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Meet the fake iPhones taking Russia by storm... The "genuine" article is on the right of each photo, with the OBVIOUS fake on the left.
I really do give these guys credit for trying. I mean, the fake phone has an Apple on it and everything...
For more info on getting Russia's favorite knock-off, check out iFastNet for the story (and some Russian language that only my wife can read).
Thanks to the one and only Fake Steve Jobs for the heads up.
It's official. Amy and I are taking our first "vacation" since our honeymoon. I've been told that's a bad thing. I fully agree. Tickets are bought. Reservation is in place. We are starting 2008 off right.
Where are we going? You tell me.
First person to guess it from the photo(s) will get the famous Jeff "pat on the back." Money can't buy those.
In honor of the second-best prank ever pulled on me... I want to tell you one of my favorite Christmas bedtime stories... I present to you the story of Curbie, Santa's watchdog.
Most people know the story of Santa Claus. Big guy. Beard. Jovial spirit. Picture Paul Giamatti in a hat. Well, things have changed since the good ol' days.
The first Santa Claus, Nick, was your stereotypical Santa Claus. In 2007, we are actually seeing the 1,225th Santa Claus. The CTR&SFSC (Committee To Research And Scout For Future Santa Clauses) are actively scouring the world for "stereotypical" Claus replacements. For reasons we cannot specify, Santa Claus has a shelf-life of 2-3 years. The Claus & Reindeer Crap Removal Union is up in arms, as I'm sure you can appreciate. Three years is not a long lifespan. Santa Claus needs better working conditions! After the Steroid Scandal surrounding #1223rd Santa Claus, the CTR&SFSC had to change the characteristics of Santa Claus. (You'll have to Google the story of 1,223rd Claus' Roid Rage. What he did to the reindeer.... not pretty...)
But I digress. Claus #1225 was nothing like the stereotype. #1225 was 80lbs soaking wet. Beanpole. And while it's commonly known that the North Pole Technological Society is decades ahead of modern society, there are still limitations to having a beanpole for a Claus. Sure, and elf/robot hybrid (called iElf - Apple's got the rights to the device in 2015) can do the work of loading the sleigh, and Claus #1189 did develop that cool levitation device that floats the gifts straight down the chimney (w/o Claus having to go down himself). There was one problem that the North Pole Technological Society couldn't handle.
Bunny Bandits.
Unfortunately, greed has struck our holiday world, and ever since the showdown with Claus#1024, the Easter Bunny (currently up to #1,523,356,938,267) has been putting hits out on Claus whenever possible, trying to tarnish the luster of Christmas. After all, if Christmas looks bad, then maybe the retail-centric cash cows would take the jingle away from the bells... instead maybe we'd see jingle eggs? After all, isn't that what Easter is really about?
Digressing again. So the NPTS couldn't compensate for Bunny henchmen (after all, they outnumbered Claus' crew almost 50 to 1). So, NPTS and CTR&SFSC did what anyone else would do during this situation. They bought a dog.
Meet Curbie, Santa's watchdog. He may look small, but this guy kills bunnies quicker than Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction.
Claus #1224 unfortunately had the pleasure of doing a trial run with Curbie. NPTS decided to do Christmas Eve walkthrough back in August in New Mexico (out by Area 51). #1224 was never seen again. The sleigh was found in Arizona, and Curbie has had the hat on ever since. Some say that #1224 escaped to Vegas to gamble away some of the money he saved (he did recently switch to Geico for sleigh insurance). Some say that Curbie pulled a "Glenn" on #1224. Personally, I think #1224 is playing Halo 3 with the rest of the Flood hanging out at Area 51. But last time I was there, #1224 was definitely not there. (Master Chief says hey).
With #1223s Roid Rage, and #1224s mysterious disappearance, CTR&SFSC is actually very nervous about the skill level of #1225 (Codename: Beanpole). As you can imagine, the CTR&SFSC went into overdrive to recruit and train #1225. He had a long way to go, and hopefully he'll get his 80lb act together and get the job done. With the help of Curbie, everything should be fine.
There was that rumor that Curbie might be working for the Leprechauns in an attempt to dethrone the English for the Irish (everyone knows that Claus is English). But surely that is just a rumor, #1224 is only hanging out with the aliens, and I have WAY TOO MUCH FREE TIME to come up with this randomality.
To my EMPS Bri, Pri, and Cait, enjoy your prank. To misquote Romans 12:19 - "Vengeance is mine ... saith the Lord".
And by fin I mean...
Congrats to my "brother from another mother" Jeff Reed, Pittsburgh Steelers placekicker for ending a very ugly Monday Night Football game against my hometeam Miami Dolphins last night.
Doesn't take much to beat the Dolphins this year. Evidently, only a field goal. Final score, Steelers 3 -- Dolphins 0.
Where's Ricky Williams when you need him? Oh, yeah. Sitting on the bench injured.
At least we got the Canes. Oh, wait.
At least the Heat can make a push, if they can get clearance from the Nursing Home to attend the playoffs.
At least the Marli.... couldn't even finish the sentence.
Wait, I've got it.
At least Barry Bonds is indicted, and may never play ball again. Finally, justice can be served and we can move on with our sports Steroid-free.
Yeah, that'll happen. And the Dolphins will win one.
NY Times wrote a story last week on Megachurches in America, and how they create and operate their own economy. Huh, ministry through business. Interesting concept.
NY Times defines "MEGA"church being a church over 2,000 members. To the left is a map created by NY Times showing the geographical representation of those churches. I was asked this weekend by a reader what I thought about working for a Megachurch. Honestly, it doesn't feel megachurch. CF has five campuses. All of the campuses are healthy, growing, vibrant. Aside from the Palmetto Bay campus, all the campuses are no where near that 2,000 number.
I guess that's the idea of the multi-site model. You get intimacy in ministry, but the programs and resources of a true "megachurch". That's the beauty of CF. There are five different campuses. Five distinct styles. One church.
Unless I'm really unaware of where Miami is on the map, I don't think we are listed on the NTY map. Oh well.
Thank you, God, for an opportunity to serve you. Allow us to impact Miami, not for our glory, but for Yours.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... and not because we're on the backside of Black Friday, either.
Today was my first opportunity worship at CF Redland. I've blogged it. Cosy. Intimate. Coffeehouse atmosphere. Today I and a packed house at CFR got to experience it. The worship center was packed from wall to wall with people. (It was so crowded there were 6-10 people sitting in the worship center lobby for the length of the service). One of the natives at CFR (read: former member of First Baptist Church of the Redlands) made the comment to me "This many people here only happens at Christmas."
I hear what you're saying... "If it's wall-to-wall people then CF Redland doesn't need my help." NOT TRUE! In the coming weeks we're moving to two services, and we need plenty of volunteers down here. Construction on the children's area is already starting, and when we do a complete launch in 2008 we'll have plenty of room for you at CFR.
Carlos Lollett led a great, acoustic worship set. Rick taught and looked like he felt at home. The room was alive, receptive, vibrant...
I am continually impressed with CFRs Media crew. Met another one of their video/iMag guys, Justin... ends up I went to High School with him. The service went flawlessly. We integrated a Mac Laptop running ProPresenter, in about five minutes, and with 10 minutes of training/orientation - we were set.
Eric's hyped about the photo too! Check out his blog.
God, thank you for allowing us to be part of your plan in Miami. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Take a look at the new/partially completed stage at CF Dwntwn. The wall behind the praise team is not completed, as well as the carpeting, but we have come a long way quickly. You can start to see the pieces coming together.
People were in shock today at how much was done in such a short amount of time. We really got started on the stage construction this past week, and the CF volunteers really stepped up and made the stage a priority. Thanks to everyone who pitched in... but let's keep the momentum coming!
Monday and Tuesday are volunteer workdays this week, so PLEASE if you have time before Turkey Day, swing on up and lend a hand. Call the PBay church office for more info. 305/238-1818
Oh, I talked to several people today from the Dwntwn campus who are interested in joining CF Dwntwn's Media Department. If anybody from CF Palmetto Bay is interested in transferring up to Dwntwn, e-mail or call me. I need help across the board...
Okay, so I got Facebook'd by Caitlin Berndt today...
So, in order to keep an employee happy, including ones that live in other cities and come back to the bookstore to work for holidays and special occasions, I need to say thank you. To all of my emps I need to say thank you.
So yes, I'm thankful Caitlin is coming back... but I'm more appreciative, thankful for the rest of my employees.
If you knew me when I first bought the bookstore, you knew me as a CONTROL FREAK! In recent months, though, I've learned to trust my emps... and have seen how they all have gone above and beyond my expectations. And now as my attention is focused on CFDT, CFR, CFH, CFWK, CFPB (and NOT on The Living Word) it's great to know that there are dependable, stable people watching my best interests at the bookstore. And that while I'm not there, the store still functions.
Kyle, Bri, Scott, Kathleen, Marlene, Priscilla, Steve, Deanna, Caitlin (and maybe Michael)... thanks for continually meeting people's needs and serving the customers @ The Living Word.
As a side note, there has been a lot of research recently discussing the stability of Gen Y in the workplace. Check out some of these stats.
Thanks, guys and gals, for being trustworthy, driven individuals. Christmas is going to be crazy.
I've got some more CF Dwntwn photos for you. First off is me sitting in the Multi-site directors office at the Dwntwn campus. Yes, I SHARE an office Dwntwn. I really am excited about this. It's a nice big office and it has a view of the American Airlines Arena (out the window to my left). I've made the commitment to be up there on Thursdays, so if you're in the area, come by and see me (I'll buy you lunch!)
JR Lovins really wanted me to blog this photo. Honestly, not sure why. He actually called me off the construction floor to take this staged photo. Well, when one of my bosses tells me to sit there and look pretty.... well, I guess I can sit there....
Also had a chance today to go on top of the roof of the worship center. What you see in the photo on the left is the stained glass of the worship center, viewed from the outside - on top of the roof. And on the right is the view from the roof. Pretty nice, huh. There is a higher level (actually on top of the domed ceiling) but I (and another unnamed participant) were too chicken to go up to that level. Maybe another day, when I am not worried about falling to my doom.
It occurred to me the other day that I have not posted photos of CF's new worship centers. On the left, the historical landmark known as Christ Fellowship Downtown. On the right, the intimate, comfortable Christ Fellowship Redland. Two distinctly different environments... but used to spread the same message.
Honestly, it's crazy keeping them straight. But it's soooo exciting!
Thank you, God, for these opportunities!
Speaking of photos, we have officially launched CF's new homesite, CFMiami.org. JR as always has done a phenomenal job graphically. Check out the sites, get a taste of the different campuses, and come help as we spread the good news of Christ across Miami-Dade.
It's my favorite time of the year again. No, not Christmas. Not Thanksgiving/Black Friday.
It's time for CallFM's Winter Fund Drive. Which means I'm going back on the air to ask for help. CallFM is a listener-supported radio station, which means that we need the help of our listeners (and nice people like you) to help keep CallFM on the air.
CallFM (91.9fm) is a Christian radio station aimed at reaching the teens and young adults in South Florida. They do a phenominal job of it too. If you've sponsored in the past, do it again. If you've never sponsored, check it out. I'll be on the air M, W, F from 3-6pm. It'll be great!
And I promise you, we won't "pull a SpiritFM on you." Ouch!
Check out the station this week. Help reach some kids with the good news of Jesus Christ! Support UNCONVENTIONAL MINISTRY!
Today was a great day Dwntwn. BTW, I am UNOFFICIALLY calling it CF DWNTWN. Miami is evolving Downtown, and are legally changing the name to Dwntwn (check the site) so in my world, it's CF DWNTWN.
Of course, my world isn't worth much...
CF Dwntwn (read, Downtown) was hopping today. Abiel Mir (CF Dwntwn Worship Pastor) did a great job leading worship. Enjoying working with Abiel, Mauricio (audio guy), and the rest of the worship team @ CF Dwntwn. We are both passionate about pleasing our Boss. Not Sammy. Not JR. The other Guy, the one upstairs! Another part of the team is Andrea, Mauricio's girlfriend, who started training on ProPresenter today. We're on our way to an official CF Dwntwn Media Team! (PS - We need more help!)
Along with Abiel, I saw something really cool today. CF Dwntwn NATIVES (read: former Central Baptist Church members - now CF members) volunteering. I ran into Greeters. Guest Services people. Ushers. I felt like I was at Palmetto Bay.
Except none of them knew who I was.
That could be a good thing! (You know you were thinking it.)
During the worship portion of services I try to float around the Worship Center. Checking audio. Experience the experiences in the room. Watch people connect. That's a norm for me (if I'm not working equipment). Well, at CFPB and CFH the greeters know me so I don't get stopped. CFDT people, well, let's just say they know me now! One lady actually stopped me in the hallway, asking if something was wrong. Thanks, Anna, for caring enough about a stranger to ask!
After today, I feel like I finally can see the big picture of CF Dwntwn. The plan is being executed, and we're on our way. It's a steep road, but we've got some great people at our CF Campus(es) that are dying to help!
On a similar note, this was Amy's first service at CF Dwntwn. I know I sing her praises a lot, but honestly she deserves to hear it more. Amy was a Media Widdow... the girl that would sit in a pew alone because her husband was working technology for a worship service. Amy got tired of that life, and started to volunteer in the studio running iMag. Honestly, she is better at that than I am... much better. And I'm glad to have her serving by my side... that she shares in my joy of creating an environment for worship. There are other things she could be passionate about, but she chooses to be passionate alonside of me. God, thank you for my wife!
Major changes coming soon to CF Dwntwn. Deep down I know that you are DYING to take a day off from work and volunteer all day Thursday at CF Dwntwn's campus. We're installing the new stage and a bunch of gear. Let me know if you're interested.
Be praying for the campus, that God would bring us together for His glory, His renown.
Here's a photo from Saturday's Storyside B doing an instore performance @ C28 West Palm. We had 80 people packed in the back of the store enjoying their acoustic show (and the standup comedy routine).
The band stuck around after the show signing CDs (we were selling them for $7.99 - take that iTunes!)
Awesome. Thanks for everyone who showed up, and we'll see you again soon.
Starbucks (commonly referred to as "Jeff's Fifth Place") is doing something really cool (hard to believe, I know.)
Custom Giftcards. They give you templates, characters, accessories. Ability to type messages. Beautiful interface. Virtual meets Physical.
Beyond that, you have a personalized credit card for Starbucks. Albeit it's a "psuedo-PrePay" credit card. But that card is a piece of me. (Mine's on the left, Amy's on the right.)
For more info, check out Starbucks.com
Looking for a good excuse to go to C28 this weekend?
Storyside B & Seventh Day Slumber are doing an acoustic set @ C28 West Palm Beach this weekend. Promise you, it's worth the trip.
Come hang out with the band. Get some CDs signed. Buy some C28 stuff. What else are you going to do this weekend! Remember, you probably got Monday off (Veterans Day, right?) so you can sleep in then!
OR, if you are going to WayFest at the Sound Advice Ampitheater, come check out the C28 booth.
See you this weekend!
Ran across some historical views of Apple, and I wanted to share...
Wired.com posts "The 15 Dumbest Apple Predictions of All Time". Highlights include:
"I'd shut it down and give the money back to the shareholders." — Michael Dell in October 1997
"Apple as we know it is cooked. It's so classic. It's so sad." — Stan Dolberg of Forrester Research, quoted by the New York Times in 1996.
"[Apple] seems to have two options. The first is to break itself up, selling the hardware side. The second is to sell the company outright." — The Economist, Feb. 1995
While we're talking about the rejuvenation of Apple, check out Wired's 101 Ways to save Apple. Written over 10 years ago, Wired back then were one of the first (and the few) to dream a bigger, better Apple.
Look where they are now. Apple is being declared the winner of the MAC vs PC debate by Salon.com. Honestly, when is the last time you've heard someone say that Microsoft/PC is better?
And it's just not computers. Apple continues to reinvent itself. iTunes. iPod. Check out this article from Time Magazine, naming the iPhone the Invention of the Year. You tell me. Did it meet the hype? Now Apple is rumored to be going into the TabletPC market. (Honestly, I'm sure they are designing something, but I'd wager it never streets).
Okay, I'm an Apple guy. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to prove that one. But there was a time back in the late 90s and early 2000s that I debated switching. Really! The thing I admire most about Apple is there ability to reinvent themselves. In this technology-saturated market, that is not an easy thing to do. Seeing Apple do it with the iMac, the iPod, the iPhone... it's a great place to be. So much for the end of Apple.
Thanks, Steve, for coming back!
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