Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Podcasts
If you want to listen to a hilarious podcast listen to the podcast from Adam Corolla down towards the bottom entitled "Pedif Isle"....
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
A goofy little secret of mine
One thing most people don't know about me is that I love learning about new technologies. Now mind you I can't build anything for the life of me but I love learning about them. I get popular mechanics ever month and read it cover to cover. Below are some links of things on the horizon that I am looking forward to:
the air car
Solar Energy
Flying Cars
Maglev Trains
Vertical Farms
the air car
Solar Energy
Flying Cars
Maglev Trains
Vertical Farms
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
An Epiphany
So I was reading on some message boards and came across this thread which really made me think about the age old question:
"If God cares so much about us as humans why does he let kids starve in Africa?"
Its a valid question that a lot of posters on that site above weighed in their thoughts. One poster who happens to be my good friend said this:
"There's just no way to know it's god. I think humankind's assumptions that god is just, merciful, cares at all, etc. is more a deep-seated hope than anything.
We pretend that we know what kind of being god is (all-wise, all-knowing, just, merciful, etc.), then rationalize instances where god breaks out of character (He lets kids starve in Africa because of XYZ). In my opinion, we don't know anything about god. But to each his/her own."
He makes a good point that in reality is true. We don't know anything about God's character. The Old Testament God was vengeful and angry. He even made bets with the devil about someone's soul
I was thinking about this last night when I had my epiphany. This is why we need to have faith in Jesus Christ. Faith that what he was saying was what God truly is. We generally look at the sermon on the mount as good teaching for our lives but another way is to see how he was dispelling the notion of the angry, vengeful God presented in the Old Testament (His audience for his Sermon).
Some of his sayings:
"God is Love"
"Ask and ye shall receive"
"what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
One of the reasons the first principle of the gospel is faith in Jesus Christ is that we have to believe that God is what Jesus said he was. We have to have faith that God cares about his children and while suffering exists it only is there for a time then it ends. I remember a conversation where people were talking about how horrible it would be to die being tortured or burning. But in reality it doesn't matter either way you are dead. This is analogous to human suffering. While someone suffer for 20 years may seem like a long time. When compared with how old the universe is and will be its just a spec.
Ok ... enough preaching for one night
"If God cares so much about us as humans why does he let kids starve in Africa?"
Its a valid question that a lot of posters on that site above weighed in their thoughts. One poster who happens to be my good friend said this:
"There's just no way to know it's god. I think humankind's assumptions that god is just, merciful, cares at all, etc. is more a deep-seated hope than anything.
We pretend that we know what kind of being god is (all-wise, all-knowing, just, merciful, etc.), then rationalize instances where god breaks out of character (He lets kids starve in Africa because of XYZ). In my opinion, we don't know anything about god. But to each his/her own."
He makes a good point that in reality is true. We don't know anything about God's character. The Old Testament God was vengeful and angry. He even made bets with the devil about someone's soul
I was thinking about this last night when I had my epiphany. This is why we need to have faith in Jesus Christ. Faith that what he was saying was what God truly is. We generally look at the sermon on the mount as good teaching for our lives but another way is to see how he was dispelling the notion of the angry, vengeful God presented in the Old Testament (His audience for his Sermon).
Some of his sayings:
"God is Love"
"Ask and ye shall receive"
"what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
One of the reasons the first principle of the gospel is faith in Jesus Christ is that we have to believe that God is what Jesus said he was. We have to have faith that God cares about his children and while suffering exists it only is there for a time then it ends. I remember a conversation where people were talking about how horrible it would be to die being tortured or burning. But in reality it doesn't matter either way you are dead. This is analogous to human suffering. While someone suffer for 20 years may seem like a long time. When compared with how old the universe is and will be its just a spec.
Ok ... enough preaching for one night
Friday, April 11, 2008
Some Answers about the Utah Man
FOUR JOBS I'VE HAD-
1. Health care finance - My wife once asked me to explain what I did at work every day. I broke out the spreadsheets and she was asleep in 5 minutes. Can't say I really blame her.
2. Valet - I drove a 120k car once that was cool
3. Dishwasher at a chinese restaraunt
4. working at a movie theatre - Free movies!
FOUR PLACES I HAVE LIVED-
1. Salt Lake City
2. Goiana, Brazil
3. Oviedo, Spain
4. Ann Arbor, MI
FOUR PEOPLE WHO EMAIL ME REGULARLY-
1. Fred Warner
2. My boss
3. utahutes.com
4. Ngiya Desponiva ... the depsoed prince of Nigeria - "Look Toby when a disposed prince needs your help you help... He's a prince after all" - Michael Scott
FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS-
1. Steak
2. Red Velvet Cake
3. tootsie rolls
4. Lettuce wraps
FOUR PLACES I'D RATHER BE RIGHT NOW-
1. At Wrigley watching the Cubs
2. In Rice Eccles Stadium watching the Utes
3. In the Hunstman center watching the Utes
4. Out on the Golf Course
FOUR THINGS I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO-
1. Going to Cincinatti to watch the cubs play in May
2. the summer
3. having a son old enough to play baseball
4. golfing
1. Health care finance - My wife once asked me to explain what I did at work every day. I broke out the spreadsheets and she was asleep in 5 minutes. Can't say I really blame her.
2. Valet - I drove a 120k car once that was cool
3. Dishwasher at a chinese restaraunt
4. working at a movie theatre - Free movies!
FOUR PLACES I HAVE LIVED-
1. Salt Lake City
2. Goiana, Brazil
3. Oviedo, Spain
4. Ann Arbor, MI
FOUR PEOPLE WHO EMAIL ME REGULARLY-
1. Fred Warner
2. My boss
3. utahutes.com
4. Ngiya Desponiva ... the depsoed prince of Nigeria - "Look Toby when a disposed prince needs your help you help... He's a prince after all" - Michael Scott
FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS-
1. Steak
2. Red Velvet Cake
3. tootsie rolls
4. Lettuce wraps
FOUR PLACES I'D RATHER BE RIGHT NOW-
1. At Wrigley watching the Cubs
2. In Rice Eccles Stadium watching the Utes
3. In the Hunstman center watching the Utes
4. Out on the Golf Course
FOUR THINGS I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO-
1. Going to Cincinatti to watch the cubs play in May
2. the summer
3. having a son old enough to play baseball
4. golfing
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
BYU's Historic Basketball tradition
Hanging from the rafters of BYU's Marriott Center are several banners
that illustrate the proud history of BYU's men's basketball team, Sweet
16 in 1951, 1957, 1965, 1971 and Elite 8 in 1950, 1951 and 1981. Let's
look at this rich history in a little more detail.
The first is the Elite 8 banner of 1950. Interesting to note thatin
1950 there were only 8 teams that played in the tournament, so by virtue
of showing up BYU earned this banner. BYU lost in the first roundto
the Baylor Bears by a score of 56-55.
In 1951 BYU claims a Sweet 16 and an Elite 8 appearance. Considering
only 16 teams were in the tournament in 1951 that Sweet 16 banner is
another banner without a win. However to reach the Elite 8 BYU did
defeat San Jose State 68-61, but lost in the Elite 8 to KSU 64-54.
In 1957 BYU trumpets a Sweet 16 banner. In 1957 there were only 23
teams in the tournament and BYU had a bye in the first round leading to
their 'Sweet 16' game, where they were trounced by the Cal Bears 86-59.
Another banner without a single victory. You can see the tradition
really taking shape now can't you?
The next 'accomplishment' for BYU was a Sweet 16 appearance in 1965. You
guessed it, it was just an appearance. There were 23 teams in the
tournament that year. The Cougars got a bye and then were crushed by
UCLA 100-76. Another loss, that's alright, throw up a Sweet 16banner!
BYU touts a Sweet 16 for 1971. In that year there were 25 teams in the
tournament. BYU actually had to play a first round game that year, in
which they defeated the Utah State Aggies, 91-82, before being stomped
by UCLA 91-73. Another year, another banner.
There you have it, 6 NCAA banner listings for 2 NCAA Tournament wins.
And 12 Banner listings from 1950-1971 counting the 'NCAA appearances'
banner. During that period their tournament record was 2 wins 6 losses.
Let's fast forward to 2008, the Cougars make another NCAA tournament
appearance and another first round exit. To keep the traditionalive,
attached below is another banner for the Cougar faithful to hang, we
wouldn't want you to not be able to boast at least a Sweet 16 banner
this year without even winning a game! We've got a solution foryou.
Some interesting facts:
· BYU holds the record for most NCAA tournament appearanceswithout
appearing in the Final 4.
· Since BYU won it's last NCAA tournament game (1992-1993) theUtes
have won 16 NCAA tournament games
that illustrate the proud history of BYU's men's basketball team, Sweet
16 in 1951, 1957, 1965, 1971 and Elite 8 in 1950, 1951 and 1981. Let's
look at this rich history in a little more detail.
The first is the Elite 8 banner of 1950. Interesting to note thatin
1950 there were only 8 teams that played in the tournament, so by virtue
of showing up BYU earned this banner. BYU lost in the first roundto
the Baylor Bears by a score of 56-55.
In 1951 BYU claims a Sweet 16 and an Elite 8 appearance. Considering
only 16 teams were in the tournament in 1951 that Sweet 16 banner is
another banner without a win. However to reach the Elite 8 BYU did
defeat San Jose State 68-61, but lost in the Elite 8 to KSU 64-54.
In 1957 BYU trumpets a Sweet 16 banner. In 1957 there were only 23
teams in the tournament and BYU had a bye in the first round leading to
their 'Sweet 16' game, where they were trounced by the Cal Bears 86-59.
Another banner without a single victory. You can see the tradition
really taking shape now can't you?
The next 'accomplishment' for BYU was a Sweet 16 appearance in 1965. You
guessed it, it was just an appearance. There were 23 teams in the
tournament that year. The Cougars got a bye and then were crushed by
UCLA 100-76. Another loss, that's alright, throw up a Sweet 16banner!
BYU touts a Sweet 16 for 1971. In that year there were 25 teams in the
tournament. BYU actually had to play a first round game that year, in
which they defeated the Utah State Aggies, 91-82, before being stomped
by UCLA 91-73. Another year, another banner.
There you have it, 6 NCAA banner listings for 2 NCAA Tournament wins.
And 12 Banner listings from 1950-1971 counting the 'NCAA appearances'
banner. During that period their tournament record was 2 wins 6 losses.
Let's fast forward to 2008, the Cougars make another NCAA tournament
appearance and another first round exit. To keep the traditionalive,
attached below is another banner for the Cougar faithful to hang, we
wouldn't want you to not be able to boast at least a Sweet 16 banner
this year without even winning a game! We've got a solution foryou.
Some interesting facts:
· BYU holds the record for most NCAA tournament appearanceswithout
appearing in the Final 4.
· Since BYU won it's last NCAA tournament game (1992-1993) theUtes
have won 16 NCAA tournament games
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Next Weekend's Project
I've decided that I want a serious vegetable garden this year. Using this plan I will be making raised beds similar to this photo. I will post the finished project in a couple of weeks. The goal is to have the garden planted and ready to go by the end of April
Friday, April 4, 2008
Utah Football TV Schedule Complaint
Scott Pierce from the Deseret Morning News make a couple of good points about the tv schedule for Utah and our little brothers down south. I agree with him on most points and would like to highlight this issue:
Seriously what the hell is CBS CS thinking? TCU v CSU (CSU will be the worst team in the leagure again) or the mayhem that will be Utah versus the pokes. If you remember from last November when Utah beat the cowboys 50-0 we got this beautiful picture from Wyoming Head Coach Joe Glenn:
Isn't it clear that the Utah v Wyoming game is going to be crazy game next year? If I was a studio exec of a struggling station I would make sure this game is being shown... Just goes to show how stupid cstv...err... CBS CS is
"When you look at the schedule week-by-week, you can almost always understand the reasoning behind the games CBS C and Versus have on their schedules. But not every week.
For example, on Oct. 11, CBS CS chose TCU-Colorado State over Utah-Wyoming and New Mexico-BYU. Given that TCU is on the network three times and BYU and Utah — arguably the league's two flagship programs (and certain to be among the preseason favorites) — are both on only once, that's hard to defend."Seriously what the hell is CBS CS thinking? TCU v CSU (CSU will be the worst team in the leagure again) or the mayhem that will be Utah versus the pokes. If you remember from last November when Utah beat the cowboys 50-0 we got this beautiful picture from Wyoming Head Coach Joe Glenn:
Isn't it clear that the Utah v Wyoming game is going to be crazy game next year? If I was a studio exec of a struggling station I would make sure this game is being shown... Just goes to show how stupid cstv...err... CBS CS is
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Sports and Convential Wisdom
http://www.utefans.net/message.php?id=591200
The thread above got me thinking about how teams would be better if they bucked convential wisdom...
The most obvious to me is going for it on 4th down when in opposing territory where its a little to long for a FG. IMO anything 4th and 5 and below in this situation is an automatic go for the first.
This is the 50 - 37 yard line. on your own 40 - 50 I think it makes sense most of the time to go for it 4 and 3 and below... TMQ on espn.com always writes about this...
Another one is late in the game (last 2 minutes or so) and you are pinned in your own endzone and you are up by more than two. Instead of punting where they are sure to get the ball on your side of the 50 why not take a safety and get a free kick from the 20?
The thread above got me thinking about how teams would be better if they bucked convential wisdom...
The most obvious to me is going for it on 4th down when in opposing territory where its a little to long for a FG. IMO anything 4th and 5 and below in this situation is an automatic go for the first.
This is the 50 - 37 yard line. on your own 40 - 50 I think it makes sense most of the time to go for it 4 and 3 and below... TMQ on espn.com always writes about this...
Another one is late in the game (last 2 minutes or so) and you are pinned in your own endzone and you are up by more than two. Instead of punting where they are sure to get the ball on your side of the 50 why not take a safety and get a free kick from the 20?
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
How I would fix the health care system in this country
With the election coming up and the candidates having various plans of what to do with health care. I present my plan. Its simple, efficient and makes sense... It would also never be done because its simple, efficient and makes sense
Alright here is my plan:
1. Medicaid is completely abolished on the federal level. States decide benefit for poor concerning deductible.
2. Medicare becomes a high deductible insurance
Provisos to number 2.
A. Every person from 1-18 is completely covered
B. Single people from 19-65 have $5000 deductible
C. Married people from 19-65 have $5k deductible per person or $8k per couple
D. Single People over 65 have a $3k deductible
E. Married people 65+ have 3k deductible or 4k per couple
F. 100% of Preventative measures are covered
G. Any person over 65 who has a terminal disease must do hospice care
3. 10% Sales tax on all fast food restaraunts
4. Cigarette and alcohol tax
5. Smoking cessation , Gym membership, or other weight loss programs all contribute up to $1500 of Deductible. Dental care can contribute up to $4,000 of deductible.
6. Not for profit Health insurers (Blue Cross, Health sytems owned) use 50% of their cash reserves to help Poor pay deductibles.
Alright here is my plan:
1. Medicaid is completely abolished on the federal level. States decide benefit for poor concerning deductible.
2. Medicare becomes a high deductible insurance
Provisos to number 2.
A. Every person from 1-18 is completely covered
B. Single people from 19-65 have $5000 deductible
C. Married people from 19-65 have $5k deductible per person or $8k per couple
D. Single People over 65 have a $3k deductible
E. Married people 65+ have 3k deductible or 4k per couple
F. 100% of Preventative measures are covered
G. Any person over 65 who has a terminal disease must do hospice care
3. 10% Sales tax on all fast food restaraunts
4. Cigarette and alcohol tax
5. Smoking cessation , Gym membership, or other weight loss programs all contribute up to $1500 of Deductible. Dental care can contribute up to $4,000 of deductible.
6. Not for profit Health insurers (Blue Cross, Health sytems owned) use 50% of their cash reserves to help Poor pay deductibles.
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