So long, Myspace...

After several spam messages from women claiming they wanted to "hook-up" if I would give them my credit card number, I decided to cancel my account with the horrible excuse of a website. When I finally had caved in and decided to join the site founded by a notorious spammer (Yes, it's Tom Anderson... any Myspacer's first friend) , I had believed the site's potential as a social networking system would outweigh its horrible CSS-manipulating flaws, numerous security glitches, and financial tamperings.

Needless to say, I was clearly mistaken.

As if the numerous messages sent to my PRIVATE (or, should I say NOT-SO-PRIVATE) profile) were not enough, the "browser-crashing impossible to read video and music intensive and disgustingly poorly programmed" spaces have been the main reason I avoid any site with "myspace.com" within the URL.

So, a farewell to Myspace, though not as fond as I wish it could be... more annoyed than anything. However, from the rubble of a lost Myspace profile, let it be known that I do want to remain networked to my friends. I urge you all to join Facebook, a secure and stable creation of a Harvard programming genius... not a spam artist.

Peace in.

Love,
David Filkins

My final grades...

Final Grades		462454540 David N. Filkins Fall 2006 Dec 21, 2006 05:06 am

Displayed are the grades initially assigned by your instructor for the term. Grade changes are only displayed through the unofficial transcript link at the bottom of the page.

Please contact your instructor regarding any missing grades.

Student Information

Current Program
Bachelor of Arts
Level:	Undergraduate
Program:	BA:Sociology
Admit Term:	Fall 2004
Admit Type:	Degree Seeking
Catalog Term:	Fall 2004
College:	Arts & Sciences
Major and Department:	Sociology, Sociology
Minor:	Psychology
Academic Standing:	Good Standing

Undergraduate Course work

CRN	Subject	Course	Section	Course Title	Campus	Final Grade	Attempted	Earned	GPA Hours	Quality Points
43885	PHIL	2200	115	Critical Reasoning	Main	A	3.000	3.000	3.000	12.00
40562	SOC	2600	100	Intr Criminl Justice	Main	A	3.000	3.000	3.000	12.00
40575	SOC	3140	100	Ethnic Relations	Main	A	3.000	3.000	3.000	12.00
40670	SOC	4800	100	Advanced Sociology	Main	A	3.000	3.000	3.000	12.00

Undergraduate Summary

		Attempted	Earned	GPA Hours	Quality Points	GPA
Current Term:		12.000	12.000	12.000	48.00	4.00
Cumulative:		118.000	108.000	108.000	380.00	3.52
Transfer:		0.000	30.000	0.000	0.00	0.00
Overall:		118.000	138.000	108.000	380.00	3.52

I simply could not pass this up...

If you've seen over 110 movies, you have no life. Mark the ones you've seen. There are 240 movies on this list. Put your score in header and re-post.


(X) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(X) Grease
(X) Pirates of the Caribbean
(X) Boondock Saints
() Fight Club
() Starsky and Hutch
(X) Neverending Story
() Blazing Saddles
(X) Airplane
Total so far: 6

(X) The Princess Bride
(X) Anchorman
(X) Napoleon Dynamite
(X) Labyrinth
(X) Saw II
(X) White Noise
() White Oleander
(X) Anger Management
(X) 50 First Dates
() The Princess Diaries
() The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
Total so far: 14

(X) Scream
(X) Scream 2
(X) Scream 3
() Scary Movie
() Scary Movie 2
() Scary Movie 3
() Scary Movie 4
(X) American Pie
(X) American Pie 2
(X) American Wedding
() American Pie Band Camp
Total so far: 20

(X) Harry Potter 1
(X) Harry Potter 2
(X) Harry Potter 3
(X) Harry Potter 4
(X) Resident Evil 1
() Resident Evil 2
(X) The Wedding Singer
() Little Black Book
(X) The Village
(X) Lilo & Stitch
Total so far: 28

(X) Finding Nemo
(X) Finding Neverland
(X) Signs
(X) The Grinch
(X) Texas Chainsaw Massacre
() White Chicks
(X) Butterfly Effect
() 13 Going on 30
() I, Robot
() Robots
Total so far: 34

(X) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
() Universal Soldier
(X) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
(X) Along Came Polly
(X) Deep Impact
() KingPin
(X) Never Been Kissed
(X) Meet The Parents
(X) Meet the Fockers
() Eight Crazy Nights
(X) Joe Dirt
(X)KING KONG
Total so far: 43

() A Cinderella Story
(X) The Terminal
() The Lizzie McGuire Movie
() Passport to Paris
(X) Dumb & Dumber
() Dumber & Dumberer
(X) Final Destination
(X) Final Destination 2
() Final Destination 3
(X) Halloween
(X) The Ring
(X) The Ring 2
() Surviving Christmas
(X) Flubber
Total so far: 51

(X) Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
(X) Practical Magic
(X) Chicago
(X) Ghost Ship
(X) From Hell
(X) Hellboy
(X) The Secret Window
() I Am Sam
(X) The Whole Nine Yards
() The Whole Ten Yards
Total so far:59

(X) The Day After Tomorrow
(X) Child's Play
() Seed of Chucky
() Bride of Chucky
(X) Ten Things I Hate About You
() Just Married
(X) Gothika
(X) Nightmare on Elm Street
() Sixteen Candles
(X) Remember the Titans
() Coach Carter
(X) The Grudge
(X) The Mask
() Son Of The Mask
Total so far: 67

() Bad Boys 2
(X) Joy Ride
(X) Lucky Number Sleven
(X) Ocean's Eleven
() Ocean's Twelve
(X) Bourne Identity
() Lone Star
() Bedazzled
(X) Predator
(X) Predator II
() The Fog
(X) Ice Age
(X) Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
() Curious George
Total: 75

(X) Independence Day
() Cujo
() A Bronx Tale
(X) Darkness Falls
() Christine
(X) ET
(X) Children of the Corn
() My Boss' Daughter
() Maid in Manhattan
() Frailty
(X) War of the Worlds
() Rush Hour
() Rush Hour 2
Total so far: 80

() Best Bet
(X) She's All That
() Calendar Girls
() Sideways
(X) Mars Attacks
(X) Event Horizon
() Ever After
(X) Wizard of Oz
(X) Forrest Gump
(X) Big Trouble in Little China
(X) The Terminator
(X) The Terminator 2
(X) The Terminator 3
Total so far: 89

(X) X-Men
(X) X2
(X) X-3
(X) Spider-Man
(X) Spider-Man 2
() Sky High
() Jeepers Creepers
() Jeepers Creepers 2
(X) Catch Me If You Can
(X) The Little Mermaid
(X) Freaky Friday
(X) Reign of Fire
() Equilibrium
(X) The Skulls
(X) Cruel Intentions
() Cruel Intentions 2
(X) The Hot Chick
(X) Shrek
(X) Shrek 2
Total so far: 103

() Swimfan
() Miracle on 34th street
(X) Old School
(X) The Notebook
(X) K-Pax
() Krippendorf's Tribe
(X) A Walk to Remember
() Ice Castles
(X) Boogeyman
(X) The 40-year-old-virgin
Total so far: 109

(X) Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring
(X) Lord of the Rings The Two Towers
(X) Lord of the Rings Return Of the King
(X) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
(X) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
(X) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Total so far: 115

(X) Baseketball
(X) Hostel
() Waiting for Guffman
(X) House of 1000 Corpses
(X) Devils Rejects
(X) Elf
(X) Highlander
() Mothman Prophecies
(X) American History X
(X) Three Amigos
Total so far: 123

() The Jacket
(X) Kung Fu Hustle
() Shaolin Soccer
() Night Watch
(X) Monster
(X) Titanic
(X) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
() Dawn Of the Dead
(X) Willard
Total so far: 128

() High Tension
() Club Dread
(X) Hulk
(X) Hook
(X) Chronicle Of Narnia The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
(X) 28 days later
() Orgazmo
() Phantasm
() Waterworld
Total so far: 132

(X) Kill Bill vol 1
(X) Kill Bill vol 2
(X) Mortal Kombat
() Mortal Kombat: Annihilation
() Wolf Creek
(X) Kingdom of Heaven
() The Hills Have Eyes
() I Spit on Your Grave aka the Day of the Woman
() The Last House on the Left
() Re-Animator
(X) Army of Darkness
Total so far: 137

(X) Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace
(X) Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
(X) Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
(X) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
(X) Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
(X) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
() Ewoks Caravan Of Courage
(X) Ewoks The Battle For Endor
Total so far: 144

(X) The Matrix
(X) The Matrix Reloaded
(X) The Matrix Revolutions
(X) Animatrix
(X) Evil Dead
(X) Evil Dead 2
(X) Team America World Police
(X) Red Dragon
(X) Silence of the Lambs
(X) Hannibal
Total: 154

__________________________

No indie films? WTF? Those are the BEST! Oh, well. I don't have a life, apparently. As if I really needed a checklist of crappy films to tell me that. =P I take that back... there are about ten decent films in the list - maybe even twenty.

So, in recent news... I GRADUATE ON SATURDAY! HOORAY! =D And I might get a full time position at Pine Rest. Still waiting on that one. The benefits would definitely be a nice plus.

But, in the most recent news, David is procrastinating on his take home exam by spending his fleeting spare time on foolish online activities. He is reconsidering his previous course of action and deciding to redirect his efforts toward something more appropriate.

Take care. And stop wasting your time reading this and go STUDY! =D

(If you happen to be in the most fortunate of circumstances in which you have yourself with no studying to do and a plentiful amount of time upon your hands, may I suggest that you perhaps do some research on the intriguing topic of conflict diamonds and go see the amazing new film "Blood Diamond.")

Love,
David

Update...

I know I haven't updated in a while, but I figured since I am home sick I would take the opportunity to do so. I am attempting to keep down some orange juice for the first time, so I may have to run to the bathroom during the course of writing this post.

First off, I am graduating on December 16th and am quite excited about this. The day I thought would never arrive is now less than a month away. I will still have grad school once I am out of here, but this is quite an accomplishment for me. But, as Mr. Eager says, "They never like to let you leave... be wary for obstacles this last semester." His last semester at WMU, he was enrolled in some recreational classes to meet those requirements (bowling, swimming, etc) and he happened to sprain his ankle during the middle of the semester. I'm only weeks away, but I'm watching for any such roadblocks that may fall before my path...

Secondly, I think WMU has one of the greatest collegiate presidents ever. Now, with Judy Bailey gone, we have Dr. Haenicke returning to the post he held for several years not too long ago. This is a wise man who all of my professors say they hold the deepest and utmost respect for this intellectual genius. I was not surprised when I logged into the GoWMU portal to check on my class assignments and happened to see that he had made a statement about diversity on the campus. When I read it, I realized that this man not only knows what he is talking about, but he knows how to say it so as not to offend those on any side of the issue. Without further ado, here it is:

Statement by President Diether Haenicke

Nov. 17, 2006

The passage of Proposal 2 in the recent election could present new challenges to our campus but will not change our core values.

While we study carefully if any of our practices may be affected by the changes in our state constitution, and while we will, of course, obey the laws of the State of Michigan, I want to assure the campus community that our commitment to diversity on campus will not change.

I think I speak for all of us when I say that we deeply appreciate the value of diversity in our student body, in our faculty, and in our staff. Our different backgrounds reflect the modern world in which we all live. It is our firm belief that a solid diversity of race, gender, and ethnic background, together with a diversity of opinions, thoughts, and lifestyles are essential to complement and enrich the academic education of our students. We will, therefore, continue to welcome on our campus all persons who contribute to the diversity we all desire. We will, as members of our university, continue our efforts to achieve and protect the diversity of our campus.

That's all from me... hopefully I will feel better soon and be able to get up and do things. But, for now, I go back to bed. This took a lot out of me. Take care.

Love,
David

Proposal 2 passed... but it's NOT over yet.

Affirmative Action has been in place for over 300 years, since the very birth of this nation... however, until a mere 30 years ago, it favored the whites in America. Therefore, the obvious differencial treatment based on race was not up for contention... or maybe it was, but the voices were not heard because of the corruption in the system. The playing field has not leveled out yet.

I'm still astounded that this passed... Dick DeVos' daughter even said that *HE* voted against it. Perhaps he noticed the economic trend that followed California's passage of similar legislation several years ago.

Affirmative Action has its flaws and there are some who abuse it, as is the case with EVERY law ever created, but that does NOT mean that we need to revoke it. That's simply bad logic.

That's my two cents... Peace. =)

Love,
David

Do you Facebook much? Have you voted? If so, come join my group: "Hooray for democracy! I just voted!"

Today is the day! If you know anybody who has not already cast their ballots, remind them that the future depends on the decisions we make today. We need to show our leaders that our generation is a generation that does care about the future.

I also want to take the time to thank each of you for helping fuel our democracy. We must remember that each individual vote holds the same weight, whether cast by the President of the United States or by the single mother working two jobs to try to make a living. Our voice can be heard, but only if we speak up and make a decision on this pivotal day.

Let us turn this election around from the current trend and give our age-bracket the highest voting turnout in the history of the United States of America.

Get the word out. Your vote DOES count.

Happy democracy. =)

-David Filkins

"Everyone says that Karl Rove is a genius. Yeah, right. So are cigarette companies."

Thomas L. Friedman... what a guy.

Insulting Our Troops, and Our Intelligence

George Bush, Dick Cheney and Don Rumsfeld think you’re stupid. Yes, they do.

They think they can take a mangled quip about President Bush and Iraq by John Kerry — a man who is not even running for office but who, unlike Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney, never ran away from combat service — and get you to vote against all Democrats in this election.

Every time you hear Mr. Bush or Mr. Cheney lash out against Mr. Kerry, I hope you will say to yourself, “They must think I’m stupid.” Because they surely do.

They think that they can get you to overlook all of the Bush team’s real and deadly insults to the U.S. military over the past six years by hyping and exaggerating Mr. Kerry’s mangled gibe at the president.

What could possibly be more injurious and insulting to the U.S. military than to send it into combat in Iraq without enough men — to launch an invasion of a foreign country not by the Powell Doctrine of overwhelming force, but by the Rumsfeld Doctrine of just enough troops to lose? What could be a bigger insult than that?

What could possibly be more injurious and insulting to our men and women in uniform than sending them off to war without the proper equipment, so that some soldiers in the field were left to buy their own body armor and to retrofit their own jeeps with scrap metal so that roadside bombs in Iraq would only maim them for life and not kill them? And what could be more injurious and insulting than Don Rumsfeld’s response to criticism that he sent our troops off in haste and unprepared: Hey, you go to war with the army you’ve got — get over it.

What could possibly be more injurious and insulting to our men and women in uniform than to send them off to war in Iraq without any coherent postwar plan for political reconstruction there, so that the U.S. military has had to assume not only security responsibilities for all of Iraq but the political rebuilding as well? The Bush team has created a veritable library of military histories — from “Cobra II” to “Fiasco” to “State of Denial” — all of which contain the same damning conclusion offered by the very soldiers and officers who fought this war: This administration never had a plan for the morning after, and we’ve been making it up — and paying the price — ever since.

And what could possibly be more injurious and insulting to our men and women in Iraq than to send them off to war and then go out and finance the very people they’re fighting against with our gluttonous consumption of oil? Sure, George Bush told us we’re addicted to oil, but he has not done one single significant thing — demanded higher mileage standards from Detroit, imposed a gasoline tax or even used the bully pulpit of the White House to drive conservation — to end that addiction. So we continue to finance the U.S. military with our tax dollars, while we finance Iran, Syria, Wahhabi mosques and Al Qaeda madrassas with our energy purchases.

Everyone says that Karl Rove is a genius. Yeah, right. So are cigarette companies. They get you to buy cigarettes even though we know they cause cancer. That is the kind of genius Karl Rove is. He is not a man who has designed a strategy to reunite our country around an agenda of renewal for the 21st century — to bring out the best in us. His “genius” is taking some irrelevant aside by John Kerry and twisting it to bring out the worst in us, so you will ignore the mess that the Bush team has visited on this country.

And Karl Rove has succeeded at that in the past because he was sure that he could sell just enough Bush cigarettes, even though people knew they caused cancer. Please, please, for our country’s health, prove him wrong this time.

Let Karl know that you’re not stupid. Let him know that you know that the most patriotic thing to do in this election is to vote against an administration that has — through sheer incompetence — brought us to a point in Iraq that was not inevitable but is now unwinnable.

Let Karl know that you think this is a critical election, because you know as a citizen that if the Bush team can behave with the level of deadly incompetence it has exhibited in Iraq — and then get away with it by holding on to the House and the Senate — it means our country has become a banana republic. It means our democracy is in tatters because it is so gerrymandered, so polluted by money, and so divided by professional political hacks that we can no longer hold the ruling party to account.

It means we’re as stupid as Karl thinks we are.

I, for one, don’t think we’re that stupid. Next Tuesday we’ll see.

U2 and Green Day // "The Saints Are Coming"

"How long now?"

No human being is illegal.

I love it.

Goodnight.

Love,
David

(PRODUCT) RED

http://www.joinred.com/

Love,
David

Hell.

Christianity... I've been having some issues with the religion of late. Perhaps living in "Gerald Ford country" and being surrounded by a plethora of Christian churches (and a sincere lack of Muslim centers, Buddhist temples, and Jewish synagogues compared to Kalamazoo) has rekindled the religious debate in my head. One of the main topics I found myself returning to is the idea of "hell." What an asshole this god must be if this "almighty creator" sets-up so many people across the world so that they end up in this place. After all, could a Buddhist monk on the other side of the world be condemned to "hell" simply because he had been taught to follow Buddha and travel the path to enlightenment? Could a nun follow Christ's example and live as perfect a life as one can but end up being condemned to "hell" because she never prayed a prayer that "accepted Christ into her heart?" If so, then this is a religion that I refuse to take part in.

This is where a LiveJournal post of a friend (and religious genius) helped to rescue my perception of what I saw as a cold, rigidly dogmatic and ultimately lost religion. Here are the words that rekindled my hope for Christians and reminded me that the Jesus I learned about is far above such petty, closed minded beliefs (see THIS and THIS as perfect examples of closed minded beliefs).

And now... Without further ado...

What the hell?

The Second Testament admonishes us that "perfect love casts out all fear." God's love is perfect and so it should not generate fear in humans. Nor should we use a concept such as hell to scare people into submission. Submission based on fear is not conversion. It is enslavement and God does not wish us to be slaves. God yearns for us to catch the vision of God's reign and join God in the glorious work of establishing that reign and rule in it's fullness here and now.

I don't believe in hell. William Barclay, the great Scottish Second Testament scholar helped me to think through its Biblical and Theological implications. Here's his reasoning for why he was a universalist:

I AM A CONVINCED UNIVERSALIST

by William Barclay
I am a convinced universalist. I believe that in the end all humans will be gathered into the love of God. In the early days Origen was the great name connected with universalism. I would believe with Origen that universalism is no easy thing. Origen believed that after death there were many who would need prolonged instruction, the sternest discipline, even the severest punishment before they were fit for the presence of God. Origen did not eliminate hell; he believed that some people would have to go to heaven via hell. He believed that even at the end of the day there would be some on whom the scars remained. He did not believe in eternal punishment, but he did see the possibility of eternal penalty. And so the choice is whether we accept God's offer and invitation willingly, or take the long and terrible way round through ages of purification.

Gregory of Nyssa offered three reasons why he believed in universalism. First, he believed in it because of the character of God. "Being good, God entertains pity for fallen humans; being wise, God is not ignorant of the means for God's recovery." Second, he believed in it because of the nature of evil. Evil must in the end be moved out of existence, "so that the absolutely non-existent should cease to be at all." Evil is essentially negative and doomed to non-existence. Third, he believed in it because of the purpose of punishment. The purpose of punishment is always remedial. Its aim is "to get the good separated from the evil and to attract it into the communion of blessedness." Punishment will hurt, but it is like the fire which separates the alloy from the gold; it is like the surgery which removes the diseased thing; it is like the cautery which burns out that which cannot be removed any other way.

But I want to set down not the arguments of others but the thoughts which have persuaded me personally of universal salvation.

First, there is the fact that there are things in the New Testament which more than justify this belief. Jesus said: "I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all humans to myself" (John 12:32). Paul writes to the Romans: "God has consigned all humans to disobedience that God may have mercy on all" (Rom. 11:32). He writes to the Corinthians: "As in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Cor. 15:22); and he looks to the final total triumph when God will be everything to everyone (1 Cor. 15:28). In the First Letter to Timothy we read of God "who desires all humans to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth," and of Christ Jesus "who gave himself as a ransom for all" (1 Tim 2:4-6). The New Testament itself is not in the least afraid of the word all.

Second, one of the key passages is Matthew 25:46 where it is said that the rejected go away to eternal punishment, and the righteous to eternal life. The Greek word for punishment is kolasis, which was not originally an ethical word at all. It originally meant the pruning of trees to make them grow better. I think it is true to say that in all Greek secular literature kolasis is never used of anything but remedial punishment. The word for eternal is aionios. It means more than everlasting, for Plato - who may have invented the word - plainly says that a thing may be everlasting and still not be aionios. The simplest way to out it is that aionios cannot be used properly of anyone but God; it is the word uniquely, as Plato saw it, of God. Eternal punishment is then literally that kind of remedial punishment which it befits God to give and which only God can give.

Third, I believe that it is impossible to set limits to the grace of God. I believe that not only in this world, but in any other world there may be, the grace of God is still effective, still operative, still at work. I do not believe that the operation of the grace of God is limited to this world. I believe that the grace of God is as wide as the universe.

Fourth, I believe implicitly in the ultimate and complete triumph of God, the time when all things will be subject to God, and when God will be everything to everyone (1 Cor. 15:24-28). For me this has certain consequences. If one human remains outside the love of God at the end of time, it means that that one human has defeated the love of God - and that is impossible. Further, there is only one way in which we can think of the triumph of God. If God was no more than a King or Judge, then it would be possible to speak of God's triumph, if God's enemies were agonizing in hell or were totally and completely obliterated and wiped out. But God is not only King and Judge, God is Father - God is indeed Father more than anything else. No father could be happy while there were members of his family for ever in agony. No father would count it a triumph to obliterate the disobedient members of his family. The only triumph a father can know is to have all his family back home. The only victory love can enjoy is the day when its offer of love is answered by the return of love. The only possible final triumph is a universe loved by and in love with God.

[Quoted from William Barclay: A Spiritual Autobiography, pg 65-67, William B Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, 1977.]

Pretty compelling, no?

Grace and Peace,

WES

That's all for tonight. I've got an exam in the morning and should get my sleep...

Love and peace, you beautiful people. =)

Love,
David

P.S. As I was writing about the two people who would be condemned under the supposed "Biblical" interpretation of Christianity, I was thinking of my two favorite modern representatives of religion: Thich Nhat Hanh and Mother Teresa... just in case you couldn't tell. =)

Gojira

"May we live without destruction,
May we look to tomorrow with hope,
May peace and light return to us."



The original version of "Godzilla" before it was "Americanized" with the addition of Raymond Burr was such a great film. Gojira was just released in North America for the first time since the film was completed in 1954. It's a classic, yet it's brutally honest and easily applicable today.

Great film. Come over and we'll watch it. =)

Love,
David

Test Results:

What Classic Movie Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

I love how the world looks at her as a "leader." What did she lead?

She led a nation of lovers of peace, love, and compassion.

She led the WORLD.

Go Mother Teresa. =)

Love,
David

Don't *DICK* Michigan...

Don't *DICK* Michigan...

He's wrong on the important issues:

-Social Justice
-Health Care
-Jobs
-Education

Need we look at Alticor/Amway/Quixtar? This business is the ultimate pyramid scheme that has a lot of people working very hard to keep a few people at the top exorbently rich. Is that how a business should be run? Is that how our STATE should be run?

I say, "NO!" And I hope you all agree.

So don't *DICK* Michigan this November...

Vote GRANHOLM & CHERRY 2006!

Vlog #9: Who Hijacked Islam??!

This guy is amazing. He is intelligent, funny, and represents what I love about Islam. It truly is one of the great religions of the world.

This is only video number 9, but I suggest you check out his many others. =)

That's all.

Love,
David

Profundity strikes in the form of a quote!

Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands?
~ Ernest Gaines

The idea of men expressing intimacy has ALWAYS confused me. I remember so many times growing up where I wanted to give my friends a hug but thought twice after considering the possible social ramifications of my actions. Yet, to punch another guy in the arm or wrestle on the floor and give your pal a fat lip was about as "physical" as was to be expected. Why is it that women can hug, kiss, dance together, and even cuddle up together... while males are expected to keep a good distance from others of the same sex? This discrepancy is one that has boggled my mind for ages. Is it the fault of closed-minded men who press onto their children the "boys don't cry" mentality that stifles their emotional release? Or is it instead a social construct developed unintentionally by the women who seem to prefer a "macho" guy who is about as tough (and shows about the same level of emotion) as nails. Or is it a combination of both? And then some?

So interesting. It's something I have pondered since childhood. Yes, I even pondered things then on occasion.

I'm so weird.

By the way... school has started and I think I'm going to LOVE my classes. As long as my books show up sometime fairly soon. Work is going great. I'm getting lots of hours (I even earned holiday pay for working on Labour Day! Hell, why NOT work on the day dedicated to the concept! =P) And I just took a co-worker's shift for September 11th. Yeah, take that, Osama! You silly bitch! America may suck sometimes, but at least I can try to *HELP* people instead of blowing them up! It won't make up for the devastating scar you created here 5 years ago, but it's a start. I work in remembrance of how many lives you ruined... in an attempt to work out an equilibrium and bring balance to the world. =D One life at a time... Don't think you're off the hook, Dubya. I'm also working that day to attempt to START to make up for your foolish war and all of the lives you have interrupted and brought to ruin with your horrendous leadership and mindless theocracy. To deny gays the right to marry, fight to keep the death penalty running strong, start two wars (and fund the second greatest aggressor in the world - ISRAEL!)... yet call stem-cell research an ATROCITY? As Ron Weasely would say, "You've DEFINITELY got to sort out your priorities!"

Sorry for ranting. I have such tangental thoughts sometimes. Maybe I belong in Pine Rest?! =S I suppose I had better get some sleep in case I get admitted in the middle of the night. I know from experience that 3am to 6am seems to be the prime time of patient admissions.

Well, I'm done. =)

G'Night.

Love,
Dave

Larry's Beans are the best!

http://larrysbeans.com/

What can I say? These guys:

• ...sell fair trade, organic, shade-grown coffee.
  
• ...drive a veggie-bus (Check it out).
  
• ...donated 300 lbs of coffee to our soldiers in Iraq.
  
• ...educate the public on improving the world at their Sustainability School and also teach proper grinding techniques on their web site.
  
• ...soak their beans in such concoctions as molasses and honey to give it the BEST flavor EVER once it is ground and dripped/pressed into your coffee. Honestly, it is the best coffee I have ever tasted.
  

Besides, Larry looks unbelievably like John Lennon.

This is Larry:


This is John:


So, stop on by my apartment here and try some. =) I'll make a fresh pot just for you.

Love,
David

Google Calendar

Yup... if you need to know when I work, my schedule is on Google Calendars. There's only one catch. I didn't want everybody in the world to be seeing this (if you work in the health care profession, especially mental health, I'm sure you understand why). So... you kinda have to have a Google Calendars account. It's free and you can upload calendars from lots of different programs as well as just create your own. And you can share them with ANYBODY that you want to.

Well, that's about it. Time for some tea. =)

TTFN

David

Nutopia

We announce the birth of a conceptual country, NUTOPIA.

Citizenship of the country can be obtained by declaration
of your awareness of NUTOPIA.

NUTOPIA has no land, no boundaries, no passports, only
people.

NUTOPIA has no laws other than cosmic.

All people of NUTOPIA are ambassadors of the country."

          -John Lennon

Come, friends, and become a citizen of Nutopia today.

Love,
David

"Our job now is to tell them that there is still hope. We must get them excited about what we can do again."

My next non-fiction read... besides my textbooks.

This is next on my non-fiction "To Read" list:



Time for a new admission. =D Adios!

Love,
David

Overnight shift... here I am.

Yup. I'm training on an overnight shift tonight. I've been here for 2 hours so far... and I have 6.5 remaining. Luckily, I can use the Internet when I am not on checks. But, even the Internet in all its glory gets old after a bit. And one's eyes get tired of staring at the screen after only a short while...

I think I'll start working on reading The Drawing of the Three: The Dark Tower II, Stephen King's second installment of his epic Dark Tower series. The first story was amazing, and I'm hoping to find the second one at least as engaging.

Well, I'm going to go grab a soda to help me keep awake... I hope you are all tucked warmly in your beds as I silently curse your names under my breath. =P

Then again, I'm getting paid for this... and I believe a bonus comes along with working overnights as well. =) So, perhaps I could get used to working overnights here.

Anyway, that's about all for now.

Pleasant evening... I mean, good morning to you all.

Love,

David Filkins, Patient Care Provider
Van Andel Center Adult North Unit

YESTERDOG! Give me an AMEN!

Oh, yeah... you'd better believe it, folks.

Pic of Amanda eating a Yesterdog, coming soon...

Great times with great people.

I think I'll manage here after all.

Love,
David

Please... sign this petition.

I just ask that you take a moment to read this petition and consider adding your signature. Israel has become a military monstrosity without bounds and Lebanon desperately needs our help. Please, at least take the time to visit the web site.

Thank you for listening.

In love and peace,
David Filkins

Serj is really cool, too...

“Nations are like people. Once you understand the interactions between nations, it's easy to understand why things are done, in terms of foreign policy, in a certain way. But nations are not like people in the sense that we are cumulatively represented by others - and their interpretations of what our interests are may not be the same as what they really are. And that's what's dangerous, even in a democracy.”

-Serj Tankian

Check out the non-profit organization that Serj helped co-found: http://www.axisofjustice.org

Also, there's a sweet CD/DVD set I wouldn't mind getting... http://serjicalstrike.com/axisofjustice/

Ah, once I start making money again... =P

Love,
David

Bono...

Another reminder why Bono is one of the greatest people on earth... he even won Bill O'Reilly over to his cause.



Love, David

Moral Politics

Take the quiz! Check it out here.

Love,
David

Quote from George... Orwell, that is.

"As with the Christian religion, the worst advertisement for socialism is its adherents."

-George Orwell

I don't care who you are... this is HILARIOUS!

The REAL Greatest American

Is this the world we created?

Yes... yes it is.



Click on the image to see and hear a very haunting version of one of Freddie Mercury's greatest songs ever... performed at Live Aid in 1985, this song rings so true still today.

That's all for now. I just had to share that with all of you. =)

Love,
David

I have friends!

Rob and Joel got bored yesterday and decided to visit me! =D We went to Buffalo Wild Wings for a tasty meal of wings and went out for a walk on the town. Not only were we able to locate the giant Calder:



...but we also had a ride on the WORLD'S LARGEST TIRE SWING! (Sorry... it had to be a close-up for the flash to reach, so you can't really see the swing.)



We also went to East Grand Rapids and looked at the moon and its reflection on Reed's Lake while watching people fishing with lighted bobbers. It was great. It was a perfect night to be out and about. We all came back, exhausted, and pretty much crashed immediately.

We got up this morning, went to Panera Bread for breakfast, and they left. Now I'm alone again. =( At least my orientation for work is tomorrow... that will give me something to do. =)

Take care everybody! And enjoy the rest of your weekend. =)

Love,
David

Wal*Mart - Daily Show

"It's better than getting kicked in the nuts."

Updates:

1) Liz is leaving me tomorrow to go to Germany... this is going to be a long week.

2) I think I might try to start going to church here: http://www.fountainstreet.org/

3) I was hired at Pine Rest as an adult care provider. I have an orientation on Monday. Oh, and I took some pictures of the Pine Rest facility today. I could only take three because of my lack of a memory card, but I thought they all turned out rather well. Anyway, here they are:




4) I also got a call from Family Video about scheduling an interview, which might be fun... I do love movies, after all. =) I just don't know if I'll be able to work two jobs along with my classes. The job at Pine Rest is "per diem," but I'm not sure exactly what that would entail for scheduling. Hopefully, I'll discover more after my orientation. So, I hate to make a commitment to work at Family Video until I know more... but I don't know how to convey that to them and still maintain their apparent interest in hiring me. Any ideas, friends?

5) This week is going to suck. Maybe I'll just come home... or spend the whole time in Kalamazoo. I've spent the last few weeks watching WAY too many movies. My favorite to entry into David's top favorite movies of all time is Stanley Kubrick's AMAZING Cold War satire entitled "Dr. Strangelove OR: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb." FANTASTIC! You won't see Peter Sellers in a better performance until 15 years later in his 1979 role in the amazing film "Being There." In fact, you will see him in THREE performances. He brilliantly portrays a British soldier, an American president, and a German ex-Nazi scientist named Dr. Strangelove who is currently serving the U.S. administration during these stressful times. The best line of the film, and the point where I really started to understand the film, was when president Muffley (played by Sellers) broke up a fight between the Russian ambassador (Peter Bull) and General "Buck" Turgidson (George C. Scott) by telling them: "Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room!" And apparently the concept of the War Room was so deeply imbedded into the minds of our culture through this film that even President Reagan was confused when he got into office. On his first day serving, he asked "Where is the war room?" only to be told that such a room only exists on film and within the brilliant mind of Mr. Stanley Kubrick.

Well, friends... that's all from me tonight. Tomorrow, you'll probably get another post from a sad, lonely man. If any of you even bother to read this, that is. I know I wouldn't.

Goodnight.

Love,
David

P.S. You need to see "Being There" if you haven't already. Then you need to read this exquisitely written review by Roger Ebert. He happens to be one of the few film critics with whom I generally tend to agree.

View from the patio...

Whaddya know? =)

You Should Rule Saturn

Saturn is a mysterious planet that can rarely be seen with the naked eye. You are perfect to rule Saturn because like its rings, you don't always follow the rules of nature. And like Saturn, to really be able to understand you, someone delve beyond your appearance. You are not an easy person to befriend. However, once you enter a friendship, you'll be a friend for life. You think slowly but deeply. You only gain great understanding after a situation has past.

What Planet Should You Rule?

"Israel should not have been created in the first place, but it's here now."

I just so happened to stumble upon somebody else who agrees with me in regard to the whole Middle East conflict... thanks, and I hope you don't mind me quoting your brilliance. =)

"Moral equivalency being what it is...

Israel should not have been created in the first place, but it's here now.

The Palestinians deserve their own country.

Israelis should not have to live in fear of violence.


So my opinion =

The Palestinians do not have tanks, airplanes, nukes, or the support of the USA. So it's no surprise they resort to assymetrical warfare.

Are they right to do so? Yes, if they feel that is the only real solution to the problem and the stakes are high enough.

Does it make it right to kill innocent people for politics? No.

But say that to Israel..."

That's all... it's late and I promised somebody I would go to church in the morning. I'm also in the middle of watching "The Godfather: Part II." I wasn't a big fan of the first one, except for Marlon effin Brando... but this one is absolutely amazing. I can't get enough of young Vito. =)

Anyway, I'll start disc two and pray... if there really is a God who wants me at church, perhaps it'll lend me a hand here.

Goodnight. =)

Love,
David

P.S. Yes, I am aware that in taking such a view, there is no solution in sight. However, at least in my perspective, I offer a voice to the terrorists... one that they feel that they have lost... one that they feel they must kill to reclaim. Perhaps if democracy started to recognize terrorists (not deal with them, mind you... but at least fucking LISTEN to them), we wouldn't be getting the bad rap we have today across the globe... and rightfully so. 'Nuff said. G'Night, lovers... "And remember... this world is made of - LOVE AND PEACE!" ^_^

We all have AIDS... if one of us does.

Amazing... absolutely amazing.

Oh, and on the South African version of Sesame Street, they have even introduced a new muppet named Kami who happens to be HIV positive. How incredible is that? =) To teach acceptance at such a young age, as well as how to cope with the disease... The station plans to teach such things as "what to do when I cut my finger" as well as "what others can do when I cut my finger" as well as the social issues that needed to be addressed.

I wish I got Takalani Sesame here at the apartment... but, the rabbit ears sitting on top of my TV barely pick up the CBS station in Kalamazoo.

Drats. =(

Well, here's the website for Takalani Sesame: http://www.schooltv.co.za/TakHome.htm

And here's the link for the "We all have AIDS" campaign: http://www.weallhaveaids.com

All for tonight. =) Adios.

Love,
David

Back online!

The folks from SBC AT&T Yahoo! have finally pulled through on their promises... I am connected to the wide electronic world of the Internet. I also have a new phone number! And it doesn't cost anything for long distance! So, call me on my OTHER number (after 9pm or on the weekend, if you could) and I'll get you our new number. I say OUR new number because, yes, I will be living with my sister.

Oh, you'd like to see some pictures of the place? Why, of course! Come right this way!

As you enter our spacious accommodations, you enter the dining room. The light is coming from a hanging light just above our table. Amanda and Liz painted the chairs green all by themselves. How cool is that? =) Oh, and that's our phone in the corner.

As you turn to your right, you will notice our family room. Since this photograph was taken, I have moved my stereo system (with surround sound) into the room. It's no Dolby 5.1 or anything, but man it can sure do the job!

Here is our lovely reclining reading chair and my trusty futon. If you ever need to stay the night, the futon folds out into a pretty comfortable bed. I have slept there on several nights already while falling asleep to a movie.

Oh, you want to check our our patio, I see? Yes, since we are on the second floor, we have a nice patio that overlooks the woods directly behind the apartment complex. The apartment complex is just off of Beltline Avenue, one of the busiest streets in Grand Rapids, yet the peaceful and serene view from our windows can easily trick one into believing they are far from civilization.

Oh, you like our patio furniture? Oh, and the umbrella stand! Yes, isn't it great! Not only is it a lovely addition to our outdoor furniture, but it is also a relic of the past... a reminder of a great friend who reminded us to be loyal and true to the very end, just as an elephant would be.

Back inside? Yeah, the humidity can get to me sometimes, too. Yes, that's our kitchen directly in front of us. Would you like to check it out? Great!

Do you like all of our magnets? I think they're great! I especially like the one that Liz made for me. It is a picture of her and I from my aunt and uncle's wedding about a year ago. Isn't it swell? =)

Of course, I see where your intentions lie... =) Grab yourself a water or an Oberon, if you please, and let's continue our tour.

Oh, no... the Ben & Jerry's is mine. Good try, though! =D

Not much food... sorry. I've got a bit more than that now, but without a job yet, it's hard to afford much food. The Mini Wheats are quite delicious though, especially with the soy milk... oh, you're not hungry? It's probably just as well. Perhaps your drink will help tide you over...

Yeah, maybe we should wash our hands after touching the outdoor furniture. Who knows what awful germs and bacteria lie outside our clean new apartment?! =S

Oh, I'll worry about cleaning up the apartment later. It's time to continue our tour! Come now, before it gets too late!

Let's head down the hallway here... oh, you like the guitar and no parking sign? Me, too. =) They give the place a classy feel. Oh, and that sign was hand crafted by women from Iraq.

Just down the hall and to the left is the bathroom. It's just across from Amanda's room. No, we cannot go in. She's not here yet, and I don't want to get on her bad side BEFORE we're living together! After all, who likes a snoop?!

Welcome to my room! What do you think? Pretty clean, huh? My dad told me it needs to stay that way, or I'll have another thing coming. I wonder what he would give me for being messy? Something tells me I'd rather not find out...

I know that my desk may look a bit cluttered in this picture, but it is not that way anymore. Since I moved my stereo system out to the family room, I have LOADS more room and things are not quite as cramped as they appear to be in this photograph. I also have a walk-in closet and a bathroom, but I am not fully unpacked yet.

So, if you would like to come visit in person sometime, I would be more than happy to give you an adequate tour. Until then, I bid you a fond farewell.

Buenas tardes, mis amigos.

Love,
David

I am no longer an employee at Family & Children Services...

I dropped off my keys, my work phone, and all of my notebooks and papers.

I'm officially unemployed now (and, yes, I am considered to be unemployed because I am actively seeking other employment. But, don't get me into statistics and how much I *hate* when sociologists and psychologists put/waste so much time and effort on them).

Chris gave me a hug and everything. She even said "If anything ever happens, you can always come back. Not that I'm saying I *want* anything to happen... you know what I mean."

That was rough.

There were so many people I wanted to say goodbye to, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I knew that I would just start bawling... As it is, I was tearing up on my way to the car. The sky opened up and poured on me. I decided that the clouds were crying enough that I need not join in.

On my way back home after ward, I saw a homeless man crouched underneath the overhang of the grand display of the Michigan Theatre on the corner of Burdick and Lovell. It was then that I thought to myself: "Am I abandoning this town?" This place that has given me so much... so much hope. So many friends. So many great opportunities to really learn what life is all about. This poor, struggling hub for artists, peace lovers, politicians, and people from all walks of life... it's ripping at the seams. Am I leaving this place to the dogs?

Then I reminded myself that one need not look far in this great country to find suffering. Even in a nation that is audacious enough to call itself the last remaining "superpower" in the world, the USA is no stranger to unnecesary brutality, corruption, starvation, poverty, and rampant disease. While Kalamazoo does have a staggering 24% of its population living at or below the poverty level, Grand Rapids has 15% of its population (a MUCH greater number of people) falling at or below that very same line.

I must realize that no matter where I go, there will be need. There will be hunger. There will be sadness, disease, and death. I must not ask why it is that I serve where I do or why I serve in a particular capacity. No. All I can do is perform what services I can in the best manner within my capabilities.

"...It's all I can do."

Love,
David

What's in a name?

David is the #6 most common male name.
2.363% of men in the US are named David.
Around 2894675 US men are named David!
source namestatistics.com

Filkins is the #12428 most common last name.
0.001% of last names in the US are Filkins.
Around 2500 US last names are Filkins!
source namestatistics.com

Very common to quite rare...

Leave it to me to take up BOTH ends of the spectrum. =P

Love,
David

P.S. I was almost killed (or at least severely injured) by a 10 year old boy at the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek while working my afternoon CLST shift today. I haven't been that scared in ages.

Congratulazioni Italia!

"The grandest prize in all of sport belongs to Italy."

A head-butt to the chest. A hug from a guy on the opposite team. Intentionally stopping play for an injured opponent. Spirits were high today as the two teams worked their hearts our for the most prestigious sport prize in the world. Yet, amidst the fierce competitiveness found in all sports competitions, the concepts of "Fair-Play" (as introduced by FIFA to promote good sportsmanship) and compassion for all players on the field. Perhaps the most rewarding sight on a soccer field, whether amateur or professional play, is to see two players of different colored jerseys behaving as good friends. After all, they are all experts in the same field of study. They are all professionals and should treat their co-workers as such. Both goaltenders exhibited this mutual respect with a handshake and hug before the begin of the penalty kick shootout that resulted in France's top-bar deflection - ultimately ending in their defeat.

The sad note of the game was the poor decision made by a hot-tempered Zidane in the second 15-minute half of overtime play. France's captain was a man perceived to be in the same league of players as the famous Pelé himself. To his team's regret, Zidane had announced twice that this would be his last football game. He chose to end it, however, by giving a sharp blow to the chest of Italy's Materazzi... with his head. This move, which took place nowhere near the play, earned Zidane a colorful exit from the stadium as well as the sport itself. It was a sad moment that very well may have cost France their chance at World Cup victory.

All in all, the good outweighed the bad and the game went on with spirits high in anticipation of an exciting end. Fans were not dissapointed when the shootout came to the very last series of shots. The last goal of the game, decided by Grosso, erupted with cheers all across the globe. From Rome to Boston, fans were cheering for the new world champtions of the greatest game on earth.

Italy - wear your medals proudly. And hold your heads and trophy high... you have earned your place in football history.

And to all of the other participants of the 2006 World Cup in Germany... congratulations for being participants in the greatest sporting event in all of history. You have all represented your nations magnificantly. Yet, more importantly, you have shown your abilities to remain loyal to your teammates while also being loyal to those against whom you are fighting for victory. After all, it is not against them you fight. No, any athlete can fight against an opponent. It is the great athlete who recognizes that the real battle wages within.

Love,
David

P.S. I know I shouldn't end on a preposition... but I say - screw grammar. Do any of the literary greats always adhere to the laws, rules, and regulations of the annoying language I was brought up to read, write, and speak? No. They "bend" the rules and get applauded for it. I choose to be unique.

"Dissent is the highest form of patriotism..." -Howard Zinn

"Just so you know, we're ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas."
-Natalie Maines between songs at a concert in London

"[T]he Dixie Chicks are free to speak their mind. They can say what they want to say ... They shouldn't have their feelings hurt just because some people don't want to buy their records when they speak out ... Freedom is a two-way street."
-President Bush in an interview with Tom Brokaw




Add some nasty letters, group CD destruction ceremonies, and a few death threats, and this is what you get:

"I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should
[...]
I made my bed and I sleep like a baby
With no regrets and I don't mind sayin'
It's a sad sad story when a mother will teach her
Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger
And how in the world can the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they'd write me a letter
Sayin' that I better shut up and sing
Or my life will be over..."
-The Dixie Chicks in their hit "I'm Not Ready To Make Nice"

Can anybody blame them? I mean, honestly... I'd be pissed, too. Is this what freedom means, people? The freedom to treat each other like shit because of what they believe? Sure, if you adhere to closed-minded nazi doctrine. Grow up, America. Quit picking on the people brave enough to stand up when we're being lied to.

That's all. =)

Love,
David

P.S. In more sad news, the last football contest of the 2006 World Cup is today with France and Italy playing. It's at 2:00 pm EST and I can't WAIT! I just don't want it to end. =( International football is the best... especially in such a competition that shows brotherly comradery on a global scale. But, alas, all good things must come to an end... At least there is still this one final game. =)

Three things...

1)

SURVEY

You Are Most Like Bill Clinton

No doubt, your legacy may be a little seedier than you'd like. But even though you've done some questionable things, you're still loved by almost all.

What Modern US President Are You Most Like?

2)

JOKE

Bono, Jesus, and Santa Claus walk into a bar. They sit down and order their drinks. Santa orders hot cocoa, Bono orders a Guinness, and they're just waiting on Jesus to order, when he leans over to Bono and says: "Listen mate, I'm a bit short on cash, so I'll just get some water, and you can turn it into wine."

3)

COMMISSION

Serving the poor...

Make us worthy, God,
to serve those throughout the world
who live and die in poverty or hunger.
Give then, through our hands, this day their daily bread;
and by our understanding love, give peace and joy.
Amen.

--Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Yugoslavia, 20th Century, altered.


Love,
David Filkins

Dead Fish and Monkey Fetus

The crazy antics of Dead Fish and Monkey Fetus have come to an end... ...OR HAVE THEY?

Wow...

D.C. was friggin amazing! =D I'm gonna miss you, Kellers. =( Good thing you're coming back here in a short while!

Oh, and I had a job interview at Pine Rest. It seems like an AWESOME place to work. Everybody I have met there seems so friendly and easy going. Oh, and apparently I got two calls from people from different departments at Pine Rest who ALSO want to set up interviews with me. =P It's nice to be wanted.

Well, now I'm going to the beach with my buds in the Zoo. =) We'll be in South Haven checking out the fireworks. =D

Later! =D

Love,
David

Thanks, Cisco... wanna pour on any SALT while you're at it?

Here's an e-mail I just got from Cisco, reminding me of how big of a failure I am. =P


Cisco Career Certifications Annual Program Statement

Dear David Filkins,

As a new service this year, the Cisco® Career Certifications program is providing an annual summary of your certification milestones and accomplishments. Please review the information below. We hope you find this information useful as you continue your networking career.

==========================================

CERTIFICATIONS ACHIEVED
Received Valid Through Certification Name
None


PREVIOUSLY EARNED CERTIFICATIONS
Certification Name
None


EXAMS PASSED
Valid Through* Exam Name
None


==========================================


It is very important to periodically log in to the Certifications Tracking System (www.cisco.com/go/certifications/login) to ensure that your personal information is up-to-date. While on the Tracking System, you may also want to sign up to receive program updates, special offers, exclusive invitations, and additional training information. To register, just complete the information for the Opt In category in the Personal Information section.

To review the latest certification and training news and information, visit our What’s New Web page. For specific program information, go to: www.cisco.com/go/certifications or search our Instant Answers on the Certification Online Support tool at: www.cisco.com/go/certsupport.

Thank you again for your continued support.

Cisco Career Certifications

* Associate-Level and Professional-Level 642 exams are valid for three years. Cisco Specialist Certification exams are valid for two years.


Thanks, Cisco. Always good for an ego suicide. =)

Too bad that I'm GLAD I didn't pass that test... so many new doors have opened up because of that.

So, right back at you, Cisco. =)

Thanks for the reminder of how lucky I am.

Love,
David

I'm moving on...

Chris,

I was hoping there would be an easy way for me to do this. Yet, as I struggle for words, I cannot find another way to make this any easier. So, here I go.

I have found affordable housing in the Grand Rapids area, which is where I was hoping to live in the near future. And with only a semester left of undergraduate classes before I begin my graduate studies in Grand Rapids, I decided that I should apply for housing. Just recently, I was able to attain residency at an apartment near where I hope to attend graduate school. As well as the new housing being better and in a nicer area than where I am living here, I would also be able to live with my younger sister to help share the costs. She will be attending classes at Calvin College just across the street, so it is really a perfect location and situation for both of us. With all things that seem perfect, however, there always comes a price.

The problem is not the distance... I would drive great distances to be with these children. The problem, however, is the sum of the associated costs with driving that distance. Driving such a distance would not only cost a lot of money, but also take a huge chunk of time out of my days on top of the emotional stress of being in traffic for so long each day. I have a difficult enough time managing my schedule with my job being located a few miles from my residence. But to add a commute of about an hour on top of that would simply be more than I could handle.

Working at Family & Children Services has been the greatest experience of my life. I feel I have grown so much since I began here nearly 10 months ago. I have learned skills I will never forget. But, most importantly, I will never forget the people that have made being an employee at F&CS such a memorable experience... both my co-workers and those amazing kids.

Well, here it is.

I regret to inform you that this is my two weeks notice.

Sincerely,
David Filkins

*             *             *

On a lighter note...

WASHINGTON, DC - HERE I COME! =D

Buenos noche, mis amigos. =)

Love,
David

Google Video is friggin sweet!

Apparently, Google Video allows individuals to upload their own personal videos to the Internet. =) How cool is that?!

So, since Amanda has wanted this online for quite some time now... I finally am able to unveil to the eagerly awaiting public (and everyone else) the most anticipated short film of this season:



Along for the ride is a recently filmed documentary clip. There is no sound to this one, but sound is not necessary when the content is so rich and dramatic. Besides, sometimes our paradigms need to be adjusted... perhaps the platform upon which we view the world must be pulled out from beneath our feet from time to time for humanity to fully appreciate our gifts. In that mindset, let us venture into the second film. I give to you:



That's all. Check back often for updates.

Now, time to study.

Love,
David

izone 300

There it is... my newest acquisition. And, quite possibly, one of my best investments to-date.

Here are some examples of pictures I have taken with it already:











You can be sure to anticipate more to come in the near future! Especially because in less than two days, yours truly will be in... WASHINGTON, DC! =D

Love,
David