Saturday, 20 April 2019

Church notes - 21st April 2019

21st April
Resurrection Sunday
1 Peter 1: 3 - 12

1 Corinthians 15:54 - 57

Luke 24:1 - 12

Life is disappointing
Is there a bigger hope, one that sustains us no matter what our circumstances?
Yes. Jesus show no matter what darkness surrounds us, God's light shines bright.
John 12:24, 25
Jesus was planted. Being planted looks like being buried.
The Cross
- a method of torturous execution
- His death for us.

The resurrection means that the worst thing is never the last thing.

We put God's will first, die to sin.
Bearing fruit

John 20:1 - 9
The women assummed that the body had been stolen.
Luke 24:11
What the women were saying sounded like nonsense.

Acts 2:22 - 37

Revelation 1:17, 18


Thursday, 18 April 2019

The Engineer and the Time Lady - Alpha v1.2


The Engineer and the Time Lady
  1. Alpha
Unknown Planet
The small starship was in trouble. It had defeated the other ship, but it was out of control, entering the atmosphere of an M-Class planet at a rather steep angle. The crash landing was going to be terrible.


Some time later.

The ship was still, especially in the main computer room. The red-alert was still flashing there. “Warning! Estimated time to total system failure: 1 day 18 hours.” An alert tone sounded. Twice.

Initiating starship preservation protocol.”

Then there was a hum. “Activating Emergency Engineering Hologram Alpha.”

The hologram of a female engineer appeared. “Please state the nature of the Engineering Emergency.”


Approximately 10 standard years ago; USS Baffin NCC 90401 crash-landed on an unknown M-Class planet. The Starship Preservation Protocol has been initiated,” the computer reported.

“Understood,” the engineering hologram stated. A screen activated on the side of the computer core.

Emergency fuel cells for the computer core are very low. Reinitialise the Warp Core.

That was only the first of a long list of tasks that needed to be performed.

“Computer, run a level 5 diagnostic on the holoprojectors between the Computer Core and Engineering.”

Affirmative,” the computer said.

A minute later, the diagnostic was complete. “... Holoprojectors are functional.”

The hologram nodded and then moved to leave the computer core.


She stopped outside of Engineering. “Computer, run a level 5 diagnostic on the holoprojectors in Engineering.”

The holoprojectors were functional, so she entered.

The emergency lighting was on, giving the room a sombre appearance. The hologram briefly wondered why Starfleet would program their holograms with such recognition subroutines. She shook her head and went to the powerless core.

She checked the fuel (the antimatter and deuterium) levels. Both fuels would last for a very long time. She was ready to restart the core. “Computer; activate Emergency Engineering Hologram Beta.”
The Core re-start required two officers.

Affirmative.

There was another hum. “Please state the nature of the Engineering Emergency.”

Emergency Hologram Beta was based on a male engineer. “The Starship Preservation Protocol has been initiated,” Alpha said.

“Confirmed,” Beta said. He went to the dilithium chamber and opened it. “We need to check the crystals,” he said.

Alpha nodded and they went to work. She started by scanning the crystals in the chamber...


They quickly found that those had cracked in the crash, so they had to replace them with some of the spares. Fortunately there was many of those left, and hardly any of them had cracked. “75% spare crystals are still available.”


“Crystal is aligned,” Alpha reported.

“Confirmed,” Beta said. “Closing chamber.”

The chamber closed. “Checking matter injectors.”

“Checking antimatter injectors.”

“Matter injectors ready.”

“Antimatter injectors ready.”

“We're ready,” Alpha stated.

“Starting cold-restart sequence.”

The deuterium and anti-deuterium began to flow from the storage pods to the reaction chamber and the core powered up. “Reaction is stable,” Beta stated. “Holding at 0.05% reaction rate,” Beta said.

“Good,” Alpha said. 'So far, so good,' she thought. “Monitor the core, while I check the bridge systems.” That was next on the Starship Preservation Protocol check list.


A minute later, Alpha entered the bridge, and saw that only the operations console was operating. None of the lighting was on. “Computer, emergency lights.” The lights came on. She then saw a skeleton sitting in the Command Chair. She suspected that it was Commander Emerson, who was listed as Commander of the Ionia. 'I need to check the systems first,” she thought. “Computer run level five diagnostic on bridge systems.”

Affirmative. Results in five minutes.”

“Understood,” Alpha said. Even so, she began to scan the bridge with her tricorder.
Diagnostic complete. Command systems are functional. Operations and Engineering consoles are functional. Helm is offline.”

“Understood,” Alpha said. The diagnostic matched the tricorder scan. She scanned the helm again. It had blown out during the crash. It was going to be a long repair.


Twelve hours later, the helm was repaired. 'Of course, there's nowhere to go,' Alpha thought. The ship was still planetbound. There was still much to do. “Computer, status of Bridge.”

Bridge systems are 100% functional. Determine the status of crew.”

“Computer: run diagnostic on internal sensors.”

Affirmative...”


Diagnostic complete. Internal sensors are offline in the shuttlebay, bathysphere bays, the Holodeck, crew quarters and torpedo bays,” the computer reported.

“Noted,” Alpha said. “Scan other areas for crew lifesigns.”

Affirmative. No crew lifesigns detected.”


Alpha approached the Shuttlebay along the starboard corridor. She had scanned the other areas where the internal sensors were offline with a tricorder. No lifesigns had been detected. Not surprising given the length of time since the crash.
The Shuttlebay door opened, and the tone Alpha had selected to indicate holoprojector functionality sounded. She saw that the crash had sent the shuttles out of their parked positions. She was going to have to repair them too. She walked around the bay, scanning with the tricorder. The crew wasn't there. She had noted, however, that one of the escape pods was missing, so maybe some of them were still alive (no matter how unlikely that was).


Alpha returned to the Bridge and uploaded the tricorder data to the command console. “Internal scan complete,” the computer reported. “Crew death still unconfirmed. Take Remains to sickbay.”


“Computer, Activate Emergency Medical Hologram.”

The Mark 9 EMH, resembling a young female Vulcan appeared. “Please state the nature of the medical emergency.”

“Not an emergency,” Alpha said. “The Starship Preservation Protocol has been activated.”

“Emergency Engineering Hologram Alpha?” the EMH asked.

“Yes,” Alpha answered.

“Of course.”

“I have brought remains from the Bridge to sickbay.”

“I shall scan them,” the EMH said.


“Confirmed,” the EMH stated. “The remains are of Commander Theodore James Emerson.”

Alpha took the PADD from the EMH. “But then, that wasn't in doubt.”

“You know what to do,” the EMH said.

“I just wanted to repair the ship,” Alpha groused as she left the sickbay through the starboard door, towards the Bridge.

The EMH sighed. “Computer, deactivate EMH.”


Alpha entered the Bridge and placed the PADD on the command console. “Deceased status of Commander Theodore James Emerson confirmed.

“Confirmed,” Alpha said. She input a sequence of numbers on the command console. “Code Sequence confirmed. Command of Baffin NCC 90401 is transferred to Emergency Engineering Hologram Alpha.”

Alpha was conflicted. She either had no time, or all the time in the world. She decided to indulge herself and sat in the command chair. She had repaired the viewscreen earlier, but she wasn't sure that the external sensors were working. All she could see through the window was the night sky. “Forward view,” she commanded.

Affirmative,” the computer responded. The screen then showed a forest at night time.

“A forest,” she considered. But exploration would have to wait. The ship still needed repairs.



Tuesday, 16 April 2019

Daria and the Flynn Fletchers - Daria in Danville - Part 2


Part 2: The Doofenshmirtz Plan
Whilst Candace was taking a taxi to theMorgendorffer’s house another visitor from Danville was entering Lawndale. However this visitor wasn’t human. It was a large robot man. “Hi, I’m Norm!” it said as it strolled along the highway from the river crossing. “The Enemy of the Platypus is Man!” Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtzhad constructed him to combat his nemesis, Perry the Platypus.

15 minutes later Norm strolled up to a large beige coloured house.


He then scanned the house for his objective. ‘5 humans, 1 cat detected’ reported the sensors. He narrowed the sensors down. ‘Teenager detected. Location: upstairs bedroom’. Norm then walked towards the front door.


Sam and Chris Griffin were fighting for control of the TV remote when they heard a strange knocking at the front door. They went over and opened it. What they saw frightened them, a large robot. “You don’t suppose that Phineas...” Chris started.

No, it isn’t their style,” Sam interrupted, before being interrupted by;

Hi, I’m Norm!” the robot pushed them aside and then went towards the stairs.

Stop!” Sam yelled. The robot ignored him, but he did see the DEI logo on its behind. ‘Doofenshmirtz Evil Incorporated?” he thought. He knew it was a company based in Danville, but he knew nothing else about it. He saw the robot go up the stairs.
Great! It will wake up Sandi!’ he thought.


Sandi Griffin was up early, updating the Fashion Club’s website. She was expertly coding the HTML (and CSS) by herself. ‘Of course, the others believe that I outsource the web design,’ she thought. To admit that she was good at computers would not be the done thing.  There was a reason why she hid her report card from her fellow students. More than once she had thought of doing web design for fashion designers as a career...

Suddenly her bedroom door slammed open. She looked around. “Eep!”

Hi, I’m Norm! You must come with me!” a robot said.

Why is that, you bucket of bolts?” Sandi asked. ‘Not really that surprising what with those 2 brothers over in Danville and their ‘project of the day’’ she thought.

My Master requests your presence at his not so humble abode,” Norm said.

Like, who is your master?” Sandi asked.

Heinz Doofenshmirtz, future ruler of the Tri-State-Area!”

Gee, Robot. I have heard of him. Isn’t he the Danville Mayor’s embarrassing brother, or whatever?” Sandi asked.

No more questions!” Norm said, he started letting out some knockout gas.

Cheater!’ Sandi said as she slipped into unconsciousness...


Sam was going up the stairs when he saw the robot carry Sandi out of her bedroom. “Put my sister down, you robot!” he said.

Yeah, put her down,” Chris said, agreeing with his brother for once.

Sorry. I must go!” the robot said. He went back into Sandi’s room. Sam bolted up the stairs and then into Sandi’s room, Chris right behind him. They saw the robot open the window and jump out.

Come on!” Sam said as he turned around and then waited for Chris at the top of the stairs.

Where?” Chris asked as he exited Sandi’s room.

You may not have noticed, but I saw a DEI sticker on its butt. That stands for Doofenshmirtz Evil Incorporated. It’s a company in Danville,” Sam said.

I’m staying here! You can go running off to Danville if you want!” Chris said. They argued for two minutes before leaving the house, and heading towards Danville.


Not knowing what was happening with their children, Linda and Tom Griffin were sleeping in...




The Engineer and the Time Lady - Ship Plans v4


Saturday, 13 April 2019

Church notes - 14th April 2019

14th April
Palm Sunday
Luke 19:28 - 38

'Lion and the Lamb': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9ujBoud26k
'Whom Shall I Fear': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOkImV2cJDg

Psalm 36

Prayer
- Those who have come to know Christ through the recent Alpha course; that they will continue in the walk.
- Nicholson Family - comfort in their grief.

'Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwc2d1Xt8gM
'Build My Life': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z32HiCoFzlU

Matt Prater - Evangelist
42 people decided to come to Christ in the last week!

Be active in your gifting.
Jesus called us to go to the last, the least and the lost.
Challenge: All are called to evangelise. All need to know the Gospel. Don't miss an opportunity.

Will you be found faithful with the word?

Matthew 28:16 - 20
Not the Great Suggestion!

John 3:16
John 14:6

2 Peter 3:8 - 16
We need to live every day as if it is the Day of the Return.
We need to be excited about the Gospel
We need to be bold and take the step of faith.

Never give up praying and asking the question.

Evangelism has been mediocre. We need to be spreading the word.

Christianity is a step of faith.

But we can become lukewarm
Matthew 9:35 - 38
Prayer
Pray to make it today
Be an answer to that prayer
We need to be a work in the harvest feild.

Prayer is a two way conversation.

Matthew 24:14
Romans 1:16, 17
We shouldn't be ashamed of the Gospel.

Mess - Message
Tests - Testimony

Pray
Read God's Word every day
Be in church

Tell others!

'Christ is Enough': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9fTw9MLKAo

Tuesday, 2 April 2019

Rise of Weirdness - Part 66


January 23, 2502:
Fighting erupts along the border between Thailand and Malaysia, fueling concerns of an expanding military crisis in the region,...


December 16, 2502:
Frederick Oliverson popularizes Spell Fu as the first martial arts created by Transformed beings at Copernicus-Vega,....


December 9, 2505:
Earth government officials led by (insert name here) proclaim a policy of state secularism, in an effort to end religious and sectarian violence, along with furthering relations with Transformed groups,....


December 30, 2506:
Aphrodite for Aphrodite Political Party is established by Julia Hernandez in an effort to maintain political autonomy and independence against the Earth government,..


February 21, 2507:
Romanian Zombie Disaster; Vampires unleash zombies across Eastern Europe, in an effort to "thin the herd", sparking anti-Transformed sentiment across the region,


January 16, 2509:
Transformed demon Anbolmaaz terrorizes residents of Pine Barrens, New Jersey, feeling tensions between Human and Transformed communities across the Atlantic Seaboard,.


March 12, 2511:
Earth Government officials led by Senator Taylor Violet Talbot warns that Earth remains one of the largest consumers of Cannabis, warning that such addictions pose a threat to global security,....


January 23, 2512:
Earth government passes the Cannabis prohibition, citing the measure as a means to prevent alien control of the planet; the measure is considered largely a failure, and is used mainly to placate conservatives..


April 7, 2513:
Mermaids lay claim to the submerged remains of Copenhagen, Denmark, fueling international attention and concern,.


June 12, 2513:
Earth's government reports that the economy accounts for roughly 5.4% of the overall Human-occupied space,


July 10, 2515
Golem forces again seize control of the Pi 3 Orionis system. They declare “Biologicals, whether they call themselves Human, Fluffy or anything else, are not welcome here.”


February 5, 2517:
In an action that angers Offworlder colonies and states, Earth officials announce that it is nationalizing all of its resources to the state, fueling tensions between Earth and the interstellar community,....


24 February 2517
Gamma Trianguli joins the Commonwealth.


July 28, 2524:
In a shocking move, military forces under the command of General Luis Carlos Costas of Manaus, Brazil, fueling political tensions within the Earth government, and throughout inhabited space,...


July 29, 2525
Zombies emerge in Arestown, Mars, causing mass panic...


July 11, 2526:
Mexican leader led by President Andres Carranza call for a policy of "radical secularism" during a rally in Austin, Texas, sparking tensions in the region led by Bart Thwistlewaite.


August 31, 2527
In Geneva, a report is released that more than 15% of Earth's population is addicted to Cannabis...


February 11, 2529:
Treaty of Astrid; State of Aphrodite led by Helga Steinhardt proclaim independence from the Earth government, threatening a major civil war,.


April 13, 2530:
Djinn swarm throughout the Istanbul, Turkey, causing violent mass possessions, civil unrest and riots, sparking tensions across the region,...


July 17, 2532:
Djinn swarm throughout Istanbul, Turkey, causing violent mass possessions, civil unrest and riots, sparking tensions across the region,...


January 13, 2534:
Djinn swarm throughout Istanbul, Turkey, causing violent mass possessions, civil unrest and riots, sparking tensions across the region,


September 2, 2535
The Commonwealth intervenes when fighting breaks out between South Africa and Madagascar...


June 24, 2538
Duaspiritist crusaders overthrow the Alderamin VI government.


February 8, 2545:
Said Kemal proclaims Kurdish independence at Elazig, despite heavy military and political resistance by Anatolia,....


March 3, 2545:
Iranian leader Mahmud Shaukat Ali proclaims the end of Islamic religious fundamentalism in Tehran, sparking international attention and concern,...


September 17, 2550:
Republic of Ararat proclaims independence led by Ihsan Heski at Karakose, fueling political tensions in the region,....


September 1, 2551
It is reported that Arestown is free of Zombies.


August 31, 2552
In Geneva, a report is released that more than 16% of Earth's population is addicted to Cannabis...


August 31, 2559
A djinn swarm in Istanbul, Turkey is captured before they can cause too much damage...





Lawndale and Sandi Griffin's Genie - Chapter 1 Part 4


Jean! People can see!” Sandi shouted.

Exactly!” Jean said with a mischievous laugh.

Why iis Sannndi floaaating?” Tiffany asked in the background.

Sandi then breathed deeply, and started producing lightning around her fingers. “Your feeble powers are no match for mine, Sandi,” Jean said.

Oohf!” Sandi exclaimed, grabbing at the emerald. “I wish that you would let me down!” she said.

“As you wish!” Jean said, she didn’t really want Sandi to reveal her own powers, ‘though I am sure that most didn’t notice,’ she thought. She granted the wish. Sandi fell down, though landing gracefully.

“I thought you said that Jean wasn’t a genie!” Andrea Hecuba said.

“As what just happened shows, yes. Like, I would have admitted it without that happening, but what are you doing here?” Sandi asked.

“I was reading here. I usually read here. No one notices the Goth Chick!” Andrea said.

“Indeed, your outfit is worse than that of that girl who lives with Quinn!” Sandi said.

“That is certainly true,” Quinn said in the background.

“Tell me about it!” Stacy said.

“Thaaat jaacket aand thooose boots look soo wrooong!” Tiffany said.

“Most of the ‘popular’ people in the school now know, Sandi!” Jean said.

‘And who knows who Andrea could tell, certainly most of the unpopular students,’ Sandi thought. “You want me to make a wish?” She asked.

“Make one, or there will be more mischievousness,” Jean said.

‘Oh the irony, my own trickery turned against me,’ Sandi thought. “I wish that an extra floor would appear on the top of the Science Block!”

“As you wish. You keep wishing big though,” Jean said. She granted the wish. With the usual wish related sounds, and an additional sound similar to that of Autobots (or Decepticons) changing shape, the Lawndale High science block gained an additional floor...

One of the other students ran off to find Torii and Brooke...

Most of the other students began running around in a panic. Sandi facepalmed, as Quinn, Tiffany and Andrea looked at the situation impassively and Stacy fainted. Jean and Elias wondered if the situation was out of control...


It was halfway through recess, and the news was spreading through the student population of Lawndale High, although invariably Chinese Whispers took its toll on the accuracy of the message.


Daniela Gray found Torii and Brooke, in a girl’s bathroom near the assembly hall. “Here you are!” she said.

“What is happening, Daniela?” Torii asked.

“Sandi was lying! Jean is a genie. She made Sandi float in the air...” Daniela said.

“Are you sure?” Brooke asked.

“Yes!” Daniela said.

“How do I know that it isn’t you that is lying?” Brooke asked.

“Come and see for yourself!” Daniela said. Brooke reluctantly followed Daniela and Torii back to where Sandi and Jean were.


“How did the Science Block get an extra floor?” the head Science teacher Janet Barch asked as she exited the library.

“There is a genie in the school. That is the source of the trouble,” Andrea said. She wanted an adult to know, regardless of the consequences.

“I suppose, that is one explanation, what with the computers and all,” Ms Barch said. Andrea had already heard about the computers.

“Yeah,” Andrea said.

“I bet it was a male who wished that!” Ms Barch exclaimed.

“Actually, it was Sandi Griffin,” Andrea said.

“Maybe...” Ms. Barch said, wondering.


Inside the library, Ted was talking to Mrs. Danielson.

“It is Jean, isn’t it?” Mrs. Danielson said.

“Yes, Elias talked to her, then Sandi and Jean herself confirmed it. So what happens now?” Ted asked.

“I don’t know. This is completely outside our experience. I hope that Sandi has the wisdom not to abuse the power that the genie is giving her,” Mrs. Danielson said.

“Me too,” Ted said.


Outside the library, Daniela, Torii and Brooke arrived on the scene. Most of the previously panicking students had dispersed. Quinn was helping Stacy to calm down. Tiffany was looking around clueless. Andrea and Ms. Barch were still conversing. Sandi and Elias were sitting near each other with ponderous looks on their faces. Jean was standing between them, waiting...
‘Why is it that Sandi gets the genie?’ Brooke thought to herself. ‘She is the President of the Fashion Club. She won’t let me in the Fashion Club. I should be in the Fashion Club!” She then decided to grab the emerald off Sandi!

“Give me that emerald, Sandi Griffin!” she shouted, and charged...





Quinn on Exchange


Quinn on Exchange
University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Commonwealth of Australia
Monday, 23 February 2004
10:30 am, AEDT (Australian Eastern Daylight Time)
Quinn Morgendorffer looked at the residential college that was going to be her home for the next 9 months as she stepped out of the taxi cab that had brought her there from the local airport.
“Mary White College,” she said, reading the sign on the building. She then went to help the driver lift her baggage out of the trunk. ‘No, Boot,’ she thought, recalling the Australian term that her sister, Daria, had told her when she was leaving Lawndale the day after Christmas.


Quinn entered the Dining Hall where the ‘Freshers’, as the Aussies called new arrivals at a university, were signing into the college. ‘Although I am certainly a junior,’ Quinn thought.
“Name?” asked a lady who looked about 10 years older than Quinn, with freckles and pixie short hair a few shades darker.

“Morgendorffer, Quinn.”

The lady, who’s nametag read ‘Peta’ looked on the room sheets in front of her. “Morgendorffer, Quinn. Block 2, Room 16,” she said.

“Ok,” Quinn said, thinking of the paperwork that she had been sent. Block 2 was in the middle of the college.

“Chris, would you show Quinn to her room?” Peta said.

“Sure, Peta,” a cute-looking male said. He had midlength shaggy/curly light brown hair and blue eyes behind a pair of glasses.


Chris picked up 2 of Quinn’s bags from where the taxi driver had left them in front of the College Office. Quinn picked up the remaining bag.

“What is your major, Chris?” Quinn asked as they turned out of the office into the corridor towards Block 2.

“Zoology, I think. I have done almost everything in the sciences, except geology,” Chris Fardell said.

“So, you are studying Animals. They can be so cute!” Quinn said.

Chris stopped as they passed a couple of vending machines. “Not this semester, Quinn. I am studying Parasitology,” he said.

Quinn caught Chris’s meaning. “Eeeewww!” she shouted.

“I agree, but I would still like to learn about them. Besides, I did Vertebrate Zoology last semester.” He decided not to mention to Quinn that he had dissected a pigeon and a shark, amongst other animals.

“That’s cool, what else are you doing?” Quinn asked.

“Fungi, Plants and the Environment, about the role of Fungi in the environment, and Biological Chemistry, an advanced level Organic Chemistry unit,”

“That’s all?” Quinn asked.

“I have a three-quarter study load. So, what are you studying, Quinn?” Chris asked. He was also contemplating how to bring her bags up the flight of stairs in front of them, that lead to the portico in front of the door of Block 2.

“I am doing an Economics-Computer Science double major,” Quinn said. She could see that Chris was looking at the stairs. “You can take them up one at a time,” she added.

“Cool!” Chris dropped one of the bags carefully and then took the other up the flight of steps. “That must be quite difficult. Quite a lot of maths,” Chris said. He reached the top of the stairs and carefully dropped the bag there.

“Oh, it’s not that hard at all. I am quite good at maths. In my senior year of High School I decided to do a course that I could enjoy and that would use mathematics,” Quinn said, as she retrieved a Diet Coke from one of the vending machines and Chris came back down the stairs, “Hence the economics. Once at college I also found computer science interesting. It is completely different from my sister’s majors of English and History, we are definitely opposites,” Quinn said.

“Cool!” Chris said.

“Am I boring you?” Quinn asked.

“Not at all,” Chris said as he led her up the stairs.


“Here it is, room 16,” Chris said, after they had passed through one corridor, through a foyer and into another corridor. Quinn inserted the keys and unlocked the door. “It is bigger than the rooms I had back at Pepperhill, although it is smaller than my room at my Parent’s house in Lawndale. Definitely bigger than the room I had in Texas,” she said. Chris put the bags he was carrying on the bed.

“Lawndale? I suppose it isn’t in Texas?” Chris asked.

“Oh no! It’s a Marylander suburban town. My parents wanted to get as far away from the Texan town that we were in as possible!” Quinn said.

“I come from a city 6 hours away from here, to the south-west,” Chris said.

“Cool!” Quinn said.

“My room is upstairs, in this block. Number 25,” Chris said. “I’ll see you at lunch?” he continued.

“You don’t want to help me unpack?” Quinn asked. Something in her tone made Chris reconsider.

‘Sure, why not?’ he thought.