The original argument...Katy Perry fail...Roku...

I have put my leisure reading on hold so I can read selections from the Federalist Papers.  (Just a little light reading)  Lucky for me someone had the brilliant idea of translating them into today's common language.  He had originally translated all of them, but when putting the book together it was decided to only include what was most relavant to today. (As we have already adopted the constitution)  While still easier to read and understand, it still presents itself as something needing to be read and pondered multiple times. (Kinda like Scripture, just too get the full meaning of them. If you think about it, the papers are kind of the Scriptures of how our Constitution was established)  As you may know, I hate reading and watching anything more than once. The mystery and excitement of the first experience is never the same on subsequent visits. (I have found that there is an exception to this, for me, if enough time has gone by, say 20 years, then I have no problem and it's almost as if it were the first time)  

Katy Perry's fail...

You may have heard that Katy wanted us to pray for Israel.  (That is not the fail)  She received quite a backlash of resentment for her tweet. (Wait for it, here it comes...) Katy recanted quickly. (And FAIL!)

Just a few tips for those, like Katy, who find themselves in the public spot light:

1-- You can't please everyone (in this case the palestines)

2-- Understand what you say and be prepared to back it up and stand up for it or don't say it.

Roku....

The little miracle that transforms old out dated televisions, like mine, into an internet app supported (apps like you get on any blu ray player or HD TV) power houses.

I recently got 2 of them. (because 1 is never enough)  I have been accused of hogging the computer and I don't think I get to use it often enough. The computer has become my TV, everything I like to watch is on either Netflix or Hulu. (And now GBTV)  I still need to get Hulu plus to move the majority of my TV experience back to the actual TV, anyone want to go halves? Or I give you access to either GBTV or netfilx (for Roku or TV apps only, don't want any accidental account changes)

And now, because I have thought about the meaning of my words, pray for Israel and stand with them, for we are all of Abraham.

3 books and an Orchestra...

Sounds like the beginning of a joke ; )

First up the latest Shatner book (published in 2007) was a bust. I enjoyed the story after I quickly realized that it wasn't going to be historically accurate in an any way. Shatner went off generally accepted trek history and the one he himself used in all his previous Trek books. I guess it was a bad enough response that the promised sequal will never see the light of day.

'Michael Vey' was very good read it in just a day and a half. Had a hard time putting it down. The story flowed extremely well, moving forward and building toward climax with irresistibly.  Story centers on a high-school boy who is as awkward as ever. He finds that he is a truly remarkable person.  The plot, a multi-billion dollar medical company makes a machine that will replace MRI and when it is tested fpe the first time it has a disturbing effect on the babies in the hospital and the machine is taken out of use. Now many years later the company is looking for the kids that were effected to try to make more of them. HIGHLY recommended!

Last book Q&A.  Ever wonder why Q tormented the crew of the Enterprise? This book takes you to the Q Continuum for a behind the scenes look. If you don't mind useless banter between the characters and pointless background information on characters only seen twice in the entire book (and for that matter some of the new bridge crew of the Enterprise) its a decent read. I found myself skipping large chunks of useless material in the beginning toward the end alot of the banter and background info was gone (thankfully, I nearly put it down because of it)

Now what does an Orchestra have to do with anything?

T, our 4th grader, came home from school very excited. Now that she is in the 4th grade she has the opportunity to join the school Orchestra.  She almost immediately chose the violin as her instrument.  We explained thatif she joined the orchestra she would have additional homework to go along with membership, it would also be a commitment for the entire school year, no quitting allowed (school rule not ours).  She of course said that was alright.

So that meant we needed to go to school tonight and get her signed up along with renting a violin. (Thanks to the rain, a trip that should have taken an hour and a half took three hours. Roads were closed do to flooding and a microburst taking out power lines)

A very excited T, couldn't wait to get home and try out the violin.

Reminds me of me. When I was in 3rd or 4th grade I too joined an orchestra.  I wanted to have the violin badly, unfortunately, there were not enough to go around and I got stuck with the viola. I was upset, and barely put forth any effort. When it came time for our first concert I was in no way prepared, I couldn't read the music or figure out where to put my fingers.  I got put next to a violin player and I protested the placement to deaf ears.  So I did what I do best, I faked it. I sat there and pretended that I knew what I was doing (probably didn't fool anyone, cause when I asked to be removed from the orchestra there was little to no objection)

Ahh, the memories that kids dredge up! :)