Summer Solstice

On Fathers Day, one of my Brothers and I visited my father on Cape Cod for a nice waterfront lunch. He mentioned that his neighborhood association was going to have a "Solstice Party" on the first day of summer (today).

I asked him jokingly if there would be dancing around a bonfire inside a circle of stones. He smiled but did not deny it. He did say there would be a fire, but that it would be the one cooking burgers and hot dogs.

OK, I can totally get the "any excuse for a party" rule. Mine is called "Friday". But if you are going to have a Solstice Party, I personally feel you should observe some simple druid rules:

• There must be a bonfire. It should be in the center of festivities and be at least 20 feet high.
• One virgin must be present (gender is irrelevant). Just be present, nothing else, god what is on your mind people?
• Chanting is required.
• A minimum of one High Priestess must be present.
• No Witchcraft allowed.
• A semi-circle of 3 ton granite blocks set on short ends will represent the party boundaries.

See? Very simple. Get with the program.

Facebook, Part 1

So I am finally going to set up a Facebook account. I have been blogging long enough, why not go to the next level, right?

Some of my friends use it and lots of my co-workers use it so I am always being told I should set up a page. So I decided to do it. Before doing it I decided to gather together some stuff to post and realized right away that I have no recent photos of me and very few digital photos. I have some (gads) film photos from way back (even as far back as the 80's - gasp), but not many recent ones. I had some that were scanned as part of a family project I did last year, but most of those were from my childhood. I know photos of me exist, they are just not in my possession (which might be a bad thing?).

I also realized quickly that filling out an online profile that will be read by anyone quite intimidating. How much to reveal? Did that sound too gay? Do I say that I am gay? I guess it will be a dynamic learning experience, kind of like everything else we do in life.

Anyway, if anyone has any suggestions, I am entirely open.

California Dreamin, Part 2

Visting the Brother and Family in San Diego


A Day at the Zoo

Perfect Season?! - Blech

You know, too much has been focused on the Patriots having a perfect 19-0 season. The problem now is that they managed to get all the way to the Superbowl but no one cares about that. "Yeah, well anyone can get to the super bowl these days" is what you hear. But the reality is that - hey, they got to the freaking super bowl - but because of the "perfect season" crap, no one cares.

I cared. In December, I was in California watching a game with my father and brother. There was discussion about the perfect season. I was thinking about it in terms of odds and percentages and logic etc when I dared to say "maybe it would be better to lose a game now (in Dcember) than in January, when playoff loss meant immediate elimination. I mean, so? One loss? But no - the goal was perfection. I was afraid that this goal meant humiliation, and I was right.

Oh well, next year, hopefully the Patriots will only worry about winning one game - the Super Bowl.

Hillary or Barack?

Ever since she announced her candidacy for President, I have been a Hillary supporter. I even sent her some money and ordered a bumper sticker (but did not put it on my car, as I would never do such a thing - it is over my desk at home).

However, as time goes on, I really want to vote for Barack Obama. I have to admit that I am torn between the two. It is very possible that I was initially moved by the idea of returning to the Clinton era (or any pre-Bush era for that matter), that I was more focused on going backwards and not forwards. In my defense, Bush does kind of motivate us to invent time travel. Obama initially seemed like a fringe candidate - I was familiar with him and liked what he represented but I figured he would not be a real contender. But now I am not so sure and as I prepare to vote in the democratic primary in MA, my once concrete vote for Hillary is now up for grabs.

What to do, what to do....?

Update (2/5/08) - I voted for Hillary after all.

Seasons Greatings

To you and your Kin. I finally got my replacement LCD TV, so I am very happy this Christmas, even with the clown crap and all. I forgot how awesome it was watching my crappy little 13 inch kitchen TV.

California Dreamin, Part 1

Watch Out Rockies!

OK, so the funniest thing just happened. The Red Sox beat the Indians to go to the World Series.

Why is this funny? Let me explain. In 2004, the Red Sox were 3 games down to their arch rivals the New York Yankees. They (the Red Sox) had just completed a sweep of the Angels before appearing before the Yankees. And somehow, miraculously, they won four straight and went on to win it all. In 2007, they swept the Angels again, and then went on to Cleveland (who defeated NY in a very riveting series - remember the bugs?). Cleveland made sure that the Red Sox would earn a World Series appearance though.

I remember watching Game 2, a bit drunken perhaps, and thinking 'we're gonna be in the World Series' (imagine that I am half naked and dancing to this in my living room - I can see Fenway Park from it after all). Then, disgrace. Once again, Sox are down to elimination and it appears in Game 5 of the 2007 ALCS that would be the case.

It is said that before Game 5. Trot Nixon (former Red Sox player and member of the 2004 championship team) talked to his Cleveland teammates and said they must stop the Sox that night and prevent a return to Boston. Because he knew what the Red Sox can do under pressure.

Sure enough, the Sox brought it home and Cleveland seemed to crumble under the pressure. In a series full of drama, the Red Sox forced a Game 6, then a very satisfying Gane 7. It was a nailbiter and it was fun to watch. Coco Crisp's final out was wonderful.

Vacation

Bird Vocabulary Update

This was bound to happen someday, but it still seems too weird. After 18 years of listening to David yell "Jack!" to get my attention, the Bird has finally figured out that he can do it too.

So now, the Bird yells "Jack!" whenever he wants my attention. The Bird is sort of like a dog with me. He waits for me to come home, and then when I do he immediately demands my attention. He likes the way I talk or sing quietly to the top of his head and if I do not give it to him right away, he starts calling me to get me to him.

Ugh (but it can be cute).

It's not Sue-Sue

The Partner gave me a Tom-Tom GPS navigation system for Christmas. This is a great gift for me because it resolves my "always getting lost" problem and also tickles the geek in me.

When setting it up and selecting options, I decide I want it to have an Australian accent because that is the hottest accent on the planet.

The Tom-Tom came equipped with maps and satellite imagery for the "US and Canada", and "Guam". I had to think about this for a bit. I could understand if it came with "and Mexico", but Guam? To confirm my understanding that Guam is an island in the Pacific (and not reachable via ferry from Cape Cod), I consult with Google Earth (which rocks). I confirm my understanding of Guam and I decide to uninstall the maps for Guam, as I will rarely be driving there. I mean, even if I fly there, take the Tom-Tom and rent a car, it is a pretty small island. I also do not really see myself going there.

Anyway, enough of Guam. My Australian navigation assistant (Ken) has a real attitude. If I opt to go out of the predetermined path he selects, he gets all in my face - "what are you doing, mate - turn around! you're going the wrong way!" This was amusing the first few times. Now I am annoyed. I am wondering if the British accent voice is the same way (Todd). I expect such behavior of the American accent voice (Rich).

So far I have only used it to find an LL Bean outlet store near me and it worked perfectly. Other than that I have just been playing around with it and getting it mad at me or watching me on the map moving around Boston (it has a pretty cool 3D display).

Remember, it's not Sue-Sue, its Tom-Tom.

Remember Herbie the Dentist "Elf"?

I was watching "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" last night and had to make the following observations:

Herbie the "Elf" makes a new friend (or does he...?)

• Has anyone else noticed that the "elf" Herbie is the only "elf" that does not have pointy ears ? He is also the only one who has hair (very gay blond hair too). The other elves all have beady eyes, no hair and pointed ears. Kind of like Vulcans, and Celine Dion. The other interesting thing is his lack of interest in toy making, which we know is an elf's true calling. I am thinking that Herbie must be the bastard son of Santa, planted in the Elf community of Christmastown in order to hide him from Mrs. Claus. That is the most logical explanation.
• Santa should be ashamed of himself, and not just because of his bastard son Herbie. After Rudolph's nose cover pops off and his deception is discovered during the Reindeer Games, Santa is horrified, and tells Rudolph's father (Donner, as in from "Donner and Blitzen") that he should be "ashamed of himself". I was shocked. I told Rick the Bird that the real Santa would never behave in such a manner.
• By the way, Donner and Blitzen are my favorite reindeers. After all, their names mean "Thunder and Lightning" in German and that is, well, awesome.

Happy Holidays!!

Some good news!

David's cancer is in remission! We got the news today from the results of his latest CT scan. As David said, "I got what I wanted for Christmas this year". That means at least three months he does not have to deal with any chemo - excellent. Now we can really just enjoy the holidays without that hanging over our heads.

Funny work story

So if any of you actually read this blog, you know that I work in IT. I am also sure that most of you have heard some of the many "funny user computer support" stories, some fake, some real, that are floating around out there. So maybe you won't think this story is so funny - but I did (and it really happened to me).

I am walking down the hall when one of my co-workers jumps out of her cube (we have a massive cube farm) and calls out to me saying she is having a "terrible problem". Now this user is actually pretty computer savvy and is not prone to dramatics so I immediately assume there is a real problem. I also like this co-worker a lot, so I want to help her right away (I actually like all of my co-workers, for real, but this one is extra cool). She tells me her scanner is scanning everything into blank documents. Somewhat relieved (as this is hardly work stopping type problem, and I have other scanners I can set up), I run the scan and indeed, it gives a blank document.

As scanning documents is fairly important in her job, I decide to quickly remove the scanner and replace it. As I start, I open it up to remove her document to give back to her and discover there is no document in the scanner. I turned and asked her if she had removed the document already. She was totally red faced and said she must have never actually put it on the scanner "platen glass" (for some reason I love the term "platen glass"). Just in case, I take her document and try to scan it. Sure enough, it scans normally.

We both start laughing loudly and, as a result, cube farm "prairie dogging" ensues.

Why?

Why do large, chain supermarkets and department stores install sometimes up to 20 registers for checkout, but never have more than say 6 open at any time?

Just curious, that's all.

Air America

I returned to Boston from DC today on the US Air shuttle. I got to the airport early and asked to get on an earlier shuttle flight. They were able to do it but mistakenly issued me a first class ticket. After a moment of hesitation, the ticket agent said, "it's my mistake, take it and enjoy the flight". So I was very excited that I would now be upgraded to "potato chips" from "pretzels" on this flight.

The flight was already boarding so I rushed to it and got to my seat. Lo and behold, who is sitting in the row in front of me? Sandra Day O'Connor! Yep - her, the Supreme Court Justice - my god. So I sit down behind her and can't believe it.

THEN who walks on? Kerry Healy! Soon to be former Lt. Governor of MA, recently defeated by Deval Patrick for the Governorship. Then they close the door, and start the whole airplane safety video when suddenly the video stops, and the door of the plane is re-opened to allow one more passenger. And who was that? Karl Rove! Yes, THAT Karl Rove! I still cannot believe it. He sat down diagonally in front of me across the aisle. I could not look away, right behind Kerry Healy. It might as well have been the republican convention. I was thinking, this Rove guy gets to fly on Air Force One - what is he doing on this US Air Shuttle?

Other than Kerry Healy, I have no idea what brought the others to Boston.

True Story.

Back in DC - woohoo and Ugh at the same time

Traveling to DC again today. I arrive at Logan Airport at 2, I have tickets for the 4:45 shuttle, I am thinking that maybe I can get on earlier flight, they suggest the 3:45, I tentatively and timidly agree.... The entire scenario sounding eerily like this terrible experience!

But No! This time things are going my way. The plane arrives, it leaves, the plane is mostly empty, I am tempted by the shameless US Airways/Bank of America VISA promotion being made by the flight attendants, I get to DC earlier than expected and with a pretty nice view of the city coming into National Airport, I must say. Everything was finally going my way with this DC trip, except...

I did not consider the timing that well. My change of flights put me into DC and into DC traffic at 5:20 pm. Apparently, DC rivals Boston in its rush hour travel woes. In fact, it is so similar, I almost forgot I was on some Potomac River road rushing up to Bethesda, and thought I was on Storrow Drive along the Charles River. Alas, it took me an hour to drive what had taken me 15-20 minutes in the past.

Thankfully, the hotel had a fully stocked bar and friendly bartendress to welcome me and nurse my rush hour wounds. I do love this city. There is a Metro station right next door so I am going to run into downtown tomorrow when I get some time.

The Lion, the Witch and the "Wardrobe"

I was watching the Chronicles of Narnia again the other night (come on now, a geek like me never watches such a movie just once or twice, especially with a new high def TV). I had to wonder, "why a Wardrobe?". I mean, it could have been anything, right?

"The Lion, the Witch and the Broom Closet"
"The Lion, the Witch and the Pantry"
"The Lion, the Witch and the Hope Chest"

By why stop with furniture? The opportunities are endless....

"The Lion, the Witch and the Airport Bar"
"The Lion, the Witch and the Swingers Lounge"

Sometimes I just don't understand where they come up with specifics about titles. Of course, it is pretty specific - not quite so much as "Snakes on a Plane", but still...

To Dude, or not to Dude

Dude (noun), from the biblical Duderotomy - 1. A familiar person or friend. 2. An exclamation of excitement or surprise ("Dude!"). 3. An exclamation of disappointment ("Dude..."). 4. An exclamation of confusion ("Dude?").

Until recently, I have been somewhat intimidated by the word "Dude". I have never been entirely certain when it is appropriate to use it, while others toss it around so naturally. I always feared that I would sound like some geek trying to sound cool, like I was playing with the cool words.

Not anymore! I have been watching this season of "Amazing Race" and I have learned that "Dude" is a completely universal word. In fact, you can have entire conversations using only the word "Dude" and have it be understood by both parties, as is often the case with hotties Tyler and James. It apparently can mean anything, and its meaning is derived completely by the tone with which it is delivered. See the following soon to be used in real life example:

Fancy Waiter: Would you care for another glass of Boujoulais Magnifique 1987 with your Filet du Bouef Marienne, Monsieur?
Me: Dude!

Furthermore, I have learned that "Dude" is NOT gender specific. Despite my initial belief that it referred to males, apparently it does not. Rob on Amazing Race refers to his girlfriend Kimberly as "dude" all the time. See the following hopefully not soon to be real life example (again):

Lady at Airport Security: Sir, you forgot to remove your notebook computer from its carrying case - you will have to step aside and have it swabbed for biologicals.
Me: Dude....

See ya, Dude.

Happy Belated Thanksgiving

I have been offline for a while, sorry about that. November has been a long and busy month. Thankfully, it ended with vacation and Thanksgiving - basically I just gave thanks for getting through the month.

A quick recap of some of the high points:

I had to head off to Washington, DC for a conference and it was something else. I had a nice time down there. The people of DC seem so much nicer than Boston. I had a great time there. I have to head back there this week for training. I hope the travel is better this time though, the last time the only shuttle flight that was canceled was mine (naturally). And I had to wait for six hours before another opened up. Ugh.

The democrats took back the house and the senate. Finally, some sanity in America. Of course, the Senate majority revolves around Joe Lieberman, who is really more of a republican, elected by republicans. Having the dems back in power will take some of the sting away during the next two years. How much more buffoonery can we take, anyway?

I had to move into a new, smaller cube at work in a new part of our office. Amazing how much difference 2 feet can make. At least I get more natural light there.

Work has been nutty. We are growing fast, and I have been working hard to be sure that the support systems have been in place to support it. I feel like all I do is work or think about work. Luckily I now have a staff in place to help with the growth. Otherwise I would have been given a nice bed in Shadybrook by now.

Yes, Shadybrook. If there are any other General Hospital viewers out there then you know Luke and Laura were reunited when a miracle drug revived Laura, briefly in November. Unfortunately, she returned to catatonia fairly quickly (no, it is not a former Soviet republic, it is a state of psychosis - I checked). I am a sap when it comes to Luke and Laura.

I bought a high def television, a 40 inch LCD Sony and promptly watched like 16 hours of Star Wars in high definition on Cinemax this month. Hot stuff guys. High def is truly hot. Now I understand what the "HD" channels in the high 800's on the cable channels are for!