I have a blog?

Wow. I haven't updated the blog since 2005. Oops. I've been very busy, so I'll attempt to provide additional updates soon. For now, my list is as follows:

• UW-Platteville Webmaster
• Board of Directors for Higher Education Web Professionals Association
• Chair for International HighEdWeb2009 Conference in October 2009 hosted in Milwaukee, WI
• Committee Chair for Platteville Cub Scout Pack 89
• Committee Chair for Platteville Boy Scout Troop 84
• Masters Degree Student at Colorado Technical University Online
• 6th Grade CCD teacher for 2008-09
• Knights of Columbus Area Coordinator and Exemplification Coordinator for the Western District of Wisconsin
• And not to forget the boys: Maximillion and Michaeleen

So, it's not like I've been sitting idle. I just haven't talked about it!

Blogger for Word?

So I get into work today and I see that there is a new function released from Blogger. It is an install for extra functionality to turn Word into your Blogger tool.

So, welcome to a test run of the Blogger function in Word as I play with some advanced MS Word options to see exactly how powerful this utility could be.

So I’ll start with some goofy things like trying to do Word Art.

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And then something like a text box floating toward the upper right with a picture and a caption. Just for fun, I’ll make the caption a really goofy font like Oreos.

Loss of Respect for our Commander-in-Chief

The Commander-in-Chief for the United States of America is quoted stating, "Yes, haggis, I was briefed on haggis,". The story goes a bit further with the following, regarding the celebration of his brithday while in Scotland:

"Generally, on your birthday, my mother used to say: 'What do you want to eat?' and I don't ever remember saying: 'Haggis, mom,'"

- President George W. Bush

I'm not going to argue politics, but I will argue for trying something new. I have made numerous haggis, in fact I still have three in the freezer awaiting another excuse for a party. All I have to say is this, TRY IT! It's better than Green Eggs and Ham! (and I've had that too.)

Heh... afraid of meat with oatmeal in it. Whoa.

Hat tip to Mr. W00t, who actually tried the haggis I made and liked it.

Welcome to Tucson, AZ

Well, it's been a while since I've posted for numerous reasons. For right now, know that I'm in Tucson, AZ at a conference for the National Faculty Center. I'll post more information later, but for now, I've set up a photo gallery for people to look through. I'll keep adding pictures while I'm here.

Couch Potato Marathon!

A special note from my good friend Michael.

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Here is the whole thing:

The 1st EVER Couch Potato Marathon for Children with bleeding disorders will be held on Saturday, 23 April 2005 from 9 AM to 7 PM. For that 10 hours, we are each promising to stay on the couch, beanbag, barco lounger, futon, floor pillows, et cetera. We will get up only to use the washroom and grab a snack. For some of us, this will be an amazing breakthrough that you never believed was possible – Actually staying in one place and relaxing for more than 1 hour. For others (myself included), we’ve been ‘training’ for this our whole life! What we all have in common is that we are making a huge difference in the lives of children with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia and von willebrands Disease.

Here’s the scoop: There are approximately 100 children ages 7-14, in Utah with hemophilia and von willebrands Disease. They rely greatly on their parents and caregivers to help them manage their disease by administering clotting factor as a response to an injury or as a preventative measure. As life goes on for them, many will learn by trial and error what activities are safe for them, and how to know when they need a treatment. The ‘errors’, per se, can be especially harmful to a child who’s blood does not clot normally, and can foster physical conditions that will affect them for the rest of their lives. Chronic pain, loss of mobility, skyrocketing insurance costs are just some of the burdens they must bear.

My commitment in creating and fulfilling on this fundraiser is to send at least 50 Utah children to Camp Valor this summer. At this 1 week camp, they will get to do all the regular fun camp stuff, plus learn self-treatment, awareness of their well-being, and physical activity that is safe & healthy for them. The cost per child is $300. Every dollar counts because every dollar goes right to the Utah Hemophilia Foundation.

Why you? Why me? Why them? Why this project? – The simple answer to all these questions is: I made it up. I decided that I wanted to create something in Mark, Daniel and Marty’s honor. That is really all there is to it. Please pass this along to your brothers & sisters, parents & children, neighbors & friends!

I ask that each of you consider participating in one of the following ways:

1. Be a Couch Potato!! Clear your calendar for Saturday 23 April, get a few sponsors, invite some friends to join you (They can get sponsors too!) and enjoy yourselves! Details below!
2. Sponsor a Couch Potato! Everybody is free to contribute any dollar amount that is comfortable for them. It’s easiest to sponsor us by the hour ($5/hour=$50)
3. Support a Couch Potato! Can’t sit still for 10 hours? Even for a great cause? No Problem! Let me know and I will put you in touch with Couch Potato marathon participants in your area who might need someone to walk their dog, bring them food, baby-sit, et cetera during the marathon!

Basic Information and Frequently Asked Questions:

• We are working with the Utah Hemophilia Foundation, an Agency of the United Way.
• The camp is 1 week long and is called ‘Camp Valor’. The children will get to do all the regular fun camp stuff, plus learn to play safely and learn to treat themselves, thus reducing their dependency on parents and caregivers.
• People are free to contribute any amount. Checks can be made out to the Utah Hemophilia Foundation.
• All contributions are tax-deductible. Any single contribution under $250 does not require a receipt for IRS purposes, but we will happily provide one to anyone who requests it.
• Make yourself a sign-up sheet with spaces for Name of Sponsor, Contact info (phone or email) & Amount Pledged. Or use the attached form
• In order to make the greatest impact, I am asking each of you to secure a minimum of $100 in donations (feel free to exceed this figure) It’s so easy! I have found that people are so inspired by the cause we are supporting, that they being extraordinarily generous.
• Don’t be afraid to ask people to sponsor or join you! This is fun and an awesome cause! Plus, it’s always more fun when surrounded by friends
• If you are concerned or worried or stopped regarding asking people to support you, call me, I can help!
• Put fresh batteries in your remotes.
• Yes, internet access is allowed during the marathon.
• I request that all $ be collected and sent within 1 week of the marathon (30 April 2005) Please mail it to my home address below.
• Send me your mailing address so I can send you your T-shirt!
• If someone asks you if they can be a couch potato too, just forward them this email, or give them my phone number

Michael P. Malone
7030 S. 840 East
Midvale, Utah 84047

Home (801) 568-2521
Work (773) 634-2072

Ways to use the time:

• Lord of the Rings Trilogy (9+ hours!)
• Book club meeting
• Scrabble
• Watch ½ season of 24
• Nap
• Draw famous people on your knees
• Quality time with your pet
• Quality time with your partner
• Learn to crochet
• Stare at a lava lamp
• Re-read 4th Harry Potter book (It’s the long one)
• Write some of those letters you’ve been meaning to send
• Play that game where everybody sits in a circle and tries to keep a balloon from hitting the floor. (You know what I’m talking about!)

For those about to slack, I salute you!

Love, Michael