We Should be finishing our 2008 letter this week and get it in the mail with this Photo.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Black Friday Deals
Check out the Black Friday deals going on at www.blackfriday.info
Q: Are you/would you go shopping on Black Friday?
Q: After looking at the deals, what sounds like the best deal and for what?
Q: Do you think you would have to go stand in line early before 4 am to get this deal?
Q: Is it worth it?
Q: Are you/would you go shopping on Black Friday?
Q: After looking at the deals, what sounds like the best deal and for what?
Q: Do you think you would have to go stand in line early before 4 am to get this deal?
Q: Is it worth it?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
How would you answer this week's Pollingpoint poll?
1) People are legally considered adults when they turn 18, but at what age do you think society should treat children like grown-ups?
A. 21 or above
B. 20
C. 19
D. 18
E. 17
F. 16
G. Earlier than 16
H. It completely depends on the child.
2) Do you think the legal driving age should be lowered, raised, or stay the same?
A. Lowered
B. Raised
C. Stay the same
3) John McCain has been criticized for not being Internet-savvy. How important is it that the President is up-to-date on information technology?
A. Very important
B. Somewhat important
C. Not very important
D. Not at all important
4) Do you think there is a trend in America of people becoming more or less intelligent?
A. More intelligent
B. Less intelligent
C. No trend
D. Don't know
5) How big of a role do you think the Internet plays in this trend?
A. Very big
B. Somewhat big
C. Not very big
D. Not at all
E. Not sure
6) Would you go on a reality TV show?
A. Definitely Yes
B. Probably Yes, but it has to be a specific one.
C. Probably Not, unless there is a new show made that I would do.
D. Definitely Not.
(if you answer A or B, Tell the name of the show)
7) Would you go on a TV Game show?
Same Answers as above
(Again, if you answer A or B, Tell the name of the show)
I'm going to answer in the comments, but if you read the comments you have to answer the questions too!!
A. 21 or above
B. 20
C. 19
D. 18
E. 17
F. 16
G. Earlier than 16
H. It completely depends on the child.
2) Do you think the legal driving age should be lowered, raised, or stay the same?
A. Lowered
B. Raised
C. Stay the same
3) John McCain has been criticized for not being Internet-savvy. How important is it that the President is up-to-date on information technology?
A. Very important
B. Somewhat important
C. Not very important
D. Not at all important
4) Do you think there is a trend in America of people becoming more or less intelligent?
A. More intelligent
B. Less intelligent
C. No trend
D. Don't know
5) How big of a role do you think the Internet plays in this trend?
A. Very big
B. Somewhat big
C. Not very big
D. Not at all
E. Not sure
6) Would you go on a reality TV show?
A. Definitely Yes
B. Probably Yes, but it has to be a specific one.
C. Probably Not, unless there is a new show made that I would do.
D. Definitely Not.
(if you answer A or B, Tell the name of the show)
7) Would you go on a TV Game show?
Same Answers as above
(Again, if you answer A or B, Tell the name of the show)
I'm going to answer in the comments, but if you read the comments you have to answer the questions too!!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Family Picture and events
Tanner had interession (week off of school) a week ago and we got to do some fun things together. Went to Stone Mountain park where we played mini-golf, rode the train, and saw lots of shows. Went to a Pumpkin Patch area and they had a hay-ride and play area where we also had a picnic. And also went to the Atlanta Zoo where we all had a good time. It was good to do family stuff for that week because this is the busy season for Best Buy and we will not have much time until after Christmas.
Georgia Ballot Measures
Here are the 3 ballot measures for Georgia to vote on tomorrow as well:
This is for your information and also I have given my opinion :) but this is for you to decide.
#1) “Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to provide that the General Assembly by general law shall encourage the preservation, conservation, and protection of the state's forests through the special assessment and taxation of certain forest lands and assistance grants to local government?"
Jeff's understanding is that people or businesses that own undeveloped or forest areas (over 200 acres) would get a tax break on that property if left undeveloped (at least for 15 years). People against the measure say that It would mean less tax money coming from that area and it would have to be made up by all Georgia taxpayers. People for it say that it helps to preserve the forest land and that those owners are not charged the high rate of taxes for preserving forests and undeveloped land.
I would say I am for this in order to not punish big land owners (people or businesses) for forest and undeveloped land and to preserve some of the green forests in GA. If they want to still develop it, they can as before with normal taxation. So it doesn't hurt development either.
#2) “Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to authorize community redevelopment and authorize counties, municipalities, and local boards of education to use tax funds for redevelopment purposes and programs?"
Jeff's understanding is that local government would get to use school taxes to fund development projects in the community. People against it say that school funds should be used on school needs only and not for the community or development. And that it gives the school board to much power to fund things not part of education. People for it say that that money from city and county are sometimes not enough to support massive projects and it gives a choice to the school board to help in the community or not. They say that when they improve the community and area it therefore improves schools.
I am against this one. If the local government wants to improve an area or for development then use the money from state and county and city taxes and not from school funds. If they can't support it with those alone then save up or find something else that will help. School board members should focus on direct help in education and not on things that indirectly might help.
#3) “Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to authorize the General Assembly to provide by general law for the creation and comprehensive regulation of infrastructure development districts for the provision of infrastructure as authorized by local governments?"
Jeff's understanding is that local government could approve of "infrastructure districts" or "private cities" basically an "area of land" meant for a developer to borrow money from the local government to develop that area and pay it off from people who buy that area after it is developed. People against it say that it makes it so that the local government can give tax payer money to a Developer to promote development in an area that might not occur or not needed. And if that area fails (doesn't sell) then the taxpayers are left to pay for it. People for it say that it is a new tool that will be used to pay for badly needed projects in some areas to increase development and that developers will pay back to taxpayers after it is bought up. Also it makes it so that these developments have a 20 Percent greenspace for parks and better water conservation.
I am against this measure because I want developers to build where they want and how they want and not the local government telling them where and how.
This is for your information and also I have given my opinion :) but this is for you to decide.
#1) “Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to provide that the General Assembly by general law shall encourage the preservation, conservation, and protection of the state's forests through the special assessment and taxation of certain forest lands and assistance grants to local government?"
Jeff's understanding is that people or businesses that own undeveloped or forest areas (over 200 acres) would get a tax break on that property if left undeveloped (at least for 15 years). People against the measure say that It would mean less tax money coming from that area and it would have to be made up by all Georgia taxpayers. People for it say that it helps to preserve the forest land and that those owners are not charged the high rate of taxes for preserving forests and undeveloped land.
I would say I am for this in order to not punish big land owners (people or businesses) for forest and undeveloped land and to preserve some of the green forests in GA. If they want to still develop it, they can as before with normal taxation. So it doesn't hurt development either.
#2) “Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to authorize community redevelopment and authorize counties, municipalities, and local boards of education to use tax funds for redevelopment purposes and programs?"
Jeff's understanding is that local government would get to use school taxes to fund development projects in the community. People against it say that school funds should be used on school needs only and not for the community or development. And that it gives the school board to much power to fund things not part of education. People for it say that that money from city and county are sometimes not enough to support massive projects and it gives a choice to the school board to help in the community or not. They say that when they improve the community and area it therefore improves schools.
I am against this one. If the local government wants to improve an area or for development then use the money from state and county and city taxes and not from school funds. If they can't support it with those alone then save up or find something else that will help. School board members should focus on direct help in education and not on things that indirectly might help.
#3) “Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to authorize the General Assembly to provide by general law for the creation and comprehensive regulation of infrastructure development districts for the provision of infrastructure as authorized by local governments?"
Jeff's understanding is that local government could approve of "infrastructure districts" or "private cities" basically an "area of land" meant for a developer to borrow money from the local government to develop that area and pay it off from people who buy that area after it is developed. People against it say that it makes it so that the local government can give tax payer money to a Developer to promote development in an area that might not occur or not needed. And if that area fails (doesn't sell) then the taxpayers are left to pay for it. People for it say that it is a new tool that will be used to pay for badly needed projects in some areas to increase development and that developers will pay back to taxpayers after it is bought up. Also it makes it so that these developments have a 20 Percent greenspace for parks and better water conservation.
I am against this measure because I want developers to build where they want and how they want and not the local government telling them where and how.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Tagged
I got Tagged, I Tag everyone who reads this if you haven't done it yet
8 Things I am Passionate about:
Family (immediate and extended)
My Faith
Knowledge (I need to know all)
Efficiency
Electronics
Entertainment (Board games, etc)
Politics
Competition and Some Sports
.
8(I have many more) Words or phrases I say:
(Most are Jeff Originals that need to be said with a specific connotation and tone)
Yeah right
Nae
"Beatings" or "Bungings" (multiple usages)
Buh Bye
It's Half Past Quarter Time
"Basics" or "Basically"
Deal with it
Makes it so good
.
8 Things to accomplish in the upcoming year:
Pay off all Debt (except House)
Teach and play with Children
Switch the office and Play room
Take wife out on dates more
Promotion at Work
Go to Temple more often
Create a Will
Save a Life
.
8 Places I want to go or visit:
Visit Family in Utah and Oregon
England and a Wimbledon Final Match
World Cup Final Match
NHL Playoffs Finals Game
Caribbean Island
All 50 states (40 Done, 10 more to go)
Australia
Holy Land area
.
8 things I need or want:
An automated way to get house clean
Healthy Family
An extra 2 hours a Day (More time or slower time)
More Sleep or just to feel more rested
Products that will last longer without service
More Freedom (Not as much that Kevin wants people to have though)
To know all
My calling and election made sure
Who is Who?
Do you know who is who?
3)
Have your guess? Look at the notes for the answers to see if your right and don't look at any other pics.
1)
2)
3)
Have your guess? Look at the notes for the answers to see if your right and don't look at any other pics.Friday, October 3, 2008
Glad all family got out of Circuit City
Here is a recent article I found. I'm just glad that many in our family don't work for Circuit City anymore.
Whole article can be read here at: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10053605-17.html
The fate of Circuit City is very much in doubt. After months of poor performance and even worse management, the company reported its second-quarter earnings on Monday for the month ending August 31, and let's just say that Circuit City is in deep trouble.
According to the company, it incurred a net loss during the quarter of $239 million on $2.3 billion in revenue. During the same quarter in 2007, the company lost almost $63 million on $2.6 billion in revenue. In the past six months, Circuit City has lost over $400 million--almost four times as much as it lost during the same period in 2007.
"Clearly, the performance of the company is unacceptable to all of our stakeholders, and it is imperative that we take the right steps to accelerate our turnaround," stated James A. Marcum, chief executive officer of Circuit City Stores. "The management team and the board of directors are conducting a comprehensive review of all aspects of our business to determine the best methods of delivering substantially improved financial performance and maximizing shareholder value.
"We recognize that this will require that we intensify our efforts to correct problems in our business. In particular, to be successful, all of our actions must start with improving the customer experience in our stores. As we move forward, we intend to improve how we operate, strengthen our market position, and build a stronger future for the company."
Here's a clue, Marcum: sell the company to the highest bidder as soon as possible and get out before it's too late. It's your only option.
At the time of this posting, Circuit City's stock price is a laughable $1.21. Compare that to Best Buy's $37.59 stock price and you quickly learn everything you need to know about the position Circuit City presently finds itself in.
But let's take a quick look at Best Buy. Obviously Circuit City is being affected by the current state of the economy and less people are willing to spend money on tech toys than they were last year, so the same should be true for Best Buy, right?
Guess again.
According to its latest filings, Best Buy's revenue is hovering at around $9 billion--well in-line with prior year numbers--and its profit during the quarter ending August 30 is $200 million. More importantly, its revenue is up by almost $1 billion over the previous quarter.
So what gives? Why is Best Buy such a successful company when Circuit City is slowly turning into the laughingstock of the tech retail world? It's simple: there's only room for one big-box tech retailer.
Let's face it--CompUSA (although it has made a comeback to some extent), died at the hands of online tech retailers and Best Buy. It faced many of the same issues currently plaguing Circuit City--little customer traffic, for one--and it couldn't stand up to the experience and prices offered at Best Buy and online.
Circuit City keeps talking about its need to improve the customer experience in stores, but I have no idea how it will accomplish such a feat.
First off, it needs customers in its stores. Obviously people buy products at Circuit City stores, but if there's a Best Buy within a close proximity, I'm willing to bet that the Best Buy will have hundreds of people looking to buy products, while the Circuit City has a handful. I have gone to both stores (they're within about 5 minutes of each other) in my area on the same day. The Best Buy is flooded with customers looking to pick up HDTVs, digital cameras, and other tech toys, while the Circuit City is practically empty.
Assuming Circuit City can increase the number of customers that patronize its stores (which it probably won't be able to do), it'll need to improve the customer experience by reducing its prices, employing more sales representatives to help its customers, and provide an experience in the stores that's more conducive to buying products from the company. Of course, the only problem with that scenario is that the company isn't in the financial condition to do anything of the sort.
Regardless, Circuit City is a public company and it's forced to maximize shareholder value. In order to do that, it needs to find any way to turn a profit and try to fend off the Best Buy and online onslaught. With that in mind, maybe it can turn most of its business online and keep only those stores that are performing extremely well. Or maybe it can go back to the table with Blockbuster and work out a deal to increase the value to both firms.
Or maybe Circuit City can raise the white flag and start finding a potential suitor.
It's that last option that makes the most sense at this point. Let's face it--Circuit City will never be able to stand up to Best Buy and its chances of creating a strong online presence are just as slim. Worse, its financial health keeps getting worse and the company seems like it's at wit's end. And as a shareholder, seeing your executives at wit's end means it's not a company worth owning any longer.
And so, at this time when immediate action is not only advisable, it's entirely necessary, Circuit City finds itself in an unenviable position. The company needs to find a way to turn things around, but it won't be able to do that unless it can invest in those changes. And at this point, that's practically impossible.
Realizing that, Circuit City really only has two options: sell to the highest bidder or face total annihilation. It's a sad state of affairs and I'm sure the company won't like to hear it, but at this point, selling it to the highest bidder is its only option.
And considering it tried desperately to get Blockbuster to bite, I think it knows that all too well.
Check out Don's Digital Home podcast, Twitter feed, and FriendFeed.
Whole article can be read here at: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10053605-17.html
The fate of Circuit City is very much in doubt. After months of poor performance and even worse management, the company reported its second-quarter earnings on Monday for the month ending August 31, and let's just say that Circuit City is in deep trouble.
According to the company, it incurred a net loss during the quarter of $239 million on $2.3 billion in revenue. During the same quarter in 2007, the company lost almost $63 million on $2.6 billion in revenue. In the past six months, Circuit City has lost over $400 million--almost four times as much as it lost during the same period in 2007.
"Clearly, the performance of the company is unacceptable to all of our stakeholders, and it is imperative that we take the right steps to accelerate our turnaround," stated James A. Marcum, chief executive officer of Circuit City Stores. "The management team and the board of directors are conducting a comprehensive review of all aspects of our business to determine the best methods of delivering substantially improved financial performance and maximizing shareholder value.
"We recognize that this will require that we intensify our efforts to correct problems in our business. In particular, to be successful, all of our actions must start with improving the customer experience in our stores. As we move forward, we intend to improve how we operate, strengthen our market position, and build a stronger future for the company."
Here's a clue, Marcum: sell the company to the highest bidder as soon as possible and get out before it's too late. It's your only option.
At the time of this posting, Circuit City's stock price is a laughable $1.21. Compare that to Best Buy's $37.59 stock price and you quickly learn everything you need to know about the position Circuit City presently finds itself in.
But let's take a quick look at Best Buy. Obviously Circuit City is being affected by the current state of the economy and less people are willing to spend money on tech toys than they were last year, so the same should be true for Best Buy, right?
Guess again.
According to its latest filings, Best Buy's revenue is hovering at around $9 billion--well in-line with prior year numbers--and its profit during the quarter ending August 30 is $200 million. More importantly, its revenue is up by almost $1 billion over the previous quarter.
So what gives? Why is Best Buy such a successful company when Circuit City is slowly turning into the laughingstock of the tech retail world? It's simple: there's only room for one big-box tech retailer.
Let's face it--CompUSA (although it has made a comeback to some extent), died at the hands of online tech retailers and Best Buy. It faced many of the same issues currently plaguing Circuit City--little customer traffic, for one--and it couldn't stand up to the experience and prices offered at Best Buy and online.
Circuit City keeps talking about its need to improve the customer experience in stores, but I have no idea how it will accomplish such a feat.
First off, it needs customers in its stores. Obviously people buy products at Circuit City stores, but if there's a Best Buy within a close proximity, I'm willing to bet that the Best Buy will have hundreds of people looking to buy products, while the Circuit City has a handful. I have gone to both stores (they're within about 5 minutes of each other) in my area on the same day. The Best Buy is flooded with customers looking to pick up HDTVs, digital cameras, and other tech toys, while the Circuit City is practically empty.
Assuming Circuit City can increase the number of customers that patronize its stores (which it probably won't be able to do), it'll need to improve the customer experience by reducing its prices, employing more sales representatives to help its customers, and provide an experience in the stores that's more conducive to buying products from the company. Of course, the only problem with that scenario is that the company isn't in the financial condition to do anything of the sort.
Regardless, Circuit City is a public company and it's forced to maximize shareholder value. In order to do that, it needs to find any way to turn a profit and try to fend off the Best Buy and online onslaught. With that in mind, maybe it can turn most of its business online and keep only those stores that are performing extremely well. Or maybe it can go back to the table with Blockbuster and work out a deal to increase the value to both firms.
Or maybe Circuit City can raise the white flag and start finding a potential suitor.
It's that last option that makes the most sense at this point. Let's face it--Circuit City will never be able to stand up to Best Buy and its chances of creating a strong online presence are just as slim. Worse, its financial health keeps getting worse and the company seems like it's at wit's end. And as a shareholder, seeing your executives at wit's end means it's not a company worth owning any longer.
And so, at this time when immediate action is not only advisable, it's entirely necessary, Circuit City finds itself in an unenviable position. The company needs to find a way to turn things around, but it won't be able to do that unless it can invest in those changes. And at this point, that's practically impossible.
Realizing that, Circuit City really only has two options: sell to the highest bidder or face total annihilation. It's a sad state of affairs and I'm sure the company won't like to hear it, but at this point, selling it to the highest bidder is its only option.
And considering it tried desperately to get Blockbuster to bite, I think it knows that all too well.
Check out Don's Digital Home podcast, Twitter feed, and FriendFeed.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Communication
Here in our world of immediate communication to anyone, it is amazing when we still can't communicate when we need or want to. We use phones, txt messages, Instant messages, email, etc to instantly communicate to people when needed and sometimes messages are still not communicated correctly or in enough time. I am someone who anyone can usually get a hold of me very quickly and easily almost at anytime for anything, but why is this not the case with a majority of others? Maybe some people don't like communicating or don't want to quickly, but is this for a majority of people? Anyway, thanks for those who are efficient.
This is not directed at anyone, I just was thinking about it recently.
This is not directed at anyone, I just was thinking about it recently.
Monday, August 25, 2008
VACATION AND RAIN
Went on a family vacation with the extended family this past week to Florida and had a lot of fun. First we all stayed at my Dad and Mom's new house in Orlando with lots of new games and toys. Some new toys for Tanner and Lindsey and some new toys for the older kids (that means everyone in the family). My sisters introduced the playstation 3 toy to me and the game Rockband that Mike Page and I were into a bit this week. We got the beat down pretty well as we played.
I got to keep up with the olympics in HD on a 65" Plasma there. Also got to see a few movies in HD. It was good to pass some time in the house because there was some rain for a couple days due to Tropical storm Fay coming through Florida.
We went to Disneyworld's Magic kingdom for a day and Tanner and Lindsey had a good time. It was hard getting Lindsey off of, "It's a small world" because she wanted to do it again and stay on and Tanner's favorite was, "Pirates of the Caribbean."
Also went to Sea World for a Day and we all loved all the shows and animals. Tanner loved the shark encounter the best and Lindsey favorite was watching Elmo and a live sesame street show. Carie and I liked the Shamu show best.
We also got to go to the beach near Melbourne and had a good day enjoying the sun, sand, and cool water while riding some bigger waves due to the storms. Probably a bit too much because we all got a bit sunburned.
Also, Carie and I never got to go out for our anniversary because we worked all the week before we left. So we went out just us 2 and went to a good dinner show. They put on a show and give you clues that you should figure out to see who the murderer was. Dinner was pretty good too. At the end they tell you who the murderer is and see if your right. Pretty cool and you can get more info at www.sleuths.com.
Anyway, a good week and Thank you so much Mom and Dad for the invite and a great time.Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Recent Happenings
Just wanted to tell what everyone has been up to recently:
Jeff: I had been working hard in Preparation and during Tax Free Weekend. Crazy how busy and what people will go through to save $20-$60 dollars of Sales Tax during these 4 days. Overtime is really going to be nice on the next paycheck! Taking care of the lawn (mostly) and playing outside with the kids when home.
Carie: Hardest job of all keeping up with the house and now 3 kids. She is going to be getting back to tutoring part-time again in a few weeks that she enjoys. She takes care of the most with the shopping and bills included.
Tanner: Has been busy during the summer, he just finished intermediate swimming lessons and is just starting Under 6 Soccer with Walton parks. He started Kindergarten this year and likes it so far. He rides the bus everyday back and forth. He likes to play with neighborhood friends every extra time he can.
Lindsey: Has also been busy, well making Carie and I busy with the things she can get into when not looked at. We are potty training her and it is going slow. She loves the Caliou show on PBS and likes to go for walks and go swimming. She is at the very independant time that wants to do everything all by herself. "Lindsey do it." Likes to accessorize already and dress up.
Maren: Smiling now when she gets the attention and is holding her head up alot on her own. Sometimes sleeping for 6 hours at night. A little different then Tanner and Lindsey because she likes Bath time and diaper changes. But even she doesn't like changing clothes or getting dressed - just like the others.
Jeff: I had been working hard in Preparation and during Tax Free Weekend. Crazy how busy and what people will go through to save $20-$60 dollars of Sales Tax during these 4 days. Overtime is really going to be nice on the next paycheck! Taking care of the lawn (mostly) and playing outside with the kids when home.
Carie: Hardest job of all keeping up with the house and now 3 kids. She is going to be getting back to tutoring part-time again in a few weeks that she enjoys. She takes care of the most with the shopping and bills included.
Tanner: Has been busy during the summer, he just finished intermediate swimming lessons and is just starting Under 6 Soccer with Walton parks. He started Kindergarten this year and likes it so far. He rides the bus everyday back and forth. He likes to play with neighborhood friends every extra time he can.
Lindsey: Has also been busy, well making Carie and I busy with the things she can get into when not looked at. We are potty training her and it is going slow. She loves the Caliou show on PBS and likes to go for walks and go swimming. She is at the very independant time that wants to do everything all by herself. "Lindsey do it." Likes to accessorize already and dress up.
Maren: Smiling now when she gets the attention and is holding her head up alot on her own. Sometimes sleeping for 6 hours at night. A little different then Tanner and Lindsey because she likes Bath time and diaper changes. But even she doesn't like changing clothes or getting dressed - just like the others.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
A new Favorite Show
I watched this new show last week for the first time called, "WIPEOUT" on ABC on Tuesday nights and I'm hooked. It is really goofy, but so funny. Then right after that, I watched, "I survived a Japanese Game show", and it was almost just as funny. You should check it out tomorrow night on ABC.
http://abc.go.com/primetime/wipeout/index?pn=index
http://abc.go.com/primetime/wipeout/index?pn=index
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Pick your scenario
Cool little map that I found on the web. Only has McCain and Obama on it though. Guess what the results will be on Nov 4th. Choose what the swing states will do. Sounds like a lot of states are locked up already.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Religion Question I couldn't answer
We recently had one of Carie's friends growing up visit us in Atlanta and spent a day with us. She is a different religion and went to church with us. She knows a lot about Mormons already and we got into a discussion and she asked lots of questions. Carie and I were able to answer most of them, but I didn't have an answer to one. She asked why African-Americans were unable to hold the priesthood until 1978. I wasn't too sure so I decided to do research and find out. Here is an article that helped me understand at least a little more on this subject. Hopefully it answers her question a little more.
http://www.angelfire.com/mo2/blackmormon/BMPB.html
http://www.angelfire.com/mo2/blackmormon/BMPB.html
Monday, July 7, 2008
More new Pictures
Had a fun time with Grandma visiting!
Maren is getting bigger and more alert
Also she is smiling more now
The cutest three girls!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Recent Pictures and Summer Happenings
Marcia came to visit and we all went to Stone Mountain Park and did lots of activities. Rode the train, Played Mini-golf, Played in the Kids playhouse, and Watched the Laser show.
Maren was blessed on Father's Day!
Lindsey becomes "Fancy Lindsey" with the help of Grandma and the book she brought.
Lindsey likes to run and play soccer like Tanner
Tanner has a week long soccer camp with England players. Tanner and his 3 coaches.
Tanner finishes Pre-K and loved his teachers.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Supreme Court Got it right this time
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that Americans have a constitutional right to keep guns in their homes for self-defense, the justices' first major pronouncement on gun control in U.S. history.
My question is why was this ever questioned at all? That's what the second amendment gives us a right to do.
But it also had in the news that, "Mayors Pledge to Uphold Gun Control Laws Despite Supreme Court Ruling." Who are these Mayors and why?
My question is why was this ever questioned at all? That's what the second amendment gives us a right to do.
But it also had in the news that, "Mayors Pledge to Uphold Gun Control Laws Despite Supreme Court Ruling." Who are these Mayors and why?
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
New Pollingpoint Questions and results
Here are some more questions for you to answer from Pollingpoint!
1) Which comes closest to your view about evaluating students for admission into a college or university?
A. Applicants should be admitted solely on the basis or merit, even if that results in few minority students being admitted.
B. An applicant's racial background should be considered to help promote diversity on college campuses, even if that means admitting some minority students with lower qualifications.
2) Regardless of which candidate you support, who do you think will win?
A. John McCain will probably win the election
B. The election will be very close
C. Barack Obama will probably win the election
D. Another candidate will probably win the election
E. Not sure
3) Should middle schools or high schools make free condoms or birth control bills available to students?
A. Middle schools
B. High schools
C. Both
D. Neither
E. Not sure
Some other results:
Which of these people do you think would make a good role model for young girls? (teens)
Which of these people do you think would make a good role model for young girls? (adults)
1) Which comes closest to your view about evaluating students for admission into a college or university?
A. Applicants should be admitted solely on the basis or merit, even if that results in few minority students being admitted.
B. An applicant's racial background should be considered to help promote diversity on college campuses, even if that means admitting some minority students with lower qualifications.
2) Regardless of which candidate you support, who do you think will win?
A. John McCain will probably win the election
B. The election will be very close
C. Barack Obama will probably win the election
D. Another candidate will probably win the election
E. Not sure
3) Should middle schools or high schools make free condoms or birth control bills available to students?
A. Middle schools
B. High schools
C. Both
D. Neither
E. Not sure
Some other results:
Which of these people do you think would make a good role model for young girls? (teens)
Which of these people do you think would make a good role model for young girls? (adults)
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Family links you wish you didn't know about
I am grateful for Mike Page for starting a Geni account (www.geni.com) where you can see geneology for your family and also that it reminds you when a birthday is near and information about your family members. Actually, Carie is already sick of all the emails, but I don't mind them as a chance to learn about history and family. I just hope we get more people to join and take advantage of everything it can offer. But sometimes you might not want to know who you might be related to. For example, how about if you find your relative is Adolf Hitler or something?
This kind of happened to me yesterday when I clicked to see who a person is from the latest email. Joy Brisbo is the person I was interested in and it took me to a page that said she is my fourth cousin's wife's aunt. It also tells you how you are related by creating direct lines to that person from yourself, Blue color lines are blood family members and it switches to red lines if it goes through a marriage. Joy Brisbo is not my direct relative because it switches to red at Marcia Sheffield. I thought this is weird because Kim Sheffield is Blue. These are my wife Carie's Parents!!! I click on Kim Sheffield (Carie's Dad) and it says we are fourth cousins. Aparently, my great great grandfather and Kim's great great grandmother are brother and sister from Denmark. It is on my mom side and Carie's dad side. I just think it is a little wierd that Carie is also my Fourth cousin once removed if this is accurate. I know it doesn't really make that big of an deal, but you don't expect to be somewhat related to your wife at all or for at least for minimum of 10 generations.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Flying $ Tips and inefficiency
I am so curious on how some of the same flights to and from cities are so many different prices.
For example, we have been looking for a flight for Carie's Mother (Marcia) to come out to Georgia to see us for a while and never have found a good deal until 2 weeks ago.
The last time we found a flight for her was about 1 1/2 years ago and it was from Medford, Oregon to Atlanta for around $350. But the funny thing is that it traveled through Portland. So Medford to Portland to Atlanta. But the same flight# from Portland to Atlanta was $450. Which we didn't mind from Medford because that was 1 hour closer for Marcia to go to instead of Portland. But it is usually cheaper from Portland to Atlanta.
Going back to the most recent flight we just got, we have never seen any better than $475 for a flight from Portland to Atlanta or anywhere near Portland (Medford or Eugene). But, I was just checking around at different airports around Atlanta which include Greenville, SC - Birmingham, AL - Chattanooga, TN - or Augusta, Macon, or Athens GA which are all within driving distance (all about 2 hours of driving from Atlanta). I found this flight from Delta from Portland to Birmingham, AL for $250 which was great. Again the funny thing is that it goes through Atlanta both times. So Portland to Atlanta then Birmingham here, then from Birmingham to Atlanta then Portland Back. But the same flight# if I only wanted Portland to Atlanta was $700. So I went ahead and got that flight to Birmingham knowing I probably have to drive there and back both times, but that will still save lots of money. (Around $100 in Gas to Birmingham back and forth twice vs around $30 in Gas to and from Atlanta airport twice).
So I call Delta just yesterday and see if there is a way to just stop in Atlanta because it goes there anyway instead of taking up a seat and getting a drink to go to Birmingham. I was even willing to pay around $100 more to do so for just saving the time. But I was told that you can't cancel one part or it all gets cancelled and the same flight just from Portland to Atlanta is $700. I told them I'm just going to drive to Birmingham that is only 2 hours away for $100 in Gas, but wanted to give you the opportunity to get that money for Delta instead of the Gas company but they said they couldn't do anything. No wonder the Airlines are going bankrupt all the time, they don't make smart business sense or decisions. Again I was trying to pay them $100 for me not taking up 2 seats and 2 drinks from them, but they can't do that. Oh well.
For example, we have been looking for a flight for Carie's Mother (Marcia) to come out to Georgia to see us for a while and never have found a good deal until 2 weeks ago.
The last time we found a flight for her was about 1 1/2 years ago and it was from Medford, Oregon to Atlanta for around $350. But the funny thing is that it traveled through Portland. So Medford to Portland to Atlanta. But the same flight# from Portland to Atlanta was $450. Which we didn't mind from Medford because that was 1 hour closer for Marcia to go to instead of Portland. But it is usually cheaper from Portland to Atlanta.
Going back to the most recent flight we just got, we have never seen any better than $475 for a flight from Portland to Atlanta or anywhere near Portland (Medford or Eugene). But, I was just checking around at different airports around Atlanta which include Greenville, SC - Birmingham, AL - Chattanooga, TN - or Augusta, Macon, or Athens GA which are all within driving distance (all about 2 hours of driving from Atlanta). I found this flight from Delta from Portland to Birmingham, AL for $250 which was great. Again the funny thing is that it goes through Atlanta both times. So Portland to Atlanta then Birmingham here, then from Birmingham to Atlanta then Portland Back. But the same flight# if I only wanted Portland to Atlanta was $700. So I went ahead and got that flight to Birmingham knowing I probably have to drive there and back both times, but that will still save lots of money. (Around $100 in Gas to Birmingham back and forth twice vs around $30 in Gas to and from Atlanta airport twice).
So I call Delta just yesterday and see if there is a way to just stop in Atlanta because it goes there anyway instead of taking up a seat and getting a drink to go to Birmingham. I was even willing to pay around $100 more to do so for just saving the time. But I was told that you can't cancel one part or it all gets cancelled and the same flight just from Portland to Atlanta is $700. I told them I'm just going to drive to Birmingham that is only 2 hours away for $100 in Gas, but wanted to give you the opportunity to get that money for Delta instead of the Gas company but they said they couldn't do anything. No wonder the Airlines are going bankrupt all the time, they don't make smart business sense or decisions. Again I was trying to pay them $100 for me not taking up 2 seats and 2 drinks from them, but they can't do that. Oh well.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Hockey and Soccer
When I was growing up my two favorite sports were College Football and Basketball. Probably because everyone liked BYU Football and my dad liked football a lot too. Basketball was always up there too because that was the sport I played most growing up and probably still play most. (Try to play every Wednesday night with our ward). But I don't have much passion for either of these 2 sports anymore and I haven't had much a desire to watch these sports for a while now (College and Pro).Over the last few years, Hockey has continually been my favorite sport. After learning and playing it in many different ways (Ice, Roller, and Floor) it is a sport that is so fast and exciting even though it is a lot less scoring than any of those from my past. I audited the Ice Hockey class at BYU twice after I took it for real just to get more practice. Soccer is growing and growing with me. First of all it is a lot like Hockey, with goal scoring and complex play making with a true team effort. I think it is too late to try to learn to play it though, but I follow it pretty good. I find myself turning to the Spanish channel occasionally just to see if it has a game on even though I can't understand the commentary.
Other sports I like to watch and sometimes play include Tennis and Volleyball.
Other sports that I have never enjoyed include: Baseball and Racing (Nascar)
Sports (if you call these sports) that I think people are foolish by even participating in: Boxing, fighting (like UFC. -sorry Kevin, actually that's maybe why you like to watch it?) and Poker.
My Euro 2008 Predictions
Here are my Predictions for Euro 2008. The European Championship of Soccer held every 4 years. Want to play too or do you know about soccer? Signup for Euro Pickup on ESPN.com.
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- Correct Selection 
- Incorrect Selection
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