This was fun:


create your own visited states map
or check out these Google Hacks.

Wine Tasting on Friday...

...this Friday I have a wine tasting with some friends. What started out as just an 8-10 person event has bloomed into probably 14-15 people. Criminy! That's a lot of folks to have in one house.

I'm forcing a couple of my friends to spend the night...I'd rather them not drive and they are kind of known as light weights. :)

It should be fun. I think I'm doing kabobs for dinner.

Music: Eva Cassidy

If you haven't given her a listen yet, I highly recommend it. It's lighter music, but well worth it. Angelic voice, amazing covers on her album ("Fields of Gold" by Sting, "Songbird", "Somewhere over the rainbow").

Just incredible.

Fall Movies...and some summer ones.

I've seen a few films recently that are pretty interesting. There are a few coming out that look frightening.

"Little Miss Sunshine" was an excellent film. I really enjoyed that...so much on screen is painful to watch and I nearly grimaced in pain (emotional) to see what the family members go through.

"Fly Boys" is pretty shallow. Interesting visually, but so very predictable and slow paced when the planes aren't on screen.

"Fearless" with Jet Li was visually amazing. Best fight scenes (choreography) since "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".

So, future films..."Jesus Camp" looks extremely frightening. Yes, it's a very small sect of the Christian Faith...but they are there none the less. It only takes one bad apple to spoil the bushel...it only takes a single film to make or break a lot of ideas. It wasn't long ago that I attended camps like that...of course I was an adult by then and had already started questioning many things the pastors/leaders preached. Why is it that we can use single line scripture to justify the churches non acceptance of homosexuality...but we can't use the same thing to justify the oppression of women, slavery (regardless of race), and even beating children? Why is it that we use the scripture in its entirety when dealing with those subjects...even masturbation and birth control...but not homosexuality? Do Christians realize it's not even in the top 10 for the commandments? It was just 20 years ago that the Church had declared the #1 threat to America was the Masons...now it's the "gays". Criminy...does their lack of faith know no bounds? If God is love, and through Love all things are possible...and through faith, we can move mountains, what's the hang up with homosexuality? Perhaps homosexuality isn't wrong?!

The new James Bond is coming up...I'm looking forward to it. The new actor doesn't bother me as much as other bond fanatics...why is it that all the homophobes at work keep declaring that he's not good looking enough? They should be staring at the gorgeous women in the film, not him anyhow.

Prestige looks very cool.

Apocalypto -- thought I'd mention Mel Gibson since he's obviously starving for attention. Hey Mel...get back in a skirt and put some makeup on...you get awards that way! :)

Well, I should sign off...my co-worker keeps snorting mucus up his nose and down his throat rather than blowing his nose...pesky co-workers!

The strange emotion of anger...

I've been searching my emotions lately (that doesn't sound like I'm a vulcan...does it?) and have found some interesting things when it comes to anger. What a strange emotion. Anger demands focus on something that can be trivial...or very important. Even if it is trivial...it seems very important while anger is present. Isn't that strange?

My reaction, when I'm angry, is generally silence. Folks are surprised at my actions and reactions while I'm angry...I'm not a very quiet, reserved person...except when I'm angry. I asked myself, "Jim (that's what I call myself), why do you clam up when you get angry?" I finally was able to answer that question today.

Words are powerful tools...they can be used to mend bridges (metaphorically), open wounds, end friendships, and comfort others...as well as a host of other things. When I'm angry, I don't ever want my words to become weapons...you can't take back things you say. Once said, the damage or lack there of is done. Friendships are often more fragile than we think...relationships often hang by a very thin thread.

I often apologize for my anger...but I hope that I haven't said anything during that time that threatens or succeeds in ending a friendship. Anger is often associated with the color red...red reminds me of heat. When I feel anger, my silence is distancing myself from that burning. It is definately something I need to overcome...or ensure others understand why I get like that. I'm not trying to control my emotion as much as harness it's energy.

Walmart and $4 medication...

...I know they are generic drugs...but does anyone have any insight on to how they can charge just $4? I can't even buy DayQuil for that! :)

College Football and Referees...

The fact is, while humans compete in sports, bad calls from referees are going to happen. That's just how it is. Humans aren't perfect...they never will be.

Interesting article in the Independent...

I read the Colorado Springs Independent. Last week, they had a very interesting article regarding the split in the Christian Church between "free-thinkers" (aka liberals) and "traditional" (aka conservative) Christians. I was really intrigued by the article. One huge issue was gay marriage and homosexuality in general.

A retired pastor, Jim White, from Colorado Springs put things in context rather well. Slavery can be justified using scripture quite easily...as can the oppression (non-equality) of women. But as a society, we've moved beyond the literal translations that the scriptures give us. Not so with homosexuality. The conservative Christian will even quote a scripture, but when you ask about the preceding line or scripture that follows, they claim those aren't culturally relevant any longer. Hmm...

"One group reads the Bible, and one group doesn't," he says.

Rockstar: Supernova

First off...I'm shocked that Lucas won...especially after Dilanas performances the past couple of weeks. "Roxanne" was incredible. Her version of "Mother, Mother"...amazing. "Every breath you take"...stunning. However, if any guy was to win, based on the past few weeks, Lucas definately was the top man.

Secondly...recently, the courts in Calif. decided that SuperNova can't have the name Supernova. I found it curious that it was never mentioned on the air or their website...so i don't know what name they'll be touring under. :)

Ends justify the means...

...have you noticed that the President of the U.S. went from "there are no secret prisons" to "we don't condone torture" to "well, there are a few secret prisons where we do some light torture"? Yet the whole time the executive branch is claiming that these men are horrible terrorists...isn't it the judicial branch that decides if someone is guilty? Isn't it supposed to be the judicial branch that decides what is torture and what isn't and if we indeed are allowed to do it?

The laws in this country are meant to protect the innocent...yet George W. constantly steps over that boundry and justifies his actions by pointing to the end result. We are not a country to be run by fear. In an emotional crunch, there are tons of things I'd consider justified that I'd never ever consider otherwise. That's why we don't base law off of emotional state. It's black and white. It doesn't matter if you are upset, retaliating, etc...the law is the law.

My Element

What the hell kind of test is this?

Your Element Is Water

A bit of a contradiction, you can seem both lighthearted and serious.That's because you're good at going with the flow - but you also are deep. Highly intuitive, you tune in to people's emotions and moods easily.You are able to tap into deep emotional connections and connect with others. You prefer a smooth, harmonious life - but you can navigate your way around waves.You have a knack for getting people to get along and making life a little more peaceful.

What's" Your Element?

New car decided!

I have decided on the new car...the Subaru Spec-B wins out. :)

For the price, I simply couldn't find a better car for the price and utility. Did I mention it's fast as hell? 0-60 in 5.3 seconds?

I'm pretty excited. :)

Linking a pic:

Jim A Day Later

JimADayLater
Originally uploaded by JimHinCO.

Ah...I love it! No scabbing, etc. (which is good). When you get a tattoo...you keep the bag balm (or other good gunk) on the wound so that your body doesn't scab it over...tricks it into seeing it as a sunburn. It'll peel (as all human shed their skin)...and then I'll see the final color! WOOT!

FirstTatoo...wow!

FirstTatoo...wow!
Originally uploaded by JimHinCO.

This is reversed because I took this in the mirror...but I really, really love the art work!

JimInPain

JimInPain
Originally uploaded by JimHinCO.

I decided to get a tattoo. Don't freak out...this isn't a sign that the apocolypse is near! I love art...always have...but tattoos have both facinated me and freaked me out at the same time. How could you sit there knowing that you'll be in pain for an hour or more?!

From the look on my face here...you can tell I'm in some pretty serious pain...but the end results are amazing!

Rockstar Supernova

Wow...these singers are just incredible this season...I believe there are 3 major contenders: 1) Magni...the Iceland native is awesome. Try to catch week 6, "Dolphins Cry" by Live that he does. Simply stunning. 2) Dilana Smith...she's incredible. A raspy voice similar to a Melissa Etheridge but with more power and volume. And that girl has some amazing range! I highly recommend week 7, "Cat's in the Cradle" from Harry Carpenter. Great pipes! 3) Ryan...the guy is intense but he simply brings a new dynamic to his voice and personality every single week.

Others are great -- Lukas, Toby, Patrice, Storm...but I can't see them lasting and leapfrogging the three I mentioned.

tattoo

So I've been toying with the idea of getting a tattoo...but the pain factor is a bit concerning for me...and if they mess up. So...what to do.

I really like fish...aquatic life is amazing to me. I've got six aquariums, all fresh water. The fish I was thinking of getting is a salt water one.

I ponder things too deep at times...

So much is flying through my brain lately that I'm a bit taken back by it all...maybe it's the vitamins?

Have you seen the news articles on the sudden decline of new house construction? Will this truely shatter the economy? Do folks realize that budget cuts in the military will further impact the economy? All those construction firms that build houses and other firms that build buildings for the military will suddenly have a surplus of workers...or more precisely...a large layoff of workers. This of course will spurn unemployment benefits, etc. until more jobs open up...putting a bit of a burden on tax payers...and less tax payers at that. Perhaps we are headed toward a recession?

In an unrelated but similarly bizzarre train of thought...perhaps folks just aren't having enough babies to keep the housing market going? Maybe Focus on the Family was partially correct in preaching that gays are the downfall of our society...even if it is only the economic one. Just think...they could have completely avoided this entire gay marriage debate if they simply stated that each couple can only be married if having at least 2 children within a few years of their "marriage". They (FOTF) could still have quite the dagger at the heart of the gay community while not punishing innocent children who happen to be in a gay household. At the same time, they'd be able to punish straight folks who don't pro-create...you know, the one thing that allows those folks special rights according to the courts.

Seriously...these trains of thought don't seem to have any caboose...

Car shopping...

I'd really like a new car...I've learned to use the word "like" or "want" instead of "need" since my old car (a '99 Acura TL) is still running fine. However, it's been 7 & 1/2 years since I've had a new car and I definately want one. :)

I'd really like an all-wheel-drive. That narrows my search a bit...but it's not an absolute necessity...so I'm not ruling out all other cars. In other words...I'm only fooling myself when I say I've narrowed my search. I'd really like something I can throw my bike in during the summer...but who knows if I'll have that same desire to bike next year?

With that being said, I'd love to have something the dogs can ride in...but at the same time, I really like leather. I love coupes and hatchbacks, but I really want rear windows. I'd like to have a sporty car but I love having a car that can cruise on the highway and is fairly quiet. Finally, I'd really like to have decent gas mileage...if it dips into the teens, I lose interest quickly.

A few small SUV's I'm considering are:
1) The new Acura RDX...it won't even be in the dealers showrooms until Aug 10th.
2) The new Mazda CX-7...they have it in a pretty blue. ;)
...hmm...the list is smaller than I thought.

Other cars I'm considering:
3) The Audi A3 (turbo)...it's 2 wheel drive, but I really like it. The AWDs are overpriced in my opinion.
4) The Subaru Legacy Spec B...it's just a beautiful car...but I lose the ability to put my bike in it. (Gain a ton...lose a little. :) )

Am I willing to pay MSRP? Possibly.
Am I willing to finance above 3%? Absolutely not.

Ok, I'm done. :)

BornDifferent.org

I've truely loved this campaign from the Gill Foundation. They specifically targetted Colorado Springs, if for nothing else that to get the town talking. http://www.borndifferent.org

This of course has gotten Focus on the Family completely up in arms. They are spending tons of money to fight the campaign. Here is my letter to the newspaper that I hope is published:

Might a Christian explain to me how being gay and in a committed relationship and then receive the same rights as other committed couples will be the downfall of civilization? How is it that folks who pray to statues, clearly a violation of the Bible, don't receive the ridicule and judgement that you extend to folks who love one another? For those that have turned their backs on God...those folks can marry if it is a man and a woman. For those that worship Satan, are wickens, atheists, agnostics, buddhists, etc., those committed relationships are ok in your judgement?

How can you claim to love the sinner but hate the sin, then readily admit we are all sinners, yet discriminate against folks that simply don't believe something you believe? Do you understand what "love" means in "love the sinner"? Please allow me to use the Bible to explain it to you.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4

Our calling as believers is to share the good news to non-believers, to love God, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Was there a footnote to that scripture that allows us to ignore this love for certain folks...even though they are our neighbors? Did God specifically mean that we are to NOT love the gays, aetheists, pagans, wickens, Muslims, Buddhists, Catholics or any other Christian denomination that isn't our own?

Until you learn to love your neighbor as yourself, everything else you express to non-believers is man-made legalism. When you truely start to love the sinner, perhaps your faith will move mountains. Until then, you are luke warm.