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Last night, we showed up with our rope, and Brandon (officially) learned how to tie square knot. The boys took about 20 pieces of rope, and tied them all together. They then put their knots to the test by having a tug-o-war.

After that, the Scoutmaster broke out compasses. Now, it’s been years since I’ve had to use a compass, but I remembered pretty quickly. I was amazed at how quickly Brandon caught on. We then took our compasses outside and, using an guide sheet with headings and approximate distances, proceeded to go around the Church parking lot, answering trivia questions about what we found scattered around the area.

Am I obsessed with XM? You tell me.

Tonight’s Brandon’s Cub Scout Night. Caleb and I will be going with him.

I found out that tonight we’ll be tying knots, so I’ve been looking online to see what I can find. It’s amazing how many sites have this kind of information:

I recommend the George Merrick Troop 7 of Coral Gables‘ website. It’s really, really informative

Happy Anniversary to my lovely bride, Amanda. 12 years and counting!

…to co-worker Kevin, and his new bride, Tiphanie, who were married today.

“The Lord bless you and keep you,
The Lord make His face shine upon you…
And give you Peace.”

Here’s a trivia question for you.

A 12 fluid ounce (355 mL) can of Diet Coke is purchased from a vending machine. After purchase, the buyer transports it to an automobile, intending to consume it. Buyer, however, does not consume the beverage. The very next day, the can stays in the automobile, and travels with they buyer to their place of employment.

If the can is left unattended in the front seat of a foreign-made automobile, on the 24th day of June, 2005, near Highway 280 in Birmingham, AL, at what temperature is the integrity of the aluminum can compromised, allowing all of its contents to escape at once? Bonus points to whoever can approximate the actual time of its explosion.

Answer: I don’t know. But here’s a picture of the can:

I’ll be spending Saturday cleaning the entire interior of the Altima.

I’m a statistic, are you? Take the Survey here.

A lot has happened this week, but I just can’t get in the mood to write about it.

Father’s Day weekend was okay. My Dad came up on Saturday, and we spent the afternoon & evening with him. That night, when we got back from supper, Amanda noticed that Caleb was running a fever. I stayed home with him on Sunday morning.

I spent Father’s Day afternoon taking the ice machine out of our freezer, in a feeble attempt to get it working again. After checking the connections with a voltmeter, I took the thermostat and the input valve to Home Depot, hoping to find some replacement parts. HD was the only place open on Sunday, and of course, only an appliance repair shop would have what I need. Having had no luck, I treated myself to Starbuck’s for Father’s Day.

I spent the better part of this week in Atlanta, on business. Thought I was going to get to have supper with an old friend, but no luck. I did talk to him, however, and hope to see him the next time I’m over there.

On the home front, Amanda’s been at Church 3 nights this week, practicing for the big ‘Freedom’ show this Sunday afternoon. This will be the first time that we’ve ever been able to actually attent our Church’s 4th-of-July celebration, since we’re usually at the beach.

I wonder which would make you get out of bed faster in the wee hours of the morning:

1) A doctor sticking a huge syringe full of adrenaline straight into your heart and injecting it.

2) A jolt from an industrial strength cattle prod.

3) The sound of your son gagging in your room, right before he throws up.

Buck the Animated Deer - Words Escape Me.

Shamelessly lifted from EnGadget’s “What Not To Get Your Father For Father’s Day” article.