Jimmy the Gun

Kinect Star Wars...Yeah, I Need An XBOX Now (VIDEO)

2012-01-27T20:43:00.000-08:00

So it may be time for me to get an XBOX. Wait and you'll see why.

Thanks @shirleyface.

Silence Your Cell Phone Or Else

2012-01-25T20:09:00.000-08:00

This is great because the violinist is able to mock the rude cell phone owner, give dirty looks, and show off his amazing talent to improvise.

The Types of Man

2012-01-23T10:16:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, our pastor used an interesting description of 4 types of man. I modified it a little and added a fifth. He admitted, as do I, this is not completely theologically sound, but I found it interesting enough to post.

If you are interested in his explanation, head over to bridgewaychristian.org and look for the audio for Part 2 of his Hebrews series. Heck, listen to the first one too.

Types of Man
1. Original man - created by the hand of God, sinless Adam, Eve, and Jesus

2. Fallen man - all mankind after Adam and Eve sinned, apart from God

3. Redeemed man - saved from sin by Jesus, believer by faith

4. Condemned man - fallen man at death, sent to pay his own price for sin

5. Glorified man - redeemed man at death, covered by the blood of Jesus, who is the only original man to live to death in His original sinless perfection as both God and man, able to pay the price for all, bringing many sons to glory

Chip Foose Talks About Volkswagen

2012-01-21T19:40:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has read this blog knows I love Volkswagen. Now, VW has hired hot rod designer Chip Foose to talk about his 1985 GTI. He makes a great point about VW. "One of the greatest things that Volkswagen has achieved is the fact that you can watch the evolution of their design. They didn't abandon a great form to do something new; they just enhanced the details of each car." And the do just get better and better.

This is coupled with the announcement of their iPad app for the Golf R.

Reporter Interrupted for Report Ruining The Fun

2012-01-19T20:19:00.000-08:00

My favorite part of this video is the new desk guy's response at the end.

The "Dumbest Stuff (People Do) On Wheels"

2012-01-14T16:16:00.000-08:00

This is some crazy stupid stuff. If you have a weak stomach, you may not want to watch.

Music From Household Dishes and a Special Knowledge of Electronics

2012-01-14T15:33:00.000-08:00

I find this amazing, electronic equipment and dishes turned into music.

My Bright Idea #13 - The Next Generation of The TV

2011-12-24T15:12:00.000-08:00

My Bright Idea #13 - December 19, 2011
This "My Bright Idea" post is the unlucky number "13", but I think the idea may already be in the works with Apple's rumored TV project. I think the next generation of television should change from the standard "over the air" style setup and be more like on-demand via high speed Internet. This would mean you watch what you want when you want, without filling up your DVR or missing an episode of your favorite show due to a signal, DVR, or scheduling issue. Logistically, I see the scheduling of shows and their episodes looking similar to today's setup, with an "episode air time and date". This would be the "release time" for the shows' newest episodes. But watching the episode would be completely different. Instead of watching a show at its schedule day and time or setting up a timer in your DVR, this on-demand style set up would allow the viewer to stream the episode after it's release time.

Also, because the networks and producers of television shows need to make money, advertisements would be embedded in the stream and/or pop-up at the top or bottom of the screen, or before the stream started. With advertising profits shrinking because of DVRs,and their commercial skipping or fast-forwarding features, this streaming option would force the commercials to be played, similar to Internet streaming now.

The hardware would need to be ready to grab a stream of the available shows (similar to Netfix's streaming setup), as well as, grab the over-the-air signal for live viewing. The menu system would need to be similar to a TV guide, but with fully functional search features, including shows and their past episodes. Each network could still have their different stations, as well as, local news and information specific to each network. While live viewing or searching a particular networks "channel" ads profits would benefit the particular network. The menus could be set up in such a way that each network can have the list of all their shows, combined with lists of all the available seasons and episodes, and even suggestions and social media elements for discovery options.

My Bright Idea #12 - Mircosoft and "The W"

2011-12-14T20:08:00.000-08:00

My Bright Idea #12 - December 14, 2011
Microsoft should buy W.com and turn it into their cloud based storage service. The W would Work with all Windows products for seamless storage and access to all the user's files. It would compete with Apple's iCloud service, and offer Windows Phone users similar capabilities, but offer seamless integration with all of Microsoft's products and other services.

The W is for Windows, for the Web, for the World Where you Want it.

My Bright Idea #11 - iVoIP, The Apple Home Phone

2011-12-14T19:47:00.000-08:00

My Bright Idea #11 - November 21, 2011
Apple needs to create a VoIP calling feature for Wireless network calling. I call it "iVoIP". It would be the Apple Home Phone and work with the iPhone, once it's on your home WiFi network. Since so many people don't even have home phones anymore, it would be an awesome way to have your cell phone work on your home wireless network, saving valuable cell minutes, and in my case, provide a better signal and higher call quality. It would also be cool if aftermarket companies designed home phone style docking stations that charged your cell phone, and allowed for a more conventional handset to be used throughout the house. Retro styles, multiple handsets throughout the house, charging, music playing, etc. would all be cool aftermarket devices.

Music, Cars, Beautiful Country (VIDEO)

2011-12-09T21:17:00.001-08:00

Jimmy the Gun, And His Trusted Sidekick, Pepper Spray (UPDATED)

2011-11-28T12:51:00.001-08:00

I have to work on the UC Davis campus every few weeks. I've been taking our newest team member with me, partly for training, but mostly for the additional set of eyes. There is a lot to do in a branch I visit so infrequently. Today I was asked when I was scheduled to be there next. After giving my schedule, I made a joke about bringing pepper spray with me. My co-worker, the one who as been going with me, asked if that was my nickname for her. We had a good laugh about it and we came up with our new super hero characters and slogan:

Jimmy the Gun, and his trusted sidekick Pepper Spray. Righting the wrongs and mocking the stupid. It's what we do.

For those of you who have not heard about the pepper spraying incident, the video is below. It is a little shocking for those sheltered few still left in our society, but I offer this advice: no matter what your political views are, if a member of law enforcement gives you a direct order, you better obey it or be prepared to experience pain compliance and arrest control techniques, and be ready to part with your freedoms as an American Citizen. If an officer of the law is actually unjustly violating your rights, comply now and sue later. It will be much more satisfying later in court if you stay "in the right". But the second you do not comply with the directions of someone, who has been deemed capable of enforcing the laws of our society and, subsequently, has been given the authority to take away many of those rights and freedoms from law violators, you are wrong.

This video clearly shows the 2min 28sec delay from warning to spraying. That's soooooo much time to move out of law enforcement's way.
As an upstanding member of society, if you are given the order to move out of the way of officers so they can effect a lawful arrest, you would gladly move out of the way. If you deemed that arrest as unlawful, as an upstanding member of society you would still move out of the way, and later file a formal complaint with the agency, and possibly move to file suit against the officer(s) involved. It is only the members of society who do not conform to the rules that get pepper sprayed after being warned to move out of the path of officers effecting an arrest. At least in this video that's the case.

UPDATED: Here's a video with audio of the cops warning the Occupy Morons. "Spray away", I say.

Hot Wheels, Gymkhana, Ken Block, MBI #1, Sweet (VIDEO)

2011-11-27T20:20:00.001-08:00

I've posted about Ken Block and his amazing driving skills before, but I heard recently about a Hot Wheels model of his Ford Fiesta. Now, I didn't plan on going out and getting it, as I'm not THAT crazy. But I found one at Target tonight, while paying my kid for a bet I lost. Yep, I bet my kid and lost, which is why I do not gamble. Here are some images I shot of the Hot Wheels 2011 Ken Block Ford Fiesta:

This is sort of like the start to "My Bright Idea #1" coming true.

And here is his latest Gymkhana Video.

Running From the Police...Fail

2011-11-23T12:01:00.001-08:00

This is awesome. Apparently, this guy running from the cops, thought he could scale the police SUV, but fails Listen for his head cracking on the street after he is tackled by the officer. He'll down for a while.

My Bright Idea #10 - Google's MMORPG Using Google Earth

2011-11-22T10:51:00.001-08:00

My Bright Idea #10 - September 6, 2011
Google should develop an MMORPG using Google Earth and the 3D buildings that people are creating. People can join the "real world", but play and do things they may not normally do or be able to be part of.

This goes with my MMORPG "Real World" Game idea, where people play out themselves in the real world, but are able to choose to be "good" or "bad" and perform tasks to that end. You either choose to do things like stopping crimes seen in the game, or you choose to do them. People would live out their desired role, leading toward enforcement of rule and law or the destruction of it. Each "good" or "bad" thing done would earn the player points toward their goal. Depending on where and how the crimes or prevention is done, the player would earn roles in the world they create. There would also be an underlying points system for those things done without detection. This would allow for things like secret alter-egos in the world.

For example, if someone decided to be "good" and prevented crime, they may choose to become a COP, working a beat, etc. But if they prevent crimes that are behind the scenes, in dark allies, in back rooms, etc., they can earn roles such as FBI agent, with access to more information about other players or game characters, that might not otherwise be known. FBI agents would have access to information saved in the server, but not part of a characters "known" status in the world. If someone decides to be "good" but hides their identity with masks or costumes, they can eventually gain a super power.

On the bad side, the range of positions starts at street thug and goes to crime boss. And, for those that are able to reach crime boss and complete dangerous tasks without detection, they can "accidentally" be turned into a super villain with a super power, gained by a tragic accident within the game.

My Bright Idea #9 - Read My Twitter Feed for Me

2011-11-22T10:21:00.001-08:00

My Bright Idea #9 - June 20, 2011
The Twitter app on the iPhone should be updated to allow users to; first, record their user name as an audio file attached to their profile; and second, add a feed reading function that audibly reads a feed aloud so a user can hear the feed while doing other things, such as driving. By allowing users to record their user name to their profile, Twitter can include that quick audio file during the reading portion any time the user's name appears in the feed.

My Bright Idea #8 - Falling Down 2, The Law Makers Will Pay

2011-11-22T10:12:00.001-08:00

My Bright Idea #8 - May 28, 2010
Someone needs to make the next installment of the movie "Falling Down", about a man who goes after the law makers who are telling him how to live and raise his kids. Things that have set him off include: seat belt law, helmet law, no juice in daycare, schools monitoring kids lunches, no dodge-ball, blaming McDonald's for fat kids, etc.

My Bright Idea #7 - Eco-Escalators

2011-11-22T10:04:00.001-08:00

My Bright Idea #7 - March 25, 2010
Escalators should be put on motion sensors that start the escalators as someone approaches, and stops them when they are not in use.

My Bright Idea #6 - Bio Diesel for Garbage Trucks

2011-11-22T09:58:00.001-08:00

My Bright Idea #6 - March 24, 2010
Garbage can be turned into bio diesel; therefore, garbage should be turned into bio-diesel for garbage trucks.

My Bright Idea #5 - The Bean Spreader

2011-11-22T09:47:00.001-08:00

My Bright Idea #4 - January 10, 2010
The Bean Spreader, a device that clamps onto a can of beans and helps spread beans out at an even amount, would be helpful in making nachos, quesadillas, and huevos rancheros. Anything needing a thin layer of beans evenly spread over a large area would benefit from a bean spreading device.

My Bright Idea #4 - I Thought of The Atrix First

2011-11-22T09:37:00.001-08:00

My Bright Idea #4 - January 1, 2010
Someone should design a handheld device that docks with a keyboard, monitor, and mouse to act as a full sized computer.

This actually happened with the introduction of the Motorola Atrix, a little over a year later on February 13, 2011.

My Bright Idea #3 - Taco Tree Should Franchise

2011-11-22T09:29:00.001-08:00

My Bright Idea #3 - September 24, 2009
Taco Tree should franchise. At the time I wrote this, the Krispy Kreme building in Roseville, CA was still empty and I thought that would be the perfect location for a Taco Tree. Their food is fast and fresh and really great. It's a quality fast food joint that makes memorable tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and even bun tacos. Plus, they've sold the best tasting Pepsi products for at least 20 years I can remember.

I still think they should franchise, and by starting in a location where people know the name, they will only have continued success.

My Bright Idea #2 - Social Media Works for Advertising

2011-11-22T09:19:00.001-08:00

My Bright Idea #2 - September 15, 2009
This one has partially come true, although not to the level to which I believe it could be utilized. "My Employer" should use social media for marketing. Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube are some of the more popular forms of media out there, and if done right, can increase awareness, sales, and reputation of the company in the market.

I did call my employer to discuss my ideas with the head of marketing back in September 2009, but was told, "we are working on our policy" and "watch for job postings in the future", but I was never allowed to present my specific ideas.

My Bright Idea #1 - Introduction and My Matchbox Idea

2011-11-22T08:59:00.001-08:00

I started a list back in September 2009 of what I call "My Bright Ideas". It's really a list of things (I remember to write down) I think should be reality now. Some of them are minor tweaks to things that are already in existence. Some are things I'd love to be able to head as a project manager at a large company like Google or Apple. And some are little predictions I have about the near future. They are short and sweet, and I'll try not to get carried away with details that don't matter. In fact, this will be the longest entry in this series.

I decided, since I'm not really that smart, connected, or equipped, I'd just write them down here to be stolen by someone with the means to bring them to reality. Once they are written down, the least I can do is take credit for the idea later. This way, I look like the genius. So here goes.

My Bright Idea #1 - September 13, 2009
A toy car company, similar to Matchbox or Hot Wheels, should create a way for consumers to submit their own paint schemes and personalized vehicle designs and purchase them from the toy company. I see this working out on a larger purchasing scale for law enforcement agencies, utility companies, and other companies with fleet vehicles, but I'd also want it to work out for smaller quantities too. My idea involves a website where the customer would upload pictures of their paint scheme and would be able to apply it to the chosen make of vehicle. It's similar to what M&M does with customizing the candies.

My Bright Idea #1 (updated) - October 24, 2009
A toy car company should make all the cars they build to the same scale.

Singham from Bollywood. Awesome Fight Scene and Stunts.

2011-11-19T07:27:00.001-08:00

Bollywood scores again, with this awesome fight scene. The whole this is funny and creative and well filmed.

This is the scene that started it all. (bad audio)

Beautifully Shoot Freestyle Motorcycle Riding in the French Alps

2011-11-19T07:04:00.001-08:00

This video is cool in two ways. First, the things these guys can do with their motorcycles are amazing. And second, the video is amazing. The French Alps look beautiful.

The Volkswagen Group Still Makes The Best Looking Vehilces

2011-11-17T19:19:00.001-08:00

The LA Auto Show is going on right now, and while I don't get to go, don't get to read my favorite blogs about it, or even get to see/share about all the new automobiles on display there, I wanted to quickly say the Volkswagen Group still makes the best looking vehicles.

From the VW Passat and Golf to the Audi line of vehicles, the lines that the Volkswagen Group's designers create far superior vehicles to any other automobile manufacturer. Here are just a few examples I've seen in my quick overview from Autoblog's review of the LA Auto Show.

The 2012 Passat

The 2012 Golf Type R

The 2012 Audi A7

The 2012 Audi A6 (not from the show, but one of my favorites)

The 2011 Audi Q7 (not from the show, but one of my favorites)

Anybody Good At Graphic Art?

2011-10-24T22:13:00.001-07:00

I want to update and simplify my logo. Anybody know how to do any graphic art?

Marching Band Nerds...The Party Rock Anthem

2011-10-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

If I knew that being a band nerd could be this cool...I probably still would have exited band when I did, but this is really awesome.

A Mobile Post From "Blogger For iPhone"

2011-10-19T18:50:00.001-07:00

This is a test of the new "Blogger for iPhone".

iPhone 4S Has Siri, Which Can Help You Find A Place To Hide A Body

2011-10-14T21:08:00.000-07:00

Joshua Topolsky, Editor-in-Chief of theverge.com (a new tech blog coming soon), was on Jimmy Fallon's show, showing off the iPhone 4S and it's cool feature Siri. Enjoy.

In Hopelessness, I Shall Seek Out The Word

2011-09-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to pretend to think of myself as deep. In fact, I'm a shallow fool who desperately needs God's grace to cover a multitude of sin, that otherwise earns me eternal damnation, separation from God, and torturous everlasting death. Eeek. But I tweeted tonight about hopelessness, and how it abounds exponentially with the leadership of this country (I may have said it differently due to the 140 character limitation). This tweet, which I felt I needed to share, led me to this blog post, which, again, I felt I needed to use to explain the hope that is in Jesus Christ who is the Son of God and who is God.

I titled this post "In Hopelessness, I Shall Seek Out The Word" to be creative with it. I decided to share the following verses tonight because I've had this on my heart since reading them with my kids. We started a family devotion time after our July family vacation to Newport Beach, CA with my mom's side of the family. It was awesome! My mom's brother, a pastor in Georgia, sat everyone down the first night and explained he thought we should all do a "family devotion" each night of the trip, just after dinner, for 15-20 minutes. At first, I was a little bothered by what felt more like a demand than a suggestion, but I quickly realized this was going to be one of the major highlights of the trip. And, it turned into something I felt was important to my family's spiritual health. Anyway, I've written about this vacation before, so I'm just going to move on and explain my title.

"I Shall Seek Out The Word". Really, "The Word" is a name John uses for Jesus. John, the book of the Bible I decided to read with my family, starts with:

1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. v2 He was in the beginning with God. v3 All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made. v4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men."

1:14 "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."

When I'm feeling hopeless, I need to seek out Jesus. Why? Because He is God, Creator, Life, Light, Grace, and Truth. He created us and gave us life and light. Then he came to earth and provided a way for us to not be hopeless in a sinful world, giving us grace and THE truth of Himself. Jesus existence is not disputed in history. He really lived as flesh and dwelt among us. Only His sovereignty is disputed. The unbelieving deny the life and light that His glory gives.

3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. v17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. v18 Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. v19 And this is the judgement: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. v20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. v21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been carried out in God."

I can't really say it more clearly than this. I tried, but I deleted what I wrote because it was not as precise. Be encouraged by God's words. All of 3:16-21 is Jesus speaking to Nicodemus about salvation. It's God's own words. The words of The Word.

Word.

Coffee Is A Wonderful Drug

2011-09-25T14:59:00.000-07:00

This is a great little video I retweeted at one point, but I figured, after a conversation with a coworker about how much coffee is too much coffee, I would post this here as an argument showing I'm better off with it than without. It also justifies my many @jimmythegun Instagram #todayscoffeecup pictures. Check out more info at this guys blog too. Coffee truly is "The Greatest Addiction Ever".

I Won The Lottery. Now What Am I Going To Do?

2011-09-19T22:32:00.000-07:00

WARNING!!! This became a really long and probably boring post. I quit trying to spell and grammar check too. It was just not worth the effort. Sorry in advance. Also, avoid the ads this story may generate on my site. I'm sure they are going to be about winning the Lottery or something like it. Nobody wins. Nobody.

- James Guhn

Have you ever dreamed about what you'd do if you won the lottery? I'm sure we all have. Are you the type of person who is sure you are going to win it in the future? Maybe "as soon as God feels like you can handle the responsibility"? Most people who do win, can't handle the wealth in a response way. Most over spend, over extend, and put themselves in a place where their cost of living exceeds the amount they can earn. Many even have to file bankruptcy to get things "back to normal". Most of them can't get passed the greed lust to realize the taxes, upkeep, and the future costs of their spending and purchases.

Anyway, I would like to win, despite those problems and the Bible's warning about riches. I'm one of those fools who thinks I can manage it, live similarly to how I live now, and still recognize the need for a Savior. Would I give it all to charity? Maybe. Would there be many selfish purchases of excess? Yes! But, my theory really is that, for the most part, my life wouldn't change much, and if it did change in a Spiritual way, it would be for the better because I'd have more time to read the Bible, write about the Bible, write songs about God, record those songs, publish those songs, and promote those songs about God to the masses. People who know me well, also understand I have a few desired items, but most of my joy comes from being the guy who can "picks up the bill" at a dinner or entertain my guests with an exiting evening full of food and laughter. I'm not so much about possessions as I am about the appreciation felt by doing something for another person. I'll do anything to make people laugh...to my own detriment. Don't get me wrong, I do know I'm an ass, but most of the time it's either my frustration with people's total lack of common sense, or I'm trying to make someone laugh at the expense of others.

So what would I spend my millions on? (Oh yeah, and we're talking lots of millions. Like hundreds of millions in this dream post). My first purchase would be something for driving. Currently the list would probably include an Audi A8, Q7, or R8. Or all 3. Right now those are my favorites.

I'd, of course, buy a house....or property to build my dream home on. I'd want enough land to build a driving course too (more on that in a minute). I'd want to take a vacation to Hawaii. I'd hire someone to go on that vacation to watch the kids (applications will be accepted from friends too so, be thinking of what qualifies you to go). I'd find a very safe investment where the interest earned would be enough for a normal salary, let's say $80k to $100k per year. This investment would be the "untouchable" portion of the winnings, set aside to pay me for the rest of my life. Sure, it's not going to be earning as much as the money could possibly earn in more aggressive investing, but at this point wealth is not the goal. I'm already there.

But that's really the list of purchases for myself. A house with property. A few of my favorite vehicles. A vacation. And a few safe investments, including money for my kids colleges and their own needs (and a few wants). The rest, I'd want to us doing things for others. Now, I'm not talking charity type stuff. I'm not trying to sound giving and so loving towards people. I'd actually be really cautious and steer clear of almost all charity style giving. I don't trust most of them. I'm really referring to friends and family giving. I'd take care of those close to me, the ones I love and care about. Sure, I'd support my church, but mostly I'd become physically involved at church, seeing how I wouldn't need a job. I'd volunteer for programs and projects, get back into music, maybe teach some. But the no job thing leads me to my next points.

I'd want to continue in some line of work. Some days I think I'd go back into law enforcement. Other days I think something simple and mindless like a bank teller would be nice. Today I actually thought about a "stay at home" position with the bank, were I work a phone answering operational questions for branches all over the country. But here is how I see these jobs working out:

Law Enforcement Job

The law enforcement job works out where, I'd want to purchase my own car. Currently I'd look at the Dodge Charger since the Crown Victoria is all but gone, although recently I heard my old agency may be going with the Chevy Tahoe. I'd have it painted in the scheme of the hiring agency. I'd outfit it with all the latest and greatest technology, including all the upgraded hardware and software available to work with existing systems. I'd also eventually invest time and money into bringing the agency's hardware and software up to modern specs as well. I would require a paid position and union protections, but the salary would not be the concern. Mainly, I'd want all the available protections afforded officers of the law, from the public and criminals who may want to take from me and my winnings to satisfy their own greed. I would not ask for pay during the training portion of the job, but I'd wait until I was a stand alone officer, to allow the agency and other officers time to see my commitment to taking criminals to jail, making people feel safe, and being involved in the community (is that not the perfect cop answer?).

After establishing myself in the job and proving I am a hard working officer, willing to do the same tasks as anyone else, I would work on things that can make doing the job more efficient, safe, and productive.
From my short time on patrol, my first thought here is a system within the cars that makes it easier, safer, and quicker to gain information on a call, a suspect, a vehicle, etc. that an officer is involved with. Also, I'd work to upgrade all the communications systems throughout the given agency, so there are not areas within the jurisdiction where communication is a problem. I'd work on the report writing system and dispatching system to create seamless transfer of information, creating templates for many of the reoccurring crime reports, so that completion of the report is quicker, more straight forward, and to the point. In car report writing systems could be created with pre-populated information and drop-down cells to help quickly and accurately write a report. Agency wide networking would allow for officers to access the information anywhere. But now I'm rabbit trailing into my plans for one system.

My home driving course would be set up to facilitate training and ongoing refresher courses for safe officer Emergency Vehicle Operations Course requirements, and additional quality vehicle operations. I would design a course that allowed for fast driving, winding road courses, and other intense conditions, such as wet pavement and slide control training. I would spend time and money on my own skills to properly prepare me to train officers in pursuit and code 3 driving. I'd offer access to the officers at free or reduced costs so they could continue to practice and hone their skills on their own time. I'd also offer the course and equipment to the agency to facilitate required training mandates. I'd provide the vehicles, spec'd similarly to the agencies own fleet. I'd also provide an area for shooting practice and arrest control technique training. My home would be a virtual academy for law enforcement training.

Bank Job

I'd have nothing to learn if I went the bank teller route, but the operations support person may still offer challenges and opportunities to learn and grow. As a teller, I'd spend all my time talking to customers and running their simple transactions. I'd want to do this in a place where there is high traffic, not so I'm busy all the time, but because the only challenge for a bank teller is to keep people happy while moving them through a large line and offering them products and services that might benefit them. I can do all the duties of a bank teller in my sleep...sometimes I did. Really, I'd take this job as a millionaire, simply for the ability to entertain customers, without any responsibility except fulfilling their banking requests. Mindless? Yes. But I'd also have the interaction with people I'd need to allow me an opportunity to entertain.

The operation support position, called Retail Support where I work, would allow me to use my current knowledge of policies and procedures, along with the ability to refine, revise, and possibly write policies. I've been doing this already in a limited scope but in past with major impact, writing policies, creating forms, and providing access and training. Still today, I am emailed often from people all over the company looking for revised or electronic versions of my forms and handouts. I'd love to have a more connected role to the current policy writers and be more involved in the processes that shape how things are done within the company. I'd look at combining the efforts of the policy writers with those of the training department, to more completely offer the correct processes to follow.

Of course, even without the lottery winnings, this job would be awesome. But, by winning the Lottery millions, I'd do it in a capacity that allowed me to be part time and home based.

Conclusion to Crazy Talk
So, I wrote this to talk about my wants, but it really made me think about what I want to do with myself. In reality, winning the Lottery is probably not going to happen and the law enforcement thing is probably too much of a drastic life change with too many unknown variables. But the Retail Support thing is really what I want to do. I really want to do it in the capacity of someone who can make the changes happen. What would that require? I'm not sure. How does anyone become a mover and a shaker in a huge company like mine? These are the questions that, if answers, can lead to great success. I'm the type that doesn't feel uncomfortable asking the successful how they managed to make it happen, but I know often times there are people who feel threatened by people who push themselves forward aggressively (it's challenged me more than once). I've always been good at the jobs I've held, and if I wasn't good at something, I made the required changes to make success happen. I'll conclude with these thoughts:

1. I need to pursue what I love.
2. I need to look harder from the outside in at what that pursuit needs to be.
3. I need to make the moves to make it happen without feeling like it's going to takes winning the Lottery.

So, I really didn't win the lottery, but if I did....yeah, it'd be some stuff on this list for sure.

Star Trek Is Better Than Star Wars...Says William Shatner

2011-09-17T08:44:00.000-07:00

Star Trek is better than Star Wars. Captain Kirk explains why.

He actually makes some really good points and I tend to agree. It is a superior franchise, with better stories, told with more drama, better writing, and believable situations...well believable for the future. The science in Star Trek is better.

Anyway, Bill explains it much better.

Nataly Dawn Sings a Crash Test Dummies Song

2011-09-05T18:02:00.000-07:00

This is two of my music likes together in one place. First, Nataly Dawn from Pomplamoose singing, and second, a Crash Test Dummies song. I listened to CTD in High School and, while Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmmm was their most famous song, Superman's Song was a close second. I even molded some of my own songs and sounds after them.

Crash Test Dummies version.

CEO Howard Schultz Letter 2011.."disappointed by the pervasive failure of leadership in Washington"

2011-09-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

Here is an image of the actual letter emailed out to so many of us, from CEO of Starbucks, Howard Schultz. I hope this is a wake-up call to the leadership in Washington. And, although I don't know the politics Mr. Schultz, I am so excited by a letter like this, citing over 100 business leaders' signed pledge to:

First, to withhold political campaign contributions until a transparent, comprehensive, bipartisan debt-and-deficit package is reached that honestly, and fairly, sets America on a path to long-term financial health and security. Second, to do all we can to break the cycle of economic uncertainty that grips our country by committing to accelerate investment in jobs and hiring.

I sure hope the power of a man like Mr. Schultz and others listed on the website in the letter (www.upwardspiral2011.org) can put a fire under our country's leaders and get things back on track.

click letter to enlarge

One more thing that I find interesting is, the fact that the Fed is now suing 18 banks or so, (mine is not listed *yippie*), for bad lending practices. The only problem is, THEY WERE HUGELY RESPONSIBLE FOR IT, acting as Fanny and Freddie. The government is big and getting bigger. Obama is a communist and is leading our country quickly into destruction. It is a sad day.

Anderson Cooper's Punny Laughter

2011-08-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

Well, if you didn't hear about this today (or listen to a clip of it on your favorite radio show), Anderson Cooper cracked himself up yesterday. His laugh? Well it was funny itself, and is why it's getting so much press. As a person who has experienced the uncontrollable laugh on occasion, and been embarrassed by the sounds I've made, I can actually appreciate this and I find it rather humorous.

I will say, Anderson's need to explain all the puns in his editorial on this idiot who urinated on a plane sort of ruined the flow of his humorous schpeel. But the laugh brought it home.

When a Woman's at the Wheel...

2011-08-18T19:46:00.000-07:00

"When a woman's at the wheel, Polyglas means more than mileage." - Goodyear.

PCSO's New Charger, Jack Conte's Solo Stuff, Gungor's New Album, Free Coffee

2011-08-12T21:42:00.000-07:00

I find myself sitting home alone tonight, as my wife and her girlfriends go out to dinner. I mean, a woman that works that hard to take care of my boys, my home, and me deserves a night out right? So here's a few things I've been thinking of posting, but never have the time to post.

1. PCSO went Dodge, a new paint job, and a SWEET looking ride. The Placer County Sheriff's Office has begun updating their fleet with the next generation patrol vehicle. Since Ford is discontinuing old faithful (the Crown Victoria/Police Interceptor), Placer went with the rear wheel drive alternative available. This picture is of a 2011 Dodge Charger, and although Placer won an award for their previous paint scheme in the 90's, this one has been refreshed and renewed. I love this new car's look.

Here's a look at the old one, if you don't already know what the award winning design was:

And a PCSO Hummer:

2. I've talked a lot about Pomplamoose on my site, but the two people that make up the band are also solo artists. Jack Conte has some radical sounds as a solo artist. Of course, every nerd loves a good Super Mario remake, but I also love the sound of two others I've posted here:

Jack's Super Mario Bros.

Angry Jack?

A softer sound from Jack.

3. Gungor is working on their new album. Here's their sneak peak and an explanation of the bands evolution into this next work (Oh man, I just used the word evolution on my own, and then I just heard them say it in this video).

In case you didn't see it before, this is the album that I first heard at Bridgeway Christian Church in Rocklin, and it's what started my love of this bands music.

4. I got a free cup of coffee yesterday. That is all.

On Christ The Solid Rock...My Version

2011-08-08T23:03:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm a little embarrassed at this video, obviously not so embarrassed as to not post it, but I understand this could be my "Chocolate Rain". Even the lighting is yellow like that guy's video. The point of posting this is to get some reaction to this very raw version of my re-write of the classic hymn "On Christ The Solid Rock". Please add comments to this blog entry, on the "James Guhn Facebook" post, or email me at jeremydburch@jimmythegun.com. Also, I posted the words below if you can't understand them.

Ever since the destruction of the Sacramento metropolitan area's best church (in my opinion of course), First Baptist of Auburn, when the horrible decision was made to split apart a church family that had both mature and immature Christians, with both differing levels of spiritual discernment and leadership, combined with the hearts of both men of God and men of self, I haven't been on a very good path in my own spiritual life. During my vacation last month, I had the pleasure of watching my Uncle Terry, my mother's youngest sibling, take charge in the absence of my Grandfather as sort of the "spiritual leader" on my mother's side of the family. He called us all to have evening devotions during our vacation. They were no longer than 30 minutes of song, scripture, and prayer; and although this was a low key time of family worship, I was so impressed and impacted by this time, I decided to implement it in my own family. My wife, kids, and I have a time each night now, where we sing spiritual songs (not just hymns), we read the Bible (I started with John, since every pastor I know has taught through this book 18 million times. I'm an exaggerator, see best church comment above), and we pray as a family.

The point is, I miss this being central in my life, not just the music ministry I was involved in at FBC, but really being in God's word consistently, praying, and working on living as though I am actually saved. ARGH!!! I hate my sin. I recorded this video with my iPhone, at a hotel in Redding, while staying there for a work related visit as people were walking in and out of the lobby (it was a little awkward). But with the loss of access to my piano, it's the only chance I get to play. I took a binder of songs on the last trip, which included many that I've written or arrange, and this one jumped out at me. I quickly, in one take, laid down this really rough version, hoping to use it more to remind myself of what I loved doing so much. I honestly miss music ministry so badly, but feel disqualified these days. Sin is awful. And, I don't know if it's that I'm sinning more or realizing my sin more, but I'm frustrated with it and need to find the hope that only comes from Christ. Often, I'm finding myself so far away from how I know he calls me to live, that the truth of my own salvation pops up as a reoccurring question. I know He truly is the Rock of salvation, and reading John reminds me of the fact that Jesus, the Word, who was with God in the beginning, and breathed life into all creation, came to earth to die a horrible death, after perfectly living only about as long as I've lived, and paying of the sins I commit every single day. And yet, knowing these facts, I continue to live in a way that makes people hate me, fear me, attack me, and NOT see God in me. I'm gross.

So here are the great words to this song:

On Christ the Solid Rock

Words by Edward Mote and William B. Bradbury

Music by Jeremy Burch

Verse 1
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ name

Chorus
On Christ the solid rock, I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand

Verse 2
When darkness veils His lovely face I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale my anchor holds within the veil

Verse 3
When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found
Dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne

Snake On A Car

2011-08-02T21:17:00.001-07:00

This is crazy.

Women's Motocross...FAIL

2011-08-02T20:57:00.000-07:00

I mean...it's sort of obvious...and it was there.

Conan O'Brien Does the 2011 Dartmouth College Commencement Address

2011-07-25T14:29:00.000-07:00

This is long but so funny. There is some language, so it's NSFW. Another interesting piece of info that makes it more funny is, Conan graduated from Harvard University.

Follow my Twitter Feed @jimmythegun

2011-07-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

So, if you follow my Twitter feed, you are aware I'm on vacation. Usually I'd use this time to sit and read or write blog entries, but this year I've vowed to enjoy the beach, get a tan, and be a little more involved with my family. Today is Sunday and most of the family is going to church. We are debating not going because putting our kids in an unknown church's kid care program is a little uncomfortable for us. We are a little over-protective, but it's a sign of the times. It's actually been a topic of discussion this week.

Anyway, I'm in a slump with the blog too. I love having it, updating it, and sharing my findings, but Twitter is just so much easier for me to use quickly. Blogger needs to introduce an iOS app that allows for posting, with simple video embedding, picture uploading, and text inputting for preparing a post. So far, only Wordpress has grasped the usefulness of an iOS app. Maybe I should move to Wordpress.

Okay, so this post has nothing of value, except for me to say some words. Follow my Twitter feed at @jimmythegun.

Guitar Strings, Wave Lengths, Frequencies, iPhone 4 Rolling Shutter, Awesome!

2011-07-14T19:03:00.001-07:00

I'm not going to begin to pretend I understand what exactly causes the strings to move with, what look like, different wave lengths. I'm just going to post this awesome video, link a bunch of nerds arguing about what the cause and effect is, and move on. Enjoy.

Less vs Fewer...Learned About From Weird Al

2011-07-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

I love Weird Al Yankovic. And today, I learned that he is actually a pretty ~~fart smeller~~ smart fellow (a joke of his caliber). So when I saw this awesome video, I turned to my source for what's correct and what's not. Grammar Girl explains the correct uses for "less" and "fewer", and even gives the example Al does in this short video.

This Guy. And His Cello. OMG.

2011-07-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

The crazy thing about this is, he is incredibly talented. Cheesy, but talented. I especially love the cat at about minute 2:00. Oh and if you stick around for the whole video, you learn Mr. Winer uses what looks like AstroTurf to create a green screen for all his awesome video effects.

Beatbox Cello Piece

2011-07-08T20:48:00.001-07:00

Wow! Read the Captions. Funny.

2011-07-07T19:57:00.001-07:00

Judas is the Demon I Cling To

2011-06-27T22:38:00.000-07:00

I sometimes feel like I have a lot to say, but I know it's not usually anything of value. I've been debating doing an entry on the change in morals and values in just my short 35 years of life, but I know that some would be offended and I'm not always the softest person when it comes to dealing with differing opinions. My wife (poor thing) can tell you about that. But I feel like writing something. So here goes...

First, remember that I added myself to this blog for the attempt at adding spiritual topics. So, when you see that I've written an entry, feel free to skip it if that's not something that interests you. Or, if you think me a hypocrite, based on something you've observed in my life that doesn't seem to fall into what I write, realize I already know and that's why I am so glad God saves by grace not merit.

Now, here comes my way of starting a spiritual topic with something that doesn't really sound too spiritual. I love Lady Gaga. Honestly, I find her to be a very talented musician. She does things that can not be considered boring or just like every other artist. She has an ability to go places with her music, harmonies, and sound that others wish they could reach. And, unlike many of the artists today, she is actually musically talented. Now, I didn't include the video to the song I'm going to refer to below, because she does do things that are provocative and inappropriate to my topic, but she is good at her job.

Her newest album, "Born This Way", was recently described to me as "very Catholic". And, while I've never really been to a Catholic church or Catholic mass or Catholic friend's house, I can see how someone not necessarily involved in a "Christian religion" could believe this, with some of the songs and lyrics on the album. Which brings me to my main point. There is a song on the album called Judas, as in the guy who betrayed Christ. Some of the official words of the song are:

I'm in love with Judas.
When he calls to me I am ready
I'll wash his feet with my hair if he needs
Forgive him when his tongue lies through his brain
Even after three times he betrays me

I'm just a holy fool oh baby it's so cruel but I'm still in love with Judas baby

Jesus is my virtue and Judas is the demon I cling to

Besides the artistic license taken with regards to biblical accuracy (woman who washed Jesus feet with her hair, Peter was the one who denied knowing Jesus three times, etc.), I actually choose to look at this as a pretty good understanding of the depravity that we "cling to". The betrayal of Jesus was the ultimate sin, since it was the complete rejection of Christ (the only sin that is not forgiven, since it is the rejection of the only way to salvation). But we all do it every day. We all choose self gain over the glory of God. I would attempt to roughly translate her words as:

I'm in love with myself
When I want something I go after it
I'll do anything for self gratification
Excuse myself for what I do
Deny the prompting of the Holy Spirit

I know what I do is wrong, but I do it anyway because I seek self gratification

Jesus is virtue but I choose the desire I have to satisfy myself

Now, she may not be thinking of it like me. Perhaps she loves doing what is wrong. She may find Judas so attractive that she doesn't want to believe he is wrong, but I choose to think of it as a cry against what she knows to be wrong and lacks the strength to deny herself of. In another part of the song she says, "I'll bring him down, bring him down, down." What happens is, we think we CAN fight and defeat our sinful desires on our own. But it's not possible. Sin, the desire for self gratification and self glorification, is so strong and so deeply rooted as part of our nature, that we can ONLY cry out for Jesus. Sin is over powering without the strength granted us from God, through the Holy Spirit. And only by the blood of Christ are we able to be freed of the sin we have, do, and will commit.

Finally, I know that I may be stretching it a bit with my translation of this song and its meaning, but I think apart from God, all creatures are seeking the completeness that does only come from fulfilling the purpose for our creation, which is to say, we were created to glorifying God and therefore, will only find true joy and wholeness in doing that. Although the desire to gratify and satisfy our self seems most important, by seeking instead, to glorify God first, total joy and wholeness will be a result that voids our need for self gratification.

And now I've written it to go out tomorrow and not live it. If only God came now to take me home with Him, so that I would no longer betray him daily with my life. Damn you Judas.

The Baby Birds That Fell From The Tree

2011-06-21T23:47:00.000-07:00

The Nest

I arrived home to my awaiting family this evening, greeted at the door by my two beautiful boys, kissed by my wife and welcomed home from my long day at work. My wife had prepared the dinner, and all but the meat was ready for consumption. I knew my grilling expertise would be required for the handmade burger patties waiting on a plate. I needed to fire up my barbecue. As I opened the sliding glass door leading to the patio, I hear a scratching noise coming from some boxes. The boxes, left over from the bunk beds we build last weekend for my boys, were stacked against the fence line of the patio. I cautiously approached the boxes, not sure what I was going to find trapped within. I carefully peered into one of the boxes and saw a little bird, which I assumed was unable to fly out due to the narrow walls and the depth of the box it was in.

I decided, in case it was sick or injured to the point of an impending death, I would lift the box over the fence and dump the bird onto the soft bushes on the other side. This would also allow the bird to perch atop the bushes for an easier takeoff, once the shock of the ordeal wore off. What I didn't notice was the large hole at the top of the box, which caused the little bird to fall out of the box and into my arms, and then onto my patio slab. It hopped around the patio, scared and searching for a safe place to hide from me. (Now, I'm not going to lie. I let out a little sound that any good, startled person would emit. Okay, I slightly screamed.)

I ~~ran~~ casually strolled into the house to tell my wife what had just happened. I formed a plan of how to get this little bird out of my tiny backyard. I decided to use a broom, not to push the little thing, but to guide the bird out of the side gate and onto the sidewalk. The plan worked perfectly. The little bird found its way into the landscaping in front of our residence. And then, the most amazing thing happened. The mother bird arrived. It was then that I realized this little bird was actually a baby, who had fallen from its nest. The mother began calling to the baby bird as though to say, "Spread your wings little one. Fly. Fly." The moment was almost precious, nature at its purest.

Nature at its purest

I ran into the house again, this time to tell my family of the little storybook scene unfolding in front of our home. The boys ran to the front window to watch. My wife gently reminded me of my original purpose for going to the patio. I decided to sneak another peak at the reunited baby and its mother, of course, after I started the grill.

As I approached the grill and began to remove its cover, I ~~could hear myself screaming again~~ found myself startled again. Another baby bird was on the patio, this time waiting to jump out at me as I removed the cover from my grill. This little one knew the escape route and took it, passing my jumpy legs and heading for the hole under the gate and on to the freedom its sibling found. The mother bird screeched at this little one too. "Fly children. Fly," she said. She hopped up, and adding a quick thrust of her wings, landed herself on the lowest branch of a tree. "See children, it's that easy. Try it. You can do it," she was diligently calling to them. She knew it was not safe down on the ground. "Squawk Squawk"! She showed them a few more times. God's creation is amazing.

Where's Waldo? There are two birds in this picture. Can you find them?

Realizing I needed to cook up some amazing burgers (which I know were amazing because I'm writing this hours after eating them. It's not bragging if it's true), I turned and started the grill. While it warmed and I began to comprehend the horror that will ultimately become those baby birds' last day if they don't get the flying thing down, I realized I'd better go wash my hands before I touch any of the burger patties my wife so lovingly prepared for our dinner, you know, just in case I got bird on me.

I think the moral is clear here. Have a point to your stories or you'll just end it with everyone wanting to wash their hands of you. So good night, and thanks for reading.

Music beta by Google

2011-06-20T22:59:00.000-07:00

So Google finally sent me an invite to its music service. I started the upload, at 10:40pm tonight. I have about 4000 songs (or so says Google's Music Manager software), so we'll see how long this upload takes. For now, I like the web interface. I'm disappointed there is not an iOS app for it, but I'm sure Apple will block that for obvious reasons. Amazon, for that matter, needs an iOS app for their music service too. I mean, iPhone is the #1 phone, right? You can't really count all the fragmentation that IS Android, can you? Is Android actually #1? I don't know. I don't do research. I let the blogs do that for me. I just repeat crap they say.

So, there's a bunch of nothing to say, I'll let you all know what I think about Music beta by Google. Thought #1: get a better name than Music beta by Google, or Music by Google, which I assume is what it will be called after coming out of beta testing. How about "Goosic"? It's Google and Music smashed together? Huh? Okay, that's more lame.

Goosic. It's Music. Anywhere. by Google by Jimmy the Gun

MY Google +1 Button...Click It

2011-06-20T20:26:00.000-07:00

I've added a Google +1 button to my website. I'm not really sure what it does, even after reading the description on the website for it, but +1 my site any way.

|I added this picture so you could find it.

UPDATE: If the +1 is blue, it means you've already +1'd it. If it's gray you still need to do it. SO DO IT!

Happy Father's Day to My Dad

2011-06-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to my dad.

Make 7, Up Yours...7UP Retro Review

2011-06-14T21:11:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've done a full beverage review. Why? Besides the fact that my wife and I have been working on reducing our sugar intake, nothing has grabbed my attention. I'm sure most people who follow my Twitter account or read my blog regularly, have seen that Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback are now back for good. These are the "real sugar" varieties of the originals. Dr. Pepper has also done the real sugar thing. And now 7UP, the uncola, is doing it.

Apparently, if you are a Celebrity Apprentice fan you already knew this was coming, but I'm not a fan. I did hear about it through the grapevine (my wife), but I only heard about the lame can designs. When I saw these glass bottles in the store for the first time, I got excited and purchased a 6-pack. The green glass, retro logo styling, and the use of real sugar made this Retro a "must review" for this amateur. I mean, it's an excuse to drink a soda and voice my opinion, with some obvious stuff to write about. Like all my reviews, I smelled it first, poured it into a glass with 3 pieces of ice (to prevent too much diluting) and reviewed the color, bubbles, and taste.

Smell, Color, and Bubbles:
There is nothing to report for smell. There wasn't a smell. I even had my wife check it. There was maybe a super subtle hint of lemon/lime, but it was so super subtle the smell could have been from earlier at dinner, when I squeezed lime on my taco salad. Weird huh? Actually, in reviewing the label, it's printed in big letters over the "nutrition facts" that this beverage "CONTAINS NO JUICE".

Interesting enough the color goes right along with the smell. There is no color. In fact, some people in the more rural areas around me might think their drinking water has more color than this soda.

The bubbles were huge. In contrast, the Pepsi Natural's and Pepsi Throwback's bubbles were much smaller, which I thought might have to do with the sugar verses HFCS. I might have been wrong. I'm no scientist, you know. It's probably just the CO2 they use. Anyway, big bubbles were nice, giving the drink a really crisp texture.

Taste:
At first, I recognized the familiar 7UP flavor. It made me think of being home, sick from school growing up. My mom would treat me to 7UP and Nabisco Saltine Crackers. But, I enjoying this Retro 7UP. In the 90 degree shade of my backyard, while I watched my boys play in the water from the garden hose, I ended up finding the 7UP incredibly refreshing. It wasn't heavy or too sweet. It wasn't overly flavorful or dramatic. It was bubbling, cool, crisp and refreshing goodness, with a subtle hint of lemon/lime (which is not lemon or lime, since it CONTAINS NO JUICE).

What it does contain is water, sugar, acid, natural flavors, and some other stuff I'm sure is okay for you in moderation. All-in-all, I give this a thumbs up. I felt refreshed and really enjoyed the drink. I love the look. I enjoyed the taste. And with NO CAFFEINE, I can drink it at night and not worry about being kept up late. YES!, I'm that old now, and drinks that contain caffeine affect me at night.

Good job 7UP. I was actually ready to knock you as "the uncola". I had a conversation with a Pepsi marketing person this week, who told me "7UP is called the UNCOLA for a reason, because it is". And, while I'm not sure I understood her meaning, I think she was saying 7UP is not her competition for Pepsi. Though this may be true, and Sierra Mist Natural may be outselling 7UP (which I say, not based on fact, but pure speculation), 7UP did a good job here with the Retro 7UP. I hope this brings some good brand recognition to them. I think commercials they SHOULD run need to include the "Make 7, Up Yours" campaign from back a few years ago. Nevertheless, Dr. Pepper/Seven UP, Inc. is doing some interesting things and I hope it works for them.

Mountain Dew Designed a Pinball-like Skate Park

2011-06-12T14:38:00.000-07:00

I love Mountain Dew. I wish I could skate. Since I've owned a pair of Vans since 1988, doesn't that make me an honorary skater? No? Well, this is cool.

Star Wars The Old Republic Trailer

2011-06-08T23:16:00.000-07:00

A trailer for the upcoming Star Wars The Old Republic game came out. This game is going to be similar to the World of Warcraft MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game), where nerds will begin living life inside this computer game, as characters from the Star Wars story line.

It might be time to return to the world of gaming. Here's what the game play looks like.

Another One-Man A Capella Video Song

2011-06-05T15:21:00.000-07:00

This is the first video I got with my YouTube search for "a capella video song" today. I'm impressed by this guys range and different vocal sounds.

The Chevy Silverado is NOT Equal to The Ford Raptor

2011-06-04T11:43:00.000-07:00

Someone was either ready of a new truck, trying to drive their Chevy Silverado as though it was a Ford Raptor, or was drunk at the dunes.

The Awkward Guess of When The Impending Judgement Day WILL Happen (and Why I'm Still Scared)

2011-05-30T22:30:00.000-07:00

I was talking to my wife a few days ago about the whole "Judgement Day" thing and, although this post is a little late to the game, it's really a chance to express my own thoughts from the past few days. The idea that some man "figured out" the day God is going to fulfill His promise to return to earth for His people, using the same Bible that has verses like Matthew 24:36, is ridiculous. I actually told my wife, it wasn't going to happen, based solely on the fact that he predicted a date and time. If "...no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only," then any time someone says, "Yeah I know when it's going to happen," you can bet it will not be that day.

But that's not really my point in writing this post. I did some reflecting on my own life and what a nightmare, joke, sham, ridiculous mess it is, compared to the life the Bible directs a believer to live. After all, our example is the life of Jesus Christ, who was (besides perfect) compassionate, faithful, a servant, a leader, knowledgable of the things of God, a prayer, a studier, a teacher, solely focused on satisfying God's will for His life. Even on the cross, at the point where God was going to turn His back on Jesus and place all our sins on Him He said, "Not my will but Yours be done." And, I'm more realistic to what REAL LIFE is like these days. I mean, the longer I live and the more I experience, the clearer the picture of our desperation and absolute need for God's grace becomes. I never believed a sinless life was possible, but I did think, at one point, I was doing okay. But, more and more I understand the recognition of our depravity is important, and the pain sin causes is required for us to comprehend just how much grace and mercy are crucial for us to spend eternity in Heaven verses Hell. I don't think it is ever going to be possible to feel qualified for Heaven, and if we do, we are probably living a lie, but I am so miserably unhappy with my current Spiritual place, I am becoming more honest with my own "disgustingness" as a creator created by God and realizing my desperation for His grace on either Judgement Day or the day he takes me home.

Here comes the BUT in this, for my Christian friends who are thinking I am justifying sin. I know I am still called to live a life that is holy, blameless, and pure. I just think the holy life of a sinful creator proves to be much harder than most Christians pretend it to be. I often think about the Holy Spirit's role here, and wonder if I'm completely ignoring His prompting and cautions for me to avoid sin, or I'm I not able to hear them because my sinful life is the true evidence of a lack of salvation. OH CRAP, that scares me. If I really think about eternal separation from God, it makes me want to puke. I hate my sin. I hate that I am often consumed by it or overpowered by the temptation to be involved in it. And the fact that it seeks me out and draws me into itself is a horror film playing out its plot in my life.

So what can I do? I can turn to God, His Word, and His people for support. I can flee from the advances of sin. I can pluck out my eyes or cut off the parts that lead me to sin (Matthew 18:9, 5:29, Mark 9:47). Only, I feel I've done that last one in the past (jail job), and yet I continue to fall back into the same negative disgusting life. Why? Why am I drawn to the very thing I do not want? And why I'm I not running toward the very thing I know I need? God gives us all we need to be successful as His children, but I turn towards selfish gain and self desire instead of purity and holiness found in Him and His word. Granted, there is nothing we can do to earn our salvation, but we are still called to live holy, pure, and without blame.

So, there is either Hell or Heaven. One I can achieve on my own, living in the nature of my sin. The other I long for, but can only achieve apart from myself and that nature. One takes no effort. The other takes a life time of selflessness and God's grace. And, although I believe that we all earn Hell, I can not earn the Heaven I so desperately long for. Not without Christ. Not without the sacrifice of God's Son. Not without the WILL of God being such, that He placed all the eternal penalty for my sin onto His blameless Son to bare the price to free me from myself. I am nothing, but I will suffer forever for my nothingness if I don't trust in the Lord with all my heart, and lean not on my own understanding. I am called to acknowledge Him in all my ways, and He will direct my path and make it straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Oh God, I cry out to You. Renew me, forgive me, oh God. Make me whole in You. Give me joy only Your truth can give. Make me love, like only You can love. Give me peace and patience in this world. Help me trust in you. Direct my path.

Angry Birds by Pomplamoose

2011-05-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

This is genius. Pomplamoose started out with "Video Songs", covering popular hits. Then they moved to original songs, a Hyundai commercial, and now the theme to the biggest iPhone game. They are smart, funny, and talented.

If you don't know about this game, Angry Birds, you must not have an iPhone and $0.99 to spare. Here's a video promo for the game.

And here is a link on how to play all of the first versions levels.

Let's Right the Wrong...OR...Let's Wrong It Again

2011-05-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

At 20 seconds into this video (enough time to figure out what is going on in this video) pause it and think about what is going to happen.

I decided before I even got that far in, but it's amazing the tow truck driver didn't see that coming.

Speech to Text for iOS 5

2011-05-20T04:16:00.000-07:00

I hope Apple introduces something like this soon. My short experience with Android showed me the usefulness of speech-to-text while driving. I was able to send texts without having to type. If Apple can bring this to the iPhone, it would make the product that much better. The part I'm not sure is there for Apple is the speech recognition algorithms. I believe Google has superior algorithms because of things like Google Voice and the old Goog-411 service, which they used to increase their systems accuracy. Again, this is another reason Google and Apple should have stayed friends.

Oh yes, I'm up at 4:15am. I've actually been up since 2:00am, when one of my kids woke up crying. He went right back to sleep with a little hug from me, but here I sit still unable to go back to sleep.

Star Wars Episode 1-3 Told Well...With Legos...in 2:21 mins

2011-05-15T21:15:00.001-07:00

Better than what Lucas did.

Stats Suck Sunday...But These Videos Don't

2011-05-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

Stats Suck Sunday was started by someone, not me. I just used it today as an excuse to post a bunch of fun, funny, cool, or crazy videos. Sit back and enjoy.

Jedi Gym - Sit through this, it has a surprising ending.

The Great Fan Escape

Thriller 'a capella'

A Girl Rockin' the Guitar

Frisbee Goodness

Head to Starbucks for a Half-Price Frappuccino

2011-05-03T23:13:00.000-07:00

I just received a Gold Card member email from Starbucks about a deal on Frappuccinos, and I thought I'd do a little advertising for them. I may or may not be a huge fan.

According to the email, you can enjoy half-priced Frappuccino blended beverages - May 6-15, from 3-5 p.m. Not going to lie, working where I do, in such close proximity to a Starbucks everyday, I'll probably partake at least twice during this special.

Fast Five Spoiler Alert (UPDATED)

2011-05-02T21:52:00.001-07:00

Apparently, the French leaked a key chase scene from The Fast & Furious 5 movie. I'm sure it won't be up long so enjoy...or realize this is not close to possible.

UPDATED!!!
Thanks to my sister, I have a video of an interview with the director. It shows just how this movie was actually written...probably.

Today Now! Interviews The 5-Year-Old Screenwriter Of "Fast Five"

Awareness FAIL!

2011-05-02T21:09:00.000-07:00

OMG. Here is why there needs to be more training when it comes to allowing people to buy and drive trucks.

I did steal that title from FailBlog.org

This Guy Can Sing

2011-04-25T09:25:00.000-07:00

I don't know how this guy can transition to falsetto and back so easily, but I'm impressed.

Happy Resurrection Day...Carrie Underwood Sings "How Great Thou Art"

2011-04-24T19:35:00.000-07:00

There isn't a better day to think about how great God is than the day we celebrate the proof that Jesus was God's Son, Resurrection Day. Praise God for how great He is and how vital His grace is to us. Happy ~~Easter~~ Resurrection Day.

Making The Staples "Easy" Button Awesome (Nerding Out)

2011-04-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

I don't normally go in this direction with my nerdiness, but this video was interesting to me. I'm definitely not technical enough to do this. Also, the use of tools might cause me problems.

Slow Motion is Always Cool

2011-04-23T16:00:00.000-07:00

This is a really cool video made with a Phantom Flex high-speed/high-def video camera.

Locked in a Vegas Hotel Room with a Phantom Flex from Tom Guilmette on Vimeo.

How Russians Park

2011-04-23T09:38:00.001-07:00

This is freaking awesome.

Reporting the News, It's Snot Easy

2011-04-22T16:12:00.000-07:00

I'm embarrassed for this reporter.

The Mini Crossbow

2011-04-20T02:48:00.001-07:00

It is weird to think about the nerd who wanted to create this and market it. But, look at me. I'm here getting a kick out of this mini crossbow and video, so I'm helping promote this product without even meaning to do so.

I think my favorite part of this post was listening to the rave music that backs this video. I feel like going out and dancing right now, except for the fact that it is currently 2:48am.

Classical Cow Bell? (a video my mom will enjoy)

2011-04-10T15:55:00.001-07:00

The cow bell is not traditionally a classical orchestral instrument, but here's a video trying to change that.

Flip a Bunch

2011-04-10T14:56:00.001-07:00

Are these people for real? This is amazing stuff.

The Great Merger of Blogs

2011-04-10T14:16:00.000-07:00

Hi, I'm Jeremy Burch. I've been inconsistently writing a personal blog over at http://jeremydburch.blogspot.com/. Now I'm going to be merging my site with http://www.jimmythegun.com/. This experiment may totally fail, as my commitment to my own posting frequency has been lacking, but I'm hoping by adding my thoughts to this site, I'll be able to reach people that don't know about spiritual things or, like me, don't live as though they do. This is my first post on the Jimmy the Gun site, and it's exciting to be invited to add to this blog. Really, the goal is to get more consistent at posting my personal Bible reading/devotion blog entries here instead of at my previous blog. I'm hoping I may catch more readers here, for discussions, inputs, and insights. I don't want to pretend I have all that much to say, especially to what the main focus of Jimmy the Gun has been to this point, but my hope is to bring something worth reading to the site that may inpact us all on an eternal level. People who know me, may be surprised by this part of my life, and that's the scary and sad part of who I am or have become. James Guhn writes a lot of things about his personal passions, past times, and hobbies. I've been added to this blog to bring something that has eternal meaning and value. By adding a subtle mix of spiritual entries to the site, the hope is that those people drawn to Jimmy the Gun for the reviews of technology, automotive, entertainment, music, law enforcement, videos, and the occasional beverage review, will read something that could potentially open their eyes to God's glory. Now, I don't want anyone to ever think I've reached a spiritual level of greatness that affords me the luxury of being judgmental of someone's life or lifestyle. I'm not here to do that. Instead, I want to take what I read in the Bible or hear others teach from the Word of God and share the power of God's love with others. I also want to share my own struggles, as a means of encouraging those that may face similar struggles to continue to strive to please God. So, Jimmy the Gun's and Jeremy D. Burch's blogs have merged. This has been something in the works for a while. It allows for two completely different worlds to join forces and hopefully show that an interest in the randomness of Jimmy the Gun can be blended with the vast importance of knowing God as the Savior from sin and our responsibility to work every day to make Him Lord of our lives. I've blended the two blogs together, but all the old "Jeremy D Burch" entries can be searched here.

HTC Inspire Review (with Android 2.2.1 vs. iPhone 3G with iOS 4.2.1 notes) UPDATED

2011-04-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

In this review I will be discussing my birthday present, an HTC Inspire running Android 2.2 (Froyo). I will be comparing it to my previous cellphone, an iPhone 3G running iOS 4.2.1, which most people would say is not a fair comparison considering the age of my iPhone. I'm going to do it anyway, mostly because this is my blog, but I am actually going to talk mostly about the features each phones' software provides, more than the HUGE performance differences. Be prepared to be surprised at my verdict.

Design and Technical Information (and my feelings about them)

First, I want to talk about the design of the HTC Inspire compared to the iPhone 3G (and similarly the iPhone 4). The first thing you should notice is the screen. There is so much more "real estate" for buttons and apps and web content AND WIDGETS on the HTC Inspire's 4.3" screen verses that of the iPhone, sporting its smaller 3.5" screen. The Inspire's resolution is; however, lacking a bit behind the iPhone 4, at 800x480 vs. 960x640. Of course, my iPhone 3G was only at 320x480, so I'm doing better with the new Inspire so far. Now, the screen truly is something that drew me to the phone, since there were times I found myself frustrated with the iPhone's limits for website rendering, etc., but there are some major draw backs to the larger screen too. The biggest one is the effect it has on battery life. I had better battery life on my busted ol' iPhone 3G than I do with this newer "better technologically designed" phone. I literally can't make it through the day without a recharge.

On the bottom of the Inspire (in the picture above, on the left), you will find the micro-USB connector, used for data transfers from a computer and for power to recharge the phone. I actually found the micro-USB hard to plug in, especially in the dark when I'm in bed and realizing I still need to plug in my phone before I fall asleep. Also, the charger interfered with the baby monitor we have in our bedroom, which made me wonder what sort of "killer watts" are entering my brain as I sleep. Next to the USB port is the standard headphone jack. This location is a little odd to me, only because I got used to the iPhone's being on the top of the phone, which allows the screen to be right-side-up while sitting in the cup-holder in my car. There is also a hole for the microphone.

Nothing exciting on the top. There is the sleep/wake/lock button, which I realized is on the opposite side from where the iPhone's sleep/wake/lock button is, and so far it's felt really awkward; it's almost uncomfortable to try and lock while holding the phone in my right hand. One thing to note, as a previous iPhone user, I miss the ability to wake my phone with the home button at the bottom of the phone. With the larger handset and the button being on what I'm considering, "the wrong side" for a right handed cell phone users (I'm left handed, but I'm a righty when it comes to cell phone use) the button is not located well for me.

The volume buttons are in the same location on both phones (the left side) although the Inspire's buttons are too big and too flush, making it easy to accidentally press the volume buttons. I am constantly turning my phones volume up or down without meaning to do it. With the after-market case I purchased, that doesn't happen, but I'm not really a case person.

On the back of the Inspire, you can see the HUGE camera lens, a dual LED flash, a speaker hole, and two covers (one cover on the side of the phone accesses the battery, and one cover at the bottom of the phone accesses the SIM and included 8GB micro SD card). There is a large ring around the camera's lens with, what I'm assuming is a protective ridge for the glass on the lens. I actually think it looks bulky and I can feel it through my pants when the phone is in my pocket. Hilariously, the phone has the Dolby Mobile logo and the SRS logo. I thing the speaker phone/audio quality from this phone is awful compared to the iPhone's. And I've never been a fan of the iPhone's speaker, so that's saying a lot. Someone needs to build a phone with high quality speakers at the top and the bottom of the phone, to create true stereo capabilities. I think it would work.

Software
Android is super customizable. In the video below, you will see that I have an active wallpaper running, to show off this feature. This does, however, effect the battery life. Android lets you put apps in any one of the 12 locations on the screen (which is the same number of apps per screen on the iPhone, if you don't count the docked 4 iPhone offers), plus there is always the phone button, apps button, and a layout/customize button. AND, all your notices and recent apps can be quickly accessed simply by swiping down from the top of the screen. My home screen has a large clock, which is an active widget with updated weather and temperature, date and time for your current location. This is just one of many widgets that can be added to any of the 7 screens (home plus 3 right and 3 left). The app market is full of apps, many of the same that Apple's App Store offers, and many apps Apple's App Store doesn't allow. I did find that some of the apps don't work the same way on the two devices. Twitter, for example, is ones I found frustrating. The Twitter for Android app doesn't currently support multiple accounts. Also, the copy & paste feature didn't work well within Twitter. I actually found that there were several places within the Inspire and apps where copy & paste doesn't work. Another missing necessity for me is the ability to take a screen capture. This led me to a very frustrating tweet to create that I posted here. I had to use my iPhone over wi-fi to send that tweet. Without screen capture or copy & paste, I was not able to get the Fox 40 mess-up in the above tweet onto my Twitter update.

After watching the video again, I realized the part where I load the website is not an accurate comparison of the Inspire's capabilities because the Inspire, even though it was still clearly faster, loaded www.jimmythegun.com over 3G, while the iPhone loaded it over WiFi. I'm sure the webpage would have loaded even faster if the Inspire was on my WiFi network.

I've been working on a PROS vs CONS list for the Inspire. I created this list on the notes program on my iPhone 3G because there is not a native notes program that I've found. And because I take a lot of notes and write down a lot of my ideas in the notes program, this is a vital app to me. I'd like one that integrates with a "Google Notes" program for ease of back-up, but I don't see one on the phone. The Google Notebook web-based app requires connecting through a browser, and it's not easily found on a PC. There is a Voice Action for sending yourself an email. You simply say "note to self" and speak what you want sent. It's fairly accurate, but I'm not always in a position to speak a note. Anyway, here is the list:

Inspire PROS
1. Voice Actions - this is almost worth keeping the phone over.
2. Huge screen - so easy to see everything.
3. Expandable memory - mirco SD cards are nice for replacing and transferring information. Also, easy to expand capacity when you want more room.
4. Customizable layout - I can place the apps I want where I want them. I can choose themes and widgets and make this phone MY phone.
5. Widgets - there are so many helpful widgets that allow access to desired info or functionality instantly.
6. Google Voice Integration - this phone can become a Google Voice phone, allowing your outgoing calls/texts to show up from your Google Voice number, and access to Google Voicemail as your primary voice-mail.
7. Google Navigation - free navigation using Google Maps. Easy to use with voice actions.

Inspire CONS
1. Battery life - too short.
2. Ease of use - setting, functions, features are hidden, hard to find, or don't exist. There is a different set of rules for every application and how it is controlled.
3. Apps features - apps are not the same on Android vs iPhone. Twitter, for example, doesn't support multiple accounts.
4. No screen capture - for me, this is huge. I often take screen captures of what I'm looking at on my phone, to share on my blog or Twitter account.
5. No iTunes like management software - although I'm not a huge fan of iTunes, the role it plays in managing music, pictures, and other content, plus apps and backing up the phone, is a huge miss for Android.
6. No integrated notes app - yes you can get one off the Android Market, but I want an integrated one; one that works with my Gmail account.
7. No visual voicemail - this can be fixed, sort of, by Google Voice, but I found that if I don't have a good signal, the voicemail can't be downloaded.
8. Cut, Copy, and Paste - this is really a big issue for me. It works similarly to the iPhone in some places, but in other places it either doesn't work at all, or it works completely differently, asking if I want to copy the entire text of a given screen.
9. Cursor placement - in some apps and locations, you have to use arrow buttons to move the cursor to where you want to type or add words or corrections. Other times it will work like the iPhone with touch and hold functions.
10. Sensitive volume buttons and lock button location - these are because of my way of holding the phone, but this is my cons list.

So what do I do? I have a list of issues with iPhone too. I've talked a lot about those issues on this blog. I'm frustrated with Apple's business plan. Here we are only one generation away from the iPhone 3GS, and iOS 4.3 doesn't support the model. Is Apple going to continue to forget their prior products so quickly? I mean, I understand with updates to software and features comes higher demands on processor speed and memory, but Apple has completely left iPhone 3G users in the dust. And now, with the announcement that iOS 4.3 is not going to be available for 3GS users, it seems like Apple is already making changes to the software quicker than what the hardware is able to keep up with. How about building a phone with the MOST CURRENT hardware specs available. Push the envelope a little to produce phones that can keep up with the software changes for a few years. I say 3 years. I'm fine buying a new phone every 3 years. But, I'm so desperate right now because my iPhone 3G is crippled. It is barely usable. And mine works amazingly compared to a co-workers. She waited almost a full minute to exit the Facebook app and retrieve an incoming text. That is NOT acceptable. And back to the latest updates, not much has been added that impresses anyone. Where are the giant leaps forward that could be made? Where is Apple's Voice Actions? Where is the customizable iPhone? Where are the widgets? Where are the advances to the badge system to upgrade the notification system for the users? Why are notifications, texts, and other information given in such a limited manner when the phone is locked? Where are the lists of upgrades tech nerds and blogs and even simple users are ~~asking~~ begging for? WHAT ABOUT FLASH? I KNOW it is the older software, but the Internet is NOT DONE WITH IT! There are still so many sites that use it.

All that to say, I am probably going to return my Android based HTC Inspire, continue to use my busted ol' iPhone 3G, and hope that iPhone 5 is coupled with a HUGE advance in software upgrades for iPhone (and that it comes out sooooooon). I can't believe that no one can get this stuff right. I really wish I had some power over at Apple. I really think they have more opportunities to be great. I know they already are, but there is more. Google and Apple could combine their efforts and really make a complete phone. I can't imagine if my Pros list was on the iPhone. I literally can't think of anything more I'd want at this point. And that's what it should be. If the best is produced, it will push people to find something new and exciting to make it better. Right now, there are lists on both the Android and iPhone sides of the battle to make the phones better.

Well, this has become the longest blog I've ever written. The last few paragraphs I'm not even going to go back and read, because I don't want to edit out the passion and frustration I have right now over this decision. I really wanted the Android phone and Google to just dominate Apple and my previous issues with iPhone. But, frankly, the phone and software fell short for me. Don't give me the "nothing is perfect" speech; because I think if the two companies worked together, instead of turning against each other they way they did (I mean, Google's CEO used to be on the board at Apple), the perfect phone for 'right now' could be made.

Last thing quickly, just so it's in this post and I'm not accused of not mentioning some of my "iPhone Needs" List (retrieved from the Notes App on my iPhone):
1. Date on the info bar at top, not just time.
2. More info about date and time each text was sent.
3. Customization - themes, sounds, etc.
4. Text preview and answer available without unlocking the phone.
5. App icon placement where ever you desire.
6. Leap view - so you can jump to what ever home page you want.
7. VOICE ACTIONS!!!!!
8. Icon or number included with the name of a person, indicating which line a text from them came from. (for people with multiple cell phones or a Google Voice line)
9. Free Mobile Me.
10. Flash-drive access for storage of files.
11. Better notification settings and lock screen info.
12. 5x6 icon placement; screen size to fight this. (although 4.3 is too big for a phone. I say 3.8" to 4" max)
13. Anything I've said in previous posts about the iPhone's short comings.

Number twelve makes me think of the fact that iPad only has the 4 by 5 icon thing like the iPhone, and it's huge in size comparison. Okay, GOOD NIGHT!

UPDATE: I took the Inspire back and I'm back on my iPhone 3G. I did this the day my Inspire's battering was dead by 1:30pm. I need a phone that can last all day. The bad news is the fact that the iPhone 5 is rumored to be coming out much later than the traditional schedule has been. Usually the iPhones have been updated in late June/early July. The rumor now is the iPhone 5 is not going to be out until September, or even closer to the anniversary of the Verizon iPhone 4 release. This means I'm going to have to wait even longer or buy an iPhone 4, which will be outdated within 6 months of purchase. Argh!!! Bad timing. If I get the 4 now, I'll wonder why I didn't get it when it came out.

Lady Gaga's Bad Romance by a Bunch of Ducks...A Capella

2011-04-02T11:29:00.000-07:00

The University of Oregon's A Capella group, "On The Rocks" does an amazing job with Bad Romance by Lady Gaga. I love that they mix in a couple of her other songs too; a sort of mash-up, if you will. Enjoy.

Is 35 too old to go to a college and join an A Capella band? Do they allow kids in the dorms? I sure missed out on a lot by not going away to college. This is something I would have loved to do.

We Have Only One Reason To Exist

2011-03-29T07:37:00.000-07:00

I don't really know how to sound intelligent or deep. I'm a super opinionated person, with nothing really to say. I read all sorts of blogs and Internet sites trying to gain knowledge on things that will make me sound like I know what I'm talking about, but I don't really know anything about the important things of life. Well, there is one exception to that. I actually know the most important thing in life. But I don't live like I do, or share that knowledge. If fact, most of the time I live and act and speak like I don't know this crucial truth to our existence. I know there is a deep and critical purpose for our lives. I know this purpose brings hope and joy. I know that, without understanding this purpose, besides the eternal damnation we face apart from this truth, our lives will be lived hopeless and frustrated, filled with hated, anger, and emptiness. The crazy thing is, even with this knowledge in my own head, I live in a negative place right now. And this is because we are not called to merely understand this purpose, but we are told to live it.

I turned 35 last week and I've started to take a look at my life, maybe for the first time. I've been looking at where I came from, where I am, what I've accomplished, and what I've set as goals. I started my life in a loving family, where I was raised, protected, and guided in the knowledge of God. I grew into an involved member of the Church, playing music in worship services, leading small group discussions, working on my own relationship with God, studying the Bible, and trying to live my life to please God. Currently, my life is a joke. There is nothing in it that resembles a life lived in faith. Sure, I go to church on Sundays where one of the most dynamic preacher I've ever heard teaches, I teach my kids about God, I pray with them, I even pray (mostly plead) on my own, but there is no living by faith. My wife and I have had our share of tragic happenings, from medical things and deaths in the family to financial and job related trials, but our prayers and requests for God's help and guidance are far and few between. We don't live in faith. We don't live as though we understand our purpose for existence.

I am a huge failure. I place a lot of the responsibility for my wife's spiritual maturity on my own shoulders. I should be leading this family into meaningful, deep, real, solid relationships with God. Instead, I'm the one that is to angry and frustrated at the outcome of my life this far to be a positive force in this family. As someone who was raised in the church, with lots of access to the Bible and teachers and examples of God pleasing people, i should lovingly lead my wife and kids into God's light and grace. I have the chance to show them God's grace and love, and that our purpose is to enjoy glorify Him. But I'm selfish, frustrated, sinful, and horrible. I don't bring God glory with my own life, so how can I teach my family to do the same? After 8+ years together, how is it my wife is still a baby Christian and I've now become someone who doesn't even resemble one at all?

Knowledge is nothing without actions. Just like James 2:19 says "even the demons believe - and shudder". It's not knowledge of God that saves. It takes faith in our need for Jesus. We must give up self control. We MUST realize we can never be good enough on our own. Apart from God, we are nothing. Our purpose is to glorify God, who is the Creator of all things. He gave us free will, and then a Savior to save us from ourselves. Think of it like this: we are called to go out into the world and reveal God to those we meet. But it we don't know God ourselves, who can we share Him with others? I need to wake up and live this knowledge. I am nothing apart from God. I deserve eternal damnation because of my sins. And without God's Son, Jesus, I'd be there. But by the grace of God, I am saved from these sins by the perfect lamb, sacrificed for me. Now I have only one reason to exist: I MUST GLORIFY GOD!

Break Dancing Like No One's Business

2011-03-22T18:00:00.001-07:00

Break-dancing has always been cool to me. The kids who have it so rough, fight back with dance like no one's business.

Okay, it's just cool to watch.

SWAT Just Happened?

2011-03-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

Are you kidding me?

Test Post From my HTC Inspire

2011-03-21T23:03:00.001-07:00

This is pretty cool. My full review of the HTC Inspire should be up soon.

The Flight of the Accordion, ur I mean, the Bumble Bee

2011-03-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

Just something to impress, entertain, and make you laugh.

Nice Floating Bridge Bolivia

2011-03-13T14:28:00.000-07:00

This is crazy. I love the person responsible for using a pail to empty out the boat that apparently has a pretty significant leak.

My New Computer by HP

2011-03-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

I finally purchased a new computer and so far, I love it. I saw the ad initially in a Costco mailer, and then I went and checked it out yesterday. In the store it looked pretty great, but when I got it home it became amazing and slightly more than I need.

For $999.99 I got a lot; two 23" monitors running at 1080p, an AMD Phenom II 840T Quad-Core processor, 8GB of memory, 1.5TB hard-drive, and more. This is my first experience with Windows 7 and so far I am satisfied.

I think one of the first things I've realized is the speed and memory abilities. Before, I was always frustrated with YouTube videos or using my Google Reader for longer than an hour. My old computer would slow down and/or lag. I would have issues with loading images or watching a video without it hanging up multiple times during playback. With my new computer, I not only can view videos and multiple websites, RSS feeds, and more, but I was able to play an hour long YouTube video for my son, while I surfed the Internet on the second screen. No lag. No hang ups. No waiting. It is awesomely impressive. I've never actually been on a computer that works this well on the Internet.

Anyway, I love it...so far. I went with HP because my employer went with HP for the company-wide computer upgrade program. Some of the decision is probably based on pricing, but I think it also has to do with the support, strength, and quality of the products HP is building. I'm super excited about having a hard-drive that can fit all my old pictures, my complete music library, and be set-up to automatically backed up to my external drive. We will be able to keep ourselves and our data backed-up, something I really wish I'd been doing up to now because the power supply for my laptop died, and now I'm trying to figure out how to get my information of its hard-drive. Stay tuned for more about my new desktop from HP.

Roshambo Explained And Why You Better Listen

2011-03-12T00:40:00.000-08:00

If you ever want to play Roshambo (Rock, Paper, Scissors) with me, be prepared to get punched.

The Seabreacher From Redding CA

2011-03-09T00:02:00.000-08:00

I just found what I'm going to do this summer on one of my trips to Redding. This is so cool.

My Starbucks Affair...From Logos to Gold Cards

2011-03-07T23:05:00.000-08:00

Starbucks has updated their logo, and I love the new look of the Siren. She is out of the circle and able to do so much more to represent the Starbucks brand. The logo is still so recognizable as Starbucks, without the need for the name to be part of it. I think this will allow the company to do more great things.

Also, to celebrate their 40th year, Starbucks wants us all to enjoy some anniversary cake...or a treat with our coffee this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

I've talked to a lot of my friends and people at work about my Starbucks Gold Card, but I wanted to really explain why (if you like coffee or tea) you should get with it and register a Starbucks gift card. First, it's easy. All you need to do is register an Starbucks gift card at starbucks.com. You now get a free drink on your birthday. Next, use the registered card 5 times to reach Green Level status. This earns you free syrups and milk, free refills on brewed coffees or teas, and a free beverage with any whole bean purchase. And finally, at 30 uses you reach Gold Level status and a personalized gold card is sent to you. A Gold Level card adds to the freebies of the Green Level. Besides coupons and special offers, every 15 uses of your gold card earns you a free drink. It's awesome and easy.

Now, I wanted to mention the latest and coolest feature Starbucks offers registered card members. You can use the Starbucks Mobile Card app to pay with your registered cards. The app allows you to check your balances, add money if necessary, track rewards, add new cards, pay for your purchases, and more. To pay, you launch the app and turn the bar code toward the Starbucks scanner. It's cool.

It really is awesome. I love the app. I love my rewards. I love Starbucks.

One Man, His Piano, and Apparently The Force

2011-03-06T15:59:00.000-08:00

First, John Williams is amazing. The theme song to Star Wars is a really great piece of music. It's dramatic, powerful, memorable, and enjoyable. Now, as a musician and a pianist, I can say that Star Wars would be impossible to play on a piano with all of the drama, power, and full sound this orchestral piece has. Well, at least I would have said that until I saw this video:

OH. MY. GOODNESS. This guy can play the piano, or at least the theme to Star Wars. I actually didn't know this was possible for one person to play this well and full. There is so much going on in this song, that I didn't think one person could pull it off, at least on a piano, all at the same time. I guess I was wrong.

iPad 2 Commercial...with more Coco

2011-03-04T23:25:00.000-08:00

I watched the iPad event video and I actually thought, "who is the idiot they pay to yell 'whoa' everytime Steve says something at one of these events that is supposed to get a big reaction?" Apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks Apple over-hypes their products. Now, I'm not saying I don't think this product is great, because it is pretty cool (although it still is missing flash, which is still a bigger part of the Internet than most people will admit; try watching the embedded video in this post for example). It's just that Apple has their set way about things and if stops them from being even greater. I think Conan's video says it well.

Head's up for the bleeped out cuss word at the end.

The 2011 Ford Interceptor Video Series Starts March 7th

2011-03-04T23:09:00.000-08:00

I'm still not sure what Ford is thinking with front wheel and all wheel drive Taurus and Explorer based Interceptors, but maybe this video series will show us why they think these are better cars for the job of police vehicle than they tried and true Crown Victoria based Interceptor. I'll tell you what, I believe cops want a rear wheel drive car. I believe they want a little more room and a little more power, but most of them are happy with the current format. The Dodge Charger is going to be the go to police vehicle if Ford doesn't bring something like the Vic to the table.

On March 7th, we will see what ~~4 real cops~~ an undetermined number of cops (because it says "from the United States and Canada" and Canadian cops aren't real) were paid to say about these 2 new Interceptors from Ford.

VW's "The Force" Spoofed

2011-03-04T22:57:00.000-08:00

Not great, but funny enough.

The Sunset Limited

2011-02-28T22:52:00.000-08:00

I just watched this on HBO. These two actors are amazing. This movie is an hour and a half of these two talking about life and death and God. It was intense. The movie only had 2 characters in one scene in a one bedroom apartment. Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson are talented actors who, without action or special effects or a long list of supprting roles, kept me entertained and intrigued for the full hour and a half.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1510938/
Sent from my iPhone (which I found very hard to use to write a decent review)

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Vadrum's Classical Drumming

2011-02-26T15:54:00.000-08:00

I posted some videos of this drummer a while back, but here he is with a live orchestra.

Gun Safety FAIL

2011-02-26T15:05:00.001-08:00

Wow! This does not seem safe.

Paul Gives Up His Rights...Disciplines His Body

2011-02-21T07:05:00.000-08:00

There are so many rhetorical questions in chapter 9 of 1 Corinthians. It's almost like Paul wants to say, "Duh" to the church at Corith. What he is doing is pointing out the things he is giving up in his life or disciplining himself from so that he is a better witness for the gospel. He is making it clear that, although some of the things he gives up are not sinful to partake in, he abstains from such things to be set apart and free from guilt. Just like in chapter 8, where he explains he is free to eat or drink whatever he desires, he does not eat or drink certain things in certain situations so he does not cause someone else to stumble or judge him wrongly. Now in chapter 9 is goes further to explain the freedoms he gives up to better serve God.

Really, this is too short an explanation to do this passage justice, but to break down each statement would take me too long with my limited time to write. Basically, we need to look at the things in our lives that are not necessarily wrong to be involved in but that might cause others to stumble or question our faith. We need to be able to use our freedoms to further the kingdom of God and allow us to more easily share the gospel. Just as Paul says in 9:22 "...I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some," our freedoms allow us to present to gospel to all types of people. But we must, "discipline (our) body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others (we) should be disqualified."

My Review of Virgil's Zero Cream Soda and Zero Root Beer by Reed's Inc.

2011-02-20T20:23:00.000-08:00

This was a hard review to write, as I am not a diet soda drinker. Virgil's Zero Root Beer and Zero Cream Soda are just that, and it is not going to be easy to review them fairly...or will it be?

I am a huge Reed's Inc. fan because of their amazing products. Reed's Ginger Brew lines and Virgil's Root Beer and Cream Sodas are on the short list of my favorite soft drinks. I've talked about Reed's Inc. before in November of 2009 and in December of 2009. But this is going to be a different and difficult review because I am a soda fan, not a diet soda fan. I've always said that diet sodas shouldn't even be made. Why? Because they taste nothing like the original beverage they are supposed to be similar to (except for Diet Dr. Pepper). In fact, most people that like Coca-Cola tell me they like Diet Pepsi better than Diet Coke. And the same for Pepsi fans; they usually say they drink Diet Coke first.

Virgil's Root Beer is one of the best root beers out there. It's brewed by Reed's Inc. using natural ingredients from around the world, and it IS "So Rich and Creamy You’ll Swear it was Made in Heaven", as their slogan goes. Virgil's Zero line of sodas are made naturally too, just like the regular line, but with zero sugar and zero calories. Because my wife recently put us on a low sugar, low carbohydrate diet, I've been looking for alternatives to sugar based foods and drinks. This so-called "life style change" she has us on only allows for only 15 grams of sugar a day and 6 servings of carbs (a serving is considered 5-20 grams of carbs). Enter Virgil's Zero Root Beer and Zero Cream Soda. These all natural diet sodas are made with natural stevia, a sweetener with no calories. It is a decent alternative sweetener because it is natural, not a chemical like sucralose, saccharin, and aspartame. Just like all alternative sweeteners, however, stevia does not taste like sugar and has an aftertaste. So on to the review.

Virgil's Zero Root Beer
Like the original, Virgil's Zero Root Beer is creamy, with a vanilla and Birch root bite. Its initial smell and taste are that of a fine root beer, similar to the original. But, once I swallowed the root beer and the sweetness of the soda on my tongue was able to react with the air in my mouth, the familiar aftertaste that all alternative, diet sweeteners leave. It was disappointing. And because I've been on this low sugar diet for almost two weeks now, I'm more use to the stevia aftertaste. But it was not a nice finish to the Virgil's Zero Root Beer. Now, diet soda drinkers will probably think it's something they can deal with, after all, they drink other diets with the aftertaste issue and other harmful chemical issues too. At least with stevia there are not health concerns. But for a true soda fan, it was not the finish I was hoping to have from a soda company like Reed's.

Virgil's Zero Cream Soda
Again, like the original, Virgil's Zero Cream Soda has a nice cream, vanilla, and caramel, start, with a sweet aroma and hints of other spices. It first hits your mouth just like the original Virgil's Cream Soda. But once the soda is swallowed, the aftertaste from the stevia ruins the finish. I'm not really sure what to say here. What is the point of a diet soda that tastes bad? I'm talking all diets, not just these two. Why do we have to gain weight for something as wonderful as sugar? How do diet soda drinkers handle that lousy aftertaste that non-sugar sweeteners leave? Is there not a way to make a sweet tasting cream soda with no calories and no chemicals? Is there not a way for us to enjoy a beverage, without the sugar content causing us to gain massive amounts of weight? I was so hopeful and now I feel like giving up on the diet thing. It's not worth not enjoying my favorite beverages.

Conclusion
I really don't want to say anything more. As a fan of the company and their regular sugar based soft drinks, it is hard to say something that feels harmful or hurtful. They make amazing drinks. And these diet drinks are probably great in comparison to other diet soft drinks, but I can not endorse them. I can not say that the Zero line is good. I think it is something that could be a work in progress; maybe with some adjustments to the stevia levels the drink would turn out better (reduce, less may be more). But the current formula did not work for me. And again, I'm not, never have been, nor ever see myself becoming, a diet soda fan. Maybe that makes my review unfair, but I had high hopes for this and it didn't live up to those dreams.

Sorry Reed's, Inc. I am still a huge fan of the regular sugar line of soft drinks. You make a premium line of sodas and I love them. I've talked about wanting to work for you, own your stock, and promote your products. I hope this review doesn't hurt too bad, as I did not expect this when I promised my readers a review.