Boston in T-Minus 1 Hour...

Almost ready to hit the road. Thankfully it has almost stopped snowing out, cause if it hadn't there would be no way that we would be leaving this morning. I'm excited about going to Boston, staying in the Sheraton and spending time with Diana...I'm a little less excited about the boring drive through Maine. (Sorry if you live there it is just the drive on i95 to Bangor is killer, I'd rather wash my face with dirty underwear.)

I need to go pack so wish me luck. Oh! FYI Christmas was really good and I'll share with you what I got later...once I buy it! Hehehe...peace.

Merry Christmas!!!

Twas the night before....

OK. Actually right now it's the really early morning before but none the less IT'S CHRISTMAS EVE!! I have to say that I am looking forward tomorrow a whole lot. I am still like a little kid when it comes to Christmas. I have a hard time falling asleep and I wake up really early, I guess it must just be the little kid in me.

I'm really looking forward to tonight too though. Tonight I will be attending our Christmas Eve service at our church. I love this service for so many reasons. One, Andy LaPoint singing Oh Holy Night. Yes go ahead and make fun but I have said so many times that it is not actually Christmas until I hear that song because he just does and amazing job on it. Two, the candle lighting at the end of the service. There is just something about a room being lit up with over 400 candles and everyone singing a Christmas hymn...the only down side to this is the lung-cancer hazard the sanctuary becomes once everyone blows out their candle at the end of the service. Yikes!

This will probably end up being on of my last posts on Think-Pad for the year of 2005. After Christmas I will be going to Boston with my lovely girlfriend on the 27th and will be returning...well that is still up in the air. However maybe I will post Christmas day if I have a spare moment to fill you in on what Santa brought me this year. (I hope he finds you too!)

Christmas Eve is one of the best nights of the year and I'm pretty jazzed about it. I hope that this year it's no different for you and your family. From all of us here at Think-Pad (which is just me...) have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!

PS - I'm not going to leave you empty-handed for Christmas!! Here a few things for you to enjoy, my gifts to you.

2005 in Pictures and The Night Before A Non-Denominational Winter Holiday.

Lions & Sacks...of Toys...

This past Saturday I had the privilege of going to see The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe with Diana. I have to say that I was impressed. The movie was very well done and the computer animation, especially on Aslan, was so good it was hard to tell he wasn't real. However as the movie came to an end and people began to file out of the theater, which was pretty much full, Diana and I began to discuss the movie, it's meaning and how many people had any idea of the symbolism

Now coming from the background that I am from, and living in the Bethany Bubble, it's no wonder how I could easily assume that everyone else that was there that night to see the movie knew all the stuff that Diana and I did. Reflecting on that though, I've come to think that hardly any of the people in the theater may have know the symbolism that is to be found in the movie. I wonder if those who didn't know, found out that Aslan symbolizes Christ, would they still go and see the movie? Would they still allow their kids to go to it? I hope so, and I also hope that we as Christians can use this movie as a tool just like the Passion.

I almost cried when Aslan died. It's weird because I don't think I would have if I didn't know what he represented. I love the idea of Christ being portrayed as a lion and not a humble, quiet man. It shows the power he had and that he used it, he just chose not too sometimes.

In other news Santa is due to arrive in less then a week...how fast did Christmas come! Wow. What do you guys want for Christmas? Any plans? Let me know. Alright that's it for this Monday installment of Think-Pad, oh yeah brand new R-LOW (Random Link of the Week) so make sure you check that out for a good time. See ya tomorrow.

What Were You Doing/What Were They Thinking 2005

It's that time of year again, time for bright lights and indoor outdoors (Christmas Trees). A time of year where the focus is on our loved ones and the spirit of Christmas. But perhaps the most prominent occurrence of this time of the year is that of the formation of lists. The "Bests and Worsts"...yada yada yada.

Those lists that I speak of are made by highly paid people, in little cubicles and are printed by little read publications such as the New York Times and Time Magazine. This list is different though. This list is straight from me, Greg (see previous post), and is only found here on Think-Pad where 10's of readers come each year to read something...anyway enough jibber-jabber on with the 2005 edition of "What were you doing/What were they thinking".

First off Movies...

Did you see this movie? Well if not, What Were You Doing?!? In my opinion the best movie of 2005. This flick has everything from drug dealing gangsters to Andre 3000 (Outkast) to Marky Mark. This movie has plenty of action and you cannot watch it all the way through without using the phrase, "That was tough!" Four Brothers is a must see and I would even venture to say that you NEED to have this in your collection. I know I will. I give this movie 4 1/2 Cod out of 5:


Perhaps the biggest production mistake ever! What Were They Thinking?!? I actually just saw this the other night and I have to say it could be the worst movie that I have ever seen. Even worse then the home movie of me picking my nose. Sandler, what were you thinking? I mean one look at the script you should have known it was going to be bad. I mean the whole 2 1/2 hour movie was so a girl could figure out that she was her mother's daughter! Hey genius I could have told you that! Don't waste your time, 1/2 a Cod but that's being generous:

On to Music...

Anyone who has heard any song off of this album knows that it is definitely the Best Album of 2005. And if you didn't listen to it what were you doing?!? Fallout Boy's - From Under Cork Tree is simply amazing. You need to own this album. No downloading or buy from the freakin' iTunes music store allowed, ok maybe downloading... Built on catchy lyrics and music that makes you go hmmm, the single "Sugar We're Going Down Swingin" will move you. Go out and get it now. 5 Cods out of 5:


What were they thinking?!? I mean the movie sucked, who in their right mind would buy the soundtrack? I mean I haven't even listened to it but it is making my ears bleed right now as I think about hearing it. This CD gets minus 2 Cods out of 5: You owe me 2 Cod Sandler, and throw in another half for the one I gave your dumb movie!
Side note: (Movie becomes instantly better when watched with your girlfriend. Ok maybe not the movie, but the 2 1/2 hours is good time spent.)


Play Time!!!

Wow. That's it. Wow. I just got the game 3 days ago, if that, and just beat it. I could not stop playing it. If you don't play this game in 2005 you have to ask yourself what were you doing?!? The graphics, plot and historical accuracy are simply stunning. 5 Cod:


Ok I am in no way straight out bashing the xBox 360. This gaming system is supposed to be the leader in the next generation of gaming. And I know what you are saying, "this isn't a game!" No it may not be a game but right now any game an the 360 is iffy because of all the problems that have been reported with the xBoxes. Rush release, what were they thinking?!? I hope that MS gets it worked out cause I want one. I know that it is breaking the tradition that I have set but because I am not ready to rate the 360 until I have played one, and because so much is still up in the air, it gets 5 question marks out of 5:

Well that does it for the 2005 edition of What were you doing/What were they thinking. Check back again next year for the best and worst of 2006. Oh I almost forgot. Blog of the Year. I have given this alot of thought and I can come to no other conclusion. Kirk Perry, your Life on the Rock. A Habhater's Tale, keeps many entertained all year long and your videos are priceless. If you haven't been to Kirk's blog yet, what were you thinking?!? Congrats my friend on a blog well done.

Just for the record...I am THE Greg.

The whole "Greg" epidemic that is going to be sweeping the nation soon...I started that. When someone randomly calls you "Greg" and you have no idea why, it's because of me. If you need more info feel free to ask me, or one of the four initial Gregs...Sattler, M-Fitz, my bro, and Alli-G.

In other news part of Sussex burnt down tonight. Ok well I think only one building, but still it's the principle. The building next to Zach's Steakhouse, the one with the golf store and something else. No idea what caused it but we should definitely be praying for the owners and their families. It will be tough over the Holiday Season.

What a Week! (And Weekend)

Listening to: Craig's Brother - Falling Out & Set Free
Activity: Putting off studying

Sorry for the long wait between post with any original written content but it was a pretty busy week/end and infact it is even busier now with finals right on top of me. (I have one tonight at 7pm, please pray!)

The Christmas banquet was really, really fun. Not only did I have the best looking date there I had a great time taking part in my first & last Christmas banquet performance. I had the pleasure of doing a punk version of The Most Wonderful Time of the Year into Oh Holy Night with the likes of Josh Harris, Tom Cann, Drew Wallace, Dana Budovitch and John Sherwood. It was so awesome and it went over really well, so well infact that Dean Higle said that it was his favorite part of the night!

New week = New Random Link of the Week = Check it out!

As I mentioned before it is good ol' finals week here at BBC and I can't wait until they are over! I know it is weird to say but I actually looked forward to finals week last year, and for that reason I miss the remainder of Da Family and the Nasa Center that we always set up to play Age of Mythology. Know that Massie and I miss you guys.

Well that is it for now, I really need to get back to studying. Maybe post again tonight...and be on the look out for the first installment of my comic strip Size Matters, coming soon! Wish me luck, peace.

Picture of the Month

Jon and Diana Picture for November

Talk About a Spiritual Experience!

Japanese monk arrested for growing marijuana

TOKYO, Japan (AP) -- Michimaru Obara, 48-year-old monk at Eikoji shrine in Iwate prefecture (state), is suspected of cultivating about 2.4 kilograms (5.3 pounds) of marijuana, according to a police official who refused to give his name due to policy.

Authorities also suspect the monk sold at least 50 grams (1.7 ounces) of the illegal plant to an office worker near Tokyo, the official said.

Obara has already been arrested for drug possession, after police found marijuana at his home last month. The monk has admitted he cultivated the plant for personal consumption, but denies selling his harvest, reports said.

Drug penalties in Japan are harsh. Convicted drug users face up to life in prison under anti-narcotics laws, although most first-time offenders get suspended prison terms.

A New Week a New Post...

Listening to: Craig's Brother - Masoinc

So I was checking out my iTunes stats today and I have 24.72 Gigs of music on my computer. That equals 13.7 days worth of music, some 4832 songs. Now usually I have the problem of trying to decide what to listen to, but I think I have solved my problem, the random button. I have challenged myslef to listen to my entire music collection on random without listening to anything else, should be interesting...

Well it was a long weekend of doing work and going to parties but now most of that is over so I can blog. It was a pretty uneventful weekend for the most part other then the aforementioned Aramark Christmas party that I attended on Saturday night. In the gift exchange I scored some pretty sweet stuff thanks to Lynn Parris! Lynn if you read this...you rock!

This upcoming week should prove to be interesting and busy. The annual BBC Christmas banquet is this upcoming Friday in which I, accompanied by the likes of Tom Cann, Josh Harris, Drew Wallace, John Sherwood and Dana Budovitch will be performing a rendition of "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" which will be something to see. Along with that it's the last week of classes and therefore that means exams are soon. Yea...

I also hope to have a new addition to the blog soon, a weekly comic strip. It's still in its concept stages right now but hopefully by next week sometime I can introduce you to it. It is Monday so you know what that means, yep new Random Link of the Week, so go ahead and indulge yourself in this weeks randomness!! And incase you haven't yet, check out my Flickr page with all my pics! Until next time!

Fierce Competition

Wow the fastfood world is getting crazy! Check this out. What will the Hambugerlar do now?

He's Done It!

That's right Scott Stapp is back and ready to take on the world by himself. The former lead singer of Creed recently, with in the last week or so, released a solo CD named The Great Divide. Besides the fact that the album has a very "Creed-like" name don't be fooled. It sucks. I really have no idea who decided to give this thing the green light to go production. Quite ridiculous.

The one redeeming factor of the CD may be the song "Surround Me" which has some Christian undertones. I'm going to post the lyrics to it so you can give me your thoughts. But first...

Remember Scott's first band? You know Creed? What happened in the late 90's? I mean they were big and everyone liked them. But then all of a sudden everyone started denying that they ever listened to them. What's up with that? I'm not going to lie, I liked Creed and every once in a while I still listen to their old albums. My Own Prison was definitely their best album. Anyway, even if you were on the Creed bandwagon at one time or another, I wouldn't recommend buying this album. Unless you get it free for Christmas or some other way...still I wouldn't waste a present or bandwidth on this!

As promised here are those lyrics that some Christians would love to use to point out that Scott may be following the Lord. (Man I don't like that when it happens) None the-less good lyrics.

SURROUND ME

They say no man i’s an island but I tend to disagree
I guess they'’ve never seen my island,
And where it lies at sea
I'’m lost inside my memory.
I'’m still in disbelief.
If I could paint a picture for you this is what you'’d see

I'm down on my knees
Begging you to rescue me
Please stop me
Don'’t let me run
Surround me…Surround me…

A wounded man sounds desperate when he'’s lost all his belief
Can you look into my eyes and say you won't betray me
We'’re running out of time
How precious time can be
I'’m counting all the moments of the times you could have helped me

I'’m down on my knees
Begging you to rescue me
Please stop me
Don'’t let me run
Surround me…Surround me?

I'm down on my knees
Begging you to rescue me
Please stop me
Don't let me run
Surround me…Surround me?

Surround me now
Surround me now.

Proper Words.

If you are offened easily don't go here. But if you aren't you should cause it's pretty funny.

The Canadian Government Topples?

First off, when I looked at this headline I saw top-less and then the thought of Paul Martin without a shirt on absolutely traumatized me. But according to an article on CNN.com, I am actually impressed that they covered it, the Canadian government has been toppled. But wouldn't that mean that it would have had to be standing in the first place? I mean haven't we had a minority government for the last year or so? I mean I would barely call that standing and therefore it cannot topple...but it should be kicked while it is down.

Even though this vote is what most Canadians wanted eventually, not really excited about the whole campaign drive over the holidays, I wonder what's going to happen at the January election. I mean who gets voted in? The Liberals? I mean why would we vote back in the corrupt government that we wanted to vote out? The Conservatives? I am not quite sure if the country is over the whole Mulroney situation yet. So what happens? Who will you vote for?

In other news, CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN! (Random SNL quote)

Now I am just wasting...

512 words. That equals about 75 words of progress over the past hour. I'm on a roll. Boo-ya.

Wishing...

I'll tell you what I am wishing for thanks to this Church History paper that I am attempting to write; I almost wish that Church was history! This thing is starting to get a bit harder as I go on. Who would have thought that a paper on John Wesley would be so hard to do? I mean there is a ton of stuff that I could do on him! Frig I hate brain freeze!

Speaking if John Wesley I know that he would definitely approve of the new site design but the question is do you? Tell me what you think and give me some suggestions as to how I can make the site better for you! (Now I am in advertising or something...)

The new Random Link of the Week is up and ready for you to enjoy and thanks to my new wireless keyboard and mouse I am posting it from the comfort of my bed...you gotta love technology.

Well I suppose I should get back to my paper and see how much I can pound out before I can get done before beddy-bye time. Man I am sure that entire sanctification would come in really handy right now, then the Spirit could write my paper! Ok that's enough of that, catch ya later.

Renovation...

Again you ask? Yeah I am trying to redo the site again, still exploring the world of HTML in pursuit of the perfect blog. Maybe I'll find it maybe I won't but all I know is that while doing this I am slowly becoming an uber-geek. But I promise you mom & dad, I will not be coming home to live in the basement and play with my Star Wars action figurines anytime soon!!

The Best Thing to Ever Happen to Driving a Car

Read this article. If I had this in my car I would drive all the time. And make sure you check out the clips on the right side of the page!! Priceless!

*Sorry about the bad link before, it should be working right now!*

...

Should Christians watch TV shows where the premise is to make an idol out of someone?

Anyone?

Can anyone (who's been to Bethany) answer this question: Why do all the buildings on campus have wheelchair accessible bathrooms except for the chapel? And the chapel is the only building you don't have to climb stairs to reach the wheelchair accessible bathroom! Thanks for using my tuition money wisely guys!

Falling Behind

Listening to: Athlete (Album: Tourist)
Watching: Coldplay Live 2003 DVD

Sorry to all my faithful readers that there hasn't been any new postings on Think-Pad for almost a week! But I was in one of those funks where you just don't feel like writing, not to mention the fact that I didn't really have anything important to blog about.

Today I am going to talk about Christmas. I figured that everyone who has a blog is going to be writing about it sometime so I though that I would get it out of the way before the Hoilday season. These are some of the things that annoy me about Christmas.

First off: Christmas Shopping. I absolutely hate the malls this time of year. They are filled with inconsiderate, irritated people (because of the xBox 360 shortage), who really have no idea what they are looking for. You ever notice that people are like drones or zombies in the mall? With no purpose, just wandering?

Second: Old ladies who can't make up their mind where to park.

Third: Starbucks and Wal-Mart. Yeah they are crazy all year around but it's ridiculous with the Holidays. So busy infact that I can't always get a smiley face sticker when I go to Wal-Mart, and the made up names for drink sizes in Starbucks really get on my nerves when there are 50 people standing around trying to decide whether or not the want a "grande mocha latte, or a tall frothy cup of crap."

Fourth: People who are hard to shop for. Yes I know that this runs into the first annoyance but it really is a whole new subject. I mean part of the reason people wander around the mall with no purpose is the fact that people don't tell people what they want for Christmas anymore. IT'S OK TO ASK FOR SOMETHING PEOPLE! That helps the people who are buying you stuff, and it is one of the worldly principles of Christmas, the whole idea of gift giving and such!

I sincerely hope that your run-in with any of these situations is minimal this year and make sure you are careful to not become one yourself. Ok I think I am going to go drive around the mall parking lot and wait for a parking space to open up close to the door. Peace!

*New Random Link of the Week is up too! Check it out!*

Oh no! Not me2!

It has happened, I have ventured into the realm that is U2. Now it's not that I never listened to U2 or that I didn't like them, they just weren't constantly playing over my stereo. However that may change after today.

This is a screen capture from the new U2 Vertigo DVD. I have to tell you, although I wasn't actually there like Tom Cann, it's a pretty sweet show. The DVD of the concert itself is over 2 hours long and the bonus DVD has a lot of cool footage. You really need to check this DVD out, it is an 'owner' for sure!

And so it Begins...

Well it finally happened...the first snowfall of the year in Sussex. It's turning out to be a pretty decent one too. The first snowfall is always an exciting time although I am not sure why people like it so much. I mean isn't it just the precursor to the rest of the snow that we get all winter? And don't we complain that we want the snow gone? So why are we always so happy to see the first few flakes? Beats me but I still like it. This is my second snowball of the year. What happened to the first you may be asking? Well I actually didn't have my camera on hand for that one but it was used as the first snowball that I ever threw at Diana so it found a good home! The kind of sad thing about all this excitement over the snow is that it won't last very long. Due to a high pressure system moving through the area the snow will change to rain and tomorrow we will have a high of 15 degrees (Celsius for you Americans). Even though this stuff is going to be gone soon hopefully we will have some snow stick around for Christmas!

The new Random Link of the Week is up and running and this week it is a definite must visit! And when you do leave a comment to let me know your results! Here is mine:

You scored as Unipolar Depression. Congratulations! You are depressed! You know just how it feels to bear all the world's burdens, and the value of a 19-hour night's sleep. And you really hate that circle-guy thing on your Zoloft pill packets.

I have to say that I am decently pleased with my results. Ha they can't be serious right? I mean maybe I should start basing my life only on information found on the internet...man I would be messed up! Peace.

It's Official!

Diana and I are going to Boston over the Christmas break! As many of you probably know by now, the Wesleyan church is having four different area conventions this December in; Boston, Grand Rapids, Colorado and Orlando. Bethany is going to be represented at all four...and they were looking for some more people to go represent the school and since I work in admissions I kind of have an in! So that is going to be sweet! Not to mention that I get to share it all with my wonderful girlfriend!

You know what I love? Bobble-head dolls. Yes that's right I said bobble-head dolls. The reason why I bring these short-famed creatures up is because they are the center piece of one of my upcoming school projects one witches. Actually the project in mine along with Paul Tweedy and John Sherwood...it's going to be freaking hilarious when we get it edited. But here's a sneak peak!

Ichiro - Multi-culture Reporter

Tiger Woods - Reporter on the Street

Scottie Bowman - Host

This is going to be one documentary on witches worth watching, not like those other ones that you see on TV. Maybe I'll see if I can get Kirk to put it up online or something. Anyway have a thankful Remembrance Day!

Disturbing...

I swear if my kids ever end up like this...I'll be one proud parent! Although I have to admit that the resemblance is kind of disturbing.

On another note this is my 100th post! That's kind of exciting although I don't really have anything of consequence to post about...except for the fact that I am starting to record some music in my room and will hopefully have some up and ready to download on purevolume.com some time next week. So look out for that! Until then...listen to Ronnie Day!

Photoblog...

Well I have it semi-running although the picture selection is limited right now. I'll add more later but to visit the photoblog click on the clever flash badge to the right. Enjoy!

Pirates?

I thought for sure that when I read the article on CNN's website, go there by clicking the title of this post, that I was hallucinating. The word pirate is something that I would not have expected to see in the news headlines in the 21st century...unless it had to due with the sequel to "Pirates of the Caribbean". But there it was. One other thing stuck out to me in this story, the fact that the cruise ship that was almost boarded by pirates, fended them off by using a sonic weapon. Should cruise ship employees have access to sonic weapons? Anyway...

Booster is finally over and man was it busy. To give you a quick rundown it went very well all around and in the end was a lot of fun. The softball game was a good time as the BBC students beat the alumni 6-1 and leading worship on Saturday morning was a good time. And speaking of worship, I may be a little bit bias but I think that my girlfriend did really well this year! ;)

In other news I updated the Random Link of the Week today so check it out! Also hopefully sometime this week I may have a new photoblog up and running so keep checking back for info on that! Well it is a bit late so I'm off to bed, peace out till tomorrow.

Extreme Mormons

You have to watch this:

eXtreme Mormons!

I kind of like the idea they're going for here, I think us Christians need a similar edge. Maybe we could use snowboarding...or skate boarding...or some other extreme sport...and we could call it "Extreme Days", or something like that.

You have to admit that our Christian culture needs a little help when the Mormons start mocking us on the internet.

Booster Eve...

Listening to:
Self Doubt - Ronnie Day

Mood:
A tad tired.

So it's the night before the big weekend and boy am I going to be a little bit busy, not to mention having three extra bodies in our room will be interesting. Here's hoping that nothing gets broken or stolen! I'll let you know how it goes after the weekend.

So I am not the happiest camper with Microsoft again, and this time it has nothing to do with my computer not working. It actually has to do with an article that I found on-line. This article says that Microsoft's CFO was quoted in saying that they are deliberately limiting the number of Xbox 360s they will sell opening day. So when you go to a store and they say sold out, they're not actually sold out, they just can't sell all the ones that they have. That my friends is retarded!

Hey Microsoft, thanks to your fake "sell-out" who knows when I will actually be able to get an Xbox, I really appreciate that Bill.

Picture of the Day - Last Signs of Life

My New Addiction...

This is perhaps one of the best written TV shows that I have ever seen. It's been on the air now for 2 or 3 seasons and is in danger of being cancelled by FOX. (You know you aren't doing to well in the ratings when FOX cancels you.)

However there is no reason for them to cancel the most intelligent show on TV. I have to admit that it took me an episode or two to get into it but after that, HOLY CRAP! So funny! The entire show is one big interwoven story that has so many twist and turns that I don't know how the writers think up this stuff! You really need to check it out.

Check This Guy Out....

As some of you know I frequent the website purevolume.com on a regular basis to see what's going on in the indie music scene. One day about a year ago or so, I stumbled across this guy: Ronnie Day.

Ever since I heard one of his songs I haven' t been able to stop listening to him. He writes really great music with lyrics that you can tell are coming from his heart. You guys really need to check him out. I order his CD about a week ago, got it today and it's awesome! Visit his website www.RonnieDayMusic.com or listen to him at www.purevolume.com/ronnieday

In other news, it's like freaking 15 degrees here and it's the first of November! What's the deal? Hopefully it stays this way for Booster and the softball game. Speaking of Booster stuff is starting to pile up a little bit so I am sorry if the updates between now and Sunday are few and far between. Hopefully this will make up for it though, and if not it's good for memories and a good laugh.

Any one remember Cpatian Planet?

Taking The Fight on Terrorism to the Streets

WASHINGTON, DC—Responding to "a possible threat of terror and fright," Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff announced Monday that trick-or-treaters will be subject to random bag searches this Halloween season.

Police prepare for a long and spooky night.
"Individuals concealing their identities through clever disguise, and under cover of night, may attempt to use the unspecified threat of 'tricks' to extort 'treats' from unsuspecting victims," Chertoff said. "Such scare tactics may have been tolerated in the past, but they will not be allowed to continue this Halloween."
While he would not elaborate on the specific threat, Chertoff said his office had "heard a couple spooky tales," and indicated that there was good reason to believe that Americans face "a very ghoulish scenario" this October.

"We have done and will continue to do everything we can to protect citizens from those who would play on our fears," a haunted Chertoff said. "Nevertheless, Americans are advised to be in a state of readiness."
National Guard troops and local police are being stationed at checkpoints in residential neighborhoods to seize the contents of any paper bags, pillowcases, plastic pumpkins, or other receptacles. Additionally, candy-sniffing dogs will be posted at regular intervals to locate and devour suspicious items.
Local, county, and state officials have been placed on orange alert, with strict orders to confiscate and investigate bags containing Bit-O-Honey, Snickers, Baby Ruth, Twix, Butterfingers, Mr. Goodbar, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, gum, and any and all forms of taffy.

Chertoff discusses possible perpetrators of Halloween mischief.
Chertoff asked Washington citizens for their assistance, and he outlined steps that the average citizen should take to aid in the war on fright. The DHS guidelines encourage parents to report any suspicious neighbors who create potentially spooky yard displays, especially those that include candle-illuminated pumpkin faces, skeletons in windows or doorways, or repeating tape loops of werewolf howling.

Chertoff recommended that law-enforcement authorities be granted sweeping new powers to ensure security, including mandatory street-corner identity checks for suspects wearing clothing designed to conceal facial features or otherwise obscure ready personal identification. Additionally, local police have been ordered to detain any individuals appearing to be ghosts, goblins, witches, or other characters designed to evoke fear.
Critics of the warning say that the DHS is merely sowing seeds of unease for political reasons, pointing out that the organization has yet to present any real evidence of the threat.
"This is yet another misguided and unfair example of profiling by our nation's law enforcement," said ACLU spokesperson Marilee McInnis. "It's doubtful that many G.I. Joes will be searched, but Aladdins, genies, and belly dancers should expect a huge crimp in their Halloween fun."

Another late night...

...and another very early post. I really don't have too much to say right now at this point in time. I mean it is 3:45am and I just finished my last sermon outline for Wisdom Lit. that is due this morning at 10am. But since I don't want to disappoint all you early week blog seekers, check out the new Random Link of the Week. In a word, someone needs to stop them! (Ok that's at least three words) But seriously I couldn't believe it. (Don't worry the video is english)

Picture of the Month

Jon and Diana Picture for October

Tommy, Ralph and Calvin...This GUY is So Much Better Then You!

Remember high school? I know that for some, that was a while ago and requires some extra hard thinking, but please humor me. What did you wear for clothes? Or in my case what did all the cool people wear for clothes?

Well if you're from my era you're picturing Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. How I am glad that those days are over! Over priced clothing that gave you immediate social status was not the way the world of fashion was meant to be. And remember what wasn't cool? Second-hand clothes...but thanks to places like Frenchy's, The Salvation Army and others, thrift store shopping is very acceptable and even the norm in a lot of cases. (Except for those guys and girls who still wear way too much CK One...and think that they are still in grade 12.)

But I've been noticing a trend...one that once unpopular turned popular things regularly travel; price hikes. Now I still love Frenchy's and I will shop there for much longer, but tonight I was amazed. I bought 4 items...and it cost me $20! Now in the grand scheme of things that's not a whole lot, but for Frenchy's it is. I think that if this trend continues I am going to start a new one...Designing and making my own clothes.

This hoodie is affectionately titleled The "Violet" Hood. The reason for this
is so that I can appeal to the thug demographic. It's actually quiet clever
how I arrived at the name simply by removing the 'n' from the word 'violent'.

Yes that is a lion. A bold statement I know but it must be made none the less. I am
also changing the generic name of this product from a 't-shirt' to a 'b-shirt', after all
I am the one who designed it...and that 't' guy doesn't seem to be around anymore.

Finally we have the masterpiece to my collection. The Shants. Yes I went there.
The Shants are my answer to the zip-off pants that I despise. In theory
the zip-offs were a good idea, if you're hot zip-off, if you're cold zip back on.
However this posed far too much work and finding a place to keep the
zip-off portion of the pants while you are on the road is such a hassle. Not to
mention the unsightly seams for the zippers. Now with one full leg and on short
leg, you can enjoy the warmth and breeziness you so desire both at the same
time. Thus helping you to maintain a perfect core body temperature all the time, with
no zipping!

These are my works so far. Feel free to spread word around and I will be taking orders soon...I hope you like what you see, and if not, pray Frenchy's keeps their prices low!

And So It Begins...

The preparations for Booster. What a week and a half it is going to be.

And it all starts tonight with band practice. I will say that it is kind of a blessing to get to do worship for all the kids because it is something that I enjoy doing. Then after practice tonight I have other things that I must do because I am working in Admissions for the semester, that means a lot of running around. So I apologize in advance if you or one of your youth end up staying in my room and I never see you.

After all that I have to organize the softball game for Saturday afternoon at 2pm. So if you are a youth pastor, and are coming to Booster, and are reading this right now; BRING YOUR BALL GLOVE!! And please let me know as soon as possible if you are wanting play!

On another note, I am going to win an Xbox 360...thanks to Pepsi!!

Umm...

While on dictionary.com I found out this:

A ghoul is,

n 1: someone who takes bodies from graves and sells them for anatomical dissection [syn: graverobber, body snatcher] 2: an evil spirit or ghost.

Ok, I am fine with the ghost thing, but the primary meaning is a body snatcher? Like is it a job? I haven't heard anyone growing up and saying "I want to be a ghoul, just like my daddy!"

Sugar and Spice...

I'm always looking for new ways to make your visit to the Think-Pad more enjoyable. Today I am introducing a new feature called the "Random Link of the Week". This will be a link that is located in my sidebar and it will be updated every week. This site will usually be something that I have stumbled across on the net that is either funny, helpful or generally just a waste of time! I hope that you enjoy it and keep checking for new ones!

I'm a Gangster, I'm Iced Out Like a Freezer, I'm a Gangster

Ok, what's the deal with all the rain lately? I mean I am very thankful that I don't have to experience the hurricanes and earthquakes and landslides that are going on in the world...but seriously stuff can only get so wet! I was pondering this over today and what could be the possible reason for the recent downpours...our old friend EL NINO!!! And for my non-Spanish speaking readers, THE NINO!! (A little SNL there for ya!)

Well to catch ya up on the last few days, I haven't really done a whole lot besides the two mid-terms I had yesterday. Talk about I should have studied more! Ha, oh well it's only mid-terms right? Umm what else...oh I watched the Family Guy movie about Stewie...I wouldn't suggest it to the faint of heart. Let's just say there are a few questionable scenes in it, over all it's freaking hilarious but some very wrong parts.

Halloween is coming up and I want to know your opinions on it. Is it an evil day that we as Christians should not take part in? Or is it just a fun day where kids get free candy? Thoughts? Have a good one,

The Saga Continues...

The room saga that is. It is 1am and for some reason Chris and I have this new obsession with rearranging our room. Tonight we moved our beds to a new spot and then proceeded to add Christmas lights (they make it feel homey), a picture frame and my picture. What will be next? I think we will add a porch to our second story window...until then Peace out.

A very scary night...

Well the night started off with a pretty rare occurrence. Yeah I don't know if anyone out there could ever guess what happened so I will tell you.

As Diana and I were driving to her house from the school, we went to pull into her driveway and lone behold there was a drunk man passed out laying half on the road and half in her driveway. I have to say that it was kind of creepy...although not too creepy that I didn't try to snap a picture for proof.


I took the initial picture without a flash and so that would be why it's so dark. I had to play around in Photoshop to get it so you could actually see him. I was going back for another picture with the flash, but as I was he began to come to. This prompted me to go back in the house.


Now the second reason why it was a scary night is the fact that it is actually day. Now that's not a big deal unless you know that I am posting this at 7am...which would never happen. That is unless I pulled an all nighter...which Chris and I did.

For the first time sans "Da Family", Massie and I went all night with out even laying down. As a matter of fact we rearranged our room...and we are pretty sure that it's the best room arrangement in TP ever. So stop by and check it out and open door on Saturday. Oh and I successfully got all my work done!! Time for breakfast! Wow I haven't said that since the last time I went to a restaurant that served breakfast all day! Later!

The Post Everyone Has Been Waiting For...

Mood: Busy
Music:
The Anthem - Good Charlotte
The Young and the Hopeless - Good Charlotte

Here are my new goodies!!

I realize that my scanning job leaves a bit more to be desired...but I'm busy!

Wow what a catch Mrs. Maxwell!!

There ya go, I hope that you like them. Once again I would like to thank people who leave old year books just laying around for this kind of thing to happen! It's you who make this possible! Now I have to get back to that work that I have due tomorrow...you may not hear from me for a little bit after this. Tomorrow the Board of Trustees is here and I have to work banquets all weekend so if I don't see you between now and then, have a good weekend!