What's Up Today?

Obamacare = Viagra For Sex Offenders

2010-04-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

New Site

2008-05-27T23:33:00.000-07:00

TodaywithKara.com

That's my new place, folks. See you there! :)

Filmed at MY apartment!

2008-05-27T15:57:00.001-07:00

diamond head

2008-05-12T17:33:00.001-07:00

diamond head, originally uploaded by Xapa.

#39 On Explore! :)

Taken on our way to the Big Island.

Meet David Brown

2008-04-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

Last week, Joe's friend David visited us from Fairchild AFB in Spokane. We took him all around the island, and had a really great time. We had a church activity (hence the turkey hugging pic), North Shore, Waimea Bay, Haleiwa Thai, Artis music, Waimea Valley, Hawaii Geeks Picnic, Highway Inn, Koolina, and tons o' fun adventures, that barely scratched the surface. Hopefully he'll come back soon, so we can do more fun stuff! Miss you, David!

Amazing Grace

2008-04-22T15:07:00.000-07:00

This is the greatest version of Amazing Grace...EVER!

Find more videos like this on Hyles-Anderson Connection

Hawaii Geek Picnic

2008-04-21T17:55:00.000-07:00

Sunday, close to 100 techies, photogs, and other geeks met at Ala Moana's Magic Island for the first annual Hawaii Geeks Picnic. We had a total blast, and were able to meet some of the families of our friends...

Twila Paris - Warrior Is A Child

2008-04-13T00:43:00.000-07:00

My favorite song in high school. I still fill this way sometimes...

love birds

2008-04-13T00:36:00.001-07:00

love birds, originally uploaded by Xapa.

38th Photo on Explore! Taken on Waikiki Beach.

Twitter-Meet at Hghway Inn

2008-04-11T17:50:00.000-07:00

Web strategist Jeremiah Owyang came to Hawaii for a bit of a vacation, and met with some of the COOLEST people on the island! We met for some authentic Hawaiian food at Highway Inn. The food was delicious, and we had a BLAST!

Here’s who was there (and their Twitter accounts, thanks to Ryan for compiling them):

Anjelah Johnson - Nail Salon

2008-04-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

For anyone who has yet to see this...

Handi Points for Moms...

2008-04-09T15:05:00.001-07:00

This is a really great website that helps WONDERFULLY with children. Several people have used it with their children, and they say it's really great.

i kan be a kat?

2008-04-09T12:47:00.001-07:00

i kan be a kat?, originally uploaded by Xapa.

36th Photo on Explore!

THE GOOD NAPKINS

2008-04-08T20:01:00.001-07:00

Ahhhhh ... The joys of having Girls ....

My mother taught me to read when I was four years old (her first
mistake).

One day, I was in the bathroom and noticed one of the cabinet doors
was ajar.

I read the box in the cabinet. I then asked my mother why she was
keeping "'napkins" in the bathroom. Didn't they belong in the
kitchen? Not wanting to burden me with unnecessary facts, she told me
that those were for "special occasions" (her second mistake).

Now fast forward a few months.....It's Thanksgiving Day, and my folks
are leaving to pick up my uncle and his wife for dinner. Mom had
assignments for all of us while they were gone. Mine was to set the
table.

When they returned, my uncle came in first and immediately burst into
laughter. Next came his wife who gasped, then began giggling. Next
came my father, who roared with laughter. Then came Mom, who almost
died of embarrassment when she saw each place setting on the table
with a "special occasion" Kotex napkin at each plate, with the fork
carefully arranged on top. I had even tucked the little tail in so
they didn't hang off the edge!!

My mother asked me why I used these and, of course, my response sent

the other adults into further fits of laughter. "But, Mom, you said
they were for special occasions!!!"

Thanks to Julie Welch for this story!

Get Amused

Previously on LOST: What?

2008-04-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

First Friday in Chinatown

2008-04-06T00:29:00.001-07:00

Joe's class

2008-04-04T14:40:00.001-07:00

Redneck Tanktop

2008-04-03T19:46:00.001-07:00

Hilo Pass-time

2008-04-03T14:41:00.001-07:00

Hilo Pass-time, originally uploaded by Xapa.

35th photo on Explore!

The Psychology of an April Fool

2008-04-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

by Damon Gambuto Department: Science & Society

Today is the day to make people (temporarily) believe in something they shouldn't. Okay, maybe that's better stated as: today is the day to remind people that they should know better. April Fool's Day tests our skepticism, our self-perception, and (often) our patience. Maybe that's not such a bad thing.

In a world of real scientific studies that test our credulity, it's probably not such a big surprise that there are researchers who investigate pranks and their role in our psychology. Turns out, there might be some real human improvement might come from our reactions to being duped. Counterfactual thinking (when we replay the situations in our minds and imagine them playing out differently) can shine light on cognitive deficiencies and help us initiate change. That is to say, a good prank can help us know (ourselves) better.

So have I whet your appetite for some April Fooling? If so, check out WIRED's top ten pranks for nerds here. One of my favorites is the Newton Virus by the British art and design collective Troika. Their Newton virus introduces gravity to your laptop. . . virtually. Check it out in the below video.

The project is part of the Design and the Elastic Mind exhibit at The Museum of Modern Art in New York. The virus is said to come on a small USB key that looks like an evil Apple apple, work once, and doesn't eat all of your files. Ah, the halcyon days when viruses were friendly pranks and not international warfare.

In any case, what Troika has made - whether a tool for 'art-virusing' your friends or simply another example of the 'art-prank' - is undoubtedly an elegant piece of work. I'm just trying to figure out what it says about me that I can't decide which one it is.

Peanut Butter Jelly Time on American Idol

2008-04-01T20:18:00.001-07:00

Fight at Providence Baptist College

2008-04-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

They were just kidding...

Abercrombie and Twitter

2008-03-31T17:49:00.000-07:00

Props to Joe Philipson for helping introduce Twitter to Senator Abercrombie....

Hill’s Weak Tweets

March 31, 2008
By Emily Heil and Anna Palmer,
Roll Call Staff

Members of Congress long ago missed their opportunity to invent the Internet (thanks, Al Gore!), but they still have the chance to be Twitter pioneers.

Plenty of Members have signed onto Twitter, the “micro-blogging” network that allows users to send subscribers short updates on their whereabouts and doings, but few are actually using the techno-darling service the way it’s meant to be used.

According to HOH’s survey of Twittering Members, many set up accounts with high hopes of posting often, only to disappoint with infrequent entries — or none at all.

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), for example, announced in her first and only post, “I look forward to posting on Twitter!” But alas, 11 months later, we’re still holding our breath.

Political Internet consultant Bill Beutler of New Media Strategies tells HOH that although Members certainly aren’t maximizing Twitter, often just setting their profiles to include new blog posts without generating any Twitter-specific posts, they still have a chance to get with the times. “If this does turn into the next big thing, they would look like they got there first,” he tells HOH.

Surprisingly, the 69-year-old Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) is one of the more savvy users of Twitter. Abercrombie has posted little updates on his daily life — “Lunch at Kincaids” was a recent entry, or “tweet” in Twitter-speak — on the service. Spokesman Dave Helfert says his boss isn’t necessarily the most wired guy, but says his staff has made online applications like blogging and Twittering a priority since it’s a way to reach young constituents. “If we want to reach young people about what’s going on in Washington, this is how we’re going to have to do it,” he says.

Let’s face it, we’re all dying to know the every move of Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who’s a sometimes-Twitter-er.

Celeste

2008-03-31T14:50:00.001-07:00

Celeste, originally uploaded by Xapa.

Latest photo on Flickr's Explore! I really love this one of Celestine. She's such a cutie...

Protesters at Pastors School

2008-03-20T08:27:00.000-07:00

Radical Amish Protesters at Pastor's School, First Baptist Church, Hammond, Indiana.

Monks of Bhutan

2008-03-14T17:41:00.000-07:00

I took this picture of a photo of Bhutanese monks on the North Shore painted by this super nice guy:

He was kind enough to paint a bird on my hand!

Malasadas

2008-03-13T19:49:00.000-07:00

Today, I had a box of malasadas in my office to share with my teachers. One by one they came, one by one, I offered my gift. These are the responses to my kindness...

1. DANG! I love me some malasadas. (very nice)
2. I don't know. (stares at the box) Fine, I guess I'll have one. (really? I have to convince you to take my treat?)
3. NO! Ahh! Malasadas are the devil! (a simple, no thank you, I eat tree bark. Would have sufficed.)
4. Sure! Let me grab some for my roommates. (better than me having to convince you, I guess.)
5. Ew. I don't eat fried stuff. (again, no thank you works.)

Next time, I'll just give them to the children, and you can deal with hyper kids all day...

photo courtesy of Kyle Miyasato

The Power of The Masons?

2008-03-03T15:25:00.000-08:00

I was issued 5 tickets for passing a stopped school bus with absolutely no paper work on my '94 Acclaim. The officer was in a bad mood, and declared that he was gonna "get me for everything I can".

As I approached the judge on the morning of my appointed court date, I was met with a cold heart mirrored by an icy stare. "Do you wish to contest these tickets?" he demanded.
"Yes, sir." I timidly answered.

I was rudely assigned a trial date, and told to exist stage left. A tearful call to my mother and the desire to end the ordeal prompted me to return to the crowded court, to see if they could reduce my $1,500 in fines.

The bailiff gruffly informed me that I would have to wait until the other fifty or so other not-so-impressive-looking people had been served. However, something changed drastically once I set my book on the table.

Dripping with congeniality, the judge reduced my fines by 75% and asked if there was anything they could do for me. Could it have anything to do with my book on the Masons?

Sledding In Hawaii

2008-02-27T14:57:00.001-08:00

Joe Sledding on Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Above The Lava

2008-02-27T14:49:00.000-08:00

We hiked this hill overlooking Mauna Kea and some lava fields on the Big Island of Hawaii. Very fun!

Driving Miss Hillary

2008-02-19T14:10:00.000-08:00

A Little Closer...

2008-02-06T14:14:00.000-08:00

donkwithatrunk

Good Samaritan Highway

2008-02-05T17:26:00.001-08:00

My cousin, Amy took this photo in the Holy Land of the highway referred the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Hawaii Chair Informercial...

2008-02-04T17:18:00.000-08:00

Quit Complaining About Your Job

2008-01-30T11:54:00.000-08:00

Coffee Panda!

2008-01-29T12:19:00.000-08:00

Joe saw this adorable panda in his coffee and sent it to me last night when I wasn't feeling well. What a sweetie!

Sumsing Turbo 3000 English Version

2008-01-28T17:19:00.000-08:00

Warning! Don't Swallow Bubble Gum!

2008-01-25T13:56:00.001-08:00

Flickr Night Shoot

2008-01-23T17:39:00.000-08:00

Met for Thai food and night photos of the full moon with a bunch of Flickr buddies! Super fun!

Man With Loaded Gun Slips Past Security

2008-01-23T16:16:00.000-08:00

Man With Loaded Gun Slips Past Ronald Reagan Airport Security

A man carrying a loaded gun passed through the security checkpoint at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport without incident this past Sunday, apparently because the gun wasn't floating in a shampoo bottle or hidden in a shoe. He then remembered he was carrying it and brought it back to the TSA authorities, who promptly charged him with "possessing or transporting a firearm into an air carrier terminal where prohibited, a misdemeanor, and released him."

The screener who didn't notice the gun has been removed from security duty while the TSA investigates, and they insist this was an isolated incident:

We know this is not a systemic problem in that our testing indicates TSOs [Transportation Security Officers] have a very high success rate at finding firearms. Given the high degree of reliability that our TSOs can find even carefully concealed firearms, we are evaluating every aspect of this incident.

the consumerist

Joe and Raf messing around at Walmart

2008-01-18T16:19:00.000-08:00

Pray for this family...

2008-01-17T15:33:00.000-08:00

Updated at 1:16 p.m., Thursday, January 17, 2008

Child's death shuts H-1 from Kapiolani

Advertiser Staff

Police have shut down the H-1 Freeway west-bound from the Vineyard off-ramp and are redirecting traffic to investigate the death of an infant on the freeway.

Police are investigating reports that a man threw a 2 1/2-year-old boy off a pedestrian walkway in the area. The pedestrian overpass is also closed.

A suspect has been taken into custody. Witnesses at the scene of the arrest, on Prospect Street, said the suspect appeared to be in his 20s, and was wearing medical scrubs, with the pants cut off as shorts.

Police have shut the freeway at Kapiolani Boulevard.

Additional details were not immediately available.

• • •

pray for this family...

Honolulu Advertiser

26th Photo on Flickr's Explore!

2008-01-17T12:53:00.000-08:00

Took this photo of the gorgeous hawaiian sky at Waikele, after shopping...

New Years at the Ewa KAi

2008-01-16T18:44:00.001-08:00

Hula Girls in Waikiki

2008-01-16T18:24:00.000-08:00

Double Guitar Special

2008-01-16T18:09:00.000-08:00

Sam and Taylor Parish at Friendship Bible Church

A day at the beach...

2008-01-14T12:53:00.001-08:00

When you need to relax, and get away from it all.

What is this?

2008-01-14T12:42:00.000-08:00

It's a Hillbilly!

jibjab

The Sun and Moon

2008-01-14T12:18:00.001-08:00

Psalms 148:3 Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.

This is the sunset at the North Pole with the moon at its closest point.

about.com

Parted-at-birth twins 'married'

2008-01-11T15:40:00.001-08:00

Parted-at-birth twins 'married'

It is thought the pair did not know their relationship when they married

A pair of twins who were adopted by separate families as babies got married without knowing they were brother and sister, a peer told the House of Lords.

A court annulled the British couple's union after they discovered their true relationship, Lord Alton said.

The peer - who heard of the case from a judge who was involved - said the twins felt an "inevitable attraction".

He said the case showed how important it was for children to be able to find out about their biological parents.

Details of the identities of the twins involved have been kept secret, but Lord Alton said the pair did not realise they were related until after their marriage.

'Truth will out'

The crossbench peer, a former Liberal Democrat MP, raised the couple's case during a House of Lords debate on the Human Fertility and Embryology Bill in December.

"They were never told that they were twins," he told the Lords.

"They met later in life and felt an inevitable attraction, and the judge had to deal with the consequences of the marriage that they entered into and all the issues of their separation."

He told the BBC News website that their story raises the wider issue of the importance of strengthening the rights of children to know the identities of their biological parents.

We are naturally drawn to people who are quite similar to ourselves

Pam Hodgkins
Adults Affected by Adoption

German couple's love

Incest: an ancient taboo

"If you start trying to conceal someone's identity, sooner or later the truth will out," he said.

"And if you don't know you are biologically related to someone, you may become attracted to them and tragedies like this may occur."

Pam Hodgkins, chief executive officer of the charity Adults Affected by Adoption (NORCAP) said there had been previous cases of separated siblings being attracted to each other.

"We have a resistance, a very strong incest taboo where we are aware that someone is a biological relative," she said.

"But when we are unaware of that relationship, we are naturally drawn to people who are quite similar to ourselves.

BAD NEWS!

2008-01-11T14:11:00.000-08:00

So terrible! My gorgeous husband-to-be, Wyland, the world's greatest artist was painting at his galleries in Hawaii over the holidays, and the day that he was to be on the North Shore, I had a staff party! SO sad. These are some shots taken in Kona by CharleyMarley.

I know, he's sexy, huh?

Nose Job

2008-01-10T12:44:00.000-08:00

My Last FIVE photos on Flickr's Explore!

2008-01-09T14:42:00.001-08:00

See more photos Here.

Mrs. Claus' Cookbook

2007-12-18T17:07:00.000-08:00

Enjoy Mrs. Claus’ Cookbook. Click on each image to go directly to that section of her recipe file.

Merry Christmas!

#1 on Explore!

2007-12-18T13:40:00.002-08:00

My Ko'olina photo was #1 for December 17! I already have over 2,500 views and 225 faves!

Logan, the Sky Angel Cowboy

2007-12-10T19:23:00.001-08:00

O'ahu Civic Orchestra playing songs from the Sound of Music

2007-12-10T17:31:00.000-08:00

Joe's orchestra did SO GOOD!

Christmas Lights

2007-12-03T19:43:00.000-08:00

Cool house in Ewa Beach!

Kainoa Kicks Joe's butt.

2007-12-03T19:40:00.000-08:00

CPR class turned to self-defense lesson.

Face of Bravery

2007-11-29T18:37:00.000-08:00

This is the true face of bravery…

Your prayers are deeply appreciated. These guys deserve our love, our hugs and most powerfully, our prayers.

http://www.hirepatriots.com/deploying_iraq.htm

Zach at HAC

2007-11-20T16:36:00.000-08:00

Fallen Heros / Red Friday

2007-11-16T18:13:00.000-08:00

First Place

Second Place

Red Fridays.

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing
Red every Friday The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority." We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We
are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.
Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing
solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and
respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and
every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that .... every red-blooded American
who supports our men and women afar, will wear
something red.
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United
States on every Friday a sea of red much like a
homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every
one of us who loves this country will share this with
acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will
not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it
will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is
on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.
The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can
we do to make things better for you?" is ..."We need your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday.

http://www.bowhunting.net/artman/publish/Wear_Red.shtml

The Tree Man Who Grew Roots.

2007-11-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

Dede, now 35, baffled medical experts when warty "roots" began growing out of his arms and feet after he cut his knee in a teenage accident.

Watch: Dr Anthony Gaspari believes that he has diagnosed Dede's rare condition

The welts spread across his body unchecked and soon he was left unable to carry out everyday household tasks.

Sacked from his job and deserted by his wife, Dede has been raising his two children - now in their late teens - in poverty, resigned to the fact that local doctors had no cure for his condition.

To make ends meet he even joined a local "freak show", parading in front of a paying audience alongside victims of other peculiar diseases.

Although supported by his extended family, he was often a target of abuse and ridicule in his rural fishing village.

But now an American dermatology expert who flew out to Dede's home village south of the capital Jakarta claims to have identified his condition, and proposed a treatment that could transform his life.

Watch: The growths on Dede's arms and feet are known as 'cutaneous horns'

After testing samples of the lesions and Dede's blood, Dr Anthony Gaspari of the University of Maryland concluded that his affliction is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a fairly common infection that usually causes small warts to develop on sufferers.

Dede's problem is that he has a rare genetic fault that impedes his immune system, meaning his body is unable to contain the warts.

The virus was therefore able to "hijack the cellular machinery of his skin cells", ordering them to produce massive amounts of the substance that caused the tree-like growths known as "cutaneous horns" on his hands and feet.

Dede's counts of a key type of white blood cell are so low that Dr Gaspari initially suspected he may have the Aids virus.

But tests showed he did not, and it became clear that Dede's immune condition was something far rarer and more mysterious.

Warts aside, he had enjoyed remarkable good health throughout his life - which would not be expected of someone with a suppressed immune system - and neither his parents nor his siblings have shown signs of developing lesions.

"The likelihood of having his deficiency is less than one in a million," Dr Gaspari told the Telegraph.

Watch: Dede with his teenage daughter. He fears that his children may also become infected

Dr Gaspari, who became involved in the case through a Discovery Channel documentary, believes that Dede's condition can be largely cleared up by a daily doses of a synthetic form of Vitamin A, which has been shown to arrest the growth of warts in severe cases of HPV.

"He won't have a perfectly normal body but the warts should reduce in size to the point where he could use his hands," Dr Gaspari said.

"Over the course of three to six months the warts should be come smaller and fewer in number. He will be living a more normal life."

The most resilient warts could then be frozen off and the growths on his hands and feet surgically removed.

Dr Gaspari hopes to get the necessary drugs free of charge from pharmaceutical firms. They would then be administered by Indonesian doctors under his supervision.

Still intrigued by the origins of Dede's peculiar immune condition, the doctor would like to fly him to the United States for further examination, but fears the financial and bureaucratic barriers would prove too difficult to overcome.

"I would like to bring him to the US to run tests on where his immune condition has come from, but I would need funding and to get him a visa as well as someone to cover the costs of the tests," he said.

"I've never seen anything like this in my entire career."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main

"Half Man Half Tree", part of the "My Shocking Story" series, will be shown on the Discovery Channel at 9pm on Nov 15. For more details visit the programme's website.

An Elephant Never Forgets

2007-11-13T11:54:00.000-08:00

Rachel Cope sent me this sweet story:

I'm not going soft, but sometimes I like these heartwarming stories, and this one truly is amazing. Enjoy.

Rache

In 1986, Dan Harrison was on holiday in Kenya after graduating from Northwestern University.

On a hike through the bush, he came across a young bull elephant standing with one leg raised in the air. The elephant seemed distressed, so Dan approached it very carefully.

He got down on one knee and inspected the elephant's foot and found a large piece of wood deeply embedded in it.

As carefully and as gently as he could, Dan worked the wood out with his hunting knife, after which the elephant gingerly put down its foot. The elephant turned to face the man, and with a rather curious look on its face, stared at him for several tense moments. Dan stood frozen, thinking of nothing else but being
trampled. Eventually the elephant trumpeted loudly, turned, and walked away.

Dan never forgot that elephant or the events of that day.

Twenty years later, Dan was walking through the Chicago Zoo with his teenaged son.

As they approached the elephant enclosure, one of the creatures turned and walked over to near where Dan and his son Dan Jr. were standing.

The large bull elephant stared at Dan, lifted its front foot off the ground, and then put it down. The elephant did that several times then trumpeted loudly, all the while staring at the man.

Remembering the encounter in 1986, Dan couldn't help wondering if this was the same elephant.

Dan summoned up his courage, climbed over the railing and made his way into the enclosure. He walked right up to the elephant and stared back in wonder. The elephant trumpeted again, wrapped its
trunk around one of Dan's legs and slammed him against the railing, killing him instantly.

It probably wasn't the same elephant.

Made-up story about Hyles-Anderson College

2007-11-05T14:57:00.000-08:00

I found this fabricated story about Hyles-Anderson here .

It says that HAC is trying to make a coin so America will never forget Bro. Hyles. It's really a funny, and kinda pathetic attempt at theological satire. The best part is where they "quote" Dr. Evans.

26 February, 2007

Hyles-Anderson College Proposes "Authorized Coin"

CROWN POINT, INDIANA

The excitement level was high last Thursday at Hyles-Anderson College. The fundamentalist school founded by the Reverend Jack Hyles finalized and submitted a proposal to the United States government to issue a one dollar "Authorized" commemorative coin featuring the late minister.

Hyles pastored the First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana for over 40 years during which time he founded Hyles-Anderson College, staunchly defended the King James Bible and forcefully spoke out against other Christian leaders as being 'liberals.'

The announcement was made to the student body during Thursday's chapel service. "This is an historic day." Said Dr. Jack Schaap, pastor of First Baptist Church Hammond and Chancellor of the college. "We are submitting this proposal to the United States Government as a lasting monument to the work of Brother Hyles and the King James Bible. This coin will be a witness of his work and the purity of the Authorized Version 1611 every time someone spends a dollar."

The coin will feature a portrait of Hyles on the obverse along with the national motto "In God We Trust," and the standard U.S. coin information, the date and the mint mark. On the reverse of the coin there will be an artistic rendition of an open Bible, the phrase "e pluribus unum" and "The Authorized Version of 1611" commemorating the King James Version of the Bible.

"I have never seen such a beautiful coin." Said Dr. Wendell Evans, president of the college. "This coin is perfect and without error. It is pure, refined in a fire seven times. We are hoping and praying that the United States Government will see fit to authorize this beautiful coin."

But the celebration and enthusiasm may be short-lived.

"This is very strange." Said United States Mint Director Edmund Moy. "The United States Government does not receive proposals for coinage in this fashion. I'm not sure what these people are expecting will happen, but I can assure you the U.S. mint will not be minting any Jack Hyles coins in the future."

But Hyles-Anderson College remains confident.

"Our faith is strong on this matter." Said Schaap. "We are confident that the Authorized Coin will be approved and that soon millions of Americans will know the great legacy of Jack Hyles."

tominthebox

Free Screen Magification Tool

2007-11-02T18:04:00.000-07:00

Do you need a tool which can make your screen easier to read? Do you have vision problems? If the answer is yes then we have a tool for you, Its free. Its open source and it is called Virtual Magnifying Glass. You can view screen shot and download it here.

Tech Boys

Happy Haloween!

2007-11-01T20:14:00.000-07:00

Ok, so last night we went to Waikiki to "check out the costumes". We had NO idea how crazy and fun it is here! Seriously, I would estimate 5,000+ people dressed up with the best costumes! After walking up and down the strip, meeting people, taking pictures, and having a blast, we found some magazine stands to perch on.

It was the best view for the awesomest party of my life! We were having so much fun, that we forgot the parking garage closed at midnight! I felt like Cinderella running down the street to see if we had indeed been locked out! After passing tons of people, a few druken folks, and a police car with a slashed tire, we discovered that, indeed, we were toast!

Well, you would think the 40 or so cops standing around would afford some help, but this was not the case. We were given directions to the only convenience store open, and set out to purchased the essentials for a night's stay in Waikiki.

Interesting to say the least, was our midnight stroll. We stopped for breakfast at a little pancake place, and finally found a drugstore where we could obtain what we needed, including a great bargain on blankets and pillows.

Thus began the longest walk of my life, back to the beach. Confusing streets, scary allies, out of control sprinklers, deep mud, and a canal with only one bridge were just the tip of the iceberg. I was never so happy to finally reach the hotel's beach, blow up my pillow, and recline on a padded cabana-covered chair. Thankfully, the hotel staff was gracious enough to let us rest in peace.

The soldier and his new girlfriend he met were not as considerate. We were awakened an hour later to hear him loudly trying to persuade her how wonderful it would be to skinny-dip in the Pacific. Of course, with Bacardi on his side, he won, and I was SHOCKED to see two complete strangers strip completely, and head for the water! However, I don't think they counted on the 15 or so people who would be there when they emerged, as they were very apologetic to all those offered a free show on the beach!

A little before six, we headed to the car, and were amused (and appalled) to see that someone had poured soap in a huge fountain, and it was filled with suds! At last, we found a security guard who opened the gate for us, and we were on our way, driving into the sunRISE. A definite first for me. Ok, most of that was a first for me.

Happy Halloween, folks!

How to Detect Lies

2007-10-29T00:46:00.000-07:00

Become a Lie Detector

Introduction to Detecting Lies:

The following techniques to telling if someone is lying are often used by police, and security experts. This knowledge is also useful for managers, employers, and for anyone to use in everyday situations where telling the truth from a lie can help prevent you from being a victim of fraud/scams and other deceptions.

Warning: Sometimes Ignorance is bliss; after gaining this knowledge, you may be hurt when it is obvious that someone is lying to you.

Signs of Deception:

Body Language of Lies:

• Physical expression will be limited and stiff, with few arm and hand movements. Hand, arm and leg movement are toward their own body the liar takes up less space.

• A person who is lying to you will avoid making eye contact.

• Hands touching their face, throat & mouth. Touching or scratching the nose or behind their ear. Not likely to touch his chest/heart with an open hand.

Emotional Gestures & Contradiction

• Timing and duration of emotional gestures and emotions are off a normal pace. The display of emotion is delayed, stays longer it would naturally, then stops suddenly.

• Timing is off between emotions gestures/expressions and words. Example: Someone says "I love it!" when receiving a gift, and then smile after making that statement, rather then at the same time the statement is made.

• Gestures/expressions don’t match the verbal statement, such as frowning when saying “I love you.”

• Expressions are limited to mouth movements when someone is faking emotions (like happy, surprised, sad, awe, )instead of the whole face. For example; when someone smiles naturally their whole face is involved: jaw/cheek movement, eyes and forehead push down, etc.

Interactions and Reactions

• A guilty person gets defensive. An innocent person will often go on the offensive.

• A liar is uncomfortable facing his questioner/accuser and may turn his head or body away.

• A liar might unconsciously place objects (book, coffee cup, etc.) between themselves and you.

Verbal Context and Content

• A liar will use your words to make answer a question. When asked, “Did you eat the last cookie?” The liar answers, “No, I did not eat the last cookie.”

•A statement with a contraction is more likely to be truthful: “ I didn't do it” instead of “I did not do it”

• Liars sometimes avoid "lying" by not making direct statements. They imply answers instead of denying something directly.

• The guilty person may speak more than natural, adding unnecessary details to convince you... they are not comfortable with silence or pauses in the conversation.

• A liar may leave out pronouns and speak in a monotonous tone. When a truthful statement is made the pronoun is emphasized as much or more than the rest of the words in a statement.

• Words may be garbled and spoken softly, and syntax and grammar may be off. In other
words, his sentences will likely be muddled rather than emphasized.

http://www.blifaloo.com/info/lies.php

Bed sheets

2007-10-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

An extremely modest man was in the hospital

for a series of tests, the last of which had left

his bodily systems extremely upset.

Upon making several false alarm trips to the

bathroom, he decided the latest episode was another

and stayed put. He suddenly filled his bed with

diarrhea and was embarrassed beyond his ability to

remain rational.

In a complete loss of composure he jumped

out of bed, gathered up the bed sheets, and threw

them out the hospital window.

A drunk was walking by the hospital when the

sheets landed on him. He started yelling, cursing,

and swinging his arms violently trying to get the

unknown things off, and ended up with the soiled

sheets in a tangled pile at his feet.

As the drunk stood there, unsteady on his

feet, staring down at the sheets, a hospital

security guard, (barely containing his laughter),

and who had watched the whole incident, walked up

and asked, "What the heck is going on here?"

The drunk, still staring down at the bed

sheets in amazement, replied: "I think I just beat

the crap out of a ghost."

Happy Halloween !!!!!!!!!

Cat on a Ceiling Fan

2007-10-26T18:05:00.001-07:00

Ask500People

2007-10-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

Who is the hottest celebrity?

What is your favorite whatever?

Do you prefer apples to oranges?

Poll the world for free at http://www.ask500people.com/

Throwing Money Away

2007-10-25T13:40:00.000-07:00

Presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and John Edwards were flying to a convention. Barack looked at Hillary, chuckled and said, "You know, I could throw a $1,000 bill out of the window right now and make somebody very happy."
Hillary shrugged her shoulders and replied, "I could throw ten $100 bills out of the window and make ten people very happy."
John added, "That being the case, I could throw one hundred $10 bills out of the window and make a hundred people very happy."
Hearing their exchange, the pilot rolled his eyes and said to his co-pilot, "Such big-shots back there. I could throw all of them out of the window and make 156 million people very happy."

The Geek Brain Explained

2007-10-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

Poor Attention Span? No, You're Just Multitasking

The article goes on to say that you can retrain your brain to isolate to just one task at a time (if you really wanted to); however, studies are starting to show that multitasking can actually create more problems than it solves. Do you agree or disagree with the writer's opinion that poor attention spans are nothing more than multitasking gone awry? Let's hear in the comments.

Another Chinese Recalled Toy

2007-10-17T17:38:00.000-07:00

Zippy's Chili - so ONO!

2007-10-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

Zippy's Chili Two
Recipe Number: 1100464639
Contributor: Wayne

Print Friendly Version
Recipe Reviews
Review This Recipe

Ingredients:

1 lb Ground top round
1 Round onion
1/4 lb Bacon
1 large can Red kidney beans, drained
2 tsp Red wine
1 tsp Powdered chicken bouillon
1/4 tsp Ginger
1 Bay leaf, crushed
Pinch paprika
1 tsp Chili powder

1/4 tsp Oregano leaves
Pinch Cumin seed
1 tsp Ajinomoto (MSG)
1/2 C celery, chopped
1/2 C Bell pepper, chopped
Dash Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp Sugar
1 large can Tomato sauce
1 can Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup

Cooking Instructions:

Brown the ground top round with onion. Add bacon. Then add the rest of the ingredients and simmer 30 minutes.

Additional Comments:

This is similar to the other Zippy's Chili Recipe, but the Cream of Mushroom Soup (I heard) is a secret ingredient.

6 Confessions Of A Former Sprint Sales Rep

2007-10-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

Sprint has joined the ranks of cell phone providers whose former (and current) sales reps are beating down the Consumerist's door, eager to tell all. Let us move without delay to the confessions of a former Sprint sales rep:

•Get the Sprint Employee Referral Offer: "Get on the SERO plan! Sprint Employee Referral Offer. It's a nice little plan designed specifically for friends and family of Sprint employees. They require that you have an email address of a Sprint employee, but that's simple to get. Remember that business card the sales rep gave you, or should have given you if they're were good. Take that name and use it, john.x.doe@sprint.com. To see the plans themselves or sign up, go to www.sprint.com/sero ($50/1250 minutes/7pm nights/unlimited vision)"

•Play the Extended Service and Repair Program Game: If you've lost your phone or dropped it in water, you can buy a new "broken" phone on ebay, activate it, and take that one into the store for ESRP benefits, according to our tipster. "Phone doesn't work? Water damage? What are you to do! Buy a phone on ebay, it doesn't have to work so long as it hasn't been flagged as lost or stolen. Get the phone activated and take it into the store. They'll fix or replace it usually on the spot because you have ESRP. Now keep in mind, if you do this excessive times, we'll refuse to service you (the system counts how many times you've had a phone replaced/serviced)." (This might be illegal somehow, we don't really know.)

•Buy your phone at the end of the month when the reps are desperate for commission on activations. " Reps will always discount phones, they don't make commission on the price of the phone, they make it on everything else. They're also desperate for activations (best time to go activate is near the end of the month when they're truly desperate). Add a few accessories or get that 2nd line, just return them later, you still get the awesome deal on the phone.

•Cancel without ETF By "moving" to the middle of the desert: This is an old trick, but the tipster says it works with Sprint. "Want to cancel but are stuck in a contract and don't care about keeping your number? Change your billing to e-billing (to avoid a paper statement), call customer care and have them change your address to an address not covered by the network (go on the website, find a hole, do a google earth search and find an address around there). Then say, "oh my, well if you can't provide service to me there, I'll have to cancel." Sprint is now obligated to cancel your contract without a termination fee because if they can't service you, how can they charge you for service? Usually they want to cancel your number, but you might be able to convince them that Company B has coverage and you would like to port.

•Retention Specialists have power: Cancel everything that's not required in your contract. There's a retention offer waiting for you. Example: "there are retention offers for things such as text messaging (unlimited for $10 I believe), plans, services, etc. Just ask! "

•Get a big discount for working for a big company (or saying that you do): "Get a discount because you work for the man! Are you an employee of a major organization? Tell Sprint you work for them then! You'll get anywhere from 7-28% off of your monthly bill. Tip, Chase bank employees get the highest discount (I believe it was 28%). Even if you don't work there, they don't ask for proof that you do. "

Thanks to the Sprint Guy for these excellent tips! Where are you Alltel? U.S. Cellular? We're listening if you want to confess... tips [at] consumerist [dot] com.—MEGHANN MARCO

http://consumerist.com/consumer/sprint/6-confessions-of-a-former-sprint-sales-rep-242128.php

17th Photo on Explore!

2007-10-11T19:58:00.001-07:00

The most beautiful and memorable sunset of my life! Taken at the end of the road at Haena Beach Park on the garden isle of Kauai. We walked a little farther and found a private beach.

16th Photo on Explore!

2007-10-11T19:55:00.001-07:00

Shot this photo by Kapolei on the way to church. Too beautiful to pass up!

What Am I Doing Wrong?

2007-10-09T18:57:00.000-07:00

THIS IS AN ACTUAL AD THAT RECENTLY APPEARED ON CRAIG'S LIST. THE FIRST IS THE ACTUAL AD AND BELOW IS A RESPONSE TO THE AD. IT'S STUPID, INSANE GIRLS LIKE THIS BIMBO THAT GIVE THE REST OF US A BAD NAME. I WISH I COULD POKE HER EYES OUT. ENJOY!! :o) ~V~

What am I doing wrong?

Okay, I'm tired of beating around the bush. I'm a beautiful
(spectacularly beautiful) 25 year old girl. I'm articulate and classy.
I'm not from New York. I'm looking to get married to a guy who makes at
least half a million a year. I know how that sounds, but keep in mind
that a million a year is middle class in New York City, so I don't think
I'm overreaching at all.

Are there any guys who make 500K or more on this board? Any wives? Could
you send me some tips? I dated a business man who makes average around
200 - 250. But that's where I seem to hit a roadblock. 250,000 won't get
me to central park west. I know a woman in my yoga class who was married
to an investment banker and lives in Tribeca, and she's not as pretty as
I am, nor is she a great genius. So what is she doing right? How do I
get to her level?

Here are my questions specifically:

- Where do you single rich men hang out? Give me specifics- bars,
restaurants, gyms

-What are you looking for in a mate? Be honest guys, you won't hurt my
feelings

-Is there an age range I should be targeting (I'm 25)?

- Why are some of the women living lavish lifestyles on the upper east
side so plain? I've seen really 'plain jane' boring types who have
nothing to offer married to incredibly wealthy guys. I've seen drop dead
gorgeous girls in singles bars in the east village. What's the story
there?

- Jobs I should look out for? Everyone knows - lawyer, investment
banker, doctor. How much do those guys really make? And where do they
hang out? Where do the hedge fund guys hang out?

- How you decide marriage vs. just a girlfriend? I am looking for
MARRIAGE ONLY

Please hold your insults - I'm putting myself out there in an honest
way. Most beautiful women are superficial; at least I'm being up front
about it. I wouldn't be searching for these kind of guys if I wasn't
able to match them - in looks, culture, sophistication, and keeping a
nice home and hearth.

it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial
interests
Craig's List PostingID:

THE ANSWER

Dear Pers-:

I read your posting with great interest and have thought meaningfully
about your dilemma. I offer the following analysis of your predicament.
Firstly, I'm not wasting your time, I qualify as a guy who fits your
bill; that is I make more than $500K per year. That said here's how I
see it.

Your offer, from the prospective of a guy like me, is plain and simple a
crappy business deal. Here's why. Cutting through all the B.S., what you
suggest is a simple trade: you bring your looks to the party and I bring
my money. Fine, simple. But here's the rub, your looks will fade and my
money will likely continue into perpetuity...in fact, it is very likely
that my income increases but it is an absolute certainty that you won't
be getting any more beautiful!

So, in economic terms you are a depreciating asset and I am an earning
asset. Not only are you a depreciating asset, your depreciation
accelerates! Let me explain, you're 25 now and will likely stay pretty
hot for the next 5 years, but less so each year. Then the fade begins in
earnest. By 35 stick a fork in you!

So in Wall Street terms, we would call you a trading position, not a buy
and hold...hence the rub...marriage. It doesn't make good business sense
to "buy you" (which is what you're asking) so I'd rather lease. In case
you think I'm being cruel, I would say the following. If my money were
to go away, so would you, so when your beauty fades I need an out. It's
as simple as that. So a deal that makes sense is dating, not marriage.

Separately, I was taught early in my career about efficient markets. So,
I wonder why a girl as "articulate, classy and spectacularly beautiful"
as you has been unable to find your sugar daddy. I find it hard to
believe that if you are as gorgeous as you say you are that the $500K
hasn't found you, if not only for a tryout.

By the way, you could always find a way to make your own money and then
we wouldn't need to have this difficult conversation.

With all that said, I must say you're going about it the right way.
Classic "pump and dump."
I hope this is helpful, and if you want to enter into some sort of
lease, let me know.

____________
Rob Campbell
J.P.Morgan
Diversified Industrials Investment Banking
277 Park Avenue, 16/F, New York, NY 10172

When Post-it Notes are Transformed into Pixel Art

2007-10-01T15:35:00.000-07:00

Post-it Notes aren't just good for sticking random messages onto your co-workers desk when he's out on lunch, but also to create pixel art. Thanks to everybody that sent in a picture(s). Click here for more.

Tech Blog

6V Battery Hack

2007-10-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

Need AA-sized batteries, but don't want to spend $20+ on a 32-pack? Then check out this 6V battery hack, which can be accomplished by just opening its casing.

Tech Blog

15th Photo on Explore!

2007-09-28T18:12:00.001-07:00

I took this picture at the courtyard at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, and it made Flickr's Explore!

Death Be Not Proud

2007-09-24T17:41:00.000-07:00

Death Be Not Proud

by John Donne
(1572-1631)

DEATH be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadfull, for, thou art not so,
For, those, whom thou think'st, thou dost overthrow,
Die not, poore death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleepe, which but thy pictures bee,
Much pleasure, then from thee, much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee doe goe,
Rest of their bones, and soules deliverie.
Thou art slave to Fate, Chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poyson, warre, and sicknesse dwell,
And poppie, or charmes can make us sleepe as well,
And better then thy stroake; why swell'st thou then;
One short sleepe past, wee wake eternally,
And death shall be no more; death, thou shalt die.

The Woman's Remote

2007-09-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

Everything Skit

2007-09-21T15:18:00.001-07:00

Joe Leading Singing at Church

2007-09-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

What the iPhone Could Have Been

2007-09-19T16:06:00.000-07:00

What the iPhone Could've Been

If Apple had held an iPhone design contest, this is what the device could have looked like -- iPhone V.2? View more pictures after the break.

http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/what-the-iphone-couldve-been

Word's Fasted Production Car

2007-09-19T16:02:00.000-07:00

SSC Ultimate Aero TT - World's Fastest Production Car

That's right, Shelby Supercars' Ultimate Aero TT is now the "world's fastest production car". Continue reading for video clips from the record breaking run. Click here for more pictures.

http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/video-ssc-ultimate-aero-tt-world-s-fastest-production-car

National Talk Like a Pirate Day

2007-09-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

Pirate keyboard for your day...

http://www.utterz.com/~u-NDk1NDc1MA/utt.php

What To Do In An Emergency

2007-09-18T14:57:00.000-07:00

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY IN THE YEAR 2003

The fun thing is that these pictures are so ambiguous they could mean anything! Here are a few interpretations.

If you have set yourself on fire, do not run

If you spot terrorism, blow your anti-terrorism whistle. If you are Vin Diesel, yell really loud.

If you spot a terrorist arrow, pin it against the wall with your shoulder

If you are sprayed with an unknown substance, stand and think about it instead of seeing a doctor.

Use your flashlight to lift the walls right off of you!

The proper way to eliminate smallpox is to wash with soap, water and at least one (1) armless hand.

Michael Jackson is a terrorist. If you spot this smooth criminal with dead, dead eyes, run away.

Hurricanes, animal corpses and the biohazard symbol have a lot in common. Think about it.

Be on the lookout for terrorists with pinkeye and leprosy. Also, they tend to rub their hands together manically.

If a door is closed, karate chop it open.

After exposure to radiation it is important to consider that you may have mutated to gigantic dimensions: watch your head.

If you've become a radiation mutant with a deformed hand, remember to close the window. No one wants to see that mess.

If you hear the Backstreet Boys, Michael Bolton or Yanni on the radio, cower in the corner or run like hell.

If your lungs and stomach start talking, stand with your arms akimbo until they stop.

If you are trapped under falling debris, conserve oxygen by not farting.

If you lose a contact lens during a chemical attack, do not stop to look for it.

Do not drive a station wagon if a power pole is protruding from the hood.

A one-inch thick piece of plywood should be sufficient protection against radiation.

Always remember to carry food with you during a terrorist attack. At least you'll be able to enjoy a nice coke and apple before you die.

Kamehameha Schools Aloha Floral Festival Parade

2007-09-17T18:58:00.000-07:00

Facebook Goes Public

2007-09-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

Donald Trump may have gone out and trademarked the term “You’re Fired”, but he is going to have a hard time competing with Facebook.

Everything is public. Act as though it is going to be on the front page of the New York Times tomorrow. Facebook just announced that in a matter of a few days or weeks, it will become indexed by the colossal Google search engine. People are now also able to search for listings from the welcome page without first signing up as a member. Welcome to the front page! Beware of what you air in places like Facebook, MySpace or Twitter that have become easily searchable, fairly permanent and highly public.

People are losing their jobs over this. Take the Goldman Sachs trader Charlie Barrow for instance. He became addicted and got fired for spending too much of his time prattling. He went as far as adding a warning letter from his employer on his profile. Penn State’s Daily Collegian columnist Zach Good was fired over comments made regarding a cancer fundraiser. His editor in chief wrote in a blog post titled “I’m no Donald Trump, but…” followed by comments “Anyone has the right to free speech. No one has the right to be employed at a newspaper. That is a privilege.” Canadian grocery chain employees Devon Bourgeois and James Woodwere fired for making wisecracks admitting theft.

Here is a list of things you should do (or not do) in online venues like Facebook:

Don’t do it during work time unless you have permission to do so. Better yet, don’t use it at work unless you think it will get you a raise. Commission sales people are less likely to get in trouble over this than someone working in the accounting department.
Don’t post anything that you wouldn’t feel comfortable posting or discussing in the lunchroom at work. Some people got busted for posting photographs of things that went on at parties.
Remove comments posted by others that can get you into trouble. Edit them directly or ask whoever posted them to remove them.
Raise your privacy settings. Be mindful that these settings only prevent the average user from digging out the information. Assume there is a chance that the information can still leak out.
Do not ever admit to anything even remotely resembling a crime. Cops and prosecutors know how to use Facebook as well as anyone. You’ll have a hard time undoing such an admission, even if done as a joke. If your boss doesn’t really like you, Facebook might become a good place to turn to find dirt that can be used to get rid of you.
Don’t disclose personal information that you are not comfortable having out there. Birthdates are a crucial piece of information used to identify people that might be better left out of your profile.
Monitor your information. Google your name often, set up alerts and let people know what your expectations are for personal information. Let your close friends know where you stand so there are fewer issues. This is especially important for the photo junkies who like posting potentially embarrassing photos that may have you in one or more of them.
Be considerate of others when you are posting things. If your friend just started a new job as a Whitehouse intern, don’t start posting stuff that won’t make it past the watchdogs.
Don’t discuss confidential stuff online. If you aren’t sure, err on the side of caution. Don’t be afraid to ask someone before going ahead and posting something.
Be careful if you mix your personal and business online. People often make the mistake of carelessly mixing personal and business contacts. Be somewhat more conservative with your business than your personal contacts to minimize this source of potential problems.

If you like your job and don’t want to get trumped out of it, be careful how you use Facebook or one or the many tools like it. Use these above suggestions and your profile will become positively enhanced. Many employers, including the CIA, are turning to these tools as part of their recruiting arsenal. If you use them well, you might be hearing “You’re Hired.”

If you have any war stories, tips or ideas to share, please post a comment (knowing it might end up on the front page).

Peter Paul Roosen and Tatsuya Nakagawa (Twitter Feed) are co-founders of Atomica Creative Group , a specialized strategic product marketing firm. Through leading edge insight and research, sound strategic planning and effective project management, Atomica helps companies achieve greater success in bringing new products to market and in improving their existing businesses. They have co-authored Overcoming Inventoritis: The Silent Killer of Innovation now available.

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Fireworks Over Aloha Tower

2007-09-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

Potters Hands

2007-09-12T16:41:00.001-07:00

PLEASE don't remove this photo. It is mine! Thank you!
(Shot this at free pottery day at the museum.)

The Potter's Wheel

             When you’re troubled and discouraged
        In the darkness of the night
        When obstruction clouds your vision
        And you just can't see the light.

        When life’s trials overcome you
        And you have nowhere to turn
        When you’ve reached the very bottom
        There are lessons you must learn.

        For the clay is being molded
        It’s been twisted, pulled and tossed
        It’s been rolled and it’s been pounded
        Till the ego has been lost.

        He will put you through the furnace
        You’ll be tested to the brim
        Your life will be in pieces
        Till you give your soul to Him.

        From blemish to perfection
        His hands will form the clay
        This human piece of rubble
        Must let God have His way.

        When you come to Him all battered
        In the form of mortal man
        When you cry to Him in mercy
        You will find the Potter’s hand.

        He will grind you, mold and chisel
        The friction you will feel
        Till He gently carves and shapes you
        Upon the Potter’s wheel.

        Author/Written By:
        Marilyn Ferguson
        ©2005

8th Photo on Flickr's Explore

2007-09-07T16:38:00.000-07:00

Rafael Soto jumping off the rock at Waimea Bay.

Battlestar Galactica Game

2007-09-05T17:20:00.000-07:00

I found this game on the net and it is great. Click here to go the home page to down load a free demo of the game called Beyond the Red Line. It is all Battlestar Galactica with accurate sounds and visuals, You start off with a cool training mission to teach you the controls. You will love it, about 100 000 downloads in 2 weeks.

http://techboys.typepad.com/techboys/

Crocs To Make Plastic Clothing

2007-08-28T15:11:00.000-07:00

New And Exciting Products

Crocs To Make Annoying Plastic Clothes To Go With Annoying Plastic Shoes

We're all for comfortable footwear, but we really don't get the whole "Crocs" thing. They again, we've never tried them on, so perhaps we're not being fair. They look like good shoes for space pirates or RNs and we are neither (sadly).

Anyhow, according to an announcement from Crocs, we'll soon be left behind on the whole "plastic shirt" thing, too.

Yes, Crocs will soon being manufacturing clothing out of something called "Croslite rt." It's similar to the substance that the shoes are made out of, but more "relaxed."

The material will come in colors that compliment your Crocs. Won't you be sexy?

Plastic fantastic: Crocs launch clothing range [Daily Mail]
(Photo:Daily Mail)

http://consumerist.com/consumer/new-and-exciting-products/

Tips For Keeping The Peace

2007-08-24T14:54:00.000-07:00

Written by Tom Roderick, Executive Director of Educators for Social Responsibility Metro

Slow down the action. Many fights and arguments get out of control very fast. Before reacting, take a deep breath, count to 10 to buy time to think. If possible, find a way to excuse yourself from the situation for a moment so that you can collect yourself.
Listen well. Don't interrupt. Hear the other person out. Making eye contact, nodding, and saying "uh-huh" are ways to show you are listening. It helps to paraphrase or state in your own words what you hear the other person saying.
Give the other person the benefit of the doubt. In a conflict between two people, each person has feelings, each person has a point of view. You may not agree with the other person, but try to understand where s/he is coming from. Ask open-ended questions to get information about how the other person sees things. Try to listen with an open mind. If you see that you have done something wrong, don't hesitate to apologize.
Acknowledge the other person's feelings. When people believe they've been listened to, they generally become less angry and more open to listening to what the other person has to say. Statements like "I can see you're angry" or "You really feel strongly about this" tend to diffuse the anger and open up communication.
Be strong without being mean. Express your needs and your point of view forcefully, but without "dissing" or putting the other person down. Use "I-messages" to communicate how you are feeling rather than "You-messages" that put the blame on the other person. Name-calling, blaming, bossing and threatening tend to block communication and escalate conflict.
Try to see a conflict as a problem to be solved, rather than a contest to be won. Attack the problem, not the other person. Try to get away from fighting over who's right and who's wrong. Ask instead: What do I need? What does the other person feel they need? Is there a way we can both get what we want?
Set your sights on a "win-win" solution. In a win-win solution, both parties get what they want and come away happy. This requires good listening on both sides and creative thinking. If a win-win solution is not possible, you many have to settle for a compromise, where each person gets something and gives up something. A compromise is a lot better than violence.
If you don't seem to be getting anywhere in solving a conflict, ask for help. Of course, you'll need agreement from the other person that help is needed and you'll have to agree on who the third party should be. But a third party can be helpful. Try to find someone who is a good listener. Tell the third party their role is to help the people in the conflict talk with each other, not to take sides.
Remember that conflict, handled well, can lead to personal growth and better relationships. Try to see the conflict as an opportunity. Working through the conflict with a friend can lead to greater closeness. Hearing other points of view can introduce us to new ideas and increase our understanding of ourselves and other people.
The true heroes and sheroes of today's world are not the Rambos. They are those who have the courage and intelligence to deal with conflict in creative, nonviolent ways. http://www.esrnational.org/keeppeace.html

Hawaii Statehood Day

2007-08-21T15:39:00.000-07:00

August 21 is...

Hawaii Statehood Day

A pretty beach on the Waianae Coast, I'm not sure which one, though.

Waimea Woman

2007-08-16T15:22:00.000-07:00

Waimea Woman

5th Photo on Flickr's Explore!

Florida native visiting O'ahu tried for hours to convince herself to jump off of the rock at Waimea Bay. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be this trip...