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Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Brando's Nintendo Wii Accessories
While I was shopping at Walmart today, I stopped in the electronics department to see what kind of Nintendo Wii accessories they had to offer. They had a modest selection, so I went surfing this evening on line and found a good selection at Brando, a popular gadget accessory maker. They've got tons of cool stuff and its a place worth checking out. Here is just a few of the Wii accessories they offer.
Apple makes minor updates to their MacBook consumer line
As expected...
CUPERTINO, California—May 15, 2007—Apple® today updated its MacBook® consumer notebooks with faster Intel Core 2 Duo processors, 1GB of memory and larger hard drives in every model. The MacBook is just one-inch thin and features built-in 802.11n wireless networking for up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g.* Every MacBook also includes a built-in iSight® video camera for on-the-go video conferencing, Apple’s MagSafe® Power Adapter that safely disconnects when under strain, and iLife® ‘06, Apple’s award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications.
"The MacBook is a huge hit with customers, and is one of the reasons that Mac sales are growing three times faster than PC sales," said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "The new MacBook is faster, has even more memory and storage, and is an ideal notebook for customers’ growing library of digital music, photos and movies."
Featuring a gorgeous 13-inch glossy widescreen display, the one-inch thin MacBook comes in three models: sleek white 2.0 GHz and 2.16 GHz MacBook models, and a stunning black 2.16 GHz MacBook model. The MacBook includes a built-in iSight video camera for video chatting on-the-go with friends or family using iChat AV,** recording a video podcast or iMovie® using iLife ‘06, or taking fun snapshots with Photo Booth. Designed for the mobile lifestyle, the MacBook includes Apple’s MagSafe Power Adapter that magnetically connects the power cord to the MacBook and safely disconnects when under strain, and the latest generation of 802.11n wireless networking for up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g.
The MacBook comes with iLife ‘06, the next generation of Apple’s award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications featuring iPhoto®, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand™ and iWeb™. The MacBook also comes with the latest release of the world’s most advanced operating system, Mac OS® X version 10.4.9 Tiger, including Safari™, Mail, iCal®, iChat AV, Front Row and Photo Booth.
Jerry Falwell is in heaven tonight.
As many of you have probably heard, Dr. Falwell is in heaven tonight. Many years ago, our church had Dr. Falwell come and speak. I was not there, in fact, I don't think I was even born yet. While some may disagree with his views, he definitely left a legacy that will last for years to come. I think it would be wise of us to learn from some of his accomplishments and his failures. Many of the great men of God are passing from the scene, and there are gaps forming in the line.
Who will stand in the gap?
"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none."
Ezekiel 22:30
"Falwell was found without a pulse in his office at Liberty University and pronounced dead at a hospital an hour later. Dr. Carl Moore, Falwell's physician, said he had a heart condition and presumably died of a heart rhythm abnormality.
Driven into politics by the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that established the right to an abortion, Falwell founded the Moral Majority in 1979. One of the conservative lobbying group's greatest triumphs came just a year later, when Ronald Reagan was elected president..."
Internet out again!
OK, I'll admit that I was not a happy camper yesterday. Our internet was out once again as our broadband provider makes some changes with their service. This is the second time that we've experienced internet outage in a week. Our first time lasted two days, this last time only lasted one day. It was good for me to be away from the internet as I saw that I am quite hooked to it at times.
Wouldn't it be amazing if all believers were as passionate about God as they are about their internet, email, cellphone, TV, etc. What a difference that would make in our mission here on earth.
Wouldn't it be amazing if all believers were as passionate about God as they are about their internet, email, cellphone, TV, etc. What a difference that would make in our mission here on earth.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Rumors: Details on upcoming Apple laptops
Mac Rumors has a good roundup of the rumors and speculation of upcoming Macbooks, MacBook Pro, and an ultra-portable MacBook which could possible have no optical drive. Interestingly, some of these rumors could become reality by next week according to Macrumors. Keep in mind that all this is speculation and is still rumors at this point.
"ThinkSecret updates with claims that both MacBook and MacBook Pro updates are coming sooner than expected.
The rumor site had previously pegged MacBook Pro updates for WWDC, but now expects an announcement "as early as Tuesday," echoing a previous page 2 rumor by Gizmodo. The new MacBook Pro is expected to utilize features from Intel's recently introduced Santa Rosa chipset.
Appleinsider concurs with this report with their own claim that the MacBook Pro will see features such as "faster front-side bus speeds of 800MHz, and second-generation Core 2 Duo mobile processors that scale up to 2.4GHz." They also believe the new MacBook Pro will house the new LED backlit displays. Appleinsider, however, gives no time frame for the revised Pro laptop..."
Read More
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Palm Releases the Treo 755p
Today, Palm has announced their latest Treo smartphone, the Treo 755p. Overall, it is a minor upgrade and there are really no new features to this phone- well, unless you mean this new Treo uses a Mini SD card or that it comes in two colors, midnight blue and burgundy. Seems most people are not too thrilled about that new feature. I think it is high time that Palm releases something with a "wow" factor. I mean seriously, the Treo 755p will never be able to compete with the iPhone in looks of style and it may loose in terms of user friendliness as well. Grant the Treo has the iPhone beat in the applications category, but Palm better have something up their sleeve if they want to be around for the long haul.
Here are the specs for the Treo 755p.
In the box
- Palm Treo 755p smartphone
- Rechargeable battery
- AC power charger
- USB sync cable
- Stereo headset
- Stylus
- Palm Software Installation CD with desktop synchronization software
- User documentation
Software on device*
- Blazer® Web Browser
- Bluetooth® Manager
- Calculator
- Calendar
- Camcorder
- Camera
- Card info
- Contacts
- Documents To Go® 8.0
- Google Maps
- HotSync® Manager
- Memos
- Messaging
- MyTreo™
- Phone
- Pictures and Videos
- PocketTunes™
- QuickTour
- Tasks
- VersaMail®*
- Voice Memo
- World Clock
Software on
CD-ROM*
CD-ROM*
- Audible®
- Bejeweled
- Documents To Go® (for your desktop)
- eReader
- HotSync Manager*
- Palm® Desktop Software 4.2
- Palm® Files
- Remote File Access
- Solitaire
- Traffic for Treo™ smartphones
- Treo™ Voice Dialing
Palm OS® 5.4.9
Operating System
128MB (60MB persistent user storage)
Memory
Intel® XScale™ 312MHz processor
Processor
320 x 320 pixel TFT touchscreen displays over 65,000 colors
Screen
Dual-band CDMA2000 EvDO
Backward compatible with 1xRTT and IS95 networks
Bluetooth® 1.2 wireless technology
Backward compatible with 1xRTT and IS95 networks
Bluetooth® 1.2 wireless technology
Wireless
Personal speakerphone
Hands-free headset jack
Microphone mute option
TTY/TDD compatibility
Support for 3-way calling
Hands-free headset jack
Microphone mute option
TTY/TDD compatibility
Support for 3-way calling
Phone Features
1.3 megapixels with 1280x1024 resolution
Automatic light balance
2x digital zoom
Integrated self-portrait mirror
Video capture with 352x1024 resolution
Automatic light balance
2x digital zoom
Integrated self-portrait mirror
Video capture with 352x1024 resolution
Digital Camera
2.5mm headset jack is stereo headset compatible. The use of standard stereo headphones requires a stereo headset adapter, sold separately.
Speaker
Polyphonic MIDI & WAV ringtones
External ringer on/off switch w/ vibrate mode
Vibrate mode
Speaker
Polyphonic MIDI & WAV ringtones
External ringer on/off switch w/ vibrate mode
Vibrate mode
Audio
Full QWERTY key layout with backlighting
Integrated number dial pad
Keyguard feature
Integrated number dial pad
Keyguard feature
Keyboard
Support for miniSD cards
Expansion Slot
Removable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Talk time: up to 4.2 hours
Standby time: up to 240 hours
Talk time: up to 4.2 hours
Standby time: up to 240 hours
Battery
Multi-connector on device
USB sync cable
AC adapter (108-132 VAC/60Hz)
USB sync cable
AC adapter (108-132 VAC/60Hz)
Power/Sync
2.3" W x 4.4" L x 0.84" D
59.3mm W x 113mm L x 21.3mm D
59.3mm W x 113mm L x 21.3mm D
Size
5.64 ounces / 160 grams
Weight
Palm offers free technical support for 90 days after purchase
Monday, May 07, 2007
New Mac vs PC commercials
I just saw a new Mac vs PC commercial during "24". This time Apple pokes fun at the different versions of Vista and then states that Mac OS X has only one version making your decision a whole lot easier. While I do not own a Mac (I would like to), I think Apple has an excellent marketing campaign with these commercials, but really credit should be given to Microsoft for making it so easy for the Apple's marketing department.
If you want to watch the three latest installments, you can do so at Apple's website and by clicking here.
The best selling cellphone with over 200 million sold world wide
Engadget is reporting that Nokia's 1100 handset is the best selling cellphone ever. It even beats out other popular gadgets like the iPod in number of units sold. Interestingly, the cellphone is a low end phone and is not feature rich at all. The most exciting features would be its flashlight, Xpress-on color covers, and its 2 games: Snake II and Space Impact II. There's a "wow" factor for you! Despite its lack of features, it still has managed to be Nokia's best selling phone.
I've included the specs from Nokia's website below.
I've included the specs from Nokia's website below.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Spider-Man 3 the Game reviewed by CNN
I just picked up my copy of Spider-man 3 for the Wii and it has been an amazing experience. The enhanced Wii controls make the game much more enjoyable and exciting. Even CNET has picked up on the game and post their review of it.
"(CNN) -- With the video game version of "Spider-Man 3" and its theatrical counterpart hitting the United States on Friday, we're not just seeing the continuation of a hugely successful movie franchise.
We're seeing the continuation of a video game franchise that's hugely successful in its own right.
"As popular as 'Spider-Man' is in the movie world, he's as popular in the video game world," says Bryan Intihar, Previews Editor for the video game magazine Electronic Gaming Monthly."
5 ways to enhance your Sunday evening service
While some churches have decided to do away with the Sunday evening service for the sake of convenience, I believe that a Sunday service is important and vital to the spiritual growth of a congregation. Admittedly, the size of the congregation is always smaller then your Sunday morning service. People are not always as committed as they ought to be. How can you encourage these folks to come for the Sunday night service? Well, I've complied a few ideas that I have seen done or read about that could be a help to your ministry.
1. Be friendly on Sunday mornings! - One of the best ways for you to see more people in your Sunday evening service is to be friendly to the Sunday morning crowd. Understandably, you may not be able to shake everybody's hand in your church, so delegate some of your faithful soul winning members to be greeters and watch for folks coming in even after the service has been started. Everybody wants to be welcomed to a church, so make sure it happens. If the people see the friendliness of the church in the morning, they'll be more likely to come back at night.
2. Promote your Sunday evening service. - In your church's bulletin, does it remind the congregation about the service? Perhaps it says something like this "Sunday Evening service - 6 pm." If that is all that it says, you're not likely to have a lot people interested in the Sunday service. Use your creativity in your message titles. Have titles like "The night New York disappeared", "One goal, One cup" (Our NHL team, the Sabres, are on the quest for the Stanley Cup), etc. Promote this message or your message series in the bulletin for it will peak the curiosity of the congregation and make them excited to come back!
3. Have top-notched music specials. - Many times Sunday and Wednesday evening services are times that the choir, specials, etc. are second rate. Make sure that doesn't happen. Make sure your choir sings in the Sunday evening service and has a really good song for that evening. It's important that your congregation sees that the church staff and those that participate in the service believe it is an important service. If there is a clear difference between the quality of your Sunday morning service choir special and Sunday night service, you're losing in the fight to have people come back. Maybe once a quarter have a Singspiration service. Sing songs for the whole service and wrap it up with a short challenge. Have a mini-concert with your church members singing hymns, choruses, or playing their instruments. Even get some of the children or teenagers involved.
4. Keep things moving! - If you Sunday evening service drags, most people won't want to come back. Keep the announcement time short (tends to be a big time waster anyhow), start the service on time, end the service on time, etc. Keep it moving. Avoid long pauses between the offering and the congregational singing. Keep it moving. By the way, if you end the service on time, you'd be surprised at how appreciative your congregation will be. It's totally appropriate to go over on occasion when the Spirit leads, but for the majority of the time, end the service on time. People may have children to get to bed for school the next day or some have to get up for work the day, so be mindful of that.
5. Have some surprises. - One sure fire way to peak the interest of your congregation is having some special surprises that night. Have a special mystery singer or preacher. Have a "everybody's birthday" fellowship afterwards. It seems that churches get in a rut and stay in it for the long haul, so get out of it! Add some spice to your Sunday evening service.
Above all, make sure you spend some time in prayer about your Sunday evening service. Prayer is a huge part to a successful church and making those Sunday evening services better!
1. Be friendly on Sunday mornings! - One of the best ways for you to see more people in your Sunday evening service is to be friendly to the Sunday morning crowd. Understandably, you may not be able to shake everybody's hand in your church, so delegate some of your faithful soul winning members to be greeters and watch for folks coming in even after the service has been started. Everybody wants to be welcomed to a church, so make sure it happens. If the people see the friendliness of the church in the morning, they'll be more likely to come back at night.
2. Promote your Sunday evening service. - In your church's bulletin, does it remind the congregation about the service? Perhaps it says something like this "Sunday Evening service - 6 pm." If that is all that it says, you're not likely to have a lot people interested in the Sunday service. Use your creativity in your message titles. Have titles like "The night New York disappeared", "One goal, One cup" (Our NHL team, the Sabres, are on the quest for the Stanley Cup), etc. Promote this message or your message series in the bulletin for it will peak the curiosity of the congregation and make them excited to come back!
3. Have top-notched music specials. - Many times Sunday and Wednesday evening services are times that the choir, specials, etc. are second rate. Make sure that doesn't happen. Make sure your choir sings in the Sunday evening service and has a really good song for that evening. It's important that your congregation sees that the church staff and those that participate in the service believe it is an important service. If there is a clear difference between the quality of your Sunday morning service choir special and Sunday night service, you're losing in the fight to have people come back. Maybe once a quarter have a Singspiration service. Sing songs for the whole service and wrap it up with a short challenge. Have a mini-concert with your church members singing hymns, choruses, or playing their instruments. Even get some of the children or teenagers involved.
4. Keep things moving! - If you Sunday evening service drags, most people won't want to come back. Keep the announcement time short (tends to be a big time waster anyhow), start the service on time, end the service on time, etc. Keep it moving. Avoid long pauses between the offering and the congregational singing. Keep it moving. By the way, if you end the service on time, you'd be surprised at how appreciative your congregation will be. It's totally appropriate to go over on occasion when the Spirit leads, but for the majority of the time, end the service on time. People may have children to get to bed for school the next day or some have to get up for work the day, so be mindful of that.
5. Have some surprises. - One sure fire way to peak the interest of your congregation is having some special surprises that night. Have a special mystery singer or preacher. Have a "everybody's birthday" fellowship afterwards. It seems that churches get in a rut and stay in it for the long haul, so get out of it! Add some spice to your Sunday evening service.
Above all, make sure you spend some time in prayer about your Sunday evening service. Prayer is a huge part to a successful church and making those Sunday evening services better!
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
A downloadable manual on Dating for teens
If you are a youth pastor, you have experienced first hand teenage love. You have those couples that are so exclusive that they seldom participate and seemingly cause you grief. Currently, I'm taking my teenagers thru a series on dating and one of the resourse I'm using is a dating manual written by Pastor Todd Sawtelle. The manual called "Dating: Disaster or Delight" is superbly written and loaded with Scripture to back up the ideas behind it. I'd highly recommend it to any youth pastor and if you have not considered speaking to your teenagers about dating, now would be a good time.
Back online today.
Well, I'm back online today. So I've got a few things to post for later and also some comments to respond to as well. I'm having little time to spend for posting as I'm in the process of candidating for my next place of service. I've been spending more time in prayer and thought as I talk to pastors, pulpit committees, etc. and see what God would have for me. This has proven to be a good challenge to my faith and trust in God. It's a test that I am struggling with. God has seemingly closed many doors for us, but we know that somehow He will provide us with just the right place of service.
What I cannot understand is God's timing. You'd think that when He lays something on your heart in a reasonable amount of time, you accomplish or fulfill that something, but instead, it takes some serious amount of time. During this time, it's a roller coaster ride. But this I know, that when I have found that place, I'll be able to look back and see the hand of God in my life and it is something that I long for. It's then I know that He had it planned all along and that He accomplished much in my life as I waited on Him.
If you are in that waiting time, hold fast to the faith and continue to trust God. His plan is in motion and it will be fulfilled in His time and keep in mind, it's all for our own benefit!
What I cannot understand is God's timing. You'd think that when He lays something on your heart in a reasonable amount of time, you accomplish or fulfill that something, but instead, it takes some serious amount of time. During this time, it's a roller coaster ride. But this I know, that when I have found that place, I'll be able to look back and see the hand of God in my life and it is something that I long for. It's then I know that He had it planned all along and that He accomplished much in my life as I waited on Him.
If you are in that waiting time, hold fast to the faith and continue to trust God. His plan is in motion and it will be fulfilled in His time and keep in mind, it's all for our own benefit!