tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61089379637945420952024-03-05T02:14:54.481-06:00.rossRoss Strader's Personal Blogrosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-68528900906318049232009-02-18T21:54:00.003-06:002009-02-18T21:58:06.099-06:00RSS changehave I mentioned that the <a href="http://twofires.wordpress.com/feed/">RSS feed has changed for this blog</a>?<br /><br />Sorry for the inconvenience... the RSS feed is changing for this blog. It has been routed here... but the RSS is going to only feed from here now. This is what to add to your Google Reader or other RSS feed:<br /><br /><a href="http://twofires.wordpress.com/feed/">.ross blog</a> (will appear as <a href="http://twofires.wordpress.com/">Two Fires</a>)rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-68665259318640312632009-02-18T21:02:00.001-06:002009-02-18T21:02:22.528-06:00New Podcast<object width="400" height="267"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=3264504&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=3264504&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="267"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/3264504">todd vlog ep 59</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user681492">Todd Wright</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-51659953386100709252009-01-20T16:09:00.001-06:002009-01-20T16:09:32.380-06:00Inauguration PrayerRick Warren and his prayer:<br /><br />Almighty God, our Father:<br /><br />Everything we see, and everything we can’t see, exists because of you alone.<br /><br />It all comes from you, it all belongs to you, it all exists for your glory.<br /><br />History is your story.<br /><br />The Scripture tells us, "Hear, O Israel, the LORD is our God, the LORD is one." And you are the compassionate and merciful one. And you are loving to everyone you have made.<br /><br />Now today we rejoice not only in America’s peaceful transfer of power for the 44th time, we celebrate a hinge point of history with the inauguration of our first African American president of the United States.<br /><br />We are so grateful to live in this land, a land of unequaled possibility, where a son of an African immigrant can rise to the highest level of our leadership. And we know today that Dr. King and a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in heaven.<br /><br />Give to our new president, Barack Obama,<br /><br />the wisdom to lead us with humility,<br />the courage to lead us with integrity,<br /><br />the compassion to lead us with generosity.<br /><br />Bless and protect him, his family, Vice President Biden, the Cabinet, and every one of our freely elected leaders.<br />Help us, O God, to remember that we are Americans--united not by race or religion or blood, but to our commitment to freedom and justice for all.<br /><br />When we focus on ourselves, when we fight each other, when we forget you--forgive us.<br /><br />When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone--forgive us.<br /><br />When we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the earth with the respect that they deserve--forgive us.<br /><br />And as we face these difficult days ahead, may we have a new birth of clarity in our aims, responsibility in our actions, humility in our approaches, and civility in our attitudes—even when we differ.<br /><br />Help us to share, to serve, and to seek the common good of all.<br /><br />May all people of good will today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy, and a more prosperous nation and a peaceful planet.<br /><br />And may we never forget that one day, all nations--and all people--will stand accountable before you.<br /><br />We now commit our new president and his wife, Michelle, and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, into your loving care.<br /><br />I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life—Yeshua, 'Isa, Jesus [Spanish pronunciation], Jesus—who taught us to pray:<br /><br />Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.<br />Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.<br /><br />Give us this day our daily bread.<br /><br />And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.<br /><br />And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,<br /><br />for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.<br /><br />Amen.rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-47901108330231327562009-01-12T14:42:00.001-06:002009-01-12T14:42:33.547-06:00Huckabee on Apple<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4pq5Z00i8RY&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4pq5Z00i8RY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-12944505259304564862008-12-21T23:00:00.000-06:002008-12-21T23:01:43.654-06:00I like thisI'd love to know your thoughts about this...<br /><br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7JHS8adO3hM&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7JHS8adO3hM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><br />HT: <a href="http://teampyro.blogspot.com/2008/12/penn-jillette-on-evangelism.html">Phil Johnson</a>rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-37655776201884925392008-12-20T20:42:00.002-06:002008-12-20T20:57:36.094-06:00NFL network is horrible at game coverageThe NFL Network needs to stick to pre-game coverage and one-hour highlight reels.<br /><br />The game coverage of the game between the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens is absolutely horrible. To begin with, the graphics that appear on the screen leave much to be desired. The minimalistic graphics are too minimal. NBC, ESPN, FOX and CBS have us accustomed to know the down, yardage and statistical information about the players. The NFL Network does not look like they were prepared for this game.<br /><br />Secondly, the play by play is horrible. The guy calling this game needs better "spotters" because he is having a hard time either 1) calling the player of interests name, or 2) getting the name right. He is robotic in his analysis and is not interesting to listen to at all.<br /><br />Third, the "color commentary" seems more interested (Marshall Faulk and Deion Sanders) in reliving their glory days in the NFL than talking about the game at hand. A great example is the last two minutes of the second half and the Cowboys have the ball. The stadium is electrified, the radio announcers are emotionally engaged with the excitement of a "no-huddle" offense and the chance for Romo and TO to connect in the end-zone. Meanwhile on the NFL network, Marshall and Deion are talking about how the Cowboys need to go three and out and just let their defense run the time out. WHAT? First of all, that doesn't even make sense, and secondly, it sounded more like the personal appeal of the announcers to get this half over with so that Deion can change his shoes, put on a coat and shelter himself from the 32 degree wind-chill... which by the way seemed to be their chief interest.<br /><br />Fourth, when are we going to finally be done with "proprietary endeavors?" In a world that is going Open Source, it seems the NFL Network is trying to buck the system. Here is what I say - if you are going Proprietary, then be the very best out there. Don't lock everyone else out of covering this game and then totally suck at the product you provide.<br /><br />As a viewer I feel like a hostage to maybe the worst football coverage I have seen all year.<br /><br />On the same note, but different angle, I am shocked about how much I like the coverage of football games. It has become its own entertainment in itself. I realize that as much as I like to watch a good football game, I like for it to be covered and analyzed well. I want the announcers to take me onto the field and into the helmets. I want to feel the vibe of the stadium. I want to know what is going on behind the scenes. I want to understand the game, the situation and the importance behind what is happening. When that doesn't happen, I am disappointed. <br /><br />Tonight, I am disappointed. I'm let down and I am not a fan of the NFL Network. Overall, the Network itself is not able to get out of the way of their own hype and corporate ego and let the viewer enjoy the game.rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-83809777843635469172008-12-16T14:54:00.002-06:002008-12-16T14:56:35.633-06:00Blogs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://fillthebreach.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 64px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16VBq9rQaDHbKgnO3kbU6cuqSh1DANvqedeCzHwdVedK1k6rrC2Ih5ouJZUTC-j3j19MJAmIwCuB9CCO_XjPaOA6YOW_rM06DRyBzCCbLFLb-MoadiExH_z0a2T0rLt4QoDLHB8NWlIM/s320/Picture+1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280494671093343618" border="0" /></a><br />If you're not reading my brother-in-laws blog, you are missing out.<br /><br /><a href="http://fillthebreach.blogspot.com/">The Breach</a>rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-29542797041661456592008-12-11T11:02:00.004-06:002008-12-11T11:06:18.668-06:00Twitter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0a2c0miRHbZzX-k2zQCQjA0GEZkBk0Yb1hyphenhyphenkDYv7DB-FE8iai5DdZXYEaZsOxCuBy9oKpKY0sSHoxw1EZcvaew6GKDj-41x_jDctfZzfADXnDL0WoryqzutYLahcXY3lbK5SYDfMaYU/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0a2c0miRHbZzX-k2zQCQjA0GEZkBk0Yb1hyphenhyphenkDYv7DB-FE8iai5DdZXYEaZsOxCuBy9oKpKY0sSHoxw1EZcvaew6GKDj-41x_jDctfZzfADXnDL0WoryqzutYLahcXY3lbK5SYDfMaYU/s320/Picture+2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278579074034002994" border="0" /></a><br />Over the past couple of months I have made mention of my new fascination - Twitter <div style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://twitter.com/" target="_blank">what is Twitter?</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/help/why" target="_blank">why Twitter?</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/help/how" target="_blank">how Twitter?</a>)<br /><a href="http://dotsub.com/api/smallplayer.php?filmid=3066&filminstance=3068&language=none" target="_blank">watch a video about Twitter</a><br /></div><p><br />Now, I'm not saying that twitter is for everyone, in fact, it isn't. But, I have found Twitter to be a great social networking tool that allows me to stay connected with 1) people I care about; 2) people I'm interested in; 3) people I'd like to know, but may never meet. It also provides an opportunity for family and friends to catch small glimpses into my life during the day.</p><p><br /></p><p>I want to share a story that happened this past week that illustrates both the power and "coolness" of Twitter. Periodically I get on Twitter's "search page" and type in "Tyler, TX." I do this because I am always interested who else in our community is using this tool. There is always a good list this search generates and from time to time, if the people are not totally weird, I will "follow" them.</p><p><br /></p><p>Now, Tyler is a small town, not small enough that everyone knows everyone, but we have no more than 3 degrees of separation. Last week I followed a person that lives in Tyler who happens to know Alley Burton (elder) and was somewhat familiar with Bethel, but has never been. Since all of my biographical information is on <a href="http://twitter.com/rstrader" target="_blank">my Twitter page</a>, this person discovered that I am a pastor at Bethel and because of the timing in their life decided that they were going to visit. I met them this past Sunday and so did many of you!</p><p><br /></p><p>This really is less about Twitter and more of what I would call opportunity. I was reminded that all over this city there are people who are not connected with a church and would love to be. But, just like all of us, it is hard to imagine getting up on a Sunday morning (or any morning), getting dressed in clothes you don't normally wear, getting your family ready, getting in the car, driving to an unfamiliar place, parking and then making that long walk from your car to the front door... all while being a perfect stranger. It is hard to be "new" or "different" or "uninformed." In fact, I think besides public speaking, visiting a church is probably one of the most frightening and difficult things a person, couple or family ever does.</p><p><br /></p><p>For my new friend, I was glad that there family felt at least the comfort of "knowing" someone before they got there.</p><p><br /></p><p>So - let me ask you this morning (or afternoon/evening), who might there be in your life that would love to be connected to a community of people? And not just any community of people, but a community that is committed to following Jesus and living out His life? I can guarantee there is someone in the ebb and flow of your life that is not connected, but would love to be.</p><p><br /></p><p>Everything I have read, and my experience supports, is that people are most likely to visit a church because someone they know asked them. In fact, it is rare that when I have invited someone to church that they flat out said "no." Most people, who are not connected to a church, are thrilled to be asked and have some excitement that they might actually find a place to connect. The problem is that we just don't ask.</p><p><br /></p><p>So - ASK. If there is anyone that has come to your mind, make if your priority and goal to invite them to a service before the end of the year. Christmas is a great time here at Bethel and a great time for you to bring someone with you...</p><p><br /></p><p>And you don't need a twitter account to do that.</p>rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-19957426822760524182008-12-06T21:37:00.000-06:002008-12-06T21:38:31.300-06:00Kensley Penney will put you in the Christmas spiritWatch this until the end<br /><br /><script src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/js/2.0/video/evp/module.js?loc=dom&vid=/video/us/2008/12/06/nc.santa.soldier.wxii" type="text/javascript"></script><noscript>Embedded video from <a href="http://www.cnn.com/video">CNN Video</a></noscript>rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-53138499242706657832008-11-28T09:08:00.001-06:002008-11-28T09:08:49.846-06:00Thanksgiving<object height="300" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2370155&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2370155&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="300" width="400"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/2370155">Thanksgiving 2008</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user851116">Ross Strader</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-17784740253333768532008-11-27T09:32:00.003-06:002008-11-27T15:26:24.624-06:00Happy ThanksgivingOk... I am going to "live blog" Thanksgiving today.<br /><br /><br />3:25pm - up from nap. Helped my grandmother to the car. Listening to the national anthem on FOX before the Cowboy kick-off. Man, I need some coffee.<br />By the way, anyone else notice the gel in Romo's hair? Come on man!<br /><br />2:15pm - stuffed... going to check on Katherine. I might lay down back there with her.<br /><br />1:30pm - eating!<br /><br />1:24pm - Katherine fell asleep on Leslie so she is putting her down in the front room (the cool, dark, quiet room with a big comfy bed).<br /><br />12:59pm - Katherine just came it with a mouth full of dirt. She fell off the swing and busted her lip and hurt her pride. Leslie is cleaning her up in the bathroom.<br /><br />12:52pm - my uncle just walked in with dove wrapped in bacon. Wow. The pies are coming out of the oven - chess, pecan, pumpkin, chocolate (there are 8 pies). The turkey is being carved. My grandmother (92) just arrived. The Titans are killing the Lions (everyone is sitting around talking about the problems with Detroit 0 both the team and the community). We will eat soon. Man this is fun!<br /><br />11:41am - ok we've had our traditional mimosa's. Pies are baking. The Titans are on tv. We have thrown the football outside. This is the kind of day I love. There is such a freedom to relax on a holiday.<br /><br />9:39am - now I'm headed to the shower.<br /><br />9:36am - uhmmm... haven't showered yet. I just posted a Happy Thanksgiving post on the <a href="http://bethelbible.typepad.com/">Bethel blog</a>. It is kind of corny, but it is Thanksgiving so I thought it would be good to talk about being thankful.<br /><br />9:15am - about to shower and head over to my mom's to get into the Thanksgiving fun over there. Going to stop by and get some coffee first because she is out... ??? - - can't believe she let that happen.<br /><br />8:30am - Went in to the living room and crashed the kids Wii party and made them turn on the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade. I then began to tell them how cool it is and that I watched it every year as a kid and how it is a "tradition." They aren't buying it.<br /><br />7:30am - I woke up and greeted Leslie with "Happy Thanksgiving!" I told her how thankful I was for her. Brushing my teeth first would have made the moment a little more effective.rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-30189246854468250922008-11-23T16:11:00.005-06:002008-11-23T16:29:59.573-06:00If anyone is still reading<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRd5GbIE-Y6DENjKY6ruqkpna1rRQjhjobNNECwR17p9k3RBbNMWj6ew_pLRe8mf1QsGIlOGevSI6pUZFTP1UUHPVUYued6VZV1Dz6UUPYb5tL2rkmSU0EKiWK5YCmfFns9foIA3cBjZs/s1600-h/Picture+1.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRd5GbIE-Y6DENjKY6ruqkpna1rRQjhjobNNECwR17p9k3RBbNMWj6ew_pLRe8mf1QsGIlOGevSI6pUZFTP1UUHPVUYued6VZV1Dz6UUPYb5tL2rkmSU0EKiWK5YCmfFns9foIA3cBjZs/s320/Picture+1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271983212775127090" border="0" /></a><br />My apologies to you if you still read this... this blog has sucked lately. I mean totally sucked. I have been on a dry spell. I have not taken the time to be creative.<br /><br />Creativity takes time. I don't know if it does for everyone, but it does for me. I have to carve out time to think. Not a lot of time, but enough that I can step out of the routine and look at things from different angles. I sometimes joke that I am a "creative black-hole." What I mean is that creativity takes some time and thought for me and I usually get into a groove of getting things done, that I don't stop to evaluate or reflect on what I'm doing.<br /><br />Creativity also requires a little bit of risk. It means doing something, to some degree, in a new way. Not all creativity has to be new or novel, but for me it often times means stepping out of the comfort of my routine or thinking to take a risk with a new perspective or idea. It means writing about something I know and talk about in a different way. It means thinking about different words and phrases to describe things I've thought for a long time. It means looking for fresh and stimulating word pictures or images to replace the images that have become stale in my mind. For me, it means interacting with my "stuff" in a different way. Reading a different book, working in a different program, listening to some different music, talking to some new people. All of these things stimulate my mind and gets me thinking in ways that are helpful and productive. "Producing" for me can be the enemy of "productive."<br /><br />Finally, I think creativity means a little failure. Not all the "creativity" that happens is going to be good, interesting, helpful or result in praise. But, that is ok. Taking the time to risk a little creativity will mean that I might hear, "that was ... well, weird." OK, I've done things like that. But, I want to embrace it as an opportunity to learn. Creativity leads to learning... and I love to learn. I like learning about myself, my vocation, my God, my gifts, ability. Learning has a way of making me feel alive. It is worth it.<br /><br />So, this week (Thanksgiving week), I plan to read a couple of books, spend some time out of my routine praying, thinking, writing about things I don't usually take the time for. I plan to take some walks at odd times. I plan to sleep in a little. I am planning time with people I don't usually see. I'm looking forward to taking some risks. I can't wait.<br /><br />I'm interested in what you do to spark creativity and what you have learned in the process... anyone?rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-27710579788850580762008-11-13T15:07:00.002-06:002008-11-13T15:12:25.611-06:00Stuart Smalley<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5_4rQQYwNySb7gUS8uwq8OxYPQifB0Na23Cy2y2Ggoev2B9osmj4zEc6-LGhYOXPRoSoDxOqeoLvtRK0ouG4NXIMfHxwz41F2G1ejNLDG3V7hFM-W6Jiu1cEGYL3Ugg1LAI8sS827jI/s1600-h/capt.7e74a621b85e4c31b5419edb7c12b21b.senate_never_ending_campaign_ny117.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5_4rQQYwNySb7gUS8uwq8OxYPQifB0Na23Cy2y2Ggoev2B9osmj4zEc6-LGhYOXPRoSoDxOqeoLvtRK0ouG4NXIMfHxwz41F2G1ejNLDG3V7hFM-W6Jiu1cEGYL3Ugg1LAI8sS827jI/s320/capt.7e74a621b85e4c31b5419edb7c12b21b.senate_never_ending_campaign_ny117.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268252948229707106" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://home.hawaii.rr.com/snlcn/franken/stuart.html">Daily Affirmations</a>:<br /><br />"I deserve good things. I am entitled to my share of happiness. I refuse to beat myself up. I am attractive person. I am fun to be with."<br /><br />"I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggonit, people like me!"<br /><br />I guess we'll see if it <a href="http://apnews.myway.com/article/20081113/D94E8FJ80.html">works</a>....rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-51752617359914096032008-11-10T22:36:00.002-06:002008-11-10T22:39:36.470-06:00Can't believe I did thatOK... I must have had a momentary lack of judgment, but about 3 hours ago I posted a recipe on my blog. YES A RECIPE.<br /><br />No, I am not a woman, or a girl. I am a man. Or at least I think of myself as one. But, there is no denying I posted a recipe. What in the heck was I thinking? I even asked people to make it and then comment on it. I am very sorry for that.<br /><br />I will leave the recipes to my sisters and mother and wife and daughters. I will blog about computers and yard work and masculine stuff.<br /><br />Had to get that off my chest.rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-65883132808962278272008-11-10T22:09:00.003-06:002008-11-10T22:15:37.209-06:00Twitter<h2><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:100%;" >I have had many questions from people I know over the last couple of week about "Twitter." So, I want to answer that as simply as possible.<br /></span></h2><span style="font-size:100%;">I am including here an excerpt from <a href="http://www.caroline-middlebrook.com/blog/twitter-guide/">The Big Juicy Twitter Guide</a>. <a href="http://www.caroline-middlebrook.com/blog/twitter-guide-1-what-is-twitter/">Here is part 1 of the post</a>:<br /><br /></span><h2><br /></h2><h2><span style="font-size:100%;">Why You Must Start Using Twitter Right Now</span></h2> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">Let me cut to the chase - Twitter is many things to many people but what often goes unnoticed is that it can be an incredibly powerful marketing & community building tool with the ability to develop your brand, build relationships with your audience and provide a promotional medium that has the ability to go viral!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">In this guide I have tried to present a complete picture of Twitter and show techniques / tools / guidelines for Twitter usage for all kinds of people. However this is a blog about Internet marketing so I do have certain bias towards using Twitter for marketing purposes. With that out of the way, let’s get started!</span></p> <h2><span style="font-size:100%;">What is Twitter</span></h2> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">According to the <a href="http://twitter.com/cmiddlebrook">Twitter</a> FAQ, “Twitter is for staying in touch and keeping up with friends no matter where you are or what you’re doing.” That doesn’t really tell us very much. Wikipedia says, “Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that allows users to send updates via SMS, instant messaging, email, to the Twitter website, or any one of the multitude of Twitter applications now available”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">Twitter asks the question, <strong>“What are you doing?”</strong> and allows you to send a small update (limited to just 140 characters) to your followers. The concept is amazingly simple and that is perhaps one of the main reasons why it has caught on like wildfire. The restriction to 140 characters has resulted in Twitter being labeled “micro blogging”. A traditional blog is a log of what somebody is up to, but in a richer, more detailed format. One of the key benefits of Twitter is that you can send and receive updates (also called tweets) via your browser, email , instant messaging clients and SMS so you can <strong>keep in touch no matter where you are</strong>.</span></p> <h2><span style="font-size:100%;">What’s the Point?</span></h2> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">I first encountered Twitter at least a year ago. I loaded it up and watched the activity on the main Twitter page. All I saw was a seemingly pointless stream of tweets that literally documented every movement of people’s daily lives down to the unnecessary detail of what they were eating for dinner! I tried sending a few updates but nobody was following me so I was just talking to myself. I played with it for a couple of hours and then ignored it for a year or so.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">Twitter is now being recognised as a <strong>valuable marketing tool</strong> and I’ll explain why in the upcoming sections of the guide. But here’s the thing - you don’t have to listen to the <em>incoming</em><strong>ignore it</strong> if you choose to. Unlike email, Twitter is just ‘fly on the wall’ communication. On the other hand, if you have people following you, you hope they are listening so you can get your message across. noise! You can </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">Ideally, you keep the people you are following to a minimum, and have more people following you.</span></p> <h2><span style="font-size:100%;">Twitter is a Broadcasting Service</span></h2> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">Email, Instant Messaging and SMS are all direct messaging systems. You choose the person with whom you would like to communicate and you send them a direct message. Blogs are open broadcasting systems. When I publish a blog post, it will go directly to those people who have subscribed to the RSS feed but it is also available publicly. Twitter is rather like blogging with just an RSS feed. Consider this diagram:</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1020/1448260996_451dba7474_o_d.png" alt="what is twitter 1" height="400" width="500" /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">We have two people, Bob and Betty. Bob can follow Betty, Betty can follow Bob and if they both did that they would be following each other. That is literally all there is to the relationships between people in Twitter. It’s extremely simple and what it produces is a situation like this:</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1343/1447409485_e3c91c06b9_o_d.png" alt="what is twitter 2" height="300" width="500" /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">Every time you send out a tweet, all your followers will see it. Unlike blogs, Twitter is a <strong>real time broadcasting medium</strong>. You update, it is broadcast to your followers, and then it is largely forgotten (but not quite!) When you first join Twitter you have no followers and you are not following anybody else so it can seem pretty lonely. I think this one of the reasons that some people just “don’t get it” when they first start.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">However, there is much more to it than that! There are now many tools and other web applications that will integrate with Twitter allowing you to broadcast your tweets all over the web even without followers. I’ll show you how to do that later in the guide.</span></p> <h2><span style="font-size:100%;">Twitter is a Mobile Communication Tool</span></h2> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">After you join Twitter you have the option to link it to your mobile phone and / or to your instant messaging clients. By having Twitter accessible on your phone you can both send and receive updates which means that you can stay in touch wherever you are so it is a truly mobile communication tool. This can be a pretty powerful thing.</span></p>rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-82414389301612077622008-11-10T21:06:00.004-06:002008-11-10T21:12:48.950-06:00Cake in a Mug<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03euH4aLreMDGO5mweQNE8WYmTLoxfJ5CiWwUI0xq7aGrX8NeWmbD9Dgx4UJcJ_Baw2FsaBvM7u78l_kYtjKXoqv_QISjt8VTUimmOe8pXM9-C5lcu_p6BqL4jfRLgGQ9y19BZKo0eHY/s1600-h/choccakeinmugsepia.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03euH4aLreMDGO5mweQNE8WYmTLoxfJ5CiWwUI0xq7aGrX8NeWmbD9Dgx4UJcJ_Baw2FsaBvM7u78l_kYtjKXoqv_QISjt8VTUimmOe8pXM9-C5lcu_p6BqL4jfRLgGQ9y19BZKo0eHY/s320/choccakeinmugsepia.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267232538303013138" border="0" /></a>Want to try something fun?<br /><br />How about a homemade chocolate cake in a coffee mug... in 3 minutes?<br /><br />Here is the recipe:<br />INGREDIENTS: hot chocolate mix, flour, an egg, cooking spray, and oil<br />Grab the biggest microwavable coffee mug you've got in your cupboard, and cover the inside with cooking spray. Mix up four tablespoons of flour and nine tablespoons of hot chocolate mix, then throw in three tablespoons of water and oil and one egg. Once it's thoroughly mixed into an even batter, microwave for three minutes - Viola!<br /><br />Here is the actual website with the directions and step-by-step guidance<br /><a href="http://howto.wired.com/wiki/Make_Cake_in_a_Mug">Make Cake in a Mug</a><br /><br />I'd love to know how it turns out...rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-60183801915393204122008-11-07T11:05:00.006-06:002008-11-07T11:32:56.436-06:00Mac Bible Software from LogosIt is finally (almost) here. <a href="http://www.macbiblesoftware.com/">Logos for the Mac</a> has been greatly anticipated and it is going to be here for Christmas. If you own a Mac, then this is for you. If you don't - I don't want to know. (Actually, if you are still on a lame PC, then you need to check out the <a href="http://www.logos.com/">Logos for PC</a> - it is amazing.)<br /><br /><object height="300" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2163695&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2163695&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="300" width="400"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/2163695">Logos Bible Software: mac</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/logos">Logos Bible Software</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br />If you have been used to the PC version, you will realize that this is the first release and I am sure there will be more to come in the next year with this program. It is very exciting to see Logos in the Mac world and I have no doubt that this program will harness all of the advantages of the Mac OS.rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-38534915384288684012008-11-04T10:30:00.001-06:002008-11-04T10:30:36.596-06:00live results<script src="http://www.gmodules.com/ig/ifr?url=http://general-election-2008.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/results-gadget.xml&up_state=us&up_race=President&up_countdown=1&synd=open&w=416&h=298&title=2008+Election+Results+from+Google&lang=all&country=ALL&border=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gmodules.com%2Fig%2Fimages%2F&output=js"></script>rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-47347330468894007482008-11-04T09:13:00.002-06:002008-11-04T09:16:25.709-06:00Benefits of VotingDon't miss the election day love:<br /><strong></strong><ul><li><strong>Ben & Jerry's:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="http://benandjerrys.com/features/i_voted/">Free scoop of ice cream</a> between 5-8pm. Originally, materials stated you'd need some form of proof you voted (like an "I voted" sticker), but current materials just spell out "Free scoops!" (<a target="_blank" href="http://benandjerrys.com/scoop_shops/">locate</a>)</li><li><strong>Books-A-Million:</strong> Free cup of coffee after showing your "I voted" sticker. (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.booksamillion.com/storefinder?id=4257999334356">locate</a></li><li><strong>California Tortilla:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.californiatortilla.com/taco-talk.html">Free taco</a> for showing "I voted" sticker. (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.californiatortilla.com/locations.html">locate</a>)</li><li><strong>Chick-fil-A:</strong> "Several hundred" of 1,400 Chick-fil-A restaurants are handing out chicken sandwiches (the kind normally $2.70) to adults with proof of voting. (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.chick-fil-a.com/restaurantlocator.aspx">locate</a>)</li><li><strong>Krispy Kreme:</strong> Free <a target="_blank" href="http://www.krispykreme.com/images/hot_vote_now08_pop.jpg">star-shaped doughnut</a> with "patriotic sprinkles" (i.e. red, white, and blue) for "all retail customers with an 'I Voted' sticker." USA Today <a target="_blank" href="http://lifehacker.com/85%20of%20Krispy%20Kreme%27s%20231">reports</a> that 85 of 231 Krispy Kreme locations will participate. (<a target="_blank" href="http://web.sa.mapquest.com/krispykreme/?tempset=search">locate</a>)</li><li><strong>Shane's Rib Shack:</strong> A free "Celebrate America Meal"—3-piece chicken tenders, fries, and 20-ounce drink—to the first 300 customers at participating locations, according to their <a target="_blank" href="http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Shanes-Celebrates-American-Democracy-With/story.aspx?guid=%7B6D856C34-2FAF-434A-B35D-731969D25323%7D">press release</a>. (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.shanesribshack.com/locations.asp">locate</a>)</li><li><strong>Starbucks:</strong> Free tall coffee at "any Starbucks." "Tell us you voted" seems to be the bargaining chip, according to their <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2J8KJDsqqY">recent TV ads</a>. (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.starbucks.com/retail/find/default.aspx">locate</a>)</li><li><strong>Vote & Vax</strong>: National project by non-profits to offer free flu vaccinations on election day. (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.voteandvax.org/ClinicFinder.aspx">locate</a>)</li></ul><br />Also - head over to <a href="http://citizenbezner.blogspot.com/2008/11/go-vote.html">Citizen Bezner for a very interesting discussion</a>...rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-22549943450644077702008-11-04T06:58:00.002-06:002008-11-04T07:04:17.752-06:00Benji, Hebrew and archeology<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwuKgKUiyFvJrilWU9OV4bsnLIlaZBmFjno1tsZg_GXE-D-sTRqow4yvNPx7tzaR7Qk5t_I4xVgaYBo0Tpe5NdBjX_qYbLP2xg7cfOku7IHQKvE0Ph5iIVTQXRWoRlab_CgzDShyg2AA/s1600-h/benji_selfportrait.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwuKgKUiyFvJrilWU9OV4bsnLIlaZBmFjno1tsZg_GXE-D-sTRqow4yvNPx7tzaR7Qk5t_I4xVgaYBo0Tpe5NdBjX_qYbLP2xg7cfOku7IHQKvE0Ph5iIVTQXRWoRlab_CgzDShyg2AA/s320/benji_selfportrait.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264787170528756082" border="0" /></a><br />I'm interested in what <a href="http://amazinggreycity.wordpress.com/">my friend Benji</a> has to say about this: <a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/11/081103-hebrew-text.html">Oldest Hebrew Text is Evidence for Bible Stories</a>.<br /><br />There is never a shortage of stories that come from the world of archeology about the existence or non-existence of evidence for the authenticity of the Bible - especially related to the reign of King David.<br /><br />Benji is one of the smartest people I know and reads backwards unlike anyone I have ever encountered. I'm interested in his thoughts...rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-21891041158220323132008-11-04T06:48:00.004-06:002008-11-04T06:55:15.689-06:00Google rocks!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMJOrkVUBT-LEVftXMel6nD2nsUy-2xB86_2O6njmTQt_NC2zRtmRZyWQjyPq4UZq7uHtiiJkQlm1P0HF1Bjn5Fgpz0C-PU7S7_RFRbFTHufDoo24SYhJAKREAGMvliCQ7qs1OubgtqA/s1600-h/41F8ah+TWEL._SS500_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMJOrkVUBT-LEVftXMel6nD2nsUy-2xB86_2O6njmTQt_NC2zRtmRZyWQjyPq4UZq7uHtiiJkQlm1P0HF1Bjn5Fgpz0C-PU7S7_RFRbFTHufDoo24SYhJAKREAGMvliCQ7qs1OubgtqA/s320/41F8ah+TWEL._SS500_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264785089310585970" border="0" /></a><br />I love google. I have been reading the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Google-Companys-Audacious-Everything/dp/141654691X">Planet Google </a>and am so impressed with the enormity of vision they have.<br />Today is another example of being way ahead of the curve. Google maps has been harnessed to be the "Voting Center Central" for anyone wondering where they are supposed to vote today.<br /><br /><br /><form onsubmit="(function(){var f=document.getElementById('home').value;if(f==google.eomg)f='';window.location='http://maps.google.com/maps/mpl?moduleurl\x3dhttp://maps.google.com/mapfiles/mapplets/elections/2008/us-voter-info/us-voter-info.xml'+encodeURIComponent('#home='+encodeURI(f))})();return !1"><input name="home" id="home" style="margin: 2px 5px 2px 0pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" size="30" value="Enter your home address" onfocus="if(this.value==google.eomg)this.value='';this.style.color='#000'" onblur="if(this.value==''||this.value==google.eomg){this.value=google.eomg;this.style.color='#666'}" type="text"><input value="Get voting information" type="submit"></form><div class="a std">http://maps.google.com/vote<br /><br />I love it!<br /><br />NOW - Go VOTE!<br /></div>rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-80924630763084425192008-10-28T22:29:00.003-05:002008-10-28T22:31:05.283-05:00Bar Stool EconomicsI always enjoy reading <a href="http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/index.php">Michael Patton's blog</a>. Here is what he posted today. It takes a minute to read it through, but it is worth understanding.<br /><br /><p><strong></strong></p><blockquote><p><strong>Our Tax System Explained: Bar Stool Economics</strong></p> <p>Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:</p> <p>The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.<br />The fifth would pay $1.<br />The sixth would pay $3.<br />The seventh would pay $7.<br />The eighth would pay $12.<br />The ninth would pay $18.<br />The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.</p> <p>So, that’s what they decided to do.</p> <p>The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. ‘Since you are all such good customers,’ he said, ‘I’m going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20.’ Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.</p> <p>The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free.<span></span></p> <p>But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his ‘fair share?’</p> <p>They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody’s share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer.</p> <p>So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man’s bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.</p> <p>And so:</p> <p>The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).<br />The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).<br />The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).<br />The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).<br />The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).<br />The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).</p> <p>Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.</p> <p>‘I only got a dollar out of the $20,’declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man,’ but he got $10!’</p> <p>‘Yeah, that’s right,’ exclaimed the fifth man. ‘I only saved a dollar, too.</p> <p>It’s unfair that he got ten times more than I got’ ‘That’s true!!’ shouted the seventh man. ‘Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!’</p> <p>‘Wait a minute,’ yelled the first four men in unison. ‘We didn’t get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!’</p> <p>The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.</p> <p>The next night the tenth man didn’t show up for drinks so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn’t have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!</p> <p>And that, ladies and gentlemen, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.</p></blockquote><p></p>rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-74243282740363997792008-10-27T21:32:00.001-05:002008-10-27T21:34:16.575-05:00Moore Farms<a href="http://brandontoddwright.blogspot.com/2008/10/moore-farms.html">Moore Farms</a> - this is what really happened....<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VcMMHxAUFpA&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VcMMHxAUFpA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-81876652608654002052008-10-24T23:53:00.003-05:002008-10-25T00:07:41.107-05:00My Friday (10.24.08)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhqzWoJo4YtV1BjLA2Vdvmm6_55i06U5dzrLGZsTYzIeyMcIISVNMv0jF4lVaG1iTwxKNMRuSy62UkZ-vh2QWdPmmwtsPokB-EMPtdgrbAbQXn1-87G69bZ82UpTbSRJYZzk_z39S9JA/s1600-h/myfriday.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 106px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhqzWoJo4YtV1BjLA2Vdvmm6_55i06U5dzrLGZsTYzIeyMcIISVNMv0jF4lVaG1iTwxKNMRuSy62UkZ-vh2QWdPmmwtsPokB-EMPtdgrbAbQXn1-87G69bZ82UpTbSRJYZzk_z39S9JA/s320/myfriday.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260953758431929138" border="0" /></a><br />Everyone was up early this morning, off to school and then Katherine, Leslie and I went for breakfast. After breakfast Leslie had a long list of stuff to get done including working out what in the heck a mum looks like for a 6th grade homecoming. Come on... really? A mum for the 6th grade? I digress...<br /><br />Katherine and I caught up on some PBS today. I saw he most unusual show today for the first time - Sid the Science Kid. I've never heard of it, but it was so fascinating. The animation was very good, the dialogue very informal, but the show was very propositional: brush your teeth, teachers are fun, eat healthy, exercise... etc. It was simple, but very well done. I was impressed.<br /><br />After that, a short nap and then I put all the sheets on all the beds and then made them all up. Yes - I did it. I made all the beds, from scratch. Props? I thought so. On my day off... I made beds. And, to top it off, I mowed the yard after that. So, I am probably going to be in the running for husband of the year. I can feel it now.<br /><br />After the yard, a quick shower and then we all met one of Maggie's friends and her family at Double Dave's for pizza before Maggie headed for the homecoming dance. Crazy huh? I thought so. From the pizza and hanging with a middle school family, we immediately travel back in time to elementary school where we rendezvous with Jay and his friend who have just arrived at the annual elementary school Harvest Festival. Bounce houses, climbing walls, games, candy, face painting, a jail, a medical clinic and lots of food, door prizes and silent auction. It was a great place to be. I love the vibe at this school. The morale is high among the teachers, and the families are great. Definitely a positive public school experience.<br /><br />We arrived at home in time to meet my mom and stepdad as they are visiting this weekend and planning to stay for Jay's flag football game tomorrow and church at Bethel on Sunday. I didn't remember it this way, but my mom has not been to Bethel in about a year. It will be fun to have her there.<br /><br />Leslie left about 9:30p to go get Maggie... about 11:05 they walked through the door. See, the tradition is to go to Whataburger and hang out and have a milkshake and hang out and talk about the dance with all your friends. All the parents sit together.<br /><br />Leslie and Maggie are home - we are all home. It was a great day and looking forward to a good nights sleep. That is my Friday.rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6108937963794542095.post-37438708634819829612008-10-23T16:26:00.003-05:002008-10-23T16:29:35.539-05:00An old saying...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFmJFGBJyV3DeTnnCO48F4w0FS28EGtC0bjbIzazFFhM9H-XN_FE9gpLMMOA_1Jk2UpOBt9k1qfljON4VrtROUuytRX2NSXbbPkTQC3nZLFsLUEFdDmWCuYlhSj5E8RhpGZMZcewaQy0/s1600-h/orock.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFmJFGBJyV3DeTnnCO48F4w0FS28EGtC0bjbIzazFFhM9H-XN_FE9gpLMMOA_1Jk2UpOBt9k1qfljON4VrtROUuytRX2NSXbbPkTQC3nZLFsLUEFdDmWCuYlhSj5E8RhpGZMZcewaQy0/s320/orock.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260464184377899122" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Be careful what you ask for..."</span><br /><br />Saw this on <a href="http://www.drudgereport.com/">Druge</a> today.rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15376475165349927631noreply@blogger.com1