S to the A to the N to the D, Y

If you live in a major city, you’re familiar with the concept of a “metro” number. This means that if the phone customer pays more for their phone service, people calling them from the metro area but with a different area code do not have to pay long distance. Not only this, but they don’t have to dial the +1 either. Well, that’s all well and good…but wait, there’s more. If I call someone that has the special “metro” line and dial a +1 (because how am I to know they have a metro line), guess what? The operator tells me that I don’t have to dial +1, I can call without the +1 before the area code. Hang up and try it again good buddy. So now I have to dial a second time.

 

OK, so now I dial phone number two thinking hey, maybe they have a metro line. So this time I leave off the +1. “Oh, sorry guy” says the operator “you have to dial +1 for this cheapskate who didn’t buy our super awesome metro line”. So inevitably, I always put a 1 where there shouldn’t be and leave it off where I should have used it. Is it really that important that I leave the 1 off a metro phone call? I mean, comon! Phone company, if I don’t “have” to dial +1, fine, I’ll try and remember that. Don’t make me hang up and redial it without the 1!

Phone company, I suggest you improve your dialing system so that people like me who are making calls all day don’t go postal one day about your don’t dial 1 or do dial 1 rules.

Superbowl day is coming soon. How many people watch the Superbowl? Well, just over 90 million last year. I’d venture to say that a good chunk of those viewers are spouses of fans and disinterested Superbowl partygoers. What do they like about the Superbowl? THE COMMERCIALS! So, you get in touch with the advertisers for every Superbowl since 1967 and cut a deal. You put all those ads on DVD, organized by year and sell that sucker to the millions of viewers who only watch that game for the breaks.

 So, get this thing going, make millions and buy me season tickets on the 50 yard line to the Cowboys.

So, I figure some of my friends might need some good reading material. Here’s some excellent stuff I’ve recently finished:

 At the Back of the North Wind - George MacDonald

I had a hard time determining whether this book was meant for kids or adults. I think I’ve finally settled it - both. CS Lewis was inspired by the author, George MacDonald’s allegorical style and it shows. I was immediately reminded of Lewis. The book deals with a child named “Diamond” who has some adventure with a friend (the north wind) that only he can seemingly see. There is some rich meaning to pull form the book, and it doesn’t take all that long to read. If I ever have kids, I’ll probably try reading them this at around age 5-6.

 Endurance - Alfred Lansing

Seriously, this was a page turner. It’s a real life adventure story about a failed expedition intended to cross the South Pole. The story about the years these guys spent trying to get home is absolutely amazing. It’s got a really great ending to. Angie could hardly keep from telling me all about the book as she was reading it. I forced her to keep her mouth shut so that I could read it for myself.

 Alexander the Great - Robin Lane Fox

Very long biography, especially for a very light reader like myself, but I thought it was very good. If you’re interested in learning about how this ancient ruler achieved his success in such a short period, and all the strange, interesting and trivial facts that come with story about a man like this, read it. It’s widely regarded as the best Alexander biography of the dozens that have been written. Mr. Fox is very thorough, factual and seems to have reliable sources. Many other biographies assume much and source little.

2006 seemed pretty uneventful, but this party sure was fun! Thanks to Joy and Lott for helping prepare, thanks to Stan for co-sponsoring the band, thanks to Dave for being the band, and thanks to everyone for making it a great New Years Eve.

 The band at the end of the video is Die Roten Rosen

New Years Video!

I’m an entry level blogger. I haven’t thought of anything I really need the world to know yet, and I’m 29. World, as soon as I do have something to say, you’ll be the first to know.