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Monday, November 08, 2004

OFFICIAL NEWS

I Mark Dale Wyrick II do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.




I have officially joined the United States Army as an Officer Candidate. I report to the processing station to ship to my training location 11/24 at 0500. I will be in training and schools for the next 25 weeks at Ft. Benning, GA.



I know that this may be suprising news and I understand that many people will question why I want to be an officer in the Army. I have many reasons, among those are career aspirations, overall excitement and duty that I feel. This decision is hard for most people to understand. I do not expect you to feel the same way, because very few people do. (Those people are serving in the military)

As part of the difficult selection process for Officer Candidate School, I was asked to write a page letter stating why I want to be an Army Officer. I would like for everyone to read this letter. Although, the letter may sound idealistic. This is truly how I feel.

Why I want to be an Army officer.
Answering the question of why I want to be an Army officer is complicated and complex. First off, it’s not for money, not for respect from my peers, nor is it a quest to find myself.
My desire to become an officer originates from a respect for other people and a love for my family that motivates me to serve. So, why serve in the Army and not perform some other means of service? I believe the Army provides an important service to our nation by defending and protecting the Constitution. This service allows people the opportunity to enjoy their freedom in safety. Everyone deserves to live their life with freedoms and security. I believe there are some things so important that we must defend them. Our liberty, safety and freedom are those things. I want to make a difference in this world and I want to ensure that my family and future generations can benefit from the safety and freedom I enjoy.
So, why do I want to be an Army officer? I want the opportunity to lead men dedicated to serving their country, men who regardless of their reasons for joining are willing to serve in a way few people will choose. I want to be a leader among the chosen few. I want my example and efforts to be an influence for good. I know that I can make a difference in this world and I am willing to lead other brave men to do likewise.
I am also excited and enticed by the opportunities to learn and grow through the training and experiences being an officer in the Army will present. I look forward to a long career full of challenges, camaraderie and benefits that will be presented, along with the prospect for promotions and advancement in a career with the Army.
I don’t expect many people to understand why I want to be an officer. If I had to give a short answer, it is that I think serving is the right thing for me. I feel strongly that protecting and defending our freedom is essential to creating a better world. I want to be part of this work building a better, safer future.
Sincerely,

Mark Dale Wyrick II


Of course I have additional reasons relating to career advancement and training but those are really secondary to my desire to serve.



Anyone with questions feel free to ask me. I will still be around for a couple of weeks and would love to tell you about my experience thus far.



Saturday, September 18, 2004

Why do we believe these people?!!

Forecasters: More hurricanes may be on way
"Brace yourselves: Scientists say 65 million Americans living on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts should expect weather like this for another 30 years. Maybe more."

Oh Really. It is difficult for me to believe these so-called professional weather forecasters. They can't tell me with any amount of certainty what the weather will be this coming Monday, but I should believe that they know what the weather will be every hurricane season for the next thirty years. Yeah right. I am not that gullible. I just wish my job allowed me to guess and be inaccurate the majority of the time.
Seriously, why do we believe these people? We believe them when they forecast changes in weather patterns of supposed global warming. There are numerous groups of activists that quote forecasters predictions of changing weather patterns as fact. We even make their predictions in to major motion pictures.
These are the same people using all of there computer generated models and high tech equipment that can not accurately predict the weather for next week. Really, I am not trying to argue that greenhouse gases are not a problem. I am just saying that these people are historically incorrect in their predictions and only make educated guesses. So, why do we think their educated guesses are fact when made for distant future events, but we are skeptical of their more imminent predictions?
Well that's just an observation of mine.

Here are a couple of suggestions to implement in your life regarding weather forecasters:
1. No matter what the weather man says, always look out the window before you leave to verify the conditions.
2. It is a good idea to have an umbrella handy, even if no rain is predicted.
3. Don't worry about all of the future forecasts of changing global climates. The weather patterns are cyclical and we have little effect compared to volcanic emissions, cow flatulence and other natural emissions.

Saturday, August 14, 2004

Summer Olympics 2004- Athens, Greece

It is that time when nations from all around the world converge to do battle on the athletic fields, swimming pools, and gymasiums of one lucky host country.
I really enjoy the olympics. The Olympic games summon feelings of patriotism and competition that leave me proud to cheer for the American athletes in any sport.
I found myself watching women's indoor volleyball this morning. Not that I am a fan nor do I find Amazonish women attractive, but the competition of American athletes and Chinese contenders is entertaining.
I personally enjoy watching swimming, track and field, basketball and diving. I sit in awe watching athletic prowess that rivals anything I could imagine being possible for a mere human being in these sports.
I suppose that is why these athletes are so entertaining. They are not mere humans.
Olympic athletes are dedicated, hard-working people with lofty goals, ambitions and dreams. They are a source of inspiration to anyone who may wish to challenge their personal trials and shortcomings.
When it comes to competitive sports, I am mediocre, but in life I have dreams and goals that I wish to acheive. Maybe, I can take a page from the inspirational stories of Olympic athletes and overcome the hurdles in life.

Keep track of the overall medal competition with the cool table on the right.

Saturday, July 31, 2004

An update finally!

We are visiting my parents, so I am taking advantage of fast internet and a big, cool new monitor to update my blog. The past few weeks have been the usual. Lots of windshield time, working with two of the worst run retail organizations in America and listening to my XM radio.

XM radio sometimes is the highlight of my day. I love talk radio now (who would have figured, I thought only old guys listened.) I still listen to music but it only fills in the gaps between my favorite radio shows.

So needless to say, I listen to alot of politics and commentary during the day. I have my opinions and I stay well-informed of the issues (which cant be said for everyone who has a political opinion) which leads me to some interesting conversations with my wife as I read and listen to other people's opinions and analyze what they say.

For all of you that can relate to the world of those informed and current with politics, it can be frustating sometimes and rather annoying when you have to hear ignorant and misinformed people share their opinions. Sometimes I need to look for the light side of politics or the political humor for a good light-hearted laugh.

So I would like to share a couple of pictures that had me laughing out loud.

(If you dont like the pictures because they offend your opinion, then to bad. Maybe you should analyze your opinion and why the pictures make you mad. Then come back from the dark side.)


Kerry Vision button Posted by Hello


politcal ad for Kerry/Edwards '04 Posted by Hello


The Nominee for Vice-President. (Kids say the darndest things) Posted by Hello

Saturday, July 03, 2004

WorldNetDaily: Rev. Moon holds coronation at Capitol

WorldNetDaily: Rev. Moon holds coronation at Capitol

This is an article that reports on event earlier this year but I found it oddly intriguing. Especially the quote that sounds a little like a fulfillment of a prophesy from Revelations.

Anyways, I thought Josh would enjoy the read. He knows alot about the "Moonies."

Thursday, July 01, 2004

Beyond AM, Beyond FM, It's XM Radio

I just purchased the Delphi Roady XM System for my personal enjoyment while driving in traffic and long sales calls.

DELPHI XM ROADY Posted by Hello

I have now been working for Velux for just over a year. I had an annual review of my accomplishments and review of my goals. I successfully crushed all of them, which translates into a nice little bonus and a raise. I worked hard to earn that bonus, so I decided to treat myself to a new toy.
I had to order it from an online retailer because all of the stores are out of stock. Apparently, the Roady is a really good deal. That means, I have to wait a few days for it come by UPS before I can install it. I plan on listening to multiple news channels, interrupted with channel surfing thru music and comedy channels. I am really excited and can't wait to install it.

Thursday, June 17, 2004

We're in TROUBLE!

Today Rebekah has learned to link consecutive crawling movements together to become a "real crawler." She is officially our very own Dora the Explorer. Check out this link, a video file of her crawling. (The link will transfer you to another site, then click on "watch her go")

Saturday, June 12, 2004

Up and Coming Mormon Director

A young upcoming movie director from BYU has completed what many directors in Hollywood find impossible to do.
Jared Hess has produced a clean comedy (PG rating) that contains no vulgarity, sex, violence or drugs. In spite of being a clean movie it remains hysterically funny and is receiving great reviews from the USA Today, New York Post and even MTV News.
After reading reviews of Napoleon Dynamite and doing further research at the movie website I have reserved myself a ticket to a local screening.(I will follow up later with a short review of the movie)

I really like the idea of a Mormon director maintaining his values while trying to enter an industry that for the most part has no values. This movie is different from Mormon directors who previously have filmed comedies that cater only to the Mormon culture, such as RM and Singles Ward. Napoleon Dynamite has the ability to please the mainstream. In Kurt Loder's words "This is the funniest movie of the year, to date at least. It's a cult classic for sure, and could be a national smash, if word gets out. Go see it. Start spreading that word."


Watch the Trailer
Napoleon Dynamite

Rebekah's First Post

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Rebekah at the keyboard.  Posted by Hello


Rebekah posing for her first photo-op as a blogger. Posted by Hello

Friday, May 28, 2004

My Drive Home!

I-66 East... Just me and few thousand bikers.

I had a cool experience driving back from western Virginia this afternoon.

I entered the Interstate and was a quickly annoyed with how slow everyone was driving. (Come on, really. 60 mph in a 65 mph zone is too slow when you drive as much as I do) Well, I manuevered to get a look of what the traffic was like ahead and all I saw was a few motorcycles. I thought to myself 'self, what is the deal with the traffic?' Then as I crested the hill, I was suprised to see thousands of motorcycles. As far as I could see in front and behind me were motorcycles.

The group of motorcyclists I was near were all wearing normal motorcyclist's clothing and their bikes had small American and POW-MIA flags flying. Naturally, I was curious to know what was happening, so I turned on the trusty News Talk Radio to be informed of the traffic. Yes, they informed be to be cautious and watch for motorcyclist riding in DC.

It turns out every Memorial Day, the Rolling Thunder have a national ride to Washington DC to remember the POW-MIA. (check the link it goes to pictures on their website.)

What more can I say. An awesome experience to share the road with this group. I respect what they are doing and I am in total awe at the large numbers they bring in support.

Test of the New Features

this is an audio post - click to play

Thursday, May 27, 2004


Me and Rebekah in the TAJ Posted by Hello

My Entrance to the Legitimate Blogging Community

So I have given in to the 'blogger' craze.

After researching the website and being enticed by the new changes, I have joined the rank and file of thousands of "Blogger" members.

Honestly, my wife sold me on the idea by reminding me that we might not keep internet service with my current host.
SO, I needed to find a new home for my little blog.

I am pretty impressed with the changes and the ease of use that has been integrated. Especially, the audioblogger. In the next few posts I will explore the extensive usefulness of "Blogger."