Life, The Universe and Other Such Things

Think Nobody Was Married in Mayberry? Think Again.

2021-03-25T20:08:00.017-04:00

The Myth of the Mayberry Bachelors: Why Everyone Wasn't Actually Single

Okay, time for a confession: I’m from a small town in North Carolina, and just like Andy Griffith himself, I’m a proud UNC-Chapel Hill alum.

If you spend any time on social media, you’ve probably seen the memes floating around claiming that nobody in Mayberry was married except Otis, the town drunk. The Andy Griffith Show (TAGS) ran from 1960 until 1968, introducing the world to our favorite fictional North Carolina town and its host of eccentric characters. And while it’s true that none of the main characters were currently married during the show's run, the idea that Mayberry was a town devoid of holy matrimony is a total myth.

Almost anyone who has actually sat down and watched the show knows there were plenty of married folks walking the streets of good ol' Mayberry.

The "On-Paper" Population

Yes, we know Andy, Aunt Bee, and Clara Edwards were single or widowed. But what about the rest of the town?

Take Otis Campbell, the famous town drunk. The memes love to point him out, but he was married—to Rita. Now, trivia question for you: out of the show's 249 episodes, exactly how many times did we actually see Rita on screen?

The answer is three.

For the rest of the series, Rita was an "invisible" character. And honestly, this comes down to a quick television reality check: production costs. In TV, every single character on screen has to be paid, even the extras standing in the background of a crowd scene. It is simply cheaper for writers to create characters who exist "on paper only" and leave them in the script.

Leaving characters to the audience's imagination was a classic Mayberry staple. Think about Sarah, the central telephone operator who knew everyone’s business, or Juanita, the Bluebird Diner waitress Barney was always sweet on. We never saw them, but they were woven tightly into the fabric of the community. There are websites that list the unseen people of Mayberry.

The Continuity Shuffle (and a House Full of Bachelorettes)

We also have to remember that 1960s television wasn't exactly known for tight continuity. The writers changed details whenever it suited the weekly plot. In one episode, Barney couldn't carry a tune to save his life; in another, he's singing beautifully.

The single population fluctuated just as wildly based on what the script needed. Look no further than the episode "A Wife for Andy." Good old Barney takes it upon himself to invite every eligible single lady in town over to Andy's house, and a massive crowd shows up!

But a room full of bachelorettes doesn't mean the whole town was single.

Reading Between the Lines

The next time you watch an episode and see Andy, Opie, and Aunt Bee sitting peacefully on their front porch, think about all the families living in the houses next door that we never got to see. Think about the local couples where only one spouse walked into Floyd's Barbershop while the other was mentioned to be back at home.

Mayberry was a bustling, normal small town full of married couples—the camera just happened to be facing the bachelors.

Let's review MARRIED PEOPLE IN MAYBERRY

20+ Times 'The Andy Griffith Show' Proved Mayberry Wasn't Just a Town of Bachelors

If you’re still believing that social media meme claiming nobody in Mayberry was married, it’s time to go back and rewatch the show. While the main characters might have been single or widowed, the town itself was absolutely bursting with married couples, families, and hidden housewives.

Don't believe it? Let’s take a walk down memory lane and look at the evidence.

1. The Regulars (and Their "Invisible" Spouses)

A lot of Mayberry’s most familiar faces had spouses who were either rarely seen or completely left to our imagination:

Floyd Lawson: Yes, Floyd the barber was a married man! His wife was named Melba (though she was only mentioned). We also met his son Randall in "Those Gossipin' Men" and heard plenty about his other son, Norman. In later episodes, Floyd was a widower.
Mayor Pike: He famously complained about his wife's terrible opera singing during the Founder's Day episode, and we saw his daughters participate in the Miss Mayberry beauty contest.
Mayor Stoner: He was married to Mabel. You might remember her from the classic episode where Andy trades his "Eagle Eye Annie" fishing rod just to get her a bed jacket.
Emmett Clark: The fix-it shop owner we all know and love was happily married to Martha.
Rafe Hollister: Rafe made several appearances, and his wife, Martha, actually joined him on screen in one episode.

2. Unforgettable Episode Couples

Some of the show's best storylines revolved around the dynamics of Mayberry's married folks:

Fred and Jennie Boone: The famously bickering couple who fought constantly with each other but were completely sweet to everyone else.
Sam and Bess Muggins: Featured in Mayberry’s only Christmas episode, this entire family appeared again when Ben Weaver tried to evict them.
Tom and Annabelle Silby: In "Opie's Charity," Annabelle tells everyone her husband Tom is dead—only for him to walk right back into Mayberry after finally sobering up!
Jess Morgan: When Andy lets this moonshiner out of jail early (over Mayor Stoner’s heavy objections), his wife is the one who comes to pick him up.
Sam Becker: The eccentric farmer whose baby Andy helps deliver. He was married to Lily, though she stayed off-camera.
Tate Fletcher: When Luke famously tried to put shoes on a cow, they were at Tate's house—and we actually got to see his wife, Cornelia.
Charlene Darling & Dud Wash: Who could forget the ultimate mountain wedding when Charlene finally tied the knot with Dud?

3. Reading Between the Lines: Kids, Houses, and Housewives

If you look at the background of Mayberry, the math only points to marriage:

The Schoolkids: Mayberry wasn't a town of single fathers. Opie had a whole classroom of friends (like Arnold Bailey). Even if we only saw one parent on screen, those kids had families.
The Beauty Contest: When everyone begged Andy to pick their daughter for Miss Mayberry (even Opie pushed for his girlfriend!), it begged the obvious question: Do these daughters not have parents? Of course they do.
Barney’s Vacuum Sales: When Barney quit the force to sell vacuums, he spent his days knocking on doors to find houses full of stay-at-home housewives. In the 1960s TV era, those ladies weren't living alone!
Barney's Real Estate Gig: When Barney tried his hand at being a realtor, his client list was full of couples looking for homes, including the Sims (whom we saw) and the Williamses.
Ellie Walker's Campaign: When Ellie ran for city council, her platform literally triggered "husband vs. wife" battles all across town.
The Feuding Families: In Mayberry's version of Romeo and Juliet (the Wakefield-Carter feud), the two young lovers get married at the end. Their mothers may have been listed as deceased in the series reference material, but the kids certainly didn't raise themselves!
Mr Folly- remember that episode called Bargain Day where Aunt Bea bought all of that meat, and her freezer wasn't working. She asked's Mr. Folly to store it for "her friend". Before she left she said that if he wasn't already married, she would love to. Do you ever remember seeing his wife?

4. The Deep-Cut Mayberry Trivia List

For the true TAGS superfans, here is a lightning round of a few married couples mentioned throughout the series:

Couple	Episode / Context
Arthur Tarbox & Wife	Moving out of town in "Opie and the Spoiled Kid" because people gossip too much.
The Bellfasts	The couple Opie spends the night with in "The Rumor."
Bobby Gribble & Emma Larch	Married despite everyone thinking Bobby hated her back in grammar school ("The Case of the Punch in the Nose").
Charlie & Mrs. Deveraux	The couple Barney describes as "ugly as homemade soap" in "The Shoplifters."
Howard & Lorraine Felcher	The couple heading for divorce because Lorraine drinks a bit too much ("Opie's Fortune").
The Johnsons	The farming family that owns one of the nicest properties in the county ("Barney's First Car").
The Wilsons	The couple who donated their old lawnmower to the Scobey rummage sale ("Andy Forecloses").
Tyla Lee & Husband	Andy tells the story of how they met; they live in the little yellow house just up from the courthouse ("Prisoner of Love").
Harold & Sue Grigsby	Mentioned residents of the county.
Mr. & Mrs. Sam Burton	Featured in "The Shoplifters."
Craig & Millie Fulton	Featured in "Opie's Job."
Mr. & Mrs. Hendrick	Featured in "Aunt Bee's Invisible Beau."

So, the next time someone tries to tell you Mayberry was just a town of single bachelors, feel free to drop some knowledge on them. Go watch the show—you might just learn something!

The Government Took Prayer out of School....really?

2019-07-26T11:04:00.006-04:00

The Myth of "No Prayer in School" (And What Freedom of Religion Actually Means)

Let’s clear up a massive piece of misinformation.

In Abington School District v. Schempp (1963), the United States Supreme Court ruled that official, state-mandated Bible reading in public schools was unconstitutional. This followed the landmark Engel v. Vitale (1962) decision, which prohibited officially sponsored school prayer on similar grounds.

Please note the key words there: official and state-sponsored.

Keep that in mind the next time you see or share one of those "They Took Prayer Out of Schools!" memes on social media.

You Can Pray Anywhere You Want

Let’s be entirely clear: You can absolutely pray in school. You can also pray at work, in the shower, or while cutting your grass. (If you pray while driving, just please keep your eyes open!) Praying is not illegal. In fact, it is a protected constitutional right under the First Amendment. This was forcefully reaffirmed by the Supreme Court in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District (2022), which protected a coach's right to personal prayer on the field. Students are allowed to pray individually or in groups, provided it is completely voluntary, student-initiated, and does not disrupt the educational environment

To anyone who wants to prove me wrong: If you ever get arrested just for praying in a public school, please post a photo of your ticket or your mugshot on social media. I will personally pay your fine and lead the protest. But remember—you actually have to be charged with the act of praying. (Spoiler alert: You won't be.) Disturbing the peace doesn't count

The Danger of Government,-Enforced Faith

Per the U.S. Constitution, the government and its entities (including public schools) cannot force anyone into a specific faith, belief system, or religious practice. Well in most places before 2025.

If you want to understand why our Founders set it up this way, pick up a history book and look at the English Reformation. Look at the absolute chaos, bloodshed, and political manipulation that occurred when the Church influenced politics—and when politicians controlled religion—in early Europe. That history is exactly why the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause exists.

If you want to live in a country where the government forces one religion on all citizens, you are looking for a totalitarian regime or a theocracy. In those places, the state can force compliance, deny your rights, or punish you for practicing a faith they don’t approve of. Do you really want America to become that?

If the government could force Christianity on people, which brand would it choose? Catholic? Protestant? Anglican? Southern Baptist? Christian Extremist? There are over 45,000 denominations of Christianity alone, and over 4,300 distinct religions worldwide. Which one of these practices do you want elected officials forcing on your children? The one used by the KKK?

If your local school board suddenly became entirely Muslim, Secular Humanist, Atheist, or even Jedi, would you want them forcing their faith on your kids?

It is truly amazing how the same crowd that frequently complains about "Big Government" will happily spread memes advocating for the ultimate form of government control: state-mandated religion.

Freedom of Religion Means Liberty, Not Imposition

In the United States, you are free to practice your faith, teach your children your beliefs, and attend the place of worship of your choice. You are also free not to do any of those things. That is what true freedom of religion means.

You have the right to expose people to your beliefs, and they have the right to accept or reject them. However, you do not have the right to impose your beliefs on me, my family, or anyone else.

We should cherish the freedom to choose what we believe. When politics and religion mix to form a state-run faith, it always leads to indoctrination and false teachings. History proves this: look no further than how slave masters twisted biblical teachings to falsely convince enslaved people that their bondage was ordained by God. When the government controls doctrine, it will always use it for control. Look at history!

A Challenge for Christians

For the professing Christians who keep passing these memes along, I have a challenge for you:

Show me the Bible verse where Yahweh (God) commands the government to raise and spiritually train your children. Go ahead, look it up. I’ll wait.

What you will find are countless passages—especially in the Torah and the Book of Proverbs—where Yahweh explicitly commands parents to teach their children. For example:

Deuteronomy 4:9
Deuteronomy 6:7
Deuteronomy 11:19
Psalm 78:5-7

If you want a school where children are taught to pray, that is what Sunday school and private religious schools are for. You are entirely free to send your kids there.

Ironically, for several decades, Sunday school attendance has been steadily declining while "Christians" have spent their energy complaining about the lack of prayer in public schools. Why aren't the children in church? Complaining on Facebook isn't going to fix empty pews.

Faith Begins at Home

Real, lasting faith is passed down through families, not government institutions.

My grandparents taught my parents to pray. My parents taught me to pray. I taught my children to pray, and they are now teaching their children to pray. That is biblical.

The great political philosopher John Locke once noted that the early Baptists were among the first and most steadfast champions of true liberty:

"Baptists became the first and only propounders of 'absolute liberty, just and true liberty, equal and impartial liberty.' For this, they suffered and died... They were the indefatigable, consistent primal apostles of liberty in this latter age."

When my grandson was two years old, I heard him singing "The B-I-B-L-E" song. The government didn’t teach him that; his mother did. When he was just a little over a year old and barely talking, he babbled the prayer for Thanksgiving dinner ("God good, God great... Amen"). The President, the courts, the governor, the mayor, and the school board had absolutely nothing to do with it.

The best way to teach your children the faith is to live it out as an example before them. As Paul wrote to Timothy:

"I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." — 2 Timothy 1:5

Over the last 50 years, Church and Sunday school attendance has plummeted. If we want to address the moral state of our nation, let's look at our own households and churches instead of asking the government to do a job God gave to us.

But I bet no one will share this. Political motives and false narratives always seem to spread faster than the truth.

To read the official federal guidelines on constitutionally protected prayer and religious expression in public schools, visit the U.S. Department of Education Guidelines.

https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/religionandschools/prayer_guidance.html

Star Trek Celebration Calendar of Days

2017-09-20T10:44:00.002-04:00

You've heard of National Hotdog day or Talk like a Parrot day. Rubbish, let's celebrate real holidays that Star Trek Fans can enjoy. This list was compiled by Star Trek Fans for Star Trek Fans. This is a Terran based calendar...apologizes to the Klingons, Vulcan, Andorians, Hortas, and other species

Jan

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Feb

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- Walk in Will of Landu Day

March

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- Act like an Android Day
- Multiply your estimates by 4 Day!
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April

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May

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- Talk in Technobabble Day

June

- Blend in Day aka Odo Day (try not to be noticed)
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July

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- Talk in Klingon Day

August

September

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Order a Raktajino Day

October

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November

NOTE: Instead of calling it Thanksgiving call it the Bajorian Gratitude Festival

December

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- Order a Romulan Ale Day

If you have a suggestion of things to add: leave a comment!

Take My Memories

2016-10-26T15:03:00.002-04:00

DOCTOR: Can you hear them?

All these people who've lived in terror of you and your judgement?

All these people whose ancestors devoted themselves, sacrificed themselves, to you.

Can you hear them singing?

Oh, you like to think you're a god.

But you're not a god.

You're just a parasite eaten out with jealousy and envy and longing for the lives of others.

You feed on them.

On the memory of love and loss and birth and death and joy and sorrow.

So, come on, then.

Take mine.

Take my memories.

But I hope you've got a big appetite, because I have lived a long life and I have seen a few things.

DOCTOR: I walked away from the last Great Time War.

I marked the passing of the Time Lords.

I saw the birth of the universe and I watched as time ran out, moment by moment, until nothing remained.

No time.

No space.

Just me.

I walked in universes where the laws of physics were devised by the mind of a mad man.

I've watched universes freeze and creations burn.

I've seen things you wouldn't believe.

I have lost things you will never understand.

And I know things.

Secrets that must never be told.

Knowledge that must never be spoken.

Knowledge that will make parasite gods blaze.

So come on, then.

Take it!

Take it all, baby!

Have it!

You have it all!

CLARA:

This leaf isn't just the past,

it's a whole future that never happened.

There are billions and millions of unlived days for every day we live.

An infinity.

All the days that never came.

And these are all my mum's.

The Doctor's War Speech

2016-10-26T15:01:00.001-04:00

I've produced a basic transcript of the Doctor's speech at the end of last night's episode, The Zygon Inversion.

The Doctor:

You just want cruelty to beget cruelty.

You're not superior to people who were cruel to you.

You're just a whole bunch of new cruel people.

A whole bunch of new cruel people, being cruel to some other people, who'll end up being cruel to you.

The only way anyone can live in peace is if they're prepared to forgive.

Why don't you break the cycle?

Bonnie: Why should we?
The Doctor: What is it that you actually want?
Bonnie: War.
The Doctor:

Ah. And when this war is over, when -- when you have the homeland free from humans, what do you think it's going to be like?

Do you know?

Have you thought about it?

Have you given it any consideration?

Because you're very close to getting what you want.

What's it going to be like?

Paint me a picture.

Are you going to live in houses?

Do you want people to go to work?

What'll be holidays?

Oh!

Will there be music?

Do you think people will be allowed to play violins?

Who will make the violins?

Well? Oh,

You don't actually know, do you?

Because, just like every other tantruming child in history,

Bonnie, you don't actually know what you want.

So, let me ask you a question about this brave new world of yours.

When you've killed all the bad guys, and it's all perfect and just and fair, when you have finally got it exactly the way you want it, what are you going to do with the people like you?

The troublemakers.

How are you going to protect your glorious revolution from the next one?
Bonnie: We'll win.
Doctor: Oh, will you?

Well maybe -- maybe you will win.

But nobody wins for long.

The wheel just keepts turning.

So, come on. Break the cycle.

Bonnie: Then why are you still talking?
The Doctor: Because I'm trying to get you to see. And I'm almost there.
Bonnie: Do you know what I see, Doctor? A box. A box with everything I need. A 50% chance.
Kate: For us, too.
[The Doctor sighs.]
The Doctor: And we're off! Fingers on buzzers! Are you feeling lucky? Are you ready to play the game? Who's going to be quickest? Who's going to be the luckiest?
Kate: This is not a game!
The Doctor: No, it's not a game, sweetheart, and I mean that most sincerely.
Bonnie: Why are you doing this?
Kate: Yes, I'd like to know that too. You set this up -- why?
The Doctor: Because it's not a game, Kate. This is a scale model of war. Every war ever fought right there in front of you. Because it's always the same. When you fire that first shot, no matter how right you feel, you have no idea who's going to die. You don't know who's children are going to scream and burn. How many hearts will be broken! How many lives shattered! How much blood will spill until everybody does what they're always going to have to do from the very beginning -- sit down and talk! Listen to me, listen. I just -- I just want you to think. Do you know what thinking is? It's just a fancy word for changing your mind.
Bonnie: I will not change my mind.
The Doctor: Then you will die stupid. Alternatively, you could step away from that box. You could walk right out of that door, and you could stand your revolution down.
Bonnie: No, I'm not stopping this, Doctor. I started it. I will not stop it. You think they'll let me go after what I've done?
The Doctor: You're all the same, you screaming kids, you know that? "Look at me, I'm unforgivable." Well here's the unforeseeable, I forgive you. After all you've done. I forgive you.
Bonnie: You don't understand. You will never understand.
The Doctor: I don't understand? Are you kidding? Me? Of course I understand. I mean, do you call this a war, this funny little thing? This is not a war. I fought in a bigger war than you will ever know. I did worse things than you could ever imagine, and when I close my eyes... I hear more screams than anyone could ever be able to count! And do you know what you do with all that pain? Shall I tell you where you put it? You hold it tight... Til it burns your hand. And you say this -- no one else will ever have to live like this. No one else will ever have to feel this pain. Not on my watch.
[Kate closes her box.]
The Doctor: Thank you. Thank you.
Kate: I'm sorry.
The Doctor: I know. I know, thank you.
[The Doctor looks back to Bonnie.]
Well?
Bonnie: It's empty, isn't it? Both boxes -- there's nothing in them. Just buttons.
The Doctor: Of course. But you know how you know that? Because you've started to think like me. It's hell, isn't it? No one should have to think like that. And no one will. Not on our watch.
[The Doctor and Bonnie stare at one another for a moment.]
The Doctor: Gotcha.
Bonnie: How can you be so sure?
The Doctor: Because you have a disadvantage, Zygella. I know that face.
Kate: Well, this is all very well, but as know the boxes are empty now. We can't forget that.
The Doctor: No, well, uh... You've said that the last 15 times.
[The Doctor uses his sunglasses, which begin pulsing.]
Bonnie: You didn't wipe my memory.
The Doctor: No. Just Kate's. Oh, and your little friends here, of course. When they wake up, they won't remember what you've done. It'll be our secret.
Bonnie: You're going to protect me?
Osgood: Well, you're one of us now, whether you like it or not.
Bonnie: I don't understand how You could just forgive me.
The Doctor: Because I've been where you have. There was another box. I was gonna press another button. I was going to wipe out all of my own kind. Man, woman, and child. I was so sure I was right.
Bonnie: What happened?
The Doctor: Same thing that happened to you. I let Clara Oswald get inside my head.
[The Doctor looks at Clara.]
The Doctor: Trust me... She doesn't leave.

From Doctor who: The Zygon Inversion

2016-02-05T15:40:00.001-05:00

Don't know what to right (or left)
Don't know what to say
Just writing something in my blog anyway.

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2014-09-23T13:06:00.001-04:00

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Subject to change without prior notice

Personal Computer Maintenance Plan v 1.06

2013-07-10T09:05:00.007-04:00

Many of us have personal computers (PC) which are indispensable tools for doing a plethora of things, including managing our finances, managing our music, communication with our fellow fleeter, friends, relatives, and doing much more. However just like any other mechanical device, it needs to some Tender Love and Care (TLC) to keep it operational at optimal efficiency. You need to develop a preventive maintenance plan to keep your computer in optimal condition. Preventive maintenance checks and diagnostic is one of the most ignored aspects of computer ownership. Most of the common computer issues would never happen if we took some time to properly take care of our computers. Most owners seem to think that their personal computer doesn't need preventive maintenance and checkups, and so you should just use it until it breaks, and then repair or replace it. These owners generally find themselves repairing or replacing much sooner than those that take definitive steps to avoid avoidable difficulties in the first place. This is a preventive diagnostic maintenance plan that if you use it will save you a lot of time, money and headaches.

Here are some additional reasons why you should develop a preventive maintenance plan for your PC:

• Preventive Diagnostic Maintenance Helps Safeguard Your Data: For most people, the data on the hard disk is more important than the hardware that houses it. Taking steps to protect this data therefore makes sense, and that is what scheduled maintenance plan is all about.

• Preventive Diagnostic Maintenance Improves Performance: Some parts of your system will actually degrade in performance over time, and preventive maintenance will help to improve the speed of your system in these respects.

I’ve developed the following Trek Style Preventive Diagnostic Maintenance schedule to keep your computer running at peak performance. Many of these processes you can set up and schedule in the OS task manager or as a configuration setting on the program so that they are automatic. However, just don’t set it and forget it, verify that the process completed successfully. It is also helpful to put the monthly, six month, and annual events on your calendar. This plan is largely geared for MS Windows desktops, but Apple, and Linux Users many want to do the equivalent. Laptop user can use appropriate versions of this plan.

Level 5 Diagnostic (Daily):

These procedures are intended for routing use to verify system performance. Level 5 Diagnostics, which usually require less than 2.5 minutes, are typically performed automatically on most systems on at least a daily basis, and are also performed during crisis situations when time and system resources are carefully managed.

Schedule scan system for viruses, malware and other intruders – get a GOOD virus checker that does a automatic scan of your system, e-mail, and file attachments.
Clear your Internet browser temp files – every time you use your browsers, most of the information you see on your screen is stored temporary by your browser, so when you are finished using the Internet, clear your temp files. This includes cookies, browser history, and download history
Empty the Trash

Level 4 Diagnostic (Weekly):

These procedures are intended to verify system performance. Level 4 Diagnostics, which usually require less than 2.5 hours, are typically performed on most systems on at least a weekly basis, and are also performed during crisis situations when time and system resources are carefully managed. These automated procedures are also intended for use whenever trouble is suspected with a given system. This protocol is similar to Level 5, but invokes more sophisticated batteries of automated diagnostics. For more systems, Level 4 diagnostics can be performed in under 3 hours

Schedule your system file cleanup program to remove all temporary files
Schedule an incremental back up of important system files
Wipe your keyboard with a keyboard cleaner to get rid of germs.
Update Virus Definitions
Window Users know that that there can be be various updates to help protect your system. If you have this set to manual, please make sure you run these.
Check your security logs (firewall, virus checker) to identify potential threats
Reboot your system if you like to leave it on.
Clean your computer screen

Level 3 Diagnostic (Monthly):

This protocol is similar to level 1 and 2 diagnostics but involves a bit more hands on of key mechanics and systems readings. Level 3 diagnostics are intended to be performed in ten hours or less on a monthly basis

Schedule your system to scan your hard drive for errors by running SCANDISK or CHKDSK or whatever it is called on your system
Update your adware/spyware software. Some program have automatic updates, some do not.
Schedule a full system file backup
Schedule the De-fragment your hard drives
Clean your mouse (remove the mouse ball and clean the rollers)

Level 2 Diagnostic (Biannual):

This refers to a comprehensive system diagnostic protocol which, like a level 1, involves extensive automated and hands-on routines, but requires crew verification of fewer operations elements. This yield s a somewhat less reliable system analyses, but is a procedure that can be conducted in less than half the time of the more complex tests.

Remove all unnecessary files ( .tmp, old .zip, files that begin with ~, .chk) you can do this from a command prompt.
Check all and re-set all hard connections
Update Operating System File and applications with latest service packs if any
Refresh your boot disc (or CD)
Turn off and unplug your computer. Unplug everything and blow out your computer with compressed air to remove the dust from the inside of your computer, including the fan unit, and the CPU. Use an eraser to hold the fan while you blow it out
Gently remove and clean the device cards including the network card, graphic card etc.

Level 1 Diagnostic (Yearly):

This refers to the most comprehensive type of system diagnostic, which is normally conducted on ships LCARS systems. Extensive automated diagnostic and hand’s on routines are performed, but a level 1 diagnostic requires a team of crew members to Physically verify operation of a system mechanisms and to take system readings, rather then depending on the automated programs, thereby guarding against possible malfunctions in self testing hardware and software. Level 1 diagnostics on major systems can take several hours, and in many cases the subject system must be taken offline for all tests to be preformed.

Send a post that you will be doing Computer Maintenance and will not be available for a few hours.
Do a Full System Backup Check the status of your UPS
Clean case exterior
Use Monitor cleaner to remove fingerprints from monitor.
Using a Can of Compressed Aid (Dust Off) and a Vacuum Cleaner - Open the case and blow all of the accumulated dust from the interior.
Clean the keyboard (shake out those crumbs).
Use Compressed Air to clean other debris.
Use computer wipes to wipe down keyboard
Get and install updates of CMOS, and major programs. Check your computer vendor for updates.
Update Drivers (Printer, modem, sound card, video card, and other devices)
You may want invest in updated cards.
Update your computer inventory list
Change ALL OF YOUR Password, computer, e-mail, social sites, all of them. You can do this at the start of the year, or the day after your birthday – write them in a secret place in case you forget.
Check and clean your printer. DO test print, change the ink.
Clean the CD/DVD-ROM
Put everything back together and Test the system to make sure it works.
Take a drink!

Last Modified Stardate 202111.10

STARFLEET - MOTTO PAGE

2011-07-12T18:57:00.022-04:00

STARFLEET- THE INTERNATIONAL STAR TREK FAN ASSOCIATION
Unit Motto List v3.0 (still under construction)

If you know of any that are not on the list or if you know of any that have changed.... etc. Please pass em to me. The Mottos of Chapter's that are no longer around are preserved in memory and honor of their Service.We are also linking chapter web pages to this page (just send them)!!

STARFLEET: The Adventure Continues...

(UO) "Let Me Help"

(UO): "Oooooooo..... aaaaaaaahhh..... preeeeee-teeee!"

STARFLEET Chaplains/Counselors Resource Center - Let Us Help

Region 1 (UO) - We're Number One!

Region 2 - Second to None!

Region 3-DC Science (UO) "Learning is a Lifetime Project"

Region 20- We have not journeyed across the centuries, across the oceans, across the mountains, across the prairies because we are made of sugar candy"

The College of Federation Studies - (UO) To Learn of the Future in Order to Seek the Sheepskin...

STARFLEET Armed Services Program - Bridging the Gap

(UO) Go Ahead - Make Your Day

STARFLEET CORPS OF ENGINEERS

(UO) #1 "$^#% 'em if they can't take a joke..." (UO) #2 "Was that over the top? I can never tell..."

STARFLEET Marine Academy - Victory through Skill

1ST MARINE REGIMENT

(UO) There is no problem that a judicious application of phaser fire cannot solve...

Starfleet Marine Corps - Peace is Our Profession

UO: We came, we saw, we drank

UO: The few, the proud...the dead on the transporter pads...

UO: When it absolutely, positively has to be destroyed overnight

5th Marine Strike Group -I am the right hand of vengeance...I am death incarnate, and the last living thing that you are ever going to see. God sent me."

12th Starfleet Marine Regiment -Adapt and Overcome.

(UO): Shadow Regiment...so secret, even we don't know who (or where) we are!

123rd Marine Strike Group - Without Warning We Strike!

18th Marine Strike Group - Fear not and be just

18th Marine Tactical Fighter Squadron - And they will know no fear

(UO) for all: we have got to stop these 8 event weekends

100th Marine Strike Group - "Semper Ingenuum" (Always Free)

139th Marine Strike Group - (Immolators)" Purity by Fire"

144th Marine Strike Group - Gross Force with an Attitude of Honor

162nd Marine Strike Group : "Loyalty above all else, except honor"

163nd Marine Strike Group - And that's the bottom line.........

166th Marine Strike Group (Black Knights) Where Ever, When Ever, Consider it done!

263rd Marine Strike Group - WE are the BOLD!"

271st Marine Strike Group : Forward into the unknown, to hunt it down and kill it;

296th Marine Strike Group "We walk in darkness, that others may walk in light."

(UO) The weapon of vengeance

311th Marine Strike Group-Justice Before All, With Honor We Serve..

321st Marine Strike Group (The Pythons)- Last Hope of the Lost

380th Marine Strike Group - Evil to him who thinks evil also "Adopt, Adapt, Improve"

469th Mobile Infantry Landing Force - The WereCats Motto: "Postatem Obscuri Lateris Nescitis"

469th Marine Strike Group - 3rd Platoon - C.A.T. (Covert Action Team) - "Touch Not the C.A.T.!"

575 Marine Strike Group -the first in, the last out

786th Marine Strike Group - Maverick Squad 27 -"We Feel the Need, the Need for Warp Speed"

875th Marine Strike Group (Screaming Weazels) -"Death from the Ankles up"

911th Combine Special Forces Task Force - Who are you going to call after you've been hit by 911

999th Marine Reaction Company (Project BEOWULF - SpecOps) - "Eas in crucem!" (To Hell with you)

4th Bn, 1st Bde - (Highlanders) “To Hell and Back”

6th BN, 1st BDE - If you need help, call us

8th Bn,1st Bde (Mountain Moles) "We get down and dirty"

USS ACCORD - To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield

USS ADAMANT - To Honor the Dream

(UO) - "May the Force be with you ... oops, wrong movie."

(UO) - "Dreadnought's do it with the third warp engine."

USS AEGIS - Friendly to all Life Forms

(UO) Friendly to all Life Forms, EXCEPT Klingon Cows

USS ALARIC - We'll get by with a little help from our friends.

(UO) Where do we eat?

USS ALACRITY - Per ardva ad astra (Through endeavor we reach the stars.)

USS ALEXANDRETTA - With Knowledge we empower, through knowledge we are free...

(UO) Stop us if you've heard this one...

USS ALIOTH - Out of the Past, Into the Future.

USS ALPHA CENTAURI - Dedicated to Fun, Friendship, and the Community

USS AM VALSALVA -Crede sed aspice (Trust, but verify)

(UO) you'll feel a slight pressure...
Hospital Motto: Anytime, Anyplace

USS ANASAZI NCC-62001 -Ancient Wisdom Modern Technology

USS ANUBIS - Honor, Duty, Loyalty

(UO) The Miracle Workers!'

USS APPOMATTOX NCC-75001 -Peace is an honorable pursuit

(UO) Unofficial: Deal us in

USS ARES NCC 26291- Fortune Favors the Bold

SHUTTLE ARMAGEDDON - Behold! The Black Hole's Nightmare!

USS ARIZONA - For the purpose of Peace in the Galaxy

USS ARLINGTON - Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it

USS ARK ANGEL NCC-1889 The Price of Freedom is Eternal Vigilance

USS ATLANTIS NCC-71803 - Per Aura ad Astra

USS AQUILA - Wings of Tomorrow

USS AURORA VULCANUS-Creatively Sailing in Exploration of the Imagination

SHUTTLE ASIMOV - Ad Astris Iustitia (From the Stars Comes Justice)

(UO) Shuttles have the most Fun

USS ASTRA - Per Ardua Ad Astra

USS ASLAN - It's Earlier When You Think..

USS ATLAS- "READY TO TAKE ON THE WORLD"

USS ATHENA -The Voice of Wisdom

USS ATREIDES -Knowledge, Before All Else

USS ARCHANGEL -To Help in Time of Need

USS ASGARD NCC 72402 - Flight into the Starlight

USS AVALON -In Serving Each Other We Become Free

USS AVENGER -Eternal vigilance is the price of Liberty

USS BANTING -Ready, Willing and Able !

Curiosity: The driving force behind exploration.

Courage; compassion, imagination: The keys to understanding the unknown & not just surviving it.

USS BEHR'AK -There are always possibilities for those who dare.

USS BELGICA - Gallorum omnium fortissimi sunt Belgae (Of all those, the Belgians are the bravest)

BENNU STATION -Upholding Yesterdays Traditions for Tomorrows World, Today

USS BETHEL - Into the Heart of Darkness Comes Light and Hope

USS BEXAR NCC-71718 - "Preserving the Past - Preparing the Future..."

USS BLACK HAWK - Fortune Favors the Bold (formerly the USS Shiloh)

Learning from the Past, In order to seek the Future...

USS BLACKHEART - The word is no. We are therefore going anyway.

SHUTTLE BLACKSTAR -From The Darkness of Blackest Night, Shines The Brightest Star

USS BONAVENTURE - Higher, Faster, Farther

(UO) Where is the #$@&*%$ Crew, We have none Sir

(UO) Be afraid, Be very afraid

USS BORTAS NCC-74211 - A Tradition of Excellence

USS BRAVEHEART -Into The Heart Darkness Comes Light and Hope

USS BRIGHT STAR - On Our Way to Great Adventure!

USS BRITANNIA - Rule Britannia... Britannia Rules The Stars....

USS BRISSANY -Liberte, Fraternatie, Equalite (Liberty, Equality, Brotherhood)..

CAMP WENDELL FERTIG -In Brightest Day, In Blackest Night, No Evil Shall Escape My Sight....

Command Motto: "Rocking Boats Since 1975"

USS CAPE FEAR -We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dreams..

USS CAROLINA -We Came - We Saw - We Helped dreams..

USS CELT - It's a kind of magic!

USS CHALLENGER: NCC-1676-D - United We Stand!

These colors do not run. (?)

USS CHARLESTON - Continuing the Adventure...

(UO) Bringing Trek to the Trekless...

USS CHESAPEAKE - Protecting the Future.

(UO) The Love Boat

SHUTTLE CHAUTAUQUA- All the Universe is a School...

USS CM RUSSELL , My honor is my life

USS COMANCHE - The Spirit of STARFLEET

USS COMMONWEALTH - Throughbred of the Fleet

USS CONFEDERATE - To Boldly go where we ain't been yet!

(UO) There is none higher.

USS COLUMBIA -I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go in harm's way." --John Paul Jones

(UO) Listen to the colour of your dreams

(UO) Wakka-ding hoy!!! or RAMMING SPEEED!!!

USS COLUMBUS -A vision of the Future

(UO) It's only a Fan Club

USS CONSTELLATION II -Spirit of the Old, Pride of the New

USS CONTINUUM - What the Mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve

USS CRYSTAL STAR NCC-1160 -"Living on the Edge for Peace"

Perimeter Action Group Patience Vigilance Endurance

USS CYDONIA - Many Minds, One Purpose

(UO): Stand back....you don't want to be in the way when this thing goes off!

USS CZAR'AK -Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations

(UO) Dining on the Final Frontier

SHUTTLE DARK STAR - Onward to Glory

SPACE STATION DARK SILENCE -Liscensed To Have Fun

USS DAUNTLESS -Making A Difference

USS DEFIANCE - In Provocatio Abstare ( Stand As One Defiant!)

(Pre-Shuttle) DESIDERTA - He turns not back who is bound for a star" -- Leonardo DaVinci

(UO) The Little Shuttle that Could.

(UO) If you can't spell it, it's us.

(UO) [Insert Your Motto Here. We Tried.]

USS DESTINY : Ad Astra. Ad Futurus. (To the Stars. To the Future.)

(UO) Che Sera, Sera. (What will be, will be.)

USS DILEMMA - Unity Thru Diversity

(UO) We find Solutions for -all- your Dilemmas!

USS DISCOVERY -The Gateway to the Universe is Discovery

USS EDGAR D. MITCHELL- If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.

USS USS EARHART - The Higher, The Fewer!.

USS EMPRESS -Serving today, to protect the future.

USS ENCOUNTER - In Pace Venivimus - Incognitum Vincimus - In Peace we come - the unknown we conquer.

USS ENDEAVOR - At the fore, and ever more

(UO) Heaven wouldn't have us and Hell was afraid we would shed on the furniture!

Shuttle ENDURANCE -Fortune favors the Bold

USS ENTERPRISE: To boldly go where no man has gone before...

USS EQUINOX - Study,but touch. Learn, and later know'

(UO) Where the Heck are we?

(UO) We brake for Moose .

USS EXCALIBUR - Strong as steel and set in stone.

USS FAHRION - Service...Exploration...Tenacity

USS FOX RIVER -Dead Warriors Have No Victories

USS GALLANT -Virtu et Armis

(UO) ...a three hour tour...

USS GALLIFREY -The First In, The Last Out!"

USS GEMINI -Lost in the Stars . . .

USS GUARDIAN - We're Starfleet officers, weird is part of the job.

(UO) By the Power of the Moon....

USS GRYPHON - Truth above all

USS HAWKEYE - Remember! No matter where you go, there you are!
USS HEIMDAL - And I have touched the Sky

USS HEPHAESTUS - Always Onward

USS HEXUM - Determination, Perseverance, Strength.

USS HIGHLANDER - PER MARE, PER TERRAS, PER STELLA (-- By the Sea, By the Land, By the Stars.)

(UO) Don't Lose Your Head. :)

USS HOOD - The few the proud the outrageous

USS HORIZON - To push back the darkness of space so that others may follow.

Slogan: Leading Edge of the Future.

USS HORNET - Vespa ad Astra!" (Hornet to the stars!)

USS IDIC - We rejoice in our differences."

(UO) We are NOT the IDIC Alliance

USS INDIANA - "Pride of the Hoosier State"

USS INDEPENDENCE -"Don't Tread On Me!"

USS IMPERIUM - Ultimus Finis Defendemus (Defending the Final Frontier)

(UO) Illigitime non Carbarundum (Don't let the bastards get you down.)

USS INGRAM - There can be only one

SPACE STATION IAN FLEMING - When you've got a job to do, You've gotta do it well...

USS INTANGIBLE - The Pride of Starfleet

SHUTTLE INTREPID - The Storm before the Calm

USS INTREPID II -Veritas Est Aeterna

USS JAGUAR - Cogito Sumere Potum Alterum

USS JAMESTOWN - Let me Help

USS JEANNETTE MADDOX - "Ad Astra Per Aspera" (: To The Stars Through Hard Work.)

USS JOAN OF ARC -The Standard No Other Could Bear (OLD)

Legends Endure. (NEW)

(UO) The Word ..the word is no. We are therefore going anyway.

USS JOSHUA -Appraising the final frontier

(UO) We gladly feast on those who would subdue us

SHUTTLE JOHN MARSHAL -Justice Tempered With Knowledge

(UO) Never Give Up, Never Surrender... Only Prevail

USS JURASSIC - From the past to the future

USS JUSTICE -(pending) : AD ASTRA PER ASPERA (to the stars by hard ways)

(UO) : Justice in Jersey!

USS KEPLER - To Measure the Heavens

USS KHA TAM -A ship in its harbor is safe, but that's not what a ship are for

USS KONKORDIUM - And the Sky's the Limit

USS KRAZNY OKTYABR - We Sail into History

Creed: Peace Through Superior Firepower Again, how original...

(UO2): This is fun, dammit!

(UO2) Repeat to yourself, it's just a club, I should really just relax

USS LAGRANGE - The Pride Of The Fleet.

(UO) It's a LAGRANGE World of Love

USS LANCELOT - Tout a Vous - At your Service

USS LEXINGTON - By the Sword we seek Peace, but Peace only under Liberty

(UO) Peace thru superior firepower

ISS LEXINGTON - Hail The Empire!! (formerly USS Lexington)

SPACE STATION LEWIS B PULLER - The seas in my veins, my tradition remains. I'm just glad I don't live in a trailer

USS LONGFELLOW - Serving the Future Community, TODAY!

USS LIBERATOR -The word is No. We are therefore going anyway.

Prev:Freedom to Explore

USS LUNAR DAWN -Then came the DAWN

USS LYNX - Lead by Example

USS MAAT -We are the Dreamers of the Dream

USS MAJESTIC - "From Earth; our home, to the stars; our future...May there always remain such Majestic voyages."

USS MALVERNE - In Harm's way

(UO)- Ne Conjuge Nobiscum

USS MIR-"Anything Worth Fighting For is Worth Fighting Dirty For"

USS MARKO RAMIUS -Making the world a better place: one party at a time.

USS MATRIX -Cyberspace: The Final Frontier

USS MATRIX RANGERS: "Everybody comes back!"

USS MORNING STAR -Whatever it is, let me help

USS MYSTIQUE -Boldly going forward....

SPACE STATION NEXUS-Behind Thought and Expression, There Lies a Lifetime

USS NIGHTHAWK -Soaring to Higher Adventures!

USS NIGHTSHADE- If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right!

USS NIMITZ- 'Forward into the unknown

USS NORTHSTAR -Unity through diversity, Together we can make a difference

(UO) Speak softly and carry a big weapons pod.

USS NORTHERN LIGHTS-Post tenebras, lux (After the darkness, light)

SPACE STATION NIKOLA TESLA - Dream not of Today.

USS O'BANNON -Fighting Maniacs

USS OBERON - Dream Not of Today

USS ODYSSEY - To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before....A Woman Shall Lead.

USS OHIO - Preserve the Past Protect the Future

USS OKLAHOMA -Bridging the Gap from Pearl Harbor to the Stars...

USS OMAR KHAYYAM -The Moving Finger Writes...

USS OMEGA GLORY - "From Courage, Glory"

USS ORION - To the Stars... and Beyond

USS OSIRIS -...and the stars shall be our guides.

USS PAEGAN -Leading the Way To Peace

(UO) We came, We drank, and we've been kicked out of better places than this!

USS PATHFINDER - Cave Canum

USS PEACEKEEPER - Guardians of the Final Frontier

(UO) We're the good times the Romuluns warned you about.

USS PENDRAGON -Caring and Sharing

USS PIONEER - Closest to the Final Frontier

USS POLARIS -Prepare for Tomorrow

USS POTEMKIN -There's no Justice, Just us

USS POWHATAN - To Honor the Past, and Explore the Future.

USS PRIDE OF SCOTLAND - Ceud Mile Failte (A hundred thousand welcomes)

USS PROVIDENCE -Proud to Serve. Quick to Defend. Forever Free.

USS QUEEN - To knight what has never been knighted before.

(UO)"We will, We will, Rock you..."

USS REBELLIOUS -To the Stars!...

SHUTTLE REGIMENT - If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.

(UO) How can it be overkill? We still have Photons Left!

USS RENEGADE -Friendship Must Dare to Risk

(UO) On the Cutting Edge

USS RELENTLESS -We shall forever hide amoung you, oh ye star which are imperishable.

(UO) Time heals all wounds, assuming your not dead.

SHUTTLE REPRISAL: "To Explore, To Defend, and To Serve"

(UO) "Now we're even"

SHUTTLE REUBEN JAMES - Returning with a vengance"

USS RODGER YOUNG -"To try is oh but a simple quest, but to succeed is the true adventure"

USS RONALD E. MCNAIR -Helping Out in The Spirit of the 24th Century

(UO) Be Afraid. Be VERY afraid!

USS ROYAL SOVEREIGN -In Honor we Serve, In Valor we Preserve.

(UO) Lock & Load

USS RUBICON - Once you cross the Rubicon, There's no turning back

USS RUTLEDGE -An Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove

USS SAGITTARIUS -To Reach Beyond

USS SHADOWGUARD - Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic

(UO) Life's short, spy hard

SPACE STATION SHADOWSTAR - Defending the Final Frontier...

(UO) The Truth Is Out There...

USS SHILOH -To Learn from the Past in Order to Seek the Future...

(UO): Warp speed, if you'll please...

USS SOLAR FLARE -To Discover is to Keep Learning.

USS SOVEREIGN -Strength, Wisdom, Imagination, and Fighting Spirit!!!

USS STAR UNION -In Defense of Knowledge and Freedom.

USS STARWARD FURY -Leading in to the Future

USS STELLAR WIND -We Blow 'Em Away!

CO's personal motto is: Illegitimus non Carborundum

USS STORM BIRD -The Wings of Destiny fly on the Winds of Change.

USS STORMBRINGER - Storming the Final frontier.

USS SUPERIOR -There will be no future without a better present.

USS THE SULLIVANS -We Stick together

USS SUTHERLAND: There will be an answer, let it be...

SHUTTLE TELGAR - Mitigate the Locquaciousness

USS TEMPEST -The calm within the storm.

USS TEJAS - Embraceing Friendship through Flights of Fanatsy

USS TEXAS -"Don't Mess With Texas"

USS THAGARD -

(UO) Pushing Back the Final Frontier

USS TRIDENT - Chew on This

USS TRINITY DAWN - .second to the right and straight on 'til morning

USS TRIUMPH -Be Afraid Be Very Afraid...

USS TRITON -Expanding the Frontier for the Next Generation!

USS TORONTO -To boldly go in charity and diversity.

(UO) Nuke 'em til they glow and shoot 'em in the dark.
SHUTTLE TOP GUN - "The Elite, The Best of the best"

(UO) "We'll make YOU Better"

USS TYCHO -...to a brighter future.

USS UMIAK -To boldly go with all she'll hold.

(UO): To boldly go.... and get back before anyone notices we're missing.

USS URSUS - Fidelity, Ferocity, Finality

(UO) Just Bear with Us

(UO) Who Am Us Anyway?

USS VALIANT - Expanding the Frontiers of Knowledge

(UO) Boldly going forward 'caz we can't find reverse

USS VALKYRIE - Fear not the Darkness, For the stars will light the way

(UO) When Danger approaches, Sing to it

USS VANGARD - The Most Dangerous Ship in the Fleet!

Old: The Future in Arkansas

also: The Cutting Edge of Service

creed: Dunivan's Law - It's a fan club, stupid.

Shuttle VIGILANT - "For the Price of Liberty..." or "Pro Pretium Libertarium..."

USS VINDICATOR - Bandaging the Final Frontier

USS WILLIAM WALLACE - "Scots, wha hae wi' Wallace bled!"

USS WERNHER VON BRAUN - The Dream began here!

(UO) Von Braun to the Rescue!

(UO) "Ve shoot for der stars..., but sometimes ve hit London..."

USS WHITE EAGLE -Dream to touch the stars, Live to touch your dreams

USS WIND SPIRIT - " We must go and see for ourselves..."

USS WINTER SOLSTICE - "The Beginning of the End of Darkness"

(UO) "It's the longest night of the year, who ya gonna spend it with?"

USS WOLF - To the brave belong all things ...

USS YEAGER - Punch a hole in the sky...

Command Motto : Happiness is mandatory! Floggings will continue until morale Improves!

Send To: STARFLEET Mottoes

8306 North Ridgebrook Dr
North Charleston, SC 29420

E-mail them to Adm. Victor C. Swindell

7/14/2011 15:48 - Last Update

Web Page Designed and Updated by Admiral Victor Carl Swindell

of the USS Charleston a proud Chapter of STARFLEET Region 01

Star Trek- The Driving Game v 2.75

2011-06-25T21:34:00.008-04:00

Last Modified Stardate 201409.04

Okay, here it is. We've heard of the Drinking Game, so now we must logically have the Driving Game. True, they don't mix and they never should, but I got the idea one day on a road trip and didn't feel like asking "Are we there yet?" every ten miles.

The synopsis is real simple. Terminology from Star Trek has been converted to simple terms used while someone drives a car. There have been a couple times when I've heard the driver of our road trips announce "warp drive" on the freeway, and until now never realized how almost anything you encounter on the road can be termed in phrases of Trek.

I'll try and keep this as organized as possible so you'll have an easy reference on the road or whatever (though I'd advise against the driver reading this). For some parts, you may need to refer to the TNG Tech Man, but it shouldn't be a real problem.

The Prime Directive

We vow not to interfere with the natural courses of the lives of others. We will not cut them off, tailgate, drive on the sidewalk, double park, honk rudely, or showing them the "Great Bird of the Galaxy" unless not doing so would jeopardize our own lives or insurance premiums. We will not litter our galaxies highways, we will not ask the waitress of the local "Shoney's" to sing Klingon opera, we won't take the towels from Federation accommodation outposts, or make fun of and taunt our Romulan Highway Patrol.

Part I: Velocity -- Converting Miles Per Hour (MPH) to Warp Factors.

0-9 Maneuvering Thrusters. (coasting slowly)
10-49 Impulse power. It is usually broken up like this--
10-19 = 1/4 impulse
20-29 = 1/2 impulse
30-39 = 3/4 impulse
40-49 = Full impulse
50- Warp Power.

Every ten MPH above fifty is equivalent to 1 factor of warp. Example: Warp 6 is 110 Mph. Unfortunately, this scale does not count for that "never reaching Warp 10 rule" in TNG, but knowing most of my friend's cars, Warp 8 is pretty much an impossibility at this time. NOTE: Entering Warp close to a planet might result in Potential Enemy Vessels or Romulan Ships to pursue you.

Part II: Your Automobile / Space Ship -- the Basics

Trunk: Cargo Bay. (Note for vans/station wagons/hatchbacks, etc. this should be referred to as the main shuttle bay);

Bicycle / Ski Rack: Shuttlecraft hard-docking port;

Engine: Matter/Anti-Matter Reaction Chamber;

Transmission: Warp Nacelles/Impulse Thrusters;

Body: Structural Integrity Field;

Radio: Commlink (also applies to CB and Cellular Phones, CB Radio, and Walkie Talkies);

Front Grill: Main deflector dish;

Bumpers: Shields;

Doors: Transporters (If you locked one of the doors, you could say that "Transporter Room Four is off-line.")

- also can be airlocks

Seat Belt: Inertial Dampening Fields/Gravitational Support

Heater/Air Conditioner: Life Support;
Windshield: View screen/Fore Scanners; Rear View
Mirror: Aft Scanners;

Unleaded Gas: Slush Deuterium

Radar Detector: Tachyon Scanner;

GPS System: Navigational Computer;

Towing Line / Winch: Tractor beam;

Spotlight: Auxiliary Scanners;

Mirror Ornament: Stuffed tribble (probably easy to make)

Windshield Sticker: "Starfleet Academy" (I've actually seen these around!)

Parking Brake: Manual Docking Clamp/Moorings

Glove Box: Auxiliary Storage OR Computer Database (Isn't that where all the road maps are stored, as well as the owner's manual for the car?)

Windshield Washer: Shields (Shields up..when raining)

Horn: Communications Hail (Opens Hailing Frequencies)

Reserve Fuel Canister: Bussard Ramscoop
High Beams: Phasers (flashing High Beam is a warning shot)

Part III: Operational Modes

Docked Mode: Usually for auto maintenance/refueling.

Cruising Mode: Normal driving operations

Yellow Alert: Usually for difficult driving situations (i.e. bad weather)

Red Alert: Hostile situation (i.e. attack from Borg/Romulans) or Near Zero Visibility

Blue Alert: Looking for a parking space in a crowded parking lot

Part IV: Systems Diagnostic Levels

These pretty much go along the 1-5 scale-like on the Big E with Level 1 being the most difficult duty while Level 5 being the least difficult. The following are examples of each level

Level 5: Check air pressure/Clean windshield

Level 4: Change all filters(air, oil)/Fill all fluids (oil, windshield)

Level 3: Check electrical wiring/Minor secondary systems

Level 2: Remove all engine parts/Clean thoroughly

Level 1: Clean interior and exterior of the car

Damage Control / Repairing the Warp / Impulse Drive: Fixing a Flat Tires (See Part II)

Part V: Bridge Stations -- Who does what and where

Flight Control: Drives the automobile, also responsible or minor navigational duties.

Operations Manager: Allocates resources for crew use. Controls the use of the following: road map, food resources. It also records mileage and pertinent auto/mission data.

Command Station: The Captain of the whole thing. Usually sitting in the comfort of the back seat. The second in command is usually also with him, although that position need not be filled if the auto is short-handed.

Security Officer: Usually ensures all windows, doors, seat- belts secure. Plots tactical evasion courses should the need arise, and should have extensive knowledge of motor vehicle laws in case Romulan highway patrol manage to pull over auto.

Environment: Controls usage of heater/air conditioner and authorizes the use of windows for ventilation. Also designates which station the radio is on and what tapes the crew listens to. Naturally, this assignment should only be given to those with good taste.

Science Officer: Has detailed data pertaining to locations of the ship and local customs of the environment. Such duties include translating speech with Romulan HP or Klingon truckers and should know the exact location of the "Shoney's" closest to the ship.

Mission OPS: Usually assistant to the Operations Manager, although this crewman is also in charge of allocating resources to away teams. In the event that there is NO second officer. Mission OPS should lead away teams.

Engineer: Generally this is the guy with the automotive engineering skills who has done an extensive study of engines. This person should be in charge of all refueling and maintenance duties. Counselor: Designated to make sure everyone has fun on the trip and makes sure nobody says "Are we there yet?" May frequently introduce a sing-along during a long mission during times of low morale.

Yellow Shirt: (optional) This good-hearted ensign gets to carry the gas can to the nearest refueling faculty if the need of an emergency refueling arises. (May also use "Counselor" if no YS is available)

Medical Officer: Makes sure nobody gets too severe cramps due to confinement

Note that like on the BigE there are four duty shifts (each 6 hours long) in which someone else must take turns at the Conn.

Part VI: Starship/Automotive Classes

Your Car: Federation ship (yes, you're always the good guy)

Hatchbacks - Cruiser Class
Saloons/Sedans - Multi-Mission
Estate/Station wagons - Freighter Class
Sports Cars - Scout Class
Convertible - Escort Class
Off-roaders/SUV - Explorer Class
Minivans - Destroyer Class
Van, camper, RV, minibus etc. - Transport Class

Police Car: Romulan Warbird (remember, the Klingons are our allies AND we still cannot exactly detect a cloaked ship i.e.. behind a billboard)

City Bus: Transport.

Big Rig: Klingons. (Truckers -- the real warriors of the highway)

Tow Truck: The Borg (waiting to assimilate scrap heaps wherever they lurk)

Ambulance: Starfleet Rescue craft

Rich Exotic Import: The Ferengi

Any Pontiac: Captain's Yacht
Any Accura - Captain's Yacht (the Accura Emblem looks like Starfleet Delta)

Any Saab: Vulcan Ambassador's Shuttle (Mark Lenard does the voice-overs for Saab)

Andorian Ship: A ship that cuts you off.

Motorcycles – Klingon Bird of Preys (Don’t Bikers remind you of Klingon’s anyway)

Part VII: Various Road Obstacles

Freeway Entrance: Usual entrance to warp drive

Freeway Exit: Usual emergence from warp drive(of course situations in the past have shown that you can pretty much enter warp anywhere you damn well please)
Long Bridge: Warp Conduit

Unintended Freeway Exit: Wormhole!

Emergency Side Lane: Neutral Zone

Speed Bump: Continuum Drag

Icy Road: Soliton Wave!

Pothole: Quantum Filament!

Mountains: Nebulae (you can choose to go thru them or around them)

Car in/off the road: Wreckage

Road Kill: Extinct unknown lifeforms (usual response from science officers)

Road signs: Starfleet Navigational Guidance Beacons

Starfleet Salvage Operation: Car parked on side of the road with a man outside trying to fix it

In the Delta Quadrant: When you're lost

Wolf 359: Car Crash

Mariposan Clones: Schoolkids getting off a charter bus

Level 12 Shockwave: Crashing head-on into another car

Level 5 Shockwave: Crashing into a traffic light

Level 1 Shockwave: Running over a cat or something

Part VIII: Special Maneuvers

Entering Freeway: Entering Warp

Exiting Freeway: Leaving Warp

Rockford (180 spin): Full about (hey, not everything gets a nea term!)

Evasive Maneuvers: Avoiding Romulans

Swindell Maneuver: You've missed your turn/exit. So you make your way back there!

Koma Maneuver: You managed to dodge a Romulan Ship (ie did not get a ticket)

Corbomite Maneuver: What you tell the Romulan Officer so that he does not give you a ticket.

Picard Maneuver: Getting rid of a bothersome tailgater

Paige Maneuver: Doing something absolutely dumb.

Slater Maneuver: You have no idea where you are going ..so you follow that car in front of you.. that driver knows where s/he goes.

Harshaw Maneuver: When you drive through the parking exit backward.

Krazy Ivan: When you change lanes for no particular reason.

Kobayashi Maru: When you switch to the faster lane (and that one slows down)

Part IX: Locations on the Road

Howard Johnsons: Ten Forward (the only REAL place to eat on a road trip!)

HP Office: Romulan Outpost

Information Center: Memory Alpha (Okay, so it's from the books--classic Trek, at that).

Truck Stop: Klingon Outpost

Rest Stop: Alien Outpost

Auto Shop: Assembly Faculty

Gas Station: Refueling Base

Your Garage: Dry-dock

Big Parking Lot: Close Orbit

Parking Ramp: Starbase

Toll Booth: Ferengi Starbase (ugh)

Traffic Court: Q Continuum

Any Given City: Planet (city name)

Any Given State/Province: Sector (state name)

Any Given Country: Galaxy (country name)

Any Given Planet: (you're taking this game a little too far)

Best Western: Crew Accommodations

Holiday Inn / Ramada: Guest Accommodations

Marriot / Hilton: Officer Accommodations

Factory Outlet Mall: Ferengi Outpost

Deep Space Station: Busy Intersection/Drive-Thru Restaurant

Part X: Away Teams -- how the heck do we handle this?

An away team should consist of the Second Officer or the Mission Ops crewman, along with any number of expendable crew members. The natural shuttle variant in the driving game would be a bicycle (preferable a mountain bike) or it could even be skateboards or rollerblades. The logical reasons for these chosen vehicles are

1. The fit on/in the car very nicely.

2. Like shuttles, they should never be taken out while in Warp Drive. Typical away

Team missions include:

1. Retrieving more crew consumable

2. Depositing crew post-consumable 3) negotiating with accommodations manager for a night's lodging.

Of course, more detailed and taxing missions include:

1. Scouting out a new area (shuttle may be necessary).

2. Scouting for a good orbital parking spot

3. Emergency refueling

Conclusion

That is about all I can think about for now. I tried to think of some way to include the transporters but I couldn't think of any. Also, I had a couple ideas for general terms, but not many. If you have any…leave them in the comments and I’ll use them to update this list.

DID WE MISS SOMETHING?
If you think of something that should be added to this list, leave it in the comments.

The Tin Dog Podcast Drinking Game v 1.35

2011-06-22T10:37:00.013-04:00

Requirements:

Episode(s) of Tin-Dog Podcast
This list
People (the more the merrier)
Beverage of your choice
Be near a toilet (just in case)

Instructions: Simple. Listen to the show, and whenever a condition is met, take the appropriate number of drinks. The definition of "drink" should be decided before gameplay starts. Usually, a good mouthful will suffice, but sip if you wish.

Compiler's Note: I would advise taking some time before gameplay starts to decide which conditions to use and which to ignore.

Remember that this list is canonical, so you probably will _not_ want to use them all (especially with a new podcast, Since you'll spend all your time reading the list, rather than listening).
Please send any corrections, suggestions, requests, submissions, flames, etc. to the address listed below.

Thanks, Michael M Gilroy-Sinclair for the Tin Dog Podcast

: Compiled by victoswindell@hotmail.com (send me your input/changes)

Podcast Event - Number of Drinks

Host voice not OK - 1
Host is recording outside of studio/home - 1
Host starts to ramble off topic - 1
Host says "let it go" - 1
Host says "There Again - 1
Host says "Out of its Time" - 1
Host says "Of its time" - 1
Host says "Better than I remember" - 1
Host asks for funds/selling something - 2
Host uploads wrong podcast - 2
Host changes Theme music - 2
Host podcast is not what he said it was going to be - 1
Host not reviewing Doctor Who - 2
Host reviewing Torchwood and mentions DW -2
Someone has donated funds for podcast -1
Host mentions iTunes - 1
Host mentions his wife - 2
Host mentions his offspring -3

REVIEW COMMENTS

Host mentions 'steam-punk' -2
Host mentions another Dr. Who podcast - 1
Host plays clip from another podcast -1
Host plays audio clip from DW - 1
Host play recording of DW Actor advertising the Tin-Dog Podcast -1
Host reads one of his stories -2
Host suggest you get a copy of WHOSTROLOGY
WHOSTROLOGY is the same as your birthday - 2
It's your WHOSTROLOG - 1
Host mentions William Hartnell/Richard Hurndall/David Bradley -(First Doctor) -1
Host mentions Patrick Troughton - (Second Doctor) -2
Host mentions Jon Pertwee- (Third Doctor) -3
Host mentions Tom Baker - (Fourth Doctor) -4
Host mentions Peter Davison -(Fifth Doctor) -5
Host mentions Colin Baker- (Sixth Doctor) -6
Host mentions Sylvester McCoy - (Seventh Doctor) -7
Host mentions Paul McGann -(Eighth Doctor) -8
Host mentions The War Doctor -(John Hurt) -8
Host mentions Christopher Eccleston - (Ninth Doctor) -9
Host mentions David Tennant -(Tenth Doctor) - 10
Host mentions Matt Smith - (Eleventh Doctor) - 2
Host mentions Peter Capaldi - (Twelfth Doctor) -1
Host mentions Jodie Whittaker - (Thirteenth Doctor) -3
Host mentions The Valeyard -2
Host mentions The Dream Lord - 2
Host mentions The Watcher -3
Host mentions River Song -3
Host mentions another Time Lord, not the Master or Ranni -4
Host references/compares another Doctor Who Episode -1
Host Mentions Production Notes or Discontinuity Guide - 2
Host Mentions Big Finish Production -2

PODCAST REVIEWS EVENTS

Host references Non DW SciFi series (Star Trek, X-Files, The Tomorrow People-etc) - 1
Host references another DW media (Book Episode, etc) - 1
Host really likes episode -2
Host likes episode - 1
Host sort likes episode -1
Host hates episode - 2
Host says "LI-N-DA" or mentions 'Love and Monsters' -3
Host references actor other work - 2
Host mentions "K-9" -2
Host mentions "BBC" -3
Host mentions "The Master" -3
Host mentions "Daleks" -2
Host mentions "Cybermen" -1
Host gives list of possibilities - 1
Host gives a theory - 2
Host gives a bit of Who Trivia - 1
Host says "TARDIS" - 1
Host mentions your favorite Doctor -1
Host gives episode 9 or 10 -4
Host gives episode 6, 7 or 8 -3
Host give episode 5 or below -2
Host references NON-SciFi series -2
Host mentions a clue for a future episode. -1
Host says 'Candy Man' -1
Host is reviewing a Big Finish Audio -2
Host mentions another podcast - 3

Doctor Who is the property of the BBC, All right Reserved. We forfeit all rights, privileges, and licenses herein and herein contained," et cetera, et cetera... "Fax mentis, incendium gloria cultum," et cetera, et cetera... Memo bis punitor delicatum!

This posting is subject to change..so stay tuned

How to have a SciFi Convention...by yourself v1.318

2011-06-22T09:45:00.032-04:00

This blog was wholly inspired by the Tin-Dog Podcast ‘How to have your own Doctor Who Con’. We just decided to write it all down for ya, and expand it a bit, and run with it. I'm sure you can add to it a bit as well. If you have any suggestions..leave them in the comments..and I'll add them in later. This posting is subject to updating.

Anyways, do you miss the old days of going to Science Fiction conventions? Is there a big convention going on in another part of the country that you would like to go to, but can’t afford? Did you put in a bid for a convention or Science Fiction club event, and you didn't wain? Never fear, now you can enjoy the convention experience in your residence, and save a ton of cash. Here are the steps.

The Preparation

Like anything else prepartation is the key, the more work you do up front, the better off your con will run. If something isn't right you can just blame the organizers later. Anyway this is all up to you. You have to so all the setting up, buying the stuff for the bar..blah blah blah

1. Give your Con a name. Good names can be like of the following (just make sure there isn’t a con with that name):

SoloCon
SingularityCon
It’s All about Me Con
NotaCon
UnoCon
AloneCon
ImaginaryCon
SoleCon
BinaryCon
InvisiCon

** The next time you host the event, you can just stick a Roman numeral after the name.

2. Two weeks before the con tell your Social media friends you plan on attending the con, and hope to see some of them there. Don’t reply when they ask for information about the con. This way you can complain when you don’t see any of them at the con. More on this later. It would be interesting to know how may internet searches will be done looking for information on the con.

3. Make a list of the stars, writers, behind the scene folks you want to attend your convention (living or dead). This is your convention you can do what you want. You can even include the guest of the con you can't make it to. You can go on the internet find images of these characters to put on your flyer about the convention. Print up 42 Flyers, with the date, and all the details about the guest(s), Q&A Sessions, dealer room, costume contest, cash bar, and print SAME PLACE AS BEFORE, SAME CONTACT INFO AS BEFORE, SEE OUR WEB SITE. Secretly, leave some of the flyers at places where no one would be interested in this sort of thing.

Three days before con, send an E-MAIL to their fan clubs telling them how you’re a great fan of the actor, and how you look forward to seeing them t ( name of your Con). This is your kind-a-sort-a invitation. You really don't have to send the e-mail, but if you want to cause even more chaos, give it a go. If you have some of those cardboard stand-ups of these characters you can use these. If you can get your hands on some mannequin's or blow up dolls (no questions asked here), you can dress them up in various costumes and place them around the various rooms, just to add to the effect.

4. Stock the Bar – after all a lot of before, during and after con activity is spent in the bar. You may as well get stocked up on the things you know you like, and a few you don’t, or never tried. Just for the effect. If someone happens to drop by during your con, you can serve them the ones you don’t like. (Somebody has to drink them anyway) Don't forget the peanuts, this is extremely important...just in case a Vogon Constructor Fleet comes by to do some demolition of a Hyper-Space bypass. The neat thing about this, is that the drinks at your con will be much cheaper than the ones at the con, you didn't attend, and you'll actually have stuff you like. If you have plenty of the drinks you don't like after the con, save them for the next party you are invited to, and sneak them into the mix.

5. The Screening Room – One of the rooms in your house has to be the screening room. Pick a random DVD or whatever media you have or just leave the TV on the SCI-FI Channel if if you have it. If you have a recording with a Commentary track, turn this on, to mimic the comments that fans make during the movies anyway. For a more realistic effect pick an episode you don’t like and let that play...all weekend.

6. Doing the Schedule – The heart of any convention is the schedule of events. You need to take time to plan your convention schedule and well as plan the logistics and utilization of the space in your residence for the various parts of the convention.

o Make of list of weird Panel topics- where would a good Con be without them.

       § Topics that you would never attend
- Spock vs The Gilligans Island Professor
- Godzilla or Dr Who.
- Toilets and the 8th Dimension
- Do Running Light work at Warp 8.3
- Chick who dig Chicks who dig Time Lords
- Time from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint
                              - Why are most trek fans fat?
                              ..........etc

       § Topics that you would attend
                               - Daleks vs the Borg
                               - Treknology
                               - Building your own Tardis
                               - How to construct your own light saber
- Flying Cars..why don't we have flying cars
                                 ...etc

· Place these at the same time

o List a Panel where you are the guest speaker based on your expertise

§ Make a list of Fandom type questions to ask the expert – A mix of the very intelligent and very dumb.

§ You can even play various podcast or recording of interviews.

o Plan other fan events.
Get some recordings of interviews for one or three of the celebritieis that you've invited. You can can probably locate a podcast or find a few YouTube clips.

o Have a Charity of Auction

§ List something on E-Bay that you have and donate the proceeds to Charity ;E-bay gives you the option of donating up to 100% of the proceeds to a charity.

· It could be a dust ball that you think looks like William Shatner's Trek Hair.

· It could be the last Cheerios in your box

· It could an un-matched sock from your laundry

· If you are cleaning out your closet..sell that stuff

o You have got to have a Dealers Room

§ Put some of your collections in a in a room or on a table.. to be the dealers room

§ Make a list of the things you want to have and want to buy (you will need this later)

§ You can also have a computer set to e-bay to allow you to shop of items, if you actually want to buy something during the con.

o Print up the schedule and hi-lite the things you would like to do using different color, then take the schedule to your favorite sci-fi hang out, bookstore or library, and accidentally loose it there.

7. Set up a registration Desk…if you like

o Make a few name tags and VIP Tags for your invited guest, but do not make one for yourself. This will become important later.

8. Set up a time for your costume contest. (more on this later)

9. You can put up signs for events, and cross off panels that are canceled due to guest not showing, if you wish.

Attending the Con

It’s time to go have the convention experience, and let your friends know all about it. If you have a mobile phone with twitter, or a lap top, you are good to go. Send random tweets about what your doing, or not doing.

1. Go get in your car. Imagine the long drive to your con, tweet about not having FTL Drive or transporters, and the traffic standing still.

2. Get out of your car, and tweet that you have arrived. Tweet that the place looks ..inexpensive

3. Go to the registration deck and check in. Complain because they seem to have lost your registration, and you have a handwritten badge, and some free peanuts. Comment how none of the guest have arrived yet.

4. Check into your room, tweet how nice and homey the room is. You can even say how weird it is that it reminds you of home. Check out what is on TV, remake about the lack of good channels.

5. Complain that you lost your schedule, and they don’t seem to have anymore.

6. Complain about the poor poor organization and lack of convention staff. You can't find anyone who can answer your questions.

7. Every hour or so hang out in the hallway for 5 minutes with the hopes of catching one of the stars for a picture, or inverview or trying to catch any of your friends who may have attended from the E-Space, the Continuum, or has the confused with Milliways. Complain that most of your friends went to the other con, or isn’t there. Complain that the stars may have taken another route just to avoid you. If you have one of those cardboard stand up's of a sci-fi character, try to have a conversation with it, then complain that they ignored you. Look in the mirror and comment someone is wearing your costume..but that you look more authentic. Read a message on your phone.

8. Head to the Bar (Frig) and let your imagination go wild. Chat it up with Sue Richards, and tweet how she completely ignored you.

9. Go Check out the dealer room. Complain that they don’t seem to have the things you were looking for (on your list) or how you already have most of this stuff. You can check on E-Bay to see if they have it.

a. If you’ve taken out one prize possession to display – pick it up and hold it. You can even tweet about it.

10. Go hang in the hallway, and complain about one of the guest not showing up. You will repeat this all during the convention weekend.

11. Complain about the poor organization tweet “Couldn't organize a pissing contest in a brewery”

12. Head to the Bar again. then back to the corridor to see if you can catch up with anyone you know.

13. Drop by the Screening room, tweet how they selected the worst episode ever. Say you can find a staff member to see what else is showing. Several hours later you can complain that the same episode seems to be playing.

14. Go hang in the hall way, read something, looking for the next star. Stare at something, check the contents of your bag. Tweet some more. Say how you think you may have seen someone you may know out of the corner of your, but how they just seem to have just vanished in the dealer's room.

15. Head to the panel room or Interview room, and listen to a the podcast or YouTube interview of one of the stars you've invited. Alternatively you can run the commentary track on one of your DVDs. Keep putting up your hand to ask a question. Tweet how they would not recognize you. The next panel session is the one where you are the speaker. Read your questions and think of smart ass answers. Tweet about the lack of intelligence in modern fandom.

16. Getting the Autograph.

a. You can shop on E-bay for the ones you want. See how many are under $20.00 (US), complain about high prices.

b. Complain on twitter that you missed the autograph queue because it was schedule for the same time as your panel. Then complain about whom ever did the schedule

17. More Bar Time, put some peanuts in your pocket...just in case.

18. Wait for the Costume contest, you can go get some dinner or something. Leave your name tag on.

19. Attend the Costume contest (you are the judge..you can also be a contestant)

a. Dress as your favorite earth character, nothing fancy or exotic

b. Go sit on the porch and judge the people going by for their costume.

c. Pick the cutest kid that went by, if there is a small child in the house, they win.

d. If you don’t see anyone, you win.

20. Call it a day, comeback tomorrow –mix it up a bit

21. Complain you missed the closing ceremony because you were checking out.

22. Tell your friends you had a great weekend and can’t wait until next year.

Again..if you have addition, comments, or suggestions... leave a comment.
Disclaimer: If you are married/joined/partnered..etc you assume all risk

How spin 'Reporters' work.

2011-05-10T16:02:00.003-04:00

If you have ever listed to a radio or TV program that ends in the word show, please note there is a reason they end in the word 'SHOW'. These people are not Reporters; they are not giving FACTUAL reports. They are ENTERTAINERS. Now many of them like to come off as telling your facts that you are not aware of as to inform you to the going on of elected officials or other entities. They take facts and then spin them to get an emotional response from you to join or side with a point of view. They prey on your anger, and fear to make your believe something is true. They often reminds me some something I heard in the movie "My Cousin Vinny"

Vinny Gambini: The D.A.'s got to build a case. Building a case is like building a house. Each piece of evidence is just another building block. He wants to make a brick bunker of a building. He wants to use serious, solid-looking bricks, like, like these, right? [puts his hand on the wall]
Bill: Right.

Vinny Gambini: Let me show you something.
[he holds up a playing card, with the face toward Billy]

Vinny Gambini: He's going to show you the bricks. He'll show you they got straight sides. He'll show you how they got the right shape. He'll show them to you in a very special way, so that they appear to have everything a brick should have. But there's one thing he's not gonna show you. [turns the card, so that its edge is toward Billy]

Vinny Gambini: When you look at the bricks from the right angle, they're as thin as this playing card. His whole case is an illusion, a magic trick. It has to be an illusion, 'cause you're innocent. Nobody - I mean nobody - pulls the wool over the eyes of a Gambini, especially this one.

Many of the things you hear, need to be examined from ALL sides, not just what you are being presented with.

Imagine a rant like this

There is a growing concern over the dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide, that the current administration is currently ignoring despite all of the available facts that scientist can all agree with. What I am going to tell you could affect your community unless something is done. Although the U.S. Government and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) do not classify Dihydrogen Monoxide as a toxic or carcinogenic substance (as it does with better known chemicals such as hydrochloric acid and benzene), DHMO is a constituent of many known toxic substances, diseases and disease-causing agents, environmental hazards and can even be lethal to humans in quantities as small as a thimbleful.

Here are some scientific facts that many researchers have known about for years, yet this administration and especially the president as done nothing about.

Each year, Dihydrogen Monoxide is a known causative component in many thousands of deaths and is a major contributor to millions upon millions of dollars in damage to property and the environment. Some of the known perils of Dihydrogen Monoxide are:
· Death due to accidental inhalation of DHMO, even in small quantities.
· Prolonged exposure to solid DHMO causes severe tissue damage.
· Excessive ingestion produces a number of unpleasant though not typically life-threatening side-effects.
· DHMO is a major component of acid rain.
· Gaseous DHMO can cause severe burns.
· Contributes to soil erosion.
· Leads to corrosion and oxidation of many metals.
· Contamination of electrical systems often causes short-circuits.
· Exposure decreases effectiveness of automobile brakes.
· Found in biopsies of pre-cancerous tumors and lesions.
· Given to vicious dogs involved in recent deadly attacks.
· Often associated with killer cyclones in the U.S. Midwest and elsewhere, and in hurricanes including deadly storms in Florida, New Orleans and other areas of the southeastern U.S.
· Thermal variations in DHMO are a suspected contributor to the El Nino weather effect.

Research conducted by award-winning U.S. scientist Nathan Zohner concluded that roughly 86 percent of the population supports a ban on dihydrogen monoxide, but this Administration is ignoring them. Although his results are preliminary, Zohner believes people need to pay closer attention to the information presented to them regarding Dihydrogen Monoxide. He adds that if more people knew the truth about DHMO then studies like the one he conducted would not be necessary.

A similar study conducted by U.S. researchers Patrick K. McCluskey and Matthew Kulick also found that nearly 90 percent of the citizens participating in their study were willing to sign a petition to support an outright ban on the use of Dihydrogen Monoxide in the United States.
Blah blah balh….

I know if you’ve listened to some to the ‘shows’ you may have seen or heard these ‘reports’

There is just one piece of information you need to know…. DHMO is water. But does expect to hear this one pice of information.

There is a great line from one of the Star Trek Episodes… Hear ALL..Trust NOTHING.

I am the teacher

2009-08-13T11:27:00.003-04:00

I cross the void beyond the mind
The empty space that circles time
I instruct those who stumble blind
To show them a truth they never find
Eternal wisdom is my guide
I am the Teacher.

Through ignorance waste the mind flys
To taste the secret sauce of life
A presence science can't deny
Exists within outside behind
The latitude of the human mind
I am the Teacher.

My voyage directs the course of time
Who knows you say
But are you right
Who such indeed to show the light
That glows so darkly in the night
Toward that point I guide my flight.
I am the Teacher

As spirits move to deceive mankind
Evil plans begin to grind
With sword of truth I turn to fight
The satanic powers of the night
Is your faith before your mind
No man, Am I the Teacher?

Less than a Man

2009-07-09T13:19:00.002-04:00

Who is less than a man?
It is her who takes, but does not give.
He who borrows, but never returns;
He hears but never listens;
He who punishes, but never forgives.

He s less than a man, who
Cares not for any by himself.
He is unfair and unjust.
He is mean and unruly.
He understands not, not does he care.

He is less than a man, who
Steals from his fellow man
He asks for forgiveness, but does not pray.
He ask for love but does not give
He loves but one, himself.

He is less than a man, who
Does not love his mother
He’ll help a friend, but
He won’t help his brother.
He touches, but does not feel;
He caresses, but does not cherish

He is less than a man, who
Kicks the helpless dog,
He turns his back on the sick
And pays no attention to the needy.
He is very stingy and very greedy.
He sins against GOD and his flag,
But what does he care?
He is the lowest kind of human.
He is one we’ll never understand
But let’s ask that God forgive him
For he is less than a man.

By Gregory C. Ball

Open your ears! (please)

2009-07-06T09:46:00.002-04:00

By Gregory C. Ball

I used to be much younger than I am now. As a matter if fact I was actually born, as many if you were (smile). I once was where you’re at not. Had the hard head, thought I knew everything! I did not want to listen to anyone about anything. I’m here to tell you that the sooner you learn to listen, the easier you make YOUR life. I was once a non-believer. I know better now. “You live, you learn, you grow.” Rear is real and true is true. Everyone older than you that tries to tell you something isn’t necessarily trying to dictate to you. They just want to help you make your life easier. Again, the sooner you learn to listen, the easier you make your life. (Help you have less difficulty in your life). Your Education is one of the most important things in your life. However knowledge without wisdom will not make you smart. Wise up! Real is real and true is true! It’s you life, if you don’t care (who should?) You have a responsibility to your parents and to the world. Also, especially to yourself. It’s your time. Let’s not lose it. Let’s NOT waste it. Love yourself. Be confident, be diligent, persevere and endure. You owe it to yourself.

Peace and Love
GOD Bless

(1998-10-18)
Charleston, SC

Greg lives in my neighborhood, and is an interesting character. He like to pass out his writing, so I will post the most interesting ones here.

New atheist billboard goes up in Charleston, SC

2009-01-28T11:18:00.006-05:00

The best thing about the United States is its rich mixture of people. It is reported that the United States has a greater number of religious groups than any other country in the world. I know this is an unusual stance by a Christian, but I by in large fundamentally believe that no Religious belief should be FORCED on a person. Now this does not mean that parents shouldn’t expose their offspring to what they believe (Proverbs 22:6), but in all my studies of the Bible, I don’t see where Jesus or GOD, FORCED themselves on anyone. There were a few people who were persuaded to follow God's instructions, but God still gave them the choice. The conversion to becoming a Christian is a conversion of the heart brought about from being exposed to and accepting the truth of Jesus Christ. However, God does not force people to except him, love him, trust, he give us that choice. We can examine the scriptures, historical and scientific evidence and make up our own minds. He will continue to expose us to the truth of our choices to living with or without him, that part of his character.

So we have two camps believers and non-believes. We need to be mindful that all believers used to be non-believers. So let us remember the roads we once traveled, until we decided to stop doing life our way. Anyway, there are people of both camps that are in prison. There are people in both camps that are divorced. There are people in both camps that cheat on their taxes. There are also people in both camps who are productive members of society, who raise their families under the best of their abilities. No matter what you believe, think we all want good schools, safe neighborhoods, good health and the right to achieve our goals to the best of our abilities. There are people of both camps that are famous artists, writers, leaders, philanthropists, activists, composers, actors, musicians and scientists. While there are many that think science is almost always anti-God. However, it is known that Albert Einstein was a believer. Charles Darwin, by his own admission, was never an atheist. In fact his own words indicate that, at least on some occasions, he gravitated toward a belief in God. He said "In my most extreme fluctuations I have never been an atheist in the sense of denying the existence of God." (Darwin, Francis, The Life of Charles Darwin. London: Tiger Books,1995, 55.). The beautiful part of living in the United States is that we do have the freedom to explore our beliefs without a government mandate to adhere any particular one or any at all. This is the true meaning of “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;” Though, I always find it strange that more emphasis is put on the former part of the statement than the latter.

The belief in God, no matter the religion is based on faith, and sometimes forced indoctrination.. There are several writings, scripture, examples and verses on this matter. Our faith is not alone what we believe, but what we do with what we believe. In the Bible, in the book of James you can find these words “In the same way faith, if it doesn't have works, is dead by itself.” As Christians we often speak often of the grace of God, but how to we achieve His grace, if we don’t exercise our faith. I subscribe to the Baptist branch of Christianity generally because of it value of religion freedom. The English philosopher John Locke described our faith well we he said “The Baptists were the first propounders of absolute liberty, just and true liberty, equal and impartial liberty.” That freedom is a belief to take pride in and one of the core values of our nation. This statement it says that for Baptist (or those who subscribe to religious freedom), we are not only merely tolerant or appreciative of others, but that we expect this freedom in is broadest and truest sense. We as Americans demand unrestricted religious freedom for ourselves and for all other be they Christian, Hindu, Catholic, Jewish, Humanist, Muslim, Wiccan, Atheist, Agnostic, New Age, Scientologist, Native American, Unitarian Universalist, or questioning seeker.

So when you see that sign ..Remember Thank God you live in America...and not China, Also view it as having lots of work yet to do for HIS kingdom.

Victor Swindell

LET A MAN EXAMINE HIMSELF

2009-01-22T15:26:00.001-05:00

In church every second Sunday we hear part of this scripture passage as part of communion Sunday. The Lord asks that we take an honest look at ourselves to realize just who we really are, and how we really are. We should all take time to take an honest evaluation of ourselves to see what we need to improve. Students are given test and exams so that they can see exactly what they have and haven’t mastered. Most Employers give their employees some type of Year-End-Evaluation so that the employee can see exactly how they are performing in the company and what areas they can improve in. It is my fundamental belief that God puts us through situation to test our faith and give us the opportunity to mature in our faith. (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:-2-4)

Socrates, the Greek philosopher said “The unexamined life is not worth living.” The sad thing is that most people evade leading an examined life. It’s not that they don’t have time or make time. They actively avoid examining their lives for fear of what they will discover. Some people are afraid to take an honest look in the mirror to see them selves for what they really are. It’s said to hear people say a person is acting the say way they were 20 years ago, and not meaning this as a positive appraisal.

People who do examine their lives, who think about where they’ve been, how they got here, and where they’re going, are much happier people. No has all the answers. And no one’s life is free from trouble and strife. But those who have some sense of where they belong in the God’s universe also have a context for understanding how all the elements of their life fit together.

Anyone who desires to be the person that God wants us to be should actively exam themselves. Take a look the areas of your life and measure how much or how little you have improved in them.

Is your faith in God stronger, weaker or the same as it was last year or even 5, or 10 years ago?
Is your knowledge of God’s word stronger, weaker or the same as it was last year, or even 5 or 10 years ago?
Is your Prayer Service /Bible Study attendance stronger, weaker or the same as it was last year, or even 5 or 10 years ago?
Is your Sunday school attendance stronger, weaker or the same as it was last year, or even 5 or 10 years ago?
Is you’re your ability to forgive others who have wronged you stronger, weaker or the same as it was last year, or even 5 or 10 years ago? (Are you still holding something against someone?)
Is you’re your ability to manage your money stronger, weaker or the same as it was last year, or even 5 or 10 years ago?
Are you committing the same sins that you were doing last year, or even 5 or 10 years ago?
Is your ability to give the way God wants you to stronger, weaker or the same as it was last year, or even 5 or 10 years ago?
Is your ability to control your tongue stronger, weaker or the same as it was last year, or even 5 or 10 years ago?
Is your ability to put God first in all area of your life stronger, weaker or the same as it was last year, or even 5 or 10 years ago?
How to you measure up in Worshiping only God, Respecting all people, Humility, Honesty, Morality, Generosity, Patience, Righteousness (think about that one)

I’m sure you can think of more than I’ve listed here and if these were Courses in the School of God what would be your God Point Average (Honestly ) This is why it’s necessary to really look at ourselves and ask God to open our hearts and minds to change to his ways, and actively seek to make changes in our lives.

The unexamined life is a dangerous thing. We all have moments of frustration and doubt, wishing we had been better than we are at times. At these times, these moments reinforce how vital it is to take charge of our lives, to make the changes necessary as directed by the Holy Spirit. One of Jesus’ missions was to encourage and assist you with examining your life and strengthening your own spiritual and natural abilities to guide yourself to fulfillment.
Today is a new chapter in your life, and President Obama (as God did) as urged us to put way childish ways. Many children only think about what they want, and not the greater good. It’s time to ask ourselves what does God want of me. So, I urge you to examine yourself and consider what it is that is challenging you and/or what it is that you wish to accomplish with your life, then, ask the Lord to help you so that by doing so we can make this world a better place, by reflecting his will.

My thanks to Mark who gave me the idea for this article.

Making it in 2009

2009-01-06T13:52:00.002-05:00

Think back to December 2006. Remember all the things you wanted to have accomplished? How did you do? Are those things still on your list?

Well, now we’ve just finished with 2008. We’re now all making the new year’s resolutions that will last to mid-January— get control of our finances, lose X amount of pounds, maybe even read or write a book. Statistics show that most of us will quit before we get anywhere close to those objectives without designing a plan.

This year, set a goal to succeed.

If you had stuck with the goals you made last year, then you would already be done. Wow! 365 days went by quickly, and so will this year, so don’t let the time get away from you. The sooner you make something part of your routine, the less you’ll notice that you’re doing it, and the quicker you’ll be finished.

Don’t make a goal and then look at it as something you have to do. That’s the wrong attitude. Soon you’ll come to resent doing the thing that is supposed to make you better. Remember that every time you pay off a debt, get on the treadmill, or do something else productive, you become a better person and get closer to your target.

Think about when you graduated from college. You were used to going to bed at midnight or later. But now that you have a job, you need to get up earlier. So you start going to bed at 10 or even 9:30 p.m. You didn’t like it at first, and it took some adjusting. But now you’ve done it so much that you don’t even notice. It’s part of your routine.

Getting out of debt, losing weight, or anything else is the same way. Do it for a while, and it goes from being difficult to being a bother to just another thing. By the time beating debt becomes just another thing, you are reaping the rewards from it, which makes the process fun. And when it’s fun, the year passes quickly.

Here are six basic strategies you can do to make it

Figured out your motivation, which is rooted in your values.
Increased your skills.
Enlisted the help of family, friends and colleagues.
Steered clear of social events and people who might sabotage your goals.
Created an environment that is conductive to success.
Rewarded yourself for reaching milestones.

The Revised Little Red Hen Story

2008-12-10T13:12:00.002-05:00

Red Hen

(From Ronald Reagan...A gem!)

November 1976

A modern day little red hen may not sound like or appear to be a quotable authority on economics but then some authorities aren't worth quoting. I'll be right back.
About a year ago I imposed a little poetry on you. It was called "The Incredible Bread Machine" and made a lot of sense with reference to matters economic. You didn't object too much so having gotten away with it once I'm going to try again. This is a little treatise on basic economics called "The Modern little Red Hen."

Once upon a time there was a little red hen who scratched about the barnyard until she uncovered some grains of wheat. She called her neighbors and said 'If we plant this wheat, we shall have bread to eat. Who will help me plant it?'
"Not I, " said the cow.
"Not I," said the duck.
"Not I," said the pig.
"Not I," said the goose.
"Then I will," said the little red hen. And she did. The wheat grew tall and ripened into golden grain. "Who will help me reap my wheat?" asked the little red hen.
"Not I," said the duck.
"Out of my classification," said the pig.
"I'd lose my seniority," said the cow.
"I'd lose my unemployment compensation," said the goose.
"Then I will," said the little red hen, and she did.
At last the time came to bake the bread. "Who will help me bake bread?" asked the little red hen.
"That would be overtime for me," said the cow.
"I'd lose my welfare benefits," said the duck.
"I'm a dropout and never learned how," said the pig.
"If I'm to be the only helper, that's discrimination," said the goose.
"Then I will," said the little red hen.
She baked five loaves and held them up for the neighbors to see.
They all wanted some and, in fact, demanded a share. But the little red hen said, "No, I can eat the five loaves myself."
"Excess profits," cried the cow.
"Capitalist leech," screamed the duck.
"I demand equal rights," yelled the goose.
And the pig just grunted.
And they painted "unfair" picket signs and marched round and around the little red hen shouting obscenities.
When the government agent came, he said to the little red hen, "You must not be greedy."
"But I earned the bread," said the little red hen.
"Exactly," said the agent. "That's the wonderful free enterprise system. Anyone in the barnyard can earn as much as he wants. But under our modern government regulations productive workers must divide their products with the idle."
And they lived happily ever after, including the little red hen, who smiled and clucked, "I am grateful, I am grateful." But her neighbors wondered why she never again baked any more bread.

if

2008-11-25T16:05:00.002-05:00

[IF]
If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you

But make allowance for their doubting too,

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,

Or being hated, don't give way to hating,

And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream--and not make dreams your master,

If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings

And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings

And never breath a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;

If all men count with you, but none too much,

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,

And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!
--Rudyard Kipling

This Too Shall Pass

2008-11-25T16:01:00.002-05:00

If I can endure for this minute

Whatever is happening to me,

No matter how heavy my heart is

Or how dark the moment may be-

If I can remain calm and quiet

With all the world crashing about me,

Secure in the knowledge God loves me

When everyone else seems to doubt me-

If I can but keep on believing

What I know in my heart to be true,

That darkness will fade with the morning

And that this will pass away, too-

Then nothing in life can defeat me

For as long as this knowledge remains

I can suffer whatever is happening

For I know God will break all of the chains

That are binding me tight in the darkness

And trying to fill me with fear-

For there is no night without dawning

And I know that my morning is near.

...Helen Steiner Rice

Tidbits of Wisdom From Abraham Lincoln-Fiction!

2008-11-05T13:57:00.004-05:00

Summary of the eRumor: Alleged quotes from Abraham Lincoln about the poor, the weak, prosperity, workers, class hatred, and character.

The Truth:These words are often attributed to Abraham Lincoln, but according to the book They Never Said it: A Book of Fake Quotes, Misquotes, & Misleading Attributions, they are not from Lincoln. The quotes were published in 1942 by William J. H. Boetcker, a Presbyterian minister. He released a pamphlet titled Lincoln On Limitations, which did include a Lincoln quote, but also added 10 statements written by Boetcker himself.

They were:
1. You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
2. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong
3. You cannot help the poor man by destroying the rich.
4. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
5. You cannot build character and courage by taking away man's initiative and independence.
6. You cannot help small men by tearing down big men.
7. You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.
8. You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income.
9. You cannot establish security on borrowed money.
10 You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they will not do for themselves.

People who got the pamphlet thought the 10 statements were written by Lincoln and they have been distributed widely under Lincoln's name.

Success

2008-10-27T14:47:00.001-04:00

Where there is NO CHANCE for failure, there can be NO SUCCESS

I Do Not Choose to Be a Common Man

2008-10-27T12:09:00.002-04:00

It is my right to be uncommon—if I can.

I seek opportunity—not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.

I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.

I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia.

I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.

It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and say, “This I have done.”

By Dean Alfange

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*Originally published in This Week Magazine.Later printed in The Reader’s Digest, October 1952 and January 1954.The Honorable Dean Alfange was an American statesman born December 2, 1899, in Constantinople (now Istanbul). He was raised in upstate New York. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I and attended Hamilton College, graduating in the class of 1922.