Scott's life

Advice on purchasing a new laptop

2010-12-08T12:51:00.005-06:00

A friend recently asked me to give them some advice on purchasing a laptop and as I'm email them, I think to my self "Self, I bet other people might find this helpful." So, if you're in the market for a PC Laptop in the price range of about $400-$600, then you're in the right place and read below. Of course my primary recommendation for a new computer these days is always a Mac, but they're not for everything and by no means perfect. But they look really cool and I've found them to work wonderfully and be quite reliable. Anyway, here is my advice for you PC buyers! :)

Processor - either an Intel or AMD are both good ones to go with, I don't think there are many other options for Processor Manufactures. The options you'll see for Intel are like Core 2 duo , i3, i5, or i7 with i7 being the best option, but any of those are good. AMD has similar levels, but I don't know the names. You may see like 2.66Ghz or 3.2Ghz or something like that, Its usually not worth the extra bucks when it comes to getting the latest and greatest processor, something mid range or even low end (like a Core 2 Duo) will most likely suit you just fine, either 32 or 64 bit will work find for what you're doing. 64 bit processors are relatively new and many applications aren't even written to take advantage of the extra "processing power" 32 bit processors are typically cheaper cause they're a stable older technology
RAM - at least 3GB, however so many computers are coming with 64 Processors, then if that's the case you'll want at least 4GB. Most likely if its a 64bit processor it will come with at least 4GB anyway and maybe even more, like 6GB or 8GB
Hard Drive - you mentioned that you have a 144GB Hard drive. I suggest getting one like twice that size so you won't have to worry about running out of space. However, if you find one with like a 250GB Hard drive, that will probably work just fine for you as well.
Battery life - this will vary depending on how big the computer is and such, but it should have at least a 3-4 hr battery life. I see some ASUS computers that have like 8 hours!
Screen size - my guess is you're probably looking for 15in. If you get much smaller, you start to get in to the "netbook" category and sometimes the DVD/CD drive is eliminated. Not all, but some so if you find one with like a 13in monitor, make sure it has a DVD/CD drive.
Brands - I recently read a report in PC World that highly recommended ASUS and Toshiba and gave poor recommendations to HP and DELL, so you might want to look at this before you get one: http://www.pcworld.com/article/211074/the_tech_brands_you_can_trust.html
Other Items to look for

Having a built in memory card reader is really handy when uploading pictures form your digital camera.
Some are coming with BluRay players, which is great, but usually they're more expensive.
If you're shopping online and you've found one you really like. I suggest you go look at it if you can find it local, just to touch it and hold it and see how even it really is, because who know what 4lbs 8oz really feels like?
Windows 7 will your best choice for an Operating System, I wouldn't get a machine with Vista, unless it comes with the ability to upgrade to windows 7 or downgrade to XP.
Keyboard - some laptops have a full size keyboard with keypad, some don't have a keypad, you might just keep that in mind
Display - most will be LCD, it is a reliable stable and cost effective display type, I wouldn't pay extra for OLED or LED.
USB ports - I think all laptops will have them, but you better confirm it just in case!
Monitor output, if you'll be using your extra monitor to connect to your laptop, check and make sure that they have the same type of connections DVI, miniDVI, 15-pin RGB - worst case you'll have to buy a ~$20 adapter.

High-Speed Rail

2009-08-06T16:48:00.002-05:00

America totally needs a high speed rail system. Our Airline system just isn't cutting it.

The official Web site of the High Line and Friends of the High Line

2009-08-06T16:45:00.002-05:00

Not exactly sure about this, cause I haven't read all about it. But its an abandoned raised train route that has been converted to a park or something. Looks pretty cool.

TiVo Wireless Network

2009-07-27T13:08:00.003-05:00

I am thinking about buying this wireless network adapter for the TiVo because my wired connection isn't really working out for me. I need one that will connect using a WPA2 Personal connection and according to some customer comments, it will.

Tivo AG0100 Wireless G USB Network Adapter

Hook me up with some free SBUX Ice Cream!

2009-07-06T15:19:00.001-05:00

Hook me up with some free SBUX Ice Cream!

Forget Web 2.0, welcome to web 3.0

2009-07-06T14:30:00.002-05:00

Facebook, iPhone, Twitter...they're ushering in the next version of the web, customizable to whatever you want it to be...it's all connected...Facebook's future: Web 3.0?

Tips for keeping your iPhone running cool

2009-07-06T14:25:00.003-05:00

For those you who have an iPhone and trying to get the most out of it, here are some general tips about using and storing it related to the temperature of the device and the environment around it. : Apple updates heat advisory for iPhone 3GS

These posts are few and far between

2008-09-28T23:59:00.002-05:00

Life is fast, too fast. I don't ever have any time to post here, as you can see its been nearly 10 months. Life's good tho, being engaged is hard. We've got 75 days left and we can hardly wait. Most of the big things are taken care of, but now its just the millions of details to handle.

Well, its been a while again since my last post.

2007-12-06T22:29:00.000-06:00

I haven't written a note is a while, so here is what I've been up to....

Well, I joined the YMCA just around the corner from my house and started working out there in the mornings with Hampton. We go like really early, for like 45 mins or an hour. It feels good to get some exercise. Then on the other days that we don't work out, I've been going to Perks to read and listen to music, and I must say on those days, I really find myself filled with joy. Its great. I've been reading through Isaiah, its good stuff, but I'm not sure what all of it really means. I must say that my favorite verse thus far in my readings is Isaiah 1:17. Its a good one. Just straight to the point, no ifs, ands, buts about it. Its what life is all about, its just that simple. Anyway, just read it.

I went to the new Barnes & Noble the other night at Perkins Rowe with Christian. Christian, Josh and I try to meet on Wednesday nights to hang out and read together at B&N... But, as far as the new B&N goes, I wasn't too impressed with it. I mean compared to the other one at Citiplace, its just so bland. I think a big part is that its only one floor and with a false ceiling, ya know, those ceiling tiles and its just a big huge room with quite a boring layout design. It's got no character, no distinctive design, I guess expected more from Perkins Rowe and B&N.

Tonight I went with Emily to First Pres' Staff Christmas Party. It was fun. It was a white elephant party, great gifts! :) And the food was delicious and company was great! I've hung out with Emily every night this week. Which is rare 'cause she's so busy! So, its been a good week! :)

If you wanna see the website my group at work is in charge of maintaining, go check it out: www.laworks.net. It's a nice simple, well designed, easy to maneuver website. The programs that I work on can't be accessed without a logon. So you won't be able to see what I spend most of my time on unless you can logon. Oh well.

I went swimming today. Man I had forgotten how much energy that takes out of you. I only swam for maybe like 20 minutes and gosh, I was worn out. But it felt good.

Well, that's all I got for now. Later!

Job Search continues...

2007-08-17T14:25:00.000-05:00

Good week for applying for jobs, but nothing set yet. I've got over 6 applications for specific jobs and companies and a few resumes floating around looking for the right person to pick it up and find the perfect job for me. I just pray that the LORD would guide and direct me as to where and what He would have me to do. The LORD has brought me back to Baton Rouge, so I'm confident that he'll provide the right job for me here, sometimes its just hard to live that out and always act accordingly.

Job searching...

2007-08-13T10:49:00.001-05:00

Well, after a nice week at the beach with my family, its good to be back in Baton Rouge again. But now its time to continue my job search. I'm in the middle of applying for jobs and meeting up with friends to see if they have any opportunities for me. Amazingly the Lord has given me a peace about the job search and I'm confident that he'll provide a job for me and I'm excited to see what kind of doors may open. So I make sure I do my part of looking then I've got to evaluate everything so that I don't just jump at the first job offer I get. I

I have many other things to take care of too, such as moving back into my condo, repairing the water damage in the cabinets above the sink in my kitchen, gotta buy a car and get a cell phone.

So, thats all the posting I can do for now. Now its time to go find a job! :)

My Luggage

2007-08-03T07:25:00.000-05:00

Has arrived. After spending 36 hours home without my luggage, it finally arrived. YAY!! I must say tho, once it finally arrived, I was a little overwhelmed with unpacking. But I'm just glad that I don't have all my stuff yet, since my other stuff was sent via HK Post, it'll be here in a few weeks. Delaying the unpacking for a little longer...

Back in Baton Rouge

2007-08-01T20:35:00.000-05:00

Hello EVERYONE!!! I made it back to BR safe and sound. Thanks for all your prayers. Now if you could pray for my luggage to make it home too! Apparently when it got checked in Hong Kong, my luggage was marked for a final destination to Dallas...opps, didn't check on that in time. Hopefully it'll come home very soon, otherwise, me and American Airlines are gonna be fighting!

Two weeks in Kigali, Rwanda.

2007-07-10T10:55:00.000-05:00

So, I've been in Rwanda for the last couple weeks. My Church in Hong Kong, took a group to Kigali, Rwanda. For most, the trip was two weeks, for some shorter and a couple others longer. I stayed for two weeks.

Our theme verse for the trip was Micha 6:8, so this is design for our trip Tshirt.

We all meet at Hong Kong International Airport on Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 6pm. The trip started just fine, until we got off the plane and I realized that I left my iPod on the plane. I was pretty bummed out at first, but after spending two weeks in Rwanda, wow, I really can't complain about anything!

The biggest thing that I came away from my trip to Rwanda, is the incredible joy that the people there have dispite what they have been through and poverty they are living in. They are so grateful even the smallest of things. Its amazing.

While in Rwanda, we partnered with Youth with a Mission (YWAM). YWAM currently is ministering to many different groups, with those ministries already up and running, we simply went along with some of those ministries. Some of those ministries are with street kids that usually orphans that are the head of their household or raised by their siblings, others are with men and women who have AIDS or are HIV+. Another ministry we served with was to make home visits with widows and another one for women who are desperate to get out of the trap of prostitution. We basically did the same things everywhere we went: Proclaim the glory of the risen God in Jesus Christ, shared some of our testimonies, listened to their testimonies, praises and prayer request and prayed for them.

We also had the opportunity to visit A Kingdom Business started by Chris Page and a local Rwandan designer: Cards from Africa. A kingdom business is about using business to share the gospel in a meaningful and tangible way. Its also redeeming business to fulfill a bigger purpose than just making a profit, but bring glory to God. I am really attracted to this idea of Kingdom Businesses, there is just something about that just resonates within me.

We're in the process of gathering all the photos from everyone on the trip. A lot of pictures are on Facebook and some videos are on YouTube. If you have Facebook, check out the group created for the trip entitled: "Rwanda. Act. Love. Walk. Micha 6:8" to see some of the others' thoughts on the trip and some pictures. If you don't have a Facebook account, you really should get one!

Now, I have less than three weeks left in HK. I was talking with Will Pritchard today, and mentioned to him how I’m a little anxious to see how my worldview has changed. I may not have even noticed the changes, but probably there are things in BR that once were normal to me, may feel foreign now. I’m sure at some level I’ll notice some things, but I’m thinking more of a small scale, but we’ll see.

Lasts in HK

2007-06-13T04:08:00.000-05:00

I'm rapidly approaching the end of my time in HK. The end of this chapter of my life and the start of a new one. This usually happens to me. Whenever the end of something comes, either a school year or a job or moving, I feel like I've just gotten the hold of it. Like I've just gotten a good grasp on the best way to live life in my current positions. Does that happen to you too?

Even though I still have a several weeks left in Hong Kong, I'm experiencing some things for the last time, we had our last REAL:Time and Encounter last week, today was my last GLOW at HKIS and therefore one of the last times I'll probably go out to Stanley and the PCC there (where I'm at now as I write this post). A couple weeks ago was our last Christian Club at CIS, we'll probably have one of the last "FULL" Transformers pretty soon before the majority of the students go somewhere for the summer. The last time I see some students and friends. The last time I'll go to my favorite spots in HK. It just seems so surreal. Like I'm just watching everyone and everything just live and move and breath and act and laugh right in front of me. As if, tomorrow or next week, or next semester I'll be back doing it all again, but I won't.

So, for the next "LASTS" that I have left, I want to savour it. Soak it all up. Remember every detail, the views, the laughs, the smiles, the smells, the friends, the games, the food...all of it. If only I could bottle it up, and take a "sip" of it every now and again. But, Apple Inc or Facebook has invented that product yet, but they are well on their way.... so, for now. I'll have to just sit back and enjoy it. Take pictures, don't rush, process everything. Stop and look around to notice the details. Will you help me do that?

Someone stole my seat on bus 23

2007-05-11T11:54:00.000-05:00

So, we went to the Matt Redman Concert tonight and it was really cool. The band was great along with Louie Giglio. There was a translator at the event, which I think it kind of threw Louie's rhythm off. But nonetheless, it was good to hear Louie speak.

After the concert, we ate dinner at a nearby food court and then we were off to The Corner to play Wii, so we hopped on the 23 bus. It was me, Dillon, Jo, Kelly, Alan, Jessie, Gwyn and Cherie. So, Kelly had to get off earlier than we did cause she was taking the 40 Minibus home. Kelly was sitting next to Dillon before she got off. Right after she got off, Dillon was like "come sit next to me" and before I could take two steps to get to the seat, this Chinese man sidesteps me and steals the seat! I was like oh SNAP! We all started laughing and the man just sat there looking forward, either completely oblivious to his surroundings or didn't care that he totally took my seat. It's not that I mind giving up my seat to someone, especially someone in need like this old man. But the thing is, this guy already had a seat. He came in from the shadows, from his own seat in the back of the bus. He, stole my seat, on bus 23.

Wow time FLYS!!

2007-04-21T04:51:00.000-05:00

Well, as time goes on, my frequency of posts just continues to fall. It has been four months since my last post, which means this post will most likely be very long. But I won't include EVERYTHING as I have at times, we'll start where I left off last time. I have inserted several links to online photos and albums, so make sure you visit the links to see some of the stuff I've seen and photographed.

Well, back in December and January it was wonderful to have my parents visit me in Hong Kong. My dad only got to stay for Christmas, but my mom was here all the way into January, a week past her birthday. I've uploaded some pictures of their time, view them here. We had a great time hanging out. We saw a ton of HK! We visited a Book Printer for my aunt and loaded up with some free "Samples." We had to know the quality of their products! A few days later, Jo Lam's family took us out to dinner at a place out in the New Territories, that was awesome! That night marked my one year anniversary being in Hong Kong. Good times!

Chinese new year came and went. It is the year of the pig and the new year started on February 18th. This picture is of two of my Caregroup members, Minori and Ashley, well actually three of them, you can Marcus in the background. On the weekend of the 23rd, most of my Caregroup went to see Minori in her first performance of Vagina Monologues. I was a little reluctant to go, but to show my friend our support, most, if not all, of our caregroup went. Minori did an excellent job on her performance. Overall, the show wasn't as awkward as I thought it would be. I guess you could say it was an enlightening experience. But I think once is enough for me.

March came and Encounter had their retreat the second weekend of the month. On that Friday night, REAL:Time had a Prayer Labyrinth. I love Prayer Labyrinths, this one was really neat and I think the students really enjoyed it. I didn't really take many pictures of it and that happens everytime. But I did take a picture of it all packed up in a bag on a cart ready to be wheeled anywhere. And also of everything unpacked and spread out. It doesn't look like much, but it made for a great Prayer Labyrinth. Well with the labyrinth all packed up hung I brought it along with me as I went to the Retreat (which was so cleverly named "RETREAT") on Saturday morning. At the Retreat we out with everyone, discussed life and God, played some football, watched Turley be wheeled away to get 4 stitches on his face. Yeah he has a little bit of a scar now, but he's a stud so its ok. Then, we chilled for a little bit and Gwyn and I set up the Prayer Labyrinth and after we all ate dinner, I ran the Prayer Labyrinth for a couple hours, then packed up the Labyrinth back into its cart and went home to get some sleep in my bed ('cause its the best bed ever!) and so would be ready to go to Church the next morning.

Then, a couple of days later I was off to Beijing with Tim and Cindy and Cindy's Parents and their friends. It really was a great trip! Cindy is an excellent tour guide! We saw the Great Wall the first day which was awesome. I'm told that part of it's over 3000 years old. WOW! Then after lunch at The Schoolhouse near the Great Wall, we made our way back to town and went to Summer Palace where some guy tricked me into swaping my legit 100RMB bill for his counterfeit bill, those swindlers! Arrgg! :( But Summer Palace was really neat, regardless of my lose. The next day started with Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden. While in the Forbidden City, we went to the infamous Starbucks that is located within the Forbidden City and is under some scrutiny and may be forced to close. I think the Forbidden City was my favorite historical place in Beijing, the shear size of the complex is amazing. We finished with going to the market to buy stuff that I barely even need. Then that night we saw a Play about a Kung Fu student and his struggle to became a Kung Fu master. It was exciting and very energetic. The next day we started with Temple of Heaven in the morning and then went back to our market and more stuff that we barely needed. But it was cheap! Then we left the next day. Being in Beijing made me appreciate Hong Kong much more. Beijing is dirty with a ton of pollution and it is just huge! So I was excited to make my return back to HK.

I've been trying to take some good pictures of Hong Kong before I leave so I took some picture of the Hong Kong Island Skyline one night towards the end of March. This is one my favorite.

Ok, I'm almost done, we're getting closer to the present (at least at the time of posting). The second week of April I went to Shanghai for a few days. To get there I took a 24 hour Train ride to Shanghai with some friends, Anders, Mattias, and LiDan. The train ride wasn't really too bad. We each had our own bed. There was a dinning car. The rooms we were in had 6 beds to a room and 99% of the travelers were nice Chinese people. Of course there were more expensive rooms that only have four beds in them and also some that only have two beds. I was comfortable with my bed. I'm not sure how I would have managed without and iPod to watch videos and listen to music and sermons, man that was a life saver! The weather in Shanghai was pretty good. The first night while in Shanghai we went to People's Square and then walked down Nanjing road towards the Bund. Thi is a picture of the Pudong side. I went up that tall space needle building, it's the Oriental Pearl TV Tower.We took the amazing sight seeing tunnel (it really wasn't that amazing, go figure) and then went up to the top of the Pearl TV tower to have a look at the Bund and the rest of the city at night time. That was pretty neat. Then, the next day we went and looked at the Bund during the day, then we went over to "Old China Town" and ate some Shanghainese Dumplings for lunch. Next, we made our way over to the French Concession area. The French Concession area was my favorite area of Shanghai. It felt like I was in Europe. Then that night we all got 90 minute foot massages, it was awesome! The next day, we went to Suzhou, Anders and Mattias knew a couple that lived their. So, that was pretty neat to have someone show us around and be so kind and generous to us. They brought us all around the small city of 6 million people! We saw a light show, a temple, some shopping areas, rode some buses, took some taxis, ate food from a street vendor, it was great! Then the next day, we went to Tiger Hill, which the most famous Pagoda in Suzhou. The area around it was very nice too, with pavilions and flower displays and Pig displays. Its the year of the Pig, remember! Then it was back to Shanghai for the night. I ate dinner at Nick and Soojin's and we talked about life in Asia, career advice for me, and the Way of the Master, which is a really good book and I strongly recommend it! That was great night too. Then I left the next day on another 24 hour train ride back to Hong Kong.

Whew! This is really long now. I better end it soon, if you've made it this far, thanks for hanging on for the ride. Post a comment and let me know what you think or how much you miss me, 'cause I bet I miss you more! :)

So, here we are, the last paragraph for the post. I set a new personal record. You may be thinking what did he run really far or really fast. Nope. I spent eight and a half hours at Starbucks this past Saturday. It is my favorite one in Hong Kong, so it was a good place to spend that long there. I met my friend David to play Risk. And Risk we played, but when we get together to play Risk, the actual game of Risk isn't actually the main focus of hanging out. It's just something to do while we hang out. Anyway, we met there about 9:45 and we played Risk until Dave had to leave around 3 or so. Then I stayed until 6:15 and left to go to HKIS to the school musical which was entitled "Working." They did a great job performing for it. Very talented group.

Those are the main things I've been up to besides, the usual stuff of like work and visiting schools and preparing for REAL:Time and Transformers, lunch after Church with my Caregroup, weekly Monday night Caregroup meetings, going to Starbucks and PCC, grocery shopping, riding in buses, trains and Taxis, watching Smallville, Friends and Seinfeld on my iPod and listening to music and sermons while transporting, checking email and Facebook. I think that about covers it, at least that'll do for now!

Superhero personality test

2007-01-08T10:45:00.000-06:00

So, I found this website from Jesse, thanks man!

Your results:You are The Flash

The Flash		85%
Superman		80%
Spider-Man		70%
Green Lantern		70%
Robin		65%
Hulk		55%
Iron Man		50%
Supergirl		45%
Catwoman		30%
Wonder Woman		25%
Batman		20%

Fast, athletic and flirtatious.

Click here to take the "Which Superhero am I?" quiz...

2007

2007-01-08T10:12:00.000-06:00

So, I guess its time for a post. It has been over TWO MONTHS!

Sure enough, November was busy. Taylor came and went. Our trip to Bali, Indonesia was great, and well, Kuala Lumpur, it was alright. Granted we were only there for about 22 hours, so not too much we were really able to do or see. We managed to watch two full length films in the IMAX in K.L.'s Times Square (NYC Times Square is much cooler!) I didn't really research too much about K.L., so maybe that has something to do with it...nah! :) Anyway, here are pictures from our trip: Taylor's Visit to Asia!

December was, as always, CRAZY! And I'm single! I can't even imagine being married with kids and having to go here are there, etc... Why is Christmas time so crazy? I don't think that is the way God intended this holiday to go this way!...anyway...

It was so great to have my parents here for Christmas time. Of course just to have them here in Hong Kong is cool, they get to see where I live, where I work, where I go grocery shopping, the buses I ride, the incredible MTR (subway) system HK has, the amazing views, (luckily the weather has been nice!), eat the restaurants I like, ya know experience parts of life in HK that i've been living the past year. Speaking of, yeah its been a year since I've been in HK. One year! (January 6th) Man how time flies... but to have them here is great and then on top of that at CHRISTMAS TIME! The most wonderful time of the year! (so cheesy and cliche, i know, but it really is! Well, except for my bday, but I'm sure only a small portion of the world would agree with me on that one.)

I've been taking a ton of pictures lately, but I haven't uploaded any yet, maybe I'll do that soon... But I'm done for now.

By the way...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

October Update

2006-10-29T06:48:00.000-06:00

Well October has been a pretty busy month. It started with helping Tim and Cindy pack up and move to Lamma Island. View www.lamma.com.hk to learn a little about the Lamma Island community. You can also check out wikipedia's entry on Lamma Island. Its basically one of the 236 outlying Islands of Hong Kong. As Tim refers to Lamma in one of his blog posts as "...the place where all the hippies hang out...". There is definitely some truth there! Its a nice community to live in though. Some people view the commute unbearable. I don't. It's a little long, but once you get to their place. Its all worth it to hang out with the LaTours and have incredible views as such --> :)

Of course, the normal weekly job activities I still have: planning and preparing for REAL:Time (the weekly youth group), having REAL:Time, coordinating teachers for Transformers (Youth Sunday School), responding to emails, updating bulletin announcements, visiting schools during lunch time or after school for Christian Clubs. By now, I think I've managed to balance all that. However, we've just had the annual Love Actually (High School Students) and the first Love Actually LITE (8th Graders only) retreats. Both are focused on the topics of purity, love, relationships, etc. Of course, there's more. The weekend following the Love Actually retreats, is the annual Christian Youth Conference in Hong Kong. As most Youth Pastors in Hong Kong, we're helping out with it as well. We created the flyers, registration form, posters, program of the day booklet. I also have been working the CYC MC's to help create an intro video for them and work out the details of what all they'll have to do and say at the conference. Its been a busy , but good month. I say all that to say, while the job of being a Youth Pastor is pretty fun most of the time, it comes along with a pretty crazy schedule at times, and usually a lot of work.

But I've been having some fun outside of work too! Tim and Cindy had a Birthday celebration for Lillian and I was part of it. Tim told me about a BMW event Cindy had seen, so I went to see the BMW Experience. If I would have had HK Drivers License, I could have driven a BMW! Maybe next time :). I went with Tim, Cindy, Lillian and Cheryl to Lamma Fun Day. I've been reading a book called The Travel Detective by Peter Greenberg. And I've been staying at a really cool apartment because my roommate's family is in town.

So, I can't complain. Life is going pretty well. I still miss BR, my family and friends there. I'm getting excited about Taylor coming to visit in November, and our excursion to Malaysia and Bali. And! my parents are going to be visiting me! For Christmas! I'm really excited about having them come and visit me.

September Update

2006-09-18T00:13:00.000-05:00

Well, life is going well in HK. The new fall semester is quicking becoming routine. Last weekend, September 15th, we had a sleepover for REAL:Time. Our main activity was a photo scavenger hunt in Causeway Bay. We had certain things that our group had to do and then take a picture of it. We got some great photos. I have uploaded them onto my online photo album. Here is a preview:

MyPhotoAlbum free photo and video sharing

After the scavenger hunt, we went back to The Corner (Thats the name of our Ministry Center in Wan Chai) and played some group games and just kind of hung out. Of course all the guys wanted to do was play Halo. So after prying them away from the XBOX to do anything else, we played "Who's who in the Zoo" and "Mafia, the winking game" and just talked and hung out. Eventually we went to sleep, a good time was had by all...at least as far as I could tell! And to top it off...Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in the morning. What's a sleepover without doughnuts?!

On August 26th, ECC put on a Father Son Junk Boat Trip and I was able to be a part of it. It was grand time, banana boating, swiming in the ocean, exploring around on the beach, wakeboarding, hearing the hitchhiker stories about Brad Jordan's life, eating tons of Subway sandwiches, jumping off the top level with Ben and Thomas. Good times! I was a bit dissapointed that 10 or so people canceled the day of the trip, but since there were only five of us on the trip, we had the boat all to ourselves! Check out the picture album from the Boat Trip.

I've been listening to Matt Chandler from the Village Church in Dallas, TX. He's been going through Ecclesiastes and its been amazing! I've really enjoyed it and been encouraged tremendously by the teachings. You can download the mp3's from their website or if you have iTunes, Subscribe to the Podcast

Well, the 2006 National Youth Workers Convention is coming up this year and I'm not gonna be able to go on it. I must say I'm a bit dissappointed that I'm not going to be able to go to it. Although, I must say that I was greatly encouraged and challenged when a friend of mine offered to pay for my flight to the conference. (Thanks again! ;D) Even though, I've been every year the last five years, I still look forward to it every year. It is just such a refreshing, encouraging, learning growing time that I've gotten use to have it being part of my life. But, not this year, the timing is just not right. I'm trusting the LORD that it's His will for me to not go to the NYWC this year and stay here in HK and let him refresh, encourage, teach, and grow me.

A few side notes: Apple just introduced new iPod Nanos. They're cool and all. But I won't get a new iPod until the next major redesign when Screen is bigger. I'd really like to have a wireless feature too. Maybe its just with Bluetooth for sync'ing and playing music through wireless headphones or maybe as far as a satelite, kinda-XM-like connectivity....who know if they'll come out with that. But if they do, I'd be on pre-sale list. :) iTunes was also recently updated, some cool view updates, and now you can play games on your iPod, crazy! By the way, Tim, it sure was fun READING the release from the mac expo with you! Good times!

If you don't already have an online photo album website (or don't like the one you have) I strongly suggest using myphotoalbum.com. They recently came out with new import tools....even one for iPhoto. Its great! I really like it, it makes uploading pictures simple. I just want to make my life more simple, is that too much to ask?!

Ok, well thats all for now. Hope you enjoyed this update. Take care and let me know how you're doing. Post a comment or send me an email!

Krispy Kreme in HONG KONG!

2006-07-30T10:08:00.000-05:00

Oh wow, I can't believe it. Krispy Kreme has come to Hong Kong. I'm just so lucky that I only had to wait for 7 months, many here have waited a life time! They'll be opening their doors on Tuesday, August 8, 2006. Liam and I even got a free "sample" well, 6 free samples each to be exact. I only ate two of them. I put the rest of mine in the refrigerator for Tim and Cindy to enjoy. :)

I have pictures of the doughnuts but, I'm gonna go no pics. This is just a quick update, brought to you by Krispy Kreme (that's kinda like an ad, ya think they'd pay me for that? I'll take my payment in the form of doughnuts :D!

25 Things...

2006-07-16T03:36:00.000-05:00

I was challenged by Jesse Garner (in person mind you!) to list 25 things, in no specific order, that I feel represent success and sophistication. So here are mine. You should give it a try. Let me know if you did it, I'd love to hear/read what you came up with.

1. Knowledge of world events (both past and present)
2. Well-read in the scriptures
3. Proper Table etiquette
4. Cigars
5. Well dressed
6. Ability to handle yourself in any given situation
7. A family (that loves you)
8. Well traveled
9. Owns an Italian car
10. Well groomed
11. Physically fit
12. Original oil paintings
13. Masters degree
14. Lived outside of the US
15. Good tipper
16. Know your way around the kitchen
17. Member of a country club
18. A pilots license
19. Hosts wine and cheese parties
20. Multi-lingual
21. Has a butler
22. Multiple homes
23. Reads the Wall Street Journal regularly
24. Good public speaking skills
25. Has created a work of art

My Summer '06 travel tales of Washington, D.C.

2006-07-04T17:11:00.000-05:00

Well my trip to DC is winding down. Its been a fun trip. Even though my flight from HK to Chicago got delayed nearly 24 hours, I eventually met my parents in DC on Saturday night, and I was exhausted, but VERY HAPPY to see them! We ate dinner at the hotel and then went to sleep.

Sunday began with a free breakfast buffet, because the air con in our room was not cooling very well and the hotel mgt couldn't do much to fix it. Free breakfast solved that problem for the Soule family! Every morning after that I ate the pancakes, they were delicious, except for the ones I had on tuesday morning, those, were just alright.

After breakfast we went to the air and space museum and then lunch there at the food court. Then we made a very short visit to the Art History museum, anticipating a return.
Next, we made our way to the American History museum. And then we got some ice cream in the mall. It was so nice just to be with Mom and De and the Gremillion family.

Then, Sunday night, the rain started. I think the rain helped me to sleep that night. But little did I know that it was raining THREE MONTH'S WORTH! Record setting for the month of June since 1972. Flash flooding all over the DC/VA/MD area. All of the Smithsonian's were closed and we couldn't go back to see the things we missed. But, we made the most of the situation and kept going.

We visited Georgetown. We almost saw the President. He was at the Four Seasons Hotel for a meeting or something and our Taxi driver told us he'd be leaving soon. So we started to walk down there, but we just missed him. So we continued, the girls did a little shopping and the guys went to the local Starbucks and talked about stuff and read. It was quite nice. Then, we ate lunch at a BBQ place. What else did we do? Oh we went to Union Station and then went up to the Capitol and got to go hear a bill go through congress on the House of Rep. side. It was pretty neat. The we were listening to was the one about whether they can change the constitituion to allow congress to punish flag burning...or something like that.

So I only had a few days with my family. It was nice, short, but nice. I'm sure for the next few weeks I'll be missing them pretty bad until I get back into the swing of things back in HK and then I'll plenty of things to keep me busy.

The group from HK arrived on Wed, June 28, and we toured the DC area on Thursday, Friday and then the conference started Saturday. Between the three days we saw, the Washington Monument (from the inside too), WWII memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Monument, The Air and Space Museum (all the other Smithsonian's were closed), The US Capitol Building and the National Mall. We had a good time are the arcade games while we were waiting for our table at the ESPN Zone Restaurant. We walked at least a total of 5 miles each day. Maybe longer on Thursday, because we walked almost two miles in 45 minutes, when we walked from the WW II memorial to the Capitol building. Only after that walk did I discover that there was a Metro stop that we could've taken. Opps! :) I had forgotten how spread out everything was.

Then, on Saturday, the conference began. DCLA '06 was a great conference. The "Big Room" was really neat. We saw the Gospel of John presented in so many different ways: HipHop style, courtesy of Fred Lynch; Skit style from the Perspective of Andrew and Peter, courtsey of Ted and Lee; then regular lecture/speaker style courtsey of six of seven different speakers (only one at a time though!) It was neat how they made the two hour "Big Room" sessions not get stale by having a major change in the program every few minutes.

I think the Learning Labs had a huge effect of the students too. They were quickly able to break down spritual barriers/walls and just be real with each other because of the way the kids were broken up into groups where no one in their group had they known previously. They were able to practice the "3 Story" evangelism: My Story, Your Story and God's Story and how we all fit into God's Story.

Great to see my Family for a few days and the experience at the conference really seemed to have quite a positive impact on all the kids. So, a good trip in deed it was.

Junk Boat Trip and Liam's 24 Experience

2006-06-05T07:45:00.000-05:00

This weekend I went on a Junk Boat. Here is a traditional Junk Boat, but thats not what they look like anymore. Check the pictures on my online photo album to see what Junk Boats look like now and to see some things we saw on trip. It was fun day. Overcast, which made it not quite as hot, and only a little rain, so it was quite nice.

Then Saturday night a group of my friends did karaoke and it was a fun time. They have some places to do karaoke here, and there not just bars. There are business just for just to karaoke. Little small rooms, where you have maybe two or three mics and hundred of thousands of songs to choose from. Good times.

Meanwhile, Liam had a pretty good experience with the staying at the Flying Pan for 24 hours. He had a total of 24 visitors (kind of odd coincidence huh?) and watched 5 movies and they even gave him a Flying Pan T-Shirt. Pretty cool.