The Computer Carpenter

Lost Tweezers

2009-04-29T19:53:00.003-05:00

Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." I dropped a pair of tweezers just a minute ago and learned a valuable lesson (again).

You see, I dropped them between the side my desk and the wall. Everyone has little black holes in their homes -- this is mine. It's a cramped space you can't really GET to, and I thought (sarcastically), "GREAT, I've lost another good pair of tweezers". Instantly, I remember Philippians 4:4 and the MANY times God has used what I'd call inconvenience or tragedy for my good -- but this was a lost pair of tweezers... that can't apply HERE!

But, I got down on my knees and braved the imaginary spiders and snakes to poke around in the abyss. "What's this?" I found a remote control. "Funny, I'm not missing a remote..." I thought. Then it hit me. OH! This has an HP logo on it (did I mention I now work for HP?) "This is the remote control to my HP Media Center computer. COOL!"

Digging a little further I found a USB cable that was unplugged and plugged it back into the USB port under my desk. "Buh Dum", said my computer. A bubble popped up to tell me I found my Media Center Remote Receiver. What good would the remote do without THAT plugged in. This was turning out to be useful after all... But still no tweezers. I dove in again!

"Wha---?" It was my trusty Sonic Screwdriver (Doctor Who: BBC Series). I didn't even know it was LOST! I also found a thumb tack, a nice notepad... oh... and a pair of tweezers.

Take heart, no matter WHAT we are going through, BIG or small, horrific or just annoying - God is on His throne, over all creation and is not surprised by our circumstances. Or as I like to sum up Phil 4:4, "It's all good... God said so!"

Here In My Heart

2008-07-10T22:13:00.000-05:00

more at www.ToddSings.com

Mairzy Doats

2008-07-10T22:12:00.000-05:00

more at www.ToddSings.com

How to Make a Great Salad

2008-01-17T23:31:00.001-05:00

Baby It's Cold Outside!

2008-01-10T21:30:00.000-05:00

more at www.ToddSings.com

Blue Christmas

2007-12-23T14:27:00.000-05:00

More at www.ToddSings.com

Panis Angelicus

2007-12-23T09:38:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas! more at www.ToddSings.com

You're A Mean One Mister Grinch!

2007-12-09T15:05:00.001-05:00

more at www.ToddSings.com

Annie and Willie's Prayer by Sophia Snow

2007-12-06T22:43:00.000-05:00

more at www.ToddSings.com

Mele Kalikimaka

2007-11-30T20:43:00.000-05:00

more at www.ToddSings.com

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

2007-11-26T22:39:00.000-05:00

More at www.ToddSings.com

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

2007-11-19T21:48:00.000-05:00

more at www.ToddSings.com

Ave Maria

2007-11-15T23:23:00.000-05:00

more at www.ToddSings.com

Taxes

2007-11-06T05:57:00.000-05:00

Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table
At which he's fed.

Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.

Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.

Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.

Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think.

Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries, then
Tax his tears.

Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his ass.

Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won't be done
Till he has no dough.

When he screams and hollers,
Then tax him some more,
Tax him 'til
He's good and sore.

Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he's laid.

Put these words
Upon his tomb,
"Taxes drove me
to my doom..."

When he's gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax.

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (42 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of Tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Sales Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee T ax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, and
our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We
had absolutely no national debt, had the largest
middle income group in the world, and Mom stayed
home to raise the kids.

What the hell happened?
Can you spell "politicians"?

And, on top of that, we still have to "press 1" for English!!!
I hope this goes around the USA more times than we can count!!!

Happy Halloween - The Monster Mash

2007-10-29T21:26:00.000-05:00

more at www.ToddSings.com

The Raven

2007-10-20T09:55:00.000-05:00

more at: www.ToddSings.com

Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes

2007-10-03T20:01:00.000-05:00

more at www.ToddSings.com

Papa Loves Mambo!

2007-10-03T19:34:00.000-05:00

More at www.ToddSings.com

Hot Diggity, Dog Ziggity, BOOM! What You Do To Me!

2007-10-03T19:33:00.000-05:00

more at www.ToddSings.com!

Round and Round

2007-09-17T00:48:00.000-05:00

more at www.ToddSings.com (YouTube)
or http://www.myspace.com/toddsings (my MySpace Music site )

Catch a Falling Star...

2007-09-15T23:23:00.001-05:00

more at www.ToddSings.com

There I Said It Again! - Vaughn Monroe Style

2007-09-09T16:27:00.000-05:00

more at ToddSings.com

Ac-cen-tchu-ate The Positive - Bing Crosby Style

2007-09-09T16:24:00.000-05:00

more at ToddSings.com

In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning

2007-08-18T23:51:00.000-05:00

more @ www.ToddSings.com

Don't forget to hit the 'Subscribe' button. There's more to come!

Todd <><

I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter

2007-08-07T19:50:00.001-05:00

more @ www.ToddSings.com

Around the World - on YouTube

2007-08-02T22:15:00.000-05:00

Around the World in the style of Bing Crosby... kinda.

I know I said I wasn't going to embed anymore vids in my blogs, but 1) I doubt anyone really READS my blogs 2) I'm checking to see if linking in the blog increases the hits on the videos.

Enjoy!

Barn Raising!

2007-07-22T20:33:00.000-05:00

I've posted some pictures on MySpace page myspace.com/toddpcwv (more pics to come) for our 'barn raising'. It's a 12' x 12' barn/workshop for dad.
This is the summer of projects! I've built a tall backyard shed, moved the old one UP the hill (my neighbor is still trying to figure out how I pull THAT off), fill in the hole left by the shed with a couple of truck loads of dirt, opened up a stairway path into our woods, transplanted a TON of grass, rebuilt, remulched several flower areas, fixed the driveway retaining wall, capped/repainted the frontyard fence with decorative post balls, and... a couple of other things I'm sure.
Now.... for the barn, Dad and I both have taken about 2 weeks off of work to build it. He had ordered the 'kit' from 84 lumber a few weeks ago, and it's been HAUNTING us there in the front yard! We've done a few building projects before, but nothing of this scope!
It didn't help that after WEEKS of hot, sunny, DRY days - we've had to duck and cover from the thunderstorms the first few days of our vacation.
We've gotten a little help, though. My brother Scott has come over and spent a few days and several hours laughing and building - and Josh, an old buddy, also helped out this last weekend.
A week later, it's looking like something! The foundation is down, level and the walls are up. The roof trusses are up and the plywood is nailed in place. There is still more to do - but I think we'll get it done this week.
... if the weather holds.
Quote for the summer, "It's a good day when you can do one or two "impossible" things."

Two more songs on YouTube

2007-07-13T08:18:00.000-05:00

The Impossible Dream

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnAHFhvx_bw

Around the World

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K56DTYxV9to

Songs on YouTube

2007-06-22T06:42:00.000-05:00

I've decided not to embed my YouTube songs here on this blog anymore... that's what YouTube is for. I will, however, write notices that new videos have been posted.

For instance - visit www.ToddSings.com for the latest two new videos:

"Pennies from Heaven"

"When the Lights Go On Again, All Over the World"

Random Thoughts

2007-06-14T12:22:00.000-05:00

Random thoughts to anyone who has drifted or is drifing away from their Faith:

Asking questions is not the same as having answers.Just because you haven't found answers, yet - doesn't mean they don't exist.
Just because your parents/teachers/etc. may not have all the answers or be able to debate with you, doesn't make you smart and them foolish. It means they found confidence in their Faith due to other events or issues than you are trying to argue.
Just because you borrowed your faith from your parents doesn't mean their Faith is on loan, too.
Attacking Christians because you think they attack people they disagree with... is like the Pot calling the Kettle 'black'.
Complaining that Christians hold their Faith without being able to intelligently debate their beliefs maybe a valid critisim, but it's more an issue with the Human Condition than Faith in Christ.
Take any large group: movie lovers, animal rights, democrats, etc.. and you'll find the same from rank and file members. Most argue just to argue - with little or no facts behind it. They will repeat what they've heard rather than actually taking the time to study it for themselves.
The church is made up of flawed people just like every group. If you expect church members to be different in this respect, it's no wonder you're disappointed.
Drifting away from your faith doesn't invalidate the Faith. It just shows you held it without conviction and/or understanding of why it was valid.
Not finding intelligent debate and solid theological truths in random 'christian' chat rooms does not mean Faith is invalid or Truth cannot be known. It means you are looking in the wrong places. It also means you are probably not really looking for truth... just a fight.
The pharisees did not get into trouble for how they lived... it was because they equated it to THE WAY to God. I will agree that today many Christians not only live on the safe side but suggest others MUST do the same.
Again, this does not invalidate Faith... it just points to the fact that we ALL need love, patience and forgiveness.
Avoiding "vices" has several obvious advantages - if if hurts your feelings to be reminded of possible spiritual advantages - take your pick of all the physical ones.
It seems everyone is telling everyone else how to live - don't smoke, don't pollute, don't wear fur, listen to this music, this is out of fashion, don't support Walmart... People telling Christians what they should and shouldn't do...
However, it's Bible-believing Christians who get yelled at for it. At least they are showing concern for your well-being and eternal life - not just some shallow cause. Cut them some slack.
Want to be radical and REALLY embarrass your friends and family? Live LIKE Christ!Try using your Liberty in Christ to... I dont know... live FOR Christ. And I don't mean the sandles and robes (but that would pretty much do it), I mean live by the principles He taught. If nothing else, live by the Sermon on the Mount. Read it... THAT would be radical!
Liberty in Christ doesn't mean you can do anything and everything you want.
I believe Paul used the phrase, "God forbid!"
It just means you aren't in danger of Hell-Fire. It's what your grandparents would call getting in to heaven by the 'skin of your teeth'.
If you Use your liberty to live selfishly and for personal pleasure, don't be surprised if people think you are living selfishly and for personal pleasure - and call you on it.
It might not be right... but hey, they have liberty in Christ too... :)
"I have come that they might have LIFE, and that MORE ABUNDANTLY" John 10:10. Means something.
Christ has called us to Holiness - not worldliness. If you find yourself bitter, angry, unhealthy, miserable, frustrated that people judge you... It might be time to rethink the whole "I can live like I want" thing.
How's that working for you?
Giving up on your Faith does not mean God has given up on you...

This blog may sound like an attack, but it is not. It's intended as a friendly presentation of random observations. Understanding and acceptance is not the same as not having opinions and ideas. Keeping them to yourself is another matter...

...but where would blogs be if we all did THAT?! :)

Song for Father's Day

2007-06-10T14:22:00.000-05:00

www.ToddSings.com

New Song: You're Breaking My Heart

2007-06-03T18:23:00.001-05:00

Wait for the funny! Comical 'out-takes' at the end of the clip.
www.ToddSings.com

"That's Life!"

2007-06-01T23:32:00.000-05:00

"You Make Me Feel So Young"

2007-06-01T23:30:00.000-05:00

Let's Fall In Love

2007-05-20T21:15:00.000-05:00

Yesterday

2007-05-18T22:43:00.000-05:00

Sirius Satellite Radio Fan No Longer

2007-04-29T09:23:00.000-05:00

I used to be a cheerleader for Sirius Radio. As far as I was concerned, they did everything right. They had GREAT programming, variety, and interesting DJ's. They pulled from more satellites than XM - and generally seemed like they were the underdogs trying to win the battle for superiority in the market.

Then they started talking about bringing on Howard Stern. Now, I despise the guy's radio/tv schtick. It's the worst of what's out there - BUT I gave Sirius the benefit of the doubt. In a competitive market - it was a good move. And I figured, what benefitted Sirius, benefitted me. I don't have to listen to the guy - but if it keeps Sirius in money then MY favorite stations and programming will be around longer too.

Turns out I was wrong...

Howard Stern comes on.. so does Martha Stewarts.. and one of my favorite channels that played the old Swing music got cut. They merged it with the Standards channel. Ouch... ok that hurt, but I could handle it... I didn't listen that MUCH to the Swings channel, so.. sure ok. Then I noticed that Howard Stern didn't just get a channel when he was signed.. he got... TWO channels.

WHAT? Wait... let me do the math on this one. Musical programming that spanned DECADES and featured THOUSANDS of songs and artists (from the past AND today) gets cut from TWO channels to ONE.. but ONE GUY gets TWO? No wonder I hate math...

Wait, it gets worse...

Months pass, and I let it go. I still had my channel and enjoyed the programming. Then they start advertising that MY channel is being changed from "Standard Time" to ... "Siriusly Sinatra". Um... ok. I figure, it's just marketing and branding. A newbie to Sirius might not know at a glance what "Standard Time" means... but "Siriusly Sinatra" will be self explanatory. I need to go to Optimists Annonymous.

I wrote and asked about it - they assured me I would not be disappointed and I would still be able to enjoy all the same music I did before. Well... yes and no. Now that the change was made they are playing all the same songs I loved.. yes.. but only as much as they can between all the Sinatra songs. Sometimes, it's back to back.. other times it's every third song!

I called to complain about it and told them it was more Sinatra than even his MOM would want to listen to. It fell of deaf ears (probably from listening to 24/7 Sinatra). She said, "maybe they will consider adding another station in a year or so.. if the deal with the XM / Sirius Merge happens, I might be able to get more channels for the music I like".

That got me thinking, so I looked into XM radio a little more... They had SEVERAL channels that play the music I like!! I signed up for the free trial - and LOVED IT! I'm hearing old songs I haven't heard in YEARS - the programming is MUCH better than I got on Sirius! Thank you Sirius for having me switch companies. And it's cheaper!! I USED to hope the merger goes through... now I don't. I called to cancel my Sirius account a few minutes ago... they didn't ask why or seem to care.

My XM Radio is now installed and working great! Even less static from the FM transmitter than the Sirius unit - actually there is NONE. Oh, and the web-based radio doesn't crash all the time like the Sirius player does (very important at work).

Viva la XM Radio.

Earth Day Propoganda

2007-04-22T08:18:00.000-05:00

Flipping the channels this morning I see Sheryl Crow and Laurie David on nearly every news station pitching their Global Warming concerts. They sing songs about the environment, tell everyone THEY can make a difference in the GLOBAL problem and for an encore, pass out florescent replacement lightbulbs.

Anyway, if the weakness of their views weren't already appearant - they started claiming (in very well rehearsed answers) that this issue is NOT in the LEAST BIT political, and the time for debate is over. I love how the tolerant left-wingers are tolerate with only their own viewpoints and arguments.. no debating is allowed. If you dare debate them, your intelligence, moralitity, etc are challenged.

Then without citing sources, they claimed the American people are convinced that Man-Made Global Warming is happening, and that we MUST act NOW. They received nothing but softball questions (even on Fox News), and all the reporters stroked their egos, and told Sheryl Crow she was a talented, brilliant, and gutsy musician.

Reading just a couple of her blogs is comical.

"I am always amazed at how savvy young people are today. So much more than we were when we were in college. They are well-informed and they ask the right questions."

It's amazing how intelligent young people seem whey they agree with you, huh? Isn't it amazing to find students on a liberal college campus who latch onto liberal issues? They do get SOME resistance, however.

"We were interviewed live, via earpiece, by a militant sceptic who’s sole objective seemed to be to disprove us and the theory of global warming at every turn.
"Now, I’m not exactly sure what planet this guy is living on (or what planet he thinks he’s living on, perhaps one that is not suffering the extreme weather patterns that planet earth is experiencing) but to argue that global warming does not exist and that the IPCC reports are a political maneuver, is irresponsible and overtly unethical…"
[NOTE: Did you catch that? Global Warming isn't just about WARMING anymore... It also the reason we're getting extreme COLD, too! It's always smart to cover all your bases when you don't know what you are talking about.]

Just a guess here, but perhaps he lives on a planet where Science FACT is more important than Science FAD. A planet where science is done by "scientists" instead of Hollywood elite and Political Pundants - people whose daily lifestyles do more to cause 'global warming' than most small towns in America. They hypocrasy is well-documented and educational.

Perhaps he lives in a world where man-kind is humble enough to know that the SUN has more to do with planet temperatures than SUVS - especially since the world has historically HIGHER temperatures decades, centuries before the internal combustion engine was even created.

Now, I read in the Washington Post she want's everyone to limit their use of toilet paper to ONE SQUARE per sitting... riiiiiiiight. Not only will not NOT 'save the planet' it will also have the effect of making sure that no one will want to shake her hand again. :) Keep in mind, this is also the entertainer whose backstage wish list includes 3 tractor trailers, 4 buses, and 6 cars...

Anyway, on the anniversary of Earth Day, here is a repost of the ever-growing list of articles debunking the whole Man-Made Global Warming Myth. Enjoy!

The Lord's Prayer

2007-04-21T23:49:00.000-05:00

Swinging on a Star

2007-04-21T23:48:00.000-05:00

Fly Me to the Moon

2007-04-15T00:14:00.000-05:00

Something Stupid

2007-04-10T21:43:00.001-05:00

Not For Me

2007-04-02T19:45:00.001-05:00

This is my newest video on YouTube

Crappy Mood? Get Out and DO Something!

2007-03-12T13:52:00.000-05:00

...I speak from experience.

I didn't think I was that bad off, but I was. Looking back, I was in a pretty dark place much of the time. I'd have good days, but mostly I was internally crappy... REALLY crappy! Frankly, I really hated life. I guess that leaked out on those around me.

How could it not?

Nothing was the BIG turning point really, but at some point I got tired of it. I started treating myself to my favorite food at the Chinese buffet. That in turn made me start to CRAVE salads (once in a while I go through phases of eating salads).

Eating salads made me thin down a bit, cleaned up my system, and gave me a better perspective on life... THAT in turn gave me the desire to start walking at lunch. Walking became walking FAST - then I bought ankle weights - then wrist weights... OH! And an MP3 player!!

Then I got a chin-up/sit-up bar for home, some lifting weights... The bottom line is somewhere in there I realized my crabby mood was chemical as much as anything. Now, I have energy and I LOVE EVERYONE. Life is sweet and I think my mood and attitude is better than it has been in years.

I feel like I'm coming out of a dark, dense, foul-smelling fog.

The bottom line is... if you are feeling like I was, crabby, cynical, hating everyone and everything - at whatever level make some changes.

GET UP, GET OUT AND DO SOMETHING!

As the yearbook quote goes, "If you keep doing what you're doing... you'll keep getting what you're getting." Also, we are passing out of Winter - and that gives people what they call the "SAD" or the Winter Blues.
Here are some articles that might help you out.

Now, get up and do something.

The Great Snowball Battle of 1977-78

2007-02-17T12:31:00.000-05:00

NOTE: I wrote this many years ago. All the recent snow made me recall the story, so I decided to post it. Maybe it will bring back memories of your childhood and major snow battles...

My brother and I grew up in a small town in West Virginia. And while we had woods all around us, I wouldn't call it "backwoods". We all had nice modern homes (for the time), and grew up with families who were doctors, big business owners, etc - some were even from different countries. It was a simple time - much like you see when you watch shows like "Leave it to Beaver". Parents always knew where you were - and everyone looked out for everyone else.

Looking back I can't think of a better environment for young boys eager to explore and challenge the laws of the universe. Here there were no real fences. Oh, they were there, but they were only there to detain an enemy in pursuit should you need to duck into your neighbor's yard. I'm Todd, the youngest of six children. My brother, Scott, is only two years older than I and as the youngest boys in a family of six we became quite close.

Scott's best friend, Eddie, was a fellow that had a unique talent for creating literal masterpieces on his piano (named Harold), and for seeing the magical wonders in a snowflake. I was the young one of the group, the tag-along, the dreamer, and the inventor of strange and sometimes useful devices. Scott was the leader. Whether by default or by design, he became the captain of the many adventures that came our way.

It was during the winter of '77, when school had closed due to the unusual amount of snowfall, that we found ourselves in the midst of a neighborhood sized snowball battle. How it began, no one knows, but to this day it is the favorite topic of conversation when snow is on the ground and a warm fire is crackling in the fireplace.

The "armies" were clearly defined. One was a rag-tag, undisciplined band of kids from the upper region of town, and then there was our battalion. We were a small but disciplined group. Scott, Eddie, a couple of other friends, and I came together to confront a troop that numbered at least twice our size; but we had the strategy, teamwork, and a secret weapon named... "Alice". The first day of the battle was quiet except for the occasional skirmish. We devoted most of our time toward the designing and establishment of our forts. Spies and destroyers were routinely sent out from both parties but we took great care to build our walls fast and strong to hide and protect the ammunition...and "Alice".

On day two, it became terribly obvious to our captain that our position was greatly compromised by the fact that we were downhill of our foes. From the beginning they quickly began taking advantage of this fact. Swiftly, came the sleds down past the fort and fast and hard came the blows. One ambitious fellow, Steve, even tried to crash through the rear of the fort, only to find himself pitched from his sled and into the wall. Fortunately, we were prepared; but we had neither the manpower nor the supplies to defend against constant and random attacks. We needed a plan...
Scott and Eddie decided to hold a "Summit" with the leaders of the other group. They met in the yard of Bob Stevens, who much to the chagrin of his parents, donated the necessary land upon which they built their fort. Although they had no real leader, we were able to come to a consensus on the terms of war. "Slush-balls", a snowball packed with ice and sometimes rocks, were outlawed at the very beginning. Both sides also agreed that while minor attacks would be keeping in the nature of warfare, major campaigns should to fought on alternating battlefields. Thus, we solved our major problem of tactical maneuvering, for now.

Inside our fort, while Varoose (from Armenia), Greg, and I busied ourselves with the making of ammunition, Scott was preparing his post. In the early days of preparation he and I had constructed a snowball that was over four feet round. We rolled it through yards and roads until it was big enough and then finally pushed it beside the fort built beside Varoose's house. It sat on the right front corner beside the large pine tree. In the top of the snowball Scott made a hole that would later hold a torch (actually an old broom wrapped with rags) that we would need for the night battles. Earlier, I had dug into the walls of the fort several indentions in which we placed candles. These would serve to illuminate the fort at night and help us in making extra ammunition in the midst of battle.

All went smoothly as the battles began. Eddie provided tactical support as Scott called orders to the troops. A small problem did develop overnight in our fort however, when a pile of snowballs had been placed too close to a rain down spout. During the night water dripped onto the snowballs which then became solid ice by morning. Although the temptation was there, we did destroy and replace them with fresh, but well-packed snowballs.

The time had come for our army to attack the fort on top of the hill. They, of course had the best strategic position, and there was very little chance to gain a good vantage point. In fact, to reach a small plateau we had to pass within feet of their camp -- fighting all the way. This would put us above them, but weaponless. Even if we gained logistical leverage by fighting our way up with armfuls of snowballs, once there we would be defenseless -- what snow had not been used to build their fort had been used to make snowballs. The answer was of course, "Alice"!

"Alice", as she was lovingly called by Eddie, was a sled. Oh, not just any sled, she was the queen of all sleds. Four to five large boys could sit comfortably on her and have the ride of their lives. No one in Rivertown had a sled that could rival "Alice". With loving hands and inventive minds we fashioned "Alice" with a large metal trash can full of ammo, a box for extra supplies, and "Alice The Snow-Tank" was born.

The plan called for me to pull the newly outfitted "Alice" up the hill while Scott, Eddie, and the others covered our maneuvers with a shower of snowballs. Some minimal damage was sustained but we gained ground with relative ease. Night was falling and as flashlights and candles were lit the silhouettes of figures could be seen jumping in and out of the igloo fort below. How many there were we couldn't see; seven, eight maybe? Or had they added to the ranks since last we fought, we couldn't be sure in the faint light. As we pelted the faceless forms with snowballs, two of them, Kevin and Chris, crept in behind us. Scott called for a divided attack -- Greg and I turned to face the rear attackers and they soon retreated to obtain more ammunition. We, likewise found our supplies waning so Scott called for Secret Weapon #2., the Bombs.

Reaching into the box on the back of "Alice", Scott pulled out quadruple sized snowballs. He handed one to each of us, and upon command we hurled them toward the dimly lit fort. The darkness may have hidden the damage, but the noise that ensued let us know that our aim had been true, the fort had been crushed (later, we were told that in the spring thaw, Bob Stevens finally recovered a flashlight that he lost in the battle).

Quickly, we planned our retreat and as they endeavored to follow, we were able to cover ourselves in the midst of a late-night Senior Citizens sleigh ride. Thus, we made our hasty get away. The battle seemed far from over, however, for minutes later the opposing army began down-hill raids on our fort. It was late, however, and word reached us that our parents wanted us to come in for the night. In order to protect our fort from any looting, we all walked back up the hill to announce a cease-fire for the evening. Back on the hill, the house lights were on and plans were being discussed outside as we approached. What was left of their fort was well lit, and we could see that it had all but been destroyed. Surprisingly enough they took our news as a sign of defeat. They figured that if we couldn't fight anymore that night, then they must have won! We were frustrated and embarrassed... until they all stood up to cheer their "victory"!

In the well lit yard we could now see a dozen or more, where we assumed only half that many! Our small band of fighters had beaten a large number in battle -- and on their own turf! We left them to their "celebration" and went to bed that night with smiles on our faces.

That next morning found Varoose at our front door with grim but predictable news: Bob had not honored the cease-fire and had attacked our unmanned fort later that night. Varoose wasn't sure what damage had been done, in his excitement he wanted us to hurry over just in case they were planning on a full attack early that morning, with or without us. Scott, Varoose, and I were cleaning up when Eddie arrived. The damage to the fort was slight thanks to the simplicity and solidness of our design. Our snowball stockpile was destroyed but that was trivial. All-in-all, the only damage done was to our egos. We had beaten them in war, and they claimed victory; then to top it off, they invaded our fort. This meant WAR!

A meeting was called to discuss our position. My first question was, "How do you defeat an enemy that doesn't know when they're beaten?". Even Scott wasn't sure about that, but... he had a plan.

Night fell upon us as the next planned battle began on our turf. The torch flickered and sputtered in the crisp night air. An eerie glow filled the fort as the candles burned in each wall. As we looked out into the night we could see the shifting forms of anxious fighters across the road and somewhat hidden by a large ditch. Scott summoned everyone's attention and in the aura of the torch's light called for fair play and even tempers. Then he lifted the torch above his head for a dramatic climax, and exclaimed, "Let the battle begin!"; the first snowball hit the fort as he doused the light in the damp snow-covered ground. All at once a blizzard of snowballs filled the air. Someone kept hitting the large snowball behind which Scott was standing, and with each "thud" exclaimed, "I got him!". About fifteen minutes into the fray Scott gave the "Charge!" command.

Our enemy had been keeping their distance behind the ditch, and had resorted to lobbing larger-than-usual snowballs at us. When they saw us coming, arms full of ammo, they fled into the parking lot of a nearby church. There they would find of little snow but even less cover. Fighting with all their might, they managed to hold the uncertain ground for a brief amount of time until we ourselves ran out of snowballs. We were surely done for. Out numbered and out gunned, there was only one thing left for us to do, "RETREAT!" Scott called.

As we ran swiftly back to the fort, through the parking lot, over the ditch, and across the road, our enemy was in close pursuit. When we jumped over the wall of our fort we looked like sitting ducks. They laughed out loud now as they came streaming across the yard forming a sort of Eskimo firing squad several feet away. "Fire!", came the word, but not from Bob, from Scott!

His plan had worked beautifully! We all stood up in unison and assaulted them with the large stockpile of snowballs that we had spent most of that day preparing. They were stunned and embarrassed. We had successfully forced them out of their hiding place and tricked them into standing like easy targets at point-blank range.

As the fury died down, parents began calling children in, and laughter could be heard from those departing. But not so on the battle field; Bob and his cohorts were screaming and fuming. They insisted that our tactics were underhanded and dangerous. Why, even Betsy had been hit in the eye with a snowball and sent home. She had, unfortunately, been struck. During the first part of the fight Scott noticed a small group of the enemy huddled about 40 yards away, taking aim he lobbed a snowball toward the center. It was a lucky shot, but an unfortunate one. She wasn't nearly as upset as Bob seemed to be, though.

Bob was mad - no, he was furious. Trying to make peace, Scott said that if it would make him feel any better he could go ahead and destroy our fort. As we departed, we heard him laugh and then yelp; for in poetic justice he had injured his foot while trying to kick in the front wall of our now - ICE fort.

The New Dark Ages - Environmentalism

2007-02-05T21:38:00.000-05:00

Many ages ago, history books tell us there was an unholy union between Politics and Religion. The Catholic Church worked together with the King’s throne to manipulate the people through fear and coercion.

Laws were written and taxes imposed – not just to maintain the common welfare of the people, but to feather the beds of the powerful in the Church and on the throne. To operate with impunity, the church used the strong arm of the crown to silence its outspoken opponents – or heretics.

The result is truth was squelched in exchange for shallow propaganda. Science was ridiculed and false religion caused the people to enter a dark age.

These days, the story is the same but players have changed sides. Science is the new religion, but the same unholy union exists with the same goal; to manipulate the public through fear and coercion all for the goal to feather the bed of the decision makers.

The new religion has a name, its called Environmentalism. With the threat of a new “hell”, this time called Global Warming. The message is if we don’t convert – we will burn. Sounds familiar, huh? Ahh, but this time the disciples and ministers are lovely people whom the masses adore.

They are entertainers, school teachers and well-quaffed politicians. Who can resist? And, if we don’t buy into their gospel when they smile at us and hand us their colorful tract – they will use their political clout to get what they want – by force, if necessary.

The GOSPEL according to the Environmentalists is the planet is warming and it’s our fault. We crawled out the caves and used nature for our own good and for that we must be punished. It is their version of ‘original sin’.

This is followed by pages and pages of GOOD DEEDS, such as switching to costly florescent bulbs and driving electric cars – and even more pages of SINS, such as listening to conservative talk radio (or Fox News), not taking the bus, flushing our toilets, and just generally living our lives.

Mind you… the high priests have no intention of living by their own commandments. While we are driving less in thin plastic vehicles and sitting in the dark – they are using more and more energy to heat multiple mansions, drive fleets of SUVs or fly personal jets – all to spread their message of ultimate doom.

However, this time not only is science pushing down religion - it is also trying to squelch science! Of course, the Environmentalists have to marginalize faith in God. The environmental tenants presume there is NO God, NO creation, NO divine oversight, and certainly NO plan for man to have dominion over nature, so it goes without saying religion must be ridiculed.

But in it’s zeal of squelching all opposition; they are also trying to burn scientists at the stake of conformity. Scientist after scientist is coming forward telling stories of coercion and threats if they do not denounce their heretical views. With solid data in hand, they are being told that facts do not matter - faith is what is required if we are to ‘Save the World”. Funny, how the new religion is using the same terms – but with different meanings.

Fortunately, their control isn’t fully realized so many true scientists and meteorologists are speaking up to denounce the false ‘gospel’. Here are a few recent links to their stories. If they are still available on-line, that is.

I've been updating this list as new stories appear:

Phony Science and Public Policy
Scientist: Warming not caused by humans
Climate change skeptics say it's hard to get heard
Salon.com: Real Inconvenient Truths 'Cooling and warming will go on forever...'
MIT Scientist: 'Alarm over climate change is based on ignorance'...
Top Forecaster Blasts Gore on Global Warming
Buckley: Business of Global Warming Feels a Lot Like Inquisition
CEO: "Al Gore is more dangerous than his global warming."
Global Warming Ruling Called 'Victory for the Bad Guys'

With five private jets, Travolta still lectures on global warming

Global Warming Heresy

Czech leader Klaus fights global warming 'religion'

Al Gore Challenged to International TV Debate on Global Warming

Drudge Flash: GORE FACES HILL GRILLING ON 'WARMING'

Researchers Question Validity Of A 'Global Temperature'

Danish scientist: Global warming is a myth

AP Global Warming Writer Over the Top - Again

ABC NEWS Commentary: Global Warming Is Not a Crisis

NYT: From a Rapt Audience, a Call to Cool the Hype

Documentary: The Great Global Warming Swindle (Video)

Scientists threatened with death for 'climate denial'...

Czech Pres: Environmentalism is a religion

Prominent French Scientist Reverses Belief in Global Warming - Now a Skeptic

The green fervour Is environmentalism the new religion?

'Global Warming Is Lies' Claims Documentary

The Great Global Warming Swindle

Mars Melt Hints at Solar, Not Human, Cause for Warming, Scientist Says

Greenhouse sceptics to congregate "...claiming environmentalism is the new religion"

Inconvenient Truths: Novel science fiction on global warming

Cleveland's weather wizards downplay global warming

Keeping a cool head amid warming hysteria - Global Warming=Semi Religious

Global Hot Air - by Thomas Sowell

Global Hot Air II - by Thomas Sowell

Global Hot Air III - by Thomas Sowell

Antarctic temperatures disagree with climate model predictions

Experts question theory on global warming

Study: Glacier melting can be variable

Global-warming skeptics cite being 'treated like a pariah'

Global Warming: The Cold Hard Facts?

Game over on Global Warming?

The Polar Bear Pic They Won't Show You

Against the grain: Some scientists deny global warming exists

Deleware Global Warming Skeptic Stands Pat

Two New Books Confirm Global Warming is Natural, Moderate

TV meteorologist disputes human role in global warming

Global warming debate spurs Ore. title tiff

Inconvenient Kyoto Truths

Cosmic rays blamed for global warming

An experiment that hints we are wrong on climate change

Czech president derogates UN global-warming panel

Oh, and have you noticed that the “10 Year” Doomsday clock gets reset to exactly 10 years – every couple of years…

Happy Superbowl

2007-02-02T05:40:00.000-05:00

I'm not a real sports junkie. I don't follow sports, don't watch it, don't really care. BUT I DO watch the big games. For instance, this Sunday several friends will be over and watching the game on THE WALL. That's my video projector casting a 7' wide image of the game on my wall.

Jealous? Don't be... Instead, enjoy this joke. I got it by mistake. I get mail to one of my domains I bought - because someone hasn't bothered updating their mailing list. Oh well... One of many - and they are sometime funny. Like this one:

A man had 50 yard line tickets for the Bear's Superbowl game. As he sits down, a man comes down and asks if anyone is sitting in the seat next to him.

"No," he says, "the seat is empty."

"This is incredible," said the man. "Who in their right mind would have a seat like this for the superbowl, the biggest sporting event in the world, and not use it?"

He says, "Well, actually, the seat belongs to me. I was supposed tocome with my wife, but she passed away. This is the first Bears game we haven't been to together since we got married in 1967."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. That's terrible. But couldn't you find someone else -- a friend or relative, or even a neighbor to take the seat?"

The man shakes his head. "No, they're all at the funeral."

Politial Correctness and Cingular

2007-01-27T10:51:00.000-05:00

My nephew, Jeremy wrote and sent me the following piece. I'm posting it with his permission.

It's a particularly heart felt rant on the state of political correctness as it pertains to a recent Cingular commercial. Tell me, when did Tolerance mean shutting down or shouting out others. And when did we become so thin-skinned that we parade our 'offences' around like war wounds?
-------------------------------------------------------

I'm back on my soapbox again about the direction in which our world is heading.

I'm sure most of you have seen the hilarious commercial from Cingular that stars a man and his soon-to-be son-in-law. The company is trying to get across the disasters that can happen with dropped calls. The man tells his future son-in-law to call him Jim and to think of him as a buddy.

The son-in law then starts in on a comical scene of nick names, "Ok Jim...Jiimmy...Jimbo...". He procedes to sing the old song "Jimmy Crack Corn and I don't Care". The call is dropped and the young man freaks out thinking he has crossed a line.

The line with the song has been cut from the commercial due the few complaints of people who were "uncomfortable" with the fact that this song orginated during the african slavery in the US and was sung by a black-face minstril. Did this commercial offend the black population in the US to the point where they made phone calls and wrote letters in protest? Most likely not. No doubt because of a handfull of complaints, Cingular had to spend thousands to edit, process, and edistribute their commercial. Who pays for those thousands the company just spent? It's certainly not the CEO.

Funny commercials are few and far between these days. In fact, the main reason I watch the Super Bowl is to see all the quaility advertising companies save for this one occasion. Now there is one less quaility commercial surfing through the cable lines and satalite waves to our televisions.

Political Correctness has cost Americans their rights in more ways then one. Certain religions can no longer practice their beliefs in public. The government has gone out of their way to make everyone in schools "comfortable" in their surroundings, sacrificing simple practices, like
birthday parties on school property, so not to offend certain religions and races. The employer has to now go to great lengths in preparing to interview, evaluate, and confront employees so not to cross a line and end up in a law suit. Now it is affecting the simplest of commercial
advertising.

Is there an answer to help solve this epidemic, or is our nation so far gone that we will only be sinking deeper in the infringment of our basic freedoms?

You tell me. - J.C.

YouTube and MySpace

2007-01-17T10:39:00.000-05:00

I've decided to join the 21st Century... or whatever century we're in - I've lost count. Anyway, I've finally set up pages on MySpace and YouTube. I actually HAD a MySpace page a while ago, but it was rather pathetic - and I only had a couple of friends. And after several news stories pointing out the social problems with MySpace - including people infiltrating teen sites with less than honorable intentions... I decided I wanted nothing to do with it.

...but mainly it was because my page was pathetic. I had no clue how to format the webpage - and I'm a WEB DESIGNER!! Also, I had no life of which to speak of, and, as I said, no friends. ::SNIFFLE!::

That's changing. I'm picking up new hobbies and getting more active with friends (road trips, weekly poker, movie night, just hanging out, etc.) So with my new found LIFE, I'm giving the Internet one more chance as an outlet for my thoughts, creativity and socializing.

My new MySpace page is now fully formatted, playing music, and listing local poker buddy friends as well as notable's such as Sly Stalone, Shatner, Weird Al, and a couple other favorite musicians. These are the official MySpace sites of these stars - even if they themselves aren't the geek behind the keyboard. I think it's still cool and funny.

On YouTube, I'm posting songs, poems, skits (old and new) and segments we've filmed for my SAPS Ghost Hunting Group. Some of my videos are getting hundreds of hit - not THOUSANDS like some have - but I'm not some geeky girl dancing around my bedroom in my pajamas.

I'm brainstorming on a new YouTube Channel idea that will bring back my love for puppets - and that's all I'll say for now. In the meantime, check out my main site at www.ToddPCarpenter.com or www.SingleChristianGuy.com and follow the top links to my YouTube and MySpace pages!

Enjoy!
Todd

PS: If anyone actually READS these mindless blogs
- drop me a line at todd@webrilliance.com

Everyday Experts of Everything

2007-01-03T16:53:00.000-05:00

I'm finding it more and more obvious that the average, every day guy is an self-percieved expert in everything - even if the information is pretty useless or just plain wrong. I'm pretty sure they make this stuff up as they go - but I'm also sure they do it without realizing it.

I try to only say 'this is that' if I KNOW it is. That is, I can remember reading it, hearing it from some valid source, saw it on the tellie, or know it from experience. Otherwise, I say, "I think this is that..."

For instance, today I was playing with a christmas present, "Chinese Stress Balls". They are shiny metal balls that jingle when you roll them around in your hand. That's it... they are stress relievers. And wouldn't you know it, several guys around the office walked by and told me how to use them. As experts they proceded to tell me the goal is to move them around your hand without letting touch. Later, they added, the goal is so move them around in your hand without letting them touch AND without making a jingling sound.

I didn't know any difference, as I say, I don't pretend to be an expert on things I don't know. So, I tried looking it up on the web. Of the dozen or more websites I found on Chineses Stress Balls, their benefits and uses not ONE of them said ANYTHING about not letting them touch each other or not making the jingling noise. In fact, every indication was they are SUPPOSED to touch and make the noise - as a means of relaxing you.

Which made me think - what the problem was. These guys have got it in their heads that the 'stress reliever' was a competition. It couldn't be enough to roll the jingling balls around... no - you had to make it HARD. Doesn't that defeat the purpose? Once you make it a sport, it becomes stressful.

People make me smile...

Being Single and Content. sort of...

2006-12-29T15:51:00.000-05:00

First, I'm not content.

Well, there are many moments where I miss having someone around. Shopping, hanging out, watching the tellie, wanting someone to challenge me to be more than I am, etc...

Those are general things. What I truly miss, but it's hard to define is having that someone - that specific someone here with me. Not just ANYONE to go shopping with or chatting - but HER. That specific person who because of who they are, how they think, how they respond to me... THAT is what I miss the most. But as I say, that's hard to define because, SHE is not here - whoever and wherever SHE is...

But I AM content to be single. Not just because I have no choice otherwise. Although that's arguably the case. I am content because the alternative isn't necessarily all roses and lollipops. From experience, I know the alternative can also be misery and living in fear of the next blow-up. So on a scale between happily married and fear of someone who is emotionally damaged (and wishing your death) - being single AIN'T so bad.

But, I am also fighting something else. I've seen enough in my own past relationships with loved ones and family to doubt the existence of what we call unconditional 'love'. Not totally doubt it, mind you - I have some incredible friends and family.

Marriage is different though. I'm an old-fashioned kinda guy. Maybe I fall in love too easily. But when I fall in love, I stay in love. I am loyal to a fault. Some people tell me that I let people use me - that I'm too naive and forgiving. But to me there is no such thing as 'too' forgiving. There is no measurement on FORGIVNESS. You either forgive or you don't.

Looking around, it's harder and harder for me to believe that I will ever find anyone who not only is fun to be with, lovely to look at, have a lot in common AND will not bale when she just feels like it. That's how it's been in my experience. Women aren't just fickle, they are painfully and brutally so. Sadly, it's taken me 20+ years to admit that.

The bottom line is I'm content to be single because trust is hard for me, anymore.

...but the eternal optimist in me keeps hoping that I'm wrong.

Beta Testing

2006-12-14T13:50:00.000-05:00

I'm in my FIRST ever beta test for a game (feel free to guess, I can't say which one), and I'm excited!

The downside is the server opened at noon and I'm at work. SOoooo... I used logmein.com to remote into my home computer and after repairing the installation, I was able to log in! A buddy of mine who also is in the beta can't get in yet. He's been in dozens of betas so I'm ribbing him about getting in first.

The only other game I play is Star Wars Galaxies. I am a three-time mayor and run my own cantina called "The Bantha PooDoo". In it's day, it was the most popular player-owned cantina in the game - and even rated the only independant 5 star rating!

Of course I'm going to try to keep the same type of game play in the new game. I'm not into combat as a 24/7 endevour. I'll support as an entertainer type, but slashing and shooting looses it's draw after the first 5 minutes. Mind you, I have a full-blown powerful, respected JEDI character in Galaxies too, so I know HOW to fight, it's just not what I look for in a long-term diversion.

I use MMO's as a huge on-line chat room - with options to go on mini adventures and goof off. In Galaxies, you could fight, entertain, hunt, explore, craft, etc... EVEN FISH if you got REALLY bored. I really miss that game. It's still going and I'm still in, but it's not what it once was. Maybe I'll blog on THAT sometime.

Right now my character is staring at a brick wall... the lag from connecting over the office network to home is unbearable. BUT considering the servers will be swamped this afternoon and evening, (and they are giving prizes for beta testers being online), I'm going to try to stay connected all night.

Wish me luck.

Hey, is that writing I see on the brick wall????

He's All Boy

2006-12-07T07:01:00.000-05:00

A buddy of mine just told me this story on his little 4 year old boy:

Dave and his wife decided it was time for a much needed romantic night out. While Dave planned all the dinner details, his wife hired a babysitter for their little girl and boy. As you might imagine, their four-year-old boy was having none of it.

"It'll be fun!" Dad insisted.

"No babysitter! I'm coming with you!"

"You'll have fun. She let you watch TV and you'll play games."

"No! I'm coming with you!" The little boy stamped his little feet and folded his arms in defiance.

The fight went on all evening until Dave had to pick up the babysitter. Driving back he prepared for the coming battle.

What happened next proved that he was going to have to keep a sharp eye on his little boy when he got older, if not sooner.

As soon as the cute 16-year-old girl came giggling through the front door, the four-year-old looked up at his dad with a smile and said, "Bye dad!"

PocaPoker.com

2006-12-06T10:41:00.000-05:00

I'm hooked. I even watch the Poker Tournaments on TV. I used to LAUGH at those shows. I never understood why TV had degenerated from showing such boring games like golf (unless Tiger Woods was playing) and bowling - then POKER of all things!!!

Well, now I know.

It started with a coworker asking me to join his weekly game - which was a big event with a dozen or more ppl. My problem... gambling. It was playing for money, and I don't/won't do that.

But I started to ask questions, dig on the internet, watch a few of those boring tv shows ... and it slowly hit me. This is a GREAT game! It's more about psychology and reading the other players than the actual cards. As someone said, "You don't play your cards, you play the other players".

I started looking for poker items: chips, tables, cards, etc. I wanted THE best items I could get to set up my own game. Mind you, I STILL hadn't played a single game yet... That didn't matter, when I get my head wrapped around something I'm prone to going over-board. And this was no exception.

I got Copag Plastic Cards, maybe 600 or more 11.7 gram chips, a chip carrier, and a decent foldable felt poker table top. I even got a buddy of mine to sell me his large round table with the tall, heavy, wooden stools. It's not like a spend a TON of money. Some of those items were clearance priced. Anyway... I was set.

I decided Friday night was the night and invited a few buddies over. Some had played, some not. While it was a learning experience for the first couple of weeks - we eventually stopped making newbie mistakes and started playing real poker.

Then the word got out...

Now, there are a dozen or so who could come at any given time - the most on one night was 7 -and that's perfect in my book. Mainly, because my table can't comfortably hold much more. I DO have a small card table w/chairs that I can set up for the overflow when necessary.

What puzzles me is that ANYONE comes considering the 'House Rules': "NO Smoking, Drinking, Chewing, Cheating, Cussing, Shooting, Gambling..." But they do come... Go figure!

The 'no gambling' part drives a few people CRAZY.

"It's not POKER if you don't play for money!"
To which I ask, "Is it not Monopoly if you don't play for real money?"

"You can't play the same if it's not for money, you'll bet too easy and the stakes are high enough."
To which I ask, "How much do you play for... $20? THAT'S not real poker either! I see people play for MILLIONS on TV. Now THAT is poker! I'll bet those players would laugh at you more than they laugh at me."

Anyway, weeks later, the core group is still coming each Friday (stil growing) and we've all won at least one or two games. Playing styles are still evolving making for interesting games. Now my addiction has lead to the addiction of others in the group... noted by the fact that poker is a common topic of conversation whenever we get together or talk on the phone.

And yes, I set up a website for that too.. but it's not really completed. www.PocaPoker.com

First Blog

2006-12-06T09:11:00.000-05:00

To whom it may concern,

It was a dark and rainy night... actually it was a bright and sunny, Winter day - and this is my first official Blog. I've had blogs on personal sites (www.SingleChristianGuy.com) but this is the first on a blog site.

Not that anyone cares. Maybe my cat will read this.

I'm a fully addicted web designer and I build sites for the fun of it.
www.SAPS.tv (which also links to another parody site)
www.WhereIsFluffy.com
www.BeAdequite.com
www.Coodle.com
www.R2OL.com

There are more... lots more. but those are the most recent. I'm also setting up a YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/compcarp.

So, that's my first blog. Rants and raves to follow...
(not that anyone cares...)