Due to changes in work policies (they no longer provide cell phones to critical employees, just a reimbursement) I was finally able to get a cell phone with a built in camera. My new phone is the fabulous LG Lotus. So far, I’ve been very pleased with it, and I’m very picky about my cell phone.
In addition to all kinds of nifty whiz bang features like a QWERTY keyboard, and MP3 playback, it also has a camera phone.
Today my son participated in a Cub Scout “Belt Loop Bonanza” where hundreds of Cub Scouts spend 3 hours to earn three electives called Belt Loops (so named because they are worn on a belt). The event was held at a church as many scouting events are, but specifically it was at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
On the flier that advertised the event was the following message: “PARENTS AND LEADERS: PLEASE NOTE THAT COFFEE, TEA, ALCOHOL, AND TOBACCO ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE PREMISES.” (caps, italics, and underlines were on the flier). I was familiar that LDS generally has a prohibition against believers consuming caffeine and nicotine. Their logic for the prohibition isn’t even bad: don’t consume anything that might be unhealthy or cause an addiction. But it seemed odd to me that they would attempt to actively prevent me from taking a cup of coffee into the building. And yes, I’m aware that my own beliefs make the fact that I was even in the building a bit of a contradiction (agnostic atheist Cub Scout leader and parent). I did respect their request (well, mostly–there was coffee inside me!) since they were kind enough to allow the event with probably no cost to the Scout district.
But, what a silly prohibition that is. OK, I understand not wanting people to consume alcohol in the church–but come on, it was at 9AM in the morning. Was the explicit prohibition of alcohol necessary? And smoking is prohibited in nearly all public buildings in Ohio (not sure if that includes churches, but I would think so) so its not like a smoker is going to expect to light up in the multipurpose room. But they didn’t say that smoking was prohibited–tobacco was. Would they have been offended had a pack of cigarettes entered their building through the hands of a non-believer, and left in those same hands, unopened? And they got bent out of shape about non-believers consuming coffee or tea? Could I have brought Mountain Dew?
Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely support their right to put restrictions on the use of their facilities. And clearly the Scout organization accepted the restrictions. I’ve even put odd-ball restrictions on people on my property too. I’m not even going to write to them to complain. But I likewise have a right to criticize them. I just think the restrictions were silly.
I’m proud to be a late adopter when it comes to technology. I like waiting until technology has gone through a couple of generations before I adopt.
Unfortunately, the same thing happens for me with fashion. Sideburns? Only after a decade of popularity. Plaid Shirts? 4 or 5 years…
For me and fashion, I usually adopt the latest fashion just as it is going out of fashion.
So, for all of you goatee wearing bad-asses, this is your notice–it has been around for so long that I’m even giving it a try. Like most of my phases (sideburns, mohawk, beard), it probably won’t last long. I currently have 3 days of growth so it isn’t obvious from down the hall, but I got a few comments at work today. Fortunately Anne likes it so far. Otherwise it would be very short lived.
We finally have a DVR. Ours came free with our cable package, and so far we’ve really enjoyed it. The usability is pretty good, and it only has a few quirks. My favorite feature: I can add an external drive with no hacking required. We are now a family nearly addicted to Myth Busters.
Tonight I watched my first football game that had been pre-recorded. We were at Beaver Creek State Park when OSU pummeled Purdue, so I didn’t get a chance to watch or listen to the game. Since I already knew the outcome of the game it was easy to skip from play to play. I didn’t need to hear any of the analysis or banter of the commentators. I was able to watch a 3.5 hour game in about 75 minutes. Anne was even slightly amused that I was still cheering at the great plays and touch downs.
All in all, the DVR has come of age, and its way easier than the VCR ever used to be.
