Nerdfighters and Readit1st

Have you heard of Nerdfighters?

Ever been told to DFTBA* as parting advice?

Want to learn lots of random info through entertaining YouTube videos?

Then have I got the solution for you!

It's time you started following the Vlogbrothers, John and Hank Green.
But I must warn you.
If you're kinda sorta a little/lot bit nerdy (like I clearly am), you'll get hooked.

John and Hank alternate posting videos, discussing what's going on in their lives, in society,in history, and/or whatever else happens to grab their fancy at the time. Some days they'll share an original song about protons and neutrons or expound on memes and famous books and their deeper meanings.

Other days the Vlogbrothers might answer fan questions or talk about their travel observations or list the top ten largest explosions. Pretty much, it's a surprise grab-bag as to that day's topic(s).

One of their recent crusades is an effort to encourage reading. Specifically, they want to encourage people to read the books that existed prior and on which upcoming movies are based. The project is called Readit1st. To spread the word about movies coming out that are based on books, the Nerdfighters will periodically send out a newsletter. If you want those, check the website or sign up to receive emails.

The whole thing is a pretty great idea, right? I am fully on-board and whole-heartedly endorse ReadIt1st.
I'm going to start by reading the book "Moneyball" before I see the just-released Brad Pitt flick.

$100 says the book is better than the movie

Even if you don't want to read books before seeing movies, I think you'll enjoy watching the Vlogbrothers. Lots of entertainment value, and each video is kept short and sweet. Which means you'll still have plenty of time to check out other crazy videos on YouTube, like Ray William Johnson's stuff.

Welcome to the Nerdfighters, and DFTBA*.

*Don't Forget To Be Awesome - a common Nerdfighters phrase.

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Happy Birthday, Luke Skywalker

Usually I reserve my blog birthday wishes for relatives.
Well, I kinda feel like Mark Hamill fits into that group.

The Star Wars franchise has been an integral part of our family ever since I can remember.We quote it often. We watch the original trilogy regularly. We own toy lightsabers, and we actually play with them. We're big fans, to say the least.
(Technically the lightsabers were presents for my nephew, but clearly they were a gift to us all and part of our plan to spread the love of Star Wars to the next generation. That plan is succeeding spectacularly.)

Anyway, back to the point of this blogpost.
It's Mark Hamill/Luke Skywalker's 60th birthday.

Seems strange that he was 25 when Star Wars: A New Hope came out. Has it really been that long?!?
Ok, I guess I wasn't born at that point, but still, I imagine Mark Hamill as the snotty brat who complained that he wouldn't be able to go "into Tosche Station to pick up some power converters." Listen

Congratulations on having a successful (though largely under-the-radar post-Star Wars) career.

Many people don't know you were/are the voice of the animated Joker.

Happy birthday, Luke Skywalker!

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I Don't Play Video Games Anymore, But...

Getting something like this in my inbox really make me consider starting up again.

Seriously, this ad for Call of Duty: Black Ops: Rezurrection makes me want to call some friends up and join forces in using Gatling guns, flamethrowers, and RPG launchers to mow down hordes of zombies all night and into the wee morning hours.

I have no idea how they got my email, but I don't mind getting sweet, adrenaline-pumping action like this.

Kind of like how I briefly consider seeing movies along the "Killer Elite" vein, even though I already know it's just a bunch of unrealistic fight scenes, car chases, and explosions with a loose plot to string them together. Just based on the name, I'd almost go see it. "Killer Elite?" Yes, please! (Check out the trailer [here] if you need a little convincing and don't have any limiting heart-health issues.)

Oh marketers, you know me too well.

PS If anyone is up for Mario Kart, Goldeneye: 007, Super Tecmo Bowl, Tetris, or Duck Hunt, count me in anytime. Those babies just keep getting better with age. Guitar Hero and Rock Band work, too.

PPS While I've never had the urge to play World of Warcraft, I am greatly tempted by the upcoming release of Star Wars: The Old Republic. (Game trailer [here].)

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Accomplished Friends

"The happiest moments my heart knows are those in which it is pouring forth its affections to a few esteemed characters." - Thomas Jefferson

TJ had it right. It's always good to applaud your friends for their achievements. So that's what I want to do. While I have many, many accomplished friends working as doctors, lawyers, engineers, Hill staffers, teachers, and military, plus friends who are amazing parents to their kids (arguably the most important work), this post will focus on a few of my more-visibly-accomplished friends.

YouTube Personality

Deena Marie Manzanares - With humor, versatility and original characters, she's proven herself on YouTube and the stage. Also, Deena is an accomplished model and TV-commercial actress.

Reality TV
Michelle Money - Love her or hate her, she made a name for herself as "the manipulative seductress from Brad's season" [source]. Though I don't watch every week, I'm happy to hear she's doing well on Bachelor Pad and in her relationship with Graham Bunn. Also, she is championing fundraising for colon cancer research through the sale of For Six t-shirts.

Published Authors

Adrian Dayton - Wrote the book "Social Media for Lawyers" in the Fall 2009, is a regular columnist to the National Law Journal and BigLaw Newsletter, and has another book scheduled to be published soon.

Quin Woodward Pu - Has made a name for herself as a prominent fashion and political DC blogger [LittleBlackBlog], recently had her memoir "Type A+" published.

Dancer

Carly Berrett - Brings pieces to life through her graceful and powerful dancing, and has also taught on various levels. I've been lucky to see a couple performances live. If you get the chance, don't miss it.

Political Researcher

Emily McClintock Ekins - As a UCLA grad student, she surveyed a Tea Party rally for sign messages and was her work was cited by various publications. In addition, multiple political TV programs interviewed her, including Stossel, Freedom Watch, the O'Reilly Factor, and Reason. You can check out her research [here].

MMA Fighter

Josh Burkman - Even in high school, he played football like an MMA fighter. So it isn't so surprising that he found his calling in the octagon. He won his UFC's Ultimate Fighter 2 Finale match in 21 seconds and has compiled a 21-9-0 record.

Entrepreneurs
Damian Dayton - If you want a creative video, look no further than his Kineto Pictures studio. Check out their portfolio and prepare to be impressed. If I needed a commercial, you can bet Damian and Kineto would get my business.

David Marble & Seth Wheeler - These guys know how to start projects and make them successful. David contributed to TheMormonBachelorette.com and has been instrumental at ConSource.org. Together, David and Seth are developing a social-networking tool currently in beta format (so I won't share the name yet).

Thanks for being such amazing individuals, friends! Keep up the good work!
Note: Some may view this post as boasting/bragging/name-dropping. That's their cynical prerogative. I prefer to look at it as rejoicing in the efforts and successes of my friends.

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Avast! Tis International Talk like a Pirate Day!

Ahoy mateys!

Every day is special.

But some arrr extra-special.

Like today, 'cause it's International Talk like a Pirate Day.

Fer starters, a pirate name's required.

Click [here] and find out what yers is.

I like mine because it reminds me of WWF wrestler Hacksaw Jim Duggan, who I just learned is from the same town as former BYU basketball and now NBA player Jimmer Fredette.

Glens Falls, NY, has been good to the USA.

Next ye'll need a sweet pirate catch-phrase.
Come up with yer own, or click [here] to get a random one.

Apparently pirate-me is not a sea tortoise fan.

If ye have a costume, t'would be a shame not to wear it.

Sadly, for most of corporate America (including me), that ain't an option.

Lastly, brush up on yer pirate lingo.

Here be a cheat sheet fer ye:

Basics
Ahoy! - "Hello!"
Avast! - Stop and give attention. It can be used in a sense of surprise, "Whoa! Get a load of that!" which today makes it more of a "Check it out" or "No way!" or "Get off!"
Aye! - "Why yes, I agree most heartily with everything you just said or did."
Aye aye! - "I'll get right on that sir, as soon as my break is over."
Arrr! - This one is often confused with arrrgh, which is of course the sound you make when you sit on a belaying pin. "Arrr!" can mean, variously, "yes," "I agree," "I'm happy," "I'm enjoying this beer," "My team is going to win it all," "I saw that television show, it sucked!" and "That was a clever remark you or I just made." And those are just a few of the myriad possibilities of Arrr!

Advanced
Beauty – The best possible pirate address for a woman. Always preceded by “me,” as in, “C’mere, me beauty,” or even, “me buxom beauty,” to one particularly well endowed. You’ll be surprised how effective this is.
Bilge rat – The bilge is the lowest level of the ship. It’s loaded with ballast and slimy, reeking water. A bilge rat, then, is a rat that lives in the worst place on the ship. On TLAP Day – A lot of guy humor involves insulting your buddies to prove your friendship. It’s important that everyone understand you are smarter, more powerful and much luckier with the wenches than they are. Since bilge rat is a pretty dirty thing to call someone, by all means use it on your friends.
Grog – An alcoholic drink, usually rum diluted with water, but in this context you could use it to refer to any alcoholic beverage other than beer, and we aren’t prepared to be picky about that, either. Call your beer grog if you want. We won’t stop you! Water aboard ship was stored for long periods in slimy wooden barrels, so you can see why rum was added to each sailor’s water ration – to kill the rancid taste.
Hornpipe – Both a single-reeded musical instrument sailors often had aboard ship, and a spirited dance that sailors do. On TLAP Day – We are not big fans of the capering, it’s not our favorite art form, if you will, so we don’t have a lot to say on the subject, other than to observe that the common term for being filled with lust is “horny,” and hornpipe then has some comical possibilities. “Is that a hornpipe in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me? Or both?”
Lubber – (or land lubber) This is the seaman’s version of land lover, mangled by typical pirate disregard for elocution. A lubber is someone who does not go to sea, who stays on the land. On TLAP Day – More likely than not, you are a lubber 364 days of the year. But not if you’re talking like a pirate! Then the word lubber becomes one of the more fierce weapons in your arsenal of piratical lingo. In a room where everyone is talking like pirates, lubber is ALWAYS an insult.
Smartly – Do something quickly. On TLAP Day – “Smartly, me lass,” you might say when sending the bar maid off for another round. She will be so impressed she might well spit in your beer.

And now yer prepared to fully enjoy International Talk like a Pirate Day, me mateys!

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My Littlest/Biggest Brother

Today is my youngest brother's birthday.
Happy birthday, Dave!

Sometimes I still think of you as this cute little guy.

But you've grown and matured and become superbly talented.
Plus, you've progressed from cute to devilishly handsome.

Philly 2010

Well done, brother.
I love you!

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The State of Deseret's Holy War

Tomorrow is the BYU vs UofU football game, aka the Holy War. 

I've loved college football games ever since I was a little kid and my dad would take us. We'd bring our own little footballs and throw them around before the game, and we'd get hot dogs and hot chocolate and probably some candy, too. Dad would tell us about the game and point out what was happening. Eventually we learned the rules and strategies and even a little playing technique. We learned a lot about how and when to cheer, as well as how to be good sports about winning and losing.

This is bigger than most college football match-ups. There's a lot of history - both good and bad.

My college years were mostly spent at BYU, but I had a semester at the UofU right before my mission.

You can bet my cheering as a Cougar and as a Ute were equally zealous.

Now that I've graduated and actually live out of state, I can more-comfortably enjoy the game and cheer my little heart out. I want to see a good game. As long as it's a good game, I'm semi-ambivalent about who is the victor. Some of you may decry my apathy in that regard. That's your right, and you're entitled to an opinion.

I went to both schools and I love them both. Each has a rich tradition and history, and have fielded great squads on the gridiron. The past 24 games have been split right down the middle: 12-12. And often the games are extremely close, regularly with 4th-quarter comebacks and/or overtime. While ESPN has given BYU a 4-point spread over Utah, we all know that it's going to come down to a few big plays making the difference either way.

Whatever happens, I'm excited to see a good, close game tomorrow. Go BYUofU!

P.S. I hope none of my friends or family disown me after this post. I love you all! Also, while I appreciate comments, let's try to keep it civil...

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The Disney "Bad Boy" Dating Effect

Lately I had a somewhat startling and dismaying epiphany.
Disney reinforces girls' preference for dating "bad boys".

So pretty much it's Disney's fault that nice guys finish last.

Think about it.
The heroes in many beloved Disney movies started out as criminals, vagrants, and jerks.

Not buying it?
Here are a few examples:
[Note1: I know they all turn out to be great guys, but here's how they start out.]

Aladdin - Aladdin: uneducated riff-raff, street rat, thief, scoundrel, wanted criminal.

Tangled - Flynn Rider: thief, wanted criminal, self-absorbed.

Cars - Lightning McQueen: arrogant, cocky, condescending to his crew & Radiator Springs townies.

Beauty and the Beast - Beast (Prince Adam): selfish, spoiled prince; angry, depressed, antisocial.

Lilo & Stitch - Stitch: short-tempered, mischievous mutant; extremely destructive and violent. 

Emperor's New Groove - Kuzco: arrogant, selfish, insensitive royalty; condescending to his people.

The next two are underage, so I guess they deserve some slack for their initial behavior/malfeasance.

Peter Pan - Peter Pan: knife-wielding gang leader; boastful and cocky.

Lion King - Simba: self-entitled brat prince; disobedient and arrogant. 

I rest my case.
Any more Disney movies you can think of that fit this profile?

[Note2: this is a tongue-in-cheek post. Though there are some elements of truth, I'm mostly joking.]

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Is the Sax Back?

What do Lady Gaga's "Edge of Glory" and Katy Perry's "Last Friday Night (TGIF)" have in common?

Probably a lot, but I'm focusing on the wicked awesome 80's-style sax solos.

See for yourself.

Edge of Glory - sax solo at ~3 mins in

Last Friday Night (TGIF) - sax solo at ~3:50 mark - bonus points for Kenny G

I'm a fan; I sure hope we see more of the sax solos in the near future.

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Songs for Morning Voice

Don't you just love deep morning voice?
You know, when you wake up and your voice is far lower than normal?
Because I do, and I relish in it.

Bueller? Bueller?

As I was singing in the shower today, which I do on a semi-regular (ok, clockwork regular) basis, I realized there are certain songs I prefer for getting optimal use out of my morning voice.

Winners
"Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm" by Crash Test Dummies

"I Love this Bar" by Toby Keith

"Can't Get Enough of Your Love" by Barry White

"Why Don't We Just Dance" by Josh Turner

Honorable mention

"I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred

"Ladies Love Country Boys" by Trace Adkins

So, readers, what's your favorite morning voice song?

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Metallica Monday: The Memory Remains & Hero of the Day

I'll keep this short, because there has been a lot of talk about the tenth anniversary of 9/11 already.

Two songs, both related to yesterday's memorial.

While we continue to heal a decade later, we will never forget that day.
The Memory Remains

Brave people stepped up, many sacrificing their lives to save others. They are true heroes.
Hero of the Day

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My 9/11 Story

Ten years have passed since the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Everyone has their own story from that terrible day. The previous generation had JFK's assassination and the moon landing; I think we will always remember where we were on 9/11.

I was serving an LDS mission at the time, living in Boca del Monte on the outskirts of Guatemala City, Guatemala. Having been in the country for 6+ months, I felt pretty comfortable and was kind of in a groove.

My companion and I lived in a second floor apartment, with the owner's family living in the main house below. After our morning scripture and language study, we'd gone down for breakfast, which Doña Audi prepared every day.

Soon after we sat down to eat, Doña Audi came in and told us that the morning news was talking about something happening in New York City, and how we needed to see for ourselves. As missionaries, we don't usually watch TV, but it felt like we needed to this time. Maybe 30 seconds after we started watching, the second plane hit. Shocked horror and stunned silence. I couldn't take my eyes away from the broadcast, trying to comprehend what I was seeing.

I remember my feelings clearly, but much of what followed is hazy in my memory. Plane crashes into Pentagon. Phone call from zone leader informing that everyone in our mission was okay, but President Lemmon (mission leader) orders precaution of not leaving the apartment. Flight 93 goes down in the Pennsylvania field. Lots of praying, both verbal and silent. Lots and lots of worrying over family and friends in the U.S. and around the world.

The rest of that day and over the next couple days, we learned more about the attacks from the newspapers and through mission leadership. President Lemmon called individually to make sure we were doing alright and see if we needed anything. That comfort was greatly needed and appreciated by us young boys, serving far from home and family during a time of uncertainty. Receiving a letter from home the next week also helped, because then I knew for sure all of my family was safe.

While I didn't personally lose anyone in the attacks, I still get a bit emotional hearing stories from that day, like the ones recorded (and subsequently animated) by the StoryCorps. Here is one such story:

Sadly, there are far too many stories like this one.

That was a tragic Tuesday, and on this day we unite in memoriam and sorrow with those who lost relatives, loved ones, and friends in the attacks.

We will never forget.

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My Curly Cutie Sister

Happy birthday to my dear sister Megan!

Look at that adorable face!

You survived growing up in a home with four less-than-perfect brothers.
I know we weren't the ideal playmates.

Who knows how many of your Barbies I buried in the sandbox.

Exhibit A: the Barbie

Exhibit B: the sandbox

Thanks for only body-checking me into the refrigerator once.
I probably deserved it a lot more than that.
(Note to other readers: if you want the backstory on that one, ask our brother Adam. He tells it masterfully.)

You have taught me so much, from Ferengi rules of acquisition to how to tease girls without pushing them over the edge to crying (took me longer than it should have to learn the latter).

Our friendship continues to grow, and I love that we've become travel buddies.
Here's a quick reminder of some of our great adventures:

Disneyland - December 2006

Mr Toad's Wild Ride - one of our favorites

Maybe the best pic of all time; I just had to share it 

Washington, DC - September 2009

 At the US Capitol Building

Kings Dominion for your birthday

Caribbean - January 2010

Soaking up some rays

New York City - May 2011

One of our several shows that trip

You are an incredible woman and I'm very lucky to have you as my sister.
Love you so much, Megan! Happy birthday!

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Headache Remedies

Last night was rough.
Not sure if it was the mid-day nap, or the Thai curry dinner (unlikely; far too tasty to be the culprit), or just random, but I had a terrible headache.
The kind where having lights on makes your frontal lobe feel like it's about to burst out of your skull.
Not fun.

I tried just relaxing and not thinking about it.
That worked for about 15 seconds each time I'd toss and turn, roll over, bury my head in the pillow, etc.
After what felt like an hour, I knew I couldn't keep this up all night.

Time for 400 mg of Ibuprofen.
That didn't work. My head felt like it was on fire.
Like Pedro from "Napoleon Dynamite".
Fortunately, I only briefly contemplated shaving my head to cool off.
(Note: I really did think about it.)

Though I'm sure Pedro's wig would look great on me, I instead hopped in the shower and let the water massage my head, neck, and shoulders.
About 45 mins later, my headache was gone and I was able to get some sleep.

Bedtime: ~3 am. Yes, today I was quite sleepy at work.

So for me, the recipe for getting rid of a headache was ibuprofen and a shower.
I've also used head/neck massage and a warm hand towel on the forehead before.
What remedies have you used and found effective?

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Best/Worst Halloween Costume?

If you haven't seen this video, it's about time you did.

Two questions:
1) If I acquired an alto sax and learned how to play "Careless Whisper", would it be the best Halloween costume of all time, or the worst? I kinda don't think there's any gray area.
2) If my friend Matt is already replicating this (not sure if for Halloween or just for fun), does that mean I can't?

Oh, and my apologies for getting this tune stuck in your head all day.

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Free Newseum on 9/11 Anniversary Weekend

The 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks is almost here. 

Everyone will have their own way to remember, and I'm sure there will be a lot of national, community, and family ceremonies to remember the tragedies of the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and that Pennsylvania field.

If you're looking for something to do, here's one option:

See the Newseum and its 9/11 exhibit for free.

Just go to their website and claim your free tickets.

(Saturday is sold out, but tickets are still available for Sunday)

And let me know if you go, because it'd be great to see you!

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The Boys of Fall

Today is a glorious day.

It's the first day of the college football season.

I love football. Doesn't matter if it's two-hand touch, flag, Pop Warner, high school, college, arena league, NFL, CFL, even lingerie league (though I haven't seen either of those last two). I just love the game.

Of all the organized leagues, I think I like watching college games the most.
These are highly-trained amateurs, most of whom are playing purely for love of the game.
Some are working hard and obtaining an otherwise out-of-reach college degree.
But they play with heart and it's always fun to watch.

If you aren't pumped yet, here are a couple nuggets to get your juices flowing:

Here's wishing the best of luck to the BYU Cougars, UofU Utes, and all the rest this season.
Let the games begin!

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