Eating Crow and Liking (er, +1ing) the New Gmail

Gasp!  Yes, CA readers, it's true:  About last Friday or so, I decided I would take the new Gmail challenge and dive into the new interface.  In other words, I decided to use the new look for at least a day or two to decide whether I would really get used to it, as I had heard others report they did.

As a former critic of the new appearance, let me say I now strongly prefer it to the old look.  DOUBLE GASP!!  Ironically, one of my biggest hangups became, perhaps, my favorite feature:  The minimalism.

In the new-look Gmail, t's all about the emails, peepers.

That's right, kids, the new interface cuts straight to the email.  Some complain there's too much white space.  I'll tell you what, click on the big gear and select Compact -- that will display plenty of emails.  On the other hand, I really like the "Cozy" density and cringe to think of the stress on my eyes, reverting back to compact-style.

And, talking of white space, here's a further irony:  Getting rid of many "buttons and knobs" (thank you, Arthur Weasley), I feel more comfortable and focused on my email.

In short, when I went back to take a peek at the old Gmail, my eyes felt strained, and I felt stranded in a cluttered garage.

Yes, the old look's more traditional and has less "white space," yet, consider its comparative clutter.

Ahhh.  Now my eyes focus on the email (because, seriously, why would I want to focus on my chat search box, etc.?)

I'll be candid in saying I feel hesitant about the degree of transparency on some themes, like Turf.  Yet, maybe that's just me or, like my conversion experience, simply an initial, gut reaction.

I imagine some might like less turf behind their email.

At the end of the day, users still must opt-in to use the new-look Gmail, and this after about two or three months out of the gate . . .  I'm unsure what the hold up is.  On the other hand, I definitely suggest giving the new look a shot for a couple days and then comparing/contrasting.  I definitely think old habits can die hard, especially in Gmail land (see the comments and be warned of some potty mouths).  So, take a chance, and if you also decide to make the switch, I hope your diet will be crow free, unlike mine.  Provecho!

Today's Spiritual Message: Power of God

Today's spiritual message centers on the priesthood and follows the life of a young man at around age 12 (when he receives the priesthood) up until shortly before his death.  I'm very impressed with the message and the cinematography (3D images?).

Today's Spiritual Message: We Can Live with God Again

I think anyone who has lost a loved one will enjoy this video.

 

Merry Christmas!!

Sorry this is a day belated.  Also, I think I've shared this message before.  On the other hand, I love how it captures the kind of true worship so often missing from the Christmas season these days.



MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Holiday Newsflash: Michael Bublé is Mel Tormé

Yep, folks, this revelation hit me like a ton of bricks.  While I blissfully thought (for years) that Michael Bublé was simply a chip off the much, much older Harry Connick Jr.'s block (Jr.'s 44, Bublé's 36), a one-time glimpse and whisper of another jazz singer on Pandora, today, unearthed the truth that ¡Bublé's actually a wax reproduction of The Velvet Frog, Mel Tormé!  Behold.  (I will divulge the nitty-gritty details, later.)

Bublé and Tormé: 

Too Close for Comfort

And for you skeptics, you so-called "intellectuals," who think even seeing is insufficient for believing, sink your teeth into this nugget of solid gold FACT:  Both guys sing jazz and have French-sounding last names that end in "é."  Faaaaact.  Are you kidding me?  What are the chances?  My exceptional training in the statistical law of large numbers tells me the p-value (random chance or mere coincidence) in this French connection is too striking to ignore or simply dismiss, offhand.  (For all you egg heads, all I'm trying to say is the connection's "statistically significant," all right?  Now that I've mouthed the magic academic words, can we please move on?  Thank you.)

And for all you stingy audiophiles who unrelentingly insist that the proof is in the production, listen to this:

Click the image for Tormé's rendition of Too Close for Comfort

Setting aside the corniness of the razor joke, how can anyone who has ever seriously listened to Bublé tell me anything other than he kidnapped The Velvet Frog, locked him up in his, The Frog's, own seven-lock trunk, regularly cut off locks of his hair, and drank polyjuice potion on the hour, every hour, until he finally assumed Tormé's appearance and vocal structure?  How do you like 'dem kippers!?!

Polyjuice potion is, of course, banned among jazz singers, and no doubt the F-Word (master of conspiracy theories and illicit mixtures) will want to investigate these claims.  In the meantime, Bublé's well-wishers must hope that, next time, he bestows his avarice on a dude with a less awkward nickname (seriously, The Velvet Frog?).

Disclaimer:  Yes, I realize having a two song comparison of the same song (Too Close for Comfort) would have been much cooler than expecting readers to actually use their imagination and comparative sound skills.  On the other hand, some guy whose last name ends with é apparently felt that would have been too close for comfort . . .  Oh, and this is NOT a legal advertisement.  Please consult a licensed abogado for that sort of thing.

Yesterday's Spiritual Message: The Coat - A Story of Charity

While I think you might be amused with the (unintentional?) humor from this cartoon, I think you'll also feel warmed by its message.

 

Today's Spiritual Message: Acting as Bible Characters

I enjoyed this interview with a handful of actors from the new Bible videos I posted about, last Sunday.

I principally love the message they share that God lives and loves us.

(P.S. for you Apple lovers, you might want to check out the free Bible Videos iPad app.)

Today's Spiritual Message: Ringing in the Christmas Season with Free Bible Videos

Tonight, the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gave a Christmas devotional.  In it, President Henry B. Eyring announced the Church is making available a number of free Bible videos, online.

I'm unsure how to (or if I even can) embed a video, yet, so you'll need to visit the site, to see them.

These videos can be accessed at BibleVideos.lds.org.

“It is our hope that these New Testament videos will help people to visualize what they have only been able to imagine, and to more deeply feel the truths of the New Testament as they witness the Savior’s life and not just as they read about it,” said Elder Lynn G. Robbins, executive director of the Media Services Department. “Hopefully, there will be entirely new insights into the Savior’s character that will help viewers feel of His love and inspire them to want to be more like Him.”

I hope you enjoy the new site and videos!

How to get the new Google bar (early)

Cross-posted from my Google+ account.

For everyone who shares my Google nerdery. (Note: Deleting my cache and cookies was insufficient for me; I had to enter the proffered code.)

The trick is to enter some code into your browser's JavaScript's console, as described on Google Operating System.

Thanks to Alex Chitu for the screenshot and instructions.

What are your initial reactions? I like the streamlining. The menu rollover's more time consuming for me than I hoped. I think I agree with many comments I've seen about Google bar's size . . . maybe it will go on a diet, soon. Finally, I assumed the top-right section of the bar would dangle more Google+ bait for the non-initiated:  Maybe Google's content with the Sign in button, coupled with +You being the first option on the new (and automatically displayed on google.com) rollover/drop-down menu.

I was expecting to see + baiting like, "Ready for some real sharing?  Try Google+!"  Maybe Google's trying a less-aggressive approach.  Maybe the aggression lies in a Google bar that's about three times bigger than the black bar.

For comparison:  The now-old black bar, before taking size-enlarging steroids.

Sunday's Spiritual Message: Men’s Hearts Shall Fail Them

"And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people" (Doctrine & Covenants 88:91).

Happy Thanksgiving!

First, let me say to one and all, Happy Thanksgiving!  I really enjoyed my day off with family and friends.  My daughter ran around (trying to escape her parents' restrictive arms) so much, she fell asleep with pie in her mouth, on the way home.  Good times.

In addition to my family, I'm very grateful for this nation and the religious freedom we enjoy.

O beautiful for pilgrim feet,
Whose stern impassion'd stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America! God mend thine ev'ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

To that end, I highly recommend this article on the pilgrims and religious freedom, from the LDS newsroom.

Today's Spiritual Message: Eastern European Youths Discuss Their Experience with the Book of Mormon

A number of young people (I assume members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) accepted the challenge to read from the Book of Mormon for 20 minutes each day.  Below, they share their experience.

Rugby Star Gives Up Millions for Missionary Service

"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God" (Doctrine & Covenants 18:10).  In my mind, this scripture is one of the principal answers to the question, "Why would a 19-year-old leave behind millions of dollars to serve a mission?"  The story of young rugby player Will Hopoate is just one such example:

There is another inspiring story of a young man who gave up two years of his life and, in his case, an opportunity to play on the best rugby team in the world.  His name was Sidney Going.  He is widely recognized as one of the best rugby players to ever play the game and is often referred to as "Super Sid."  His story begins at 2:15 in the video below.

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

 "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matthew 28:19-20).

Tangled Hairless

Tangled.  I've been hinting to the F-Word I would do this post, for some time, now.

Back when I saw previews for Tangled, I more or less shrugged and went on with my life.  Then, about two or three months ago, I believe my wife was losing her sanity with our daughter, so she purchased an iSomething version of Tangled.

I'm surprised to say I was quite delighted with the film.  Being a father of a daughter, now, I'm much more concerned about the modesty (or lack thereof) and innuendos in princess movies than I used to be.

I enjoyed this film's plot-line and particularly the rare fact that, for once, the princess actually had a mother and a father.  Yes, I know things can happen to parents:  My father passed away when I was seven.  On the other hand, I've been dazed and confused about parental-princess situations for so long, now, it's true.  Regarding Tangled and as the F-Word described, nearly one year ago, I felt rather choked up, during the movie, especially to see the king lament the ongoing absence of his sweet princess, after some seventeen years.  I still feel pained to think of losing my own daughter and how devastated I would feel.

So, as the F-Word did, I strongly recommend this film to anyone seeking out a wholesome and uplifting princess movie (or simply a Disney movie with a decent plot, some adventure, emotion, and a lot of laughs).

Hairless.  Now to the part of this post's title I'd actually been hinting at:  Hairless 7 Part Dos.  While I'm generally inclined to give my every last thought on something, today, I'll try to keep it short and sweet for you:  I disliked this movie.

Call me a purist. Call me boring.  All I ask is that you, gentle reader, consider what the film did to an exceptional novel:  In the words of Paul, "As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other Hairless unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed."

Okay, okay, I'm the first to admit a movie is incapable of capturing every marvelous detail from such a glorios novel (even in 276 minutes or 4.6 hours, combining the two movies).  On the other hand, why is it the filmmakers have constantly changed the plot-line, broken the everlasting goodness?

Rather than produce a ten-page, bullet-point list of serious infractions, I'll simply recount three, here, that come immediately to mind:  1) Hairless and V-Mart grabbing each other around the neck, jumping off a tower, and zooming all through the castle.  What in the wide, wide world of sports?  2) Rather than V-Mart leaving Snape in a cold and pitiless manner, we have Hollywood gore, with blood splattered walls and Snape convulsing against them.  Honestly.  3) Hermoine and Ron try to kill the snake by chucking rocks at it, and it dodges them, just getting annoyed.  Wow.  In my mind, 3) and 1) are almost up there with Vader screaming, "Noooo!" after Emperor Palpatine almost nervously informs him he killed Padme.

In sum, I was revolted with how often the film tangled up the novel's previously crisp story or gratuitously added unnecessary Tom-foolery (wink, wink).  In a day where movies drip with extravagant bursts of action and brief tweets of plot, I suppose what I've written is exactly why the film is one of the highest grossing productions of all time . . .

Today's Spiritual Message: A Book of Mormon Story

I hope you enjoy today's spiritual message about an English bishop from Jamaica's experience with the Book of Mormon.

BYU v. TCU: Mistakes Were Made

I was really looking forward to last night's BYU/TCU game, as I considered the Horned Frogs the last serious opponent BYU would face this season, as well as the first serious opponent, since Riley Nelson took over at the helm.

In short, I'm bummed out BYU lost, impressed with some of its better moments, and still trying to wash the turnovers and mistakes out of my brain.

Riley Nelson.  Once again, I was super impressed with his grit and determination.  I was so impressed that, even though I wanted to jump off our balcony after his two desperation turnovers, I felt sorry for the guy, rather than disgusted.  Here's an example of that unerring determination I'm talking about:

How many quarterbacks will bust out a gutsy play like that and then high-five the line judge?  Full of win.  Next time, I just hope the high-five will come in celebration of an imminent victory, rather than a yippee, two-point conversion (when we're still down by double digits).

Special teams.  Wow.  Talk about a roller coaster evening.  I think we basically handed the game to TCU on special teams and field position (other than Falslev's punt return for a touchdown).  How is the defense expected to defend against a speedy TCU offense with just 30-40 yards between them and the end-zone?

Defense.  Speaking of the defense, I was impressed on the whole -- especially in the second half with how it kept stuffing TCU's offense when we had to make a stop -- and simply nauseous with some of the missed assignments that led to immediate scores.

Conclusion.  If I remember correctly, TCU got all or virtually all of its points under something like five minutes, total.  FIVE MINUTES!  Field position and missed assignments.  I loved how BYU battled back, in spite of what I believe was a 25-point deficit.

If Riley can learn to take a sack instead of creating a turnover, special teams can get the ball out of our side of the 50 on a punt, and if the defense can avoid touchdown-inducing mistakes, I'd call the team quite solid.  As things currently stand, who's next on the schedule?  The Idaho Vandals.  The who?  Is that a high school team?  Anyway, I guess we can look ahead to the bowl game against Army, Navy, or someone similar and a brighter season, next year (sigh) with better execution and greater success.

Today's Spiritual Message: What Our KJV Bible Cost

Sometimes, people assume that because members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ("Mormons") accept scripture outside of the Bible, such as the Book of Mormon (a translated, ancient text) or modern revelation, that we disregard or disbelieve the Bible.

The fact is, "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly" (Articles of Faith 1:8).

Today, I started watching a three part documentary about the lives and martyrdom of those who gave so much so that you and I, or anyone who wishes, can have the word of God and read it for himself.  The presentation is called "Fires of Faith."

Here's a trailer.  I believe you can watch the full documentary, on demand, at byutv.org

BYU Football 2011

Okay, this post represents my effort to keep a promise I made to a friend that I'd write on this subject.  Enjoy.

First few games:  I was very disturbed with the offense's inability to execute in the red zone.  Who cares if I can make long, sustained drives, if I peter out when it counts (putting points on the board)?  I really liked the defense's opportunism, particularly Van Noy's forced fumble in the Ole Miss game, returned for a TD, to basically win the game.  I'll simply forgo mentioning the UU game, other than to say I'll never show my face in SLC, again, for the next 30 years.  What I will say about the game is that it represented the story of the team's early-season mentality: great or okay one half, poor or awful the other.

Ah, sweet Van Noy delights, available at your local Lavell Edwards stadium or anywhere BYU plays a football game

Utah State comeback:  I almost lost it, with BYU down something like 10 points with only the 4th quarter to go against Utah State.  Seriously.  When's the last time the mighty Cougars lost to the Aggies at home? when Karl G. Maesar was BYU president?  I had been "most displeased" with Heaps' bittersweet performances and the offense's overall "apparent lack of progress."  Thankfully, as the F-Word so eloquently described, Samson, Sunshine, or just plain Riley, came out with his flowing locks streaming in the air, slashing through the Aggie defense and, eventually, leading the bleeding Cougars 96 yards for a, "Are you serious?!?" capstone, comeback drive.  I almost wept with joy.  That whole comeback was Beck-Harline in the endzone type of goodness, particularly the catch in the endzone goodness.  Full of win.  At a minimum, I felt and looked like Jean Luc Picard, as I celebrated that glorious (and relieving) victory.

Remember the Titans (as in the move)?

Since Utah State comeback:  BYU has since played San Jose State and Oregon State, emerging victorious in each contest.  I'll decline to comment on the games much, since I saw only recap articles, describing what happened.  On the other hand, from what I remember, the team has gashed open the yards with its offense, particularly the running game, and I look forward to seeing some serious scoring, when I witness my next game (hopefully, on Saturday).  

Regarding the team, in general, I believe I've read that the players are really excited with Nelson's grit, hard work, and determination.  Moreover, from what I saw of him in the Utah State game, I was, myself, singing his praises.  My questions are how long it will go on before he gets hurt (running the ball so much), and how will he fare against an excellent pass defense?

BYU Football independence:  I absolutely love it.  "[Y]e are a chosen generation, . . . a peculiar [football team]."  Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are often seen as weird or, at least, different, and, frankly, that's our preference.  BYU's football independence symbolizes the fact that we stand for playing games on Saturdays, rather than Sundays and that the organization behind BYU football is much, much bigger (and more important to us) than the football team, and, dare I say, that BYU is willing to stand up for its Honor Code, rather than Ohio State its way through recruitment challenges.  In fact, many people have developed an interest in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints simply because of BYU's football team, and, in my mind, that interest is worth much more than any number of national championships or fiscal riches flowing into the university.  D&C 18:10.

Would it surprise you if the term "Brothers," here, has at least a dual meaning?

So, could BYU rake in more cash with the Big 12 or some other hoity toity conference?  Absolutely.  Would BYU be guaranteed to play better teams and have a stronger schedule?  Hands down.  Would BYU-faithful be able to watch (or re-watch) most or every game?  I strongly doubt it.  Would the highfalutin conference give BYU guff about refusing to play on Sundays (and maybe adherence to its Honor Code)?  I think so.  In short, while I'd love to rise and shout about more bing in BYU's pockets, I'm happier than a clam, just to see the team gut it out as a peculiar team, a band of brothers.  For more on this subject, I highly recommend the article I linked to, above.

Okay.  I have shared my thoughts.  Rise and shout.

HAPPY 500TH POST! Today's Spiritual Message: Things as They Really Are

"Time flies on wings of lightning, we cannot call it back."  I've written on this subject a few times and it's still something I greatly struggle with -- and I lived two years on a rigid schedule, absent TV, email, friends, dating etc., waking up early and going to bed by 10:30.

As I imagine some of you might also be having similar struggles with prioritizing your time, I'm confident you'll enjoy this brief video, incorporating words from Elder David A. Bednar, as well as the full video of Elder Ian S. Ardern's recent general conference talk, A Time to Prepare.

SEO & The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

On a daily basis, I try to follow the Savior's admonition to, "Search the scriptures" (John 5:39).  Recently, I've coupled my study of the Book of Mormon with study of the New Testament.  In supplementing my reading, I often use study guides, published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because they incorporate explanations and insights shared by modern prophets and apostles.

This morning, when I went to pull up the pdf URL of the New Testament manual I use, I accidentally ended up on google.com.  (Using Chrome, I can search Google straight from my address bar.)  Apparently, Chrome thought I had typed in New Testament as a Google search.  What was the second result for New Testament (coming only after the source of all knowledge, Wikipedia)?

Try Googling "New Testament" and see what you find.

Curious, I did a brief search on the subject of the LDS Church and SEO, and I found this article from Daily Mail in the UK.  It turns out there are a number of Google searches that will yield a page from the Church in the top ten results, including friend, ensign (which comes in at #1), new era, old testament, etc.

Maybe the F-Word can enlighten us with a conspiracy theory discussion, here.

In the view of many Latter-day Saints, including myself, this result will hardly be surprising, as we were commanded by the Savior to, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations" (Matt. 28:19-20).

Using the Internet as a tool to spread the glorious message that the Jesus is the Christ, and that He has restored His Church on the earth, today, is a method frequently encouraged by the Master's prophets and apostles.  Messages from Elder M. Russell Ballard and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf are just two examples that come to mind.  Said President Uchtdorf, "My dear young friends, perhaps the Lord’s encouragement to 'open [your] mouths' (D&C 60:2) might today include 'use your hands' to blog and text message the gospel to all the world!"

Indeed, I firmly believe the principal reason the Lord has inspired men to create modern marvels such as the Internet and social media is to spread His message that His Church is on the earth, again, today, and "that God is, not was; that He speaketh, not spake"  (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, quoting a challenge from Ralph Waldo Emmerson to Harvard Divinity School students in 1838).

I add my witness, once again, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that He has restored His Church to the earth, again, today, even the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  While some might call this declaration "bold" and feel disconcerted to hear it, many were also taken aback when the Savior, Himself, proclaimed His own divinity (see John 6:25-62, particularly 60-62).

Rather than take my word that these things are true, I invite you to visit mormon.org, search, ponder, and ask our Heavenly Father for yourself.  I promise you that if you will "ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, [the Eternal Father] will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.  And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things" (see Moroni 10:3-5, which refers specifically to the Book of Mormon).