Wii is no. 1 selling game console again!

My family and I really enjoy our Nintendo Wii. The gaming experience on a Wii does not compare to anything else I've every played. The graphics are plenty good for me and it's so much fun to watch my boys play boxing and the WiiPlay games. My wife and I share many laughs from their Wii experiences.
So when I read that the Wii is the no. 1 selling game console again, I was not surprised. Since my kids can play and enjoy the Wii and I've read that senior citizens also play the Wii, it's not surprising to see it become the best gaming console out there.

"LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - U.S. sales of video games, devices and accessories rose 33 percent to $1.1 billion in March, propelled by sales of new video game consoles like the popular Wii from Nintendo Co. Ltd., market research firm NPD said on Thursday.

The Wii was again the No. 1 current-generation video game console, selling 259,000 units. That $250 console uses a motion-sensitive controller that has been popular with mainstream gamers as well as new audiences like females, senior citizens and very young children."

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The day they kicked God out of the schools.

Here is a stirring video that I came across and was mentioned to me by the American Family Association. It talks about the impact of God being kicked out of schools and what we have allowed to happen in our nation. I do sincerely believe that if Christians do not take a stand for the faith, that we will find ourselves being persecuted more then we are now and our nation drifting further into apostasy. Watch the video and see what you think.

Remembering the Virginia Tech victims.

I think it is important for us to know about the people who lost their lives on that horrible day. It drives me mad that some people think it is acceptable to make the killer immortal by posting his media packet. What we should be focused on is the victims, their families, and their friends, not the killer. The New York Times has published a article doing just that and I wanted to make you all aware of this article.

"Brian Bluhm, 25, was a graduate student in civil engineering at Virginia Tech who was working toward a master’s degree in water resources. He considered Blacksburg, Va., his hometown, but he was really from all over. He was born in Iowa and went to high school in Louisville, Ky. He spent his childhood in Detroit, where he became a rabid Tigers fan.

His next stop, friends say, was Maryland.

Mr. Bluhm was set to finish his courses and defend his master’s thesis early this summer, and he had already accepted a job in Baltimore and found an apartment there, said his best friend, Michael Marshall, 25, of Richmond. He said Mr. Bluhm had planned to start his new job in July."

Source: Digg

The "Christian" Blogosphere

One of my favorite Christian newspapers is the Sword of the Lord which publishes sermons, editorials, and other articles. It helps keep the fire stirred up. In one of its recent articles, the editor, Dr. Shelton Smith, discusses the impact of blogs on the Christian community. I find it amazing that Christians will blog their ungodly views about a business, church, school, or whatever to the extreme that some do. I guess being Christ-like goes out the door when they blog.
This is a really good read and I believe it will do you well to read it. It should help us consider what we blog, write, or say as we will be held accountable for it. Here is a a portion of that article:

"When Christians speak, orally or in print, there ought to be a note of integrity struck with every syllable spoken. Whether it be in the pulpit, on radio or television, the pastor’s paragraphs in Sunday’s bulletin, the editor’s column in this newspaper, or on an Internet blog, there should be (because we are Christians) a full commitment to scriptural values and views.

Since we’ve had pulpits, newspapers and Sunday bulletins a long time, we seem to have an idea about how to handle them in a way that is governed by the principles we all hold dear. Unfortunately, that is often not the case with the blogs.

In recent times, the Internet has come along. With it has come this phenomenon called “blogging.” A blog is a site where anyone with a computer can express his views openly and easily. Those blogs are then available for everyone with a computer to view. So far, so good! But now there’s a problem!

Some Christians have set up their own blog, or they post their thoughts on someone else’s site. Very quickly they can sign on and start giving the world the benefit of their thinking. They can express themselves positively or negatively about whatever comes to mind and about whomever they please."

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More iPhone news: It's still coming in June

iPhone on target for end of June launch, AT&T says. Well, that's the word on the street anyhow. I'm sure Apple does not want to see this potential hot-selling product delayed. After all, it was announced several months ago. I for one hope it does come out on time and that I will still be a cingular/AT&T user then. I do think the iPhone will become a very hot item and could be a hard to get item. I am wondering how one would go about protecting the beautiful screen. Anyone have any ideas on that? Well, for now, enjoy the article...

"BOSTON (Reuters) - The iPhone, Apple Inc.'s (AAPL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) first mobile handset, is on schedule to hit the U.S. market at the end of June, a senior executive with AT&T Inc. (T.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Wednesday.

AT&T's wireless unit has an exclusive U.S. deal to sell the highly anticipated new handset.

"Our expectations are good. Our testing has been good," said AT&T Chief Operating Officer Randall Stephenson. "The iPhone is on target to launch in June."

The iPhone has become one of the most highly awaited product debuts since Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs demonstrated a prototype of the device in January."

Sunbird: Calendar Application for Windows, Linux, Mac OS X

Most people are aware of Mozilla's FireFox web browser and Thunderbird email application. Mozilla does have some other offerings and one of those I wanted to mention is Sunbird. Sunbird is a standalone desktop client somewhat similar to Microsoft Outlook. Sunbird does have some limitations as it has yet to see a 1.0 release, but if you are looking for an application that can keep your data on your PC or laptop and you need it for free, Sunbird could be the way for you to go.

I was able to sync my Google calendar by adding the ical address to Sunbird and using Sunbird's remote calendar function. I think I would have to manually reload the calendar if I want to update Sunbird. It doesn't look like there would be a auto feature for this. You can also have multiple calendars which would be a great way to keep your family events and church events separated.

You might be wondering why use Sunbird? I think it would be quite useful if you did not have a constant internet access on a computer. Maybe you use dailup at home or work or at your church. You would be able to backup your calendar information to Sunbird incase you cannot access Gcal or you lose data in Gcal. Overall, it's a nice app and I'm sure it could prove to be quite useful once it reaches version 1.0.

My trip last week.

Last week, as many of you know, I was away at a youth conference in Pontiac, Michigan. Our teenagers particiapted in several competitions including a Bible quiz over 1 John 1-4. Our Bible quiz team took first place! We placed well in other competitions such as basketball, volleyball, female solo, photography, and a few others. The preaching was amazing. A couple of the teenagers surrender to the Lord during the week and others made decisions as well. It was a very profitable time spiritually and competitively and we are truly grateful for what the Lord has done this past week.

Yard sales are coming!

I'm not one for a garage or a yard sale. First off, the name itself is misleading and I've never understood folks browsing someone else's junk and buying it. Still, my wife and I will be having one of those yard sales soon I am sure in the next month or two. We've set a few things aside for the event. I've even bookmarked a Lifehacker post with garage sale tips. So if you are looking at having one, be sure to check out that post and leave your tips for my wife and me.

Prayers for the students, faculty, and their families at Virginia Tech

Days like today are ones we all wish never happened. The vicious taking of lives of those Virginia Tech students is hard and difficult to comprehend. People's lives have been changed forever and will not ever be the same. I do hope that you have taken the time to pray for those affected by this tragedy and if you are a pastor or a church member in that area, I pray that you find a way to reach those young college students that have so many questions about this awful event in their lives. We as Christians have an awesome responsibility to help and serve those around us to weep with those who weep, to lift up the fallen, to encourage the weary. May the Lord find us faithful in doing exactly that.

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer, to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."

1 Peter 3:15

Pontiac, Michigan

Our trip to Pontiac, Michigan is going well. I have been using Splashblog to post pictures of the teens while on our trip. You can view the pictures at www.splashblog.com/joshuaburdick.

Will be out of town Monday thru Friday

Next week, I will be traveling to Pontiac, MI for a youth conference. I will be posting sporadically while I am away. In other words, as I am able, I will post. In the meantime, if you all could remember to pray for our group as we travel and remember the teenagers especially as God can use these trips to do a marvelous work in their lives.

Boys only church

If this doesn't take all, a church in Florida has decided to start its "men-only" church. It's been labeled 'Church for Men'. If this isn't pleasing the crowd or really tickling their ears, I don't know what is.

"Florida 'Church for Men' Features Rock Band, One-Hour In-and-Out Guarantee

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. —
No hymnals. No pews. No steeple. No stained glass windows. And no women.

This ain't your grandma's church.

Organizers of the Church For Men say that guys are "bored stiff" in many churches today.

The Church For Men meets one Saturday evening a month, drawing about 70 guys dressed in everything but straight-laced shirts and neckties. The service features a rock band, a shot clock to time the preacher's message and a one-hour in-and-out guarantee.

The church is part of a national movement to reverse what many Christian pastors and ministers are calling a troubling trend.

Studies show that men are less likely than women to show up on Sunday mornings, and the reaction has been an emerging testosterone theology of sorts. Churches nationwide are now reaching out to men."

A shot clock? A one hour in and out guarantee? It seems like it's a place that makes you like good person just because you attended church?! If this is a national movement, I think that Christianity will suffer from this kind of "Burger King" church. You know, have it your way. Overall, they seem to have done a great job in making sure that this "church" doesn't resemble a church at all. No steeple. No hymnals. No pews. No stained glass windows. Unbelievable. It's really a shame that a church has to changed and adapted to what the world wants rather then bringing the world to Jesus Christ.


Source: Fox News

iPhone's expected June release from Brighthand

Brighthand reports that the iPhone will be released in June. You can fead a portion of that article below and then follow the link for the full article. I'm quite excited about the iPhone and I am hoping to get one as it looks like it could replace much of the devices I carry. I still may not get one in the battery life is poor or if I move to an area where there is no cingular reception. So I will have to wait and see what comes of all this...

"When Apple's iPod/phone combination was announced early this year, the company said it would debut in June. But that promise was made five months before the expected release date, and a great many things can go wrong in all that time.

That's why those who are eagerly waiting for the iPhone will be happy to hear that this device is apparently still on schedule.

Cingular Wireless -- the carrier that will be exclusively offering this smartphone in the U.S. -- sent an email this week to everyone who has signed up on its site to be notified of the iPhone's release. Although this doesn't give a specific date, it does make it clear that the device is on track to be introduced in June.

Apple hasn't given an exact date, but according to an unconfirmed report its first smartphone will debut June 11, the day Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference kicks off.

Backward Christian Soldiers

If this doesn't hit close to home- or should I say the church?!

Backward Christian Soldiers

Backward Christian soldiers, Fleeing from the fight,
With the cross of Jesus, Nearly out of sight.
Christ our rightful master Stands against the foe
Onward into battle, we seem afraid to go.

Chorus
Backward Christian soldiers, Fleeing from the fight,
With the cross of Jesus, Nearly out of sight.

Like a might tortoise Moves the church of God.
Brothers we are treading, Where we've often trod.
We are much divided, Many bodies we,
Having different doctrines, but Not much charity.

Crowns and thrones may perish, Kingdoms rise and wane,
But the cross of Jesus Hidden does remain.
Gates of hell should never 'gainst the Church prevail,
We have Christ's own promise, but we think it might fail.

Sit here then ye people, Join our sleeping throng.
Blend with ours, your voices in a feeble song.
Blessings, ease and comfort Ask from Christ the King,
But with our modern thinking, We won't do a thing.

- Anonymous

Google offers free directory assistance

Lifehacker reports that Google is offering a toll free directory service. You just dial 1-800-GOOG-411 and you can save yourself some 411 fees on your next phone bill and even your cell phone bill perhaps. I think any church should consider using such a service as I am sure those kind of calls do add up during a month's time. They also mention another service which is 1-800-FREE-411. I was not aware of either service, but I will be making the folks at church aware of this very useful tip.

" Goolge Labs just rolled out a Google Voice Local Search, which is basically a free 411 search along the lines of previously mentioned

1-800-FREE-411.

To use the local business search tool, pick up your phone and dial 1-800-GOOG-411. Like you'd expect, an automated operator starts asking you questions and you narrow in on what you're looking for. Once you get your results, Google can connect you to the business for free or say, "text message", and it'll send you details by SMS to your phone. And since you're sure to want to know all of the advanced shortcuts, be sure to check out the GOOG-411 cheatsheet."

Digital paper coming soon.|

Electronic paper edging toward reality is a good read over at Reuters. Personally, I think this would be a good idea and could be quite practical. I like the idea of my daily news updated onto my "digital newspaper." I'm sure we are still years away from this being seen in everyday use.

"CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts (Reuters) - "Electronic paper" has long been hyped as the future of newspapers and books, but products like e-books have been slow to take off. That may soon change, say executives involved in the pioneering technology.

While Internet companies are scanning libraries of books and making them available online, E Ink Corp., which emerged out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology a decade ago, is seeing a surge in orders for its portable, foldable displays that mimic conventional paper to carry such books."

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Tweak and Speed up your PC.

Looks like today is a day of PC maintenance posts. Foxnews has an excellent and useful article called "How to Maximize your Performance in Windows Vista." (I'm still upset that my Windows Vista experience has been sour- still waiting on drivers for my video card). The article is written by Joel Durham, Jr. from Extreme Tech, a computer builder's site.

It offers some useful tips to help you tweak and keep Vista running smooth and fast. I'll definitely check back with this article if I ever get Vista running right.

" Performance is probably the most coveted intangible when it comes to PCs, and tweaking, to the performance hungry, is considered more of a necessity than an option.

Gearheads go to great lengths to get quicker system response times, faster-running games and shorter PC boot-up and shutdown times.

One way is to overclock the heck out of the poor components (and then, for bragging rights, to log on to a message board and claim a stable CPU frequency of about 300MHz faster than what's actually possible). Another way is to tweak out the operating system itself."

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PC World's 101 fantastic freebies!

I must admit that I'm a sucker for freeware for my PC. I find it fun testing the software or having it improve my PC. PC World, one of my favorite PC websites, has compiled a list of freeware applications. It covers a lot of cool and useful software from email to system utilities to blogging tools, etc. So read and enjoy a more happy PC!

"Once upon a time you actually had to pay for great software and services -- hard to believe, but true.

We revved up our cable modem and searched for the most intriguing free offerings out there. After we took each download or service for a test-drive, we picked the very best, and came up with the following list of 101 great freebies.

Luckily, we no longer live in that world. The Internet is stuffed with great downloads and Web sites offering free software and services of every kind."

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Contacting me.

This past weekend I posted an email address in which you can use to send me any correspondence. If you have any stories about using tech in your ministry that you would like to share or questions, we'll do our best to post them or answer them. I don't know everything about the tech world, but I do have Google as my friend. ;) So please feel free to drop me a line if you like.

Posting your missions trip, youth camp, etc. pictures on the go

Next week, I will be heading to Michigan for a youth conference. Our Christian school goes every year and it proves to be a great time for the students and even us teachers. One of the things I started last year was posting pictures of our activities on Splash Blog by Splash Data. This service allows you to use your Internet capable PDA or smartphone to send pictures to your online photo blog. This is a great way to show the parents of your students what their child is doing and what the place is like. I use my Palm Lifedrive to transfer pictures from my digital camera and then send then thru my Motorola v557to my Splash Blog. I've even had parents call me or my wife to ask where the latest pictures. Don't forget it's a great way to let others in your church know what the students at your school are up to.

So the next time you take a missions trip or go to youth camp, use Splash Blog to post your trip online and while it happens. You can still do that infamous slide show presentation when you get back, too.