Kylie Minogue - Get Outta My Way Live Megamix

This is a funky mix of Get Outta My Way - it features live performaces and behind the scenes from the music video shoot.

Chasing Kylie

A cool mash up for Get Outta My Way and Chasing Cars....

Scammers Beware.... Bewaaaaare!

Oh boy have I got a story for you!



I was browsing through KSL for fun and I was looking at an ad for one of these little lovlies...

When I came across an ad for a pup that seemed too good to be true. So I tried calling the number and kept getting a busy signal.

Odd.

So I emailed the seller hoping to get some info and see if its legit. Well not too long later I got one of those computerized texts from this so called "seller."
And this is the conversation:
SCAMMER: this is regarding the puuppy on ksl.
ME: oh yes, are they still available?
SCAMMER: I am only giving them only to loving homes. But before we proceed, you wuld have to go through two adoption test to see if your home is perfect for them.
ME: what is an adoption test?
SCAMMER: Its not a test really. its just some questions that is going to make me know if your home would be prefect for one or both.
ME: How do i know this isnt a scam?
SCAMMER: OMG {this has been edited}
ME: I'm sorry?
SCAMMER: I only came to the internet to relocate my angels. neither deveive or tanish my image. {Yes, they said 'tanish'} and I feel so bad lettibng them go. {lettibng?} but i have no choice because of the condition of my present job. So i have sent you an email.

{So i looked at the email and it was just SCREAMING scam. as i am reading, he sends me another computerized text.}

SCAMMER: just go throught it and get back to me with the answers to the questions ok
ME: No thanks.
SCAMMER: But why? {insert lip quiver here} what do you mean?
ME:I dont trust this. I am a detective. {yes, i know this is a lie, but my dad is and i totally wanted to see what he would say}
SCAMMER: how does your profession conerens the adoption?
ME: I am not interested.

{I waited a few minutes and then received this response:}

SCAMMER: Ok i am a scammer but we can work a sweet deal out. in any of my scams you have 25 percent.

{Long pause}

SCAMMER: yes or no
ME: How is that?
SCAMMER: that is we you be my partner and we would make alot of money.
ME: And how do you plan on doing that?
SCAMMER: you would be doing the posting and picking up while i reply. it is hard for one person doing it ok. call me fex. and what should i call you. we would make millions out of this ok. are you there.
ME: No, sorry. I am an honest person and just flagged your ad.
SCAMMER: @#*)$! {BLEEP! insert offensive language here} I will take you to court! please. i am just trying to survive. things are hard. please understand.

{Well I did what any normal person would do... I told them i knew of a place that helps and bore my testimony and gave them a link to lds.org.}

:)



the scammer didnt reply.

Breakfast of Champions

Jealous much?

when you wish upon a star...

i wish gavin and i were swimming in a cenote right now. what is a cenote you ask? great question... before we went to mexico, i didnt know either.

this, my friends, is a cenote...

{purtty aint it?}

i wish i was working at disneyland...

{if this is as close as i can get, thats fine by me. for now...}

i wish i was sleeping right now.

i wish people driving in the crazy utah county I-15 construction would be kinder and safer. Share the road people. Please.


i wish i had one of these...

{oh! so cute!!! i will name you Balthazaar.}

That is all...

Lunch Date

Dear Hubby....
Today you picked me up and we had a lovely lunch date. You brought pizza and sobe's and found a nice shady tree to eat under.
It was super fun.
We laughed and teased and had alot of fun.
Then you attacked me and gave me a huge hickey in plain sight on my neck. {Too much info?}
I tried to wrestle you away because yes, I have to go back to work now and will have to see my work peeps. . .

Its a good thing I love you...

and I have long hair.

:)

One of My Favorite Places

After living in St. George for 3 years, you have to get creative and find some fun places to go. One of my all time favorite places to go is 25 Main Street Cafe.





I am a sucker for cupcakes and they make the most delicious and moist tasty treats I've ever eaten. I'll just say... we went there alot.

I miss it.

Curious?

Here are some random facts about my sweet hubby and I....

1. They have the names of their future children picked out. (They actually have a ton, so they will have to choose from their vault when the time comes.)

2. They were both in Student Government in high school.

3. They were both rebels at heart (Dixie State!)

4. She used to be ticklish, now she is not.

5. He didnt use to be ticklish, now he is.

6. He went on a mission to Washington.

7. They are in love.

8. They share a phone charger.

9. She likes to be tidy, he kinda does too.

10. He is a morning person.

11. She isnt.

12. Someday they will buy an English Bulldog.
13. They love talking about and planning their future together.

14. He doesnt like mayo

15. She does.

16. She designed her engagement ring all by herself... and she LOVES it.

17. He gets quiet when he's hungry. (Who doesnt?)

18. She gets ornery when she's tired. (Ditto.)

19. She likes Diet Coke

20. They are excited to be parents. (Someday.)

21. They like riding their horses.

22. They love to make each other laugh.

23. He makes up songs to entertain her.

24. She loves it.

25. She loves Disneyland. (Ok ANTHING Disney)

26. He was the high school star quarterback

27. She thinks thats hott.

28. Alot of their anniversaries are on holidays. (Must be the only way they'd remember the dates)

29. They are each others best friend.

30. They get to be together for eternity.

:)

Dear Body

Dear Body,

I am sorry for biting the my nails.
I am sorry for not always brushing your teeth and washing your face at night, and I'm sorry for all the sugar I put in you.

I'm sorry I dont wear my glasses enough and it gives you headaches.

I deeply regret perming your hair and then hating you for it, when it was really all my fault.

I'm sorry for taunting that dog and scarring your face when you were a baby.
Sorry, too, about all those high heels. (I cant help buying them even though I dont wear them anymore.)

I am sorry that I prefer you to be skinny and insult you when you're not. Oh, and uh, sorry for not eating breakfast every morning.
I'm sorry that I always forget to give you enough sleep.

I am sorry for the skinny jeans.

I am sorry for talking smack about you.

Although, I am grateful for the braces you got when I was 16 even though I hated every second of wearing them.

I am grateful for your freckles.

I love how silky your hair is when I actually style it.

I love that you can sing. (sometimes)

I love your blue eyes.

I love the energy you give me (most the time)

I love your hands and the work they do every day.

I promise to treat you better if you promise the same for me!

Thanks.

Love,
Lauren

Beijing China at Night

After breakfast, visit Tiananmen Square and the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City, home of Chinese emperors for more than 500 years. After lunch, visit the Summer Palace, taking a leisure stroll while admiring the thousands of ancient murals along the Long Corridor and a boat ride on Kunming Lake (weather permitting). Enjoy a fabulous welcome banquet featuring the famous Beijing Duck in the evening.


Beijing China at Night
Beijing China at Night
Beijing China at NightThe highlight today is an excursion to the Great Wall. Enjoy the dramatic vistas and marvel at the Wall as it climbs and descends steep ridges and narrow valleys. Continue on to visit a cloisonné factory on the way to lunch. After lunch, visit the Ming Tombs starting with a stroll along the Sacred Way, which is guarded by stone statues. Then tour the Chang Ling Exhibition Museum.
Beijing China at Night
Beijing China at NightThis morning, visit Beijing Sport University, where over 50 graduates have won world championship titles, and more than 60 have won Asian championship titles. Visit the university''s museum, Garden of Champions, indoor training gyms, outdoor sports fields and courts, etc. En route to the airport, drive around the intriguing architecture of the main Olympic venues: the National Stadium, nicknamed the “Bird''s Nest,” because of its unique design, and the National Aquatics Center, known as the “Water Cube” (H2O3). Take an afternoon flight to Xi''an. Upon arrival, you will start your tour of the ancient City Wall, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Bell Tower. Overnight at the Grand New World Hotel (or similar).
Beijing China at Night
Beijing China at Night
Today''s highlight is a visit to the Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum, home to an army of more than 6,000 life-size statues excavated from the tomb of the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty. After lunch, visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, renowned for its collection of Han- and Tang-dynasty antiquities. In the evening, enjoy a special dumpling dinner and cultural show at the Tang Dynasty Theatre recreating the music, costumes and dances of that era.

Bachelorette

I went to the rodeo last night so I missed the Bachelorette, but Hulu is a lifesaver... so here are my thoughts about the latest episode:






1. FIJI?! UGH! So jealous.

2. Yes, wouldnt we ALL like to fall in love and get engaged in Fiji... No, actually I prefer the Spanish Fork canyon on the 24th of July during fireworks. :)

3. Her voice is so whiney

4. Whew! Tinkerbelle dress!

5. Ben likes fairies...

6. "I am real I promise" Sounds like something someone NOT real would say.

7. Yes! Big fat greek family.

8. But then there's JP....

9. Look at that goofy grin when she first met JP

10. So much kissing... What if someone had mono? It would spread like wildfire!
11. Overnight dates? What?

12. Haha! She is so short she has to get on her tippy toes to see in the mirror

13. WHO SHOWED UP!?!?! Maybe Ryan... He seems creepy enough to do something weird like that.

14. Commercial... If its Bentley, I might barf.

15. I knew it!
16. He looks like a psycho stalker!

17. "What if she's regretting sending me home?" Ummm get over it! She is obviously over you!
18. I'd be seeing RED FLAGS if he showed up in Fiji.

19. She looks creeped out.

20. Nerd.

21. Her door says Ashley... Thats asking for creepy stalkers like Ryan.

22. Rehearse much, Ryan?

23. Do you think he flew out on his own dime or the producers flew him out?

24. Oh he called Chris... Chris probably thinks he's psycho too.

25. WHAT WILL ASH SAY!?

26. Stop talking Ryan. You are nuts.

27. Oh Ash, dont encourage him.

28. Pretty sure she said the "book was closed" when she sent you home, Ryan. Idiot.

29. I feel so awkward right now... I almost cant watch it.

30. Can I got to Fiji? Tomorrow?
31. Bahaha! I want you to do everything. Very forward Ash. I could almost see him blushing from here.

32. Awkie.

33. Oh he is "BEAMING"

34. He said, "Its preeety" funny.

35. Oh Ben! Dont say you love her yet! So awkward.

36. She says perfect weird.

37. I love that she isnt wearing make up. I think she is pretty.

38. He is trying so hard to figure out how to say it...

39. I cant really tell if he said it or not. Um... not.

40. Whoa, they are sharing a suite? Scandalous.

41. Whoa... That is a pretty sweet suite.

42. That water looks amazing.

43. Those frogs look scary.

44. Gosh Ashley, why dont you just focus on the 3 handsome guys you have in front of you and forget about creepy stalker boy.

45. I think you need a haircut too, Constantine.

46. I loved his reaction to the helicopter.

47. Bahahaha! Creeper! (Ryan staring at the helicopter)

48. That waterfall is gorgeous

49. I really admire Constantine. What a stand up guy. I lov ehis honesty.

50. She does this when she purses her lips and it drives me nuts.

51. "What if I end up all alone?" Shut up... the would doesnt end when the show ends.

52. Ryan is like nails on a chalkboard.

53. Whew! Way to go Ash! Send him packin!

54. Seriously dude? Did you really think you stood a chance?

55. "It will happen". Yes, keep telling yourself that.

56. Ash and JP are cute together.

57. I am getting bored...

58. Their own private island? So jealous.

59. That mic pack on her bikini must be uncomfortable.

60. JP is kinda intense.

61. But I think he is honest and really loves her. (Ugh even saying it makes me gag, but hey this is my thought process watching the show.)

62. Oh boy... here come the dramatics.

63. Ash, brush the leaf off JP's head

64. Bahahaha! He thought Bentley came back lol.

65. Blah blah blah

66. I fast forwarded. Hope I didnt miss anything important. (HA! Important... its the bachelorette... nothing is THAT important)

67. Haha she lays down Constantine's photo. Dramatic.

68. Oh geez... I feel awkward.

69. Pretty sure she has worn that dress before.

70. Why was that all drawn out and dramatic? Lame.

71. Men tell all! This Sunday!!!

72. OH! They BOTH said they love her!
73. Dun dun dun!!!





Gotta love the drama.



Oh gag... I just watched the after credits clip with her and Ben laughing about toes.... weirdos.

Forbidden City China

Gugong, or Forbidden City, is located in central Beijing, north of the famous Tiananmen Square. Tourists, excited wonders Imperial Palace, usually enter through the south gate and go through the north, after a complete tour by former administrative and cultural center of the former Chinese empire. Flights are regular bus and links to tourist attractions celelelte Beijing are excellent.

Separated from the rest of the world through a very tall wall red as fire and smoking all ordinary mortals, Town Prohibited chinze downtown, is a city within a city. It was the center of the Chinese empire, and for them, the center of the world. Ming and Qing empire led destiny behind these walls. Beijing's history as lived space is immemorial and vanished in time. Instead of the Forbidden City itself is clearly defined by building location. Inperial Center was founded in impratului Yong Ming dynasty, who had moved here from the capital Nanking in 1420.

Imperial complex required a titanic work to meet the needs of His Majesty. In 1644, the Forbidden City was robbed by the fall of the Ming Dynasty Manchu. But Qing dynasty emperors in Manchuria, it was rebuilt after it was installed on the Dragon Throne, bringing back the glory and opulence of another time. Moreover, the old brilliance, dazzling to ordinary people, were added other beautiful lakes, temples, palaces and gardens. During this period, the city has reached his true majestic splendor.

It has a square shape and is oriented on a north-south axis. is surrounded by a large wall, 10.4 meters high. Inside the walls, palaces, gates, courtyards and gardens are arranged symmetrically. Total number of rooms up to 9000, which were formerly occupied by the emperor and his retinue of ladies (mother, wives and concubines) and a whole army of eunuchs and servants. There is a code of laws, specifically developed for each activity of living day-to-day. There were also labeled and taboos and the Forbidden City was turned slowly in a gilded cage. All major buildings face the south, which could mean a denial of supernatural power and hostile forces in the north (the Mongols and the cold winds from Siberia). Even the southern entrance, called the Meridian Gate (Wumen), took a special insemnateta. Here he reviews the troops king. There are times here on a cross-crossed by a spring garden, Gold River, which is cut by five bridges, all of marble. Vituti representations are five bridges. This leads to the Supreme Gate Harmonies, dimcolo that there is a large courtyard which was designed such that to provide shelter for 20,000 people. Opposite the courtyard, you will see the tallest building in the Forbidden City, the Supreme Hall of Harmony. Here reigned king with fast imperial state during meetings Sensitive.

Around it hung a cloud of incense and ants regiment officials and dignitaries in the gentle murmur of discreet and golden bell. Next you will see two more ceremonies halls: Hall and Hall Conservative Perfect Harmonies Harmonies. North can see houses they lived in the king and his retinue, a little more natural size. Here are the most important treasure that state leaders have gathered along the times, among which there is a collection of watches and a French puppet. Japan sacked the Forbidden City in 1937 and even the National Guard took on more wealth when he left Taiwan in 1949.

The city of Beijing swirls around the mystery of the Forbidden City of China. Also known as the Imperial Palace Museum, it has almost 10,000 buildings splayed across 250 acres. The enclosure housed the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for around 500 years. A behemoth of a national landmark, its inner workings hold thousands upon thousands of China's rarest treasures and artifacts. It should be no surprise that the Forbidden City of China is one of the premier places for tourists to visit. Its convenient location to the greater Beijing area and other attractions such as the Great Wall certainly doesnt hurt, either.

The wall enveloping the Forbidden City China measures almost 30 feet in height. Held inside is the world's largest palace complex. The Forbidden City history begins in 1407 when over a million laborers began its construction. Thirteen years in the making, the interior is a violent yellow. The bricks that layer the ground, the roofs that rise into the sky, numerous decorations and shrines throughout the Forbidden City of China: all a similar shade of yellow. This is because the traditional color of royalty in China is, of course, yellow. Until 1911, when the revolution finally came to the streets of Beijing, this was where the emperors lived, where they governed, where they prayed.

The Forbidden City China is divided into two main parts. The outer court is where the emperors governed, the inner court is where they, along with the rest of the royal family, lived. The two are separated by the immense Gate of Celestial Purity. But first you have to get inside—the main gate to the Forbidden City is located to the south, opposite Tiananmen Square. This gate, also called the Meridian Gate, is famous for its resemblance to a phoenix. Like most of Chinese architecture and surroundings, most every aspect of the Forbidden City has a nickname; every hallway or courtyard is an ancient symbol, every nook and cranny has some secret meaning. The maze of walls and buildings is also strictly governed by the rigid principles of Feng Shui, the certainty of which gives the many structures an austere and stoic quality to them, the knowledge that everything is in its right place.

Beijing China Olympics

While every country participating in the Olympics have their own stories to follow, one of the biggest ones in the United States has been swimmer Michael Phelps.� Phelps has already won two gold medals in the early stages of the tournament.� He won one of the medals in an individual race and last night his relay team beat the favorite French team by one eight hundredth of a second.� The victory was a satisfying one for team USA because leading up the event, the French team had promised a victory over the USA team, and they said it would be an easy one.

Michael Phelps is currently on pace to break the all-time gold medal record for a single Olympics.� If he wins every event he�s scheduled to be in he would have nine, beating Mark Spitz�s 36 year record.� Spitz, also a swimmer, is also tied with Carl Lewis for the most Gold Medals of all time, with eight.� If (it�s more like when) Phelps wins his next gold medal, he will be number one all time, as he has already won 8 between this year and last year�s Olympics.� Phelps next chance to do this will be Tuesday in an individual competition.

Also last night the USA Woman�s gymnastics team advanced to the medal stage, second behind the host country team, China.� China finished the preliminary round in first place, but in the medal round, the initial scores are wiped out and you start from scratch.� What China does get out of finishing first is the ability to watch American participate in their events first.� This way, China will no exactly what they will have to do to win the events.


Overall, China is expected to win the most medals in this years Olympics games.� They have been waiting for this moment for a long time, and their over 600 athletes appear to be destined for the Gold Medal title.� Already they have a lead over America in the number of medals, and in just Gold Medals they have a commanding lead.

The action continues nearly all day on NBC and their sister stations.��

�


Also last night the USA Woman�s gymnastics team advanced to the medal stage, second behind the host country team, China.� China finished the preliminary round in first place, but in the medal round, the initial scores are wiped out and you start from scratch.� What China does get out of finishing first is the ability to watch American participate in their events first.� This way, China will no exactly what they will have to do to win the events.

Overall, China is expected to win the most medals in this years Olympics games.� They have been waiting for this moment for a long time, and their over 600 athletes appear to be destined for the Gold Medal title.� Already they have a lead over America in the number of medals, and in just Gold Medals they have a commanding lead.

Beijing

An Italian traveller once told me that people fall in love with a country on the basis of 3 things; the air, the food and the people. For me, I first fell in love with the Chinese signage in Beijing! Especially the huge ones with neon lights (I loved it!). Then it was the food. Especially Peking duck! For the record, I’ve never like duck dishes, wouldn’t even eat ‘em if I’m paid to. But Peking duck was DELICIOUS! Then it was all the good looking men in Beijing! So tall, well build with good looking features. Wow, I wouldn’t mind living in Beijing (at all!)! Hahaha..

From Tianjin Binhai International Airport, we took a shuttle bus to Beijing. That took us approximately 2 hours. But for those in a rush, you can also opt for the bullet train which would only take 30 minutes.

Beijing
Beijing
Beijing
Beijing
Beijing
Beijing
Beijing

Northern Ireland Nature

My game Hexyle is progressing nicely. I’ve just nailed the 3d rendering system, which creates a procedurally generated world out of hexagonal tiles.

The images from my previous post were just throw togethers to explore the general aesthetic of using hexagonal building blocks to create random scenery – there was no consideration for frame rate or optimisation – it would have been impossible to play at the 10 fps or so it was allowing me. So I had to rebuild an optimised game engine from scratch using some innovative techniques to achieve maximum visual impact and fast frame rate.

Asides from the usual considerations of open gl optimisations such as pre baked lighting, streamlined meshes etc, I’ve created my own geomipmapping technique using depth buffering.

Geomipmapping is a technique used in 3d games whereby low poly models replace high poly models at far distances, to improve performance without any visual degradation. The trouble with this however is that you have to ‘switch’ over the 2 models at the right time, at the right distance, to avoid ‘popping’ new geometry with suddenly higher/lower polys. This involves having lots of different versions of the same model in memory.

Northern Ireland Nature
Northern Ireland Nature
Northern Ireland Nature
Northern Ireland Nature
Northern Ireland Nature
Northern Ireland Nature