Our Neighbors Tractor

Today I was working on our neighbors tractor, and Joanna snapped these cool pictures. Any guesses on what's happening?




Albuquerque Update

Here's a few pictures from the conference today.

The Booth

On the campus of Calvary Church

An interview with a radio station. This guy was literally doing a talk show while walking down the hallways, pulling people aside to talk to them about homeschooling, and other related items.

Ahh, yes... Dinner!

Albuquerque NM Trip Down

Well, here I am blogging from the back of the suburban just outside of Albuquerque, NM, while listening to the fourth CD of Michael Gerber's six CD set called "The Emyth Seminar - Taking Charge of Your Business and Your Life". Definitely a good set to listen to if you're running (or considering starting) a business.

After this Michael Gerber CD is done, I'm going to be interviewing the members of the Resounding Voice Crew that are on this trip. In the mean time, here's some info, and a few pictures from the trip down.

The weather outside is PERFECT! Yesterday it was around 85 degrees! But that's OK with me because we were in the air conditioning all day yesterday, and last night it got down to 33 degrees. It is currently 55 degrees, very dry, with a blazing hot sun. BEAUTIFUL!




We saw numerous accidents on the way down, including one where a pick-up with trailer spun around, rolled over, and went on it's side into the trees down a ditch much like the one in this picture. This picture is of an accident where the trailer apparently came off the hitch.


Go-Cubs!


The St. Louis Arch. Get your cameras!

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Now the CD is over, so I am going to interview the other members of the RV crew in the Suburban .

The first interview that Jonathan Erber's Blog will hold, will be with the CEO of Resounding Voice, Joshua Erber.

J.E.B: Joshua, of all the conferences that you do each year, which of them is your favorite?

Joshua Erber: The New Mexico conference is my favorite.

J.E.B: Why is that?

Joshua Erber: Probably due to the more relaxed atmosphere.

J.E.B: What do you think is the cause for the relaxed atmosphere?

Joshua Erber: There's just something easy about it. Things seem to run smoother, and go better at this conference from a technical perspective. In New Mexico we use our own mic's, while in other places we have to patch into their sound systems, which isn't so easy.

J.E.B. When you go to conferences, what are your favorite places to stay?

Joshua Erber: My favorite places to stay are the Embassy Suites in NY, or the Drury Inn in Albuquerque NM.

J.E.B: If there were any conferences that you could get that you don't have already, which would they be?

Joshua Erber: All existing conferences.

J.E.B: Well, good luck to you and your business, we hope the rest of your trip goes well. Thanks again for your time!

Joshua Erber: You're Welcome.

Now we will be interviewing Ethan Webb.

J.E.B: Now many conferences have your done with Resounding Voice?

Ethan Webb: Zero, this is my big league debut.

J.E.B: How have you enjoyed it so far?

Ethan Webb: It's been great!

J.E.B: How do you feel being the shortest member of the crew?

Ethan Webb: I've heard it said that the shorter people are the most athletic.

J.E.B: How do you feel that will enhance your performance at the conference?

Ethan Webb: Maneuvering through crowds should be easier since I'm smaller, and it's also nice to be short because I can dodge the angry ladies easier. LOL.

J.E.B: Have things turned out to be how you expected them?

Ethan Webb: Over-all, yes.

J.E.B: Is that good or bad?

Ethan Webb: Good.

J.E.B. What were your impressions of the Hotel in Tucumcari?

Ethan Webb: It was just like any other hotel that I've been in, except for the guy at the counter.

J.E.B: What was different about him?

Ethan Webb: He was different by being more talkative and friendly. And he was smaller.

J.E.B: Well thank you for your time, who would you like us to interview next?

Ethan Webb: The one sitting next to me: Aaron Englund.

J.E.B: Aaron, how many conferences have you done with Resounding Voice?

Aaron Englund: I've done four.

J.E.B: Have you ever been to New Mexico before?

Aaron Englund: No.

J.E.B: How far west have you ever been?

Aaron Englund: California.

J.E.B: What do you think of New Mexico?

Aaron Englund: I like the sparsely located Cattle, and the Barren Landscape.

J.E.B: Do you enjoy your job with Resounding Voice?

Aaron Englund: Immensely!

J.E.B: What do you enjoy about it?

Aaron Englund: The good beer and great fun. LOL. No, seriously, at time it can be really fast paced and I like dealing with the people, and all the funny jokes and stuff that happens.

J.E.B: What's your favorite Resounding Voice moment?

Aaron Englund: I'm not sure. Probably escorting the vonTrapp singers through the crowd in Illinois, the crowd control, and all that was apart of that concert.

J.E.B: What's the funniest thing that's ever happened to you while working with Resounding Voice?

Aaron Englund: I don't know, probably when a lady said that I was well groomed.

J.E.B: What did you say in a situation like that?

Aaron Englund: I thought she had good vision to see past the ragged beard to my heart. LOL! No, I really can't remember what I said.

J.E.B: Well it's been great talking with you, hope you have a great day, who would you like us to interview next?

Aaron Englund: Joseph Erber

J.E.B. Joseph, how long have you been working with Resounding Voice?

Joseph Erber: I've been a part of the crew for four years.

J.E.B: Do you enjoy working with Resounding Voice?

Joseph Erber: Yes, very much so.

J.E.B: What's your favorite task at conferences?

Joseph Erber: Sitting around when there's nothing to do! LOL. I'd say cash register is probably my favorite job.

J.E.B: Why enjoy the cash register so much?

Joseph Erber: Because you don't have to run around everywhere, and it's easy, with no pressure.

J.E.B: In light of everything that you do with resounding voice, even outside of the conferences. What do you enjoy the most?

Joseph Erber: Eating Pizza after the conference.

J.E.B: Out of all the conferences in the year, which are your favorite?

Joseph Erber: I enjoy the Grazing Conference in Wisconsin, and probably my next favorite would be either NM, AZ, or NY, or ... Well I like them all.

J.E.B: What was your worse Resounding Voice moment?

Joseph Erber: Let me think. Probably working with cranky customers.

J.E.B: Well, I hope you enjoy the rest of the NM trip. Thank you for you taking the time to answer our questions. Who would you like us to interview next.

Joseph Erber: Dad.

J.E.B: Dad, do you enjoy being a chaperon for this group of guys, or is it really stressful?

Dad: It has it's moments. Generally it's a good group to be with.

J.E.B: What is your favorite conference that you've ever done working with Resounding Voice?

Dad: Probably New Mexico!

J.E.B: Why is that?

Dad: Well when you're going through the mountains and your ears clear, it's very satisfying. LOL. No, it's a nice trip, the surroundings are very unique, and the conference is very well organized, and runs well.

J.E.B: What is your favorite job at the conference?

Dad: Unfortunately, I like duplicating the tapes.

J.E.B: Why Unfortunately?

Dad: Well, tapes are on the out.

J.E.B: When tapes are eliminated, what job do you hope to get?

Dad: Manning the phones at home.

J.E.B: What is your favorite part of the trips?

Dad: The celebration dinner afterwards.

J.E.B: If there were any conferences in places that we haven't gone yet, where would you want to go?

Dad: Colorado.

J.E.B: Why is that?

Dad: In expectation that all the previous mentioned items that I enjoy would be duplicated there.

J.E.B: Thank you for time, I hope that this wasn't one of those stressful moments that you mentioned before.

Dad: Borderline... Thank you.

Now let's go to Luke Von Holten who is sitting in the back seat with me as we speak.

J.E.B: Luke, How many years have you been with Resounding Voice?

Luke Von Holten: This would be my third year.

J.E.B: What was your first conference with Resounding Voice?

Luke Von Holten: The Wisconsin Grazing Conference.

J.E.B: What was your first impression with Resounding Voice at that conference.

Luke Von Holten: Well, the first guy that I talked to asked if we were Mormon.

J.E.B: Really! Why did he think that?

Luke Von Holten: Well, I guess Mormons wear white shirts with black bowties. We were wearing white shirts with Burgundy bowties, so I guess that's why.

J.E.B: Well, you obviously stayed with Resounding Voice when they asked you on their next conference, so did things get better after that?

Luke Von Holten: Things were pretty good until the '05 New Mexico conference when things went down hill again.

J.E.B: What happened?

Luke Von Holten: Well, the I went up on stage to give a speaker his mic, and as I handed it to him he threw his arm around me and said "Look At This Guy! He wears a bowtie!". He then went on to say how professional it looked, and then after I walked off stage he yelled "Hey, get that guy, he stole my wallet!". One guy in the crowd even jumped out of his seat after me. Then he said: Never pay attention to the man behind the curtain, he laughed, and then started the session.

J.E.B: Wow! That's crazy. Do most conferences have crazy things like that happen?

Luke Von Holten: No, those are the only two that have been substantially crazy.

J.E.B: Well, we'll hope that nothing like that happens this year. Thanks you all for your time!

Luke Von Holten: Not a problem.

________________________________________

If you have any questions for the crew, feel free to ask in the comments section.

Guild Auditions

This week while some of us are in New Mexico, our home will be hosting the Guild Auditions for my piano teacher's students.

Before we left for NM, we re-arranged the living room to better facilitate the auditions. I thought you all might like to see a picture of the new living room setup. I wish we could keep it like this all the time!


Pictures to come of the NM trip later.

Hilarious Mistranslations

What happens when you try to translate something into a language that you don't know?

Read on to find out.

The signs below have been found in various places throughout the world. Apparently, whoever translated the signs didn't know English that well.

__________________________

Cocktail lounge, Norway: LADIES ARE REQUESTED NOT TO HAVE CHILDREN IN THE BAR.

Airline ticket office, Copenhagen: WE TAKE YOUR BAGS AND SEND THEM IN ALL DIRECTIONS.

Hotel, Vienna: IN CASE OF FIRE, DO YOUR UTMOST TO ALARM THE HOTEL PORTER.

At a Budapest zoo: PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS. IF YOU HAVE ANY SUITABLE FOOD, GIVE IT TO THE GUARD ON DUTY.

Hotel lobby, Bucharest: THE LIFT IS BEING FIXED FOR THE NEXT DAY. DURING THAT TIME WE REGRET THAT YOU WILL BE UNBEARABLE.

Doctor's office, Rome: SPECIALIST IN WOMEN AND OTHER DISEASES.

In an Italian cemetery: PERSONS ARE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING FLOWERS FROM ANY BUT THEIR OWN GRAVES.

Hotel brochure, Italy: THIS HOTEL IS RENOWNED FOR ITS PEACE AND SOLITUDE. IN FACT, CROWDS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD FLOCK HERE TO ENJOY ITS SOLITUDE.

In a Swiss Mountain inn: SPECIAL TODAY - NO ICE-CREAM.

On the menu of a Swiss restaurant: OUR WINES LEAVE YOU NOTHING TO HOPE FOR.

A sign seen on an automatic restroom hand dryer in Germany: DO NOT ACTIVATE WITH WET HANDS.

On the grounds of a private school in Scotland: NO TRESPASSING WITHOUT PERMISSION.

Hotel elevator, Paris: PLEASE LEAVE YOUR VALUES AT THE FRONT DESK.

In the lobby of a Moscow hotel across from a Russian Orthodox monastery: YOU ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE CEMETERY WHERE FAMOUS RUSSIAN AND SOVIET COMPOSERS, ARTISTS, AND WRITERS ARE BURIED DAILY EXCEPT THURSDAY.

Hotel catering to skiers, Austria: NOT TO PERAMBULATE THE CORRIDORS IN THE HOURS OF REPOSE IN THE BOOTS OF ASCENSION.

From the "Soviet Weekly": HERE WILL BE A MOSCOW EXHIBITION OF ARTS BY 15,000 SOVIET REPUBLIC PAINTERS AND SCULPTORS. THESE WERE EXECUTED OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS.

On the door of a Moscow hotel room: IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST VISIT TO THE USSR, YOU ARE WELCOME TO IT.

Tourist agency, Czechoslovakia: TAKE ONE OF OUR HORSE-DRIVEN CITY TOURS. WE GUARANTEE NO MISCARRIAGES.

On a poster in Sydney : ARE YOU AN ADULT THAT CANNOT READ? IF SO, WE CAN HELP.

In a New Zealand restaurant: OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK, AND WEEKENDS TOO.

On a highway sign in Australia: TAKE NOTICE: WHEN THIS SIGN IS UNDER WATER; THIS ROAD IS IMPASSABLE.

Supermarket, Hong Kong: FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE, WE RECOMMEND COURTEOUS, EFFICIENT SELF-SERVICE.

An advertisement by a Hong Kong dentist: TEETH EXTRACTED BY THE LATEST METHODISTS.

The box of a clockwork toy made in Hong Kong: GUARANTEED TO WORK THROUGHOUT ITS USEFUL LIFE.

Booklet about using a hotel air conditioner, Japan: COOLES AND HEATES; IF YOU WANT CONDITION OF WARM AIR IN YOUR ROOM, PLEASE CONTROL YOURSELF.

Translated from Japanese to English and included in the instructions for a soap bubble gun: WHILE SOLUTION IS NOT TOXIC IT WILL NOT MAKE CHILD EDIBLE.

Tokyo hotel's rules and regulations: GUESTS ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SMOKE OR DO OTHER DISGUSTING BEHAVIORS IN BED.

Car rental brochure, Tokyo: WHEN PASSENGER OF FOOT HEAVE IN SIGHT, TOOTLE THE HORN. TRUMPET HIM MELODIOUSLY AT FIRST, BUT IF HE STILL OBSTACLES YOUR PASSAGE THEN TOOTLE HIM WITH VIGOUR.

Hotel room notice, Chiang-Mai, Thailand: PLEASE DO NOT BRING SOLICITORS INTO YOUR ROOM.

In an East African newspaper: A NEW SWIMMING POOL IS RAPIDLY TAKING SHAPE SINCE THE CONTRACTORS HAVE THROWN IN THE BULK OF THEIR WORKERS.

In a Nairobi restaurant: CUSTOMERS WHO FIND OUR WAITRESSES RUDE OUGHT TO SEE THE MANAGER.

On a South African building: MENTAL HEALTH PREVENTION CENTRE.

In a South African maternity ward: NO CHILDREN ALLOWED.

Discovered by Susan Lister:
In a restaurant window: "DON'T STAND THERE AND BE HUNGRY. COME ON IN AND GET FED UP."

Random Photo of the Random Moment: Hold Your Horses!

Random Photo of the Random Moment: Hold Your Horses! Yes, all five of them!

In case you couldn't tell, I've been cleaning up my computer lately, and consequently I have been coming across a lot of pictures, hence the saturation of my blog with Random Photos.

For those who might not like the look of things in this picture:

In this picture picture, the activity that we are engaged in isn't as dangerous as it looks (although it was a little scary for .1 seconds). I had my foot on the gas (comforting huh!), and I was the one who told the young man on my lap to take it up the hill, (knowing it'd be a blast :-).

For the sake of those who still don't like the look of things:

It is almost impossible to roll this go-kart unless you are going full speed on dry pavement, and then slam the steering wheel all the way to the left (or right).

Hey Brenton, let me know when you'll be coming up again, and I'll see if I can find another go-kart for us to mess around on. :)
BTW: A+ on your driving skills!

Random Photo of the Random Moment: Is this supposed to happen?

WOW! 2GB SD Card - $49!

Hey guys, if you want to see an incredible deal on SD memory, click HERE!

Volleyball

Last Sunday after Church, we invited a number of families over for fellowship, food, and volleyball. Here are some pictures from the volleyball game.



What on earth?

Don't tip over Aaron!
Still action shots look so wierd.


We win!

Help! I'm new to Linux!

Hey guys!

I've been experimenting a little with Knoppix (live CD), and I'm to the point where I'm ready for more.

I want to install something that can run directly from my Harddrive rather than the CD, but everywhere that I go to download the ISO installation CD images, the server doesn't respond!

Does anybody know of a good place to download a good version of Linux? Thanks!

Chicago Cubs sweep the St. Louis Cardinals!

Sweep, Sweep, Sweep!

Go Cubs!

Random Photo of the Random Moment: The Guard


Here's the Resounding Voice Crew as Ushers/Crowd Control/Body Guards for the VonTrapp Concert that I.C.H.E. sponsored last May.

Just A Reminder.

Hey Everybody,

Just a quick reminder that tonight's the time change!

Be sure to move your clock forward one hour.