Recently, Qatar hosted the quadrennial Asian Games. These games, alien to most Americans including, until recently, me, feature some of the weirdest games on the planet. Here are the picks of the litter:
Kabaddi--a cross between tag and the hold-your-breath game popular in many gradeschools.
Sepaktakraw--a cross between soccer and volleyball.
Soft Tennis--for those afraid of the normal tennis ball.
Wushu--a type of martial arts dance routine.
I don't know where the next Asian Games will be held. I would love to go see them. I hear they are going to add Tether Ball.
The semi-whenever newsletter for one of the many Doan Families.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Maryland vs. Duke
The University of Maryland Terrapins play the Duke University Blue Devils tonight at 9 PM est at Cameron Indoor Arena. This is the final home game for Duke this season, which means it is senior night. The only senior on the team is Joe Pagliuca, a guy who gets very little playing time. It is players like this, ones who seldom play in games, that tend to work very hard in practice to make the team better. Guys like this are usually very well respected by their teammates. Duke has only one Junior on the team, DeMarcus Nelson. With the experience the sophomores on this team are gaining, and the sound recruiting class coming in next year, including Kyle Singer (SF) and Nolan Smith (SG), ranked 1 and 3 at their positions respectively, they should be a pretty good team next year. I have already posted on how well I think they will do this post-season (In that post I said they could finish 9-8 in the ACC. I didn't realize one of those games would be against a non-conference opponent, namely St. Johns).
The game tonight doesn't have many post-season implications. Both teams are 8-6. They are essentially fighting for the 5th spot in the ACC. It would be really nice, though, for Duke to win. I doubt they will defeat UNC on Saturday. With a win tonight, they could finish 9-7 in the ACC, which is much better than 8-8. Maryland has shown a propensity for beating Duke at Cameron, though. We shall see what happens.
The game tonight doesn't have many post-season implications. Both teams are 8-6. They are essentially fighting for the 5th spot in the ACC. It would be really nice, though, for Duke to win. I doubt they will defeat UNC on Saturday. With a win tonight, they could finish 9-7 in the ACC, which is much better than 8-8. Maryland has shown a propensity for beating Duke at Cameron, though. We shall see what happens.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Must see me TV
Much to my utter chagrin, I missed last week's special "Oprah Winfrey presents Oprah's Prime Time Oscar Spectacular." Like most unsuspecting Americans and George Clooney, I cannot get enough of Oprah's self-inflating broadcast exposure. This week I will surely not miss "Oprah Winfrey presents The Prime Time Good-Things-Oprah-Has-Done-for-the-World-Today Special." I need to find a way to program my non-TiVo DVR to record anything and everything Oprah. As she constantly reminds us, she is such a gracious and beneficent person. I do believe next week is the premier of "Oprah Winfrey presents Oprah's Prime Time Gifts-from-my-Sponsors Event."
Ode to Oprah
O, Oprah, my Oprah!
How lovely are thy ways!
How good to the world you are!
How kind and generous you are!
Let you count for us the ways in which you bring community and peace to mankind.
Let you count for us the ways in which you do that which few Americans, especially those without a staff of hundreds and more sponsors than a NASCAR racing team, do for the forgotten and neglected.
O, Oprah, my Oprah!
You give us hope that anyone with a bankroll of millions, and unrestricted television access can truly appear to make a difference in this world.
You give us hope that all the problems of the world diminish when we gather together with dozens of our closest diva friends around a finely tailored couch with only a book and our naked feelings.
You give us hope, dear Oprah, that is not important what you do, but what you are able to tell a nationwide audience of millions of depressed and desperate housewives what you have done.
O, Oprah, my Oprah!
Without you weekday afternoons would have no meaning.
Without you we would not know what to read or wear or watch, or who to praise and who to shun. We would not know anything without you.
Without you we would not have Dr. Phil, the Professor of pop-psychobabel. We would never think how "it" is working for us. How could we ever loose weight or gain self-esteem?
Without you we would have no choice but to watch Judge Judy. What kind of life is that?
O, Oprah, my Oprah!
You feel good about you.
You help us to feel good about you.
Someday, you may help us to feel good about us.
Thank you, dearest Oprah.
Ode to Oprah
O, Oprah, my Oprah!
How lovely are thy ways!
How good to the world you are!
How kind and generous you are!
Let you count for us the ways in which you bring community and peace to mankind.
Let you count for us the ways in which you do that which few Americans, especially those without a staff of hundreds and more sponsors than a NASCAR racing team, do for the forgotten and neglected.
O, Oprah, my Oprah!
You give us hope that anyone with a bankroll of millions, and unrestricted television access can truly appear to make a difference in this world.
You give us hope that all the problems of the world diminish when we gather together with dozens of our closest diva friends around a finely tailored couch with only a book and our naked feelings.
You give us hope, dear Oprah, that is not important what you do, but what you are able to tell a nationwide audience of millions of depressed and desperate housewives what you have done.
O, Oprah, my Oprah!
Without you weekday afternoons would have no meaning.
Without you we would not know what to read or wear or watch, or who to praise and who to shun. We would not know anything without you.
Without you we would not have Dr. Phil, the Professor of pop-psychobabel. We would never think how "it" is working for us. How could we ever loose weight or gain self-esteem?
Without you we would have no choice but to watch Judge Judy. What kind of life is that?
O, Oprah, my Oprah!
You feel good about you.
You help us to feel good about you.
Someday, you may help us to feel good about us.
Thank you, dearest Oprah.
Monday, February 26, 2007
What shall my children become?
I had been thinking, even before I came across this article, of the personal qualities I would like my children to have some day. I am not speaking of spiritual qualities here. Like every good Christian parent I want to see my children grow in the grace of God. I am speaking more of temporal, earthly qualities. Every day I work with kids that are, for all practical descriptions, philistines. I see so many traits in them that I hope to God my kids do not possess. The aforementioned article has some great strategies. I hope I can implement them into my children. I have thought of some more traits I hope my kids one day possess.
1. Articulate
We live in an inarticulate society. If you have every listened to a call-in radio show, you probably know what I mean. It is rare to see an average person with a comprehensible communicative ability. I hope that my kids can express themselves clearly. There is nothing inherently wrong with slang and the colloquial. I hope that my kids can express themselves without always relying on these, though. There are so many words in the English language, and there is always the right word. I hope that my kids are distinct and precise in their communication.
2. Simple tastes.
We live in a complicated society. So many people have such complicated tastes. It takes a whole lot to entertain them. Many of the kids I see can't do anything without an iPod, or PSP, or cellphone with constant texting. They can't watch a television show or movie without constant action. People today have a hard time sitting still. I hope my kids can find enjoyment in the simple things of life. I hope that technology is not so intrusive into my kids life that they cannot exist without it. Our society is addicted to constant stimuli. I hope my kids appreciate the beauty of silence.
3. High standards.
We live in non-cerebral society. While it takes much stimuli to entertain, it doesn't take much depth to that stimuli to entertain us. So many of the movies and television shows and books that currently rank high in popularity are so base and banal. I hope that my kids are not afraid to think. I hope that my kids understand that that which allows us to stop thinking, or that which thinks for us, is not worth our time. Not everything we see needs to be a Bergman film, or a Shakespeare play, but it certainly can be more worthwhile than a Jerry Bruckheimer flick. I want my kids to be able to analyze the world around them. They should realize that the seemingly innocuous is often the most dangerous.
4. Kindness.
We live in a cruel society. People do not know how to treat each other. This is true especially of kids, partly because of their immaturity, but also, and more prominently, because of the world in which they are raised. Where in our culture do you see a good example of Christian kindness? When speaking to others, it seems the only options many people have is either bluntness or dishonestly. People will either "tell it like it is," nor matter how hurting, or they will directly lie. It is a rare occasion when people put others first, with no ulterior motive. People are always looking to make deals. This is not kindness. This is narcissism in its most destructive form. The result of all of this is that people have trouble trusting and truly connecting with others. Kindness is being honest, and sincere, and sympathetic. It is, as the ancient Golden Rule states, doing to others what you expect them to do for you. Many people think little of how they expect to be treated when they deal with others. Many people have no idea of what deference and propriety means. They act with little or no thought of others. I want my kids to be truly, Christly kind.
There are many more, I am sure. These seem to me to be so important, especially since they are so rare. The problem that I now have is inoculating these qualities into the lives of my children. How can I teach my kids to swim, if I myself cannot?
That is all.
1. Articulate
We live in an inarticulate society. If you have every listened to a call-in radio show, you probably know what I mean. It is rare to see an average person with a comprehensible communicative ability. I hope that my kids can express themselves clearly. There is nothing inherently wrong with slang and the colloquial. I hope that my kids can express themselves without always relying on these, though. There are so many words in the English language, and there is always the right word. I hope that my kids are distinct and precise in their communication.
2. Simple tastes.
We live in a complicated society. So many people have such complicated tastes. It takes a whole lot to entertain them. Many of the kids I see can't do anything without an iPod, or PSP, or cellphone with constant texting. They can't watch a television show or movie without constant action. People today have a hard time sitting still. I hope my kids can find enjoyment in the simple things of life. I hope that technology is not so intrusive into my kids life that they cannot exist without it. Our society is addicted to constant stimuli. I hope my kids appreciate the beauty of silence.
3. High standards.
We live in non-cerebral society. While it takes much stimuli to entertain, it doesn't take much depth to that stimuli to entertain us. So many of the movies and television shows and books that currently rank high in popularity are so base and banal. I hope that my kids are not afraid to think. I hope that my kids understand that that which allows us to stop thinking, or that which thinks for us, is not worth our time. Not everything we see needs to be a Bergman film, or a Shakespeare play, but it certainly can be more worthwhile than a Jerry Bruckheimer flick. I want my kids to be able to analyze the world around them. They should realize that the seemingly innocuous is often the most dangerous.
4. Kindness.
We live in a cruel society. People do not know how to treat each other. This is true especially of kids, partly because of their immaturity, but also, and more prominently, because of the world in which they are raised. Where in our culture do you see a good example of Christian kindness? When speaking to others, it seems the only options many people have is either bluntness or dishonestly. People will either "tell it like it is," nor matter how hurting, or they will directly lie. It is a rare occasion when people put others first, with no ulterior motive. People are always looking to make deals. This is not kindness. This is narcissism in its most destructive form. The result of all of this is that people have trouble trusting and truly connecting with others. Kindness is being honest, and sincere, and sympathetic. It is, as the ancient Golden Rule states, doing to others what you expect them to do for you. Many people think little of how they expect to be treated when they deal with others. Many people have no idea of what deference and propriety means. They act with little or no thought of others. I want my kids to be truly, Christly kind.
There are many more, I am sure. These seem to me to be so important, especially since they are so rare. The problem that I now have is inoculating these qualities into the lives of my children. How can I teach my kids to swim, if I myself cannot?
That is all.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Concert
Last night I went to a Phillips, Craig, and Dean concert. They are a great Praise and Worship group. I had a good time. They sang such songs as "Friend of God", "Mercy Came Running", "Crucified With Christ", "Shine on Us", "Here I am to Worship", "You Are God Alone", and from their new CD, "Amazed".
Next week we are going to Winter Jam, which will include such artists as Steven Curtis Chapman, Jeremy Camp, Sanctus Real, and Newsong. It should be a great time for only $10 at the door.
Next week we are going to Winter Jam, which will include such artists as Steven Curtis Chapman, Jeremy Camp, Sanctus Real, and Newsong. It should be a great time for only $10 at the door.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Lockdown
The area in which my school is located has been quartened off. I don't like insane people Stay tuned for more.
Duke wins
Duke defeated Clemson last night. They played a good first half. They were up by over 20 at the break. Like the BC game, they allowed the Tigers to crawl back into it. They managed to stave off the bleeding and maintain their lead. It would nice if they didn't allow the momentum to switch drastically like they have been doing. Hopefully they will do well this weekend against St. John's.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Clean up
It has been an excrutiatingly tedious process, but I have cleaned-up the tags to the left. I had had around 30 of them, some of them only going to one post. I have erased many of them. Now, if you want to look for a specific post, you have some specifically general tags that can help you in your search. I hope that it proves to be useful to you.
As I finish this post, I have no idea which of the existing tags to use. I suppose I will use none.
That is all.
As I finish this post, I have no idea which of the existing tags to use. I suppose I will use none.
That is all.
Real?
Question: Is this picture real, or is it computer generator? Leave your answer in the comments section.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
My box
I am going to build me a little box. I will call it my happiness box. I will allow only the items that can fit into the box to make me happy. Once I build the box, I will go out into the world and look for happiness.
Perspective
I used to complain that I had two feet, because I met a man who had nice Air Jordans on his.
Good behavior
Through years of careful research and complex calculations, I have developed a formula to determine whether or not a student/person is exhibiting "good" behavior. The formula is as follows:
Number of desired behaviors (δ) - (Number of undesired behaviors (µ ) / Total possible undesired behaviors (τ))* Behavioral coefficient (β) = Behavioral Quotient (BQ)
or δ * β * (µ * τ) = BQ where β = 3.779
So, for example, if a student performed 5 desired behaviors, and only 3 undesired behaviors, and the total possible undesired behaviors is 7, then:
(5 - ( 3/10 )) * 3.779 = 17.3
This is an average score. The grading scale is as follows:
< 10 = evil
11 - 15 = poor
16 - 20 = average
21 - 25 = good
> 26 = saint
I hope this proves to be helpful to whomever uses it.
That is all.
Number of desired behaviors (δ) - (Number of undesired behaviors (µ ) / Total possible undesired behaviors (τ))* Behavioral coefficient (β) = Behavioral Quotient (BQ)
or δ * β * (µ * τ) = BQ where β = 3.779
So, for example, if a student performed 5 desired behaviors, and only 3 undesired behaviors, and the total possible undesired behaviors is 7, then:
(5 - ( 3/10 )) * 3.779 = 17.3
This is an average score. The grading scale is as follows:
< 10 = evil
11 - 15 = poor
16 - 20 = average
21 - 25 = good
> 26 = saint
I hope this proves to be helpful to whomever uses it.
That is all.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
The place to be
I am hoping that, with a few weeks, this blog will be the website to visit for anyone who visits websites on a regular basis. I have done what Blogger will allow me to do to make this blog more attractive and interesting. One of the major additions I have recently made is the "Shared Items" window to the left. On this I will "share" with you the articles and posts I have found to be interesting. Some of them are funny, some of them are helpful, and some of them are simply informative. I hope you will check some of them out.
That is all.
That is all.
No more snow.
For the first time in at least 2 months, the snow has melted enough to reveal the ground in most places here in Denver. This is nice. I like snow, but I don't like endless amounts of snow. We are supposed to get some flurries tonight, but I can deal with that.
I am most happy over the fact I can now look for the contact lens I lost when I was shoveling the snow from the Christmas blizzard.
I am most happy over the fact I can now look for the contact lens I lost when I was shoveling the snow from the Christmas blizzard.
Eagles victories
Congratulations Lady Eagles of TCCS on winning your 3rd straight state championship. I for one am really proud of you. I really missed being at the tournament. I look forward to hearing of your success at the Regionals.
Congratulations Boy Eagles on your victory. Not only did you get a victory, but you got a victory over NEBA. It is always nice to defeat your arch-rivals. I trust you guys will work when you can and expect a better season next year.
Congratulations Boy Eagles on your victory. Not only did you get a victory, but you got a victory over NEBA. It is always nice to defeat your arch-rivals. I trust you guys will work when you can and expect a better season next year.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Good books
"There is a strange idea abroad, that in every subject the ancient books should be read only by the professionals, and that the amateur should content himself with the modern books….This mistaken preference for the modern books and this shyness of the old ones is nowhere more rampant than in theology….
--C.S. Lewis (HT: ShaperIron)
I do not wish the ordinary reader to read no modern books. But if he must read only the new or only the old, I would advise him to read the old. And I would give him this advice precisely because he is an amateur and therefore much less protected than the expert against the dangers of an exclusive contemporary diet. A new book is still on its trial and the amateur is not in a position to judge it. It has to be tested against the great body of Christian thought down the ages, and all its hidden implications (often unsuspected by the author himself) have to be brought to light. Often it cannot be fully understood without the knowledge of a good many other modern books….
Where they are true they will give us truths which we half knew already. Where they are false they will aggravate the error with which we are already dangerously ill."--C.S. Lewis (HT: ShaperIron)
Our best
"If you think that your best is good enough for God, you have too high an opinion of yourself and too low an opinion of God."
-John Blanchard
-John Blanchard
Dear TC Students, Vol 16:
Congratulations students on your Valentines Day Snow Day. I am sure many of you were looking forward to distributing your Valentines Day cards to you many sweethearts and friends. I hope you will believe me when I say they still count even if you give them out the day after Valentines Day. For those of you who have no friends or sweethearts, I hope that you have taken advantage of the opportunity to give people candy in the hopes that they will become your friend or sweetheart. After all, isn't Valentines Day the day when we bribe people into loving us?
Congratulations Lady Eagles on your spectacular season. You were three points away from having another perfect season. I really wish I could be there for this weekend's tournament, but, alas, finances and obligations keep me away. I exhort you ladies to go into the tournament with the mindset that you have yet to win anything. You have to get out on the floor, hustle from whistle to whistle, and earn whatever it is that you get. I would love to hear that you won your games. Even more, I would love to hear that you played with heart and dedication, and that you brought glory to your God, and honor to your school. Nothing is worth more than the effort we put into gaining it. I hope you put much effort into each second of every game you play.
Congratulations Man Eagles on your season. I hope you value each game, whether a win or a loss, for the effort you put into it, and the experience you gain from it. All of us, including me, want immediate results. Like I said before, the value of achieving is in direct proportion to the dedication of striving. It is really fun to win games. It is really nice to have a winning season. It is even better to have to work, and strive, and fail, and retry, and sweat, and hurt, and fight to achieve those victories. If you continually work diligently without giving up, I can almost guarantee that God will bless you. When you start winning more than you have, you will find that it is so much more delightful, for you have worked so hard for it.
That is all.
Congratulations Lady Eagles on your spectacular season. You were three points away from having another perfect season. I really wish I could be there for this weekend's tournament, but, alas, finances and obligations keep me away. I exhort you ladies to go into the tournament with the mindset that you have yet to win anything. You have to get out on the floor, hustle from whistle to whistle, and earn whatever it is that you get. I would love to hear that you won your games. Even more, I would love to hear that you played with heart and dedication, and that you brought glory to your God, and honor to your school. Nothing is worth more than the effort we put into gaining it. I hope you put much effort into each second of every game you play.
Congratulations Man Eagles on your season. I hope you value each game, whether a win or a loss, for the effort you put into it, and the experience you gain from it. All of us, including me, want immediate results. Like I said before, the value of achieving is in direct proportion to the dedication of striving. It is really fun to win games. It is really nice to have a winning season. It is even better to have to work, and strive, and fail, and retry, and sweat, and hurt, and fight to achieve those victories. If you continually work diligently without giving up, I can almost guarantee that God will bless you. When you start winning more than you have, you will find that it is so much more delightful, for you have worked so hard for it.
That is all.
No more than four
The Duke Blue Devils were able to attain an important win over the Boston College Eagles last night. The Dukies had lost 4 straight--3 of those by less than 5 points. Josh McRoberts had a good game--18 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. Most importantly he really asserted himself on offense and looked to score. Duke really needs someone who is going to act selfish and look to take the game on their shoulders when the time comes for it. Greg Paulus did well with his 7 assists.
The Blue Devils were up by as many as 22 points in the second half, thanks to some unemotional, sub-par play by BC. Then Duke did something that is very difficult to do--they held on to the lead. BC started making a run when Duke tried to slow the game down and run time off the clock. BC was able to cut the lead down to 6. However, Duke was able to hold on to their lead and secure a victory.
This was one of the better victories for Duke. They have had a really tough schedule--the 4th toughest in the nation. This win was important for them--not for their standing, though it did put them at .500 in the ACC. This was an important morale and pride win for them. I think they can win 3 over their next 5. That will put them at 9-8 in the ACC, 22-9 overall. They should win 1 or 2 games in the ACC tournament. In the NCAA tourney, they are looking at a 4 or 5 seed right now. Depending on the match-ups, I think they will be fortunate to make it to the Sweet 16. I will be glad if they do. This has been a tough year for them. I think it will help them next year, when I expect them to be much better.
That is all.
The Blue Devils were up by as many as 22 points in the second half, thanks to some unemotional, sub-par play by BC. Then Duke did something that is very difficult to do--they held on to the lead. BC started making a run when Duke tried to slow the game down and run time off the clock. BC was able to cut the lead down to 6. However, Duke was able to hold on to their lead and secure a victory.
This was one of the better victories for Duke. They have had a really tough schedule--the 4th toughest in the nation. This win was important for them--not for their standing, though it did put them at .500 in the ACC. This was an important morale and pride win for them. I think they can win 3 over their next 5. That will put them at 9-8 in the ACC, 22-9 overall. They should win 1 or 2 games in the ACC tournament. In the NCAA tourney, they are looking at a 4 or 5 seed right now. Depending on the match-ups, I think they will be fortunate to make it to the Sweet 16. I will be glad if they do. This has been a tough year for them. I think it will help them next year, when I expect them to be much better.
That is all.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Unintended consequences
Sometimes one law is one too many.
Last November the wonderful people of Colorado approved Amendment 41. This amendment prohibits members of government from receiving any gift more than $50. Since this went into effect, there has been somewhat of a conflagration amongst state workers. Professors at our state universities are wondering if they can accept gifts from visiting dignitaries. To reject the gift might break several rules of etiquette. State workers are also wondering if their kids can receive scholarships to attend college.
At least we will have ended the almost daily occurrence of lawmakers receiving bribes. Now, what can we do about ticket-fixing?
That is all.
Last November the wonderful people of Colorado approved Amendment 41. This amendment prohibits members of government from receiving any gift more than $50. Since this went into effect, there has been somewhat of a conflagration amongst state workers. Professors at our state universities are wondering if they can accept gifts from visiting dignitaries. To reject the gift might break several rules of etiquette. State workers are also wondering if their kids can receive scholarships to attend college.
At least we will have ended the almost daily occurrence of lawmakers receiving bribes. Now, what can we do about ticket-fixing?
That is all.
How to bring down the web.
I came up with the plan recently from a mistake my friend Mark said he made. Many web-based e-mails allow you to pull messages from other e-mail addresses. My plan is to set up about 5 of these, each one pulling messages from the other 4. Each message will be endlessly duplicated. I can then go to several websites and sign up for their regular e-mails. I will sign up with each e-mail address. When all these e-mails go out, each one will be endlessly duplicated. Soon, the World Wide Web will end in a whimper. Tada.
That is all.
That is all.
Monday, February 12, 2007
A Neo-Orthodox
I am not sure exactly what this means, but, according to a quiz, I appear to be a "Neo-Orthodox." I am not quite sure what I shall now do.
According to the quiz, this is what a Neo-Orthodox is:
What's your theological worldview? created with QuizFarm.com |
According to the quiz, this is what a Neo-Orthodox is:
You reject the human-centredness and scepticism of liberal theology, but neither do you go to the other extreme and make the Bible the central issue for faith. You believe that Christ is God's most important revelation to humanity, and the Trinity is hugely important in your theology. The Bible is also important because it points us to the revelation of Christ. You are influenced by Karl Barth and P T Forsyth.
Friday, February 09, 2007
The most exciting five minutes ever
As I mentioned in a previous post, I feel as though I have no choice but to watch "Lost" on a regular basis. I have become "hooked," as "they" say. I deeply regret this, for the show is overly manipulative and unnecessarily shocking. One of the main motives driving the writers as they script each episode is to accomplish two different feats.
The first is to make each five minute section that most exciting five minutes in the history of television. "Lost" is not alone in this endeavor. Another popular show, "24", has the same goal. Whether or not the situations are possible or likely, given the framework of the show, is not important. What is important is that they keep you constantly on the edge of your seat.
The second feat is to always proceed down the least likely path. Whenever the writers get to an intersection in their storytelling, where they could either go down road A or road b, they always seem to choose roads A, B, C, and D. Once again, the probability and possibility of these events happening within the established parameters of the show is a factor they do not consider. What matters is that the primarily unsuspecting audience is continually caught off guard.
"Lost", unlike "24", does a good job at sprinkling psycho-babel and quasi-philosophical discussions to make the show seem more deep and meaningful that it really is. Ultimately, it is a carnival act with lots of action and incomprehensible mysteries. I just wish I could stop watching it.
That is all.
The first is to make each five minute section that most exciting five minutes in the history of television. "Lost" is not alone in this endeavor. Another popular show, "24", has the same goal. Whether or not the situations are possible or likely, given the framework of the show, is not important. What is important is that they keep you constantly on the edge of your seat.
The second feat is to always proceed down the least likely path. Whenever the writers get to an intersection in their storytelling, where they could either go down road A or road b, they always seem to choose roads A, B, C, and D. Once again, the probability and possibility of these events happening within the established parameters of the show is a factor they do not consider. What matters is that the primarily unsuspecting audience is continually caught off guard.
"Lost", unlike "24", does a good job at sprinkling psycho-babel and quasi-philosophical discussions to make the show seem more deep and meaningful that it really is. Ultimately, it is a carnival act with lots of action and incomprehensible mysteries. I just wish I could stop watching it.
That is all.
Equillibrium
The Duke Ladies defeated the UNC Lady Tarheels last night. This somewhat makes up for the Duke Men's loss the other night. I hope this is the year the Duke Ladies win the national championship.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Apple vs. Microsoft
There seems to be an endless debate over which is superior, Apple or Microsoft. One way to solve this is by comparing commercials of each company introducing a major technological breakthrough.
First ad is Apple's famous "1984" commercial.
Second ad is an extended commercial for Windows 386.
I personally like the Apple ad better. I am not one for hyperbole (in fact I have never used it), but I would say the Microsoft ad is possibly the most idiotic 7 minutes in the history of the universe. I would also say the the Apple ad is the commercial in the history of the universe.
That is all.
First ad is Apple's famous "1984" commercial.
Second ad is an extended commercial for Windows 386.
I personally like the Apple ad better. I am not one for hyperbole (in fact I have never used it), but I would say the Microsoft ad is possibly the most idiotic 7 minutes in the history of the universe. I would also say the the Apple ad is the commercial in the history of the universe.
That is all.
Vista's security.
This Mac ad seems to sum up Microsoft Vista's security features very well. It is a very funny ad.
Sackcloth and ashes.
The Duke Blue Devils lost the game last night to the real devils, UNC. The Dukies played a good game. They gave it their best effort. Unfortunately, UNC is simply a far more talented team. Stupid Tarheels.
Tonight, at 7:00 PM, MST, the undefeated, number 1 team in the nation, Duke Ladies play the undefeated, number 2 team in the nation (number 2 in more than one sense) UNC Ladies. Should be a barn burner. Both teams were in the Final Four last year. Both teams have awesome guards (Ivory Latta from UNC is one of the best in the nation). Let's hope the Lady Dukies can pull this off.
Tonight, at 7:00 PM, MST, the undefeated, number 1 team in the nation, Duke Ladies play the undefeated, number 2 team in the nation (number 2 in more than one sense) UNC Ladies. Should be a barn burner. Both teams were in the Final Four last year. Both teams have awesome guards (Ivory Latta from UNC is one of the best in the nation). Let's hope the Lady Dukies can pull this off.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Dilema
Tonight at 7:00 PM, MST, the University of North Carolina "Tarheels" (a antiquated term, if you ask me) will play the Duke University "Blue Devils" (named after calvary horses of the first World War) in a game of round ball at Duke University's Cameron Indoor Stadium. This is one of the premier sporting events of the year. UNC has a terrific team this year. Duke is not as good as they usually are, but they are better than most. It looks to be an exciting game.
Tonight at 9:00 PM, MST, ABC will air the "Spring Premier" for "Lost." "Lost" is a stupid show that continually manipulates the audience with absurd storylines, outrageous plot twists, and exaggerated characters. The show maintains tension by seldom, if ever, resolving any of the plot lines. I do not like this show. Yet, I have been duped into watching enough times to get, as the TV execs say, "hooked." Now I feel as though I have no choice but to watch it (O, the terrors of decadent technology!).
I am afraid, terribly afraid, that the Duke game will not end before the stupid show begins. I want to watch both. I am recording "Lost" on our DVR, but that is on our smaller bedroom TV. I want to watch "Lost" on my bigger TV. I don't know what to do, other than puke and cry. Please, help me.
That is all.
Tonight at 9:00 PM, MST, ABC will air the "Spring Premier" for "Lost." "Lost" is a stupid show that continually manipulates the audience with absurd storylines, outrageous plot twists, and exaggerated characters. The show maintains tension by seldom, if ever, resolving any of the plot lines. I do not like this show. Yet, I have been duped into watching enough times to get, as the TV execs say, "hooked." Now I feel as though I have no choice but to watch it (O, the terrors of decadent technology!).
I am afraid, terribly afraid, that the Duke game will not end before the stupid show begins. I want to watch both. I am recording "Lost" on our DVR, but that is on our smaller bedroom TV. I want to watch "Lost" on my bigger TV. I don't know what to do, other than puke and cry. Please, help me.
That is all.
Fecal matter on the floor
In the past I scoffed at my former principal's claim that, if paper towels were available in a school's restrooms, students would fiendishly stuff them in the commodes causing them (the commodes) to overflow, with the final result being fecal matter on the floor. At my current school, we have paper towels available in the potties. Though I have yet to see the infamous fecal matter, I have seen paper towels stuffed in toilets (I imagine the fecal matter on the floor is forthcoming). Henceforth, I offer an open apology to Mr. Arnold for my thoughtless ridicule. I was wrong, Mr. Arnold.
That is all.
That is all.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Defense
I have noticed that the hard-candy coating on M&M's keep them from getting stale. I have never known of an M&M going bad. I wonder if we could apply this technology to other edible items?
Monday, February 05, 2007
Superbowl
I am somewhat pleased that da' Bears did not win the Superbowl. I unjustifiably do not like them. I am glad that Peyton and the Ponies (known to all New Englanders and the 45 horsemen of the Apocalypse) won. Maybe Peyton won't need so much marketing exposure to sustain his ego.
The game was rather boring. Neither team looked like a Superbowl team (nothing like the '98 Broncos). The Colts, nevertheless, looked less unlike a Superbowl team, which is why they won. I personally was floored by the Artist Formerly Known as Some Symbol's halftime performance. Thankfully we had some Pepto on hand.
The commercials were very much below par. None of them really stood out. I found some of them quaint and/or amusing. I liked the Coco-Cola ads (1 and 2). I thought they were creative. I thought this Bud ad was quaint. The Garmin ad was by far the strangest. The Career Builder ads were fair (here and here and here), but not really better than the older monkey ones, which I liked. The Doritos ad won in the physical comedy department. Probably the best ad was the K-Fed Nationwide Commercial. I don't like Kevin Federline-Spears in any sense of the word. I think he has as much talent as air. That is probably why I found the ad clever.
Let me know what you thought of the ads, if you thought of the ads at all.
That is all.
The game was rather boring. Neither team looked like a Superbowl team (nothing like the '98 Broncos). The Colts, nevertheless, looked less unlike a Superbowl team, which is why they won. I personally was floored by the Artist Formerly Known as Some Symbol's halftime performance. Thankfully we had some Pepto on hand.
The commercials were very much below par. None of them really stood out. I found some of them quaint and/or amusing. I liked the Coco-Cola ads (1 and 2). I thought they were creative. I thought this Bud ad was quaint. The Garmin ad was by far the strangest. The Career Builder ads were fair (here and here and here), but not really better than the older monkey ones, which I liked. The Doritos ad won in the physical comedy department. Probably the best ad was the K-Fed Nationwide Commercial. I don't like Kevin Federline-Spears in any sense of the word. I think he has as much talent as air. That is probably why I found the ad clever.
Let me know what you thought of the ads, if you thought of the ads at all.
That is all.
A Student's Syllogism
1. Any worthwhile activity will result in utter enjoyment.
2. Nothing brings more enjoyment to a human than doing anything other than that thing which he should be doing.
3. School is the most worthwhile activity for any adolescent (gratuitously stereotyped humans).
4. Ergo, adolescent should be allowed do anything other than the required thing.
2. Nothing brings more enjoyment to a human than doing anything other than that thing which he should be doing.
3. School is the most worthwhile activity for any adolescent (gratuitously stereotyped humans).
4. Ergo, adolescent should be allowed do anything other than the required thing.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Guerrilla marketing
My friends in Massachusetts are probably well aware of the bomb scare that occurred in Boston on Wednesday as a result of several miniature, light-up billboards placed around the city advertising a late-night show on The Cartoon Network. What they may not be aware of is that the executives at Turner had some other marketing ideas in mind that they have subsequently canceled. I am making them aware of them.
That is all.
That is all.
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