tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84220929420506006162024-03-14T08:37:12.601-06:00Sad BotCaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-77690477354185247402012-03-22T09:22:00.002-06:002012-03-22T09:22:10.241-06:00New blogSo. I am discontinuing this blog... in some days I will be adding a regdirect to it, but for now, please visit <a href="http://chrisapeck.blogspot.com/">chrisapeck.blogspot.com</a> for further updates.Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-51137068097344813132012-03-21T08:03:00.001-06:002012-03-21T08:03:30.489-06:00Summer SemesterWell, we all knew that it was inevitable. I did, anyway. But I have just signed up for 1st and 2nd block for the Summer Semester. Yup. How exciting. This means a lot of changes for me. For one, these classes are during the day. That means that I will be working, (starting in May) during the evening/night. I'm a little excited to start classes during the day. Seems more... real? Anyway, here is the plan, so far:<br />
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1st Block:<br />
Biotech 1010<br />
College Chem I 1610<br />
Chem Lab 1615<br />
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2nd Block<br />
Principles of Statistics (this may change if I can get my counselor to wave the prereq requirement of Chem II, so I can take Chemistry the second block. We'll see).<br />
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So there you have it. A 12 credit summer. There is really no rest for the wicked I guess, because I am going to only get a week or two of a break before summer starts up. Ugh. But I know it'll be worth it. Now I just need to get through this semester. (Microbio is enjoyable. I really like it but the tests are something else... I've never seen tests like these).Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-59284880239936999872012-03-13T12:09:00.000-06:002012-03-13T12:10:23.190-06:00My Biking Stats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, I was looking at my biking stats, (that I keep track on <a href="http://dailymile.com/">dailymile.com</a>), and noticed something cool. I've gone around the planet .1 times, or 10% around the planet. That is kinda cool. So, it will only take me, biking at the same rate, nine more years to go around the globe. Haha... well, still, I think it is pretty cool and thought I would share that along will all of my other fun stats they give you. These stats are from sometime in the beginning of July to now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnP92tgktHUJao1ZZS7Ml68SsxMEmyPhfGvunax-wOvi4IiOP7GawyzaqYdCFjKApnjyALbwR2A4Xc2ZYoJmy5hwukO_kcwWYAh9T_T7C33-KJl0ZdAjaREohNiNP0vxyM2Bxhj97_ZA/s1600/Stats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnP92tgktHUJao1ZZS7Ml68SsxMEmyPhfGvunax-wOvi4IiOP7GawyzaqYdCFjKApnjyALbwR2A4Xc2ZYoJmy5hwukO_kcwWYAh9T_T7C33-KJl0ZdAjaREohNiNP0vxyM2Bxhj97_ZA/s640/Stats.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In other news, I have not even started my March goal, and it is unlikely that I am going to finish it. Hmmm. It seems that I am a lot better at goals that deal with health, while reading goals, and such are better for long term goals. So I'm going to rethink my goal and come up with ones dealing with health or something. We'll see.<br />
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Also, Lesa and I are trying to go more organic in what we eat. We've been shopping at Good Earth when we can and are getting into drinking green smoothies, eating a lot more produce and working out 2-3 times a week. Feels good.Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-5349583525443596022012-03-07T22:36:00.001-07:002012-03-07T22:36:46.641-07:00Everyone watch this!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/37119711?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=d13030" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe></div>
<a href="http://vimeo.com/37119711">KONY 2012</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/invisible">INVISIBLE CHILDREN</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-29979317183057478422012-03-01T15:11:00.001-07:002012-03-01T15:11:39.494-07:00Science: What's it up to?<div style="background-color:#000000;width:520px;"><div style="padding:4px;"><iframe src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/embed/mgid:cms:video:thedailyshow.com:400760" width="512" height="288" frameborder="0"></iframe><p style="text-align:left;background-color:#FFFFFF;padding:4px;margin-top:4px;margin-bottom:0px;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><b><a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-october-26-2011/weathering-fights---science---what-s-it-up-to-">The Daily Show with Jon Stewart</a></b><br/>Get More: <a href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/'>Daily Show Full Episodes</a>,<a href='http://www.indecisionforever.com/'>Political Humor & Satire Blog</a>,<a href='http://www.facebook.com/thedailyshow'>The Daily Show on Facebook</a></p></div></div>Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-30855865346654732992012-02-29T06:02:00.001-07:002012-02-29T06:02:15.162-07:00March Goal Starting, February Goal EndingWell, it is the last day of my eating no candy or chips (junk food). Seemed to go pretty well. I was craving it pretty badly at the start, but am doing better now. I am planning on keeping it up afterwards and only having snack food occasionally, but I will be glad to have a little here and there. I don't want to go on a chocolate rampage right after, so . . .<br />
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My goal for March is to read the New Testament. I haven't read it since my mission so I'm kind of excited to be doing this. I need to find out how many chapters there are and then read a certain amount each day or something. This one is going to be different, so we'll see if I'm up to it.Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-46352316709619959452012-02-20T12:39:00.001-07:002012-02-20T12:42:45.321-07:00Science Fiction Book ListI want to immerse myself in Science fiction this year. So, here are the sci-fi books I am planning on reading this year. I hope I am able to get to all of them.<br />
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<b>Science Fiction</b><br />
01. The City and the City by China Mieville<br />
02. Slaughterhouse-five by Kurt Vonnegut<br />
03. Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein<br />
04. Hyperion by Dan Simmons<br />
05. The Fall of Hyperion by Dan Simmons<br />
06. Endymion by Dan Simmons<br />
07. The Rise of Endymion by Dan Simmons<br />
08. Boneshaker by Cherie Priest<br />
09. Forever Peace by Joe Haldeman<br />
10. Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang by Kate Wilhelm<br />
11. To Your Scattered Bodies Go by Philip Jose Farmer<br />
12. Dune by Frank Herbert<br />
13. Anathem by Neal Stephenson<br />
14. The God's Themselves by Issac Asimov<br />
15. The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick<br />
16. Gateway by Fredrick Pohl<br />
17. Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson<br />
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And there will be more, but for now, that's all the ones I've been wanting to read.<br />
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I also think I am going to be reading the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and the Hobbit.Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-21916530291724617952012-02-20T06:04:00.000-07:002012-02-20T06:04:07.118-07:00Biking thus-farSo, since about July I have been biking almost every day to work and school and back home. Or some variation of that. So today, I wanted to see how far I've biked, or rather what that looked like on a map. I keep track of all of this on a site dailymile.com, and so I'll put all of those stats up.<br />
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So, I was was biking, starting at San Francisco, I would have biked along I-80 2,353 miles, which is roughly the distance to Cleveland.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7u356AnoP5NE0aj4zEC0_RM4L9RiGH6lnLoaMIgthzOauBxWOgw38wkwwfn-KAFB5g4O6NpyNlwejpqDgOxq65NC0o8P_b4hE8duTFmSrpuxB3bCpyz_AV22pKdY6wnfXN955dqd5Js/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7u356AnoP5NE0aj4zEC0_RM4L9RiGH6lnLoaMIgthzOauBxWOgw38wkwwfn-KAFB5g4O6NpyNlwejpqDgOxq65NC0o8P_b4hE8duTFmSrpuxB3bCpyz_AV22pKdY6wnfXN955dqd5Js/s640/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This would have taken me (had I not slept at all) 6.16 days, or 148 hours. (So I've biked fr 148 hours sense July)<br />
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While biking I have lost 34 lbs of fat while gaining 10 lbs of muscle. (So, I lost about 1-2 pounds of fat a week).<br />
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I've saved about 124 gallons of gas, which equals about $400 in gas.<br />
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I have biked 174 out of 202 days (I excluded Sundays).<br />
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I averaged between 18 and 23 miles a day.Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-13695699820879418632012-02-14T10:05:00.001-07:002012-02-14T10:05:38.214-07:00Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really like books. And so I thought I'd share my book cases with everyone. I'm pretty proud of all of my books and having read most of them. So here you go. A little bit into the books that I enjoy and that define who I am.</div>
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This first one is the bookshelf with most of my sci-fi books. Or at least many of my favorites. There are also a few fantasy books scattered in there.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVi30xqtYXE7CwQ06r2v7N5eS19LwdZmEPhn3T1IShAl0KSC6IgRPlFZW-BC-9eT9pQllO3YIsUo7x6MLzOhfT_UgNRKz5xty3Y2NReiNKrHp0T9VRhAqe7mmncMjjSDMMHpdhBi6AQY/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVi30xqtYXE7CwQ06r2v7N5eS19LwdZmEPhn3T1IShAl0KSC6IgRPlFZW-BC-9eT9pQllO3YIsUo7x6MLzOhfT_UgNRKz5xty3Y2NReiNKrHp0T9VRhAqe7mmncMjjSDMMHpdhBi6AQY/s640/005.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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These are a few that don't fit anywhere else. All hardbacks... (except LOTR).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84wbuFc-XSGoDYB93zZibnrNo5-pEF_dmi43Zqpy_sC1MwdVzXFtzj090vX7ouEjjJoMPlThW3AdXFUBPsXitSnzpyGjC4BROEl19y3QlV-bW2aPdYe2YBPMUPSorg-NX1xfK0lyZkcE/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84wbuFc-XSGoDYB93zZibnrNo5-pEF_dmi43Zqpy_sC1MwdVzXFtzj090vX7ouEjjJoMPlThW3AdXFUBPsXitSnzpyGjC4BROEl19y3QlV-bW2aPdYe2YBPMUPSorg-NX1xfK0lyZkcE/s640/006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The rest of the books. Many different genre's and stuff. I really enjoy all of these and hopefully will have more soon. :)</div>
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<br />Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-55703747858687852522012-02-01T05:35:00.001-07:002012-02-01T05:35:32.278-07:00February -- No junkfoodSo. I went a whole month without eating any meat! I'm pretty proud that I did it. I think that I could go another month or even longer, but to be honest, there is nothing preventing me from eating meat. I can still eat it sparingly (esp. red meats) and be very healthy. Eating meat is not unhealthy, (as many a vegetarian would tell you) and I understand this. Also, while I feel that there should be some animal rights, my feelings are not strong enough to stop eating meat.<br />
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I have changed what I will be doing in February, also. I am going to be trying to eat no junk food. While eating no meat I realized that a bigger problem, when it comes to eating patterns is the amount of junk food I eat. Therefore, I am not going to be eating any junk food except on my wife's B-day (because of cake and stuff) and also on valentines day. I think this will help my health much more than cutting out meat would have.Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-70783240118769262772012-01-20T09:56:00.001-07:002012-01-20T09:56:40.439-07:00Still No MeatI am still not eating meat. It is getting better. It was actually not to bad until a friend of mine (Kevin) offered me J Dawgs and then I went for a week straight of cravings. But I'm doing better now. I am starting to want meat that I normally never ate. But I am holding strong. I can tell a difference in my body and I can tell I've lost weight and I feel better. I would like to continue this, but I just like meat. I think I am going to try and cut back severely, though. Have almost no red meat. (Eat it very rarely). And limit other meats to only once or twice a week. I want to hold on to the habits as best I can and I think I may make a rule not to eat meat at work or school. That will help limit myself and will help me to eat better and plan better meals.<br />
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My book reading hasn't really worked out. I haven't been able to get into the books I got at the beginning of the year and so I am going back to two of my favorite books to get me going. Hyperion and Slaughterhouse-Five. I think this will help me quite a bit.Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-89707488646600703322012-01-09T06:58:00.001-07:002012-01-09T07:02:55.190-07:00Ramadan Is Over Before It Began<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">So, in considering the implications of not eating during the day, I had to remind myself of what my life would be like in February. I would wake up at 4am, bike to work and eat and eat and eat until Sunup. I would then not eat, bike to school, go to classes, eat what little I could bring with me on my bike after the sun goes down, bike home, and then eat. That is if I didn't pass out. I think that until I am out of school, Ramadan is a bust. And so here are the new and improved goals:</span></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">January</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">: Eat no meat. I'm going to try and become a vegetarian for an entire month. This one will be one of the hardest, I think.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">February</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Be in bed by 9:30 pm every night. This will be harder than I think.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">March</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Read the New Testament.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">April</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">: Do all shopping at small businesses.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">May</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">: Recycle everything that can be recycled. Hopefully, this one will continue on.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">June</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">: No surfing the web and no T.V. (I would say no computer, but I'll be in school and will need it for that, however, the important thing is no entertainment from those sources).</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">July</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">: Listen to only classical music.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">August</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">: Bike: 1. From Orem to Kamas. I'd start at about 4am and bike up Provo Canyon to Heber. There I will be picking up McKay and we will proceed to Kamas. 2. Summit three peaks: Squaw Peak, South Fork, Sundance. </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">September</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">: Consume no sugar. This one will be difficult, and I'll probably need to set some parameters because so much stuff has sugar, It'll probably be no candy, drinks junk food, etc.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">October</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">: Meditate 20-30 minutes a day. This may not seem so bad, but true meditation is really hard. Just can't clear my head.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">November</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">: Write a 50,000 word novel for NaNoWriMo. Also, say a pray of thanksgiving everyday.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">December</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">: Read Jesus the Christ and the Christmas story. I need to focus on the meaning and cause of Christmas, and so, I am hoping this will help.</span>Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-71609059472393518312012-01-06T11:27:00.001-07:002012-01-06T11:27:11.884-07:00New Title and Cover for my Robot Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-6938123715763761442012-01-05T09:19:00.000-07:002012-01-05T09:19:18.706-07:00Science Fiction vs. Fantasy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I think these two genre's get mixed too often. From the outside viewer they are the same. Focusing on what we would see as fantastic or not accurate according to our view of the current world. However, I feel that there are major differences between the genre's and in fact they should rarely (if ever) be mixed or confused as the same thing.<br />
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Some time ago while determining the major differences between these two genre's I thought of the story telling techniques. Or rather, what authors of either genre focus on. This seems to be the major difference, despite catalysts of the story. Fantasy focuses on creating worlds. Science Fiction focuses on creating ideas.<br />
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Let me explain.<br />
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But first, I will admit that I am solely a science fiction fan. There is some fantasy that I enjoy and love, LOTR, Harry Potter, Neal Gaiman stuff, but for the most part I don't touch it. And so, while I may have a somewhat biased opinion, and may not be as familiar with fantasy as many others I feel that with what I have read (and I've read more than the above list, but didn't enjoy them much) this is an accurate view and I will try my best not to bring biases into it.<br />
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OK. Fantasy focuses on creating worlds. Right now I am reading a fantasy book called Orcs. (I think it's three books in one, so lets call it Orcs trilogy). The Orcs trilogy is different than my typical reading. The language is different, and the focus of the story is much more straight forward than what I typically see in sci-fi. Or rather, it is presented early one with little or no guess work having to be done by the reader. (I don't say this negatively, but factually). I feel that many fantasy books are eager to get the ball rolling and to get on with the exciting parts, because with that comes the world. You introduce strange characters and new worlds filled with horrors and beauty, both. Great detail is often incorporated into what things, objects, and people look like. Often times dress is describes as much as a distant landscape of bustling city-town. Authors have gone to great lengths to insure that there world is complete and coherent. Many times maps are included at the front of the book to give the reader an idea of the world in which the characters live.<br />
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I think we can safely say just from those examples that fantasy, for a large part of the majority, is meant to suck you into a mystical world and take you through an adventure that could never happen in this current world we have. I recently read <i>Neverwhere</i> by Neal Gaiman. A modern day fantasy book in where the main character, Richard, is brought into a world underneath London. It has all of the typical fantasy elements and is full of adventure. Little explanation is given or needed as the reader is meant to accept that something strange is going on.<br />
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Fantasy builds worlds. It gives characters and readers a medium in which to explore and experience.<br />
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Science Fiction, however, does not focus greatly on creating worlds, or universes, if the case may imply. While locations, people, etc. are described, rarely in great detail, it is never the focus of the writing. Rather, the reader is meant to understand generals about the characters surroundings, or looks, and from that imagine the rest. Rather, because of situations the author is able to bring about specific ideas or philosophical reasoning's to underline the events of the story. The stories are driven by really issues that seem far more important and more of a major theme than issues and ideas proposed in fantasy reading. I feel that a major reason for this is that sci-fi, through the science involved in the writing, focuses greatly on the human condition and how science and technology play against it or are incorporated with life.<br />
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And so, we see ideas spawn through story lines in a way to show the reader where we can go in the future, or show them different possibilities because of science and technology. Ideas in cloning morality, or consciousness, time, and many more are common and found in most (good) science fiction writing. And it is a major focus of the writing. Action sequences, and adventure often take a lower precedence to the importance of underlining the human condition through futuristic ideas. <i>Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep</i>, by Philip K. Dick, is a great example of what it means to be human, or rather, what it means to be alive as the protagonist must question if he is human or an android, and if one or the other make him an less conscious.<br />
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While both genres have important qualities, I think it is important to understand the differences that each brings and how they are each different from each other. Personally, I am drawn more towards science fiction as I enjoy the philosophical and moral issues that are brought up and written about. The stories, because of the style of writing seem more original to me with less overlap in a story line. The language is clear and concise and does not fall into over stretching dialogue because of a need to describe and show a persons character right off the bat.<br />
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However, I am sure someone who likes fantasy more than I do could argue against me.Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-62506581814198312112012-01-02T08:01:00.001-07:002012-01-02T08:01:57.729-07:00The First MonthSo, as it is the first month of the year, I am starting my first goal. <i>Going Vegetarian. </i>There is a reason I am going this. For the last . . . two years, I've wanted to be a vegetarian. It wasn't a strong desire, rather something I just wanted to try with little expectations in keeping up with it. (Mostly because I could not part from sea food). I have never been able to fully do this because I don't want to force it on anybody else. I'm not a big fan of waiving my own dietary choices, or lifestyle choices in peoples faces. And, I don't want to force my kids (or wife) to do something as drastic as not eating meat, just because I am doing it. And so, it is a one month goal, and after that I will stop.<br />
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I am excited about it. I've wanted to try this for a while, and now I get the chance. But I am a bit nervous about some aspects. I work a lot, and eat what I can while I am there and one thing I try to focus on is eating the right things to help me have energy and help me in my biking. Protein is a big one. And now, with no meat I have to find it other places. My wife was very concerned about me eating the right amount and getting the nutrients I need and calories I need (I burn about 1000 calories a day, and if I don't eat right I will be hurting my body). And so last night we worked together to make a bunch of batches of smoothie. Basically enough for about 6 days, and froze it. This should help with protein and energy stuffs, and now I just need to find things to help me through the day and meal substitutions.<br />
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I'll probably be having a lot of fruit and vege's and pb&j's. I think the really hard part will be every Saturday when I work at Gandolfo's. I'll be resigned to eating their vege sandwiches. Not great, but I've had them before and their not too bad . . . I guess.<br />
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Anyways, I am really excited about this and am hoping that I am able to keep it up. I have my family supporting me and that should be enough. I'd like to say that this is all easy for me and I'm happy to give it all up but I'm not. I bike by burger joints that smell amazing, daily. I love anything seafood and constantly want it. And my family (my wife and kids, parents, wife's parents, etc.) are all still going to be eating meat. And I am someone who still likes meat. And so it will be difficult, but I am determined to do it.Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-87553085512521435412011-12-28T10:28:00.000-07:002011-12-28T10:39:59.992-07:00My Christmas Present from Lesa!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was a great Christmas! Lesa all December has been very excited about the gift she got for me and was extra secretive about it. And so naturally, on Christmas day I was pretty excited to see what I got. Well, I have to say, I am thrilled with it. She got me a tea pot and eight different loose leaf teas. I was so excited that as soon as I could (once we were done opening presents I went and made myself a cup of Rooibus (Roy bus) tea, which is one of my favorites. Rooibus is made from the needle-like leaves of a caffeine-free bush native to South Africa.</div>
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(The tea pot Lesa got me).</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">(Rooibus tea).</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I think that day I made about 4 or 5 batches and shared them with Mckay, (the only one that wanted to have any). </span><span style="text-align: left;">They were all so good and I was loving brewing each different kind. Thank you so much, Lesa!! It was the perfect gift.</span>Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-73964041784400209102011-12-28T09:56:00.002-07:002011-12-28T09:56:36.598-07:00Global Warming<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">It seems that, regardless of how you feel about the subject, the issue of global warming is very strongly tied to religion. Why is that? It is because religion is a source of moral growth, it is something that can bring about change in massive levels and can help people to grow morally. These morals affect us in our daily aspects and in what we constantly deal with. When it comes to daily issues we are able to make better decisions according to our moral character. Global warming has become a major concern and topic, thus calls on us to act as we see morally fit.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I wish to briefly describe how it is that science can show that global warming is indeed happening at an exponential rate, and how we can see that it is human caused rather than by the Earths natural cycles.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">There is a simple method to see what CO</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: xx-small;">2</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> levels were throughout Earths history. In glaciers we can take samples of air which has been trapped in the ice, (air bubbles). With these we can measure the amount of CO</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: xx-small;">2</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> in the air at the time the bubble was formed. We can see rises and falls from roughly 150-280 ppmv (parts per million by volume) CO</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: xx-small;">2.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> This greatly depends on Earths orbit. The orbit of our planet fluctuates, as well as pivots on its axis much like a top, causing the earths temperature to rise and fall, thus giving us ice-ages and warm periods: low amounts of CO</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: xx-small;">2</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> create a cooling, and give us an ice-age. The opposite happens with high measurements of CO</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: xx-small;">2.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> However, since the industrial revolution the level of CO</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: xx-small;">2</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> has gone from the average of 280 up to 360-380 ppmv. An unprecedented amount. The more CO</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: xx-small;">2</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> the more heat.</span><br />
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However, there is still doubt that this increase is caused by human interaction. How do we know it is human caused? We can record the types of CO<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">2</span> in the atmosphere. There are three major CO<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">2</span> bases we record: CO<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">2</span> 4, CO<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">2</span> 13, CO<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">2</span> 14. CO<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">2</span> base 4 comes from very old and dead plants. CO<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">2</span> base 13 comes from volcanoes, etc. CO<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">2</span> base 14 comes from newer plants. We can see that in our atmosphere ther eis mostly and high concentrations of CO<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">2</span> 4. CO<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">2</span> 4 comes from fossil fuels, or very old plants. </div>
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This shows not only is there much, much more CO<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">2</span> in the atmosphere, but that it is human caused.</div>
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There needs to be a change. A change that our government can hardly take on. It requires a sense of moral obligation at large levels for any effects to be seen. Moral obligations that should be strongly held and encouraged by our LDS faith as well as many other or all faiths. We are taught that we are stewards of the Earth and it is under our charge. </div>Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-44902544195007662542011-12-26T11:59:00.000-07:002011-12-26T11:59:00.660-07:00My Favorite Books of the YearI read 33 books this year. So I thought I could pick 5 of them dub them as my favorite of the year. There were a lot of good ones and I've been changed by most, but I need to decide what the best are, and so, in no particular order (because that would be too hard), here are the top 5 books I read this year:<br />
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<b>1. Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson</b></div>
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What a great story. A virus in a futuristic cyber world (Snow Crash) infects the brains of those that view it or download it. The book follows Hiro who, through this demolished and dark world and advances cyber world tries to stop the virus from infecting millions. Cool imagery, and very original.<br />
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<b>2. A Short Stay in Hell by Steven L. Peck</b></div>
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I have read this book 8 or 9 times and if never fails to chill me to to bone and open my eyes in regards to what eternity really is. A deeply moving philosophical story of a man who goes to Hell and must find the book describing his life to leave and dwell in heaven. Chilling, terrifying, moving, wonderful and real. </div>
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<b>3. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling</b></div>
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I put Harry Potter so I can count them all as one book. These are truly some of the best books I have ever read. This year I read them for the 2nd or 3rd time (depending on which book) and loved every second of it. The third stood out because of the amazing Quiddich final where, while biking and listening to it I began cheering wanting Griffindor to win. (I couldn't remember who one and was getting really into it). What a tribute to the writing skills of the author.</div>
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I just finished this one. I can't begin to describe the imagery in this book. The characters are very real and it is easy to care about them and want to keep reading. It is witty and clever and very moving. After reading it I sat for some time trying to come to grips that it was over and better understand all that I had read. </div>
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<b>5. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman</b></div>
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This had the same feel as Harry Potter, so naturally I liked it. It was darker, though. An adventure had by an unsuspecting man who finds a world underneath London full of adventure and danger. Also, has some of the scariest and worst villains of all time. Mr. Croup & Mr. Vandemar. </div>
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There were so many good books that I read this year. So many, but I think I feel good about these being the best and my favorite of the year. </div>
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A few I'm planning on reading next year:</div>
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<i>The City and the City, The Hobbit (again), The Lord of the Rings (again), The New Testament (again), Jesus the Christ, Dune, A Short Stay in Hell (again), Starship Troopers, Hyperion (again), Anathem (again) </i>and a lot lot more, I am sure. I usually like to reread really good books every few years which is why there are some that I will be rereading. The rest, (not listed because I don't really know what they are) will probably all be new books. Should be a good year.</div>Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-68774868558658832182011-12-23T11:43:00.002-07:002011-12-23T11:43:34.048-07:00School UpdateSo . . . I passed all of my classes, with pretty decent grades, too. I was getting pretty stressed about my Math class and I just barely (and I mean barely) passed, but I passed so I am happy. I have to say that my biology class (with Dr. Heath Ogden) was one of the best classes I've taken since I started school 3 years ago. I loved it and learned a lot! Also, he will be helping me with a paper on evolution and the Mormon version of the creation, so that's good. I'm going to be honest and say that my Aesthetics class was a joke. Not because of the teacher, or assignments, I just think the whole subject is not for me. I cannot begin to care what different philosophers think in regards to art and beauty. I mostly disagree'd with most of the essays and just felt as though the whole subject was heavy handed and over bearing. I did good in the class, but boy I did not enjoy it. The only other thing I had was a bio-lab which was fine. I enjoyed it.<br />
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This coming semester I am taking Microbiology, Phil 205G (Which is a joke as I've already taken 2050, but this is required for some other random requirement that I need), Quantitative Reasoning (Which is just Math 1050, but sounds more advanced, Haha), and a Yoga class, Power Yoga to be more precise. Oh, and as apart of Microbiology I am taking a lab with it.<br />
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In the summer I will be taking Chem 1 and Organic Chem. Ugh. I am really terrified of these classes, but I am taking them during the summer so the classes are over with faster and I can only focus on the one subject in stead of several at a time. If I took one in the fall I think I'd be pushing too hard. Because in the fall I plan on taking College Bio II, Biotech, Genetics, and something else, and adding Chem on top of that sounds like a version of Hell I don't think I would ever want to encounter.<br />
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Oh, good ol' school.<br />
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Oh, and a shout out to Jaron who passed his Chemistry class!! I hope you remember it by the summer so you can help me.Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-59924760023036077552011-12-22T07:14:00.001-07:002012-01-02T11:51:53.165-07:00New Years ResolutionsThis year I did really good with my goals. I read more than 25 books throughout the year, I biked most of the year and stopped drinking soda. I am going to carry these goals over to the next year. I want to keep working on my biking and being healthy. These goals are:<br />
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Ride my bike to work and/or school every dry day.<br />
Drink no soda.<br />
Read 25 books.<br />
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However, I am going to set some new goals for the coming year. They are going to be hard. In fact after thinking about this for a month or two, I've decided to make twelve monthly goals. One major goal a month. A lot of them are just to see if I can do it and to see if I can better myself from them. Many are meant to grow spiritually, but also to just grow as a better person. Some are easy and some are hard. So, here they are, my twelve goals for 2012:<br />
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<b>January</b>: Eat no meat. I'm going to try and become a vegetarian for an entire month. This one will be one of the hardest, I think.<br />
<b>February</b>: Ramadan. OK, this will probably be the hardest. That is why I picked the shortest month. Ramadan is a month in where I will fast every day while the sun is up and eat when it is down... Should be interesting.<br />
<b>March</b>: Be in bed by 9:30 pm every night. This will be harder than I think.<br />
<b>April</b>: Do all shopping at small businesses.<br />
<b>May</b>: Recycle everything that can be recycled. Hopefully, this one will continue on.<br />
<b>June</b>: No surfing the web and no T.V. (I would say no computer, but I'll be in school and will need it for that, however, the important thing is no entertainment from those sources).<br />
<b>July</b>: Listen to only classical music.<br />
<b>August</b>: Read the New Testament.<br />
<b>September</b>: Consume no sugar. This one will be difficult, and I'll probably need to set some parameters because so much stuff has sugar, It'll probably be no candy, drinks junk food, etc.<br />
<b>October</b>: Meditate 20-30 minutes a day. This may not seem so bad, but true meditation is really hard. Just can't clear my head.<br />
<b>November</b>: Write a 50,000 word novel for NaNoWriMo. Also, say a pray of thanksgiving everyday.<br />
<b>December</b>: Read Jesus the Christ and the Christmas story. I need to focus on the meaning and cause of Christmas, and so, I am hoping this will help.<br />
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Hopefully I can do them all. Should be interesting and hard, but I think worth it. Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-63577224644188313492011-12-15T11:24:00.000-07:002011-12-15T11:24:42.195-07:00Biking and Tea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So in the middle of the summer (end of June), noticing that I was gaining some weight, (probably from sitting at a computer most of the day at work and not eating great) I set some goals to be more healthy. The first thing I did was to get a bike. I was determined to bike to work and back (and to school when it started). This would be 18 miles a day, and 22-26 during school. This was my biggest goal and first, so others didn't really come until I was getting use to this. It took about 2 weeks to get the motivation up to bike every morning at 4:15am, to get to work by 5, but buy July 1st I was biking every day and loving it. I was also determined to bike through the winter (not on "wet" days, but when the roads were dry I would). I think this has been a huge challenge, but everyday that I bike (which really is every dry day, I'm determined) I feel great and never regret it. I'm really getting back into biking and am going to be entering some races next year. (For those of you who don't know I use to do a lot of Downhill, Mountain Cross and Dirt Jumping biking when I was younger).</div>
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(This is my bike at UVU).</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">My next goal was to eat more healthy and I think, starting out, I tried diets or counting calories, but none of it worked for me. I did a lot of research at this point in what is health, or good things to eat. I think, through all of this I slowly just got into the mindset of eating healthy. Not dieting or counting anything but just making healthy food choices. I'm </span><span style="text-align: left;">lenient</span><span style="text-align: left;"> with it, also. I'll eat unhealthy things occasionally or with other people, but mentally choosing to eat better helped more than anything else.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Finally, I wanted to give up soda. Not caffeine, but ALL soda. I think this is one of the hardest things I've struggled with. Ever since I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and Pyoderma Gangrenosum my doctors have told me to stop drinking soda. I did for about 6 months, but feeling as if it wasn't really helping I started drinking it again. From July until about the end of September I went on and off again trying to stop drinking it. Finally, with grand inspiration one night I decided to replace all soda with tea. I had been doing research on health stuff and came across and article on tea's, specifically green tea. That night I decided to give up soda (again) and drink tea in its place. I stick with herbal teas, although, I think green tea is fine too, (in regards to the Word of Wisdom), but there is more variety in herbal teas. So I have 4 boxes of different types of tea at work, and some at home as well. So far it seems to be working wonderfully. I really enjoy going to the store and getting different types and flavors of tea and trying them all. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">(A cup of acai tea at work).</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">All in all, I feel great. I've lost over 25 lbs., but am now staying at an even 180 lbs as I've been building quite a bit of muscle from the biking. My waist size has has gone from a 33 bordering on 34 to a 31 bordering on a 30. I think one of the greatest days was when I had to move a notch up on my belt. I am feeling more healthy and more energetic, but also (I think this is a bonus) I can sleep almost instantly whenever and wherever I want).</span>Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-50177919042314033492011-12-13T13:13:00.005-07:002011-12-23T09:47:06.504-07:00BooksThis year I actually set a new years resolution. This is something I usually never do because I'm just a bad goal setter. However, I decided on one goal that I thought would be challenging but obtainable. It was to read 25 books that year. I usually try to read as much as possible, but with full time school, full time job, a part time job and two kids, it's a little more difficult. But I decided to set it. 25 books, 1 year.<br />
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Well, I am pleased to announce that I did not only reach my goal, I surpassed it in reaching 32 books (It may become 33 as I am hoping to finish another book soon). I am pretty impressed. The books have been great and many of which have helped me grow and I'd recommend many to friends and family. There is a list on the side of the blog, but I'm going to put it up here as well with one sentence about each:<br />
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<b>02.</b> <i>Time</i> by Eva Hoffman -- Discussion on times effect on individuals and how we perceive it.</div>
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<b>03.</b> <i>Snow Crash </i>by Neal Stephenson -- A great cyberpunk story about a virus infecting peoples brains.</div>
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<b>04.</b> <i>Billions and Billions</i> by Carl Sagan -- His thoughts on science, global warming, and the importance of environment.</div>
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<b>05.</b> <i>The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by </i>Robert A. Heinlein -- This is how society should start a revolution.</div>
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<b>06.</b> <i>The Wise Man's Fear</i> by Patrick Rothfuss -- Not as good as his first. Too bad.</div>
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<b>07. </b><i>Cosmos </i>by Carl Sagan -- Basically everything he says on his show 'Cosmos' written down, with some changes. </div>
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<b>08.</b> <i>The Forever War</i> by Joe Haldeman -- Shows how war over light years can effect someone, and the stupidity of war.</div>
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<b>09.</b> <i>Doctor Who and Philosophy</i> by Lewis & Smithka -- How can you not want to read this?</div>
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<b>10.</b> <i>Rendezvous With Rama</i> by Arthur C. Clark -- Human kinds first encounter with aliens who completely ignore us.</div>
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<b>11.</b> <i>Science Fiction and Philosophy</i> by Susan Schneider -- Again, how could you not?</div>
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<b>12.</b> <i>The Internet is a Playground</i> by Davide Thorne -- The posts from internet troublemaker, Thorne, from 27bslash6.com.</div>
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<b>13.</b> <i>The Sirens of Titan </i>by Kurt Vonnegut -- One of the best passages about freedom I've ever read.</div>
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<b>14.</b> <i>In Search of Time </i>by Dan Falk -- The philosophy, physics and history of time and I learned so much from this.</div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">15. </b><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">A Short Stay in Hell </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">by Steven L. Peck -- the most chilling book that will make you look at eternity in a very new way.</span></span></div>
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<b>16.</b><i> The Windup Girl</i> by Paolo Bacigalupi -- Probably not worthy of a Hugo award, not horrible . . . just nothing happened.</div>
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<b>17. </b><i>Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone </i>by J.K. Rowling -- Second time reading and it was amazing.</div>
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<b>18. </b><i>Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets</i> by J.K. Rowling -- Third time reading and references stuff in book five.</div>
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<b>19. </b><i>Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban</i> by J.K. Rowling -- Third time and the Quidich final made me want to cheer!</div>
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<b>20. </b><i>Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire</i>by J.K. Rowling -- Second time and I hate that Harry and Ron fight.</div>
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<b>21. </b><i>The Diamond Age </i>by Neal Stephenson -- Not his best. A bit slow and dry.</div>
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<b>22.</b> <i>Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix </i>by J.K. Rowling -- Second time reading and it sucks that Sirius died.</div>
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<b>23. </b><i>Discourses in Mormon Theology </i>by McLaughlan & Ericson -- I love theology and so I loved reading this.</div>
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<b>24.</b> <i>Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince </i>by J.K. Rowling -- Third time reading and it was so exciting.</div>
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<b>25. </b><i>Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows </i>by J.K. Rowling -- Third time reading and I was bummed it was all over again.</div>
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<b>26. </b><i>Stranger in a Strange Land </i>by Robert A. Heinlein -- Great interpretation of love and brotherhood, "Thou art God."</div>
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<b>27. </b><i>At the Mountains of Madness</i> by H.P. Lovecraft -- Chilling in the details.</div>
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<b>28. </b><i>War of the Worlds</i> by H.G. Wells -- Not as good as I remembered and so that was a bit sad.</div>
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<b>29. </b><i>The Help</i> by Kathryn Stockett -- I loved this and its boldness as well as its great description of the 60's.</div>
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<b>30. </b><i>Reamde</i> by Neal Stephenson -- If you're into thrillers, (which I am not) you'll love this.</div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">31.</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"> </span></span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Origin of Species</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"> by Charles Darwin -- Had to reread this for biology class, it's such an influential and important book.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><b>32. </b><i>Neverwhere</i> by Neil Gaiman -- A wonderful adventure wit that same wonder that Harry Potter brings.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><b>33.</b> <i>The Scholar of Moab -- </i>An amazing story tying stories of four different people together, through Hyrum's search for scholarship.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I am also currently reading, (there's usually a few because I have one at work, one at home and one in my bag and so I read them depending on where I am):</span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">01.</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Dune</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> by Frank Hebert</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I also finished my time travel book, <i>Pillar of Salt </i>and am re-editing <i>What Are They to God?</i> (formally know as <i>God's Consciousness, </i>which was formally known as <i>Sad Robot</i>). And I have written about 10 new short stories. One of which got an honorable mention from the Writers of the Future contest. That was big.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">And here is a pic of my book shelf, severely depleted in books in an attempt to cluttered. (Sorry, it was taken with my phone so the quality is pretty bad).</span></span><br />
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<br /></div>Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-87913146123467299572011-12-06T11:31:00.001-07:002011-12-06T11:38:02.334-07:00FinalsUgh.<br />
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It is the week before finals and only on day 2 and my brain hurts. I have been constantly practicing my math, studying biology and working on a 15 page paper for Aesthetics. Not to mention the homework due tomorrow and Friday. For that I need to read 4 chapters of <i>The Origin of Species</i> (which I've actually been enjoying), and write a discussion on 2 of the chapters, take 2 Bio quizzes, and do 4 homework assignments. My Bio Lab Final is suppose to be hard as well and I've been studying that today. (In between looking up scholarly articles for my paper on Dewey's, <i>Art as Experience</i>, and trying to figure out how to take up fifteen pages on a mediocre subject).<br />
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Here is my studying paper for my Bio Lab:<br />
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<br />Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-12896369584331972842011-11-25T11:10:00.000-07:002011-12-23T11:11:26.871-07:00Pillar of Salt -- Some Unfiltered Thoughts on God<br />
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I am looking out the window at my work as the sun rises. I can't see the sun but can only see it's light hitting the golf course just out side. I feel like, although I've worked here for a year and a half, I have never look like it does now. To the north, up near where I live there are grey clouds. All low to the ground. The orange sun reflects and lightens a tree near the window and the back drop of grey is breath-taking. There are buildings of red brick that shine with such a deep orange I feel like I've never seen them before. And maybe I haven't. Maybe there are a lot of things I haven't seen before.<br /><br />I wonder often who God is. What is his relationship to us? Does he laugh at me when I do something dumb like not un-clipping my bike pedals and fall in the driveway as I try to step off my clipless pedals? It's funny to me. Does he sometimes look at sunrises, sunrises that he has seen over and over all throughout this universe and still, sometimes, look at it with such new eyes? Or is he beyond that? Is God jaded? After seeing super novae, and blackholes a simple sunset couldn't be as beautiful or awe inspiring? What is it that keeps him going? Is it learning? Growing? Us? I have a hard time believing that it would be us.<br /><br /> Love is strong, I work two jobs (one full time) and go to school full time for my family whom I love. I love them more than anything. But does that mean that I am happy at work? I would gladly quit and go to school full-er time, if I could. But I can't. Does God sometimes, when seeing the pain in the world feel such sorrow that he wishes he could leave?<br /><br /><i>Who is God that he should magnify man?</i><br /><br />I've grown beyond questioning these things. I feel one thing, I feel that he is a father figure to me. It's hard to be close to him like I am to my own Dad, but still, I can feel that it is there. I can feel that he cares for me and have felt it deep within me in times when I've asked or have needed to hear it. But <i>who</i> is he? Who am I to him? Am I one of billions? of trillions? How could i be special with a daunting number as that? What could make me special? All I am in all this vastness of eternity is a speck on a pale blue dot.<br /><br />I named this blog for these reasons. Perhaps it was because at the time, over a year ago, I wan't too comfortable with questioning the very nature of God. I compared my self to Lots wife, looking back to that place where all their friends and possessions were and doubted or questioned for only a second. There are somethings that I questions that I don't think there is an answer to. There can't be, because we are all different and I can't believe there is only one road to God. I can't believe the straight and narrow is only one direction in which we line up one by one and walk. It must be different. God is a father and will do all he can to help us and be with us.<br /><br />I think this is a secret beyond so many others. God needs us. And God wants us to be with him. I think we're lucky. I think we are luckier than we could ever know. And I think there are some among us (maybe me) that take advantage of what luck we feel we understand. Or maybe we disregard this, telling our selves that we need to follow the letter of the law to exactness. That leaders of the church are never wrong and that all answers to life are found in the scriptures. I think we can understand God through the leaders and scriptures. But I think we need to look outward.<br /><br />I think God still, occasionally, see's a sunset or sunrise and smiles. I think he, like us, needs something simple like that to remind him of some kind of beauty. Some type of beginning or ending. I think that if he saw me fall in my drive way he laughed. He laughed that I forgot to do something so simple and routine as un-clipping my shoes. He laughed at my shock or surprise. And he laughed at me while I too laughed at me.</div>Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422092942050600616.post-29251296229739758332011-11-15T09:55:00.000-07:002011-12-28T09:56:03.927-07:00Mistakes<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Why is it that people make mistakes? In my life I have done so many things I regret. Many I have not admitted for shame and fear. I watched, because of anger at the mission, the fourth Harry Potter with my companion, on my mission. It may not seem like a big thing now, and admittedly, it isn't. But while on my mission I felt a great sense of shame because of that one simple thing. When I was eight or nine my brother and I made fires in the woods, threw trash in rivers and broke windows, all mistakes, all because we were being children and were trying to figure things out. I've lied to my parents and friends, needlessly grown upset at my wife and kids, and crashed my parents van. I once stole a crystal-like thing while in elementary school and sense then have never stolen again. And through these experiences and many other like them I have learned something on what it means to be human. </span><br />
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I don't write these things as some form of penance, but merely because I feel that most everyone is going to have the same experiences. People grow and learn and mistakes push us to learn in ways uncomfortable, but most likely are the most effective. I feel as is a mistake can be categorized more along the lines of repeated folly rather than one accident. How is it that we so willfully are blind to our reactions to others? There are times when I am upset with my wife, or am struggling with my kids not wanting to go to bed when something carnal in me wants out. I think it is this was for everyone and part of being human is learning to overcome those things. To overcome those urges and grow from them. When they succeed in escaping my soul, my humanity can feel it. Like some creeping thing worming its way to my skin. Why do I let this happen?</div>
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Maybe that is another part of being humane, or rather, being ethical, moral. Seeing the worse we can become, having even a small taste and coming away from it a whole, and still good, person. You see a version of yourself, something ancient, something easy and still choose the higher road.</div>
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In this we should be proud of our mistakes. Take joy that it is a mistake and that we have come back from it to recognize it as such. We are beings of mistakes. They build and enlighten us as long as we allow them to. <i>Never forget this.</i></div>
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I love my kids and my wife and family and friends. They are important to me. I think of things I've done and still, years and years later I regret them. I drug my little brother, Nate, out of my room where me and some friends (his included) were hanging out. It was my room and I didn't want him in there. Why? I don't know. I may never know. But I did it. I have felt so sorry for that, but through it, and others, I have learned to be more loving and patient and accepting of others. Once, through excitement I grabbed my wife in a bear hug, while she was pregnant, and lifted her off the ground. I cannot express the sorrow I felt in being so careless as to jeopardize the health of that 7 month embryo. I still regret it. </div>
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I am still unsure as to why I am admitting these things. Maybe it is to prove a point. Most of you reading this know my, and most of you have probably not known about most of these. (Maybe except the fire one, that ones pretty popular). I am a man of mistakes, but through them I have not become a bad person, or an immoral man. I feel that I am a pretty good person, trying my hardest to overcome any hard things, (mistakes or challenges), and trying to find joy in life that is worth celebrating and remembering. Nate and I are close. Extremely close. The same goes for all of my family. We all get along all the time. I've seen many families that don't but we are not one of them. I love my kids and I do everything I can for them. I am patient and loving towards my wife. I love her and will always love her. I do not steal, I help others, strangers, when I can, and I do not catch forests of fire. These and many other things are a result of my mistakes. </div>
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Take joy in them--in over coming them--I am trying.</div>Caphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409275957155945665noreply@blogger.com0