A different kind of Spam…

I get a lot of spam. I know I'm not unique in this, but my point is that I have a system set up to filter it out so I don't have to look at 99% of the spam that comes in. Every once in a while, though, my system is unsure of whether or not something is spam, and I have to read it and categorize it. Most of these are unusual, but this one absolutely takes the cake. No more Nigerian bank scams, get rich quick schemes, or fix body part A schemes. No, my friends, my all time wackiest email had the title "How one can become a terrorist?" (punctuation included)

Read on for the text of this completely bizarre email, noting that I have removed all the contact/web site info for your safety, my safety, and so no one can accuse me of advertising for these wackos....

Read more »

Awesome Creation

Ok, I'm supposed to be too busy to post, but I saw something this morning that was so cool I just had to break my silence.

Our normal morning routine is that the dogs wait until our alarm goes off before proceeding to go bonkers, as they get let out and then are fed as soon as we wake up. (They wait for the alarm because failure to wait results in getting penned in the kitchen and a delayed breakfast...)

This morning, it was I who went to let them out. As Savannah has a habit of sprinting out and catching birds unaware at our bird feeders, I always check to see if anything is in range that may not be able to get away before she gets there. This morning, I saw a bird sitting in the grass, but something about it did not look normal. Then I realized I was staring at a bird of prey. I don't know enough to tell the difference between a hawk and a falcon, but my guess is that it was a hawk. It had just caught a dove (probably at or around our aforementioned bird feeders) and was enjoying its meal in our backyard. I was awe-struck at seeing such a fascinating animal in our backyard!

When I recoverd my wits, I went to get the camera and get Amy so she could see. Unfortunately the motion in the windows must have startled it, because when I got back, the only sign of it was this.

Siesta!

If you couldn't tell by now, I am finding myself with no free time to do anything related to this site. If you get tired of looking at this as the latest message, feel free to email. If you can help with my Analysis of Algorithms homework, I might be able to free up some time to post something....

Lookout!

If you use Outlook for mail, and have a large body of saved or archived messages, you probably know the pain of having to search them using Outlook's search problem, er, feature. I certainly do, and I have found what seems to be the greatest thing since the ability to synchronize Outlook with my PDA!

You ask "What is it?" Lookout!

No, that's not a lead-in, that's the answer! Lookout!

I downloaded this yesterday (thanks to Joel's entry on the subject) and already I love it! A search through years of old email takes less time than it takes me to blink and realize it's done. For those who regularly search Outlook, you'll know this is orders of magnitude better than the built-in search capabilities of Outlook. Not surprisingly, Microsoft purchased Lookout recently, but you can still download the software. I try not to be too pessimistic about Microsoft's business practices, but I would recommend downloading it soon, before it disappears or ceases to be a free download...

Not your average intercessor

This morning I was reading Ephesians and was struck by something in a new way. I'm sure others have said it more eloquently, but when I read the following, it made an impact.

and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
       Ephesians 1:19-23

What struck me was realizing that Christ is our intercessor and mediator with the Father. If you had someone who went on ahead to plead your case, you would not feel very confident if that person had just barely made it to the destination, and was on the outside of things there. How could he or she plead for you if they were, for example, reluctantly admitted out of generosity, or admitted only to the outer circles. How could they be effective in their stiving to see you admitted and brought in safely?

This made me realize how blessed we are that this is not the case with Christ! Not only did he pay the penalty for our sins, but the Father, in his might, raised Christ from the dead, seated him at the right hand of the Father in a position of ultimate honor, and put all things under his authority! Now that is someone I want pleading for me! How can there be any doubt that his intercession will be effectual?

Where are they today?

Have you ever wondered where your friends from high school are today? I suppose some people keep up with such friends and don't have to ask that question, but I seem to have a few friends who scattered to the winds. While I knew the approximate whereabouts of each, I have not heard from either in a while, and thought I would try "Googling" for them. Here's what I found:

Sean Slaughter - a friend who went to the Air Force Academy and is currently (to the best of my knowledge) based in Anchorage, Alaska. Here's a news story I turned up on him, even though it is two years old.

Neal Frazier - a friend who went to law school in Austin and then moved to Missouri, though I have not seen or talked to him in over 4 years. I found out that he's been busy, though.

Robert Meyer - a friend who went to Oklahoma as a graduate student to study physics. While I could not find an actual news article, I found hints that indicate he is working on his Ph.D. in physics.

Glad to know they're still out there rocking the world!

Reflections on Alaska

I previously posted an album of our pictures from Alaska. However, I did not have time to describe them or go into detail about our trip, so I'll take the opportunity to do so now. Our rough itinerary included flying to Seattle Friday night, spending Saturday and Sunday in Seattle, and flying to Sitka, Alaska on Monday morning where we spent the rest of the week. Amy attended a conference on Family Practice medicine that Thursday through Saturday, and we flew home Sunday.

Read more »