The Maxson Homepage on the WWW
Stuff that doesn't fit anywhere else.
Ok everyone. Once and for all. GTMO is spelled GTMO. Not GITMO. Not G'ITMO. Just GTMO. My dad was stationed in GTMO in the mid 80's and that was how we all abbreviated it. I don't know why…that is just how it was.
Don't believe me? Visit NAVSTA GTMO homepage.
First, I haven't read the book. I don't have a real desire to read the book. I probably never will read the book. So, how can I learn about the book and how to discuss the book? Baptist Press has an article on the Da Vinci Code. It turns out that Midwestern Baptist Theological seminary has several lectures about the book. They are available online here. Below is a summary of what is presented:
Da Vinci Code Overview
Da Vinci Code and the Council of Nicea
Da Vinci Code and the Knights Templar
Logical Fallacies in the Da Vinci Code
Da Vinci Code and the Gnostic Gospels
Was Jesus Married?
The Deity of Christ in the New Testament
Ethical Implications of Dan Brown’s Worldview – Part 1
Ethical Implications of Dan Brown’s Worldview – Part 2
Sharing Jesus Christ with Our Friends Who Read the Da Vinci Code
Today the US is celebrating Memeorial Day. It is a day set aside to remember those who have served, fought, and died to preserve our freedom. Without their sacrifice, who knows our country would be like.
I'n sure everyone has heard the hymn Eternal Father, Strong to Save. Did you also know that it is The Navy Hymn? Did you also know that verses have been written covering just about every job in the US Navy? Well, if you have never been to chapel on a military base, you may not; however, it is true.
Several years ago, my mom asked me if I knew where she could get verse such and such. I didn't think it would be that hard but it was. It took me a few hours to find all the verses. I eventually found them on a US Navy site (somewhere). Because I think it came from a US Government source, it is public domain; however, it may not be. If you are the/a copyright owner and you want your verse/the whole thing removed, send me an e-mail.
Everyone is asking why Cyndi and I decided to rent in Richmond. We are planning to stay long-term and we could afford to buy. So, why "throw money down the toilet" of rent?
In the first place, I don't think rent is throwing money away. We are paying for a place to live. So? Yes, we don't own the house, but we don't have to deal with the hassles either. If the hot water tank goes kaput, we call the landlord. If the roof gets damaged in a storm, we call the landlord. There are advantages to renting.
We don't want to live in the city forever. Eventually, we want to save up money and purchase a house and acerage in the country. If we rent, we can save more money per month than we could if we purchased a house. When we buy, we will buy someplace we want to live and stay at for quite some time (15-20 years).
Additionally, I think the housing market is way inflated. It cannot keep going forever. Here are some links to some interesting articles in Money magazine:
Should I buy a house?
Risky real estate moves
Are you living in a bubble?
Will housing prices pop?
Why the housing bubble hasn't burst
Rent or buy? The answer may surprise
Additionally, I think the economy is going to turn south sometime in the next 2-10 years. When that happens, it will be way way worse than the great depression. Cyndi and I can have enough money to pay off our lease and get out of Dodge; however, we couldn't be able to get out of a house payment as easily.
Alan and I were talking yesterday about the possibility of using a Wankel Rotary engine in an aircraft. Well, it appears it has been done:
MISTRAL Engines offers a family of liquid-cooled rotary-piston engines for light aircraft. The powerplants are built around a rotary, Wankel-type engine core, with a planetary reduction gear and a fully redundant Digital Engine Management (DEM) system designed to meet certification standards.
Real World Solutions Inc. was formed for the purpose of developing cost effective information and products for converting the Mazda rotary engine for aircraft use. (We are NOT a "fire wall forward" manufacturer, however.) The rotary is uniquely qualified for this use due to its high power-to-weight ratio and reliability at high power settings.
I have done some reading into kitplanes and engine alternatives. Since kitplanes are considered experimental, you don't have to use a standard aircraft engine. This means you can save money on fuel and maintenance. Initial cost also seems to be less for these alternative engines. Here are two I have found and think they are interesting.
Like traditional, 20th century aircraft engines, the boxer Eggenfellner engine is horizontally opposed. But it’s similarity to old-fashioned engines ends there. Because this engine isn’t air cooled. It’s liquid cooled. And that makes a big, big difference.
DeltaHawk's Aircraft V-4 Turbo Diesel Engine is designed from the ground up as a compression-ignition general aviation engine designed for simplicity, durability, fuel efficiency and power configured to accept a fixed or constant speed propeller. [It is also a] springboard for other applications requiring light weight compression-ignition engines
Well, everyone knows that American English is totally different from "real" English. Everyone in the US also probably knows that different parts of the country have different "English" dialects too (although, this is becoming less common as more and more people move, watch TV, etc…). Have you ever wondered what "type" you are? Well, here is an online test you can take to find out what kind of American English you speak.
Here are my results:
Your Linguistic Profile: |
| 65% General American English |
| 20% Dixie |
| 10% Upper Midwestern |
| 5% Midwestern |
| 0% Yankee |
I received this in the e-mail today from a friend who still lives in Hermann. If you are there over Maifest, check it out.
Artists of Wine Country will be opening this studios in Hermann Maifest weekend for their Second Spring Tour.
The studios will be open on Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., or until crowds lessen and on Sunday from 11 a.m.-after the parade. There is no admission fee.
You will meet award-winning artists who open their studios, galleries and gardens to the public for the enjoyment of the art enthusiast. You may visit with the artists, hear stories about their artwork and enjoy the experience of getting to know the local artists personally.
They feature unique artwork in various media from metal sculpture, clay, watercolor, oil, pastel, fiber, wood, and to vitreous enamels. Look for the "one-of-a-kind" gifts for any special occasion.
Wine Country Artists are from all over the United States. Combine a tour of Hermann's delightful architecture as most studios are located in historic homes and storefronts. Maps for the Tour may be obtained from Colorful Brushes, 126 E. Fourth or the Hermann Welcome Center on Market Street. The phone number is 1-800-932-8687 or visit www.hermannmo.com.
Well, my grandma has Altzimers so we do a lot of reading on memory. My mom found this article on MSN and sent me the link. It is 10 ways to keep your memory sharp. Here is an excerpt:
1. Exercise your mind
2. Stay physically active
3. Eat, drink and be healthy
4. Develop a system of reminders and cues
5. Take time to remember things
6. Learn relaxation techniques
7. Keep a positive attitude
8. Talk to your doctor
9. Check your levels
10. Keep your perspective
If you want to read the whole article, click here