Post-Thanksgiving Blog
I'm pleased to report that Clan Steadham had a wonderful Thanksgiving, with both sides of our families, yesterday. Fortunately, the whole family lives in the Central Texas area, so we didn't have to do too much traveling. Everyone was in a great mood and only one of my relatives was sick and couldn't make it.
Best Wishes,
Allen
Friday, November 28, 2003
Monday, November 24, 2003
Short Post Before The Holidays Begin
Just a quick update! I made a few minor modifications to the main page layout of IR Haven. The most notable change is the removal of the Tag-board; if no one is interested in using it, it's just taking up space.
I also removed one of the links and edited my blogroll list.
Aside from that, Clan Steadham is gearing up for Thanksgiving with the in-laws.
Have a great holiday weekend and we will do the same, Lord-willing.
Best Wishes,
Allen
Just a quick update! I made a few minor modifications to the main page layout of IR Haven. The most notable change is the removal of the Tag-board; if no one is interested in using it, it's just taking up space.
I also removed one of the links and edited my blogroll list.
Aside from that, Clan Steadham is gearing up for Thanksgiving with the in-laws.
Have a great holiday weekend and we will do the same, Lord-willing.
Best Wishes,
Allen
Thursday, November 20, 2003
Blogging About Why I Don't Blog About Politics 
I think there's no easier way to stereotype yourself than to broadcast your political affiliations and opinions to the world. Let me explain:
Let's say there's "Joe Q. Blog's Really Liberal Blog" in which he spends months of blogspace attacking the President or what the Republicans and conservatives are doing to "bring down the country."
Next door (internet-wise) is "Mary J. Conservative's RepubliBlog" in which she spends months of blogspace attacking the Democrat of the Moment and liberals in general.
Fill in the blank with the remaining political parties and the blogs of their proud supporters of the moment. Then take a moment to yawn and stretch (it'll help you feel better).
I mean, there's really too much of it out there. It fills the internet kind of like an unsightly landfill. I mean, how many times do we need to read "(political) party lines" before it becomes what it really is: BORING?
I thought blogs were supposed to be the new definition of personal pages, your thoughts - not your party's thoughts, your experiences and a broad variety of matters which interest you. That's what I try to make IR Haven, partially interracial topics, partially a cross-section of my experiences, thoughts and beliefs.
Something else I don't prefer about politi-blogs is that they tend to be complaint-centered. I dislike that I've had to write a lot of this in a complaining fashion but I think it also helps summarize my point.
I dunno, I think it's more interesting to read someone's blog and try to figure out who they are based on what they do and are interested in. That alone might tell you their political beliefs, without them having to shout it to the internet.
While I have definite political beliefs and affiliations, I don't think they really have a place in the blog.
What do you think? Please leave a comment on this topic.
Best Wishes,
Allen
I think there's no easier way to stereotype yourself than to broadcast your political affiliations and opinions to the world. Let me explain:
Let's say there's "Joe Q. Blog's Really Liberal Blog" in which he spends months of blogspace attacking the President or what the Republicans and conservatives are doing to "bring down the country."
Next door (internet-wise) is "Mary J. Conservative's RepubliBlog" in which she spends months of blogspace attacking the Democrat of the Moment and liberals in general.
Fill in the blank with the remaining political parties and the blogs of their proud supporters of the moment. Then take a moment to yawn and stretch (it'll help you feel better).
I mean, there's really too much of it out there. It fills the internet kind of like an unsightly landfill. I mean, how many times do we need to read "(political) party lines" before it becomes what it really is: BORING?
I thought blogs were supposed to be the new definition of personal pages, your thoughts - not your party's thoughts, your experiences and a broad variety of matters which interest you. That's what I try to make IR Haven, partially interracial topics, partially a cross-section of my experiences, thoughts and beliefs.
Something else I don't prefer about politi-blogs is that they tend to be complaint-centered. I dislike that I've had to write a lot of this in a complaining fashion but I think it also helps summarize my point.
I dunno, I think it's more interesting to read someone's blog and try to figure out who they are based on what they do and are interested in. That alone might tell you their political beliefs, without them having to shout it to the internet.
While I have definite political beliefs and affiliations, I don't think they really have a place in the blog.
What do you think? Please leave a comment on this topic.
Best Wishes,
Allen
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
The Call From GQ
An interesting day already. I just did a phone interview with GQ (UK Edition), representing ISAA's view on a particular plus-sized actor.
There's something very ironic in me being interviewed by GQ.
No, really.
Anyway, the interviewer was very nice and asked some interesting questions which I tried my best to answer.
I'm gonna be in GQ?
Best Wishes,
Allen
An interesting day already. I just did a phone interview with GQ (UK Edition), representing ISAA's view on a particular plus-sized actor.
There's something very ironic in me being interviewed by GQ.
No, really.
Anyway, the interviewer was very nice and asked some interesting questions which I tried my best to answer.
I'm gonna be in GQ?
Best Wishes,
Allen
Friday, November 14, 2003
Ridiculous, But In A Practical Kind Of Way...
That's right, folks, two blog entries in one day!
So, for the last week or so, my computer had been acting up. Okay, let me define that: my computer had been shutting down for no apparent reason. I know, I know -- you're thinking "Did you get a virus? Did some hacker gain access to your computer and start messing with you?" The answers are "no" and "no." Like most computer problems, the answer was much simpler. My motherboard, which has been showing signs of antiquity and ornery-ness, decided it no longer wanted to deliver power to the processor fan. So after about 15 minutes, my processor was shutting itself off to keep from overheating and basically melting to slag.
This was a delimma, as I had no other areas to plug in the fan on my motherboard. I pondered and pondered and tried to jury-rig something on another area of the motherboard -- to no avail! The idea of using the computer for 15 minutes at a time with two-hour waiting periods in-between was just too reminiscent of my roadtrip from Fabens, Texas in 1992.
I went and read William Shatner's "Star Trek: Preserver" for a while, to take my mind off my frustration...and when I got to the middle of chapter 19, it hit me! No, not chapter 19 -- inspiration towards a solution -- and it was so obvious!
Warning! Computer tech support mode: ON
I took the procesor fan off of its heat sink above the processor and left the heat sink on top of the processor. Then I went and grabbed a small, regular fan, placed it on top of a box and leaned the fan into the opened computer. This fan was probably ten times the size of the processor's little fan and, I would imagine, much more capable of cooling than its computer counterpart. It's propped up against the computer as I type this and, consequently, I have had no instant shutdowns for over 90 minutes now.
Computer tech support mode: OFF
Problem solved, even if it was a little, um, off the beaten path.
If I get the opportunity over the weekend, I'll take a picture of it with my digital camera.
Best Wishes,
Allen
That's right, folks, two blog entries in one day!
So, for the last week or so, my computer had been acting up. Okay, let me define that: my computer had been shutting down for no apparent reason. I know, I know -- you're thinking "Did you get a virus? Did some hacker gain access to your computer and start messing with you?" The answers are "no" and "no." Like most computer problems, the answer was much simpler. My motherboard, which has been showing signs of antiquity and ornery-ness, decided it no longer wanted to deliver power to the processor fan. So after about 15 minutes, my processor was shutting itself off to keep from overheating and basically melting to slag.
This was a delimma, as I had no other areas to plug in the fan on my motherboard. I pondered and pondered and tried to jury-rig something on another area of the motherboard -- to no avail! The idea of using the computer for 15 minutes at a time with two-hour waiting periods in-between was just too reminiscent of my roadtrip from Fabens, Texas in 1992.
I went and read William Shatner's "Star Trek: Preserver" for a while, to take my mind off my frustration...and when I got to the middle of chapter 19, it hit me! No, not chapter 19 -- inspiration towards a solution -- and it was so obvious!
Warning! Computer tech support mode: ON
I took the procesor fan off of its heat sink above the processor and left the heat sink on top of the processor. Then I went and grabbed a small, regular fan, placed it on top of a box and leaned the fan into the opened computer. This fan was probably ten times the size of the processor's little fan and, I would imagine, much more capable of cooling than its computer counterpart. It's propped up against the computer as I type this and, consequently, I have had no instant shutdowns for over 90 minutes now.
Computer tech support mode: OFF
Problem solved, even if it was a little, um, off the beaten path.
If I get the opportunity over the weekend, I'll take a picture of it with my digital camera.
Best Wishes,
Allen
Clarification: What Star Trek Geek Means To Me (And Other Novelties)
When I woke up this morning, I realized I hadn't exactly defined what I meant by "Star Trek geek" in yesterday's blog entry. To clarify, I have enjoyed the Star Trek television shows and movies for the most part. I will admit to videotaping my share of Star Trek episodes during the original runs of Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager and the first season of Enterprise -- and well, what Star Trek fan doesn't own a copy of the movie Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan?
Aside from that, I have only been to one Star Trek convention, when invited by a friend, in the early 90's. And for the record, I have never been interested in dressing up like any of the Star Trek characters!
Over the years, I think I've read about 5 or 6 Star Trek paperback books (including the two from this week), despised all the Star Trek comic book series (if the artists can't come close to a resemblance of the actors, why bother?) and followed a relative few Trek-related websites (TrekWeb seems to be the best and most comprehensive with the most care from its webmaster -- but The Dancing Shatners is my all-time favorite).
On the other hand, I don't buy novelties like the Star Trek action figures, Klingon dictionaries, replicas of phasers or pint-sized starships. I also don't agree with all the philosophies, story plots or the general direction (some might say "spiraling out of control") that the Trek franchise has been heading for at least 5 years.
The bottom line, for me, is that I have a fondness -- and a lot of memories -- of Star Trek but, in all honesty, it's an interest/hobby that I should eventually leave in the past...kind of like Star Trek itself should.
Best Wishes,
Allen
Matthew 6: 19 - 21 (King James Version - Jesus' words in red)
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
When I woke up this morning, I realized I hadn't exactly defined what I meant by "Star Trek geek" in yesterday's blog entry. To clarify, I have enjoyed the Star Trek television shows and movies for the most part. I will admit to videotaping my share of Star Trek episodes during the original runs of Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager and the first season of Enterprise -- and well, what Star Trek fan doesn't own a copy of the movie Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan?
Aside from that, I have only been to one Star Trek convention, when invited by a friend, in the early 90's. And for the record, I have never been interested in dressing up like any of the Star Trek characters!
Over the years, I think I've read about 5 or 6 Star Trek paperback books (including the two from this week), despised all the Star Trek comic book series (if the artists can't come close to a resemblance of the actors, why bother?) and followed a relative few Trek-related websites (TrekWeb seems to be the best and most comprehensive with the most care from its webmaster -- but The Dancing Shatners is my all-time favorite).
On the other hand, I don't buy novelties like the Star Trek action figures, Klingon dictionaries, replicas of phasers or pint-sized starships. I also don't agree with all the philosophies, story plots or the general direction (some might say "spiraling out of control") that the Trek franchise has been heading for at least 5 years.
The bottom line, for me, is that I have a fondness -- and a lot of memories -- of Star Trek but, in all honesty, it's an interest/hobby that I should eventually leave in the past...kind of like Star Trek itself should.
Best Wishes,
Allen
Matthew 6: 19 - 21 (King James Version - Jesus' words in red)
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Thursday, November 13, 2003
A Relatively Short Blog - With Some More Updates To The Site
A cold front passed through Austin last night and thanks to my allergies, I've not quite been 100% today. That, combined with some salsa that went bad, unbeknownst to me -- (Oh, why do things that still taste and smell so good give you food poisoning anyway?? Agh!) -- and it made for a strange day. But I seem to be doing better now and I'm grateful...
Speaking of moods, I went ahead and added the imood indicator to IR Haven, along with some new IR links, a new webring and Weatherpixie (to show you current conditions in Austin, Texas.
I recently renewed my library card. It had been so long since I'd used it, I was entirely out of the system...so they made me a new card and added me back into the system. I could only check out two books initially and, being the Star Trek geek that I am, I chose a couple of Star Trek books. Since I never saw the pilot episode of Enterprise, I checked out the book version of "Broken Bow" by Diane Carey. It must have been a pretty good read since I finished the 250-page story in a day and a half! The other book I checked out is "Star Trek: Preserver" by William Shatner, with Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens. I read "Star Trek: Dark Victory" a number of years ago and rather enjoyed their work with the characters of the different crews in the "classic," "next generation" and "mirror" universes (only Star Trek geeks would probably get that, so no biggie). After this, I'm gonna take a break from Trek for a while.
Just a quick update, I'll try to check back in this weekend.
Best Wishes,
Allen
A cold front passed through Austin last night and thanks to my allergies, I've not quite been 100% today. That, combined with some salsa that went bad, unbeknownst to me -- (Oh, why do things that still taste and smell so good give you food poisoning anyway?? Agh!) -- and it made for a strange day. But I seem to be doing better now and I'm grateful...
Speaking of moods, I went ahead and added the imood indicator to IR Haven, along with some new IR links, a new webring and Weatherpixie (to show you current conditions in Austin, Texas.
I recently renewed my library card. It had been so long since I'd used it, I was entirely out of the system...so they made me a new card and added me back into the system. I could only check out two books initially and, being the Star Trek geek that I am, I chose a couple of Star Trek books. Since I never saw the pilot episode of Enterprise, I checked out the book version of "Broken Bow" by Diane Carey. It must have been a pretty good read since I finished the 250-page story in a day and a half! The other book I checked out is "Star Trek: Preserver" by William Shatner, with Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens. I read "Star Trek: Dark Victory" a number of years ago and rather enjoyed their work with the characters of the different crews in the "classic," "next generation" and "mirror" universes (only Star Trek geeks would probably get that, so no biggie). After this, I'm gonna take a break from Trek for a while.
Just a quick update, I'll try to check back in this weekend.
Best Wishes,
Allen
Sunday, November 09, 2003
IR Thought For The Day
I am in a wonderful mood tonight. I want to share an IR-related “food for thought” commentary. Those who have followed this blog for a while know that I am a Christian and I’m not ashamed to say so. My wife is also a Christian. We are in an interracial marriage and have two young biracial sons. We are members of a nondenominational church which welcomes all nations and which has many interracial married couples and many multiracial children and individuals as members. We have been taught, based on Biblical scripture, that God is no respecter of persons (meaning that He doesn’t discriminate against nations or races of people) and that Jesus Christ came to save people of all nations/races.
There are those who believe (or have been taught) that spiritual salvation is only for one race/nation, etc. I have been taught that everyone will have an opportunity to make a decision whether or not to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
I make a point of not commenting after offering scriptures that have encouraged me. I simply hope that the scriptures below will be as helpful to you as they have been (and are) to me.
Best Wishes,
Allen
I Samuel 16: 7 (King James Version)
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
Matthew 24: 14 (King James Version – Jesus’ words in red
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Matthew 28: 18 - 20 (King James Version – Jesus’ words in red)
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Revelations 7: 9 – 12 (King James Version)
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
I am in a wonderful mood tonight. I want to share an IR-related “food for thought” commentary. Those who have followed this blog for a while know that I am a Christian and I’m not ashamed to say so. My wife is also a Christian. We are in an interracial marriage and have two young biracial sons. We are members of a nondenominational church which welcomes all nations and which has many interracial married couples and many multiracial children and individuals as members. We have been taught, based on Biblical scripture, that God is no respecter of persons (meaning that He doesn’t discriminate against nations or races of people) and that Jesus Christ came to save people of all nations/races.
There are those who believe (or have been taught) that spiritual salvation is only for one race/nation, etc. I have been taught that everyone will have an opportunity to make a decision whether or not to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
I make a point of not commenting after offering scriptures that have encouraged me. I simply hope that the scriptures below will be as helpful to you as they have been (and are) to me.
Best Wishes,
Allen
I Samuel 16: 7 (King James Version)
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
Matthew 24: 14 (King James Version – Jesus’ words in red
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Matthew 28: 18 - 20 (King James Version – Jesus’ words in red)
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Revelations 7: 9 – 12 (King James Version)
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
Saturday, November 08, 2003
Alas! My Own Impatience Finally Catches Up With Me... 
A few days ago, I wrote a blog entry asking for your comments and e-mails to give feedback. It was one of the few blogs that I didn't save a copy of the text, so I'll just have to summarize. I decided to go ahead and put the request back online since several people have commented and e-mailed me, much to my appreciation and surprise.
In the original blog, I asked why you, the visitors to IR Haven, didn't utilize the "comments" section more? I always appreciate any feedback I get on the site because I would like to know what you think. So, please feel free to click on "Comments" below any of the blog entries or send me an e-mail at irhaven@gmail.com
I erased the blog entry because I didn't want to seem like I was "fishing for compliments" -- because I'm not. I do need some feedback concerning the site, since the site is for you as much as it is for me -- and I value constructive criticism and your input concerning IR Haven. After all, our motto is "It's Not Just A Website -- It's A Community!" I say that proudly, as it is true that thousands of you visit this site each month and I think that's wonderful.
Have a great day!
Best Wishes,
Allen
A few days ago, I wrote a blog entry asking for your comments and e-mails to give feedback. It was one of the few blogs that I didn't save a copy of the text, so I'll just have to summarize. I decided to go ahead and put the request back online since several people have commented and e-mailed me, much to my appreciation and surprise.
In the original blog, I asked why you, the visitors to IR Haven, didn't utilize the "comments" section more? I always appreciate any feedback I get on the site because I would like to know what you think. So, please feel free to click on "Comments" below any of the blog entries or send me an e-mail at irhaven@gmail.com
I erased the blog entry because I didn't want to seem like I was "fishing for compliments" -- because I'm not. I do need some feedback concerning the site, since the site is for you as much as it is for me -- and I value constructive criticism and your input concerning IR Haven. After all, our motto is "It's Not Just A Website -- It's A Community!" I say that proudly, as it is true that thousands of you visit this site each month and I think that's wonderful.
Have a great day!
Best Wishes,
Allen
Friday, November 07, 2003
New Feature and Some Updates To The Rest Of IR Haven
Hi everyone! I just wanted to make a quick blog about some changes to the IR Haven website. We now have a new TAG BOARD feature. Also, the IR Couples gallery has been updated. Click here to go straight to the IR Couples gallery. Pages 1 and 2 have been updated.
And finally, for a little more fun, I added the "This site is best viewed from a comfortable chair with a cup of coffee" graphic (look for it on the righthand side, below "Link To IR Haven")...somehow, it seemed appropriate.
Anyway, feel free to "tag" me a message on the Tag Board!
Best Wishes,
Allen
Hi everyone! I just wanted to make a quick blog about some changes to the IR Haven website. We now have a new TAG BOARD feature. Also, the IR Couples gallery has been updated. Click here to go straight to the IR Couples gallery. Pages 1 and 2 have been updated.
And finally, for a little more fun, I added the "This site is best viewed from a comfortable chair with a cup of coffee" graphic (look for it on the righthand side, below "Link To IR Haven")...somehow, it seemed appropriate.
Anyway, feel free to "tag" me a message on the Tag Board!
Best Wishes,
Allen
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