JimiLove, Inc.

return of the mutant blogger

2004-09-06T13:45:00.000-04:00

is anyone listening??

Live and Learn

2004-02-26T16:59:00.000-05:00

Hey today is my 6 month anniversary of blogging. I am not sure why a partial year of existence is celebrated but I've seen it done a few times. I guess it has something to do with the term "web years".

As I look back, all I can only say is, "wow, I suck." Actually, it has been a great experience.

Six months ago I working for a company I detested ( i was part of the management team which sold our division to this stupid company. For some reason they wanted me to come and work for them - yuck!). I couldn't quit, or else I would lose all the incentives I was awarded. So I had to suck it up and come to work each day and "look busy"...nothing better than playing on the internet to look busy!!

I left the company last month, and now I'm looking for a new job. I have a long severance package so I am engaging in a low-impact job hunt. However, after one month, I am quite bored, so I have been spamming my resume and making crank phone calls more frequently than ever.

Six months, and I still have very little idea about how the whole blogsphere works, but it's still a great place to come and relax for a few hours each day. So , thanks everyone. I have really appreciated the education/therapy.

At least I am a lot better off than one of my previous bosses. He retired and is flying around the world on a charter jet getting educated by historians and cultural guides. This sounds like a great life, problem is, he's still a pompous ass.

It's the End of the World as We Know It

2004-02-23T16:12:00.000-05:00

Not really. With reports like this, however, it makes you wonder.

Forget about how the report got linked, that's just political finger pointing. Focus on the world shaking domino-like effects of a dramatic change in temperatures. It starts with floods, causing food shortages, causing job disruption, causing economic hardship. Then it skips to local disorder, spirals to regional containment, and jumps to national unrest.

Ok that's a bit of scare-mongering. But environmental disasters, especially those that tax our natural energy supplies, are the things that scare me the most. After seeing the effects of El Nino, I realized there is little anyone can do from a preventative perspective.

Also, anyone who was in NYC during the electrical power outage this summer, knows all too well how fragile our energy network really is, and how unprepared the public is for these types of issues.

Blog Iran

2004-02-20T15:15:00.000-05:00

I don't think that not voting, as a practice, is a good idea. However, like siding with Schwarzenegger, sometimes you have to be unorthodox to get results.

I fully support the people's movement, and the chance for true democray in Iran.

What I'm Thinking

2004-02-20T14:49:00.000-05:00

"We live as we dream, alone."

Man, Joseph Conrad really could turn a phrase.

Voice in the Wind

2004-02-20T14:38:00.000-05:00

This article will likely not be heard over the droning Democrats do about how Bush is stealing jobs from Americans. But you can't expect them to listen anyway; it doesn't suit their vision of America.

They see an America which reacts to international terror and a troubling world economic climate by wrapping itself in a cocoon, hoping others will deal with the turbulence appropriately. Then, after it's period of self-nurturing and beautification, reappearing to glide easily through the blue skies of a trouble free environment.

It's a bit simplistic, but the shoe fits better than ever!

She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not

2004-02-20T14:15:00.000-05:00

At first I thought she was just a fair weather friend, who wanted to tell the truth, who HAD to tell the truth. I bet she thought, 'gee, wouldn't it be cool to see my name in the WSJ.' How else would the prosecution find a witness to testify that Martha was acting on inside information?

Now, I wonder just what kind of wacky people does Martha associate with anyway?

Google Traffic

2004-02-19T23:25:00.000-05:00

I get tons of google traffic. Almost any search with the world Buffalo in it, and my site seems to pop up.

I track them back, if the are interesting:

Buffalo+Long Island+wide right
Buffalo+Mutombo+penis
Buffalo+IMAO..etc etc

I stumbled into this article. It's a couple of years old, about the movie Route 66 (which I loved), and guy that wrote it Vincent Gallo. If you have time, it gives you a good look into the cluttered, but somewhat clever mind of an artist.

On the homosexual community:
"But, what's happened with that community in New York is that they've been so desperate for mainstream acceptance that they've pandered to the heterosexual mainstream to the point where they've developed their own complexes.
"The homosexual community is homophobic. They're disease-phobic. They have blond, buffed-up, hairless icons on the covers of all their magazines. They all dress in designer clothes. There's no real interesting scene in that way. They've become so obsessed with their mainstream public persona that they've started to make such a strong issue out of their identity, that they've, at any cost, supported things that work for their agenda, even if they suck.

On fellow movie maker Spike Lee:
..his political point of view panders to insignificant, unsophisticated people. He incites reactions from very ordinary mainstream people. He's never tried to have a sophisticated concept and vision about the changing evolution of mankind.

On not going to college:
"In college, ya know, education is convoluted and panders to the lowest common denominator. College is not there as a right of nature. It's a business. And I know that I could never have been as extreme and as efficient through that type of system. I know it. Because I've lectured college classes, ya know, and I know how one has to accommodate students. It has to be within a certain rhythm."

He's definitely out there, but in some strange way I feel like I can relate to a lot of what he says. Maybe it's because we both grew up in Buffalo around the same time, and left around the same time.

We had totally opposite experiences, lives even, but we got to same conclusion on a lot of issues. This is very scary.

The Tao of Two

2004-02-18T22:53:00.000-05:00

The visionary.

If you really want something just keep saying please

Nobody likes to be made to share

If you go to bed too early you might miss something

No is temporary, but yes is forever

Caution is a byproduct of experience

If whining never worked no one would do it

You control your own mouth, and what goes in it

Everyone gets a kiss goodnight before bed

If you want someone's attention keep saying their name louder and louder until you get it

It's great to get presents

Tomorrow is a long way away

The dark is truly scary

On enemies: retaliation needs to be swift and severe

When you see someone you love act really excited

New toys are good

Use two hands

Delayed gratification is over-rated

Pushing the elevator buttons does not make you a "big boy", knowing which ones to push does ( this works on adults as well)

Kisses make boo-boos better

The greatest satisfaction comes from doing something yourself

Everything will be yours at Christmas

When you wake up in the middle of the night, and life's answers are not apparent to you, always call for Mommie. Daddies don't come as fast.

The end.

Living with the Enlightened

2004-02-18T00:11:00.000-05:00

I have them for 3 days straight. It's a long story, but in the end, a very short straw.

Tomorrow I will publish the Tao of my 2 yr old son. Yes, he has a Tao. Let me just whet your appetite with today's discovery.

"the best part of food, is what's on the inside."

OK, that's reasonable enough, since you've got sandwiches, doughnuts, peanut M&Ms, tacos, etc, etc.

The problem is the definition of "inside". Apparently, my little Buddhist only sees things in one dimension. No matter what I put in front of him, he eats (rather attacks) the center portion, from the top down. The "inside", means the area within the perimeter of the serving. Hence, each of the family repasts' has been ruined by his "enlightened" manner to achieve nourishment.

He ate a hole in the middle of the piece of toast I gave him for breakfast. He also ate a hole through the middle of his pancakes. Similarly, he ate a hole through the center of the cheeseburger he had for lunch.

He resembles a woodpecker stabbing a tree limb searching for the bug hidden deep beneath the bark. Each meal ends up with is face covered in food.

He even ate a hole through a slice of pizza. A hole right in the center. He liked it, so he proceeded to eat his way OUT toward the crust and tip of the slice!

Isn't anyone normal in my family.

A look inside my mind

2004-02-15T10:16:00.000-05:00

From Ted, Want to play? Go here

Your Brain Usage Profile

Auditory : 37%
Visual : 62%
Left : 60%
Right : 40%

jim, you are somewhat left-hemisphere dominant and show a preference for visual learning, although not extreme in either characteristic. You probably tend to do most things in moderation, but not always. ( true)

Your left-hemisphere dominance implies that your learning style is organized and structured, detail oriented and logical. Your visual preference, though, has you seeking stimulation and multiple data. Such an outlook can overwhelm structure and logic and create an almost continuous state of uncertainty and agitation. You may well suffer a feeling of continually trying to "catch up" with yourself. ( true)

Your tendency to be organized and logical and attend to details is reasonably well-established which should afford you success regardless of your chosen field of endeavor. You can "size up" situations and take in information rapidly. However, you must then subject that data to being classified and organized which causes you to "lose touch" with the immediacy of the problem.

Your logical and methodical nature hamper you in this regard though in the long run it may work to your advantage since you "learn from experience" and can go through the process more rapidly on subsequent occasions. ( very true)

You remain predominantly functional in your orientation and practical. Abstraction and theory are secondary to application. In keeping with this, you focus on details until they manifest themselves in a unique pattern and only then work with the "larger whole."

With regards to your career choices, you have a mentality that would be good as a scientist, coach, athlete, design consultant, or an engineering technician. You can "see where you want to go" and even be able to "tell yourself," but find that you are "fighting yourself" at the darndest times.

( this is pretty much right on. I am dyslexic, so I need to diagram things out before I can truly trust that I understand them. I then need to organize that information so I can retrive it correctly later on. I have a very quick mind and I'm decive, but I can get lost in details at times. Hence I do find myself always trying to catch up.)

Happy V-Day

2004-02-13T14:33:00.000-05:00

If you've ever wondered what it's all about, go here...it's a bit confusing though. I guess no one knows the exact origins of this special day...but who cares, it involves chocolate!

Have a good one....tomorrow!

Superstitious?

2004-02-13T14:01:00.000-05:00

I was never very superstitious. I don't test fate with ladders, or mirrors, or black cats, but I never give Friday the 13th more than a fleeting thought either. Especially since today is my son's birthday, and I have more important things to do, like make sure I bought all the pieces to his highly conveted Power Rangers outfit.

Another type of supersition is being on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

The latest team to get the "cover jinx" is St Josephs. They, along with Stanford are amazingly undefeated late in the college basketball season. No team has gone undefeated for an entire season since Indiana in 1976. I don't believe the jinx at all. Actually, I think St. Josephs has a better chance to end the season undefeated than Stanford, mainly because of the weakness in their remaing schedule.

My question is, why doesn't the "cover jinx" apply to the most recent athletes to grace the cover?

How come shes not jinxed?? Shouldn't she be afraid of getting fat, or getting sun damaged hair, or getting over exposed, and not making another cover, or...

getting bad tan lines?
getting sand in her suit?
getting rock marks on her butt?
getting her suit stretched out?
getting a cold?

getting, gettin', gettin'...it's gettin' hot in here!

What was this post about?

Ted-daa!!

2004-02-13T12:42:00.000-05:00

It's here. I know it was announced way back in November, but it's finally here.

Yesterday, United Airlines launched "Ted" it's low cost carrier. Isn't it a beauty.

Of course this guy had something to do with it; after all, it's his name tattooed on the side of a large flying object.

Don't believe me? Get this, Ted makes special flights out of his hometown airport. Now that's service.

Spanning the Globe - Updates

2004-02-12T15:17:00.000-05:00

I have been away for a while, so apologies for the age of some of these topics, but I wanted to catch you up on my opinions...because you are better off for knowing !!!

1) The Breast. I predict that before I die, I will see live sex on TV. It's not that I'm hoping for it, since it's a lot better to perform than watch, but it's a natural extension of a long standing trend. First Elvis' hips, then Playboy, then HBO, then the internet ( eg Paris), it just keeps moving closer and closer.

I don't think people should get all upset about it. If you don't like it turn the other way, or voice your disapproval to the sponsors.

As for the "stars" doing it..you get the audience you deserve. I would have been really "offended" if Timberlake ripped off Janet's face, and she starting espousing her opinions on education, politics, religion or other topics of importance.

2) Bush's military record. Look at a first person account of the facts and then ask yourself, why are we even discussing this?

3) Kerry. I don't care about the Hanoi Jane picture. I had my picture taken with Johnny Bench, that doesn't mean I'm a Communist. ( ie reds)

The cover of his book was a disgrace, but so what? He's against the Vietnam War, so were lots of dim-witted people.

The thing I don't like is the bald face manipulation of the facts. Either you are a dove or a hawk on military issues. He is a dove, plan and simple. The fact that he is a decorated war hero is more telling of his ability to follow orders in some Forrest Gump like fashion, than his identity as a patriot.

If he had such strong convictions against the war why did he go in the first place?? Oh , he figured it all out after he got home and saw the pseudo intellectuals campaigning against the war and, big surprise, he followed right along.

Update: One day later, the WSJ sums it up pretty good.

4) the Nets. They are looking good, but the real stregnth is still out West.

?Donde al Coche?

2004-02-12T00:52:00.000-05:00

Never rent a car in Europe. Never. It seems so easy, especially in countries like Spain were they drive on the right side of the road, literally. The taxi drivers make it look easy, but it isn’t. Even if you are a battled scared veteran of the NYC cross-town traffic, or have dueled your way out to the Hamptons on the Long Island Expressway, you just can't image the utter confusion that can occur, and the deep hole of helplessness that can follow.

My experience.

Got a nice little 4 door sedan delivered to the hotel. "Yes I know how to drive a stick" I quipped, "just give me the keys". The Avis guys are always so confused by their own paperwork. After 15 minutes I needed to break free of the pamphlets and the search for maps and guides, mainly because I didn't want to get trapped in his form fitting world.

My wife and I jumped in and I started getting acclimated. I put the seat back, got the mirrors aligned, grabbing the stick shift I found first, second, third, fourth, and fifth. I pushed down to slap it into reverse. Nothing. OK. I looked at the little diagram, which indicates some movement left to get reverse. So, I push down again. Nothing. Harder. Nothing. All my fuckin' strength. Nothing.

"We can't go unless I can find reverse," I muttered (although I did think about going anyway and figuring it out later, but luckily I had already committed to getting it resolved now).

I got the hotel clerk to jump in and try it. As he shifted the car seat, the head rest and buckled the seat belt, I was tempted to say "are thinking of buying it?", but I held my tongue and showed no emotion when he lifted up on a little ring on the shaft of the stick shift and pushed the lever to the left and back.

"Oh"

So off we went, looking for the only highway to Barcelona..."just follow the signs, can't miss it".

Missed it.

Well, not exactly. We followed signs to Barcelona, but somehow we found the one other road that does go there. It's a beautiful windy road up a mountain range that sits next to, and sometimes over, the Mediterranean Sea. It started out so picturesque. See?

But after a few turns, maybe twenty, my passenger started to have trouble reconciling her mind's thoughts with her stomach's. Either that or she has a funny way of sightseeing.

Test number one....pull a U-turn on a two lane way highway, with the line of sight being no more than 50 feet in either direction. Since I got reverse down (actually up) I felt pretty confident. Low and behold my timing was perfect and I flipped-a-bitch, no problem.

Woo hoo, this isn’t so hard. I can't believe those other idiots we were with paid Euro 50 for a one way taxi ride into city, while I rented the car for Euro 60 for a whole day.

Painfully, we backtracked and ultimately found our way to Barcelona. All my passenger needed was some water and ham flavored potato chips! (sorry about that, I had no idea that was a picture of a ham.)

I parked in one of the underground lots, which were plentiful. The parking was tight, but I'm used to NYC spacing, where you park so close together that you need to exit though the driver’s side window.

The problem was navigating the streets. I couldn't even do it on foot with a map, so in the car after a long dinner was trouble. Those damn circles, which are everywhere, are death. Getting on them is ok, but to exit you need to basically kill someone, which almost happened. A lot. I saw a few other cars have problems with it, so I didn't feel bad about "getting aggressive". Since I didn't have one of those "L"s plaster on my car I figured I would just blend in.

Then I went down a one way road, the wrong way. Luckily, the first vehicle I encountered was a motorcycle. What pissed me off was that they guy showed no emotion or even attempted to signal my mistake. I had to wait until I saw the headlights on the second car before I truly got the gist. Another u-turn, featuring a masterful use of the reverse gear, and we were back to blending in.

We made it home that night by retracing our entry route. Outside of few pit stops (one whilst on the correct highway) to check the map, we made it safely. Although we didn't take one wrong turn, the lack of signs on the highway, or rather lack of signs that make sense, was worrisome and was a harbinger of trouble to come.

The next day was a bit better. Quick trip into the city, found a lot, did our sightseeing. Had a little trouble using the automated payment system, but got lucky. I spotted one of those courtesy phones and actually got someone to come and remedy the situation. Image that!

I was feeling really good about now. Although a short drive anywhere was lengthened by our inability to properly navigate the little streets and alleys. Three rights and a left usually got us back on track. Our travel patterns resembled a dog settling into his favorite position for a nap on the rug.

Our last stop was the Old City. We reserved a whole afternoon for this historic section of town. We were circling the busy little area, as usual, and were not having any luck finding an open public parking lot. I saw a passenger car pull out of a spot on the street. I motioned to the driver, in a sort of “are your leaving? and if so, can I have your spot” way. She gave me the “come on” wave, and as she pulled out I maneuvered into the spot with a fare amount of authority.

We came back to the car 3 hours later. As we walked around the corner I said “I hope are car is still there”. Sure enough, it wasn’t. Our first thought was theft, which was not convenient, since I foolishly left my passport in the backpack, which was in the car. It was then that we noticed a little sign with the words To-To on it. Guess what To-To means?

Helpless, hopeless, and low on cell phone batteries, we headed into the nearest business to try and get some information. Quickly, we adapted to the settings....?donde al coche, amigo? Huh? The puzzled looks pushed us back into English, and as luck would have it, back to the exact spot of the parking infraction. Much to my relief, I saw a little green sticker plastered to the curb. Thank god, instructions! (I was starting to get a bit worried since losing your passport is bad, and losing it this way was “embarrassing-story-told-over-and-over-again” bad).

Following the instructions, we took a cab to the Municipal lot which was one of the busy places I have ever seen. Tow trucks were pulling cars into that lot ever 3 minutes. Like planes landing at Newark, they were stacked up on the highway waiting to take their turn to pull into the underground garage.

I read the listing of fines on the wall which ranged from Euro 25 to Euro 300. If money could fix this I would be fine, but it wouldn’t. For some strange reason I left the rental agreement in the hotel room. I was getting light headed and sweaty as I relived the process of taking the rental papers out of my backpack and putting my passport in. I’m sure had a good reason for doing that, and one day, God will tell me what that reason was.

No papers, no car. “But I have an American Express gold card….look.” Thankfully, mercifully, the guy let us go. But it wasn’t easy. Lots of calls to the hotel, to Avis, faxes back and forth, etc. Even after we paid, Euro 160, thank you very much, the guy was still asking us if the rental papers were in the car!!?!

Finally, with a disgusted face, he waved his hand and said “just go”. Delightedly, we went. I didn’t worry what kind of stupid jackass he thought I was, I had my car, my passport, and I was headed home.

Not so fast. Dun, du, dun, dun.

The route home was going to be “freelance” since the Municipal lot was no where near the main part of town. So we plotted a route and with the confidence of last night’s success “just stay the course”, we headed into rush hour traffic looking for C-32.

I won’t, actually I can’t, go into to many of the details for emotional reasons. Let’s just say I never in my life felt so helpless, so weak, or so feeble (and this is from a guy that just left his passport in a towed car while traveling in Europe!!)

There were plenty of signs for C-32, but ever time we tried to exit and head toward it, either the an exit was closed, or we exited too early, or too late. The Spanish highway authority has adopted a process of putting exit signs either directly after the targeted exit, or two exits head.

It was completely frustrating to see highway C-32, at least 6 times, but never being able to get on it. To make 6 exits, and six times guess wrong. To travel next to it for miles, hoping an on-ramp would drop from heaven. It was like someone was playing a hoax on us. We half expected to see Ashton pull us over and yell…”you’ve been EURO-PUNKD”.

After making the Jewish Star over the outskirts of Barcelona, lightening struck. No we didn’t run out of gas, we saw signs for C-32 right in front of us. In a fitting tribute to the experience, we needed to have the nerves to NOT exit on the first unmarked ramp but use Spanish-telepathy and take the second unmarked ramp to join or fellow C-32er’s and find our way home.

Anyway you look at it financially, emotionally, spiritually, or just for safety reasons, please, never, ever, ever, rent a car in Europe. I hope this has helped at least one person live easier because of our suffering. I will die happy, knowing my pain was not wasted.

Spain

2004-02-10T18:03:00.000-05:00

OK lots to talk about, but not too much to see. I hate my digital camera. It only has 3x optical zoom, so it's not great for capturing anything, unless it's 10 feet in front of you. Hopefully, that has shaped your expectations.

We stayed in the city if Sitges, which is about 20 minutes outside of Barcelona, painted onto the rocky shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The view from out hotel tells the story.

We spent the better part of Sunday wandering around the small down of Stiges enjoying sangria and topas. The town was quite small, but quaint. Lots of churches and statues dating around 1300 to 1400. It's mainly a summer resort place. The harbor was stacked with rental sailboats lashed down for the winter. Many of restaurants and hotels were either undergoing repairs or closed due to lack of visitors.

No pictures of Stiges, but you're not missing anything. Although there was one thing that made me wish I slipped the camera in my pocket, a sand-sculpture made by some local artists. It was a beautifully crafted sculpture of two women, wrapped in a blanket, sitting back to back holding a bible. The detail was incredible. At one point we saw the artists using toothpicks to sculpt the hair, you could almost see every strand.

The next day we ventured into the city of Barcelona, which had some interesting artists as well. This must have been two ply!!!

We did the touristy things: looked at all the Antonio Gaudi's architectural splendors convienently located on Passeig de Garcia ( a main shopping thoroughfare). Casa Mila was fanastic. It really looks like flowing water. I wondered what it would be like to live in a building with such presense. It's so unique, I couldn't stop looking at it..."is that really an apartment building?"

I snapped a few other shots, but I really can't do the buildings justice. These are better.

Next was a stop at the The National Art Museum of Catalonia. It's a great building on top of Montjuic overlooking all of Barcelona. They have installed several outdoor escalators to make the trek up the hills easier, if not accessible. They've done a great job keeping the grounds natural, but not primative. We took in a great exhibit of Fortuny.

We skipped over to the site of the Olympics, and grabbed a caffe con leche at the Olympic Stadium....remember the Dan vs. Dave show that never came off?

We did a few more museums...the Picasso, the Museum of Modern Art, and a bit of shopping..but the main attraction was the Barcelona Cathedral. This building was backed with tons of history ( in 1493 Indians were brougth back from America and baptized there), and was so beatifully constructed it's not surprsing that it took 600 years to complete. They had a crazy little courtyard orginally established for agricultural purposes, but now sprouting palm trees. The juxtaposition of the gargoyles, the magnificnet spires, the cyrpts, and the palm trees was like some sort of time warp.

The food was fantastic. We went with top rated resturants and stayed with the standard Spanish fare, paella, fish, secallona. They use quite a bit of salt, but otherwise ever meal was spectacular. The late dining, 9pm, wasn't a problem for us and actually helped make the days feel longer.

The people were great. They were all eager to help the stupid Americans. We quickly mastered the "habla espanol?", and depending on the response you proceed in English in either a fast or slow pace.

But for reasons I will explain tomorrow it was good to be home. Hint: donde al coche?

What I did on my January Vacation

2004-02-10T15:37:00.000-05:00

If you remember, I made this trip. I have complete report, which I promise to post tonight. For now the winner in the "guess the phrase repeated most often" contest was...

not him
not her
not her

..it was "?Donde al coche?"

For you non-spanish speaking people, like me, that means; "where is the car?"

Needless to say, my advice for anyone traveling in Spain, do NOT rent an automobile. A train, or a taxi or a hitch-hiking with Ted Bundy is safer.

Return of the Red Eye

2004-02-10T15:14:00.000-05:00

I'm back in action after a terrible two weeks of "post-European-traveling-with-nothing-to-do-and-loving-it" blues. In reality, I'm just finding it hard to get motivated to find another job. So, instead of doing anything about it, I did doing nothing, if that makes sense.

However, after careful consideration of life on earth and the purpose for my existence, I have decided I am too smart and have too much to offer the business world to sit back and spend my days reading, playing with my children and doing errands for my wife.

I have decide to pour myself, full throttle, into the job hunting world ( yes, I am mixing metaphors but they're somehow connected through water, right?). It's an endless array of phone calls, which will be equal parts, interruption and annoyance, to the listener. I will counterbalance this with my wit and charm, and promises to stop calling once I do get re-employed. Actually, it's fun to re-connect to old colleagues and chat up the network, something I never did while I was spending 14 hour days completely and utterly focused on my mission, whatever that was.

I'm convinced that this experience will cure me of my singled minded pursuit of success in the office, and embed the need to ensure that I nurture my overall career, business friendships and outside interests. ( I have always kept my family #1 priority so that remains intact).

So it's almost like this is a penalty I have to pay for not maintaining my business network. Whatever the cost I will pay it. Whatever the boredom I will bear it. Whatever the shame I will face it. Because having a career that is mentally challenging is interesting, financial rewarding, and sets a good example to my children, and lets me by me.

And having a fully functional network of business colleagues attuned to your professional situation, allows you line up new opportunities fast!

Back in the USSR

2004-02-01T10:32:00.000-05:00

It's really is good to be home. Especially after traveling for 37 hours straight, including an overnight stay at Heathrow Airport trying to sleep in a chair. Not fun.

More on the trip later, first a quick look at the extent of my domestic travels. I've got the lower 48 pretty much covered, except for the northwest, which I heard was beautiful.

create your own visited states map
or write about it on the open travel guide
( Actually, I more proud of the fact that I have been to each of the counties in New York State, and I know them all well!)

But a world traveler I'm not. Mainly I did a backpacking thing through Europe, and worked in the Latin America derivatives business for eight years, but haven't had the international but bite me.

create your own visited country map

So perhaps a trip to Asia/ Australia would help even out my experiences.

Leavin' on a Jet Plane

2004-01-24T00:18:00.000-05:00

Ok, I'm out for a week or so. As you may know, I will be tagging along with the wife on her bidness trip to Barcelona. You know the deal, stay over on a Saturday and the airfare drops in half. So the extra day's lodging is all paid for, and it's a nice resort. So who am I to turn up my nose at being a "kept husband"???

I will come back armed with pictures next Thursday...so stayed tuned. ( Yes, architectural splendors are on the list!)

In the meantime, please vote in the comments section for the phrase you think will be uttered most during the trip...

a) Take your time at your presentation dear, I'll just be at the bar sampling more Sangria!

b) Get your lazy ass up, and figure out how to plug in my laptop, this is not a free trip!

c) Dammit, the US dollar ain't worth shit over here!

d) I wonder what the kids are doing...NOT! hahahaha

e) (submit your own phrase)

If you read this, please vote. Otherwise I'll think that you guys are just sitting there doing nothing, waiting for me to return.

PS I know I should have someone Guest Blog while I'm out, it's all the rage, but I'll take my chances that the really swell and kind readers I do have, will not forget me over a scant 5 day hiatous.....???

Money. Money Changes Everything

2004-01-23T23:30:00.000-05:00

I had a near miss with greed the other day. Until Serenity reminded me with this post, I almost totally forgot about it.

On Wednesday, I needed to dump my Knicks tickets for Saturday's game. ( going on vacation..woohoo). It was about noon and I was leaving NYC for the suburbs on a 1:20 train, so I had about an hour to find a buyer.

Unfortunately, I have been in this situation way too often over the last few years so I know exactly how to find a buyer quick. Craigslist! Yep, it never fails.

Ok, long story short. My well articulated and sexy advertisement drew an instant response. The fact that I was asking $100 bucks for the pair, face is $135, probably had something to do with it too. I agreed to rendezvous with they guy, Ryan, at the clock in Grand Central.

He comes bouncing up, in a t-shirt, and a blue down ski coat unzipped, dragging a soft cast on his left ankle. He's talking a mile a minute..are you JimiLove, your cool, I really need these, I got here as quick as could, the Knicks are playing great..blah, blah, blah.

Then he hands over a thick wad of twenties. Not that I'm all that experienced with cash transactions, but 5 twenties is usually pretty slim, even folded over once. So right away, I know something isn't right. Ryan, isn't too well versed in these transactions either, he scours the front and back looking for god knows what. He's holding the tickets an inch from his little face, so I figure he's nearsighted or something. "All good my man", he chirps.

I responded, "hold on there, young pup..money's not right". He instantly reaches for his wallet with an apologetic..."I'm sorry". "No Ryan, you got it wrong, the tickets are $100 for the pair, you gave me $200." I then handed him his money back and said, "enjoy the game."

The part that gets me, is that I hesitated. Not in my actions, but in my mind. I definitely had a momentary skip in one of my brains synapses. It was short lived, but I reckon it would have been picked up by any lie detector.

I thought about keeping the money.

I think it was his age that did it. He wasn't an equal. It would have been like betting on a game when you already know the outcome ( which I get the opportunity to do just about every week as I watch golf on TV, having already seem the results on pgatour.com).

So, I can't really bask in the purity of my actions, since mentally I'm dirty. I'm hoping when judgment day does come, and I believe it does, you thoughts don't get tested. Because like a few others, I have lusted after Andrew Jackson.

Steppin' in Style

2004-01-22T14:14:00.000-05:00

I lot of people are talking about their boots. I was never really into heels, being over six foot and all, but there's something to be said about the "killing" feature these new pointey-toed boots exhibit.

I noticed a nice shiny pair in my house recently, take a look. Just the site of these monsters will keep those 'little critters' looking for deeper holes and tighter corners to hide in.

Of course the boots aren't mine...here's a picture of the proud owner!

( this is one in a series of pictures that, in 10 to 15yrs, tends to inflict real emotional damage...so, collect 'em all!)

In other news, an archive of old aerial photo's of WWII, which are really cool, are now on the net, see RAF!

Whoops... they were supposed to be here this past Monday, but the server is still not up. My advice is, just chill out and check back in a few days. Don't get all pissy like these folks.

Commentary on Life in NYC

2004-01-22T12:57:00.000-05:00

Do you think we have a rat problem here in NYC?

Actually, this is what business owners have parked outside their front door, if they don't use Union Labor.

Lost and Found

2004-01-21T13:11:00.000-05:00

I just lost a huge, well written, insightful, funny, and totally spell checked post on last night's State of the Union address. The crummy computer I'm using at this office froze up, in mid-publish mode. Damn.

Has anyone seen it?

Oh well...did I mention I am going to Spain this weekend??...Sangria...ahhhh!

Big News Last Night

2004-01-20T10:43:00.000-05:00

Iowa is over, and so is the Gephardt campaign.

I don't have much time today..lots of planning for upcoming trip..but I wanted to see how the Dean supporters were faring...looks like they are in denial, or looking for opportunity elsewhere!!

Also top five reasons why Al Sharpton will not leave the Democratic campaign for presidency:

1) his people tell him his 1 in 7 chance of winning, is up from 1 in 9 only a month ago, "all systems go, AL!!"
2) with all the donations and federal grants, the campaign is a real money maker for him.
3) the free food along the campaign trail is more like a "gravy train" to him.
4) forget about Gore, Al got an endorsement from Annika! ( see her sidebar...haha, while the cats away, the mice will play!!)
5) he might as well stick it out since he doesn't have a real job to fall back on!

Today - Rememberance

2004-01-19T15:46:00.000-05:00

Please remember MLK Jr. today.

When I was in grade school I remember asking my father who he admired. He said, "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., that guy had a lot of guts. I don't think I could have walked 10 feet in his shoes."

Those comments have always stuck with me. As I learned more about MLK, I too feel like he was someone to admire. Someday, when my sons asks me who I admire, I plan on giving him the same answer...word for word.

Memories

2004-01-19T10:25:00.000-05:00

I could have used this advice 4 years ago. But now I'm an old diaper changing, medication giving, meal making pro!

thanks to the presurfer.

Head Strong

2004-01-19T08:33:00.000-05:00

Lee Ann is not feeling well and might be in for a spot of bad luck, if you believe in myths. How do I know?? Because I read this. (Fingers crossed, she feels better and avoids any misfortune.)

It's a silly myth, but interesting reading nonetheless..example:

Because of this superstition, some folks will not even keep a pet bird, not so much as a budgie or canary. And there are those whose aversion to indoor avians runs so strong that they eschew pictures of our feathered friends, even representations of them on wallpaper. One of those persons was Lucille Ball, who dated her antipathy to birds to the 1915 death of her father when she was three years old — she recalled that a picture fell from the wall that fateful day, and a bird flew in the window to become trapped inside the house. Even as an adult, the comedienne would refuse to take lodgings in any hotel that displayed pictures of birds, either framed or incorporated into their wallpaper. She was no less particular about her home — in the 1950s she had Japanese silk print wallpaper that went for $90 a roll ripped out of the front hallway of her Beverly Hills home because only after the paper was up did it become apparent the shadowy images of birds were part of its pattern.

...Not everyone holds the opinion that having birds fly into the house is bad news. Our cats, for instance, view such incursions as having their prayers answered.

Quick NFL Update

2004-01-18T18:40:00.000-05:00

ok it's still pre game, just enough time to get in a renewed NFC prediction. Yes, I picked the Rams and Packers to prevail in the NFC. Both teams got nudged out, but I still think the underlying basis of my decision making was sound. Experience will win in these playoffs. I got the AFC correct. Dead on.

The NFC was a different story. I think I misjudged the experience level of the Eagles vis a vi the Packers...but I definitely took a hit with Carolina.

So, to get some of my credibility back, I will pick the "experienced" Eagles to pulverize the pretty Panthers.

Ok - if this doesn't work out, I will agree my prognostication, including the premise, is faulty, and I will forgo all my football picking posts for the remainder of the season.

Update: god-damn-it!

Move Over

2004-01-16T22:34:00.000-05:00

Can you believe Michelle Wie?? A scant 14 years old, and she's playing against the big boys on the PGA tour this week. Sure it's on a sponsor's exemption, but hey, she's driving it every bit as far as they are...and she's Four-Teen!! That makes her the youngest person to play in a PGA tour event.

Oh well, it's all about the C.O.R. right?? Actually, they all play the hot drivers so it's no advantage.

Remind me to discuss why I think the USGA is obsoleting the game of golf, at least for the recreational players and their courses.

But Michelle's efforts are nothing compared to this guy. He's 14 and turning pro in soccer!! I've seen clip's of him play. Damn good; fast, great control, tough as hell to get off the ball, he's the real deal.

Soccer, now there's a sport that doesn't have an equipment controversy.
Alas, they make up for it in other ways!

Update: Michelle missed the cut by one...read about her round. The best quote from the article was provided by her playing partner..."You know she is good and you knew she was capable of this. But she is also 14 and you keep thinking a 14-year-old is going to crack, and she never cracked."

Sign of the Times

2004-01-16T14:52:00.000-05:00

In an reflection of the tightness of the job market here in the financial sector, I have had to reword my resume.

It now reads: Wall Street Executive looking for work - hourly rates available

Eight is Enough...

2004-01-15T17:32:00.000-05:00

..actually, it's too much! Thank god they are dropping out, but not fast enough. I wish the Demoracts would just hurry up and pick a candidate, so we could all start focusing our ridicule on one person.

In other stupid news, I heard one of the reporters at the press conference yell to Dean...." hey Howard, how big is Carol Braun's ass"....look what he said, what a jerk!

Snowy Thursday

2004-01-15T12:32:00.000-05:00

I got out of the Knicks game last night and it was snowing like a banshee. NYC is so cool when it snows , because nothing works. These "down-staters" (this is a retaliatory phrase since New YOURkers refer to any part north of the city as "up-state". I guess there is no need to differentiate between Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, Ithaca, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls, since you can't get a good bagel in any of these towns) just don't know snow.

Everything comes to a grinding halt, or skid. I watched a bicycle messenger skid and fall flat on his face. Perhaps he shouldn't have been riding a bike and trying to hold an umbrella over his head! What is it with umbrellas in the snow anyway? I never saw that in Buffalo, but maybe that’s because the snow in bflo is accompanied by 1,000 mph winds. Still, umbrellas are a bit much considering a hat will do the trick, and you don't have to schlep it with you when you go inside.

Also the cabbies can't drive in the white stuff. I hoped in one at 31st and 7th, and he was scared to move..." too much snow, can't see road". Oh brother - just do what you always do - drive until you hit something.

The Metro North trains are equally inept in the winter weather. I was greeted at Grand Central Station with signs flashing "severe weather, expect delays on Northbound trains". Severe weather? There wasn't even an inch on snow on the ground, and the last time I check the trains ran on rails!!

I guess I should be happy though. The signs could have read, "expect delays on Upstate-bound trains". Plus, the Knicks did win.

The new coaching choice Lenny Wilkens, will be a good addition, since I'm certain he will expect better results than Chaney.

With a new coach and a decent line-up...Mutombo, Thomas, Van Horn, Houston and Marbury, plus reserves, Hardaway, Williams, and Anderson, the Knicks should make the playoffs in the pathetic Eastern Division.

Speaking of pathetic, did I mention Christian Laettner went to my high school. He graduated about 8 yrs after me. Although he did well at Duke, I knew he was only going to be a so-so pro. He can't jump or run, or move too well. But he can shoot, which seems to be a lost art these day in the NBA. Christian broke all my HS basketball records, for which I will never forgive him, and if I find out he's playing in one of those alumni games, I'll have to get in there and school him!

Let em Rip

2004-01-15T11:52:00.000-05:00

After a few day of hoping something good would happen, I took matters into my own hands. Just like I did originally, I simply copied what everyone else did - thats how I got hooked up with Blogspeak. I lost my password to Blogspeak and was too lazy to send an email and request a new one, so I never really asked them why their service is down.

I read that they lost their hosting service, whatever that is. Anyway, I moved onto a service so let the comments fly!!

She's Pretty

2004-01-14T14:27:00.000-05:00

You know you are obsessed, but what does she have that you don't?

For a good laugh, look at these ....the first one of Leonardo DiCaprio, is just wrong.

Who What Where

2004-01-14T14:15:00.000-05:00

Looks like another guy is moving on, just like me. I'm not outraged about the all the changes in professional sports rosters and coaches. The days of professional athletes spending their careers with one team ended with free agency. Remember, the unions created this trend as a way of helping players maximize their values. So I don't feel sorry for them or professional coaches.

The same is true in the business world, (although like coaches, we don't have a union). The pension plans are now 401k's, which are portable. The process of finding job is institutionalized, so instantly via the internet employers and candidates can more easily find one another. And the stigmatism of taking a new job every two years is lost in this age of employers needing results right away - at any cost.

All this makes it easier and more acceptable for employees to separate from their employers. The fact is there are less reasons to stay at one company your whole career. Gone is the 30 year special pension payout, or the golden handshake. No longer are "lifers" revered for their longevity and implied special company knowledge.

This is the era for free agency and mobility. Change is good? ( I hope). Here are seven NFL teams that are hoping change is good as well!

..in other stupid news: right now Paris Hilton is, in a bedroom, yelling, "see, this proves I do wear clothes!"

Hot and Cold

2004-01-13T18:36:00.000-05:00

Yes, it was a bit snowy yesterday, as someone pointed out. Not enough to really count in my opinion, but then again I'm from Buffalo.

It is so annoying that the snow removal retards that I employ seem to love to rush over every time there is the smallest trace of snow, but they play possum when the heavy stuff comes down. During last year's storm a call to their office got the following message..." in an effort to better serve our customers we will wait until the snow stops falling before BEGINNING our route!" Morons!

The sad part is it took me two years just to get ON the route. Apparently there aren't enough Landscapers who moonlight as Snow Removal Morons during the winter. Either that or there are too many lazy homeowners who won't lift a shovel. ( I know what your thinking, and I'd do it, but I have a bad back and doctor won't let me...so there!)

In other news, I got the Christmas lights down today, in between the snow squall and wind storm. More bad weather is a-comin', but I love winter!

Oh No You Don't

2004-01-12T16:16:00.000-05:00

I might not have a boss for a while, but I'm certainly not ready to be Mr. Mom!!

Anonymously, I got this sent to me....NOT FUNNY...who ever you are!

Now that you have some extra time on your hands, please study how the house should be managed!!!

1. Have dinner ready: Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a
delicious meal - on time. This is a way of letting her know that you
have been thinking about her, and are concerned about her needs.
Most women are hungry when they come home and the prospects of
a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.

2. Prepare yourself: Take 15 minutes to rest so you will be
refreshed when she arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in
your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work-
weary people. Be a little gay, NOT TOO GAY, and a little more interesting. Her
boring day may need a lift.

3. Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part
of the house just before your wife arrives, gathering up school
books, toys, paper, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables.
Your wife will feel she has reached a haven of rest and order,
and it will give you a lift too.

4. Prepare the children: Take a few minutes to wash the children's
hands and faces if they are small, comb their hair, and if
necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and she
would like to see them playing the part.

5. Minimize the noise: At the time of her arrival, eliminate all noise
of washer, dryer, dishwasher, or vacuum. Try to encourage the
children to be quiet. Be happy to see her. Greet her with a warm
smile and be glad to see her.

6. Some DON'TS: Don't greet her with problems or complaints.
Don't complain if she's late for dinner. Count this as minor
compared with what she might have gone through that day.

7. Make her comfortable: Have her lean back in a comfortable
chair or suggest she lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm
drink ready for her. Arrange her pillow and offer to take off her
shoes. Speak in a low, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow
her to relax and unwind.

8. Listen to her: You may have a dozen things to tell her, but the
moment of her arrival is not the time. Let her talk first.

9. Make the evening hers: Take her out to dinner or to other places of entertainment; try to understand her world of strain and pressure and her need to get away and relax.

10. The Goal: Try to make your home a place of peace and order
where your wife can relax.

While I'm at It

2004-01-10T14:22:00.000-05:00

..a couple more things..

It's great that we are learning more about Mars..here are the new facts. But why did everyone make such a big deal about Mars orbiting so close to the earth a few months back? I was thinking this would be the best look at Mars I would ever get, I even woke my kid up to see it at 10 o'clock at night.

A few months later I'm showing him pictures of the Mar's surface on the internet! When I explained to him that these photos were close-ups of the little dot of light I was pointing to in the sky that night. He was confused as to why I just didn't show him "the good pictures". Good question.

------

I hate stores managed by kids under 25yrs old. Blockbuster, Starbucks, The Wiz. They only hire other self absorbed adolescents who could care less about the needs or feelings of their customers.

All these chains are super "cool " to work for, mainly because you do no work. If you are working the cash register, it's OK to be on your cell phone making a personal call, or yelling out "hey , I can't a signal over here..Tommy can you get a signal" . If there's a special order or you can't figure something out, regardless of how long the line is, you are allowed to wait until a supervisor comes and handles the situation...everyone must wait for you - after all, they're only customers.

Lastly, if a customer asks you something, and you don't know the answer, or you just don't feel like answering because you have a college degree and are above answering customer's stupid questions, you can simply mutter something inaudible. When they ask again, mutter the same response only lower. If the jerk is still demanding your attention, say "ask a manager." This is perfect, because they will never find a manager since he is up in the office downloading songs from the office computer. They will leave you alone, and learn not to be such a stupid customer.

It was a Busy Week

2004-01-10T13:43:00.000-05:00

Man, being unemployed is quite time consuming. Lots of farewell e-mails to write. It's funny how you don't talk to people for months, then when you are leaving you have so many things to say to them! I had a few good bye lunches and that was it. Twelve years. Gone. Over. Out the door.

But it's a good feeling. I never could have made it work with the new owners. They wanted me to stay, but I didn't feel like moving to Boston. They are a bit strange up there. Boston folk. Perhaps it's the culture but in this company they were slow to accept outsiders. No new ideas needed, we know everything. And it was wacky how they all just loved Boston, like the world revolved around them or something. I was like.."you have heard of the Yankees, right??"

Oh well, good luck to them.

Football..ok the Bills are just about out of it, so I can now turn my attention to whoever is left, oh, the playoff teams.

No team has a dominating comparative advantage that will carry the day. They all have their strengths in strategy, personnel, home field , etc., but a fare amount of weaknesses, too.

In my opinion experience will prevail. I know this is a standard catch phrase , but everyone is talking about Quarterbacks and the weather, while experience has been pushed to the side.

So here you have it ...the Eagles will erode. St, Louis will suffer. Indy will idle, while the Titans will topple.

Then, the Carolina will crash and the Chiefs will cease.

Followed up the Patriots punishing the Packers.

I have learned not to bet against Belichick. He did it in 1991 when, as Defensive coordinator, he directed the Giants to shut down my mighty Bills, and more recently in the 2002 Superbowl verses, who else, but the highly touted, undefeatable, St Louis Rams!

OK, so Boston may have little something going for it!!

Free and Easy

2004-01-06T13:14:00.000-05:00

That's me! I am now officially unemployed, even though I am still sitting at my desk using the same computer and e-mail, but that will end Wednesday.

It's amazing how much personal business one can substitute for work. It's been non-stop for me, once I got all the incriminating files and photos off my PC. I have been updating my life insurance, my investment portfolio, booking my summer rental, looking at some rentals upstate for skiing, and today I found out I'm going to Spain at month end!

God I love being unemployed. I have all the freedom in the world. Tragically, I have been interviewing, as well, and I'm in the running for a job that will end my new found freedom shortly. However, the job is in London, which could work out to be really cool, sort of like a 5 year adventure for the family. I always dreamed of living overseas, but never did it because I felt like I would be missing out on something here, or losing my place on the corporate ladder.

I feel quite differently these days. Work is much less important, as is money. Life is an opportunity to learn and grow and give. So, I'm trying to fit those tenets into my work life as well.

Spain: actually we will be limited to Barcelona since that is where my wife's business meeting will be. Yes, along with being unemployed I am also a kept man - but so far, its great! I will be looking into the attraction of Barcelona and try to pack as much into those 5 days as possible - I already started to brush up on my Spanish ( i.e. I flipped on a Spanish soap opera last night - momma-sita!) Spain is the only place I have not been to in Europe so I'm excited , but at a loss as to what to do...any thoughts??

Unemployment: one thing that makes it fun is collecting a salary. Let me explain:

You know how pre-nups are all the rage in marriages ? Well, we got the same thing here on Wall Street. It's a take off from the golden parachutes, which were created to help board members land softly during the hostile takeovers days in the 80's. In Wall Street parlance pre-nups are called "termination agreements".

Everyone has them, especially the big boys. Every possible situation resulting in an "premature end to our relationship" is considered and addressed. No longer does one rely on individual effort or contributions to influence their "exit rewards". Nope, it is all spelled out, negotiated, and executed, well before you even have you first free cup of office coffee.

The termination agreement essentially ensures that you will get a set amount of compensation, typically one year's compensation (i.e. salary and bonus) for the little guys, and set dollar amounts for the big guys. Additionally, it addresses all deferred compensation, health benefits, club memberships, access to air travel, and other corporate resources.

Since it is likely in this day an age of "down sizing" or "cost containment" ( i.e. no one says 'Layoff' anymore and you can get fired for saying 'Fired'), that your employment may be pre-maturely ended, one needs protection. Yes these handy little pieces of paper. No longer does one rely on their productivity of contributions to fend off the evil "down-sizers".

Frightening, but true.

Books! tis a dull and endless strife

2004-01-05T15:58:00.000-05:00

Wordsworth wrote it, but this guy lived it! Buried alive in the buff, by his own strife!

I wonder if this and this reader ever check the strength of their book shelves??

In other related book news....you can always tell when someone has been reading Elizabeth Taylor's biography!

(PS knowing her dislike for Britney and being able to combine them in the same post is well, fun! I threw this guy in just for filler!)

Pete 1972

2004-01-05T15:24:00.000-05:00

The truth comes out, how anti-climatic. Yes, Pete Rose bet on baseball, but didn't we already know that? I'm sure a lot of people now want to call him a gambler AND a liar. I can't blame them, because that's what he is.

Regardless, Pete Rose will always hold a place in my heart. I watched his every move in the 70's, as he played for my beloved Cincinnati Reds. I loved him and the entire team. You can say what you want about his morals and his personal character, but you can't say anything bad about his athletic performance.

A lot of great athletes (e.g. Gretzky, Unitas, Chamberlain, Jordan, MacEnroe, et al) have tried to explain their success. Their secrets vary from treating the sport like a science, or an art, or a business, to developing a true love for the game plus an abundance of God-given talent. To Pete Rose it was none of the above. The thing he taught me about being successful in athletics, or in life, is simply to win. You need to win more than anyone else. Its' not how bad you want it, or how hard you work for it, although those are certainly elelments, it's just winning pure and simple. Winning is the only thing.

In his career ( regular season, playoffs and All Star games) he won 1,972 times. That is more times than Chamberlain, Ruth, MacEnroe, more than modern day heroes like Gretzky, Jordan, Elway or Sampras, even more than Cal Ripken Jr.!!!

You can call him a gambler and a liar, and certainly he's no Joe DiMaggio, but your can't deny him his crown when it comes to winning - he was the best!

Gone Skiing

2004-01-03T11:58:00.000-05:00

No, I am not abandoning this blog. I have been quite busy enjoying the holidays with my family. Not to worry, meaningless commmentary on life will resume in a few days...Jan 5th.

have a good one.

Merry Christmas

2003-12-24T18:51:00.000-05:00

Just a quick message wishing my readers all the best this holiday season.

click this

Wrapping Duty

2003-12-23T23:17:00.000-05:00

Just got done wrapping the 300th gift for the little ones, I even put a piano together, which I'm sure to regret later.

Now to settle into a good book, and figure out just what kind of troubles I've made for myself.

Tree Duty

2003-12-22T23:03:00.000-05:00

Not much to say about our Christmas tree this year. As usual, we have no problems: zip down to the local nursery, pick out an 8 ft tree, pay the inflated price (in cash), toss it on the car and we're home in less than 30 minutes. ( All my friends go for the cut-it-yourself family excursion. If you had these two in the back seat of your car, would you volunteer for a 2 hour drive, followed by a 1 hour hike into the woods, followed by another 2 hr drive home?)

Last year, I had the unthinkable happen...it fell. Yep, the damn think toppled over not once, not twice, but three times - fully decorated!

I hated that tree, it was sneaky. It was extremely wide, almost obese, with no bald spot - fat all around! It didn't talk much, or drink a lot, in fact it really had no personality. It just stood there all fat and stupid. I guess it was narcoleptic too, because each night, right after we went to bed, it would drift off to sleep, slowly laying it branches down one by one. It was so sneaky, I couldn't even hear the ornaments break, or the garland crash to the floor, or the water spill onto the oriental rug.

This year we went back to the nice trim tree. I haven't really opened up to him a lot, so naturally we aren't close. He seems ok though. He drinks a watering can of H2O a day, and has survived each tilt-torture-test I have sprung on him. So we'll see how it works out. But if he drops so much as one Sponge Bob ornament, it's a three-way fish line tie down for his ass.

I also snapped a picture of him at night, sort of a surprise inspection - cool effects on the walls.

Christmas Duty

2003-12-22T22:10:00.000-05:00

Does anyone else have those neighbors that seem to get a little TOO into Christmas? Thank god, this guy isn't too close to us, but I pity his neighbors who have to endure a traffic jam on their street for the 3 weeks leading up to Christmas!!
picture

Yep, there's a house under there....here's a better shot.

It's fun for the kids, they get to leave messages for Santa, name off each one of Santa's reindeer, and get a reminder that it's not all about the
presents.

But just when you think it's all "Norman Rockwell", up pops the devil!

Oh well, it makes for a good diversion for the kids, and it's not too far, or to close, to my neighborhood!

Guess Who?

2003-12-19T16:02:00.000-05:00

Who is the nicest guy you know on the internet? Is it him?

NO. Give up?? Ok, I’ll give you a few hints:

His favorite baseball player is Roger Clemons.

His favorite basketball team in located in Houston.

If you didn't get it by now, you really need help....so I'll give you a few more hints, that are dead give-aways!

This was his all-time favorite football player.

His favorite singer, Elton John, was ennobled, and sang this song.

His favorite restaurant is a dive, I don't recommend it.

His favorite hockey player was a long time Canadian, Henry Richard.

You will find him here picking up his favorite riding gear.

Of course he supports his favorite college team.

He listens to his favorite radio tunes on the net.

His favorite artist is really good (my best one!!).

This is his favorite catalogue.

This is his favorite museum.

When you say archeology, he thinks of this.

Yep, he has a favorite roller coaster.

Lastly, it is a little know fact, that this is his favorite band.

Who is this “nicest guy” on the internet?? Tomorrow, the runner up!!

(Note: I have gotten a few of these wrong and I expect he'll correct me, for future reference!)

In the News Today

2003-12-18T13:16:00.000-05:00

...or yesterday.

So what if Saddam got a make over, the only picture of him I would pay for, is his head in a pillory.

Give up, Jody will never like you! This is ridiculous. Actually, it's an embarrassment to our country. How can we let a guy who tried to kill the President walk free? Thank god, someone realized having only his 80 yr old parents supervising him probably isn't too wise, so he is only allowed a few outpatient visits, but over time he may get more freedoms. I liked what Ron Reagan Jr. said " I'm glad he's gotten better, now he can go to jail and think about what he did".

And talk about hypocrisy...move over Russ Limbaugh...the new winner of the "eating your words" award is Strom Thurman. I remember reading this article and thinking that there was just too much antidotal evidence for this rumor NOT to be true. Right-O, Diane McWhorter! I like this image:

The angel greeting Ol' Strom at heaven's gate is black. And the sign reads: "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone." haha

What's up with Blogger?

2003-12-17T12:31:00.000-05:00

Everyone is down is Blogger, the hosting agent for Blog*Spot. I guess it's the "low-rider" version of blogging hosts, but what's the big deal. Certainly it's not fancy, but it's always worked for me, and truth be told, I am a bit intimidated by the more complicated hosters, I'm still mastering Lotus 1-2-3 (relax, that's a hyperbole)!

Blogger has always been there for me. When the whole "denial of service attack" knocked others out - us Bloggers just kept creeping along, smirking under our posts.

I have never had any interruption of service, and they have always quickly answered my questions quickly. Once when I wanted to upgrade the service, and they weren't offering that platform any longer, they simply gave me the particular feature I coveted - free. What a swell bunch of fellas.

That all stopped today. Spammed. Yep they hit upon certain words or phrases and have arranged, or are allowing, vendors to establish links to there services.

I'll fix them! I edited the posts by changing the offending words. Poof, the advertising disappeared, thwarted by a clever "word-around".

But to think I will have to do this again and again is a bit disappointing. Maybe there's an upgrade I can by? So, Blogger, I am watching you.

PS, if it's not your fault by the work of some devious third party spamming agent, please accept my apology, "I've always loved you."

Up, Up and Away

2003-12-17T11:33:00.000-05:00

They are truly an inspiration.... the Wright Brothers. A hundred years ago today their engineering curiosity became, what is now described as, the start of the aviation age.

This site has some cool footage of the historic event. Plus, this is a good source, sort of a everything-you-wanted-know-about aviation achievements. Thanks Jen.

Holiday Message

2003-12-16T12:50:00.000-05:00

I took time out this morning to make my way around the blogosphere and dropped off a few gifts to those who have helped me, or humored me, or have just taken the time to e-mail me. ( damn that makes me sound pretty desperate!). Anyway, I have really enjoyed participating in the whole blogging thing. It's gotta end soon, but its been fun.

Thanks.

P.S. If you didn't get something, tough. I got better things to do that worry about your god damn feelings!! OK, just kidding, let me know, and I'll see if Santa has something left for you.

Lead Around by the Nose

2003-12-16T11:02:00.000-05:00

...or the top of the head!! Sometimes I feel like this, but not as flexible (drag it around).

Day Two

2003-12-15T21:32:00.000-05:00

Lots of news articles on the BIG story. I am so happy and proud for our soldiers. Finally, an end to the Hussein regime.

The best part was how they captured him. Living in a hole-in-the-ground, the dimensions of which were not too dissimilar to those of his soon-to-be final resting place, in the shadow of one of his many palaces, disheveled, utterly defenseless, clutching the only thing that you can count on when times get tough - notes issues by the US Government !! I guess he planned on bribing his captors, and didn't want his diminished financial stature to be an issue in the transaction. Too bad.

Some folks are now skipping over the whole judicial process, since it's bound to be lengthy, costly, and quite frankly, boring, and moving straight to the punishment.

Lots of opinions on which method is most fitting, and due to popular demand, suitable for television viewing. The methods range from network acceptable; electrocution, hanging, or court martial, to the pay-per-view extravaganza; "anal fistulas"!

I prefer a low key, widely acceptable method, perfect for local cable, - public stoning. This way we can actually all participate, in meritorious order. Naturally, the Iraqi people suffered the most, and can go first, then the US and Brits, etc. France and Germany would be excluded, unless they pay a retaliative fee, like agreeing to participate in any future international cause we deem appropriate. Plus, they can't throw any stones, all they get to do is walk by Saddam and split on him - I hear their good at that.

Oh, the stones would be small ones, the size of pebbles, they would be more symbolic than hurtful. Everyone grabs a handful and gets a close range shot from about 10 feet. Although it's low impact, it enables everyone to heap a little misery on the evil dictator and demean his terrorist ways.

About once a week the old stones are removed, so as not to bury the deranged pig, and ensure everyone has a chance to see his ugly puss. We could probably keep this going for a few decades, after all that's how long his tortures ways lasted!

...in other news, Jim has the second symhony up, good seats still available.

YES !!

2003-12-14T09:43:00.000-05:00

Bringing evil dictators to justice...lets hope it becomes a trend.

I Want to be Ennobled

2003-12-12T11:29:00.000-05:00

Mick did it, actually, Prince Charles did it. Not everyone is happy about it, but I'm glad for him. Now he is truly "Rock Royalty".

You Can Sell Anything at Christmas

2003-12-11T17:46:00.000-05:00

Yesterday in the NYPOST I read an article (which they didn't put on the web) were a guy was selling snowballs on the street. That's right. He was grabbing a bunch of snow from Times Square, packing a few snowballs, and setting up shop in a heavy traffic zone.

He had them going for $1, although I believe he sold a small one for .50 cents. He actually made $8.50. Now selling snowballs is pretty pathetic. Sure its comical, and clever, but the jokes gotta wear off pretty quick. I guess the only thing more pathetic is the losers that bought the damn things.

In a slightly less strange, but equally clever Christmas stunt, this guy made $46 bucks selling ..well...you just have to see it to believe it. Bravo.

Wal-Mart is OK

2003-12-10T10:59:00.000-05:00

After I read this article I really felt like standing up and saying, "finally someone gets it." But after reading this and this, I was hesitant. I probably know less about retailing, and haven't studied the movements of Wal-Mart to the degree these guys probably have, so what do I know, right? Well, another unqualified opinion can't hurt, so I'm hitting the keyboards and pouring out my thoughts. Although I risk showing my naivete, here goes:

I just don't buy the assertion that Wal-Mart drives it's suppliers to outsource their manufacturing to China, or that it's a bad thing. "Selling to Wal-Mart is a brutal meritocracy ", the article states. This is exactly my point. The suppliers decide for themselves both IF they want to achieve Wal-Mart's targets, and HOW best to do it. They could lower their own internal profit margins, lower their executive's benefits and compensation (since perhaps it isn't so hard to sell to Wal-Mart year after year after year), they can lower their manufacturing cost by outsourcing jobs overseas, or they can do business with Wal-Mart competitors - it's their choice. Wal-Mart does not run their suppliers businesses.

However, if suppliers chose to use overseas labor, isn't that a sensible market based reaction? The message is simple, either US wages are artificially high, or output is too low? We live in a global businesses environment, and seeking advantages from foreign markets only helps optimize businesses products and services. Sheltering businesses from seeking the best possible business solutions is debilitating. ( note: certainly the production of sensitive products; food, defense contracting, etc, need to be somewhat protected, for obvious reasons) Addressing shortcomings takes discipline, but once accomplished it's empowering.

On community property taxes, fees, etc. Overall, in the long run, the municipalities tax everyone equally. Sure they are some short-term incentives, but they are negotiated at arms length, so "caveat taxer" (taxers be ware).

If a community spends a certain amount of dollars, the municipalities shouldn't care whether those dollars go to one business or ten businesses, since the tax revenues, over the long run, are the same.

Jobs...Wal-Mart hires locals to run it's franchises. Clearly, they bring new jobs, but it's not 100% percent additive. They will be competitive, and the weaker businesses, that customers abandon, will fold. True, jobs from those businesses will be lost. Hold that up against the number of new Wal-Mart jobs and you have the "net" positive impact Wal-Mart has on the local job market.

Lowering rents...well sure, Wal-Mart uses it's size to economize on square footage rental rates. But doesn't that drive down the market rates and bring businesses into the community? Plus, once they are in a community Wal-Mart is a sitting duck and rates can be increased on them, which reverts profits back to the local landlords.

On the flip side, Wal-Mart is an attraction, stimulating the residential housing market. This "attraction feature" brings new people, new housing, more taxable dollars, etc. Presumably the new residents bring their jobs, since Wal-Mart is not giving away it's products. Under higher housing demand/ rental rates, Wal-Mart can loses customers, if rental rates get too high and drive other community businesses away. Wal-Mart has little or no axe to grind on rental rates. Other than economies of scale, I believe they wield no unfair advantage.

Anti-Trust...the article speaks for the history fairly well. If anything we have the University of Chicago liberals to blame once again, but in this case I think they did reflect the larger consumers interest correctly...lower prices for all, carries the day.

I guess I can't see a real good argument that causes me to think Wal-Mart isn't good for our country overall. Yes, if you are a competitor business, or under their employ, you can be bitter about Wal-Mart. Also, Wal-Mart is not a charity and works in it's own shareholder's best interests. But once you look at the overall "net" impact of the good they bring ...lower prices, "net" new jobs, community "attraction", it appears this offsets the uniqueness that smaller businesses represent.

Lastly, I think Wal-Mart should be heralded for it's business model. No fancy, self serving overpaid executive management, or quid pro quo to suppliers, or accounting scandals, or pension fund problems. Naturally, when you get that big it is difficult to please everyone. But they are determined businessmen. They drive hard bargains with suppliers, they are tight on pay to employees, and don't roll over to the taxing authorities. However, since the benefits of these disciplines accrues to the customers, shareholders, and community, it's unclear as to how they are hurting America.

Beat it...yeah, Beat it

2003-12-09T18:05:00.000-05:00

No one likes a bad Michael Jackson joke. Apparently Amazon does not appreciate denigration of it's referral process either....I wonder if they'll press charges??

I don't do Michael Jackson jokes either, its so "piling on". But please, feel free to use these punchlines as you see fit -

1) - a duet with Elton John entitled, "don't let your sun go down on me".
2) - heard on the beach.."can you please get out of my sun".
and
3) - its time to leave when the big hand touches the little hand.

Red Letter Day

2003-12-09T14:57:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I stayed at home with the kids. Well, not the whole day, just the afternoon, but believe me that was enough. In fact, as I look at the prospect of having more time to spend at home, I get scared. There is no way I could be at home with these two. The thought of it is the single greatest reason why I need to get a another job!

Yesterday, while other parents are reading their kids books, or spending time with them in a museum, I'm outside trying to make the biggest snowman ever. I failed. But not before I realized I couldn't lift the "body ball" onto of the "lower section ball". This snowman is just under 6ft. tall, and the second ball has to be over 125 lbs. There is no easy way to "use your legs" you just gotta grab it and use your back, at least to get it off the ground.

As I'm bent over struggling to raise the thing, I gasp "it's too heavy, I can't...". Bedlam is shouting, "come on Dad, put it up there, snows not heavy!"

After knocking a modest amount of snow off the sides, and lightening it up, I succeeded. OK, OK, so it wasn't the biggest snowman ever. But as I explained to Bedlam, snowmen taller than 6ft have to go home at night, so if you want to play with him tomorrow we need to make a smaller version. Thank god he believe that, since that whole "permit excuse" wasn't going anywhere.

I was proud of myself...and I'll stand up and take a bow right after my chiropractors appointment tomorrow at 7:30.

We also built a snowfort. Bedlam proclaimed, "I'm King of the island!!"

To Do's

2003-12-08T21:55:00.000-05:00

I really don’t have much to do these days. Work is light, real light, as in, I'm not even sure why I go in, except maybe for the lunches. It'll be that way for a couple more weeks, then I'll get laid off and have all the time in the world. Woo hoo!

Unfortunately, the quality of my blogging will remain shitty. Contrary to popular belief, time is NOT a function of good blogging. I don’t know what is, but that's another story.

The "to do's"... right. This gentleman is single-handedly keeping the blog world archives alive! Please enter the contest and dig up some really good reading, cuz' I got plenty of time on my hands. Plus, one of my favorite bloggers is doing something nutty like trying to advance her life. She's got some nerve.

Anyway, go here and get the details.

Snowy Weekend

2003-12-08T11:18:00.000-05:00

This ( shake it about) was sort of how I felt this weekend, at least at the beginning!! Points to Presurfer.

I had to succumb to the weather this weekend. Actually, it wasn't the storm that ruined our travel plans, it was the idiots in NYC who don't know how to maneuver their cars in the snow that did me in.

We ditched our plans to drive to Philadelphia, since it took 45 minutes just to get from Park Ave. to the Westside highway. I was disappointed, since I thought the wife would really enjoy the one day vacation from our normal night at home with the kids.

Since necessity is the mother of invention, we decided to stay in Manhattan for a night, and perhaps catch a movie or go to dinner. We would still get a night alone together and not have to put up with the idiots going 10mph when the road conditions allowed for 40mph. I know, it's the Buffalo coming out in me, but it's not like it NEVER snows down here!!

Anyway, we found a hotel room, which was a bit of a challenge - thank god for travel agents. Did you every notice how little patience you have for the person who desperately wants to get a room in fully booked hotel but can't, especially when they're the person in front of you and the only keeping you from getting to your room?

I made it up to her, we had a fabulous dinner here. Even though we had to walk 6 blocks in a blizzard, which didn't bother me one bit, it was worth it. I give it 5 snowflakes!

The next day we were home with the little ones. We spent the rest of the weekend out doors. A few sledging trips down the hills at the local golf course, some snowball wars, and an elaborate snowfort building/demolishing sequence kept everyone happy.

So, although I started out yielding to the snow storm, I ended up using it to my advantage!

....also, did you see this? Remember my wife's toes? Perhaps there is hope!!

Are we in Trouble?

2003-12-05T11:27:00.000-05:00

I fully support the efforts of the Army and Navy in the war of Iraq. But I can't help thinking, do we have the right guys over there?

Look at this. Both Army and Navy lost to Rutgers this year....RUTGERS!

The big game is this weekend, but it's hard to drum up any enthusiasm. I can't believe it....RUTGERS!

I feel like the father in Breaking Away when his son proudly takes back a car sold off the father's used car lot. The father, bedridden from a surgery, hears of his son's stupidity, a kin to betrayal, and has nightmares causing him to wake up yelling, "REFUND! REFUND!!"

That's how I feel... RUTGERS? RUTGERS??

Staples

2003-12-05T10:59:00.000-05:00

..not the store, they're in my head. I'm now the proud owner of a pair of small metal staples courtesy of the nice Doctor at Greenwich Medical Hospital.

I was working from home yesterday, minding nobody's business, when I found myself rummaging around the basement. The need to move stuff around is actually a necessity since we only have a half basement, and half of that is finished. Thus, I am constantly rotating my storage contents based on seasonal needs...Easter, golf season, Fourth of July, Halloween, and of course Christmas. Anyway, I'm down there wrestling with the Christmas containers and, with a fair amount of force, whacked my head into the sharp metal edge of the heating duct.

Three hours later, the bleeding still not abating, I was off to the hospital...one hand on the wheel the other holding an ice pack on my head. I was hoping the remedy would be a small bandage, and to avoid getting my head shaved. The Doctor, who looked like an offensive linemen, confirmed, "oh, no need to shave the hair, that actually can foster more germs, since it will make micro-cuts in the scalp."

Thank god, right? Then he turned and said, "this is going to hurt, THIS IS GOING TO HURT". Like I didn't hear you the first time! He was holding a huge syringe, and probably to ensure I was taking him seriously, he fired a stream of novocaine at the ceiling , like some sort of warning shot. I took it like a man, I'm wasn't going to give him the satisfaction, bastard! After the shots straight into my skull, he popped in two staples. He then told me to come back in a week and he'll take them out. "How?" I wonder. "Oh, we have tool", he answered.

I have taken out lots of staples myself, and it usually requires a big metal claw that often leaves a mark on the paper.

I think I'm in for another shot.

PS it only hurts when I wiggle my ears.

Privilege

2003-12-04T10:41:00.000-05:00

This show is a good example of bad parenting. The Paris bedroom tapes are one thing, but these two have no clue as to what is happening outside their expense account worlds. They are like two moron infants, when it comes to tackling the simplest of real life issues. Sadly, it makes for amusing TV. Rename it, "The Simpleton Life" - thanks.

Untitled

2003-12-04T10:05:00.000-05:00

yeh, but can they cook?

These are some Miss World contestants...which makes a lot more sense than the Miss Universe pagent, for obvious reasons.

Wedding Bells

2003-12-03T14:46:00.000-05:00

Congrats to Tiger on his engagement. This teaches you a good lesson, you can't trust anyone. I wonder what the pre nup will look like?

Also, read this writeup on the wedding....especially the part about Nicklaus' speech. It's beautiful.

Get Your Hillary Bashing Straight

2003-12-03T12:01:00.000-05:00

I like a good Hillary bashing as well as the next guy. I don't like her, or her politics. Plus, the fact she is my Senator is downright humiliating.

But this editorial about her recent trip to the middle east is simply too much. Dick Morris, who is just not a creditable political commentator anymore, is trying to find fault where there is none.

The senator told the troops that while "Americans are proud" of them, "many question the administration's policies." Being told that you might die in a war that is under attack by people back home must be a great stimulant to combat morale. How sensitive of her to have shared that particular message with men and women who must face death to execute these policies.

Hey Dick ~ our soldiers are not idiots, they're not oblivious to the differing opinions on Capital Hill and indeed across America. Hillary told the truth. I know it's a strange concept for you, but some people still do it (sometimes). Her mission was to assess the situation for herself, and show support for the troops, which she did. If she was over there spouting off that "we are all for the war" and then came home and flipped to "we are all against the war", that would be a reason for criticism.

I actually think it took guts for her to make the point that she is against the war while in Iraq. That probably cost her votes.

Yes, I think she is wrong about the war, so bash her for that. And I don't want to see a parade of other Demoracts running over there. But don't bash her for being honest, and don't underestimate the public's ability to separate out politics from patriotism.

Give Me a Break

2003-12-03T10:20:00.000-05:00

Did you read this??

Yes, we all knew the SEC wanted to have another go at Frank Quattrone. But honestly, wasn't once enough?

In my mind the Feds already won. There is no way in hell anyone on Wall Street will ever get confused on the actions one must take when presented with a subpoena. No one will take the Feds lightly again. We are all afraid of you (SEC), you're wonderful....now stop spending our tax dollars needlessly.

You overcame all odds, and with virtually no evidence came one vote (or one and half votes) away from the putting down the biggest dogs on Wall Street. There is no way Frank's lawyers, and Frank, will screw it up a second time. So please stop all the headline grabbing. Just chalk it up as a morale victory, and move on to tightening up your surveillance obligations to the mutual fund industry.

Mutual Fun

2003-12-02T16:44:00.000-05:00

Scandalous. Thats what lots of "outsiders" are saying about the whole Mutual Fund scare ( see today's story). Let me just clarify a few things:

1) Market timers. These are the guys, typically speculators or Hedge Fund managers that seek to invest in mutual funds for short periods in an effort to "time " the market's ups and downs to make profits. This is NOT illegal. Sure it is detrimental to the general performance of the fund, all things equal, but only because it makes it harder for managers to maintain peak performance.

Managers need to stay close to 100% invested in the market to optimize their returns (this has been statistically proven), and satisfying the constant in and out of timers requires high levels of univested cash. However, market timers are typically large investors that bring a lot of new money to the fund, and help reduce overall fund expenses. Also, part of the attraction to mutual funds is that they are liquid investments, much like direct investments in the stock market. Mutual funds have long been marketed as, "good as direct investments, only cheaper, since transaction costs are minimized by grouping market orders".

Mutual fund companies are challenged to balance the market timing positives and negatives. Typically they err on the side of conservatism and discourage timers by charging penalties for withdrawals for holdings of less than 30 days, sometimes longer. The rub comes when management of the Funds allows market timing for some clients, but not others, a la Invest Co. Although this hasn't been proven, they are up against some internal allegations that purport they favored certain clients in a quid pro quo arrangement. In another case, Strong Financial's CEO was allowed to move in and out periodically (within 3 months) even though these short term trades are "frowned " upon in the fund prospectus.

2) After-Market Trading. This IS illegal. It is when a purchase or sale of mutual funds transpires after the pricing deadline (typically 4pm local time), but the official pricing deadline price is used to value the trade. Basically, it is like extending the 4pm cut off, again, only for a few select investors. The whole thing started when Canary Warf a hedge fund was found to be allowed to obtain the 4pm closing price in trades with a few Mutual Fund houses; Alliance, Putnam, Pilgrim Baxter.

After market trading obviously provides an unfair advantage, since one can use after market information and the counterparties, those on the other side of the trade, are not offered that same information.

The thing I want to point out, which seems lost in all this, is the market's reaction. Nothing. Sure, funds are moving out of certain mutual fund's, those found negligent in policing their internal activities. Mainly, these moves are a function of pension funds making political statements as opposed to a reaction to systemic poor fund perfomance. The general feeling about Mutual Funds is that the vehicles are sound investments, witnessed by the markets reaching 18 month highs. This is a far cry from the reaction of the Japanese markets when their internal accounting process was questioned. Although it was a slightly different issue, it still pointed to the same problem: where is the internal integrity?

The big difference is that in the US there is a sound valuation, accounting and governance process. In Japan it was all a bunch of self serving rules that took little account of there shareholders needs or rights.

Congress is already trying to do the fence mending. But the reality is, the horses haven't left the stable, and they aren't about to. The self- policing process needs to be stronger, the SEC external reviews cannot continue to be simply a cursory review, and the offending firms need to be punished. But the principle of putting the investor first, and the firm second, is indeed alive and well - just ask the markets.

Golf News

2003-12-02T14:50:00.000-05:00

I just played my finest round of golf. I know it's December, but I'm a golf nut and a hearty soul.

My score...three under. Yep -3. Three below par.

I had 2 bridies and an eagle.

The bridies came on the Airplane and Car holes, while the birdie was on the totally unfair House hole!

I'm not sure, but I may just give Tiger a run for his money in the POY award.

( that's Putter Of the Year award!!)

2's day

2003-12-02T11:20:00.000-05:00

I usually post at night while everyone is asleep, at least at my house. It's sort of like my mental exercise time. I have always been a night person. Normally, at least for the past 20 years, I used the nighttime to run through the various issues I am facing at work. I would "think" through the presentation I had to do, or the report I was preparing, or a new product or client issue.

Well, now that I blog instead of playing mental chess, I have found this schedule doesn't work. By the time I'm set to blog most of the news items have been picked over, the celebrity gaffs are beaten down, and even the human interest stories have been plucked. So, I decided to change things up, and blog first thing in the morning.

As I was set to hit the publish button on this story, I got distracted and read IMAO and a few other blogs. Damn if he didn't post on the same illogical definition!

..OK, no one reads the NY Post, so that's safe.

This article seemed rationale enough. It was simply a story about the continuing tragedy of the WTC bombings, right? After all, even firefighters get divorced. However, as I thought about it more I began feeling that, once again, the NYC Firemen got, well, hosed. Just like during 9/11 when they got sent into the twin towers with faulty radio equipment, they have been asked to perform counseling without the proper qualifications. Lending a strong shoulder is one thing, but being asked to fix someone's emotional and mental scars is quite another.

I think this article makes it clear that NYFD management didn't heed the warnings and, this time, they did it to themselves.

Hoaxest with the Mostest

2003-12-01T23:48:00.000-05:00

I thought we were about to lose another one. After all, studies show about 1.7million blogs will get abandoned this year. Thankfully, disaster was averted. OK, perhaps not a natural disaster, but I would have had to figure out how to replace my 2 or 3 minutes of humorous reading each day. And, well, I'm lazy.

It's a good thing he came to his senses. Look at this guy. It's sad to see the Spammers weaving their way through his work like worms through soil looking for nourishment. Someone should do something, like now, thank you.

Even she couldn't leave cold turkey. Not to say she doesn't have will power or deserve to follow other pursuits, but by leaving she's drifting away from her own character.

As a Capitalist, (remember her greeting: "Hi. I'm a 31 yr old gun toting Capitalist"...or words to that affect) she's bound by the laws of supply and demand, survival of the fittest and to the victor goes the spoils. Actually, she is really only obligated to show good form in the pursuit of financial reward, but that means never ever ever giving up your competitive advantage.

Adam Smith would role over in his grave if he knew she was frittering away a 3,000 visitor a day site. A captive, intelligent, sophisticated, morally responsible, brave (did I say smart?) audience willing to spend money, or better yet waste their employers money by ignoring their jobs, is worth something.

Yes, she will need to return and capitalize on her hard earned fortune, and live up to her own characterization. Obviously, we will welcome her back, unless she has gotten her head full of crazy ideas, as college grad's high on fumes from their freshly sheered sheepskins do, and become, dare I say a liberal.

Then naturally we would expect her to flush all the value and goodness from her efforts. She will probably join a liberal clique whose aim is to "cleanup the blogoshpere", using taxpayer's money.

So, I'm glad no one is leaving today.

Note: this is not a submission for this contest. I just got on a roll, and it came out.

Holiday Spirit

2003-12-01T10:31:00.000-05:00

Here's an easy way to give, during the holiday season...use other people's money!!

Go here and vote for your favorite NFL football team (i.e. BUFFALO BILLS). Campbells Soup will donate a can of soup to the needy for every vote.

After voting, results are displayed.....make your team #1! MMMMM..tomato!

Being Thankful

2003-11-29T14:45:00.000-05:00

It was a brief but happy sojourn to central Pennsylvania to visit the in-laws.

My kids love the mountains, and streams, and countless animal encounters. The grandparents have 2 cats, a dog, and we saw plenty of horses, cows, pigs, and chickens on the neighboring farms. It was a happy time for all, and only one visit to the emergency room!!

I love the country, but getting there is a bitch. Thank God for EZpass. I think it's my favorite part about driving. When I go through the tolls, I get to pass all those "crazies" who passed me about 10 miles back. I sort of smirk as I go by; sure you're faster, but I'm smarter!

My favorite toll is the one that connects the NJ Turnpike with the Pennsylvania Turnpike. It's a high speed EZpass, so you get to zoom by doing about 45 mph!
This isn't it, but it's best pic I could find that describes the power I wield as I bore through the standing traffic.

I noticed lots of deer carcasses as I went west on Route 80 in Pennsylvania. I counted about 11. Coming home I only saw 1. I guess they must do some sort of deer carcass clean up, since I couldn't think of a deer-death vs driving-direction correlation.

Being a guest, it's sort of rude to sit around and watch TV, so I missed seeing the footage of Bushs' trip to Baghdad on Thanksgiving. I have a lot of admiration for he guy, that took guts. Although Hillary did it, so maybe it wasn't so special....then again the Iraqi's don't hate her like we New Yorkers do!

Those Iraqis, I thought they were all ungrateful. Then I saw this and realized they are starting to come around.

( ok, it's probably the worst "jobbed" photo ever. But I worked on one for over an hour, then lost it. damn! So I threw in a substitute. Today's my birthday and I simply refuse it waste the WHOLE day on the computer!)

Me Too

2003-11-25T17:29:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am a conformist, a regular slave to convention. I too, am compelled to post my thoughts on the most recent plight of Mr Jackson.

You've all read about his problems by now, so I 'll keep this brief.

No, I don't think it is right to take away his kids. However, it's the law, and it's for the kids protection, so yes he has to give them up. As you can see, I am a bit conflicted on that issue.

On the matter of his guilt or innocence, I'm with Liz Taylor. (Wow, I never thought I 'd say that). I just don't trust anything a kid says to a psychologist. I'm familiar with those types of sessions. Often times, one says, whatever the hell one wants, just to get those idiots off one's back! If the kid told his parents something was wrong immediately, that would be a different story. I think it's all some sort of mix up or exaggeration...which when it involves Michael, is pretty understandable.

On his defense strategy, I think he can move right to "innocent on grounds on insanity". Remember the MTV Artist of the Millennium award, that wasn't an award at all!

Oh, and on the actions of the District Attorney....who is acting like this is some sort of game show.... "Like the sheriff and I are really into that type of music", uh..yes you are an idiot. You are representing the citizens of a county in California, not launching your comedy career.

That is all.

Learning from Larry

2003-11-25T16:17:00.000-05:00

I have a cousin named Larry. He's my favorite cousin. Last week we caught the Lakers vs. Knicks game, like we do every year. Larry really likes basketball. In fact, he likes all sports. He's sort of like a sports savant. He can recite all the box scores from baseball, basketball, football, even hockey - which I was surprised to find out actually retains box scores. It's really amazing to listen to him rattle off the scores from last week, the statistic's of a particular player, or recall last year’s standings.

Larry is truly amazing. He works in the mailroom for a fortune 500 company. Previously, he was commuting to work in a limousine with the company president! On weekends he is volunteering at the local fire department, and has been the manager of the local HS school football team for over 15 years. Last week, when the football team made the state finals he was featured in the New York Times for his long standing commitment and dedication to the team.

I noticed the movie Radio was out and getting good reviews. In it, Cuba Gooding Jr. plays a HS football team manager, who was initially rejected, and later embraced by the team and heralded as a inspiration. Similar to Cuba Gooding Jr's character, Larry is mentally impaired.

What makes Larry truly inspirational to me, beyond the massive retention of sports trivia and his legend of community service, is his ability to connect with people. Not just build relationships, but meet new people – complete strangers.

Each year as we sit there at MSG he must interact with a half dozen people. They share comments and laugh, and become friends. I have had season tickets for years and have made a total of 3 or 4 friends, he does that in one game! It is truly unbelievable.

But it all begins with Larry. He’s so open , so ready to initiate conversation, or to add to a conversation. Typically, he’s filling in the blank when some guy says ‘where did they get that new guy’….”drafted 9th, out of Georgetown. We have 2 other Georgetown players Mutombo and Harrington,” Larry pipes in. It‘s as simple has that , just giving yourself, your knowledge, your information, or just sharing a laugh. At some point in the game Larry and his buds are all doing high fives, jumping up, shouting, and making fun of the “suits” that stand up in front of us. Typically I have a suit on, as well, so I keep a low profile.

But Larry doesn’t leave me out either. All the while he’s talking with me, answering questions and catching up on family news. I wish I had his ability to connect to people, or at least had his free spirited nature. Life seems so mush more fulfilling when you’re open to others.

Overheard in NYC

2003-11-25T10:59:00.000-05:00

I must admit I am bit rusty on taxi talk these days. I don't rely on the daily NYC taxis to ferry me to work or GCT, as I used to when I actually lived in Manhattan. So, I couldn't quite make out the entire exchange between two taxi drivers stopped at a light on Park and 48th. As I crossed Park, I did notice the two having a heated argument. They were both splitting jabs back and forth in their native languages. Since one was of Asian decent the other Middle-eastern, I wondered if either one knew what other was saying.

Then I heard the universal phrase...."mudder fooker"....and I knew they both understood exactly what was being communicated! The guy walking in front of me was amused as well. He turned and said..." I guess that's the first thing you learn in taxi school; green light = go, red light = stop, and how to say "I really don't care for you driving etiquette" in English!

Taxi Memory flashback. In the early 90's, my friend and I were driving home after a night of pickup basketball at NYU. He was dropping me off at 32nd and Lex, and then heading home to the burbs. We were pulling up to a light at Park and 28th when we noticed a guy had stopped his car, had gotten out, and was yelling at a cabbie who was stopped behind him.

They guy was yelling all kinds of crap about the cabbie being an asshole, etc, etc. The cabbie gets out, and with a tire iron in hand, chases the guy around the guy's car. Now, the guy is no dummy, he runs around the car keeping it between him and the cabbie, no one likes a guy with a tire iron anyway right?. They play ring-around-the-car for about 30 seconds. The cabbie then stops, and just starts wailing on the guy's car with the tire iron. He takes out each window as he continues to chase the guy around the car. The cabbie did have a little trouble with the windshield. He had to slow down to take a few swings before it broke completely. This was a bit surprising since it's the biggest window and the easiest to hit, I think he went at it from a bad angle initially.

Anyway, the cabbie, after "opening" all the guy's windows, calmly got in his car and drove away.

As we drove past, from our safe position about 100 ft back, the guy pleaded with us to go after the cabbie. "Tough luck buddy" my friend said, and kept driving. That may not seem like a friendly thing to do, but in NYC everyone knows you don't mess with taxi cab drivers. They usually don't owned their cars, they have their own version of driving etiquette, and they are not afraid to use their tire irons. Lesson learned.

Oops

2003-11-24T16:41:00.000-05:00

Gone but not forgotten. I have been busy as of late...being soon-to-be-unemployed is surprisingly more time consuming than being fully employed! I forgot how much time it takes to track down headhunters, set up appointments, and send out resumes, plus these 2 hour lunches are murder!

I will be back soon, probably tomorrow with a few inspirational posts. See ya.

Crime Gone Bad

2003-11-19T17:01:00.000-05:00

Certainly we've all read stories about the criminally insane, or is that inane? With Michael Jackson at-large is anyone really safe? Anyway, the point is stupid people commit crimes. Kurt has a good example.

Which reminds me, when I was in high school one of my contemporaries had a spell of poor judgment as well.

In seventh and eight grade Tim Brinkman was a super cool, smart, athletic, good looking guy. All the jocks identified with him for his athletic achievements, the smart kids admired the way he could get grades and girls, and the girls, well they fell for his sense of humor. In ninth grade I transferred to another school, and lost touch with Tim. Whenever my new school played Tim's in sports, I noticed he wasn't on any of the teams, and someone said he started running with the "hard guys". These were the less desirable leather jacket slackers, destine for a spot in BOCES.

One night, I was watching the local "Eye Witness News", I think I was in eleventh grade, and the announcers said, "stay tuned to hear about the Sweet Tooth Bandit". When I heard the story I couldn't believe it. Tim and his new friends had broken into the local Seven Eleven. Cleverly, they pried off the iron bars of a small back window, which was about seven feet off the ground. Once inside the trio stole the contents of the register, about $14 bucks, a few cases of beer, and a box of Tootsie Rolls.

They left out of the same small window. Apparently, they had no urgency in getting home, and strolled the 5 blocks eating mini tootsie rolls along the way. They also didn't "give a hoot", and decide to "pollute", leaving the tootsie roll wrappers behind.

The police had no clues, no fingerprints, and no witnesses. They did have a suspicious pile of wrappers at the base of the window, and upon further investigation, a trail leading down the block. The police followed the trail down the block right to Tim's front door. They opened the door, and on the coach was Tim and his 2 buds, with a box of tootsie rolls at their feet and a mess of beers lying on the floor. It gets worse, the cops gently awoke Mr Brinkman and his pals and informed them their rights.

The TV broadcasters and newspapers had a field day with the story. The "Sweet Tooth Bandit" was lambasted; "maybe he should've has grabbed a cup a coffee as well, candy never pays, etc."

I wonder if he still likes them?

Seeing Kobe

2003-11-19T16:31:00.000-05:00

I am diligently going to all the home games for the Knicks this year. I sit there, in pain, watching their pathetic attempt to earn their paychecks. It isn't easy....being a Knick's fan that is.

Tonight they play Kobe and the Lakers. The prospects aren't good, even with all of Kobes' distractions.

I wonder if Kobe will get booed?

Odds and Sods

2003-11-17T22:42:00.000-05:00

Did you read about this blogger and his misfortune? It's hilarious. For me, it's the opposite. I wish I could get my mother to read my blog. I guess I'm a "G" rated blogger, how sad.

If my wife found my blog, well, that would be a different story. If she read this ( ie the feet part), I would be in big trouble. Actually, come to think of it, I'm down to about 2 or 3 conjugal visits a year, so what am I really worried about?

....in other news; the San Diego Chargers, and Doug Flutie, got pummelledby the Denver Broncos. I few days ago I was spouting off about how a lil' bit-o-Flutie magic might help the Bolts win a few games, and save Marty Schottinthehienie's job. No midget magic, no San Diego win.

But still, having Flutie in there was a good thing. I figure, the Bolts were going to lose anyway, no matter who was QB'ing. So why not save Brees the embarrassment and let Flutie take in on the chin! OK, that was a stretch, but just for the record, no one on San Diego played well. I was glad Marty S. didn't shuffle Brees in there just for posterity. The midget experiment has a few more weeks to run...stay tuned!!

..the golf course I was inquiring about purchasing..actually it's a multi purpose county club...is not up for public bidding. They have a local buyer who they have been working with for a few years, and if they can agree on a few details the deal will get done. Damn. I was hoping to swoop in and steal the place, but I guess the seller wasn't "distressed" enough.

It's probably for the better. I would have put too much money into the place, making it the "Augusta of the North". Meanwhile, since the average per capita income in Broome County is about $25k and shrinking, I wouldn't have been able to raise greens fees ( now $30 bucks) to cover the costs.

Oh well. I am off to Ballyowen tomorrow to golf. Price of the round, $130+....and it's November!!

It's a Game of Inches

2003-11-14T19:37:00.000-05:00

Look again. They seem to be the same height. But for some reason, that slightly larger angle in the tilt of Flutie's chin causes everyone to question his abilities.

It may not help Marty S. save his job, as Kurt pointed out, but a couple of "Flutie wins" never hurt anyone, right??

Flutie, as spontaneous and creative as he is, he's, well, predictable. Yep, after a few weeks of watching him jitter-bug around, toss a few "jump-passes", and flick a bunch of behind-the-back laterals, defenses can build a game plan to stop him.

The problem has always been his inability to go down field with any sort of consistent success. This is ironic since his long ball, the 50+ yard "hail mary" in college, put him on the map! In addressing his weaknesses, defenses stack the box and stop the running game. Also, receivers are all jammed at the line, since defenders know his only throwing lanes are the sidelines. This leaves Doug with few options but to "dance for his dinner!"

I have a fair amount of confidence that Marty is simply trying to get the team (i.e. all players), to player better. Drew Brees is not the only problem the Bolts have. Their defense is ranked 15th out of 16th in the AFC, comparatively their offense is 7th. The defense is their main problem. Check it out here.

Now, how does starting Flutie help their defense? Simple. For a few games he keeps them off the field, provides leadership that only a 41yr old midget scrambling for his life can, and he adds a few wins to get the team's confidence back.

As I pointed out, you can only perform the same magic show for so long, before people start to catch on. So look for Marty to slide Drew back in after a few games when the magic fades. Hopefully, that will be after the rest of the team, ie the defense, has picked up their game a bit.

Note: Along with Flutie the other former Bills playing in sunny San Diego are; Steve Christie and Marcus Wiley...which is sort of why I pay any attention to them at all.

What is in a Name

2003-11-13T17:59:00.000-05:00

So NYC is pimpin' itself out to Snapple for $160mm over 5years. Lots of others have named their price, whats yours?

Build It, and They Will Come

2003-11-13T16:21:00.000-05:00

It was only 19 years in the making, but the Jets are determine to stop it, before it gets to "Bambino" like proportions. Yes, the "curse of New Jersey" is set to stop in 2009. Read about the NY Jets plans to move their stadium back to Manhattan. (You didn't think it was the owners/players/coaches fault did you ?)

I think it's a good thing. The prospects of maintaining a stadium built "over" a rail yard is dicey, but economically it works. It will be a multi-purpose facility, so it can throw off about $2 billion in revenues a year. Over 70% of Jets fans will take mass transit to the games, this will keep them off the road on Sundays which, trust me, is a huge blessing.

Once up and running the facility will be the centerpiece for a push to get the 2012 Olympics and future Superbowls in NYC!!!

Bring Back Rachel

2003-11-12T16:41:00.000-05:00

Although that is the goal over here, I doubt it will happen. Very creative minds at work, go read these and vote.
As a side note, I am trying to map entrants to entries. It is easy to discern male from female entries, but after that I am not quite sure. Hmmm?

Wednesday

2003-11-12T15:36:00.000-05:00

Not much new today. Well, except someone got his 50,000th visitor!! Congrat's. I wonder what it's like to have 100,000 blogger eyeballs on you?? Sort of like being a rock star, but without the groupies for sex, the assistants to wait on you hand and foot, the road managers to arrange free drugs, and the fans willing to give you millions of dollars! Oh well.

I, at the other end of the visitor spectrum, have good news as well. I am losing my job. No worries, this has long been anticipated, and is well planned for. It now allows me to explore new career opportunities and challenges.

First up, anyone think I should buy this golf club? They say its a Country Club, but theres nothing exclusive about it. My wife is against the idea, mainly because of the poor location. I doubt the numbers will pan out either, but I am checking into it anyway.

Interestingly, my first query was; how many golf courses are there in Broome County, pop. 200,000? I figured about 5....wrong. Ten. Yep, ten golf courses and I didn't even check the whole country, just 10 miles around of Johnson City. It doesn't look good. I get the P and L information and other stat's tomorrow.

At least I can dream.

Today

2003-11-11T11:17:00.000-05:00

When I was a teenager, about 13 or 14 years old, I looked forward to these "federal holidays". I would get the neighborhood gang together, and we would play sports all day long. We typically gathered behind the VFW hall. It was a bit further away from our neighborhood, but no one would come along and chase you away, like at the field behind the library or the one next to the local elementary school.

After a full day of baseball, then football, which always morphed into a game of "tackle the guy with the football", we retired to the picnic tables. They were a set of matching wooden tables with new tubular steel frames set on a nice patch of crisp black asphalt. We sat exhausted from 6 hours of "survivor sports" (that's no scorekeeping, and you play until the other guys quit). One of the fellas, John Britton, sarcastically said, "wasn't it nice of someone to put these tables here for us". "It was the VFW, stupid," snapped Tom Moore. "OK, smart ass. What is the VFW anyway?" Long pause.

I could have just provided the answer right away. I don't really know why I didn't. Next came a flurry of spontaneous leaps for attention, "very fine women", "vulgarly flung waste" and "victory finally won"...were some I remember. I said quietly, with a glazed over expression, almost like I was in a trance, "it means Veterans of Foreign Wars," I mumbled.

For a few minutes the chatter turned to what a veteran is, what do they do, why they need a hall, and "sure glad they don't use the field." We talked about what it would be like to fight in a war, and really need to rely on each other. This morning I read this article, and it brought back a lot of those feelings. ( its' the cover story on Capt. Harry Hornbuckle's efforts during "Objective Curly.")

As a soldier, it appears, you don't fight for personal wealth or some other homeland reward. You fight for the mission's success, and you and your fellow soldier's survival. I guess there is no way to pay back veterans for their efforts, in a monetary sense. But I am glad we at least have this day, Veteran's Day, for them. I hope it keeps alive the spirit of what it means to be a soldier, and make life-sized sacrifices for your fellow man.

That day, as we moved off the picnic tables and headed home, I didn't say much. I remember thinking my friends were stupid (yes, I was the smart one), but I would fight like hell for every one of them.

.....War is a ridiculous, but necessary, consequence. I am proud of all those who have undertaking the responsibility of defending our way of life. Read more about it here.

....Also, I am glad the holiday was returned to it's historically significant date.

Good Fun

2003-11-10T22:29:00.000-05:00

This is supposed to make our fun more fun right? Then why is everyone so upset? Well, that might be an overstatement, but it is drawing lots of interest. Everyone has an opinion. Aside from the incorrect reference to economic theory he is correct. (Hint: you incorrectly applied "Says Law").

I can see how a fuss over Ecosystem rankings can happen. Someone once said..."if they keep score, you're supposed to try to win"...or something like that. So "actively" trying to win was bound to crop up sooner or later. Forming common interest groups, i.e. alliances, is also normal. You put the two together, and you turn yourself about, thats what blogging is all about! Seriously, it's somewhat sad, but perhaps it's all just a big misunderstanding. Now is a good time to refresh everyone's understanding that we are here for fun, entertainment, amusement, etc.

NZ Bear is correct for heading off this situation, and hopefully finding a way to just keep the fun...uh... fun.

To me the Ecoshpere rankings are a lot like a golf handicap. You want a good one ( i.e. a low golf handicap) so you are known as a good player, and everyone wants to play with you. However, if you can't live up to the ranking, everyone will think you are either a liar, a cheater, or an idiot...and, btw, they will happily take your money!

Finally, let this measly little microbe, or some other insignificant little Ecosphere creature, remind you all of another famous quote....Worry less about your reputation, and more about your character.

Translation

2003-11-09T23:24:00.000-05:00

in Tagalog:

na buoton Kaayo. Buotan kaayo Sila, gi swerte ra ko ani nila, padaplin usa ang malas...hee, hee, hee.

OK. I understood the "hee, hee, hee" part. But can anyone tell me what my Phillipino nanny is telling her friends??

POY

2003-11-09T23:21:00.000-05:00

For the last few years it has been decided by about September, but this year it’s November and it’s a mystery. The Player Of theYear is a big deal to us golf junkies. It is the only award which is decided by a vote by the players. It carries the weight of the “admiration of your competitors” cache.

I just love golf. Not only playing it, but for the spirit of the game. No cry babies, a la tennis. No thugs, a la basketball. No fighting, a la hockey. No illegal drugs, hand guns, salary-cap, luxury tax, or shirt hanging out your back. It is just a great sport were the game still bigger than the players, and professional respect is earned - each year. Which brings me back to the POY award.

Here is a good article providing the history of the award. The issue is how do you pick a winner the POY for 2003? Basically ,the players are voting for the guy they would like to switch places with in terms of professional performance. Not surprisingly, money is NOT the defining achievement of the season. The Majors are what define your greatest as a player. Next is the number of victories attained during the 45+ week season. If those two measures don’t single out one player, then scoring average is referenced. Although money is what sustains their careers, and pays the rent, it doesn’t really figure into the player’s decision for POY.

Note: In 1990, Faldo was NOT a member of the PGA, and Wayne Levi had the most victories. In 1991, no major winner had a memorable full season and Fred Couples was tied with 2 victories, thus it came down to the scoring leader.

This year is complicated. Four different players won Majors ( Weir, Furyk, Curtis and Micheel), and a different player won the most times on tour (Woods). In my humble opinion I think Weir gets the nod. Although he and Furyk both won Majors, he edged out Furyk with more victories, 3 to 2. I realize Woods won 5 times on tour, but none were Majors, and bar is higher for Woods.

In the end, pro’s would take one Major win (and less money) over a half dozen other tour victories, and that is what makes this sport special.

Here is a recap of what ESPN thinks about the POY 2003 race. They pick Tiger.

Pull a Reagan

2003-11-05T17:31:00.000-05:00

Actually, that should be "Pull a Moonves"?. What an idiot. The Reagan miniseries had pay per view written all over it from the beginning . Written by liberals, acted by liberals , and ultimately watched by liberals. Gee, I wonder why it took so long for CBS to wise up. Psst, it was't just the conservatives holding their nose, it was anyone with a distaste for lies. At least CBS never had the shortsightedness to call it a documentary.

Anyway, it reminded me of a previous Moonves blunder, (which was also carried in today's WSJ). He planned to launch a reality series called "The Real Beverly Hillbillies". The show called for importing a group of real life Appalachian hillbillies to Beverly Hills. Overmatched by the sophisticated lifestyle, the group would quickly create a plethora of stereo-typed comedy. When the news got out, the project got squashed by just about everyone. But not before Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia got in his parting shot at Moonves. He suggested Moonves create a reality series in which a group of television network execs get dropped in the Appilachians and have to make friends, find jobs and actually work for a living.

Although probably not acceptable for primetime viewing, that is one show that IS worthy of network programming!

We are Blogging in a Material World

2003-11-04T21:41:00.000-05:00

This article, flagged by her, and promulgated by her, got me to thinking. Well, at first it got me a bit concerned; is Blogging really just a sport for teenage girls gossiping about what TV shows they watch or which classmates are doing X, as the article suggests? God I hope not. If so, my wife, when she finds this blog, will probably NOT be amused!!

I decided to take a closer look at my fellow bloggers. I chose to focus on an aspect of blogging I understand, money. I looked at 60 blogs, split equally between men and women, and analyzed who was soliciting for free hand-outs. (Well, not free, but I am not about to get into the value statement with regards to particular blogs). I looked for those Pay Pal buttons, or "if you want to be nice to me" hot links. I also took note of solicitations of "other revenue generating sources"...t-shirts, mugs, thongs, etc.

I tred to go into this with an open mind, but I did have some strong pre-conceived notions. I assumed that women would be less likely to solicit for funds. But, if they did have the nerve to hold out the old "tin cup", they would couch it in the form of a cutesy "gift list"..the odd assortment of books, DVDs, CDs, etc. Likewise for men, I figured most had a Pay-Pal button tucked away somewhere. It would undoubtedly be some sort of hubristic statement about the value their ideas/opinions, plus a convenient place where their adoring public could exhibit it's devotion.

Once again, I was wrong.

The results:

A whopping 53% of women bloggers had links soliciting for material items they coveted. This compared to a mere 7% ( or 2 out of 30) for male bloggers. OK, this isn't good for women, but it gets worse.

In terms of cold hard cash, the Pay Pal or equivalent button, women ( 40%) were only slightly behind the men ( 47%). Yikes!

Are women that much more brazen about getting paid?? Are they really more likely to view their blogs as "creating value" for the reader??

I looked harder.

In a further analysis of bloggers advocating "other revenue generating" links. I finally found some respite for the women. In this category men out shadowed women, 27% compared to 7%. Finally.

At this point I thought perhaps men were just less materialistic, but equally, how do I put this, umm, opportunistic. Unfortunately the combination of men who either looked for cold hard cash or participated in a revenue sharing deal, still only accounted for 53%. This was still well behind the women's 67%, for possessing a call for either cold hard cash or material items.

I tried cutting the numbers lots of different ways..."figures lie, and liars figure" sort of thing, but no luck. Our lovely and talented female blogging compatriots are simply more eager to seek some sort of economic return for their efforts than male bloggers.

If the correlation between "asking for compensation" and "getting compensation" is strong, which one would expect, and compensation fuels blogging, which seems logical since blogging typically takes away from one's normal compensation making efforts, female bloggers may have a leg up in the race for blogging longevity...and it's untold rewards.

Damn their smart.

Halloween Memories

2003-11-03T22:12:00.000-05:00

It's sort of routine now, but when I was little, Halloween was a very exciting time. I have some very vivid memories of those days. Knowing the impact Halloween can have you, I am keen to ensure my kids enjoy the event.

1) I can remember being a clown, age 2. see pic. ( that’s my sister age 3 next to me)

2) I can remember being a spaceman at age 4. see pic. (spacemen had guns??)

3) I can remember when my sister, above, had her candy bagged “knifed”. She was seven years old, and I six. Getting “knifed”, is when someone ties/tapes a knife to their foot and proceeds to kick other trick-or- treaters’ bags of candy, in hopes some will fall out. This was a very real threat, since in those days we all used brown paper grocery bags (which we had colored with crayons). You had to be wary of the older kids. My sister was dawdling behind the rest of us, and got nailed.

I was sad she got her bag knifed, but I was on a sugar high and could not be bothered to stop and help her. I was even sadder when I got home and my father made me and my two other sisters share our candy. Apparently, my sister who got knifed, was traumatized by the event, and went straight home with no candy. In an effort to avoid giving away too much candy I pleaded with my parents, “but she could have gotten a new bag and went back out”. That didn’t get anywhere.

4) When I was 10 I had the chickenpoxes on Halloween, along with two of my 3 sisters. My lone healthy sibling, coincidently the one who had her bag knifed, had to collect candy for all 4 of us. She was dressed as an Indian and carried two bags and asked for extra candy. Even with the extra time my parents allotted her, she still didn’t get very much candy. We all pleaded with her to go back out and get more. She complained to Mom she was tired, and stayed in. The 3 of with chickenpox called her “Cry-a-watha” for a week or so.

5) That same year my costume caught on fire. I was dressed as an Olive. I have no idea why, I think I was going through an identity crisis. I had bright red hair at the time; I guess I thought I should use this distinguishing feature in my costume. I found a bunch of green cloth-like material my mother was using to make Girl Scout sashes. It was used to display their merit badges or something, and I wrapped it around by entire body. Come to think it, being only 10 yrs, I must have looked more like a sting bean than an olive.

As I stood teary eyed in our bay window, watching all the neighbor kids run across our lawn, I felt a warm glow on my back. I turned and noticed that a piece of my “olive skin” had brushed against the jack-o-lantern on the coffee table. My stupid costume was on fire, I was on fire. Since my legs were wrapped tight I couldn’t run. I remembered from school, “stop, drop, and roll”. After a quick “alligator” on the living room carpet, I called out to my parents and my father released me from the green felt. I thought I was going to get punished for making burn marks in the rug, but my parents were never prouder of me. I think it was the first time I actually had dome something right.

6) When I was about 11 years old. My father took all our candy away. My sisters and I came home from school one day and our neatly stacked piles of candy were all gone. Instantly we ran to our mother, and she told us "your father took it all and gave it the kids at the orphanage". We had never been to, or heard of, the orphanage, but it sounds like something he would do.

It was quite devastating to have all that loot, snatched away. We objected to his playing fast and loose with our riches, but it was hard to argue with the nobility of the gesture.

Years later our parents told us they didn't want us to have cavities, so my dad took the candy into his office. For the longest time I wished they hadn't revealed that. I laugh about it now though.

Bedlam and Mayhem

2003-10-31T12:15:00.000-05:00

That's Bedlam on the left, with his little brother Mayhem on the right. (This is last year's pic, this year's will be up later tonight). Although they appear innocent, believe me, they are appropriately named.

( Note: after 11/04, e-mail me for picture)

Their mother has been away this week in London on business, and they are all mine, which explains the "light blogging".

This guy, had a post describing the "communication" issues between husband and wife, which was pretty funny. I could do a similar one for children..if they would allow me enough time to type it up!

Here's a sample:

What I heard: Dad can I help you "build those shelves" (you can substitute any household chore).

What kids meant: I want to use all the tools you are using as play toys. I really have no desire to see this household task completed. I bet I can do exactly what you don't want me to do.

What I heard: Dad I love you.

What kids meant: I want something I'm not supposed to have. I dropped my juice on the oriental rug, again. I'm reading Raising Cain, and I'm starting to realize, as my parent, you have a really tough job ahead of you.

..currently they are both pounding/kicking/crying/screaming at the locked office door, so this post is now over.

PS - mom comes home this afternoon - yipee!

Legacy or Lunacy

2003-10-29T22:11:00.000-05:00

Let's see, I first noticed I was different in about third grade. No, it wasn't my looks, my table manners, or my mental state, but those are good guesses, it was my phone etiquette. Whenever I called my friends, or anyone for that matter, I had a set way of addressing the answering party. This procedure was drilled into me, and my sisters by my father.

My father was a politician. He was also a stickler for rules, order and everything else that contributes to total. and. absolute. control. He isn't a bad guy. Actually, he's generous and funny and quite pleasant. But back in the day, he needed order.

Like most good politicians, he was working all the time. Our home was indeed just an extension of his office. Thus, using the phone, a business tool, you needed to retain the proper business decorum.

Right about now you are wondering, what I am doing posting this instead of watching the Knicks opener against the Magic. I did catch the first half, and to be blunt, both teams look pretty stiff so I thought I would knock some of the dust off this computer.

Our procedure for making calls was as follows:

ME: dialing

Answering Party ( AP): Hello

ME: Is this the "Smith" residence?

AP: Yes.

ME: Is "William" (insert friend's name) home?

AP: Yes.

ME: May I speak with him please.

From there is gets wonted. But it wasn't long before the typical exchange turned into:

ME: dialing

AP: Hello?

ME: Is this the "Smith" reside....

AP: ( turns head while interrupting and yells )..Billy - it's Jimi Love on the phone.

Even though I would commonly get interrupted since all my friend's, their sisters, their brothers, mothers and even fathers knew "the procedure", I kept doing it until about 6th grade.

I often got kidded for it, but I knew it was my duty to my father to maintain the procedure, the routine, the level of proper etiquette. It made me different, in a very obvious way, when I was just trying to fit in.

I still don't know whether it was different good, or different bad. I'm wondering when I will discuss phone etiquette with my two sons, and if I should pass on a legacy, or just let them fit in.

Updates

2003-10-28T22:50:00.000-05:00

I know I haven't been blogging as much as I should lately and I feel a bit guilty. Initially I started out reading lots of blogs, as I presume most all bloggers do, it was very educational and exciting. I've noticed ever since I started pounding out my random thoughts for everyone to see, I don't get to explore as many new blogs. I guess I'm ignoring posting a bit, to ensure I have the time to explore the blogsphere, and continue learning news things.

Actually that's a lie. I just have been busy with work and my wife is away on business, so I have the kids to watch, and after I get them to bed I am so exhausted I just bail on the whole internet thing. So, I'm not posting or reading much. OK that felt better.

As my father once told me "don't lose sleep over what happened today, you just roll over and say I'll to do better tomorrow!"

I guess I'll see you tomorrow.

Too Far, Too Fast

2003-10-25T00:47:00.000-04:00

I couldn't leave for the weekend with a skimpy little Elvis post.

OK, we all saw that BA is shutting down it's Concorde fleet, which is unfortunate. It caused me wonder why it didn't work. Not so much the Concorde itself, but this revolutionary idea of going fast - it didn't spawn other advancements in aerospace. I mean, come on, flying to London from NY in under 3 hours, traveling at supersonic speed, having the opportunity to join the 11 mile high club, now that's cool.

Sadly, going fast just wasn't worth the price, and never caught on with the rest of the industry. Which is odd since we all bitch about delayed flights, jet lag, and time wasted enduring the airport security ordeal.

Similarly, the DeLorean had the same impact-less life on the automobile industry. I guess for similar reasons..speed ain't worth the price.

Both were created by visionaries, neigh renegades, tired of the ordinary performance and eager to make a bold statement ( yes, Charles de Gaulle was a renegade too). Both machines sought high performance with a practical but exotic form. Both only came in one color...I initially pegged this as the downfall, but Concorde officials assured me they were rotating the color of the decals regularly. Lastly, both were gas guzzling fiends.

Once again, economics carry the day and the Concorde goes the way of the DeLorean, without the local clubs to meet annually and wax poetically about what could have been.

But the sad part, is once again society has turned its nose up at the price of speed. Internet connections, toll booths, turnstiles, are all faster, but cheaper. Speed is just not to be conspicuously consumed. A lesson well learned, twice.

Why I wrote this I don't know. But I will definitely be able to get back to sleep now, as will you.