Hello All,
I just picked up my new HTC Hero yesterday. It was finally time to retire the old Instinct, as fun as it was in it's day. I have to say I am completely blown away. The phone itself is light years ahead of what I was used to. The apps are incredible and I have just started to explore what it has to offer. First I have to say the metal detector app I was recommended is funny but awesome. Really works, though I have no idea exactly how as of yet. I am still figuring out how to set up all my home screens the way I like them and the customization options are quite incredible. I am currently catching up on the original version of the Office. Gervais and Merchant and co. were and still are geniuses. I can't wait, and highly recommend, checking out the HBO version of Ricky's podcast. The animation of the crazy Karl Pilkington, check him out definitely, will be something incredible to see. Well back to the phone. I hope you all have a happy New Year. And now I can cross out blogging about my phone on Astrid.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
More posts to come
It has been a while but now with the summer laid out before me I feel the need to re-enter the blogosphere. I will be updating my recent happenings and trying to keep up with what's to come. Most exciting is the appending arrival of my new nephew Liam and niece Caitlynn. A proud Uncle I already am but look to triple that joy before the end of the summer.
On a side note I have also started up what I hope to be a long continuing project. At http://battlestarokeefe.blogspot.com you can find my new blog which will follow the entire re-imagined Battlestar Galactica series from the pilot Mini-Series through Daylight the end of the end which happened this spring.
I will also be reviewing and sharing my thoughts on the Battlestar prequel series Caprica. Vastly different in tone Caprica tells the tale of two strong family's struggle to deal with a common tragedy. That tragedy will eventually lead to playing a strong role in the events that will be the basis for the reasons behind the story of the Battlestar Galactica and it's historical significance. Stay tuned for a Caprica pilot movie review soon and hopefully a long following blog once the show begins it's season next Winter.
So stay tuned for many exciting events ahead and thanks for reading along with me.
On a side note I have also started up what I hope to be a long continuing project. At http://battlestarokeefe.blogspot.com you can find my new blog which will follow the entire re-imagined Battlestar Galactica series from the pilot Mini-Series through Daylight the end of the end which happened this spring.
I will also be reviewing and sharing my thoughts on the Battlestar prequel series Caprica. Vastly different in tone Caprica tells the tale of two strong family's struggle to deal with a common tragedy. That tragedy will eventually lead to playing a strong role in the events that will be the basis for the reasons behind the story of the Battlestar Galactica and it's historical significance. Stay tuned for a Caprica pilot movie review soon and hopefully a long following blog once the show begins it's season next Winter.
So stay tuned for many exciting events ahead and thanks for reading along with me.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Battlestar Galactica Countdown
So there are now three hours left (?). Next week's episode and from what I understand is a two hour series finale. Tonight's episode seems to the the first heading towards the series Dénouement. There was so much to see and absorb I am blogging this on my second go round with Islanded in a Sea of Stars. The Galactica is dying. Roslin is dying. So many others have died or are on their way both human and Cylon. It is heartbreakingly beautiful to watch. The writing, directing, and acting are superb.
I think what the series is trying to say at this point is that we are all people in our own way. Whether we were born human, machine, or reborn in some other mysterious way as is the case with Starbuck, Kara Thrace. Apollo, Lee Adama, who started as a reluctant Viper pilot at the decomissioning ceremony during the mini-series and is now the de facto President of the Colonies, put it best when he said to Kara that all that matters is being. Right here, right now. They are safe, they are together and that is all that matters.
It is so difficult to let go of the things that we love, yet we all must cross that road many times in our lives. If we resist the change as Admiral Adama did for so long, and as so many others have througout the series, we die the same death Galactica is dying right now. If we try to be something we are not, as Galactica has tried to do we also die. What matters is the people we care about in the here and now.
Right now it seems both the Cylons and Humans are placing all of their hopes in Hera. Hera, the cylon/human hybrid. Why does it take one small child to bring together beings who have so much in common and could learn so much from each other? What is Cavill's motive for capturing the child? Why does Ellen Tigh believe she is the only answer for ending the cycle of violence between man and machine?
What is Kara? Is she and angel, prohpet, demon? Or is she something else entirely. Is she the future of the races? Is she the past of the races? Does she represent the anger and hatred that has spanned the millenia and spawned the death and doom so many times before?
Where do they go from here. War and destruction or redemption?
We have three hours left to find out.
I think what the series is trying to say at this point is that we are all people in our own way. Whether we were born human, machine, or reborn in some other mysterious way as is the case with Starbuck, Kara Thrace. Apollo, Lee Adama, who started as a reluctant Viper pilot at the decomissioning ceremony during the mini-series and is now the de facto President of the Colonies, put it best when he said to Kara that all that matters is being. Right here, right now. They are safe, they are together and that is all that matters.
It is so difficult to let go of the things that we love, yet we all must cross that road many times in our lives. If we resist the change as Admiral Adama did for so long, and as so many others have througout the series, we die the same death Galactica is dying right now. If we try to be something we are not, as Galactica has tried to do we also die. What matters is the people we care about in the here and now.
Right now it seems both the Cylons and Humans are placing all of their hopes in Hera. Hera, the cylon/human hybrid. Why does it take one small child to bring together beings who have so much in common and could learn so much from each other? What is Cavill's motive for capturing the child? Why does Ellen Tigh believe she is the only answer for ending the cycle of violence between man and machine?
What is Kara? Is she and angel, prohpet, demon? Or is she something else entirely. Is she the future of the races? Is she the past of the races? Does she represent the anger and hatred that has spanned the millenia and spawned the death and doom so many times before?
Where do they go from here. War and destruction or redemption?
We have three hours left to find out.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
January 20, 2009
Overwhelmed. That is the only word I can use to sum up what I am feeling on this day. At this point in my life I am only now truly entering my adulthood. I am beginning to take up the responsibilities that will guide my life, and hopefully my families into the future. As I stand here looking forward to the days ahead I am filled with the greatest of hopes. I know that what happened today was the culmination of many lives, for those lived, given, and still living. I am humbled by what has happened, I am inspired by it, and proud to have been, however small, a part of this day.
The future is ours to seize. One man has not taught us this even if President Obama may be the embodiment of this hope. We have taught ourselves this hard earned lesson. We have all come to this realization by different paths. We all have different expectations on where the road ahead will lead. Yet, I trust the President and more importantly myself and the American People to grab the future by the horns and work hard to make a more perfect Union. To bring more harmony and freedom to the world. To bring hope to those who have none. It is what our country has tried to be since it's inception and which dream it can only now begin to call it's own.
I sit here alone in my room thinking of all those I have lost, all those who came before. I think of all those who are still journeying with me, and those who I will come to meet in the years ahead. I think of these words that I am committing to electronic record in this age and wonder if how long they will be with me, how many others may read this over the years, and how they will be recieved given histories judgement.
My hope is this: I hope to someday read this post with my grandchildren. To them I say:
I hope I have lived a life of worth, hope, love and positivity on all levels. I hope that I set an example that they can be proud of. I hope to have been the best Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Teacher that I could have been. I hope that they know that even though I don't know them yet I do love them. I also hope that they will gain strength from themselves even while they give their strength to those around them. For if there is no greater lesson learned today it is that all we have to believe is that Yes We Can to take that first step towards our life's fufillment. While at times it may seem that we walk alone if we walk strong and do what is right we will never be alone. We will walk as one, diverse in our dreams, hopes and fears, yet together we will stand strong against all that seeks to bring us down.
As I sit here now my immediate hope is that I can do what I can for today. That I can be the best boyfriend I can be for the woman I care so much about. That we will have a long future together, or at least I can contribute to her eternal happiness is some way. I hope that I can finish my schooling and begin the new era of my life's work in earnest as a Public School Teacher. I hope to be the best Uncle I can be for my ever expanding family, for it was today that I learned that Aidan Carner will have a sibling. I hope I can be there for the mother who raised me, the brother and sisters who have loved me and the memory of those who have helped me grow to this point.
Today I do not put away all childish things, for I will always be a child in some way, and always will want children in my life. I hope to touch as many lives positively as I can.
I hope, I can, I will.
The future is ours to seize. One man has not taught us this even if President Obama may be the embodiment of this hope. We have taught ourselves this hard earned lesson. We have all come to this realization by different paths. We all have different expectations on where the road ahead will lead. Yet, I trust the President and more importantly myself and the American People to grab the future by the horns and work hard to make a more perfect Union. To bring more harmony and freedom to the world. To bring hope to those who have none. It is what our country has tried to be since it's inception and which dream it can only now begin to call it's own.
I sit here alone in my room thinking of all those I have lost, all those who came before. I think of all those who are still journeying with me, and those who I will come to meet in the years ahead. I think of these words that I am committing to electronic record in this age and wonder if how long they will be with me, how many others may read this over the years, and how they will be recieved given histories judgement.
My hope is this: I hope to someday read this post with my grandchildren. To them I say:
I hope I have lived a life of worth, hope, love and positivity on all levels. I hope that I set an example that they can be proud of. I hope to have been the best Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Teacher that I could have been. I hope that they know that even though I don't know them yet I do love them. I also hope that they will gain strength from themselves even while they give their strength to those around them. For if there is no greater lesson learned today it is that all we have to believe is that Yes We Can to take that first step towards our life's fufillment. While at times it may seem that we walk alone if we walk strong and do what is right we will never be alone. We will walk as one, diverse in our dreams, hopes and fears, yet together we will stand strong against all that seeks to bring us down.
As I sit here now my immediate hope is that I can do what I can for today. That I can be the best boyfriend I can be for the woman I care so much about. That we will have a long future together, or at least I can contribute to her eternal happiness is some way. I hope that I can finish my schooling and begin the new era of my life's work in earnest as a Public School Teacher. I hope to be the best Uncle I can be for my ever expanding family, for it was today that I learned that Aidan Carner will have a sibling. I hope I can be there for the mother who raised me, the brother and sisters who have loved me and the memory of those who have helped me grow to this point.
Today I do not put away all childish things, for I will always be a child in some way, and always will want children in my life. I hope to touch as many lives positively as I can.
I hope, I can, I will.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Historical Days
Hello everyone,
I hope all is well in your world. As I sit here writing this I know that I am bearing witness to History. That goes without saying. Our greatest step forward as a nation towards that grand ideal of a land that promises Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness with equality for all comes to fruition tomorrow with the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States Barack Obama. This moment, with the first American-of-African Descent to be elected President, was one that I was sure I would witness in my lifetime. I did know it would come so soon in my life.
I have been very lucky to have been raised by parents who taught me to judge people on the content of their characters. I have done my very best to hold fast to that idea in everything that I do. I am very happy right now to have found my calling in life to become an elementary school teacher. I am also very thankful I currently work at a school with students from a very diverse background. I see in their generation the hope and knowledge that while some differences remain between us we all have so much more in common to be thankful for and hopeful for.
That being said tomorrow is another of those days that will forever be in my mind. There have been days great and terrible in this nations history. I mark this day in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who gave us many great days but arguably none greater than when off the top of his head he delivered one of the greatest adresses in American history when he delivered the "I Have A Dream" speech. I was not around so I don't have a place to remember where I was when it was delivered.
I was alive for one of the most terrible days in this countries history when I witnessed with my father and Uncle Jack the terror that was Sept. 11, 2001. I will never forget being with them and hoping that everyone I knew in New York and Washington were safe. Thankfully most were. I only knew one person who died in the towers, and was lucky that one of my muscial compatriots from high school was not in his office in the Pentagon as he was scheduled to be just a week later.
Tomorrow I hope to be home as there is a snow storm on it's way and I hope it will allow me to witness the entire event live. If not I will be where I am supposed to be and hope to be for a long time at my elementary school job. While I may have to postpone my witnessing of the events for a time it will be more than worth it. My calling is my serving. I intened to serve the communtiy by being the best teacher I can and I shall also serve in other ways as I did to help get President Obama elected.
So here I sit, one more great step on my life's journey, one great day will unfold into another. While we all can not know exactly what the future holds for us, I feel that tomorrow continues the journey towards better days for all of us. This hope will carry us truly in the short term. I hope we all will know how hard we will all have to work to carry this hope forward to the future.
I know we can do it, we already have!
I hope all is well in your world. As I sit here writing this I know that I am bearing witness to History. That goes without saying. Our greatest step forward as a nation towards that grand ideal of a land that promises Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness with equality for all comes to fruition tomorrow with the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States Barack Obama. This moment, with the first American-of-African Descent to be elected President, was one that I was sure I would witness in my lifetime. I did know it would come so soon in my life.
I have been very lucky to have been raised by parents who taught me to judge people on the content of their characters. I have done my very best to hold fast to that idea in everything that I do. I am very happy right now to have found my calling in life to become an elementary school teacher. I am also very thankful I currently work at a school with students from a very diverse background. I see in their generation the hope and knowledge that while some differences remain between us we all have so much more in common to be thankful for and hopeful for.
That being said tomorrow is another of those days that will forever be in my mind. There have been days great and terrible in this nations history. I mark this day in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who gave us many great days but arguably none greater than when off the top of his head he delivered one of the greatest adresses in American history when he delivered the "I Have A Dream" speech. I was not around so I don't have a place to remember where I was when it was delivered.
I was alive for one of the most terrible days in this countries history when I witnessed with my father and Uncle Jack the terror that was Sept. 11, 2001. I will never forget being with them and hoping that everyone I knew in New York and Washington were safe. Thankfully most were. I only knew one person who died in the towers, and was lucky that one of my muscial compatriots from high school was not in his office in the Pentagon as he was scheduled to be just a week later.
Tomorrow I hope to be home as there is a snow storm on it's way and I hope it will allow me to witness the entire event live. If not I will be where I am supposed to be and hope to be for a long time at my elementary school job. While I may have to postpone my witnessing of the events for a time it will be more than worth it. My calling is my serving. I intened to serve the communtiy by being the best teacher I can and I shall also serve in other ways as I did to help get President Obama elected.
So here I sit, one more great step on my life's journey, one great day will unfold into another. While we all can not know exactly what the future holds for us, I feel that tomorrow continues the journey towards better days for all of us. This hope will carry us truly in the short term. I hope we all will know how hard we will all have to work to carry this hope forward to the future.
I know we can do it, we already have!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas Everyone
I sit here alone again on another Christmas Eve. Half an hour till midnight. Yet for the first time in as long as I can remember I know I am not alone. First off, I have two crazy dogs ready to join me down stairs at first call (or at least first treat). I have a family that, while is still in mourning for all of those we have lost, most especially Robert, my father, is growing larger and happier by the day. My mother has my love, respect, and presence every day of the week currently. She is not here tonight but instead is sleeping in the same room with her first grandchild Aidan. It is funny to hear her wonder if she would scare him by sleeping in the room with him, and even funnier to hear Bridget, Aidan's mother, remind him that he knows "GammaGy" (pronounced gamma guhee) and all she need do is turn on the light and show him her face to bring back his smile.
I see my sister Maureen and her husband Glen, on their way to starting a family of their own, filled with love and joy for the moment and in their new house and family on the way for the future.
That all has come together with, Dan, Maureen, Glen, Bridget, Chris, Aidan and those further away to make this of course a season of reflection, but more importantly a season for and with great joy is a Miracle all in itself.
As for myself I steal directly from director Kevin Smith, and undoubtedly many others, by stating that this is my Jesus year. While I may no longer practice the faith directly, to say I am not inspired by or born from it would be a lie. Age 33 was when Jesus did his most famous of works on Earth, or so the books tell us. I have looked up on this age for many years as a major marking post in my life. Perhaps only to be followed by age 64 (thanks to the Beatles for that one).
In this year I have lost my father. It is by far the toughest thing I have ever gone through. So many conflicting emotions. Yet thanks to him I have a wonderful job. I have found a career. Something I know he wanted desperately for me. I have co-workers who have in a very short period of time become more like family to me than I ever thought possible.
I have restarted my education, and at least so far have 4.0 GPA, and while I can't promise I will keep that up all the way through, for his sake and mine I will certainly do my best. On that score I know he would be very proud.
Most importantly to me I have met the most wonderful, beautiful, charming, funny, intelligent, Woman I could have ever met. My inspiration for all that is good in this world, Emily, has blessed me so by sharing her life with me. Knowing that I have given her even an ounce of the Joy that she has given me makes my heart overflow. I do not know what the future holds for the two of us, but I am so thankful for every day that I have with her, and will be thankful for the rest of my life that I have gotten to know her. Her beauty permeates all around her, brings happiness to all who know her, and I have and will always dedicate myself to her happiness. I will support her in all that she does in life because whether she knows it or not she has already saved mine. Given me a strength and Faith that I didn't even dare dream of before. For that I will be forever grateful, and for that she deserves my everlasting support. Whether it is with me, or whomever turns out to be the luckiest man on Earth who gets to share their life with her, I will always be there whenever she calls.
So on this Christmas, now getting closer and closer to Midnight, Santa has long since come for me. Perhaps what I have said seems somewhat selfish, I think my perceived loneliness before was much more selfish. I have lost a lot this year, but I have gained so much more. I know that if what my father believed is true he is most definitely smiling down upon us now. I dare say his hand has been behind all the good that started developing before he left us and certainly all the good that has happened since he left us. I love you Dad. I miss you.
To all of you kind enough to read this far. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you! I know 2009 will be great for us all. If you ever need reminding of that fact just contact me and I'll remind you of all we have to be thankful for.
Now I return to a book that Emily lent me. Even now with her in California with her family and I here in NC, she is with me. I am not alone.
I see my sister Maureen and her husband Glen, on their way to starting a family of their own, filled with love and joy for the moment and in their new house and family on the way for the future.
That all has come together with, Dan, Maureen, Glen, Bridget, Chris, Aidan and those further away to make this of course a season of reflection, but more importantly a season for and with great joy is a Miracle all in itself.
As for myself I steal directly from director Kevin Smith, and undoubtedly many others, by stating that this is my Jesus year. While I may no longer practice the faith directly, to say I am not inspired by or born from it would be a lie. Age 33 was when Jesus did his most famous of works on Earth, or so the books tell us. I have looked up on this age for many years as a major marking post in my life. Perhaps only to be followed by age 64 (thanks to the Beatles for that one).
In this year I have lost my father. It is by far the toughest thing I have ever gone through. So many conflicting emotions. Yet thanks to him I have a wonderful job. I have found a career. Something I know he wanted desperately for me. I have co-workers who have in a very short period of time become more like family to me than I ever thought possible.
I have restarted my education, and at least so far have 4.0 GPA, and while I can't promise I will keep that up all the way through, for his sake and mine I will certainly do my best. On that score I know he would be very proud.
Most importantly to me I have met the most wonderful, beautiful, charming, funny, intelligent, Woman I could have ever met. My inspiration for all that is good in this world, Emily, has blessed me so by sharing her life with me. Knowing that I have given her even an ounce of the Joy that she has given me makes my heart overflow. I do not know what the future holds for the two of us, but I am so thankful for every day that I have with her, and will be thankful for the rest of my life that I have gotten to know her. Her beauty permeates all around her, brings happiness to all who know her, and I have and will always dedicate myself to her happiness. I will support her in all that she does in life because whether she knows it or not she has already saved mine. Given me a strength and Faith that I didn't even dare dream of before. For that I will be forever grateful, and for that she deserves my everlasting support. Whether it is with me, or whomever turns out to be the luckiest man on Earth who gets to share their life with her, I will always be there whenever she calls.
So on this Christmas, now getting closer and closer to Midnight, Santa has long since come for me. Perhaps what I have said seems somewhat selfish, I think my perceived loneliness before was much more selfish. I have lost a lot this year, but I have gained so much more. I know that if what my father believed is true he is most definitely smiling down upon us now. I dare say his hand has been behind all the good that started developing before he left us and certainly all the good that has happened since he left us. I love you Dad. I miss you.
To all of you kind enough to read this far. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you! I know 2009 will be great for us all. If you ever need reminding of that fact just contact me and I'll remind you of all we have to be thankful for.
Now I return to a book that Emily lent me. Even now with her in California with her family and I here in NC, she is with me. I am not alone.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Heroes seems to be back
Well Sylar seems to be back on track. The show itself seems like it is building to something good and I really do like Robert Forrester's character. It will be an interesting rest of the season. I can only hope that due to the extremely untimely demise of Bryan Fuller's Pushing Daises that it will only be a matter of time before things get extremely better for this show. I just hope the story continues to be as good as it has been the last few episodes through his return.
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