Zartok-3

2011-12-13T11:23:00.000-07:00

Interesting story on NPR about voter fraud. I found it interesting and a good example of NPR bias, particularly when Neal Conan is talking with Secretary Kobach.

2011-12-07T06:41:00.001-07:00

Hiked Ding and Dang canyons on November 12th. This site gives pretty good information, but it was more challenging than that site let on, especially for the younger boys. There are a lot of obstacles you have to maneuver around, and it's almost impossible not to get in the water.

Boy scout campout at Wasatch Mtn State Park

2011-09-11T16:07:00.002-06:00

Went camping with the boy scouts this Friday night to Wasatch Mtn State Park. We stayed at the Little Deer Creek campground which is more remote and not the one by the golf course. Here's a map
View Larger MapIn the morning we checked out Cascade Springs and the Homestead Crater.

Animated gifs from youth conference

2011-08-15T18:13:00.008-06:00

Nevermind. That was too much work and ended up annoying.

Desolation and Gray Canyon Green River Utah

2011-07-30T15:09:00.007-06:00

I'm headed on a raft trip on the Green river. Here's some info.

BLM info
Small map strip for scouts - I thought this was cool but it didn't have the mileage or rapids so the scouts didn't really use it
USGS river gage for Green River
Google Earth kmz
Pictures and videos

2011-07-24T15:49:00.000-06:00

4 Reasons Why Marriage IS a Dying Institution

(I don't agree)

Geologic time

2011-07-23T11:04:00.001-06:00

I saw this video awhile back and was thinking of it lately and looked it up again. I like the part where the city almost gets them.

Best diets

2011-06-15T08:27:00.001-06:00

Story about the best diets according to some experts and some magazine. I'll have to look into that when I finish this twinkie.

Reform congress

2011-06-07T14:29:00.005-06:00

Got a chain email from my father-in-law and although I won't forward it to twenty people, I do think it has some good points. Or maybe I'm just getting crotchety in my old age. Here's the jest:

Congressional Reform Act of 2011

1. No Tenure / No Pension.
A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.

2. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security.
All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for any other purpose.

3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.

4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.

7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/12.

The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen. Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to work.

What did people do before Google?

2011-05-23T17:03:00.001-06:00

Found this helpful tip today on changing the modified date of a file in Windows.

Nissan Computers vs. Nissan Motors

2011-05-10T15:19:00.004-06:00

Go to nissan.com and read the amazing story of a man named Uzi Nissan who was running his "Nissan Computer Corp" since 1991 and, since 1999, has been battling a lawsuit by Nissan Motors for $10,000,000 in damages for using the nissan.com and nissan.net domain names.

2011-05-10T15:11:00.001-06:00

These two videos show ex cops going into police stations and asking for a complaint form. What happens next is amazing:

Provo rocks

2010-05-27T14:47:00.002-06:00

My home town rocks. Provo ranked best mid-sized city in U.S.

"
• Best quality of life among 124 mid-sized metro areas in the US, by Bizjournals
• Nation's top city for commercial growth performance by The Milken Institute in 2008
• Metro area with highest volunteerism by The Corporation for National and Community Service in 2008
• One of "10 Great Places to Live, Work and Play" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance in 2008
• One of the "Best Cities for Married With Children" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance in 2007
• One of "50 Smart Places to Live" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance in 2006
• Eighth-safest mid-sized city by Farmers Insurance Group of Companies in 2005
"
-Daily Herald

Of course, not everyone agrees. Portfolio.com rated Provo as the "least fun" city, because we don't have any casinos. Aww... darn.

2010-01-25T13:48:00.003-07:00

A friend sent this to me. It's a place where you can give a donation to the LDS church to use in Haiti and read up on what the church has done in Haiti.

Blue vs. red

2009-10-08T15:22:00.005-06:00

Today at work we had an interesting discussion about blue vs. red. This is not to be confused with red vs. blue, the Halo short movies. I'm talking about the actual colors. Awhile back marketing decided that the color of the icon for the program I develop should be red, not blue as it has been for years. Everything else about the icon wouldn't change except the color. So, basically it's going from this:

to this:

Why the change? I'd like to think it has something to do with a study that shows that teams who wear red have an advantage over others. The real reason, however, is that red is what the graphic designers came up with. And who are we, mere mortals, to question the artistic gods of graphic design?

If you're wondering what the upside down triangle symbol is, it is a symbol commonly used on diagrams that show where the water table is.

I look forward to our enhanced dominance over the competition.

Labyrinth Canyon Canoe Trip

2009-07-07T13:07:00.005-06:00

Here are some pictures from our canoe trip through Labyrinth Canyon in May.

Labyrinth Canyon Canoe Trip Pictures

These pictures were graciously shared with us by the Jensen's who took them - our camera is somewhere at the bottom of the Green River.

Mormons and Same-Sex Marriage

2008-11-11T14:28:00.015-07:00

Some facts:

LDS Press Release

"Allegations of bigotry or persecution made against the Church were and are simply wrong. The Church’s opposition to same-sex marriage neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility toward gays and lesbians. Even more, the Church does not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches." (Press release)

Existing California Domestic Partnership Law

"A California domestic partnership is a legal relationship available to same-sex couples, and to certain opposite-sex couples in which at least one party is at least 62 years of age. It affords the couple virtually all of the same substantive legal benefits and privileges, and imposes upon the couple all of the same legal obligations and duties, that California law affords to and imposes upon a married couple." (Wikipedia)

Interview with Elder Oaks

"Let’s say my 17-year-old son comes to talk to me and, after a great deal of difficulty trying to get it out, tells me that he believes that he’s attracted to men — that he has no interest and never has had any interest in girls. He believes he’s probably gay..." An interview by Elder Oaks. (LDS Newsroom)

Kevin Hamilton's Letter on Proposition 8 and the Mormon Church

"3. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) donated no money to the Yes on 8 campaign. Individual members of the church were encouraged to support the Yes on 8 efforts and, exercising their constitutional right to free speech, donated whatever they felt like donating."
(Orson Scott Card article)

NY Times: Mormons Tipped Scale in Ban on Gay Marriage

"In the end, Protect Marriage estimates, as much as half of the nearly $40 million raised on behalf of the measure was contributed by Mormons."
(NY Times)

Pro Proposition 8 Video

Orson Scott Card's "State job is not to redefine marriage"

New Jersey forces eHarmony to start a gay matching service

Church Handbook of Instructions
"Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God. The church accordingly opposes same-gender marriages and any efforts to legalize such marriages. Church members are encouraged "to appeal to legislators, judges, and other government officials to preserve the purposes and sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, and to reject all efforts to give legal authorization or other official approval or support to marriages between persons of the same gender" (First Presidency letter, Feb. 1, 1994; see also "Homosexual Behavior" in the previous column).
As a doctrinal principle, based on the scriptures, the Church affirms that marriage between a man and a woman is essential to God's plan for the eternal destiny of His children. The powers of procreation are to be exercised only between a man and a woman who are lawfully wedded as husband and wife. Any other sexual relations, including those between persons of the same gender, undermine the divinely created institution of the family. The Church accordingly favors measures that define marriage as the union of a man and a woman and that do not confer legal status on any other sexual relationship. While opposing same-gender marriage, the Church reaches out with understanding and respect to individuals who are attracted to those of the same gender."

Trial Bike Videos

2008-10-28T21:16:00.004-06:00

Trials - Ryan Leech
Ryan Leech!
Hamster Cage
Danny Macaskill
trials-online

It's my year !

2008-10-28T14:12:00.002-06:00

Mens Reactions Peak At Age 39

Police stops

2008-10-27T12:40:00.002-06:00

How to handle police stops.

Examples of things OK to say to police officers:

"Why'd you pull me over?"
"Officer, how can I help?"
"Why?"
"I don't consent to any searches, sir."
"I know you're doing your job but I've got nothing to say to you."

"Constitution-Free Zone"

2008-10-24T18:05:00.007-06:00

Do you live in the "Constitution-Free Zone"?

If so, you may want to learn from this guy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6uw7506xMw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKDdH8xtpN4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv8hoQYeVl0

Note he says:
"What's the purpose of this stop?"
"Am I being detained?"
"Am I free to go?"

Here's a link to his blog.

Bailout

2008-10-03T14:53:00.001-06:00

RJD sent me this blog on the bailout. The quote from Ezra Taft Benson's biography makes you think.

Jim Gilchrist in the paper

2008-09-26T08:41:00.001-06:00

My brother-in-law, Jim Gilchrist, appeared in a Deseret News story yesterday. He appears in the picture that accompanied the story and his name is in the picture caption but he isn't mentioned in the story itself. It's a pretty cool story.

Need an Editor, Writer, Graphic Designer, Marketing, or PR Expert?

2008-09-19T06:49:00.000-06:00

My brother David was the Online Breaking News Writer at the Idaho Statesman (Wikipedia page), Boise Idaho's #1 newspaper, until the paper laid him and a bunch of others off this week. The newspaper business is declining (Forbes). He's been an editor, writer, and graphic designer for years. His work is REALLY good. I'll post some samples or links to some of his stuff as soon as I can get it. [Edit: Try here.]

If you know of any job openings, let me know and I'll pass it to him. David's Linked-in profile.

Dave Ramsey

2008-09-07T08:22:00.000-06:00

Celeste and I recently took a financial class called Financial Peace University (FPU). It's the creation of Dave Ramsey, who I didn't know anything about until we took the class. We really liked it, and it has completely changed the way we deal with money. We've managed to build up a significant amount of savings by doing the things we learned in the class. There is nothing new or revolutionary taught in the class - it's all very basic, conservative principles - but it is organized and taught well and is very motivational. You are motivated to actually DO the basic principles.

The class cost us $99 (the price varies somewhat depending on how it is presented), which I didn't like paying. But it has been well worth it for us. Perhaps paying the $99 made us take it more seriously.

One of the interesting things about the class is how it is being received by the LDS community. An FPU class is sponsored by churches, businesses or some other entity. My perception (I have no real data) is that other non-LDS denominations have been holding Dave Ramsey classes in their churches for awhile, but I think it is taking longer to make inroads into the LDS church. Nevertheless, it is making inroads.

Dave is a vocal christian, and although he's not a preacher, he often quotes the Bible in his financial lectures. I think Mormons have traditionally had a hard time accepting non-Mormon Bible quoting Christians. Dave seems to use a modern English translation of the Bible and Mormons seem to feel uncomfortable when anything other than the King James translation is used.

Also, I think Mormons have a hard time paying the $99 because there is a big tradition of a non-payed ministry and volunteering in the church (Friends of Scouting not withstanding).

Perhaps the biggest obstacle is the Church Handbook of Instructions which has specific rules on the use of church buildings and expressly forbids anything that is commercial. Nevertheless, some bishops and stake presidents seem to be granting permission for Financial Peace University classes to be held in church buildings. I think they recognize the financial troubles so many of their members are in and think that FPU is a good thing. So far, church HQ has not said anything to discourage this.

Office Depot

2008-08-26T07:14:00.001-06:00

There was a deal on office chairs at Office Depot but when I got there they wouldn't honor the deal. I had made the order online and selected in-store pickup. I discussed it with the store management and called corporate HQ but they wouldn't budge. Nor would they make any offer of recompense for their mistake and wasting my time. I had three kids with me and had to drive to another city to get to the store - but they made no offer.

It's one thing to make a mistake, but it's another thing not to take responsibility for your mistake.

I won't be shopping at Office Depot in the future.

Obama vs. McCain on government spending

2008-08-21T13:03:00.000-06:00

There are a number of issues important to me this election, including:

Civil liberties (illegal phone taps, surveillance etc)
Government spending / national debt
Health care
Iraq
Energy

Reader's Digest ran interviews of Obama and McCain in which they asked them "If you had to make one issue a priority, what would it be?" Obama mentioned Iraq, energy, and health care. McCain mentioned government spending.

Neither mentioned civil liberties. I think the damage Bush has done in that area is probably irreversible.

I'm undecided right now. At least the choices this time are better than they have been for awhile.

last.fm

2008-08-15T17:50:00.000-06:00

I just discovered last.fm. I love it. After installing it I played through my 4 and 5 start rated music in Windows Media player and last "scrobbled" my music - meaning it paid attention to what I was listening to. After that, I had it recommend new music, and so far I really like it's recommendations, although it's maybe a little heavy on the country. The music quality is great, you can skip, and you can play songs at will. I don't know too much about it yet beyond that but so far so good.

Real National Debt at $53 trillion

2008-08-14T11:45:00.000-06:00

I listened to this great segment on NPR where the former U.S. comptroller general explained how the real national debt is about $53 trillion. Check it out here. The foundation mentioned on NPR can be found here.

Deficits DO matter despite what Dick Cheney might think.

Bryce Canyon

2008-08-11T17:59:00.000-06:00

We had a great trip to Bryce. The temperature was just right - not too hot or cold. It rained just a bit. See the pics.

Joaquin Neighborhood Block Party

2008-07-30T22:49:00.000-06:00

On July 24th we had our third annual Joaquin Neighborhood Block Party. There were a couple of changes this year. We had live entertainment, which was ... interesting. And instead of illegal fireworks and an angry fire marshall we watched "Raiders of the Lost Arc". Also, we had real barricades this year and no one drove through our party.

On the negative side, it seemed like our numbers were down a bit this year - a lot of people were out of town I think. Also I think it lacked that certain Sara Wall touch (Sara was out of town this year). Kevin Wall really did a lot - securing the permit, putting up the movie screen then taking it down and putting it up in another place, buying all the hot dogs, and then cooking them all. Whew!

Pictures at Picasa

Mount Timpanogos Hike

2008-07-17T10:11:00.000-06:00

We hiked Mount Timpanogos July 12th 2008. We were on the trail for over 13 hours. We tried the Aspen Grove trail this time thinking it might be a little more direct, but I think it took longer due to all the snow fields we had to cross. I've decided I like the Timpooneke trail better.

We saw tons of wildflowers, saw lots of mountain goats, slid down the glacier, and got sunburned. I brought along a saucer sled to slide down the glacier but I lost it in the first two seconds as I was sliding down.

Pictures on Picasa.

Here are some YouTube videos.

Here's a map of the Aspen Grove trail. You need both the Aspen Grove and Timpanogos Cave topo maps. You can download them for free from the Utah Division of Water Resources map page.

San Rafael Swell Biking Trip

2008-06-21T22:55:00.000-06:00

My brother came down from Idaho and we took some of our kids camping and biking in the San Rafael Swell. My trailer with all the bikes in it broke down on a dirt road in the middle of the desert, but we were able to lash it together using our Boy Scout skills. The bike trail was pretty challenging, at least it was for the kids, but everyone made it all the way. We road to an airstrip and some great pictographs. We did some geocaching along the way. See all the photos. Google Earth KMZ.

Antelope Island

2008-06-21T22:46:00.001-06:00

We spent two nights camping at Antelope Island State Park. Antelope Island is an island in the Great Salt lake, connected to the mainland by a causeway. For all the time we've lived here we've never been to the Great Salt Lake so we decided it was about time we went. We went on some good short hikes, got rained on, saw buffalo, deer, birds, and yes, antelope (technically pronghorn). We also swam in the lake, ate s'mores, and had a great time. See all the photos.

2008-02-07T22:26:00.000-07:00

Thomas taking his first steps. Watch it below or on YouTube. He's clapping because whenever he would stand we would all clap for him and say Hooray. So he learned that you're supposed to clap when you stand up.

2008-02-04T11:31:00.000-07:00

Celeste sent this email on Monday Jan 28th.

---

Good Morning,

I just wanted to let my friends and family know how much I value their friendship. And tell you a little story about the future. Luke, my 12 year old, walked out the door to Middle School in a shirt and tie and dress pants today. Now my son does not enjoy being dressed up he would much prefer his jeans or even better his sweats. When I asked him why he looked so nice he said that he wanted to dress up with some friends because it seemed like a nice way to honor the passing of President Hinckley.

Now of all the people in this world that my son could choose to look up to President Hinckley is a really great choice in my book. He was someone who loved mankind and anyone who met him knew it. In this world of anger he was a soft, kind, happy voice. When President Hinckley addressed the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints he often would ask us to “Stand a Little Taller”. He encouraged us to act a little more like Jesus Christ.

To me that means taking more time to be kind, to forgive someone, to notice to the beauty is this world, to walk somewhere with a friend and enjoy their company. President Hinckley and his wife Marjorie loved their children, they loved trees, they loved to serve people and they knew what they stood for and they “Stood a little taller.

I leave you with a mental image of several middle school boys waking up early on a cold January morning standing and waiting for their school bus in their “Sunday best” because someone inspired them to “Stand a Little Taller”.

The future looks bright to me today.

2008-02-04T11:15:00.000-07:00

I emailed Orrin Hatch and asked him to oppose the bill that would pardon telecoms for illegally giving private information to the government. He replied and said he's in favor of pardoning them. Read the letter here.

2008-01-07T18:58:00.001-07:00

I bought "the kids" a video game for Christmas called "Crazy Machines". They like it, but I love it. I created my own machine which is a variation on a ball clock. I didn't have room to make an entire clock and the program limits the number of items in your machine, so my clock only counts to 25 then recycles. It comes with a speed adjustment mechanism if you want to make it run faster or slower. Check out the YouTube video . If you have the game you can download my ball clock puzzle and try it out yourself.

2007-10-25T22:37:00.001-06:00

I'm helping my son Luke with his school science project. He's building a parabolic solar reflector. I created this nifty spreadsheet, complete with spin controls and VB code to help design it.

What?! I can't attach a file to my blog post? I was beginning to think there was something to this whole blog thing, but now I am not so sure.

OK, here's the spreadsheet (zipped) http://michael.j.kennard.googlepages.com/ParabolicReflector.zip

2007-10-25T22:35:00.000-06:00

Went to Disneyland and Newport Beach September 8-16। Here are some photos:
http://picasaweb.google.com/michael.j.kennard/Disneyland2007