Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Ring it In!

H-Bowl 2009.... Battle of the...

I worked today. So I listened to much of the 2009 Humanitarian Bowl on the radio and watched updated via the internet. But it was easy to see the back and forth that existed between the two teams. Idaho (7-5) and Bowling Green (7-5) had something in common coming into their bowl game this year; they were both on the losing end of a Boise State game. If you look at the score and saw the end of the game it was pretty intense or was it. I was reminded of an episode of Friends where Chandler and Ross are at a Halloween party as "Spud-nik" and a Giant Pink Bunny. Then they arm wrestle. Mona observes "They're both really strong." Joey replies, Or equally weak!" (Start at :58 in the clip)





It was good to see the WAC win a bowl game this year. Thanks Idaho for the 'W'.

Updated... How can I tell? You mean I have to go there.... There has to be an easier way!

RSS: (Really Simple Syndication). I use it for two things. To update those who might follow this blog and to keep updated with the blogs that I follow. I have used RSS for a long time. I used to have an app on my Mac that I used to check for updates with different sites using RSS. Then I discovered that Firefox could automatically update them, almost as a bookmark. So I got used to doing that. Every day I would go the bookmarks folder that contained the RSS feeds or "Live Bookmarks" as Firefox calls them; and see who had posted what. The convenience of just looking and not actually having to open each individual web page was great. I am not talking about 2 or 3 sites, even 20 or 30, there are about 260 blogs/sites that I had become accustomed to viewing on a regular basis, but of course they don't all update that frequently. So RSS is great for finding out of there is anything new.

Along comes Windows 7. I installed the public beta, then the release candidate and really liked (more or less). The only issue was that Firefox, the browser that I had used primarily for years was not as snappy as I was used to. It was downright slow! So I looked at other browser alternatives; Google Chrome, Apple Safari, even IE (a little). Chrome was pretty quick so I thought I would give it a try, the only issue was that Chrome does not handle RSS feeds like Firefox, so I needed an alternative way to feed my RSS addiction. Enter Google Reader.

Google Reader is an RSS aggregator. It does what Firefox did with "Live Bookmarks" only on a web page. So that I can look on Google Reader and see if there has been any updates. I exported out of Firefox and into Google Reader. I have to say that I like it. Getting used to viewing everything together is not a bad way to do it.

If you are looking for something new to try for the New Year. Google Reader may just be the thing. Or the old thing that you have been reading this post from!

Unofficial Tech Support

I work in the Tech industry. I am a technofile. I like technology; gadgets and the like. Therefore (like may people) sometimes I am unofficial tech support. You know when you visit a relative and they ask you to help them recalibrate the cartridges in their printer. Or to help them with the annoying antivirus message on the bottom right of their solitaire game.  For the most part I don't mind this. I like being able to help. Jeffrey Chang, Associate Product Manager, Google Chrome Team feels the same way and posted on the Official Google Blog this week. Here is his post.
Source Link:http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/unofficial-tech-support-returns-home.html

Unofficial tech support returns home for the holidays

12/22/2009 10:00:00 AM

Whenever I go home to visit my parents, I always assume a handful of new roles — I become the after-dinner dishwasher, the family chauffeur, and appropriately, my parents' personal tech support. As I go home for the holidays this week, I'll likely be asked to help fix the webcam that "used to be there" or make the font size "so I can see it again." I'll also perform a few regular maintenance tasks that my parents don't even know to ask about, such as running a virus scan, uninstalling unused applications and upgrading their software to the latest versions.

I know this phenomenon isn't unique to just my family. If you're unofficial tech support for family this holiday season like I am, one of the things you'll want to consider is checking that your family is using the latest version of their browser. Why? For me, an up-to-date browser makes a huge difference: not only so that my parents can get to what they need when they're on the web, quickly and easily — whether they're writing email, viewing photo albums online, reading cross-stitching blogs or checking the weather in Chicago — but also so that I can rest assured that they'll be browsing the web more safely and securely with the latest version of the browser with security updates. (More selfishly, a new or up-to-date browser would also make their computer notably faster when I'm visiting home and using their machine!) 

Most browsers have released major updates over the past year, and to ensure your family is getting the most speed and security out of their web experience, you can help your family upgrade to the latest version of Google Chrome, Firefox 3.5, Opera 10, Safari 4, or Internet Explorer 8 — just to name a few modern browsers. Moreover, teaching your family what a web browser is and how to update it can help your family keep themselves up-to-date throughout the year. The browser is perhaps the most important piece of software on our computers, as we depend on it to get to the websites and web applications we use every day.

You can also check out Google Pack, a collection of free Google and third-party software that's ready to use in just a few clicks. From anti-virus software to keep a computer more secure and voice applications like Skype to help you keep in touch once you leave, to Google applications like Google Earth (where you can track Santa over Christmas), Google Pack's applications help your family get the most out of their computer.

Happy holidays, one and all — and happy trails on the web!

by Jeffrey Chang, Associate Product Manager, Google Chrome Team

Merry Christmas!

I just wanted to wish a Merry Christmas to all! This time of year, spent with our families and friends helps us to remember what is important in life. It's not gadgets (although the iPhone is great!), cars, toys, but togetherness that brings true happiness this time of year. It is also a time to focus on the birth of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. He, the Savior of the world came to earth to fulfill all righteousness. Today we celebrate his birth and all that his life, ministry, death, and resurrection provide for us.


I hope you have a wonderful day with those you love.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Break

The kids are on Christmas break from school. It reminds me of when I was in school. I remember thinking December was the longest month. Then every time the weather report indicated a chance of snow I would get up out of bed multiple times during the night to glance out the window to see if I could see any snow in the glow of the street lamp. Then I would be disappointed when there was none. During the break I would want to spend time with my friends and my parents would say, "Don't you see them at school?" But it's different going to your friends house when it is all decorated for Christmas and their families are making tasty Christmas treats. Their parents were usually less grumpy too!

One Christmas in high school I remember a friend telling a story about what had happened in his house. My friends house had a wet bar in the family room. That in itself is not that uncommon, but coming from a home where we didn't drink it was pretty interesting. Well one night, the friends father had made himself some drinks, watched some TV then headed up to bed. The family awoke to a loud banging sound in the middle of the night. It seems the Christmas tree that was also in the family room had fallen over and in a less-than-clear-headed state the father opened the garage, turned on the air compressor, and brought the high-powered nail gun into the house. The banging that woke the family up was dad nailing the Christmas tree to the wall. You know, to make it sturdy. Keep it from falling.

When I heard this story, it made me thankful for my less interesting family. For the most part we slept through the night, at least during Christmas time.

Did you see what I saw? Did you see what I saw? An SNL Christmas...

Christmas is this week! It's hard to believe that it is here already, for me anyway. There are so many programs on with a Christmas or Holiday theme.  Last week SNL aired a Christmas special with clips from years past. Having watched SNL for most of my life, I thought I would post a few of my favorites.

I have to finish off with a classic from SNL when I was growing up!

Muppets... Yes I wrote a post about Muppets!

When we went to Disneyland at California Adventure we saw the Muppets in 3D and the kids loved it. So when I saw this on YouTube I had to share it. The Muppets performing Bohemian Rhapsody. They put their own spin on it too!

My kids love the John Denver and the Muppets version of the 12 Days of Christmas. I think it is their favorite version. When I was growing up my Aunt Sandra used to spend Christmas with us and she was a big John Denver fan and brought this LP with her every year. So we listened to it quite a bit. So much so that when I got older it was one of the first Christmas CDs I bought. If you haven't heard it or seen the Christmas special it's worth it.

Tammy- Tammy- Tammy- Early Christmas Present!

I have to start by saying that I have a wonderful wife! She loves me SO MUCH! Last Saturday she and I were putting up Christmas decorations and she told me that she bought me a Christmas present and wasn't sure if she wanted to tell me now or give it to me on Tuesday. Being the kid at heard that I am, I said 'Now', of course. So we went into our room and Tammy pulls out an iFrogz iPhone cover. The same kind that her brother Tim has on his iPhone. I was in shock... Then I asked her what that meant. She replied 'I think you know what that means' and I did. It was so unexpected. She really surprised me and got me something that I wanted that I didn't think that I would get, just yet. Tammy is the BEST!!!

All weekend I was browsing through the App Store looking at the different applications that were available and what I thought I might like to use. I also took time to read up a little so that once the iPhone arrived I would be ready to use it. On Tuesday night I received from FedEx an iPhone 3G.

More things I tried...

Previously I wrote about things that I had tried. Here are some other things that I have tried...

TV Programs: Remember the days before DVRs? When you had to plan what to watch and make sacrifices if two programs were on at the same time? Or if you and your spouse/partner/roommate wanted to watch different things. Your into Star Trek TNG and they want to watch Dr. Quinn (how would that relationship last?). Well I tried TV shows. Now I am by no means a TV junkie. But there have been programs come on that I am interested in and Tammy is not. Sometimes the DVR is preciously committed, so I watch the shows online. Enter; HULU. A couple shows that I have got into this way are Fringe and Lie To Me. There have been others that I watched part of and lost interest quick and quit watching. Another the I tried that we both got into was Glee. We watched it on HULU first, then started to DVR it.

Drink: Drink bottled water? I think most of us do. Have you ever used an add-in? Those low calorie flavor packets. I really like the Hawaiian Punch Singles to go. I add them to a bottle (or refilled bottle) of water and I have a low cal fruit drink. I keep them in my desk at work, so that I am not tempted by the pop in the refrigerator. (We used them when we went to Disneyland, too!)

Twitter: I tried Twitter initially to follow a news conference that Apple Inc. was having. Then I tried it again a few months later as a way speak my mind in 140 characters or less. Then you see that there is an entire Twitter community out there. Just tweeting here and there about their lives.

Here are a few things I tried. What about you? What have you tried? Trying anything right now?

One year ago...

It is hard to believe that one year ago we were in CA. In fact on Nov 30, 2008 we loaded up from Dylan and Karen's house in Sacramento and hit Highway 50 to I-5 and down to Anaheim. It was a long drive. But we knew that our Disneyland adventure would begin. That was such a fun trip. The kids had a great time. It was a vacation that my kids still talk about. (You can read about it here).

Little did we know that we'd have four kids only one year later. And that Cort & Emily would be expecting number 3, their first daughter. And that Dad would be married to a great woman (Denise you're awesome!) . A lot can change, if you don't pay attention it can be easy to miss.

Are you keeping track? Are you journaling? Scrap-booking? Blogging, even? You have to do something.

One month left in 2009, make it a goal to document your life. Not for you, you lived it. But for the rest of us. For those who care about you and want to know you.

Free Christmas Songs...

I am totally into free stuff. In fact there are two blogs that I am constantly checking Hey It's free and The Freebie Blogger. Sometimes they overlap, but you can't have enough free stuff. Well here is a free thing that will be going on until Christmas that I wanted to pass on. Amazon.com is giving away a free Christmas song download a day until Christmas. They announce a new one each day. The downloads won't last forever so hop on over to Amazon.com and add to your Christmas music library. I don't think that you can ever have too many Christmas songs.

Have you Tried...

I wanted to end my participation in National Blog Posting Month by talking about a few things I have tried. I love new things. New software, new movies, new TV shows. I am game. So here are a few things that I have tried.

Beta Software

I love being on the cutting, no I'd even say the bleeding edge of technology. Beta applications that I am using right now on a daily basis:

Firefox 3.6 Beta 4: Works great. I love the Windows 7 integration. As I recently updated to Windows 7 I am looking for any applications that take advantage of new features. (I also have this installed on my Macbook)

MS Office 2010: The upcoming version of MS Office planned for release next year, but released as a public beta November 2009. As a glutton for punishment, I of course installed it. As with Firefox 3.5b4 the Windows 7 integration is what draws me to the beta. So far not too bad. Only having problems with Adobe Acrobat integration.

Windows 7: I now have the official version of Windows 7 Pro, but I installed both the public beta and release candidate of Windows 7 Ultimate. That is what helped me to know that as soon as I could I wanted to ditch Windows Vista and upgrade to Windows 7.

Now I should say that I am STILL and will always be a Mac User. For work I am forced to use a PC and at least want something that is quasi-usable. If I could work exclusively on a Mac I would ditch Windows 7 in a heartbeat.

More to come on other New things I have tried....

Relaxing Sunday

I can't believe that it's Sunday already. Thanksgiving came and went quickly this year. It was great to have everyone here. I feel the best I've felt since V day. Tammy & Ali are asleep. The boys and Selah are playing in their room. Home from church already and I can sit peacefully and relax. Thank you Sunday!

Beam me up...

A friend from work went to a convention a few weeks ago in San Diego. She made us all jealous; especially me. That is so close to the old stompin' grounds of the California Carlsbad Mission (where I served as a missionary for two years). This time of year was always great like fall in Idaho, but all winter long. And of course the Pacific Ocean near by (not that I went to the ocean as a missionary, but it was still there). Anyway, she had the chance to meet a celebrity while there and she got me his autograph. None other than the original Captain Kirk himself, Will Shatner.

My uncle Danny was a huge Trekker. He loved all the incarnations of the Star Trek series and movies. He had models that he put together in his home of Klingon and Romulon Birds of Prey and of course The Enterprise. So a little of that rubbed off on me.

My brother brought over the new Star Trek movie this past week while I was recovering so we watched it one night. I love how the filmmakers have reinvented the series to bring it to a new generation. On the special features of the DVD they inter view J.J. Abrams and discuss pitching the idea to Leonard Nimoy and that getting him on board was an intricate part of the success of the film. It was great. A Christmas gift that I would not mind finding under my Christmas Tree.

Wet... Orange... Blue...

Today we got wet. Gabe and I. No it wasn't black Friday shopping. We went to the Boise State/ Nevada game. It was a late game, kickoff was at 8:00 PM. Up until Friday the weather had been great. Then Friday; the rain came. Hoping that it would let up before the game was wishful thinking. We layered up from long-johns to sweats under Gabe's jeans we were ready for the weather. We even packed a few dollar store ponchos to (hopefully) keeps us dry. 

Cort picked us up and we met up Dad, Carley, & Michelle. Then we stopped off at Carls Jr. for a quick dinner before the game.  All the time hoping the rain would stop. No luck. We walked over to Bronco Stadium with about an hour to spare. Our seats were in section 125 Row CC. Back in the nosebleed section. this is similar to where we sat for years with my dad where his season tickets were when we were growing up. Then it was time to add the final weather-wear. we donned the dollar store ponchos and blankets. Then we were ready... Kick Off time!

This was Gabe's first real Boise State football game. (He had gone before but that was when we were living on campus at Boise State, so he was less than one year old.) There was a last minute cancellation and so Gabe was able to go with us, he was very happy.

The game was great. But for me the best part was spending time with Gabe. He had asked for a long time to go, so it was a great time for him. I was glad that he got to go. It was great to spend time with my number one son and to teach him a little about Boise State football and experience what I experienced with my dad growing up.  

Go Broncos!

A great Thanksgiving

30. That is how many people we had at our house for Thanksgiving dinner. We moved some furniture and brought in some tables and chairs and vuala! We had a ready made parlor for Thanksgiving dinner. Although we did have a houseful, we were smart enough to assign out the cooking assignments. So every family had a part to complete to make a great meal.

We had mashed potatoes with just the right amount of bones in it. Mom would have been proud. Tammy also made Grandma Peterson's no bake pumpkin pie. More desserts than we could finish off, including pumpkin sheet cake with maple frosting, cheesecake, pumpkin pie, apple pie, and more.

Happy Thanksgiving!

There are many things that I am thankful for this year. I am thankful for my family, especially my wife. She is such an inspiration to me, she does so much for our The kids are great and I love everything they teach me, I learn something new everyday.The kids are growing up so fast. They come home from school each day and amaze me with their knowledge. I am also thankful for faith. Faith helps me as a father and husband face each day knowing that my family will be safe. I love them all so much (especially my sweetheart, Tammy). Most of all I am thankful for Tammy. She is my love. My friend. Everything. It wouldn't be life without her.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Walk in anothers shoes...

This past day and a half  I have had the chance to walk in the shoes of another. My wife. I don't think that my procedure compared to what she has gone through having four children. But I think that recovering has given me a glimpse into what it was like for her after her experiences. It is hard not being able to do stuff for yourself. It is not fun to have to always ask someone to get things for you.

Tammy has been great. She is so patient and kind. Anything I have needed she has been willing to do.I Really appreciate her. She has made sure that the kids are careful around me and not jumping on me. I hope that I have been as good to her over the years as she has been to me.

I love you honey! Thanks for all you  do!

V Day....

This is my view for the next few days. Feet up, pajamas, and frozen peas. Today was V Day. I was off work for a procedure that I had scheduled since the beginning of November. I'll be off Wednesday as well. Then we have Thursday and Friday off for Thanksgiving. That should give me plenty of time to rest and recuperate. Through work I have pretty good insurance and so for the V procedure it was the cost of an office visit, the $20 co-pay. A lot better than what it would have been for Tammy to have a procedure done. 

I thought the 30 Rock episode from last week was pretty timely with Jack and Tracy contemplating the same procedure that I had this morning.  

I love my family and I love my wonderful wife, Tammy. She is taking such good care of me. I don't get sick or have medical procedures too often, so I am not used to being waited on this way. But when I get and move, I understand why the Dr prescribed little movement and ice for a day or so.

Thanks Tammy!

Tracy Jr is right!

See you on the other side...

The Tradition Continues...

Yesterday I had the opportunity to continue a tradition that we have had in the Peterson household for a long time. Cort & I helped my Dad put up Christmas lights. It's a few days earlier than we have done it in the past, but it was fun. Cort, the climber he is; was on the roof. I verified function and then handed strings of lights to him. This year Dad is going with Greed and Red bulbs. We didn't get out any of the lawn decorations, yet. Dad can do most of them on his own.You can read more about the tradition here

This coming week is Thanksgiving and one thing that I am thankful for is traditions. It's great that there are traditions that we can have with our families. Where the memories flood back of years past and you all can share in the feelings that were shared.

Here's to Traditions!

Broncos with the Baby!

Just a quick update from last night. The BRONCOS WON!!! (like there was too much doubt) But the best part is that Dad (that's me) was able to take care of all four kids by himself! I have to admit I was pretty proud. Especially getting Ali to sleep a little during the Boise State game. (I will say that for about 1/3 of the game I was holding her while standing up in front of the TV). It was fun. I love being a Dad. I have great kids. They helped me so much making sure that Ali was OK and when I needed anything they were quick to get it! I also have a wonderful wife that had a lot to do with me having four great kids.

Freakin' Fast Friday...

I woke up this morning at 5:20 AM and was on the road by 6:00 AM. On my way to Twin Falls for work. As I have said before I love being up that early to see the sunrise. Something else was out early this morning... The Wind. It was very windy on my way down to Twin Falls. As it turns out I was driving INTO the wind the entire trip there. That would explain why my mileage was much worse than normal for a trip to Twin Falls. 


I finished with class at 3:00 PM, with one thought in my mind... Getting home! Tonight I get to spend the evening with all four kids. Tammy is going out on a girls night to watch "New Moon". She and her friends have read all the books and have been waiting since the announcement of the film to see it. I don't feel left out. I have something else tonight that I am looking forward to...


Tonight is Boise State vs. Utah State on ESPN2. I am sure there were a lot of Boise State fans driving down to Logan, UT for the game. I am not one of them. I will be watching it from the comfort of my own family room. I can tell you the State Police expected a lot of Boise State fans to make the trek... they were out in force when I was driving home. I guess they are trying to make up the budget deficit they are going to have. 


Well off to watch the game... thank goodness for DVRs.  GO Broncos!

Store Opening...

With the release of Windows 7 Microsoft has also opened some retail stores.... See for yourself!

GIS Day. Yipee!!!

Today I had the chance to represent my office at a trade show of sorts. Today is GIS Day and Emmett High School held a GIS Open house for the science students. Working with the MLS we use mapping for property searches and so that is what I presented on. I presented in front of the group for about fifteen minutes and then the student broke into small groups and visited the various booths. I had a booth where I set up a laptop so that the students could see how the mapping in our MLS system worked in Emmett. They seemed to like it. I had to remember what it was like to be in high school. We did about anything to get out of class. So there were some kids totally tuned out. But some did not even know what the MLS was; let alone that their parents probably worked with a Realtor who used it.

I had not been in a high school for that long since I student taught in 2000. It was a fun time. Do I wish I was teaching, today? Naw... I enjoy the work I do and the chance I have to get out and visit different parts of the state and work with so many different people.

GO GIS!

Geology Rocks!

When I was in college I took a geology class. This was in Eastern Idaho where there is some interesting geology to be had. There are the Menan Buttes (which really are not buttes at all but tuff cones), a fault line that goes right under the gymnasium. This past week at the Boise State Vs. Idaho football game Boise State students recorder seismic information throughout the game.

Here is an article that describes it:
source: http://www.ktvb.com/news/Heavy-seismic-activity-at-BSU---U-of-I-game-70249732.html

Heavy seismic activity at BSU - UI game

by Nishi Gupta

Idaho's NewsChannel 7

Posted on November 16, 2009 at 10:42 PM

Updated today at 5:06 AM

BOISE -- Scientists say the Boise State University faithful literally rocked Bronco stadium Saturday during the BSU-UI game. A group of BSU students recorded seismic activity underneath the stadium for a project.

The preliminary results for the first half hour of the game are in. The most ground shaking happened during touchdowns, but it was even louder during turnovers. Fans around the stadium got on their feet at the same time causing the meters to spike.

"A turnover is unexpected and it's an abrupt event that happens unlike sometimes a touchdown you know the teams can be

kind of moving down the field and it becomes inevitable that they'll get a touchdown so the crowd reaction appears to

be strongest during turnovers. That's what we're finding", BSU Geosciences professor Matt Haney said.

Haney says the Vandal touchdown in the first quarter barely registered.

(emphasis added)

Library!

When was the last time that you were at the library? I will admit that there was a long dry spell where I had not visited a public library. Thankfully that time has ended. What really made it end was that our kids are getting old enough to read and the library is a great resource for reader of all levels (of COURSE!). Growing up I had frequented the library with my brother as we looked for books to read. Now though the library has many more sources of media, apart from books that they loan out. Now you can check out movies on DVD, even TV series are available  on DVD, CDs are plentiful; but the funnest part for the Peterson household.... they have video games! Yes instead of fighting the crowds at Walmart to purchase a game and then have it fall out favor with the kids within a few weeks; we can check out a game a try it out for a week. If the kids like the game then we can put it on reserve and check it out when next available. Right now, in fact we have Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen at our house.

Now don't get me wrong I love to Wii it with the best of them, but for me the library has been great because I can check out CDs from my favorite artists and listen to something that I might not have listened to in in years or have an opportunity to listen to new music without buyers remorse.

I love the fact that I can browse the library from my Mac and then as I find things I like I can add them to my queue and one they are available then I get an email notifying me that I have something waiting for me at the library.

Fun times at the Boise State Idaho Game

We went to the Boise State Vs. Idaho game this past Saturday. We went with Dad, Denise, Cort, and Emily. We took Ali with us too. Only Gabe and Ali have attended Boise State games. Gabe when while I was still attending Boise State and we lived on campus. It wasn't too cold, but we bundled Ali up just in case. It was another win for the Broncos (of course!).

Gotta get it in....

I need to mention that even though I was unable to attend the Ignite Boise event that I did follow the stream from the Arbiter and it was a pretty cool event. Since then I have been researching other Ignite events throughout the web. Some have archived footage and I have watched some of the presentations and they are right on par with what was offered in Boise. Here are a couple that I looked at, Ignite Bend & Ignite Seattle. It looks like something that would be exciting to attend once the baby is mom independent and can be left with a sitter.

There is another Ignite Boise event happening April 22,2010. Looks to be a good time!

What is Ignite Boise? Click here for the answer

The Week Has Arrived! The Boise State Vs. Idaho football game!

This is the week of the game that saves the career of many a football coach, Rivalry Week! Boise State plays Idaho this week and last I checked Boise State was 31 point favorites. So I am not sure if you can call that a rivalry or not. There has been a lot of talk this week in the media from both Vandal and Bronco fans. But the funniest bit of press that I have seen this week has to do with the University of Idaho Athletic Director refusing to ride on a Horizon Air plane from Moscow to Boise because the plane was painted Orange and Blue for Boise State. He decided to waste money and drive to Spokane and then catch a flight to Boise. What a dope! Good thing Horizon Air listens to whining and took care of the Vandals.

Go Broncos!

CD... Ever bought one of those?

Remember CDs? In this day of digital downloads and iTunes and Amazon MP3 it can be hard to remember the time when if you liked an artist you bought their CD put it in your car CD player or took it home and listened to it. There would be some songs you had heard before on the radio, others you liked instantly and still other songs that you weren't crazy about. But over time many of these songs would grow on you and you liked them. What about song order? There was a time when songs were put on an album in a certain order for a reason. One track flowed into the other sometimes seamlessly. You did not know where one ended and the other began.

As I was driving the other day I thought of this and how there are many songs that I don't listen to as much as I used to because the shuffle of my iPod or iTunes does not get to them often enough. So I have started listening to albums from start to finish, the way the artist intended. I listened to "The Joshua Tree" by U2 from track 1 to 11 and it was as good as I remembered it.

Apple has tried to rekindle this a little with a new feature in iTunes called iTunes LP. I know that I have ripped nearly all of my CDs into iTunes and that those lost tracks are there waiting for me to listen again. I am going to take the time to do what I used to do and listed to CD, whether in iTunes or my CD player.

The Wall Came Down...

I have read a lot and seen a lot this past week about the 20th anniversary of the fall of Berlin Wall. There have been NPR radio accounts, Brian Williams sharing his memories, even The Daily Show took a stab at it. So I thought I would reflect on where I was twenty years ago when the wall came down.

November 1989 I was a sophomore at Nampa High School. I was playing trombone in the marching band and the jazz band. I had just convinced my parents to help me purchase a Bach model 36b Trombone. I told them that it would pay for itself as I would get a scholarship for college (which I did). I was working on weekends for my Uncle in his band instrument repair shop, while getting an education on jazz music and the finer points of jazz/fusion. (Uncle Danny really like jazz fusion and passed on a little bit of that to me). I was trying to stay afloat in all my classes, including Spanish 1; my Dad was the teacher (I had to do a lot of extra credit to not drop below a 'C' in that class).

I was trying to figure out who I was. What I liked and did not like. What I wanted to do with my life and where I wanted to go. After all I was only 15. I was not glued to the TV coverage of the wall coming down, but I do remember when it happened, that in social studies they moved in a TV so that we could watch the live TV coverage.

A lot has happened in the 20 years since then for ALL of US.

Early Morning...

5:20 AM the alarm went off, or did it? I thought I had set it to wake me. Maybe I turned it off in the night, that's not a good thing. I'm not sure what happened, but I woke up on time at least. I was out the door before 6:00 AM on my way across western Idaho to Twin Falls. I have mentioned this before, a couple times a month I get to load up ten notebook computers, a projector and some handouts and travel to Twin Falls to hold classes for the MLS. Today was particularly dark when I left as it was the first time I had traveled there since the end of daylight savings time. The sunrise was brilliant on such a clear morning. The yellow-orange sky peering out of the darkness of the sleepy night. A stark contrast to the darkness of the last time I made this trip. It was so dark last time that even game trying to cross the interstate was hard to see. So hard, in fact that the GMC truck in front of me hit a deer and I drove over it. Not to worry, I am fine, car is OK (had to replace a couple turn signal lights), the trucks occupants were OK. I can't say the same for the deer. So this mornings peaceful drive was a welcome event.

One of the many things that I love about my job is that I get travel around this great state that I love. I love to see the changes of season. What a great place to live and to raise a family.

Did you know...

Here is an interesting video that shows how quickly things change. Remember; change is good. With a new baby.. CHANGE IS GOOD! No matter who's turn it is to take out the diapers.

Sunday Afternoon... Thoughts

Here it is one week into November 2009. Ali is 1.5 months old.

Today we had stake conference and we now have a new Stake President. President Hughes had been around for along time (10 years). That is the way of Stake President callings one decade and you're done. The interesting thing here is that President Hughes has been around for our family for a long time. He was the Bishop of the ward i lived in when Tammy and I married. After being married six months we moved in to the little green house and he was OUR bishop. Then a few years later when mom died he was Stake President. He and Bishop Blacker helped us through that. Then a few years later back in the Nampa West Stake and I am called into the Elders Quorum Presidency, then EQ President with President Hughes as our Stake President. Much has happened during his term of service.

I'm not 25 anymore. I am a father of four. Been married for over 12 years. I have a wonderful wife that IS my best friend. We've been through much together. I would have not wanted it any other way. Not sure I'd have made it through any of it if I would have been alone. I know I wouldn't have.

I didn't intend this to be so sentimental, guess that's just where the muse took me today. See you on Monday!

This is for the kids

" I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to all Autobots taking refuge among the stars: We are here, we are waiting."

* * Featured Columnist Boise State Attacked For Soft Schedule: But No BCS Teams Will Play Them

Here's the full post that I referenced yesterday. It's a good read!

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/284222-boise-state-attacked-for-soft-schedule-but-no-bcs-teams-will-play-them

  

Boise State Attacked For Soft Schedule: But No BCS Teams Will Play Them
by Lace Banachek

Written on November 04, 2009

Year after year, BCS fans rip the Broncos for continuing to play a marshmallow field and even the BCS uses the Broncos soft schedule as a reason to deny them a BCS bowl even when they are undefeated.

Last season the Broncos (12-0) were passed over for the BCS bowls and allowed teams to enter with inferior win-loss records.

Boise State has set out to accommodate the BCS, but no one wants to play them, except Oregon State. Sure Oregon State and Virginia Tech agreed to play Boise State next season (2010), but the Broncos have one road game yet to fill their 2011 schedule and according to WAC commissioner Karl Benson who spoke with the Idaho Statesman, the Broncos are struggling to schedule.

The Statesman reported the Broncos cannot get “a BCS-conference opponent for 2011—even with the help (and exposure and money) of ESPN behind the effort. The Broncos are not asking for a return game in Boise.”

The amount of teams that have said no to the Broncos is roughly 10.

Its not like the Broncos are asking teams for a one-and-one. The opposition never has to step foot on the “Blue Turf” that seems to be a sore spot across the country. Playing the Broncos offers ESPN incentives as well.

So what is on the table for the BCS opponent? The BCS team gets to stay at home (if they choose), they will be compensated, and they get to show their prowess over the lowly WAC one more time.

Sounds like a schedule made in heaven for any BCS team?

Apparently not! What is the key to this schedule problem is the BCS opposition does not want to lose, and they do not want to explain to their fans and conference playmates that the Broncos gave them a beat down.

Well here is the opening for Bronco haters to bring up the past and the many Broncos loses (by less than a touchdown) from the mighty BCS. Albeit that was then, come on BCS step up, show your footballs to Boise State and get 2011 set!

However, should there be none (mighty BCS teams) willing, than when it comes time for the Broncos to bring their undefeated schedule to the Bowls, do not use the excuse that Boise States record is to soft, it is only soft because no BCS teams will play.

The Broncos and their fans are looking forward to the scheduling of that final 2011 game. Benson said the WAC is hiring a firm to help promote that game. It’s kind of like the Broncos are paying somebody, anybody to play them and still no one wants too.

That’s another story—go Broncos

Boise State's Problem

Boise State Football has been pretty successful over the past decade or so. With success can come growing pains and other problems. Well it seems that Boise State's problem is that they are too good. Not too good for the poll voter types out there (Mike Prater), but too good for the big bad baby bcs teams. NO ONE wants to play Boise State. Need proof?

According to the WAC commissioner Karl Benson; with the help of ESPN Boise State offered to no less than TEN elite programs to come and play without requiring a home game in Boise. But NO school took them up on the offer. What a messed up world NCAA football is. On one hand you have the computers, critics and other schools degrading Boise State for not having a tough enough schedule and at the same time when Boise State offers to play the "tough" teams to beef up their schedule they're turned down.

So BCS teams, Cowboy Up! The Broncos are HERE, they're REAL and READY TO STOMP YA'LL!

TMI... Really

Do you Tweet? What about facebook? Updating your status every hour? Now some people would say that I update my facebook status too much. But I really don't. Maybe once a week... When I have something I think is interesting to say or share. If I have a quick thought or sharp comment I tweet as well. But what I do not do is fb/tweet every second of my day. 

People do not need to know when I am getting up for lunch. Or when I take a potty break! Or that I am stuck in traffic (might as well ask to get a ticket for 'texting while driving' if you advertise that you are stuck in traffic). I like getting bits of insight from others via twitter, or interesting ideas that someone might have. But I don't pay attention (or follow) the people who give TMI. 

Now you might be thinking that it's a pretty arbitrary distinction that I am making and that what I consider TMI others may not think it is too much. That is True. I choose not to follow those types and don't pretend to be one. Use it for what YOU want to use it for, but don't get upset or freak out when you're un-friended or a follower stops following you. Life goes on. Don't fb/tweet your crying for all the world to see.

Boise State Football...About time!

Boise State Football. We're halfway through the season and I have not blogged too much about Boise State Football, yet. That will change. As the season continues and Boise State wins, they will be part of the BCS post-season talk. As they should be. They are currently BCS: #7 AP: #5 Coaches: #5 There are seven undefeated Div I college football teams including Boise State. So to those who don't think that Boise State belongs in the conversation for post season BCS play; I have one thing to say: Boise State BEAT Oregon. The Broncos wiped the floor with Oregon; Oregon went home and cried big crocodile tears to their mommies! So when Oregon wipes the floor with their PAC-10 opponents, Boise State OWNS them. Boise State OWNS Oregon. ERGO Boise State OWNS all those who Oregon has trampled. Purdue, Utah, Cal,Washington State, UCLA, Washington, and USC; Boise State was the biggest fish who ate the fish that chomped you!

"Boise State is the best team in college football and it should be the Broncos in the BCS National Championship game.

Every time Boise State gets a chance to show what it’s made of, it does. Boise State is a team that hammered Oregon, which hammered USC mightily. Boise State would do the same to USC whether it’s on the blue turf in Boise or in Los Angeles." - Scott Hansen

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/283447-boise-state-is-the-best-team-in-college-football