerated credentialling program (one of several) here in the Dallas area. Upon successful completion of the program next May, I'll have my Texas Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts for grades 8-12. (Upon completion of the summer program, I'll be eligible to hire on at a school as an intern--paid at the full teacher rate!)
It's a privilege and honor and answer to many prayers to be a part of this program. A few more registration steps to be fully "in," but the hard part is over (for now).
It's a privilege and honor and answer to many prayers to be a part of this program. A few more registration steps to be fully "in," but the hard part is over (for now).
Sunday, April 15, 2007
And Another One Gone (Another One Gone)
Another fiction submission of mine "rides the bus" tonight. This time I subbed to the American Christian Fiction Writers "Genesis" contest (the first 25 pages of a novel).
Contest finalists should be notified by June 15.
Stay tuned.
Contest finalists should be notified by June 15.
Stay tuned.
Labels: Writing
Saturday, April 14, 2007
CFBA Saturday: Coral Moon
I've been out of the Christian Fiction Bloggers Alliance loop for a while. With the move and Flannery O'Connor's short stories (I finished!) and Stephen King's Lisey's Story (another book with a whole lotta pages), I haven't had time for much else. Fortunately, I made time for Brandilyn Collins' Coral Moon, the second book in her Kanner Lake series.
Coral Moon picks up just about where Violet Dawn left off. The heroines of the first book are rooming together when they find another body. Bummer, ladies. The majority of the book is devoted to finding the killer before he (or she) strikes again ... or again. Interspersed with the main story are some chapters told from the killer's perspective, as well as some flashbacks detailing why the killer is so messed up.
There's some really tense stuff here. Tense to the point that I'd recommend changing all the lightbulbs in your house before tucking in. One bulb across the room popped while I was reading -- had to be a chapter about "the ghost," of course -- and that gave me the willies for a good while afterward.
About the only nit that I'd pick has to do with the police investigation. Once the story establishes that the cops find the "ghost theory" preposterous (don't dismiss it too early, though, OK?), there never really is a point where they approach the investigation from the line of "who would/could pull such a con and/or why?" It seems to me to be a reasonable line of thinking; I'm not a cop, though, so maybe not. (Fred, Daphne and Velma never ask those questions either and they do just fine in their ghost-busting endeavors; 'course they're just meddling kids with a dog...)
It was great catching up with the Java Joint gang again. Wilbur keeps his shirt on the whole time, so don't let his first-book exhibitionism keep you from grabbing a biggie mocha from Bailey's. Some good action goes down there too, so it's more integrated into the book than it was at times in Violet Dawn.
Can't wait 'til Crimson Eve comes out this Fall.
(Keep up-to-date with Brandilyn at her Forensics & Faith blog; or the Java Joint gang at Scenes & Beans.)
Coral Moon picks up just about where Violet Dawn left off. The heroines of the first book are rooming together when they find another body. Bummer, ladies. The majority of the book is devoted to finding the killer before he (or she) strikes again ... or again. Interspersed with the main story are some chapters told from the killer's perspective, as well as some flashbacks detailing why the killer is so messed up.
There's some really tense stuff here. Tense to the point that I'd recommend changing all the lightbulbs in your house before tucking in. One bulb across the room popped while I was reading -- had to be a chapter about "the ghost," of course -- and that gave me the willies for a good while afterward.
About the only nit that I'd pick has to do with the police investigation. Once the story establishes that the cops find the "ghost theory" preposterous (don't dismiss it too early, though, OK?), there never really is a point where they approach the investigation from the line of "who would/could pull such a con and/or why?" It seems to me to be a reasonable line of thinking; I'm not a cop, though, so maybe not. (Fred, Daphne and Velma never ask those questions either and they do just fine in their ghost-busting endeavors; 'course they're just meddling kids with a dog...)
It was great catching up with the Java Joint gang again. Wilbur keeps his shirt on the whole time, so don't let his first-book exhibitionism keep you from grabbing a biggie mocha from Bailey's. Some good action goes down there too, so it's more integrated into the book than it was at times in Violet Dawn.
Can't wait 'til Crimson Eve comes out this Fall.
(Keep up-to-date with Brandilyn at her Forensics & Faith blog; or the Java Joint gang at Scenes & Beans.)
Labels: Book Reviews, Brandilyn Collins, CFBA, Wilbur Hucks
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Insider Threepeat
I'm in the Insider again. Got a promotion to Washington Bureau Chief this week. Here's my story on the White House Easter Egg Hunt.
I smell Pulletzer.
I smell Pulletzer.
Labels: In Print, Wittenburg Door, Writing
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Another Story Subbed
Sent off another story tonight. Contest entry. Results come out June 5th. Stay tuned on that.
Got another deadline on the 15th. Skies clear up after that.
At least that's the 5-day forecast. Who knows what'll actually happen.
Got another deadline on the 15th. Skies clear up after that.
At least that's the 5-day forecast. Who knows what'll actually happen.
Labels: Writing
Monday, April 09, 2007
Cuepons or Coopins?
Here’s what I do a lot of times. I’ll be shopping online and then just before I finish the checkout procedure I remember to search for coupon codes that might apply to my purchase. OK, that’s actually what I do a lot of times after I've completed the checkout procedure. And that’s about five minutes before I think to comparison shop, and invariably I find some way to save money on what I just bought.
Grrrrrrr.
Coupon Chief is a site that takes a lot of the hassle out of finding online coupons. And since they index coupons for over 1,000 sites—like these Amazon coupons—so it’s relatively simple to compare and find who has a great deal for what you’re looking for.
Check ‘em out.
Grrrrrrr.
Coupon Chief is a site that takes a lot of the hassle out of finding online coupons. And since they index coupons for over 1,000 sites—like these Amazon coupons—so it’s relatively simple to compare and find who has a great deal for what you’re looking for.
Check ‘em out.
Labels: Bargains, PayPerPost, Sponsored Post
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Happy Easter!
Hope y'all had an excellent Easter. It was hard to be away from Dina and Phil today (especially since the boy got all cleaned up), but things were good here too. My youngest nephew joined his church as a junior member and nephs 1 and 2 participated in a "choreodrama," which veered into interpretive dance occasionally, but was pretty good over-all.
My parents also joined their church this morning, getting baptized while my sister Julie read their testimonies. Don't know if interpretive dance was involved there or not. (And lest anyone wonder as to my upbringing, the folks have been Christians for a long, long time, but their church didn't practice water baptism as an affirmation of faith. That's not how the Salvation Army rolls...)
Not sure what my youngest sister, Sarah, was up to today. Hope it was happy what/wherever it was.
And the rest of you, even if you don't celebrate the day, I hope today was wonderful, and you have more than enough ham (kosher if necessary) to last you awhile. If not, I'm pretty sure the choreodrama was taped; I'll see about getting you hooked up...
My parents also joined their church this morning, getting baptized while my sister Julie read their testimonies. Don't know if interpretive dance was involved there or not. (And lest anyone wonder as to my upbringing, the folks have been Christians for a long, long time, but their church didn't practice water baptism as an affirmation of faith. That's not how the Salvation Army rolls...)
Not sure what my youngest sister, Sarah, was up to today. Hope it was happy what/wherever it was.
And the rest of you, even if you don't celebrate the day, I hope today was wonderful, and you have more than enough ham (kosher if necessary) to last you awhile. If not, I'm pretty sure the choreodrama was taped; I'll see about getting you hooked up...
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Inside the Insider Again
I've got another piece in the Wittenburg Door's Insider newsletter this week: Robertson Announces Candidacy, Cites Cancer as Reason.
Here's the whole newsletter.
By the way, I've archived last week's newsletter (with my AWANA scout story) at last week's post.
Here's the whole newsletter.
By the way, I've archived last week's newsletter (with my AWANA scout story) at last week's post.
Labels: In Print, Wittenburg Door, Writing
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
My First Flash Film
One of the several things I'm trying to do to make myself more marketable in today's competitive job market is learning Flash programming. I've had Flash MX on my PowerBook for like ever, but it's not obvious how to work it, so I never got around to learning.
A few days after I got here in Texas I picked up the Macromedia Flash MX Virtual Classroom book from Half Price Books for $10 (cover price is $40, so don't tell HPB I got it for quarter-price). I've finally worked through the first half of the book and arrived at the first tutorial: make the basketball go through the hoop. The tutorial gives the big steps needed, but not "click here--no, no, you fool here!" instructions. Nevertheless I was able to figure things out.
Behold!
I'm winded from all those baskets. Someone bring me a Gatorade. Thanks!
A few days after I got here in Texas I picked up the Macromedia Flash MX Virtual Classroom book from Half Price Books for $10 (cover price is $40, so don't tell HPB I got it for quarter-price). I've finally worked through the first half of the book and arrived at the first tutorial: make the basketball go through the hoop. The tutorial gives the big steps needed, but not "click here--no, no, you fool here!" instructions. Nevertheless I was able to figure things out.
Behold!
I'm winded from all those baskets. Someone bring me a Gatorade. Thanks!
Easter Treat From iTunes
The iTunes store is giving away an excerpt (Last Supper through Resurrection) from The Bible Experience, an audio-recording of the Bible produced by Zondervan and featuring a cast of A-list celebrities. This freebie features Blair Underwood as Jesus and Cuba Gooding Jr. as Judas Iscariot.
Judas saying "Show me the money!" to the high priests before betraying Christ felt a little off, but otherwise a great recording. (And since Cuba doesn't really say that here, it's an excellent recording without exception.)
Check it out. It's better than Peeps. Honest.
Judas saying "Show me the money!" to the high priests before betraying Christ felt a little off, but otherwise a great recording. (And since Cuba doesn't really say that here, it's an excellent recording without exception.)
Check it out. It's better than Peeps. Honest.
Labels: iTunes
Sunday, April 01, 2007
No Foolin #2 - I'm in Relief
Relief Journal is a Christian lit quarterly that launched earlier this year. High standards. Commitment to quality.
And I am in it.
Okay, just the thanks page for people who took out a year's subscription (or otherwise financially supported them) before their first print run, but it's a start.
A story of mine is under review with them right now, so this could become a habit.
If you haven't checked them out yet, click on the top link above. Good stuff, Maynard.
And I am in it.
Okay, just the thanks page for people who took out a year's subscription (or otherwise financially supported them) before their first print run, but it's a start.
A story of mine is under review with them right now, so this could become a habit.
If you haven't checked them out yet, click on the top link above. Good stuff, Maynard.
Labels: In Print
No Foolin #1
Story submission #5 (title: In R'lyeh, Jesus Walks) went off to meet it's fate this morning. Technically it's #8 because of the couple shorts I've subbed to the Wittenburg newsletter and the double-sub of story #4 to another venue. But on the earlier schedule, this piece was #5.
Here it is beginning of April and I'm at about the same point submission-wise as I was at the end of last year.
Got a boatload of work to do before the 15th (one story due the 10th, the other mid-month--looks like the Baen one will be a no-go unless I double-sub a story for that, too). Not to mention the actual finding of actual work-work.
Good times.
Here it is beginning of April and I'm at about the same point submission-wise as I was at the end of last year.
Got a boatload of work to do before the 15th (one story due the 10th, the other mid-month--looks like the Baen one will be a no-go unless I double-sub a story for that, too). Not to mention the actual finding of actual work-work.
Good times.
Labels: Good Times, Writing
