In light of all the friends I have that blog–especially those who blog more than I do, which isn't hard–today's Zits Comic Strip really gave me a chuckle.
(If today isn't 4/21/2006 then you'll need to scroll down and choose 4/21/2006 from the archives.)
I saw this on a friend's blog today and couldn't resist sharing:
Earlier I promised to highlight some things that have leapt to my attention from the news this week, so here goes…
Boot Camp is not just for soldiers any more! No indeed. It is now for your Intel based Macintosh as well! Apple this week released a beta software application that will allow you to load WindowsXP on one of the new Macintosh computers with Intel chips. With Boot Camp you'll be able to choose which OS you want to use when you boot the computer: Mac or Windows.
I can see advantages for some folks, and might even consider it when I break down and buy my next laptop later this year. For most Mac users though, I can't see this being an advantage. After all, you're using the most advanced operating system on the planet… Why install clutter?
Moving on to more serious news, an Army medic who refused to carry a weapon in WWII was just buried with full military honors. He was also a Medal of Honor recipient. This is my kind of man… Willing to serve, but not willing to kill. Many probably deemed (and still do deem) this to be hypocritical. Even some chaplains I know chafe at the thought of not being allowed to carry a weapon. But I think the quote at the end of the article sums it up nicely:
"He wanted to serve. He just didn't want to kill anybody," said a veteran who attended the service, Fred Headrick, 85. "Most all of [Medal of Honor recipients] received their medal for killing someone. He received his by saving lives."
I just wish more folks would win medals for saving lives, and fewer for taking them. I wish that it would be more glamorous to save a life than it is to take one, that giving life could be just as special as taking it seems to have become in our culture.
Lots to report on this week, making up for a bit of a break in the blogging.
On Monday I awoke and decided I had put it off long enough. I had waffled. I had wavered. It was time to get my Hawaii driver's license. Fortunately I discovered that there was no time limit on new residents getting the license. Some states require that, if you are moving to that state, you must get a license in that state within a certain number of days. Hawaii just wants you to have a valid, non-expired license from some state, which I had. That technically gave me until August 2008. But I wanted to do it sooner.
Last fall I learned that I'd have to take the written test in order to get a license here. So I went and bought the driver's manual (they don't give them away here, you have to purchase them) and started flipping through it. I soon realized that I would need to study, because I couldn't remember "how many car lengths you should be behind the car in front of you on the highway," etc. Besides, some of the knowledge varies from state to state. Add to that the fact that I haven't taken a written driver's exam in 17 years, and I figured I needed a lot of brushing up time. That's when the procrastination started.
On Monday I finally picked up the manual and a highlighter and flipped to the sample test in the back. It had 171 questions, and I determined I would answer them all. Fortunately it also told you what page the answer could be found on. Out of the 171 I had to flip back for maybe five or six questions before answering. The rest I was able to answer right off, and when I checked them all but one or two were right.
So I drove to the nearest testing center. I had my two forms of ID. I had a book to read in the long lines I was told to expect. …and I finished in under 30 minutes. With a shiny new Hawaiian driver's license!
I got two questions out of 30 wrong, they said. I only know what one of them was: "When exiting a driveway or private road that crosses a sidewalk, the driver should: A) Come to a complete stop, check for pedestrians and traffic, and proceed only when clear; B) Slow down to allow pedestrians and traffic to move out of the way; C) Blow your horn and proceed, as everyone should get out of your way when you use the horn; D) Speed up to try to beat any pedestrians or traffic."
A, right? I'm sure that's what I answered. The correct answer in Hawaii, however, is B. That's right. You don't need to stop. Just slow down while the hapless pedestrians and any cars dumb enough to be driving on your street scamper out of your way. Don't believe me, check the driver's manual.
At any rate, that's a relief!
In other news, today marks the 4th anniversary of my becoming an officer in the US Air Force. Four years ago today in Seabury Lounge, just a little before 1 p.m., Chaplain (Commander) Gary Parker, USN, administered the oath in front of a group of my friends, classmates, and even some family. I remember him asking if I knew what standing at attention meant. I said, "Yes." He paused then answered, "In a few minutes that will be 'Yes, sir.'" Lots of laughter. I also remember being floored by the experience. It didn't measure up to the feelings at my ordination, but definitely came close. I'm glad Linda and David insisted I do it in public with friends rather than quietly at the ROTC center. Mahalo to all who were there that day.
Today is also Zoe's birthday! Happy first birthday, little feline friend! I have a busy day today, including an appointment this evening, but we'll find a way to celebrate. Maybe some Fancy Feast cat food tonight for dinner.
More postings later on news from the wider world.
Peace, y'all.