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According to Reuters, pollution is for the birds. Or something like that.
A flock of pigeons fitted with mobile phone backpacks is to be used to monitor air pollution, New Scientist magazine reported on Wednesday.
Now, let's just hope they signed up for enough Anytime minutes. Of course, if they switch to owls, Unlimited Nights and Weekends might be all that is needed.
Continuing from yesterday. It has been a crazy day (the start of a new semester), but fortunately I already had these answered, so it is a matter of copying and pasting.
25. Orange Juice or Apple Juice?
Orange Juice without pulp, unless you have mulling spice to go into that (hot) apple juice.
26. Who were the last people you went out to lunch or dinner with?
If you mean ate something not cooked at home, my mother, today [Sunday], at White Castle. If you mean ate at a restaurant, my friend Roger a couple of weeks ago at Lone Star.
27. Favorite type chocolate bar?
I like trying different ones, but probably a Midnight Milky Way.
28. When’s the last time you voted at the polls?
I can't recall if we had any elections in St. Charles County in 2005 — I think I voted sometime in the Spring of '05. Otherwise, November of '04.
29. Last time you ate a homegrown tomato?
This summer. I don't really like tomatoes by themselves, however.
30. Have you ever won a trophy?
Not that I recall.
31. Are you a good cook?
I think I can be — I just don't do so very often.
32. Do you know how to pump your own gas?
Of course.
33. Sprite or 7-Up?
I guess 7-Up, but I don't like white sodas that well.
34. Have you ever had to wear a uniform to school/work?
No.
35. Last thing you ate?
Three Jalapeno Cheeseburgers, two Regular Cheeseburgers and an order of fries from White Castle (if you aren't familiar with White Castle, their burgers are only maybe 6-7 cm squares — so it is normal to eat more than one.
36. Ever thrown up in public?
Yes, back in second grade.
37. Would you prefer being a millionaire or finding true love?
The latter, certainly. Proverbs I think would agree with that. Millionaire status in-and-of itself can be rather empty. (Not that having a million bucks wouldn't be nice — I figure I could buy mutual funds that would produce over $50,000-$100,000 a year if I had a starting principle of one million dollars, and even 4% CD's would provide a decent annual income.)
But, while I'm too materialistic for my own good, I think finding true love would be priceless, whereas a million dollars is, well, a million dollars. From an outsider's stand point, I've seen millionaire status ruin people, but true love improves them. The latter is far more of a real blessing, should it ever come to pass.
38. Do you believe in love at first sight?
The jury is out on that one; I'm inclined to say yes with major caveats.
39. Can ex’s be just friends?
I think probably, but probably not if they had a real reason for becoming ex's in the first place.
40. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?
I think that would have been my dad, last January, but I'm not positive.
41. Did you have long hair as a young kid?
No, but it was substantially bushier than I have it now (but never overly so).
42. What messages are in your voice mail?
A call from my former Greek instructor asking a computer question (I answered his question the next day), a message from my mother telling me where to meet her (I met Mom shortly thereafter), a message from my new broker on an appointment time and a message from a friend who was inviting me to come play Catchphrase at a little diner (I didn't make it). I probably have a few more too — I let my messages get erased after the 30 day limit on old messages passes (Cingular charges extra to keep messages permanently, which is just as well).
43. Where would you like to go right now?
The Ozarks.
44. What was the name of your first pet?
The first animal that lived in the same home as I did was actually there before me — a cat named Antler. My first pet was a Siamese Fighting Fish (Beta) named “Pumpkin.”
45. What kind of bag do you have, and whats in it?
A leather messenger-style bag with a laptop compartment (not always filled — depending on the weight of the other cargo). It may carry school books, cabling for computers, etc., depending on where I'm heading. It always carries some tape, Lifesavers or another similar candy (which I mostly pull out when I have a sore throat), some old papers, and (usually) a mini-stapler.
46. What was the last thing you drank?
An Iced Latte from Starbucks (I'm drinking it right now).
47. What is one thing you are grateful for today?
The projector at church worked flawlessly.
48. What do you think about most?
It depends. My mind generally multitasks, but yields a big portion of its “capacity” to one thing or another at a given time. Theology and philosophy, often. What I need to be working on next, as well.
49. What is your new years resolution?
Well I lost about 50-55 lbs. (23-25 kg) last year, and I guess a good goal would be to keep it off. I'm also resolving to stop and smell the flowers more often.
Christopher answers an interesting meme where you fill in the blanks. My basic answers are italicized and longer ones are below each statement.
1. Before I walk out the door, I always check to make sure I have my wallet.
I'm in sad shape without it. For one thing, I'd be driving illegally. Second, I'd be without money. Third, if I did have money and got away with driving illegally, and it was during the school semester, I'd have to pay $5.50 for lunch without my ID, which would really hurt given the quality of the food (but I don't have time to drive elsewhere for food on days I eat lunch there).
2. I can't seem to catch up on my reading list.
Right now, I'm prioritizing by putting books that were given to me ahead of those I bought, since I might get asked how I liked the books. I'm also sorting by the likelihood that the giver will ask me. Right now, that has me reading Letters to a Young Catholic by George Weigel. It's an interesting little book, although as a non-Catholic I'm clearly not the target audience; things that I'd like to hear more about (Catholic distinctive) are often passed over with the assumption the reader already is familiar and in agreement with them. I do like it, however, and will talk more on it another day.
3. The one surface in my house that always seems to get cluttered fast is any flat surface.
Ok, maybe that's an exaggeration, but not by much. I have a semi-permanent stack of papers on the space I cleared up on my desk when I ditched the 19” CRT for my Apple Cinema Display last January. My nice reading chair by my “current reading” bookshelf is always collecting stuff. My dresser collects stuff. Tables collect stuff. The floor collects stuff. I try to reign it in every-so-often, so usually things are more or less presentable, but it is a constant battle with the (cue the dramatic music) Stuff that Covers Things.
4. If I sleep past 11:00, I feel that I've slept in too late.
Most of the time, even if I'm off, I try to get up by 9:00 or 10:00, but I enjoy sleeping beyond 10:00 every-so-often. If it gets past eleven, though, I feel like I've missed too much of the day. Usually I try to schedule everything so I never have to get up before 7:00 (I'm still mumbling about the time I had to get up at before 4:00 so that I could be down at Newschannel 5's “Window on St. Louis” a few years back).
5. No matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to get my todo list done.
I have too many irons in the fire and so I end up being slow on everything. I get overwhelmed and then fail to get anything done. Some people seem to manage a bunch of different obligations much better than I do.
6. I hope to have my income taxes done by April 15.
I figure that's a good date to aim for. Seriously, I usually get them done a few weeks earlier than that.
7. This year I'd like to make more time for reading.
I spend a lot of time reading and writing, a lot of time reading stuff online too (news, technical information, etc.), but I'd like to spend more time reading things I'd like to read. I'd like to read Narnia and the Lord of the Rings. I'd like to finish the Divine Comedy. I'd like to finally catch up on the Left Behind series (even though its gone down hill, I'm hoping the prequels might prove worthwhile). I'd like to read some more of Karl Barth's works. I'd like to actually have every book on my bookshelves read (excluding reference works).
Unconscious Mutterings has us doing free association. Let's see what happens if I try it with the ten words they gave me:
And, let's try Word Beads as well.
“It may seem as insignificant as a gnat, but being an apologist for using memes to fill space requires much devotion to the art of composition, for we must serve up such apologies on a silver platter.”
That was easy.
Here's a fun little “Color test” that checks… well, it checks something. The first time I tried it, I got 88% of the answers right, and it told me I was “the master.” The second time, I got 100% of the answers right and am still the master. Give it a shot.
These come from Kendall. I think there were a few too many, but some of them were fun. I started answering this on Sunday, so it the breakfast question refers to Sunday morning, but I finished it tonight, so the “last thing I ate” question refers to dinner a week later.
_1. What time did you get up this morning? _
7:11 a.m. (to arrive at church by 8:15 — I was running the projector today.
2. Diamonds or pearls?
Diamonds, I guess. In reality, that's not something I ponder a whole lot.
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
The Incredibles, last December.
4. What's your favorite TV show?
I don't watch anything current, other than CNN (on occasion). Right now, perhaps the Dick van Dyke show is what I am enjoying most, but I Love Lucy is my perennial favorite.
5. What did you have for breakfast this morning?
I actually had breakfast! That's odd. A Sausage, Egg and Cheese biscuit and hashbrown from McDonald's.
6. What's your favorite cuisine?
Tough. I'm a big fan of traditional American foods, such as fried chicken (but not the KFC stuff called that). I really like Mexican, but mostly Americanized Mexican (authentic is tasty, but I typically prefer Taco Bell). I also like Italian and some German stuff as well (bring on the 'kraut!).
7. What foods do you dislike?
Canned tuna (no idea on the fresh stuff), dishes that have lots of ground beef that is not pressed into some kind of patty or loaf (i.e. spaghetti with ground beef in the sauce is questionable, but meat loaf is delicious), etc. There is a bit of a theme here: I don't generally like meats that are heavily shredded, ground, etc.
8. What is favorite chip flavor?
Typically, I prefer “original” (i.e. just salted). If I'm in the mood for a flavor, I usually pick BBQ. I also like dill, pepper jack, and pretty much anything else.
9. What's your favorite CD at the moment?
Well, the two getting the most play at the moment are Fallen by Evanescence and Healing Rain by Michael W. Smith (darkness contrasting against light?). Of course, there are other songs getting significant “play time,” but with the advent of the iTunes Music Store, I don't have the whole albums to go with those.
10. What kind of car do you drive?
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
11. Favorite sandwich?
Probably a smoked turkey sandwich on a hoagie bun, with the works: cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, green peppers, pickles, olives, mayo, chipotle sauce, etc. At Subway, I vary between a Southwest Turkey and Bacon and a Cold Cut Trio, mostly.
12. What characteristics do you despise?
Hypocrisy, backstabbing…
13. What is your favorite type of clothing?
Business casual — golf shirt and micro-fiber slacks (or in the summer, similar styled shorts).
14. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
Typically not too far: the Ozarks. If I wanted something more exotic… I'm not sure: perhaps a tour of interesting places throughout Europe, ending in Greece.
15. What color is your bathroom?
Forest green (wallpaper).
16. Favorite brand of clothing?
I'm not picky. I seem to get along well with Kohl's private label (Croft & Barrow).
17. Where would you retire to?
Ideally near family and friends (all things presently point to staying put).
18. Favorite time of the day?
The evening.
19.Your most memorable birthday?
The most recent one — it was only two months ago.
20. Where were you born?
St. Charles, MO.
21.Your favorite sport to watch?
Baseball! (I don't watch sports, as a rule, but…)
22. Who do you least expect to send this back to you?
Anyone who lurks on my blog.
23.Person you expect to send it back first?
Someone with too much times on his or her hands?
24. What fabric detergent do you use?
It varies.
25. Are you named after anyone?
Not as far as I know. Unless you count Paul's protege Timothy.
26. Do you wish on stars?
Not really, although sometimes when I see the “first star” it will remind me to pray for something.
27.When did you last cry?
Last night, actually.
28. Do you like your handwriting?
It is kind of sloppy. The only thing that makes me feel better about it is looking at what my handwriting looked like back in middle school or earlier.
29. Are you a daredevil?
Generally, no. I don't mind taking a chance every once-in-a-while, but I'm not a thrill seeker.
30. Are you a virgin?
Yes; and with God's help shall remain one until He sees fit to bless me with a wife. (Is it just me or did this question just come out of the blue?)
31. Do looks matter?
They shouldn't, although they do somewhat. Not as much as other things, though.
32. How do you release anger?
Writing tirades, poetry and other things.
33. Where is your second home?
Table Rock Lake.
34. What were your favorite toys as a child?
Legos, and art-related things.
35. What class in High School was totally useless?
As I was homeschooled, we avoided things that didn't do me any good.
36. Do you use sarcasm a lot?
Would I do such a thing — no, not me.
37. Favorite movies?
Tough. Two from last year: the Passion and the Incredibles; Home Alone… others aren't coming to me just now.
38. What are your nicknames?
I don't really have one. Unless you count my old user ids “uninet,” “dpbx52b” (Prodigy), etc. With my one professor I have adopted the handle “K.S.T.” (Kindly Student Tim). Don't worry if that doesn't make sense… it is an inside joke.
39. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off?
Yes, of course (usually).
40. Do you think that you are strong?
Not usually. At times, I get full of myself, until I have to lift something heavy.
41. What's your favorite ice cream flavor?
Vanilla (with hot fudge) or some kind of fresh berry icecream.
42. What are your favorite colors?
Green and blue.
43. What is your least favorite thing about yourself?
My overanalyzing and worrying.
44. Who do you miss the most?
Right now, I guess my grandpa. I really wish he could be around for another Christmas.
45. Do you want everyone you sent this to send it back?
Well, certainly these things are more interesting if others answer them, or at least comment on one's own answers, but this thing is so long, I really don't have an expectations here.
46. What color pants are you wearing?
Plaid (blue and white, to be specific) shorts. I was wearing black slacks.
47. What are you listening to right now?
Not much.
48. Last thing you ate?
Barbecue boneless “ribs.”
49. If you were a CRAYON what color would you be?
Forest green.
50. Last person you talked to on the phone?
A lady from church who called to make an appointment for me to come do a DSL installation.
51. What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?
I'll answer the same as Kendall did: a smile (or lack thereof), quickly followed by overall demeanor.
52. Favorite Drink?
Water.
53. Do you wear contacts?
No. Although I've been staring at a paper I'm working on so long today, I probably could use something. I was seeing cross eyed as I tried to look through Totem and Taboo for a reference.
54. Favorite Day of the Year?
That's tough. I think, hmm, maybe Christmas Eve.
55. Scary Movies or Happy Endings?
Probably of those two, happy endings, but I consider tragedy the height of drama. This is an odd question since “scary movies” is not the antithesis of “happy endings.” You could have a scary movie with a happy ending…
57. Hugs OR Kisses?
Hugs, as a whole, I guess.
58. What Is Your Favorite Dessert?
Lemon Meringue Pie.
59. What Book(s)Are You Reading?
I just finished The Peaceable Kingdom: A Primer in Christian Ethics by Stanley Hauerwas. I'm reading the Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey, the Great Passion: An Introduction to Karl Barth's Theology by Eberhard Busch and a few others I've forgotten (I've been so busy I've not had time to get back to several books in recent times). I was just given a copy of Letters to a Young Catholic by George Weigel, which I hope to read soon.
60. What's On Your Mouse Pad?
A silver Dell logo.
61. What Did You Watch Last night on TV?
I watched an episode of All in the Family. Tonight I watched an episode of Leave it to Beaver.
62. Favorite Smells?
Evergreen, ionized air, potatoes cooking…
63. Rolling Stones or Beatles?
Beatles.
64. What's the furthest you've been from home?
The Olympic National Forest in Washington.
GO CARDS!!!. Right now, we're behind 3-0. We need to beat the Astros… let's hope it happens soon.
Ok, call me strange. I've got a quiz in Old Testament class today and one of the questions was why Moses broke the tablets containing the Ten Commandments. That's easy enough, right? Well, I answer it, noting that the scene involves Moses coming down the mountain. That was my fatal mistake. Soon, I had a new variation of “She'll Be Comin' Down the Mountain” in my head. I present it for your perusal. Yes, there is no doubt, I am strange.
VERSE 1
He'll be comin' down the mountain, when he comes,
He'll be comin' down the mountain, when he comes,
He'll be comin' down the mountain,
He'll be comin' down the mountain,
He'll be comin' down the mountain, when he comes.
VERSE 2
He'll be breakin' two white tablets, when he comes,
He'll be breakin' two white tablets, when he comes,
He'll be breakin' two white tablets,
He'll be breakin' two white tablets,
He'll be breakin' two white tablets, when he comes.
VERSE 3
O, we'll all be in trouble, when he comes,
O, we'll all be in trouble, when he comes,
O, we'll all be in trouble,
O, we'll all be in trouble,
O, we'll all be in trouble, when he comes.
VERSE 4
O, he'll destroy the gold calf, when he comes,
O, he'll destroy the gold calf, when he comes,
O, he'll destroy the gold calf,
O, he'll destroy the gold calf,
O, he'll destroy the gold calf, when he comes.
VERSE 5
And, we'll all drink gold an' water, when he comes,
And, we'll all drink gold an' water, when he comes,
And, we'll all drink gold an' water,
And, we'll all drink gold an' water,
And, we'll all drink gold an' water, when he comes.
Michael has again provided a Sunday Lunch meme to respond to.
1. What is your favorite soda?
Coca-Cola. I also like Dr. Pepper on occasion and have lately been drinking Full Throttle (and energy drink/soda) every-so-often.
2. How many or how much soda do you drink a day?
Rarely any. I might drink a couple of sodas a week. I use to drink about six liters per week at home, and usually would get soda when eating out, but over the past year or so I've pretty much eliminated soda from my diet.
As a side note, combining this with slightly improved eating habits (I order a salad on occasion and also try not to overstuff myself to the extent that I use to) and ten minutes or so of exercise daily has really paid off (with the help of prayers for increased will power to do those things). I've lost about 50 pounds (22 kg) going from about 270-275 lbs. (122-124 kg) to 220 lbs. (99 kg), as of this week, in a bit less than a year. That's taken me from a body mass of 35ish (considered obese) to 28ish (overweight), which might not be perfect, but puts me in a lot better proportions than I've been in since grade school. Soda's OK, but I'm glad I've reduced my intake.
3. Do you drink it with a meal?
No. At the moment, it is most likely that I will drink a Full Throttle in the afternoon when I have a bit of a headache and need an energy boost.
4. What is the weirdest soda you have drank?
I do not drink weird sodas. Although if you mean just plain bad, I'd pick something like Vanilla Coke, which really didn't agree with me for some reason.
5. Do you think it should be sold in schools at lunch time or ant other time?
I think that's fine, although it'd be good to offer reasonable alternatives too.
And, I'll add this question: 6. What do you refer to soda/pop/coke/sodie as?
Soda, plan and simple.
I'm borrowing Michael's Friday Three questions from yesterday.
1. Have you ever bought anything on Ebay?
Yes, a number of things. Most memorably, my first modern Macintosh, an iMac G3/400 (Ruby), which got me started on my journey to becoming a Mac addict, a port replicator for my old Dell Inspiron 5000e and the hard to find Sixpence None the Richer Kiss Me single (with “Sad But True”) that completed my Sixpence collection.
2. Would you buy anything on Ebay?
Apparently, yes.
3. Have you ever sold anything on Ebay?
Well, personally, I haven't, but my account is selling stuff right now. My mother wanted to try to sell some purses without signing up for an account, so I listed 'em the other day. So far, we're still looking for bidders.
“ The true treasure of the Church is the Most Holy Gospel of the glory and the grace of God. ”
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