You are viewing page 1 of 5.
Aug 3, 2011
By Timothy R. Butler | Posted at 0:39:14
Two years ago, I walked into a strange church and sat down for a Sunday service — the first time in my life I was the “visitor looking for a church.” For many people, that may be a normal enough experience, but as a lifelong member of another church, I felt a bit odd being on the other side of the visitor equation. Two days prior, I had sat in that same church's office, talking with the two pastors about what the church was like.
In both settings, as unfamiliar as the church and its people were, it felt welcoming. Something felt right about it. And so it still does. I'm glad to say that church is now my church and those unfamiliar people are now my church family.
God had quite a blessing in mind, though I did not know it, on that day two years ago.
Jun 21, 2011
By Timothy R. Butler | Posted at 19:33:13
Update Below. I suppose, as they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but still, imagine my surprise when I saw almost a direct quotation of what I wrote in an OFB story on 4G that appeared early this morning blended into a TechCrunch story on 4G posted by Rip Empson this evening (without any citation, mind you). Here are the key paragraphs from the two stories, mine on the left (emphasis on the particularly parallel parts is mine):
OFB: The Showdown
The first matter complicating the search for the perfect 4G service is that there is not one thing meant by the term 4G. Sprint (along with partner Clear) and Verizon come closest to adhering to the technical standard for 4G with their respective WiMAX and LTE networks. However, most people care more about speed than how that speed is achieved, which led first T-Mobile and then AT&T to start referring to their upgraded 3G networks as 4G as well.
|
TechCrunch: To 4G or Not to 4G?
While 4G is indeed meant to refer (in the big picture) to the fourth generation of cellular wireless standards (as the successor to 3G which arrived in the early 2000s, which succeeded 2G in the '90s, etc.), the answer to this question is complicated by the fact that each carrier seems to be defining 4G in the way that best suits them. Sprint (along with its partner Clear) and Verizon generally get closest to adhering to the technical specification for 4G with WiMAX and LTE, respectively. T-Mobile and AT&T, meanwhile, are stretching the definition to include their upgraded 3G networks, on the (arguably shady) basis that the speeds are faster than traditional 3G networks.
|
|
While it would be easy to fault the latter two companies for muddying the waters in their marketing, in fairness, their marketing actually makes some sense: while AT&T and T-Mobile both use what is technically a suped-up version of their existing 3G standard, HSPA, that technology can go as fast or faster than early 4G implementations. (AT&T is also preparing to launch its own LTE network in addition to its existing network it is presently calling 4G.) | |
To put it simply, there are essentially two meanings to 4G today: the technical one and the common one, the latter referring to cellular Internet technologies that can run at speeds competitive with DSL or cable Internet. Ultimately, that is what people generally want out of a 4G network and so, to some extent, the AT&T and T-Mobile are not that far off in their labeling.
|
So, it seems that there are really two meanings to 4G today: The technical one and the non-technical one. Essentially, the latter refers to cellular networks that offer web-connectivity speeds competitive with DSL or cable. In the end, that's what we want 4G to represent anyway — mobile speeds that are concurrent with our web surfing capabilities at home or in the office — which is why carriers have started using “network updgrade” synonymously with “4G”.
|
Obviously, nothing I wrote was terribly novel, but the parallels between those paragraphs goes way beyond two writers simply talking about the same subject on the same day. I've contacted TechCrunch for comment. I'll update this entry when and if I hear back.
Update: I talked with Rip Empson this evening. He apologized and reworked the beginning of his article to provide attribution to Open for Business. I really appreciated the speed at which he handled this. Thanks, Rip.
Dec 11, 2009
By Timothy R. Butler | Posted at 0:51:32
It is amazing to me that I have completed another semester of seminary. Semester six of eight. There is something profound to me about that particular number. I think it was the same way in college. Hitting the three quarters mark symbolizes having made it through not just a simple majority, but really the bulk of things.
It is not that suddenly I am getting a false sense of security about seminary. And, as much as it feels good to accomplish things, I find myself of mixed feelings that I am this close to being done. But, in any case, in another year, I will be done with that “project.” It feels like I just started.
Actually, thinking back, maybe that's not odd — some conversations around Christmas finals times in college seem like they were just yesterday (Jason Kettinger can read into this if he wishes). I looked up an e-mail conversation I had with a professor in December 2005 tonight and found myself amazed it was that long ago.
But, here we are about to enter the second decade of the new millennia. And therein lies another interesting observation. The '10's will be the fourth decade in which I have been present for at least a portion.
Time's winged chariot flaps rapidly forward.
May 1, 2009
By Timothy R. Butler | Posted at 23:42:48
Here's a fun little meme that I was tagged on via Facebook.
Answer these 30 Things No One Would Think To Ask. Then tag me so I can come and have a look. After that, tag friends who you'd like to answer these questions.
Feel free to answer below or otherwise comment on where you answered the questions.
1. Have you ever been searched by the cops?
No.
2. Do you close your eyes on roller coasters?
I don't think so. I've only been on one or two — I'm a fast learner when it comes to things like establishing I'm not a roller coaster guy.
3. When's the last time you've been sledding?
I really couldn't say.
4. Would you rather sleep with someone else or alone?
I'm happy enough to have my cat lay on my bed. Other than that, I'm unmarried, so I'll say alone.
5. Do you believe in ghosts?
No, if you mean tortured souls unable to escape the earth. But, “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”
6. Do you consider yourself creative?
Yes, I believe so. I like creative pursuits such as poetry.
7. Do you think O.J. killed his wife?
Yes.
8. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie?
To the extent hearing about celebrities is unavoidable, Jolie has always bugged me. But, honestly, I think I will decline to comment.
9. Can you honestly say you know ANYTHING about politics?
Yes. McCain would have been a better president than Obama. Huckabee would have been a better president than either of them. I'd be a better president than all three of 'em.
10. Do you know how to play poker?
Probably at some point I did. I forget how to play card games if I don't play them frequently.
11. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight?
No.
12. What's your favorite commercial?
Of recent commercials, “Clay.” Otherwise, I'm not sure, 1984 is hard to top.
13. Who was your first love?
A.G. She is still a friend (I saw her last week for the first time in ages, as a matter of fact), and one who might not want to pop up on a Google search in this context, so initials are all you are going to get.
14. If you're driving in the middle of the night, and no one is around you, do you run a red light?
No.
15. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you?
Yes, probably so.
16. Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees?
Yankees, just because of what the Soxs did to us in 2004.
17. Have you ever been Ice Skating?
No. Had I, I may not be here today!
18. How often do you remember your dreams?
I probably remember something about them most mornings, but usually only a tidbit or two.
19. What's the one thing on your mind?
Deadlines.
20. Do you always wear your seat belt?
Yes.
21. What talent do you wish you had?
The ability to play musical instruments.
22. Do you like Sushi?
I like my meat cooked, thank you very much.
23. What do you wear to bed?
A t-shirt and pajama bottoms.
24. Do you truly hate anyone?
No.
25. If you could sleep with one famous person, who would it be?
I wouldn't.
26. Do you know anyone in jail?
Not really.
27. What food do you find disgusting?
Tuna. Blue Cheese. Anything made of brains.
28. Have you ever made fun of your friends behind their back?
Probably at some point. I try not to.
29. Have you ever been punched in the face?
Not that I recall. Then again…
30. Do you believe in angels and demons?
Yes and I'd tie that in with number 5.
Feb 13, 2009
By Timothy R. Butler | Posted at 0:18:11
So, I was thinking I ought to take down the snow from this esteemed blog, but I may leave it up just a tad longer. This week has been a delightful showcase of what is to come for the spring with warm weather (warm enough for shorts!) and buds starting to appear on trees. But, this weekend the snow is suppose to return, so the blog snow remains somewhat appropriate.
It is still winter, after all.
I'm not quite sure what I like better, the beauty of a fresh fallen snow (when I have no place to go) or spring with its flowers and trees. I think I am ready for spring, but I am really in no hurry. Every season has its glories!
Feb 7, 2009
By Timothy R. Butler | Posted at 1:44:3
Thanks go to Christopher for this, although he should have posted it on his blog. You can find his answers on Facebook. Feel free to answer this here or on Facebook — all of my friends can (and should) consider themselves tagged.
Now, it should be noted since the answers are one word, some of them are a bit… well, cryptic, and I even had to resort to slang like “dunno.” Gasp. Pray for me, O Shakespeare!
1. Where is your cell phone? Drawer
2. Your significant other? Hoping
3. Your hair? Brown
4. Your mother? Loving
5. Your father? Determined
6. Your favorite? Letters
7. Your dream last night? Bad
8. Your favorite drink? Water
9. Your dream/goal? 2
10. What room you are in? Bedroom
11. Your hobby? Photography
12. Your fear? Failing
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Missouri
14. Where were you last night? Desk
15. Something that you aren't? Charismatic
16. Muffins? Cornbread
17. Wish list item? TiltShift
18. Where you grew up? Missouri
19. Last thing you did? Wright
20. What are you wearing? Clothes
21. Your TV? Off
22. Your pets? Cat
23. Friends? Great
24. Your life? Blessed
25. Your mood? Thoughtful
26. Missing someone? No-ish
27. Car? Volkswagen
28. Something you're not wearing? Dayglo
29. Your favorite store? Amazon
30. Your favorite color? Green
31. When is the last time you laughed? Today
32. Last time you cried? Awhile
33. Who will resend this? Dunno
34. One place that I go to over and over? Bookstore
35. One person who emails me regularly? Jenny
36. My favorite place to eat? Outback
Jan 6, 2009
By Timothy R. Butler | Posted at 23:38:32
From Unconscious Mutterings:
I say … and you think … ?
- Confirmation :: Class
- Verse :: Shakespeare
- Authorize :: Starship Autodestruct
- Blog :: More
- Thirty :: A few years from now
- Heir :: Apparent
- What are you doing? :: Answering a meme.
- Complaint :: No word from A.G.
- Leave :: A message after the tone.
- Tune :: The Star's Song by Erin Bode
Dec 31, 2008
By Timothy R. Butler | Posted at 20:18:17
Here is the last post of the year. I hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year's Eve. It has been an interesting year — not what I hoped, but not a bad year by any means. For what it is worth, my resolution for the new year is to improve my blogging frequency.
What's yours?
Nov 24, 2008
By Timothy R. Butler | Posted at 0:50:7
It seems like this semester has been wild — inexplicably so — to the point that blogging just isn't happening. Which is a shame. I find I am far better off when I blog, since blogging is often a way to process things and get ideas. I need to make myself pick up the habit of writing a blog post a day, even if it is a short one. That sort of goal helps to make one pull stuff out and analyze it, rather than just wait for the “perfect post.”
Instead, it leads me to post posts like this one. Fancy that.
Oct 9, 2008
By Timothy R. Butler | Posted at 0:25:30
From Wednesday Weirdness. Feel free to put your answers in the comments.
1.) Do you think you're approachable?
I think so. I hope so. I don't know, what do y'all think?
2.) Out of the two, would you rather be able to predict things before they happened or be able to read minds whenever you wanted to? Why?
I think I'd go with “predict things before they happened,” that would be really helpful. My suspicion is that reading minds could be relatively unpleasant. Although, I could think of a few times that it would have been useful and still would be. The two would work in tandem nicely.
3.) Have you ever kissed, fooled around or slept with an ex significant other AFTER you were already broken up?
No. Two wouldn't be appropriate even before a breakup unless we're talking marriage here, so certainly not after.
4.) Do you believe dreams are your imagination running wild as you sleep, your subconscious showing you what's really on your mind or something else entirely?
A little of each. I think it certainly is a chance for my imagination to run wild, but it also sometimes seems like dreams will remind me of things that may have been under the surface bothering me but I had not (recently) thought directly about. Freud did get some things right.
Dreams can sometimes be quite painful in that respect.
5.) How often do you use cuss words? Does your use of cuss words vary on your moods or situations?
I don't. I gained somewhat of an amusing reputation in the English program at LU because I would “adjust” certain words if I were reading a part in a play. It was a running joke, of sorts, of which my cohorts in the program would kid me about.
I made a clear distinction though concerning appropriate uses of words. For example, I had no problem with saying the word “damn” when used, say, in Doctor Faustus where the context of damnation. This drew some inquiries during those readings, since the fact that I proceeded with those uses stood out more than that which I omitted. That remains my policy, much as it was C.S. Lewis's, as he notes in a footnote in Mere Christianity (he had received complaints over his usage of the term). Some words, I really don't see any appropriate context for and I simply feel it best not to promote.
I'm really sounding puritanical tonight, aren't I? To be clear, I don't have a burden to suggest what language other people should use. Though I find most people ratchet down their use of expletives when the other does not reciprocate, I won't complain if a person chooses not to around me.
6.) Do you ever purposely lead people on so you can get what you want?
No, only to pull their legs. I enjoy giving people a hard time. 
7.) When was the last time you did something you told yourself you wouldn't do? What was it?
I told myself I wasn't going to watch On the Record tonight, but when Greta said she had an interview with Gov. Sarah Palin, I couldn't pass it up. I'm a total political news junkie on election years…
I even read the white papers released along side polling data. Yes, I'm a sad case.
8.) If you could meet one musician who is no longer alive, who would it be?
Obviously not Elvis since Elvis lives, right? Right now, I'm thinking Mozart. That's a tough question, though.
You are viewing page 1 of 5.
