Cool/Funny

From Can I Make Copies Of Your CDs ??:

Because our music is intended to reach people for Jesus, we enthusiastically encourage people to buy our CDs as gifts, or to make copies and give them away. If you make a copy of our CDs, all we ask is that you write our URL, www.donfrancisco.com, or www.wendyfrancisco.com on the disks you give away.

You can prayerfully make a donation for copies on our CD Store Page if God so leads.

They have MP3's available and give a donation if you'd like: Don and Wendy Francisco MP3s

And they say:

Please share our songs widely. :-)

I hope to see more artists do this in the future! :) I like free software and I really like free music. :)

Note: If you haven't already, be sure to listen to: Jesus-He's Alive-Don Francisco. :)

I just ordered: SanDisk Sansa M240 1GB MP3 Player with FM Tuner -SDMX3-1024-A18 - recertified - Limited Stock! :)

From Slickdeals.net:

"Buy.com has the SanDisk Sansa M240 1GB MP3 Player with FM Tuner (Refurbished) for $13 with Free Shipping. New users to Google Checkout can save another $10 and get it for $3. "

Now I can maybe drown out the people who occasionally talk on cell phones in the library! :)

I've been reading this very long article: The Promise of a Post-Copyright World | QuestionCopyright.org.

Here is a really interesting section:

Imagine the simplest scenario: you walk into the neighborhood print shop and tell the clerk the Web address of the book you want. A couple of minutes later, the clerk comes back with a freshly printed, hardbound book, straight off the Internet. He rings up the sale.

"That'll be eight dollars. Would you like to add the one dollar author's suggested donation?"

Do you say yes? Perhaps you do, perhaps not — but note that when museums charge a voluntary admission fee, people often pay it. The same sort of dynamic is at work in the copy shop. Most people are happy to pay a tiny extra bit on top of some larger amount, if they have their wallet out already and think it's for a good reason. When people fail to make small, voluntary donations to a cause they like, it's more often due to the inconvenience (writing a check, putting it in the mail, etc) than the money. But even if only half, or fewer, of all readers were to make such donations, authors would still earn more than they do under traditional royalty schemes, and furthermore would have the pleasure of finally being the readers' ally in distribution, instead of their enemy.

Read the full article: article: The Promise of a Post-Copyright World | QuestionCopyright.org

Made me laugh: Photo for our Scrapbook (Josh Harris) :)

I found out about this cool video on Sadie's Xanga Site - WOW!!!!!!!!.

El Cumbanchero:

The Tuttle kids. Michael (8) and Sullivan (10) play El Cumbanchero on mandolin and guitar with sister Molly.

Very cool! :)

Posted on Making Happy and quoted on Stefan Sagmeister at TEDTalks: "Yes, design can make you happy" - (37signals):

Complaining is silly. Either act or forget.
Thinking life will be better in the future is stupid. I have to live now.
Being not truthful works against me.
Helping other people helps me.
Organizing a charity group is surprisingly easy.
Everything I do always comes back to me.
Drugs feel great in the beginning and become a drag later on.
Over time I get used to everything and start taking if for granted.
Money does not make me happy.
Traveling alone is helpful for a new perspective on life.
Assuming is stifling.
Keeping a diary supports my personal development.
Trying to look good limits my life.
Worrying solves nothing.
Material luxuries are best enjoyed in small doses.
Having guts always works out for me.

Sigurd has posted a link to another intersting video in his blog post Coworking, copy-writing & Abba.

The Coworking Video presents Coworking as an alternative to working alone. It sounds like a cool idea.

I'm learning that interaction with people is great. I really enjoy and look forward to fellowship with people from Fountain of Grace church. I really enjoyed the 4th of July party at the Paces. I don't want to be anti-social. Next semester at college, I hope to learn to work smarter in order to hang out with people more.

Back to work on fixing stuff on my SilverStripe Usability To Do List,

Elijah

Here is a funny 11 minute video that Sigurd Magnusson told me about: Copy Goes Here

It's not good to focus on yourself. For example:

Warning: Christian Satire

• Drive-through church
• Prosperity Praise
• Me Worship

Thanks to Miriam Hart for sending me these links.

I just finished watching Unidentified The Movie. It's a really great movie from the makers of Time Changer.

On my last visit to the dentist, the lady cleaning my teeth told me about how her son called 1-800-GOOG-411 in order to use Google Voice Local Search to find the phone number for a tow truck when his car broke down.

Sounds pretty cool. :)

On Josh Harris's blog A Wee Little Man :)

Nice: Video Recap of New Attitude (Josh Harris)

Nicer: Download Free New Attitude 2007 Messages

Mouse brain simulated on computer:

US researchers have simulated half a virtual mouse brain on a supercomputer.

I guess we have a ways to go before computers are anywhere near as good as our brains. :)

This morning the line:

Life, ooh life is a curious thing

from the song by Amy Grant, Curious Thing has been running through my head.

As I often say, life is interesting.

Now, off to church and then study for Physics final all day.

This song touched me: 4 Him:The Only Thing I Need. I already have all I need. I don't need to worry. God is all I need, I'll never be separated from Him.

It's interesting. I've heard songs I've really liked on the radio, now I'm beginning to learn the names of the artists who produce those songs. I've just realized that I really like the music of 4Him, especially the 1st 2 songs (update: 1st 3 songs!) on Walk On.

I've been listening to the radio and heard Indescribable, How Can I Keep From Singing?, and Everlasting God. I looked up those songs and found that they are all by Chris Tomlin. I've just downloaded the See the Morning Album by Chris Tomlin off Ruckus, the free, legal, music site for college students.

This song that I'm listening to on the radio has some really good words: Chris Tomlin - How Can I Keep From Singing.

I've posted this before, but it's a great song with great words: Sam's Song

Funny Linux ad by Novell: Novell Get a MAC Spoof 1

Today I was reading some of the comments on Maiden's of Worth.

I've also been in somewhat of a low energy/motivation mood (I'm guessing it's slightly caused by finally getting my Physics test over with.).

Anyways, I clicked over to Jennifer's Musings and read this on A nutty faith:

How often do we groan about our work, and then jump at the chance to live off the riches of others; the government, our parents, even our friends? And what about God? Do we always work hard to live a life pleasing to Him, so that we may not only partake of His blessings but bless Him in return? Or do we grab his mercy and grace only to turn our backs and scamper away? Our relationship with Christ can easily be taken for granted; as a one-time prayer that wins us a first class ticket to paradise.

Read more in A nutty faith

I sometimes forget how blessed I am here. I constantly need to be reminded that life is not about me and that there is more to life than just having school go well or having fun. Living a life that brings glory to God is the most important thing.

Thanks to Jennifer for giving me a wakeup call that I need to refocus my attention away from myself and instead be thankful to God.

Today I saw a really good move: The Astronaut Farmer.

Also today: American space 'nerd' blasts off:

A US software engineer has become the fifth space tourist after blasting off on board a Russian Soyuz spacecraft.

From the makers of Time Changer: Unidentified The Movie. After watching the trailer, I'd be very interested in seeing it sometime. :)

Two great blog posts by one of the girls on our Quad's sister floor:

• We call it the 'getting there', God calls it the goal.
• The great danger facing us ...

Prayer Flights. Now that's just cool!

I just listened to Our Happy Home by David Crowder Band. I'm currently working on typing up my notes from today's sermon and converting the Heroes site to CMSMS so that it will be easier for them to edit. I did most of the work a while ago and I just need quickly move it over and make minor changes.

I just listened to Revolutionary Love and now I'm listening to O Praise Him.

Hopefully this stuff won't take too much longer as I really would like to get my English paper up to 10 pages today.

God is great. No matter what happens we can be sure that he still loves us. Life is good, but the next life will be so much better.

My new favorite music group is the David Crowder Band. I didn't realize that I already liked some of their songs including Revolutionary Love (first heard at CTCI) and others.

1. Three Galaxies and a Comet
2. Hale-Bopp: The Great Comet of 1997
3. Psalm 8

Psalm 8:3-4

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

P.S. I really like the David Crowder Band!

Ok, I've just found a new CCM artist that I like. :) I think I really like the David Crowder Band. I've just downloaded and listened to 1 of their songs (from Ruckus, the free, legal music site for College Students). Peter Hellmuth really likes the David Crowder Band. I'm glad he told me about them, I needed something to use up the rest of this month's bandwidth with. :)

Here is an email forward I received that reminds us to keep the right perspective on things:

Subject: A Word of Encouragement

This is God. Today, as with every day, I will be handling all your problems.  Please remember that I do not need your help. If the Devil happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it.  Kindly put it all in the SFJTD box (Something for Jesus to do). It will be addressed in MY time. . .not yours. . .please be patient.  Once the matter is placed in the box, do not hold onto it. Do not become impatient and take it back out to see if you can find a solution. Holding on or removal will delay the resolution of your problem.  You must surrender the problem to me for proper resolution. If a situation that you think you can handle arises, please consult me in prayer. Together we will come up with the proper resolution. If you do not receive what you anticipate as proper response from Me. Remember. . .some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.Because I do not sleep, there is no need for you to lose any sleep. Rest My Child. . .if you need me, I am but a prayer away.

That encourages me!!

From an email I received:

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!

9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!

9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!

10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!

12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!

1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!

3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!

5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!

7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!

8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!

11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released -and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now...

Ok. Here's the story:

Last night I was listening to Word of Truth Radio like I often do.

I look over to their "Prayer Requests" box and click on the View All Prayer Requests link.

I read some of them and I'm really touched by Sandy's:

I am in a desperate financial situation. My faith is decreasing. I really need a miracle. Also I would like a reliable prayer partner who could also be a friend. Please help storm heaven with me. I have been praying for such a long time and so in need of a breakthrough in these areas. Thank you

I pray for Sandy and put her on my prayer list.

Suddenly a crazy idea strikes the inner lobes of my brain. I could give Sandy $50. I could send it to her via PayPal with a note like:

Hi Sandy, Here's a little something to encourage you. I know it's not much, but I wanted to encourage you to never give up. God has a good plan in mind and will work everything out for good in the end.

So... I decided that I didn't want Dad or Mom to know that I was going to be just giving away $50 to someone I didn't even know. I try to open a PayPal account using my ASECU debit card. However, PayPal remembers that I've used the card with my parents PayPal account and won't let me do it even though I delete the card from their account. I then get the idea to use a different email address and Debit card to open my PayPal account. I sign up for an Electric Orange Debit/Checking Account from ING DIRECT. I set up my PayPal account to get money from the new ING Account. However, the 2 deposits don't immediately show up. I then try funding my PayPal account using my ASECU checking account because I want to send the $50 before I second guess my decision. Those deposits don't show up right away either, so I'm unable to transfer money using either of them.

I go to bed, after writing down this in my prayer notebook:

Sandy - In bad financial situation

To do: Send $50

And sending myself an email with this title and labeling it TODO:

After PayPal account is funded, send $50 or so to Sandy who needs a miracle.

This morning I pray for Sandy:

Dear God,

Please bless Sandy from PA wherever she is right now. Please help her thru this time. Please send her a miracle. Please help her to not lose hope whatever happens.

Thank you for the fun time I had last night. Please help me to work hard today, tomorrow, and next week and be prepared for my tests and complete all my assignments well. Please help me not to worry. Please give me peace and hope. - Elijah Lofgren

I go off and eat brunch. I then go out on the Burm and do some Discrete Math homework before coming back in because it almost starts raining.

I get slightly distracted from my schoolish intentions when I receive an email from someone asking me to fix a spelling error in my CMSMS ErrorEmailer module and add 2 options. I add those rather quickly and then release a new PageBlocks version which includes a fix for templates getting deleted.

Then, my roommate music stops for a minute and I decide to turn on Word of Truth Radio.

I look over to the Praises box and see this:

Sandy

;) Thank you so much for all your prayers. I do feel so much better: uplifted and encouraged in the Lord. I will inform you when the "breakthrough" is manifested. Glory to God! Now, I am strong enough in the faith to continue with my own work in the Lord - A non-profit Website. God bless you for all the emails, photos, prayers, and laughter. Psalm 27:1 Sandy

Now, I wonder if I should still send the $50 via PayPal once my account is confirmed. Edit/Update: I think I still should. Edit/Update 2: I have decided not to, on the wise advice of mom.

Anywho, I witnessed answered prayer today. It's amazing.

I enjoy listening to Fernando Ortega (using Ruckus). A really good song is Shame by Fernando Ortega.

From "Next Five Minutes Lyrics" by Steven Curtis Chapman

Great words. I need to not worry.

I can reminisce about the already
I can worry and fret about the not yet
But when it all comes down, and
It really, really comes down to the right now,
So right now

I'm living the next five minutes
Like these are my last five minutes
Cause I know the next five minutes
May be all I have
And after the next five minutes
Turn into the last five minutes
I'm taking the next five minutes
And start it all over again

Every morning God is given is precious
Every heartbeat, every breath I take
I'll never have them back once they've left us
There will never be another right now,
So right now

This is the day
This is the hour
This is the moment God has made

I'm living the next five minutes
Like these are my last five minutes
Cause I know the next five minutes
May be all I have
And after the next five minutes
Turn into the last five minutes
I'm taking the next five minutes
And start it all over again
I'm starting all over again
Gonna start it all over again

To me, this is funny: Why Mommy is a Democrat. :)

They're funny. And although they are jokes, if you like them, you can buy them: http://despair.com/.

I post many of my Linux tips to remind me how to do things, but it seems they help other people also.

One recent search where a person came to my website was: How Do I Scan My Pictures With A Samsung SCX-4100. That's the kind of printer I use and I posted on my website how to get it working in Linux. Let's hope the person who searched for that was using Linux (I doubt it). ;)