Author: Jonathan Blundell

I'm a husband, father of three, blogger, podcaster, author and media geek who is hoping to live a simple life and follow The Way.

The perfect cellphone

Laurie and I were talking briefly last night about what would make the perfect cellphone for each of us.

We considered one of the iClones but they don’t seem to work well with AT&T. Hmmm. But here are some things I would love to see in my “perfect cellphone.”

  • A cheaper phone bill (I have the lowest AT&T plan and never use all my anytime minutes)
  • Clear reception
  • Dirt cheap txt messaging
  • Wi-Fi
  • USB support
  • GPS with Google Maps
  • Sync with my contact list and calendar (primarily Gmail and Google Calendar)
  • Gmail (via Wi-Fi or dirt cheap Internet)
  • Ability to add software when the need arises – either Linux based or Windows Mobile
  • Something that fits easily in my pocket

Bonus Features (not a must):

  • A 4 or 6MB camera
  • Custom ringtones
  • Mp3 player
  • Voice recorder
  • Super easy Bluetooth use – for headsets and transferring files

It’s not that hard. I just mainly want something that connects with the services and things I already use and adds GPS functionality with Google Maps. A side bonus would be software that would make paperless Geocaching a breeze – but that’s not a must either. And even that would be super easy simply by allowing me to view PDFs on my phone. And that feature in and of itself would be amazing so I could easily carry documents I refer back to from time to time quickly and easily without carrying the paper with me.

So who’s going to make (and sell me) my “perfect phone?” What would your perfect phone look like?

Missional living

I’m trying to tie my hands back some to keep from giving away too much from books I’m reading – especially those I’m still chewing on.
My latest read, A Generous Orthodoxy by Brian McLaren is giving me some great insight as of the last few days. First off, I love the sub-title:

Why I am a missional, evangelical, post/protestant, liberal/conservative, mystical/poetic, biblical, charismatic/contemplative, fundamentalist/Calvinist, Anabaptist/Anglican, Methodist, catholic, green, incarnational, depressed- yet hopeful, emergent, unfinished Christian.
Continue reading Missional living

Crazy Twitter idea

I just made it to work and was about to update my Twitter feed, when I got to thinking – what if there was some sort of USB device that worked like a scrolling marquee. You plugged it in and it would follow your Twitter feed and/or several other people’s Twitter feeds and then display them on a small screen.

So as you update your Twitter feed throughout the day, a little sign would show your co-workers what you were up to. That way if you’re busy coding or something where you don’t want to be disturbed, you could post a Tweet and everyone walking by would know.

Maybe that’s would defeat the purpose of community building that Twitter encourages – but it sure would be handy today.

Happy Birthday Laurie!

Today is Laurie’s 25th Birthday (for a third time :-)). As part of her celebration she took the day off and is enjoying some pampering at the spa today. I planed to take her to dinner tonight to California Pizza Kitchen but last night she mentioned she may prefer Johnny Carino’s instead. Either is fine with me. Just look forward to spending the evening with her.

On the topic of birthdays, saw this video today that gave me a chuckle. It’s been said that the key to a man’s heart is through his stomach – I guess it may be through his coffee mug too. But have no fear – I know all of you are concerned – I’m not using this video to suggest I got Laurie a cup of coffee for her birthday (although that might not be a bad idea ;-)).

Faith ideas :: Become a home for the homeless

We talked last night at our community group of some ways we can/should put the words of Jesus into real application and practice. CMS shared this idea today and thought it was a definite great idea for local churches.

It reminds me of a great point Shane Claiborne made in “Jesus for President.” He said that while many Christians will get up in arms against things like abortion, they’re rarely willing to actually put real action into their fight. He said that Mother Theresa (whom Claiborne spent several months with) was strongly against abortion, but rather than condemn a mother for considering it, or even possibly for the actions that conceived the child, she welcomed the mother and child into her home and cared for them specifically. She didn’t just tell an un-wed mother – abortion is sin – now go solve your problem. She said, “abortion is wrong but so is me putting you out on the street expecting you to deal with this issue alone. Let me help you in the midst of your crises.”
Continue reading Faith ideas :: Become a home for the homeless