Planet Granville

Sing It, Sister!

2009-12-03T23:33:00.002-06:00

At last night's Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Aretha Franklin took to the stage looking like Mama Bear after eating Goldilocks, Papa Bear, Baby Bear, all the bowls of porridge and every chair and bed in the house! That is the real-talk version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears!

Even though the entire mink population is extinct because of Queen Aretha, I can not fully hate on her. Mostly because I am still mesmerized by her honey baked chichis. I just want to dive in and SUFFOCATE!

Take One...It's a Wrap!

2009-09-29T22:26:00.002-06:00

Here is an amazing video recently made by students at L'Université du Québec à Montréal. It's all done in just one take and according to the YouTube notes, the entire production took just over two hours. Too fun...I just keep watching it over and over again.

Social Media

2009-09-17T16:21:00.003-06:00

Great video and very interesting statistics.

As Seen on Text From Last Night

2009-09-15T14:17:00.003-06:00

Wrong, but funny:

(404): i hope kanye doesn't show up to patrick swayze's funeral. " i'll let you get back to your funeral in a minute...but michael jackson had the best death of the year. just sayinnn ".

Bedtime

2009-09-10T12:51:00.004-06:00

As I crawled into bed yesterday evening, I realized that I have a nightly ritual. Or more accurate, a quirk. My alarm clock is a Bose Wave radio. The display on it dims and brightens according to the ambient light in the room. I noticed that when I am in bed and turn off the lamp on the nightstand that I remain sitting upright and staring at the clock until the clock dims down in the dark. Once dim, I get horizontal and call it a night. Thinking back, I have been doing this as long as I can remember since I have owned the radio. It's officially freakish. Okay, so let's hear it...what little quirks/rituals do you have?

OMG

2009-09-08T09:07:00.001-06:00

Sonic French Toast Sticks! 'nough said.

A Note of Thanks to Granville Loar

2009-06-26T15:52:00.001-06:00

A Note of Thanks to Granville Loar

Posted using ShareThis

Farrah Fawcett

2009-06-25T11:31:00.004-06:00

Wow, Farrah is gone. I sort of feel like part of my childhood just died. I still have the famous red swimsuit poster. I probably still have the 8000+ magazines and clippings from the 70s. She was a class act until the end. If you have not seen Extremities or The Burning Bed, go rent them. Awesome movies and a great showcase for Farrah. Then there is the sci-fi classic, Logan's Run. Always liked her...probably always will. Bye, Angel.

The Longest Way

2009-05-23T12:39:00.007-06:00

This is very cool. Makes my feet hurt just thinking about it.

Landslide

2009-05-23T11:53:00.004-06:00

One of my favorite songs. Love this version.

Crichton

2009-04-22T17:02:00.003-06:00

I forgot how much I enjoy reading Michael Crichton. I just finished Next and thoroughly enjoyed it. Even though his works are fiction, he did such extensive research that I always come away feeling I learned something while being entertained. I, more often than not, find it hard to read just a few chapters when I pick up one of his books. They definitely suck me into them. It is a shame that this talent passed away so soon. I am sure there were many more interesting books left in him. Now than I have read everything that he has written I guess I will have to find a new favorite. Dammit.

A Country Divided

2009-04-16T15:22:00.006-06:00

Come on. I don't care if you are black or white. Gay or straight. Christian, Islamic, Jewish or Atheist. Democrat or Republican. When is everyone going to realize that we are all American and in this for the haul? How about a little share of fault, share of responsibility, share of accountability? Stop all of the finger pointing and childish behaviors and let's try working together for a change. Who knows, it might just help!

Winter and Vacation

2009-02-27T12:01:00.004-06:00

The weather has been all over the place lately. 30s to high 60s to teens. Today is a teen day (and not in a bubble gum, Hanna Montana kind of way). I really don't care what the weather does...just pick something and stick to it. My sinuses are killing me!

I think it might be time for some sort of vacation. My brain is full. Should I go visit dad in Hawaii, or sister in Bermuda? Or should I scrap family all together and go get lost someplace I haven't been before? Chances are I will just stick around and do laundry and read. That makes for some interesting photo opportunities!

Headshot

2009-02-27T11:49:00.002-06:00

I really need a new picture of myself over there in my Profile Section. Anyone have a pic of me that can be shared?

Why Digital Television Was Delayed

2009-02-06T13:58:00.001-06:00

Hundreds Attend Global Warming Protest in Indiana

2009-02-05T10:30:00.001-06:00

Midori

2009-01-10T18:30:00.005-06:00

Last night I had the great opportunity to hear violin virtuoso Midori perform with the Kansas City Symphony. I remember seeing her on television when she was only a child. I was so impressed with her talents then and really cannot express how amazing last night's performance was. She performed Brahms' Concerto in D Major for Violin and Orchestra. Spectacular!

If you get a chance, take a look at Midori's Web site. It provides a nice overview of her background, her work, and her community and educational work.

Here Is Wishing Everyone a Safe and Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T15:22:00.000-06:00

Tis the Season

2008-11-16T21:18:00.004-06:00

Here is a nice decoration for all of your Jewish friends who also celebrate Christmas. Nothing says cross-denominational like a Star of David tree topper. The work of some goy marketing schmuck I bet!

My God, What Did I Eat Last Night?

2008-11-06T11:28:00.003-06:00

It has been some time since I have had a dream that was vivid and one I really remember. Last night changed that.

Suddenly, I found myself in a small, fortified Norwegian fishing village in 1635. I know it was 1635 because I asked the daughter of the village chieftain. I am not sure why I was in Norway, why it was 1635, why the fishing village was fortified, or why I was still dressed in the jeans and sweater I had worn yesterday. Nonetheless, things were going well for quite a period. The Norwegians were very pleasant and welcoming. I ate my fill of fresh fish and delicious pastries. Also, one of my co-workers operated an amusement ride in the village. It was called the pollercoaster – very similar to the traditional rollercoaster, however riders held on to a moving metal poll to be transported about the ride. The villagers loved this form of entertainment during their leisurely times.

Did I mention that I was sent ahead of my travelling party to see if the nearby village was friendly? Yeah, apparently the winter months in Norway were much colder than usual that year. My band of travelers was still stuck in the ice flows in the ocean. The ship became lodged in ice and was unable to navigate the seas to the shoreline. For those of you old enough, think back to the 1971 Richard Harris film “Man In the Wilderness.” Much like the fur trappers moving their ship across land using ropes, block and tackle, and logs, my companions were doing something similar. A roadway of logs was laid out and the trapped ship was being pushed by the men, while small seals pulled from the front.

Well, apparently the villagers were pissed when they found out that the little seals were being abused in such a way. The entire party was taken to the village, ship in tow, and told that we were no longer welcomed. To be fair, they did feed us more delicious fish and pastries before becoming quite rude and inhospitable. We were given one week to get our items in order and leave, or we would be killed in the historic Viking style. I never learned what that was (probably for the best).

One week to get the boat ready to sail in the frozen seas was really pushing it. We decided to really work to be out of the village but decided on a backup plan – just in case. One night, under the cover of darkness, we broke into the pastry kitchen and stole large amounts of chocolate. We sculpted life-size images of ourselves from the chocolate and placed them around our lodging area, complete with weaponry. We wanted to create the appearance that we were not ones to be messed with. Plus, we knew that with the cold temperatures that the chocolate would not melt, so our ruse would be complete if we could not meet our deadline.

Fast forward to a week later. We did hit our deadline and had the ship in open waters and heading away from the Norwegian village. As we all looked back we saw the chieftain’s daughter atop the shoulders of one of the chocolate travelers, waving goodbye and, though not certain, we thought we saw a tear running down her cheek.

About that time my clock radio alarm went off and I awoke to Karen Carpenter singing “No Place Like Home for the Holidays” - far too early in the season. I really need to work on getting some better sleep.

Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States

2008-11-04T23:08:00.002-06:00

Election 2008

2008-11-04T14:21:00.004-06:00

The day is finally here. Now only another six months of post-election analysis! Here is a photo from my voting location. I arrived early and stood for quite some time. The atmosphere was very upbeat and positive. Nobody seemed to mind the long waits. One man even asked someone to save his spot in line and he arrived back about 15 minutes later with about 50 coffees from McDonald's. He distributed them to whoever wanted one. All for all, it was a very pleasant, fall morning. Let's hope the next four years can be as such.

Loar In 2008

2008-07-24T19:39:00.001-06:00

You bet your ass!

Update: 11.4.08 It looks like my original post link expired so here is a new link to the same content.
http://www.inews3.com/topstory.php?id=4772616e76696c6c657c4c6f6172

Young @ Heart

2008-07-20T20:54:00.002-06:00

I saw a pretty amazing film this weekend, Young @ Heart. It's a documentary that follows the seven-week rehearsal of a chorus group ranging in age from their 70s to the 90s. The story looks into their personal stories, their will to live their lives to the fullest, the friends they develop and the friends and family that are lost along the way. The chorus performs rock and punk songs, giving each their own spin. I found myself tearing up several times throughout the film...both with joy and with sadness. Below is a sample, Fix You by Coldplay - as performed by Young @ Heart. If you get a chance to see this film, please do yourself a favor and do so.

Where In the Hell Is Matt?

2008-07-01T12:33:00.003-06:00

This is the coolest thing I have seen in a long, long time. Matt rocks! Perhaps politicians and world leaders should take up dancing without boundaries.

I Am Such a Dork

2008-06-23T21:08:00.003-06:00

Look what is opening in South Kansas City! Soon, I will have one 10 minutes from work and one 10 minutes from home. We loves us some Apple Snacks!

Monkey Business

2008-06-20T13:30:00.004-06:00

Shocker…it’s been a while since my last post. It has been a busy Spring/Summer, so far. I recently got back from a week+ in San Diego for the annual conference of my association. It was great. Great attendance. Great people. Great venue. And a cute, fuzzy chimp!

Long story short, I hired a chimpanzee for part of our conference opening. His name is Kenzy. He is about three years old. Perhaps you have seen his work in the recently released “Speed Racer” in the role of Chim Chim? He was cute as hell, very friendly and surprising strong for such a small size. When he grabbed the back of your neck to pull your head closer you had little choice but to oblige. When he was ready to get out of your arms, his push-off all but knocked you over. I learned from his handler that a full-grown chimpanzee is about 4 ½ feet tall, 160 pounds, and can pull/push about 1000 pounds with a single arm. It’s a good thing he was friendly!

Here is one of the photos from backstage when we were hanging out prior to the event open. When the crowd finally saw him…they went ape!

Muto

2008-05-16T20:24:00.003-06:00

What an amazing work of art. I cannot even imagine how long it took the artist Blu to conceive and execute this in New York City. Now that is some serious graffiti!

MUTO a wall-painted animation by BLU from blu on Vimeo.

Friday - Sunday Bloodsuckers

2008-04-26T21:32:00.005-06:00

I have been hearing Vampire Weekend on XM lately. I bought the new CD today and have to say I am loving these guys. The band is a blend of reggae, ska, punk and a touch of classical. They are a tad hard to pigeon-hole in a particular style. I can't wait to give the CD a few more listens and discover more layers of talent this band offers. They are out there on iTunes if you want to sample their sounds. Definitely give them a listen if you are looking for something newer and fresher than the regurgitations of Britney. For vampires, they don't suck!

Something to Ponder

2008-04-05T19:40:00.002-06:00

Peanut oil is made from peanuts. Olive oil from olives. Coconut oil from coconuts. Baby oil?

This Made Me Laugh Aloud

2008-03-21T20:32:00.002-06:00

I Left My Feet In San Francisco

2008-03-10T21:54:00.004-06:00

Today I walked across the Golden Gate Bridge. The weather was perfect, the sky was blue, the water sparkled and the bridge was...well, Golden. About half way across I realized that I was humming Journey songs in my head (When the lights, go out, in the city...). I find that a bit odd because on my visit to Boston I don't recall humming Aerosmith. Nonetheless, the trip across and back was amazing. I can now mark that off of my 'things to do in life' list. Crossing the Golden Gate on foot, that is...not humming classic Journey.

Goodbye Heath

2008-01-24T21:32:00.000-06:00

It's sad when a talent is snuffed out so soon. Obviously, I never met Heath Ledger, but all interviews I saw and words I heard indicated a polite, down to earth individual. His talent amazed me. Even when the films were so-so, he was excellent. His roles were as diverse as his audiences. He was one of the few actors today who could have been viewed as a classic...a future Cary Grant or Jimmy Stewart. You and your talent will be missed.

Hmmm

2008-01-19T23:26:00.001-06:00

Not really sure I can add anything else to this.

Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD

2008-01-15T21:28:00.000-06:00

I have been holding off on purchasing a high definition DVD player in hopes that the battle between Blu-Ray and HD-DVD will be decided. Apparently, it has...

Who Wears the Pants?

2007-11-28T17:43:00.000-06:00

Two elderly gentlemen overhead at Sears – one the customer, one the clerk:

Clerk: “Would you like a gift receipt with that in case she doesn’t like it?”

Customer: “What’s not to like?”

Clerk: “Well, I have learned that my wife is very opinionated and her thoughts are what usually drive my actions.”

Customer: “Nah, the last fight I had with my wife, she came crawling after me.”

Clerk: “Oh?”

Customer: “Yeah, she was yelling ‘Get out from under that bed you lousy coward!’”

Both chuckled then parted ways. Old people rock!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T11:30:00.000-06:00

Greetings and Happy Thanksgiving from New York City! I headed up here yesterday and met up with family members. We decided to do the holiday away from home and just get away from things for a few days. I just got back from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The crowd was absolutely huge, cheerful, happy and in the festive spirit. It sounds so cliche, but it's true...there truly is no other city quite like New York. Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy a few shots from the parade!

Put Him On Jenny Craig!

2007-11-18T12:16:00.000-06:00

So I hear that Australia has banned the use of 'Ho Ho Ho' from its Santas stating that it scares small children and the word 'ho' is derogatory to women. Instead, Santas have been asked to say 'Ha Ha Ha.' I am guessing that a 300+ pound guy in a big red, furry suit is the scary part, not necessarily what he says. And when did we begin to equate laughter and jocularity with demeaning women? Sorry, but a 'Ho' is a prostitute/easy woman, 'Ho Ho' is a snack cake, and 'Ho Ho Ho' is what Santa is suppose to say. Don't mess with tradition because you think someone would better appreciate the political correctness of it. Really, this world is becoming so cravingly politically correct that we wouldn't know a good time if it sat on our face.

Curtain Call

2007-11-12T16:52:00.000-06:00

Back to the daily grind after a few days in New York. A great time, as always. I was up for a meeting with the AICPA. During some free time I was able to catch a performance of Young Frankenstein: The Musical. Sheer brilliance! The show was huge in scale, and hilarious in content! After the show was over I was able to grab an autograph of Schuler Hensley (the Monster) and Andrea Martin (Frau Blucher).

I also saw The Ritz and Wintuk while in town. Both were enjoyable, though not sure I would highly recommend them to anyone. No regrets, though.

..and then the Great White Way went dark. Saturday morning saw the beginning of a stage hand union strike. Ironically, the first show to close due to the strike was How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Each theater sported a closed sign, a row of picketing union members, about five NYPD officers, and a gaggle of blue-haired, raging ticket holders. I think the police were probably present to protect the picketers from the pissed off women who missed their show.

top: Me and Andrea Martin (aka Frau Blucher)

bottom: The strike begins

Happy ChristmaHalloGiving!

2007-10-31T10:41:00.000-06:00

On Thanksgiving evening, 1999, a local radio station began playing Christmas music 24/7 through the holiday season, ending at midnight Christmas evening. It was festive, set a perfect holiday mood and was very well received by the Kansas City market. A tradition was born.

Soon after, other stations followed. Everywhere you turned Christmas songs could be heard. Well guess what? I heard my first one at 7:30 this morning when my alarm went off. Feed the World chiming away with its pop-glam 80s feel. My one good morning eye popped open and stared at the radio. Was I dreaming this? Did I hear this correctly? This is Halloween. I am supposed to dress up as a giant egg for work. Nope. Sure enough, apparently the holiday season is upon us!

It is already bad enough when I go to Walgreens and Target and see the retail displays of a turkey wearing a Santa hat carving a jack-o-lantern (displayed one aisle over from the Valentine cards). I don’t need to hear Burl Ives on Halloween morning where Night on Bald Mountain or Addams Family Theme should be. Now don’t get me wrong. I LOVE Christmas music and will listen to only Christmas music from the Friday after Thanksgiving through New Years (yes, the radio stations now extend past Christmas evening). But on Halloween? Really?

Does forcing the holidays together into a conglomerate pot of ‘festive stew’ really boost that many more sales? Does it make people think they must begin ‘feeling the jolly’ immediately? Honestly, it makes me less interested. I really get into most of the various holidays and seasons. But I enjoy them individually…savoring each ingredient they can offer. I don’t want the holiday buffet. I want the elegant, plated, full-service experience. I love the Christmas season for the Christmas season. Not for one sixth of an entire calendar year! For the love of Pete and all things holy, let’s save the Hickory Farms, eggnog and twinkle lights for after Thanksgiving and bring the rotten corpses and sugar highs back to Halloween!

Czech It Out!

2007-10-24T13:56:00.000-06:00

Yeah, bad pun. I know. I have been back from my Prague vacation a couple of weeks and have sorted through my 500+ photos. Rather than bore the hell out of you with all of them, here are about a fifth of them for your viewing pleasure. If you want to see the rest, or the three+ hours of video 1. just let me know 2. you are sicker than I thought. Larger photos, with descriptions, can be found in the Images section of my Web site.

Prague and surrounding countryside is absolutely amazing. These pictures do not even begin to do things justice. I am so ready to go back and do it all again! Enjoy!

Vacation...

2007-09-27T15:52:00.000-06:00

Crap. I leave for vacation in two days and all I have done is most of my laundry. I really need to think about packing something soon! Oh, and I need new jeans (old ones must have shrunk).

Toronto Rocks!

2007-08-29T13:09:00.001-06:00

I had to go to a work function last night. Damn my job. I found myself a guest of the Toronto Convention and Visitors Bureau. They invited a few of us from the office for dinner and drinks. Oh, and then they shuttled us over to the Dave Matthews Band concert – complete with primo seats and alcohol. It’s a tough job, though I try to hold up my obligations to the company.

The concert was most excellent. Dave played to a sold-out crowd of 18,000 fans for about two hours and forty-five minutes. The place was rockin’!

I remember the first time I saw DMB. He played the Shrine Auditorium in Springfield, Mo. I think I paid $10 for the ticket and there were maybe 800 people there. My friend and I road tripped down for it. He wasn’t too familiar with DMB and the Under the Table and Dreaming CD had not yet been released. Dave hung outside with the crowd chatting with everyone before the show, then when the doors finally opened we wondered in and ended up front row. He played for about two hours. Wow, times sure have changed! DMB still puts on a hell of a show, but the crowds have grown, the stage set is massive, the fans are die-hard and the ticket prices have skyrocketed.

Thank you Toronto! You rock, eh!

She Is Our Future

2007-08-27T16:35:00.000-06:00

Hold me, I'm scared!

Nemluvin C’esky

2007-08-10T11:49:00.000-06:00

You heard me. I said I don’t speak Czech. However, that is not going to stop me from my vacation this year. I really have not had a long trip vacation in about three years. A couple weeks back I decided it was time for an adventure. A few nights on the Web and a few airline/hotel searches later and I am headed to the Czech Republic the first week of October!

More specifically, I am spending a week in Prague. For whatever reason, I have always seemed fascinated with Prague and old Eastern Europe. On past visits to Europe I had wanted to travel into the Czech Republic and Prague but never had enough time since it is sort of off of the beaten path and not incredibly well linked by the EuroRail system. For this trip the whole focus is Prague and excursions to nearby towns.

I booked my airline ticket a couple weeks ago and just received my hotel confirmation this morning. It’s official now…look out! I am staying in the Old Town in a hotel that was originally a brewery, then used as offices for the Russian Communist Party. It looks to be in a good location that is fairly central to transportation and sites.

It would be fun to have some friends travel with me, but I am pretty sure I can do some serious sightseeing, eating, drinking and shopping on my own, too. I need to sit down and make a list of ‘To-Do’ and ‘To-See’ while there. I also need to learn at least a handful of C’esky words and phrases so I don’t come across as a total Ego-American ethnocentristic ass. I will update later. I am considering taking my laptop with me, but just not sure at this time. It might all come as a lump update once I return.

It's Alive!

2007-07-30T17:31:00.000-06:00

Mel Brooks is staging a musical version of his 70's classic film Young Frankenstein. It opens on Broadway this fall...and I just got two tickets! On Wednesday, November 7 don't even think about trying to contact me for anything. I will be enjoying one of my all time favorite films in its new version. Blucher! (insert horse sounds here).

He's Not Even Human

2007-07-20T12:59:00.000-06:00

He said he was rarely at the house, and had no idea it may have been used in a criminal enterprise. He blamed family members for taking advantage of his generosity. To Michael Vick I say, “Bullsh*t!”

I am both amazed and appalled by this ‘human’ and his alleged actions regarding dog fighting. No animal should be put through even a fraction of what these poor dogs, mostly Pit Bulls, endured. And on top of that, why was Vick even doing it? God knows he didn’t need the money with his NFL contract and various endorsements. It is a power and ego play. A gross display of dominance and greed.

I agree that the legal system needs to run its course. However, I hope it isn’t the celebrity track that more than often applies a second set of standards and rules. Look at O.J. and Paris. Though very different crimes from each other, they received the golden treatment and are back on the street with little, or no, accountability for their actions. Vick should be processed and tried as any other person in this country…not some bling-wearing ego-maniac.

I applaud Nike for at least suspending the release of the new line of Vick endorsed/named products until a decision is reached. If convicted, and I hope he is, I can only hope that Nike, the NFL and any other business arrangement in place, cuts all ties with this heathen and suspends him for life. Then let the legal system add its own punishment.

If convicted, a proper sentence, in my book, would be to slather him in bacon grease, break one leg, hook up a couple electrodes to him that respond to screams, chuck him into his own blood-soaked battle arena, then release the hounds. An eye for an eye seems only fair in this case.

3:46 a.m.

2007-07-16T02:46:00.000-06:00

Insomnia's a dirty slut. A whorish wraith stuck against my bedroom wall. Stockings down. Killer legs. Bereft of virtue and very loud. Quiet the noise!

-as written by WestVillageKid and experienced by me

All Hail the King?

2007-07-02T14:28:00.000-06:00

I watched the Concert for Diana yesterday. As with any hyped, produced, commercialized event sporting big names and self-proclaimed big names, it had it’s high and low points. I think the sons did a nice thing to help remember their mother. I don’t necessarily understand the thought behind some of the concert lineup. I believe the “Ass of the Year” award definitely goes to Sean “Diddy” Combs.

During a backstage interview, Diddy was progressing very nicely. He made what seemed to be sincere, heartfelt comments about Diana and her various philanthropies, her work and how much of the world respected her. He should have stopped right there.

He continued by commenting on how he understood how Princes William and Harry felt about constantly being in the spotlight as English Royalty. He understood this because back in the States he was American Royalty. Really? Royalty? Diddy? Huh. The last time I checked, the US did not have a monarchy in place. I didn’t realize we had a royal family here. I guess I need to read the paper a bit more often.

Give me a friggin’ break! About as close to being American Royalty as you have come is possibly listening to a Prince CD. I just don’t get the “Oh, I am hot shit, worship me, envy me, look at my bling” mentality that so many celebrities have. It seems even more personified in the rap community. Get over yourself, Diddy. I have never considered you as any form of royalty, and while I am on my soapbox, mumbling over samples of someone else’s previously released work is not really a talent, either.

Sadly, the America representation during the concert was the weakest. Kanye and Diddy would do well to follow some of the class displayed by Sir Elton John and Rod Stewart. There is a reason they have been performing and excelling for 30+ years.

iLine

2007-06-29T19:04:00.000-06:00

Well, the new iPhone launched this evening. Here is a photo of the line that formed outside of the Apple Store in Kansas City. Admittedly, I would love to own one of the new gadgets...it's a shame that the required service provider is AT&T. Personally, I have never used their services, but several of my friends and colleagues have made the switch from them due to poor coverage and service. Alas, no iPhone for me. At least not until the exclusive agreement between Apple and AT&T ends. I am hoping some of the new iPod technology found in the iPhone will filter down to a new generation iPod this Fall. Let's all cross our fingers for me!

He Lives!

2007-06-22T13:16:00.000-06:00

Yeah, I know it’s been a while. I am going to have to go with amnesia as a result of some odd alien abduction. Things have been pretty crazy over the last few weeks. I have had a trip to Houston and Galveston…just for the hell of it. Hosted our annual association meeting in Savannah, Georgia. Went to a Chinese wedding in Toronto. Visited Niagara Falls. Been reviewed by my association executive committee. And now all is complete…whew. Things have been going very well…just non-stop.

I can’t believe it’s already nearing the end of June. Didn’t it just snow here a short while back? This weekend my plans include nothing. I am totally making it up as it happens. And if it doesn’t happen, that’s fine, too. The weather is suppose to be a combo of clear and showers. I might spend some time outside, might catch a movie, might clean up some around the house, might do laundry. Also might say screw it and sleep. Stay tuned.

Wiped

2007-04-09T15:17:00.000-06:00

It’s 4:15 on a Monday afternoon. The sky is overcast gray. My Jeep is in the shop with possible transmission issues. I am craving ice cream…any flavor. I need a nap. Perhaps if I lay my head down on my desk for just a minute or two…

When In Rome

2007-03-15T21:08:00.000-06:00

I was in Vegas the last couple of days for work. I saw a sign propped on an easel just outside a door to one of the many meeting rooms in Caesar's Palace. It read as follows:

"Today's Ethics Meeting Is Cancelled"

Out of the Mouths of Babes

2007-02-22T09:37:00.000-06:00

I came across this in my morning e-mail. Some of these are repeats, but there a few new ones, too. Nonetheless, they all made me chuckle. Ah, the wisdom of youth!

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?
You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
-- Alan, age 10

No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.
-- Kristen, age 10

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
-- Camille, age 10

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?
You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
-- Derrick, age 8

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
Both don't want any more kids.
-- Lori, age 8

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
-- Lynnette, age 8 (isn't she a treasure)

On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
-- Martin, age 10

WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON A FIRST DATE THAT WAS TURNING SOUR?
I'd run home and play dead. The next day I would call all the newspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead columns.
-- Craig, age 9

WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
When they're rich.
-- Pam, age 7

The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.
-- Curt, age 7

The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
-- Howard, age 8

IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.
-- Anita, age 9 (bless you child)

HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?
There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?
-- Kelvin, age 8

And the #1 Favorite is........
HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck.
-- Ricky, age 10

I'll Have the Hamaki and a Nightmare

2007-02-14T16:36:00.000-06:00

Two years ago today I had my Valentine’s Day Dinner with Alice Cooper and his wife. I was in Scottsdale, Arizona on business and was referred to a sushi restaurant, Stingray. While sitting and enjoying my meal of assorted tuna and California rolls, sipping on plum wine, in walk the “Coopers.”

I thought the guy looked familiar but couldn’t place him. Maybe it was just one of those faces. They were seated right next to me and it dawned on me, “Dude! You are Alice Cooper!” Luckily the thought stayed in my head, rather than going audible. Once seated, they both looked my direction, exchanged greetings and polite smiles with me then went about their evening. The staff gave them their ‘usual’ and everyone working seemed to know them.

Apparently, Alice lives in the Scottsdale area and regularly plays golf in the area. At least in a sushi house, he is a far cry from his beheaded, blood-soaked nightmare stage character. Really, a plus when dining. He’s polite that way.

Uber Bowl

2007-02-05T16:20:00.000-06:00

Well, the Super Bowl came. The Super Bowl went. As always, the commercials were the highlight. This year most sucked. I did find humor in the Doritos checkout lane spot and the CareerBuilder ads. Lots of money spent for not many memories.

Chattering Teeth

2007-01-31T17:07:00.000-06:00

Cold. It is friggin' cold! I am looking out my office window and watching snow fall and temperatures plummet. It is now 15 degrees in Kansas City, with single-digits expected overnight. Luckily, tomorrow is suppose to reach a balmy 32. The snow showers have been very odd. With the exception of a short period, the snow has been the really light stuff where you look out the window and say, "Huh, is that snow? I can barely see it" It looks sort of like airborne dust. However, this light crap is piling up. It's determined, if nothing else. About time to head out and face the traffic heading home. Good times.

"F#ck you. I'm a prophet!"

2007-01-20T23:53:00.000-06:00

I just returned home from an exceptional production of Angels in America. Running roughly six and a half hours over two nights, this play takes place in the mid- to late- 1980s. It looks at politics, relationships, coming to terms with one’s sexual orientation, opening your mind to another’s point of view, forgiveness and the often brutal reality of living with, and succumbing to, AIDS.

Towards the end of the play, the protagonist finds himself in Heaven. He is given the option to stay, should he wish. However, despite struggling with numerous health issues brought on by AIDS, and not knowing what the future holds for him, he requests that he be returned to Earth. He chooses life.

The play is an amazing reminder to embrace everything you can. We can choose to loath, pity, hate, regret…or we can live. Live the best way that we can.

It is snowing something crazy in Kansas City right now. It has been for about nine hours now. It is so beautiful. So peaceful. So quiet. As I drove home tonight I was thinking about the messages from the play. I was thinking about my family. Thinking about my friends. The snow. The crispness in the air. Life. I would have left Heaven, too.

It's Shiny...I'm Stoopid

2007-01-08T12:28:00.000-06:00

Over the weekend I turned to what some might consider the ‘dark side.’ After much thought, and even more research, I purchased my first Mac. I had wanted something that I would primarily use for my various media hobbies – photos, video, web, blogs, music, pod casting, etc. Something powerful. Something fairly easy to transport. Something with integrated functionality. In short, something MacBook Pro. Yep, did it. Bought a MacBook Pro – 15.4” glossy screen, 120 GB hard drive, 2 GB RAM, 2.33 MHz Core 2 Duo processor. In short, probably more than I needed…but not only is it powerful, it looks really damn cool!

I have been working in a Windows environment since Windows 3.1. While no guru, I feel very comfortable and knowledgeable on a PC. Now, I am not a completely stupid person, but the Mac OS X is kicking my ass! I find myself just blankly staring at the desktop and fixating on all of the prettiness. I am over-thinking everything. The major thing that I have learned, so far, is that what I want to do doesn’t have to be buried in layers of screens or folders. It is very simplified and friendly. I am making it much more complicated than it is. I think a couple hands-on classes at the local Apple store, and a few reference books are in order.

Do I regret buying it since I am not familiar with Mac? Not at all. I can already tell that I am going to love it. I just need to get past the ‘deer in headlights’ phase. Did I mention it looks damn cool?

Pajamas and Bubbles

2007-01-01T00:06:00.000-06:00

So instead of hanging out in overly-crowded public spots, celebrating with drunken fools, we decided to go to the house of close friends and hang out with the drunks we know! Pat and Lisa hosted a pajama party for all of us - complete with homemade Mexican food (just food for you readers in Mexico). This gathering far beats anything a public bar or hotel could match. Hanging out with close friends and watching Dick Clark, home movies and playing Mazola Twister rocks! Below are some thoughts from those present. Happy New Year!

"2007 will be one of the biggest changing experiences in our lives! We look forward to having a new little guy to show the ropes and to learn from him too. We also look forward to seeing our friends at many more get togethers."

"We hope everyone's New Year is everything they want it to be in 2007."
- Chris & Kim

"I hope 2007 brings only happiness, peace and joy. Happy New Year to all!"
- Rikki

"2007 is destined to be a good one! Hopefully, the MOJO will become a household name by the end of the year, fingers crossed. But, tonite, the realization that I have some of the best friends in the world has hit me yet again! Anything I do, or accomplish, will be supproted by my friends, anything I fail at, or fail to accomplish, will be supported by my friends. I am thankful for all of them every day of my life. Happy freakin new year everybody!"
- Aaron, A-Train, Mr. MOJO, Byrdman

"Bloody hell! It's 2007! I can remember back when g-ville wore a big giant white hat, tall white boots, and carried a big giant rod. But enough about the 80's and marching band. Uh, can't think of anything else. I'm old. I feel old. And it's way past my bedtime. Need to grab my gerital, or is that a gerbil, synapsese are not firing correctly any more."

"Good night and may you have a pleasant tomato."
- Flea

"Here I sit, in my pajamas, eating my first meal of 2007... and it was cooked by the MOJO man himself!! (ok, so I warmed up some of the mexican we had earlier this evening... but it's still good!). 2007 looks promising... scary... pivitol (sp?)... life changing... or maybe just the same.. who knows?!.. But regardless, I echo what Aaron said. Great friends. And that's what it's all about...."
- Kent

"Yeah!!!!!!"
- Jeffrey

"Merry New Year!"
- Amy Lynn Baker

"I look back and am so thankful for the group of friends that have made this past year so great. All of the friends I find myself surrounded by this very New Years Eve. Happy New Year to all, I can't wait to see what the next year holds for all of us. Hope everyone has a great year. See ya soon!"
- Patman.

"Heres to a wonderful year! I feel so fortunate to have the wonderful friends that we do. You are truly my family! I look forward to many more wonderful years. May all of you have a wonderful New Year and may all your new years resolutions work out! See You SOON!!!!"
- Love and Friends, Lis'

Winter Wonderland

2006-11-30T17:20:00.000-06:00

It’s snowing in Kansas City! On Tuesday we had temperatures in the high 60s. Wednesday morning those temps started to drop (17 degrees overnight). By yesterday afternoon we had a full-blown ice storm swirlin g around outside. Well, the ice crap stopped last night, streets were cleared by this morning and the drive into work was pretty normal and uneventful. Now comes the fluffy stuff! Depending on the part of the city, the weather “professionals” are predicting from 4” to 10”. I think I will stay inside tonight and think warm thoughts – that is after I actually get home!

Photo from my office door - Downtown Kansas City, River Market

Hmmm

2006-11-17T09:52:00.001-06:00

Dear Slim-Fast: Please define 'Sensible'

In a Nutshell

2006-11-14T17:47:00.000-06:00

Here are highlights from roughly my last week – in Reader’s Digest format:

· Kansas City to New York City
· Evil Dead – The Musical (sat next to Hurley from Lost)
· People watching in Times Square (highly recommended)
· AICPA meeting (speakers, lunch, networking)
· Filled prescription for sinuses at Duane Reade
· A Chorus Line with Sally and Leisa
· Hugh-ass open-faced roast beef sandwich at Junior’s
· Breakfast at Grand Central Station with Kayte (killer waffles)
· AICPA meeting continues
· At end of day, go to hotel to nap – wake up 8.5 hours later (oops)
· Took out contacts and went back to bed for the night
· Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes!
· Street Meat
· Window shopping along 5th Avenue
· Pumpkin Pie Concrete at the Shake Shack (man, they are good!)
· Passed on the 3-hour wait for the Chocolate Expo
· West Elm shopping
· Passed on the now shorter 2.25-hour wait for the Chocolate Expo
· Dinner at Lunetta in Brooklyn with Sean and Wendy
· People watching on 1 a.m. subway train from Brooklyn to Manhattan (you have no idea)
· Cashmere purchases at Bloomingdale’s (warm and fuzzy on so many levels)
· Relaxing rainy walk through Manhattan
· Fall foliage in Central Park (words cannot describe)
· Skaters in the Park
· The Shops at Columbus Circle
· Stroll through Hell’s Kitchen (rain slowed to a drizzle)
· ‘New York’ hoodie purchase
· Shuttle to Newark Airport
· Flight cancelled due to weather
· Starbuck’s
· Marriott Newark (with over 5,000 feet of meeting space for your next event!)
· Re-routed to Minneapolis
· Village People sighting at Minneapolis Airport – Sort of (actually just a construction worker, a service man, airport security and some guy in a cowboy hat…play along)
· Mini-sooo-ta to Kansas City
· Back at work today and sorting through e-mails and such

Well then, there you have it. I always enjoy the time in New York…both work and personal. There is really no place quite like it anywhere else.

Happy Anniversary!

2006-11-01T15:59:00.000-06:00

Wow, it’s hard to believe I have been blabbing about things for a year now. While I might not have always been consistent with the frequency of my posts, I have been good about maintaining them and keeping at it. I promise my readers (both of you) that I will make every effort to post more frequently in the next 365.

In the meantime, here is a picture of Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus. Feel free to discuss the symbolism found throughout the piece, as well as your initial reaction to the tart in the arms of the blowhard - painting left. I want to see some good discourse in the comments!

Ciao!

NEAR...far

2006-10-13T14:24:00.000-06:00

I find it interesting that with all of the ways that today’s technology allows for shrinking the world and bringing people closer together that we are growing more distant. Time was we would pick up the phone and talk with family and friends. We would stop by the house of loved ones and chat about current issues, make plans for Saturday night or just shoot the shit. If we had to contact a company, we would call them and talk person to person. We had personal interaction.

The technological advancements of the last few years are amazing. We can e-mail, text message, podcast, blog, Skype and video conference, to list but a few. I am the first to say that I love these options and embrace and encourage them. Where I feel we as a society fall short is we have come to depend on them as our main form of interaction rather than a way to compliment interaction. We e-mail rather than write a tactile thank you letter or note. We text rather than call. We press key after key rather than talk with customer service. We share the photos of last weekend’s party on MySpace rather than have some friends over to hang out and look at pictures. We create our avatar and battle evil in front of a PC rather than gather with friends for a night of good wine and Monopoly.

Do I think these forms of sharing and communications are bad? Not at all! I think they are all wonderful and feel that we should continue to make advances to take them to the next level. But I also feel like we need to focus on more physical interaction in society rather than virtual interaction. The planet is a big one and the technology should be a way to help us make it smaller – not more distant. What’s wrong with looking at digital pictures on a large LCD monitor surrounded by friends (and good wine)?

Tool Time

2006-09-18T12:30:00.000-06:00

I went to the TOOL concert this last Friday. These guys put on a hell of a show. I have never been a crazed Tool fan, though I have been listening to them over them years. I had the opportunity to get a couple primo seats and decided why not. It is amazing the amount of sound this four-man band can produce. Tool has awesome layers of sound and sound sources. They produce a very unique blend of metal and electronica. The songs are very distinct and the musicians very tight and precise. What a great experience! Here is a picture snapped from my cell phone. Check out their Web site when you get a chance. Tool

The Station

2006-08-15T22:22:00.000-06:00

I remember that in college a friend gave me a newspaper clipping. Over the years I have lost touch and have no idea where Andi Grassman is today. I still have that tattered, folded, yellowing piece of paper she gave me, though. I look at it often and it still reminds me of what is important.

The Station

Tucked away in our subconscious is an idyllic vision.

We see ourselves on a long trip that spans the continent. We are traveling by train. Out the windows we drink in the passing scene of cars on nearby highways, of children waving at a crossing, of cattle grazing on a distant hillside, of smoke pouring from a power plant, of row upon row of corn and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, of mountains and rolling hillsides, of city skylines and village halls.

But uppermost in our minds is the final destination. On a certain day at a certain hour, we will pull into the station. Bands will be playing and flags waving.

Once we get there, so many wonderful dreams will come true, and the pieces of our lives will fit together like a completed jigsaw puzzle. How restlessly we pace the aisles, damning the minutes for loitering – waiting, waiting, waiting for the station.

“When we reach the station, that will be it!” we cry. “When I’m 18.” “When I buy a new 450SL Mercedes Benz!” “When I put the last kid through college.” “When I have paid off the mortgage!”

Sooner or later we must realize there is no station, no one place to arrive at once and for all. The true joy of life is the trip. The station is only a dream.

It isn’t the burdens of today that drive men mad. It is the regrets over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who rob us of today.

So, stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot more often, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more, cry less.

Life must be lived as we go along.

The station will come soon enough.

- Robert J. Hastings

Minnie Dutton 4.28.1910 - 8.8.2006

2006-08-08T23:03:00.000-06:00

My great-aunt passed away this afternoon. She was 96+ and lived a very full and happy life. Up until November of 2005 she was the specimen of perfect health. Aside from dentures and some hearing and vision loss that are expected of someone that age, she was probably healthier in mind and body than many people much younger than her. Last fall she had a heart attack and started the downhill battle. All the time she was in good spirits. Having lived alone for several years up until that point, the hospitals, doctors and nurses were an adjustment for her. She was on their schedule, not hers. She never missed a beat though. She knew where she was, made friends with the medical staff and kept a positive attitude; just as she led her life.

A child of French immigrants, she never knew a stranger. She married Willard many years ago. That lasted for a while but they went their separate ways. Then along came Tom. They married and were together until his death. Let’s try Willard again. They were married a second time until his death. She lived in Riverside and Pasadena, California. She later moved up to Big Bear Lake in the California Mountains. She worked retail for years and loved meeting people from all walks of life. She returned to the Kansas City area several years ago.

Aunt Min had a passion for life. She worked hard and saved her money. However, she knew that you had to get out there and enjoy living. You couldn’t just sit inside and do nothing. While she still drove, she had a yellow ’66 Mustang with all of the whistles and bells. She vacationed at the beach and partied in Vegas during its golden years. Up until her passing she had an aversion to red wine as a result of a rowdy Vegas weekend in the 50s. She was never a heavy drinker but she loved her beer. Bud Light was her brew of choice, though Miller Lite would do in a pinch.

Never having any children of her own, she always took interest in family and friends. You were always greeted with a big smile and open heart. Her interest was genuine and she remembered everything and you. Meet her once; you have a friend for life! She had stuffed animals from numerous people who she touched over the years. She would name each animal and tie it back to a specific person or memory. As she fell ill, she donated her collection of animals to Children’s Mercy Hospital. She said that they held so many happy memories that she wanted to share them with the sick kids so they could be happy too.

After initial treatment for her heart attack she was not able to return to her home and normal life. She was moved to a skilled care facility for a period, then eventually an assisted living facility where she had a small apartment. Once again, she was the hit of the facility. Staff loved her and elderly men in powered wheelchairs hit on her. Even the in-house dog would run up to her for a petting when he saw her.

She worsened. She was moved to the cardiac facility of KU Medical Center until they felt they could do no more for her. Leaving her new friends at KU Med, she was moved to Kansas City Hospice. We all knew this would be her last home. She knew it too. The center was great. The care exceptional. And in keeping with her ways, she was the talk of the center. The staff took to her like she was family. Despite the bad times she was having more frequently, she kept a positive spirit. She shared stories with the nurses. She had a beer.

Over the last weekend Aunt Min had two strokes and began to slow even more. It was laborious for her to speak, if she even could at all. She was so very weak. This afternoon two nurses came in for a routine check. She was resting in her bed while they ran her vitals. One turned to adjust the window blinds and when she turned back to the bed, Aunt Min was finally at rest. She left us just as she lived her life – peacefully.

We will miss you.

Minnie Dutton - Taken on her 96th birthday, April 2006

A Touching Story

2006-07-25T10:11:00.000-06:00

A man was on holiday in Kenya. While he was walking through the bush, he came across an elephant standing with one leg raised in the air.

The elephant seemed distressed so the man approached it very carefully.

He got down on one knee and inspected the elephant's foot. There was a large thorn deeply embedded in the bottom of the foot.

As carefully and as gently as he could he removed the thorn and the elephant gingerly put down its foot. The elephant turned to face the man and with a rather stern look on its face, stared at him.

For a good ten minutes the man stood frozen -- thinking of nothing else but being trampled.

Eventually the elephant trumpeted loudly, turned and walked away.

For years after, the man remembered the elephant and the events of that day.

One day the man was walking through the zoo with his son. As they approached the elephant enclosure, one of the creatures turned and walked over to where they are standing at the rail. It stared at him and the man couldn't help wondering if this was the same elephant.

After a while it trumpeted loudly; then it continued to stare at him.

The man summoned up his courage, climbed over the railing and made his way into the enclosure. He walked right up to the elephant and stared back in wonder.

Suddenly the elephant trumpeted again, wrapped its trunk around one of the man's legs and swung him wildly back and forth along the railing, killing him.

Probably wasn't the same elephant.

Ah, Technology!

2006-07-20T21:27:00.000-06:00

I recently purchased a new photo viewer for all of the various digital pictures I take. The Epson P-2000 lets me load pictures of my choosing to a small, hand-held device about the size of two iPods. I can share them with my friends, hook it up to a TV for group viewing, and even view video taken on my camera. As an added bonus, I can convert DVDs to a compatible format and use the device to watch movies on the road when I travel. The four inch screen is crystal clear…probably the best I have seen in this type of device. The unit also accepts SD and Compact Flash cards for direct download, as well as USB connectivity to a PC. The only downside I have found is the way it renames files and the filing structure. They are not deal breakers, but takes a bit of adjustment. I can definitely see benefits and uses for the device. Besides that, it’s really cool!

Update 7.31.06: I returned the unit yesterday. After about 25 minutes of use it gets hot and produces file errors. A nice idea...hopefully they will get it right in the future.

Catching Up...In No Particualr Order

2006-06-28T10:34:00.000-06:00

It has definitely been some time since I have posted. I will try to get you all caught up in 23 paragraphs, or less. I am currently sitting near gate 115B in Newark Airport. Not that I typically do my best writing in airports, it’s just where I happen to be at the moment. I have been in New York over the last five days for another combo-trip with business and pleasure. Business was only so-so. I attended an accounting partner compensation forum. It still floors me the mindset of firm partners. “How do you in other firms compensate your non-performing partners?” Why would you compensate them? “Because they are partners of the firm.” Would you compensate a non-performing administrative assistant? “Absolutely not.” What’s the difference? “But they are partners.” So what? Here’s your sign.

I did get to see my good friend Sally while in New York. She drove into the city from New Jersey on Wednesday night and we saw Sweeney Todd. Man, what a dark, twisted show. Loved it! The next evening I flew solo and caught The Light in the Piazza. It was quite different from razors and cannibalism from the previous night, and very beautifully done. It rained quite a bit during the five days. Temperatures were also fairly high with a nice slice of humidity on top. I feel so dirty…and not in the fun kind of way.

I have been fighting an ear and sinus infection over the last couple of weeks. Gotta love a few good doses of antibiotics. Of course, sinus/ear problems always make air travel fun. Starbuck’s always seems to help though. A chai, or two, a day breaks up congestion. Ancient Chinese secret.

I had great sushi for lunch today. I met up with an AAM member and we had a good lunch talking about the New York Chapter and discussing some strategic plans for it. Tracey is from Long Island and a really ambitious, hard-working person. I am looking forward to working more closely with her in regards to the chapter. Plus, she picked a hell of a great sushi spot!

Sunday was New York Pride March. The theme this year was Life + Love: HIV/AIDS. The parade lasted about five and a half hours and brought out more than 500,000 spectators. It was interesting to see the parade participants and viewers. From the stereotypical queen to the elderly gay war veterans, there was something for everyone. The overall theme was very positive and festive. There was a moment of silence at 2 p.m. in memory of all of those who lost their fight to HIV/AIDS.

I got back from Denver about a week ago. We hosted our annual AAM conference at the Hyatt at the Denver Convention Center. It is a beautiful, new hotel. Overall, the event went very well. We had a record attendance of nearly 475 accounting marketers and partners. Additionally, sponsorships and exhibitors were at an all-time high. I am not sure what to attribute the huge spike in this year’s numbers, though I hope it continues into next year. We will be in Savannah, Georgia for the next conference.

It’s now Wednesday. No, I haven’t been in the Newark Airport that long…just took a break and wrapping up now. Back at work, sorting through mail, boxes, crap on my desk, etc. Oh, and I am very hungry. I need to run to Best Buy for work in a few. I will probably grab something bad for me to eat while I am out.

I am going to St. Louis for part of this upcoming weekend. The national tour of The Phantom of the Opera is completing a run there. I am going to see a couple friends who are in the production. I haven’t seen them since San Francisco a few years ago. Man, time flies! I also hope to visit with Ted and Jennifer while I am in town.

Well, as promised, caught up in less than 23 paragraphs. I am sure I missed several items, but at least you can now sleep better knowing the little snippets that have happened over the last few weeks.

Journey To Darkness

2006-05-23T16:02:00.000-06:00

What is it with me and electronics? Things were moving along just swimmingly with my home PC. I have had it for shy of three years, along with a 17” LCD monitor. Over the last few weeks I noticed a faint difference in the screen…almost a micro pulse or isolated flutter. It was hit and miss and started about the time I received my new glasses (see a prior post for that enlightening read). I chalked it up to the adjustment period for the bifocals. Well, apparently no. Last night I flipped on the monitor and found the lower ¾ of the screen very distorted and grainy. Let’s restart! That will fix everything. It always does! Um, no. The sign of insanity is repeating the same action and expecting different results. So, I restarted a couple more times. No. Crap. I hooked it up to my laptop to discover the same. Sigh. Crap. Now cursing under my breath I reconnected everything to the main PC and started the “User Support Journey To Hell” trek through the monitor Web site. Cursing now above breath level. As the search for a new monitor began, the display continued to get more difficult to view. I finally gave up and powered it off, only to witness a pretty nebula-like sparkle then darkness (insert funeral dirge here).

Please Help Me Understand

2006-05-12T17:01:00.000-06:00

I am disgusted. Over the last couple of days I have been hearing and reading about the hunter who shot and killed a natural wonder. In recent years there have been stories of a unique bear roaming with polar bears in the Canadian arctic. Well, it was proven two weeks ago when a big-game trophy hunter brought him down. The bear was genetically proven to be a hybrid cross of a polar bear and grizzly bear – the only known one of its kind in the wild. By overcoming numerous odds of population demographics, breeding season overlap and territorial regions, two bears of different species found each other to create this offspring of biodiversity. The animal should have been cherished, studied, photographed and allowed to grow old as the one-of-a-kind it was. So instead, we allow this asshole to buy the right to hunt it for $45,000. The picture of the murdered bear surrounded by the smug looking hunting party sickens me. All I can picture is this magnificent animal mounted in some threatening position in the hunter’s den/study/billiards room. Surrounded by his other ethno- and ego-centristic buddies, he recounts the day he brought down the mighty beast, all the while sipping a Dewar’s on the rocks. I just don’t get it. I am not a vegetarian. I know hunting happens. I know much of it has a purpose for population control. I get all of that. What I don't understand is the rationale to wipe out the one and only in the name of sport. I am typically not a violent person, but I believe a good mauling is in order for this heathen of a man.

Boink Me Baby, One More Time

2006-04-26T18:28:00.000-06:00

Well, I see that the child-spawning K-Fed and Britney Spears are expecting another baby. Brings a tear to my eye. I can’t think of a more deserving, loving and responsible set of parents for a child. You can’t blame Britney for the highchair drop. Oh no! It was obviously a poorly made piece of furniture. And good nannies are SO hard to come by these days. I just don’t know how Britney handles the stress of the paparazzi. Who could blame her for kicking in with the motherly instinct and high-tailing it out of the vicious dangers with her son on her lap? There just wasn’t enough time! My God, I must protect my child! It amazes me how quickly she turned from ‘Toxic’ vixen to bare foot and white trash bayou bimbo. I would like to think they will be producing a sibling for the current little boy. However, at the rate they are going with their finely-tuned parenting skills this new one might just end up being a replacement. Oops, I did it again!

Because 40 Just Wasn't Enough

2006-04-18T18:35:00.000-06:00

I went in for my annual eye exam today. Well, annual might be a stretch…it’s been about two and a half years. Nonetheless, I decided to be the ‘healthy guy’ and go. My eyes are very healthy, no problems. Of course there is one small setback. Bifocals! My eye doctor was very pleasant through the whole process of eye charts, ocular pressure, shiny lights, etc. Then she drops the bifocal bomb. I just stared at her with the “Are you shitting me?” look on my face.

I know, I know. Bifocals are not the end of the world. Millions of people have them. But why me so soon after the Big 4–0? I am test driving a pair of bifocal contacts for the next week. They actually feel pretty good, although I tend to misjudge distance a bit. I was reaching for a pen at Wal-Mart earlier today and almost felt up the cashier. I am sure she enjoyed that part of her day…some wide-eyed, dilated freak grasping for her left tit!

While we were going through the whole process I threw caution to the wind and decided to get new frames to go with my newfound loss of vision. The frames are pretty stylish and trendy. Although I think I would enjoy them more not having the additional $200 bifocals added to the overall cost. Can’t wait to try them out on some unsuspecting front counter clerk when they are complete!

Let’s recap. Since turning 40 I have had a full physical (head to toe, inside and out), a visit to a liver specialist, and an eye exam with the bonus prize. Next week…hmmm…I think I will contact AARP and see what specials they might be offering.

I'm a Good Driver...K-Mart Sucks!

2006-04-07T15:27:00.000-06:00

It’s after 4 p.m. on a Friday afternoon and my brain is full. If a photo was to be taken of me right now I would appear to be missing a very critical chromosome. It has been a very busy week, yet I feel much unaccomplished in it. I had a day trip to Dallas to meet with some clients. I had lunch and dinner with some longtime friends. I met with Vegas CVB over lunch. I pushed a lot of paper around my office. I got my ‘Inbox’ down to 23 items. I had a couple of conference calls. I can even see the top of my desk! For those of you who know me that is a major thing. All in all though, comfortable cranial capacity (C3) has been reached…borderline breached. Oh, look! Something shiny! (drool)

Axis of Evil

2006-03-27T15:35:00.000-06:00

I was searching through some computer files and came across a piece of John Cleese brilliance from about three years ago. Enjoy!

Axis of Evil Wannabees
by John Cleese

Bitter after being snubbed for membership in the Axis of Evil, Libya, China and Syria today announced that they had formed the Axis of Just as Evil, which they said would be more evil than that stupid Iran-Iraq-North Korea axis President Bush warned of in his State of the Union address.

Current Axis of Evil members, however, immediately dismissed the new Axis as having, for starters, a really dumb name. "Right. They are just as evil. In their dreams!" declared North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. "Everybody knows we're the best evils…best at being evil. We're the best."

Diplomats from Syria denied they were jealous over being excluded, although they conceded they did ask if they could join the Axis of Evil. "They told us it was full," said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

"An axis can't have more than three countries", explained Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. "This is not my rule, it’s tradition. In World War II you had Germany, Italy and Japan in the evil Axis. So, you can only have three, and a secret handshake. Ours is wickedly cool."

International reaction to Bush's Axis of Evil declaration was swift, as within minutes, France surrendered. Elsewhere, peer-conscious nations rushed to gain triumvirate status in what has become a game of geopolitical chairs. Cuba, Sudan and Serbia announced that they had formed the Axis of Somewhat Evil, forcing Somalia to join with Uganda and Myanmar in the Axis of Occasionally Evil, while Bulgaria, Indonesia and Russia established the Axis of Not So Much Evil Really as Just Generally Disagreeable.

With the criteria suddenly expanded and all the desirable clubs filling up, Sierra Leone, El Salvador and Rwanda applied to be called the Axis of Countries That Aren't the Worst But Certainly Won't Be Asked to Host the Olympics.

Canada, Mexico and Australia formed the Axis of Nations That Are Actually Quite Nice, But Secretly Have Some Nasty Thoughts About America, while Scotland, New Zealand and Spain established the Axis of Countries That Want Sheep to Wear Lipstick. "That's not a threat, really, just something we like to do," said Scottish Executive First Minister Jack McConnell.

While wondering if the other nations of the world weren't perhaps making fun of him, a cautious Bush granted approval for most axes, although he rejected the establishment of the Axis of Countries Whose Names End in 'Guay', accusing one of its members of filing a false application. Officials from Paraguay, Uruguay and Chadguay denied the charges. Israel, meanwhile, insisted it didn't want to join any Axis, but privately world leaders said that's only because no one asked them.

Whacked Out Nut Job

2006-03-24T15:13:00.000-06:00

From charming, naïve entrepreneur Joel, to couch-hopping heathen. Yep, Tom Cruise is officially a freak. I loved all of those old Tom Cruise films: Risky Business, Losin’ It, Taps, All the Right Moves, The Outsiders. He was an up-and-coming star. Over time his popularity grew and he was no longer just the star, but a mega-star. He was the box office ‘It guy’ – the guaranteed draw. Top Gun, Minority Report, War of the Worlds, The Firm, Mission Impossible, to name but a few. The list is long.

So where did the change happen? When did he go from loving husband and ‘normal’ movie star to couch-hopping super freak? His outburst regarding psychiatrics. His expertise regarding prescribed medicines versus vitamins. His confrontation with Brook Shields and Matt Lauer. We all have heard about his expression of love to Katie Holmes on Orpah’s couch.

Well, I read today he repeated it again – after an arm-wrestling challenge to Yahoo CEO Terry Semel. This time in a chair at a Yahoo speaker function. Boing, Boing Boing goes Tommy. Enter, stage right, Katie – all preggers and glowing. Tom then proceeds to rub her tummy in front of the huge crowd, hops about the chairs and plants a kiss on Katie. Huh? What just happened here? Now I am not one to judge one’s beliefs or pass judgment on a religion. However, much of this seemed to surface after Thomas proclaimed devotion to Scientology. Religion? Cult? How about a vitamin Mr. Cruise? Well color me alien and call me Creator! I’m just sayin’…

Technology and Curiosity

2006-03-17T11:04:00.000-06:00

I am really enjoying this blogging thing so far. Granted, I still need to work on posting more frequently, but I do like what I have done and where it is heading. On that note, I am considering adding the love of my iPod to my blog and try PodCasting in the near future. I am not sure how much I would have to say, or if people would even listen, but I do love technology and this sort of seems like the next logical step. I am curious to see how the whole process works and what the outcome might be. Keep an eye out on the right side of my blog in the 'Links' section for access to Planet Granville PodCasts. Who knows, maybe people will actually tune in and start a cult-like following! Uh-huh.

Mint Juleps on the Veranda

2006-03-08T17:30:00.000-06:00

I recently returned from a few days in the South. Savannah, Georgia to be exact. If you have not been to Savannah, I highly recommend a trip in your future. Wow, what a beautiful city! It is amazing the vast amount of history that one small city holds. From 1733 to the present, events and famous figures have called Savannah home.

Here are a few to get you started as you plan your trip:

Founded in 1733 by James Oglethorpe
Forrest Gump filmed on location
Setting for Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
Home to Johnny Mercer
Cotton Gin invented by Eli Whitney
Site of an Underground Railroad stop
Saved from the fiery fate of Atlanta by General Sherman during Civil War
Layout of 24 public squares (22 remain)
Pirate’s House the pub/lodge of Captain Flint from Treasure Island
Fifth busiest shipping port in the United States
Second most haunted city in the United States
Damn fine food!

The list could go on and on. I hope you enjoy the few photos here and, by all means, if you get a chance to visit Savannah do it!

I Wonder...

2006-02-25T22:53:00.000-06:00

More than once I’ve awakened with tears running down my cheeks. I have had to think whether I was crying or whether it was involuntary, like drooling.

A Moment for the Monkey...

2006-02-16T10:50:00.000-06:00

Naturally, big television executives know exactly what the end-viewer wants to watch more than we (the end-viewer) do. After only three episodes CBS has pulled Love Monkey from its programming lineup. I am typically not so passionate about a television show, but something about the Monkey just clicked within the first few minutes. It is well-written, well-acted, witty, intelligent and it makes you think. Wait, I might have just hit the nail on the head. The average viewer does not want to think when they watch TV (hell, most probably couldn’t think if they wanted to). Look at the garbage that is currently on the tube: Skating with the Has-Beens, Dancing with the Slightly-Famous, Survivor: Topeka, Spouse Swap, You Are a Troll and Need a Makeover, CSI, CSI, CSI, CSI. Now don’t get me wrong, I love the CSI shows but how many more reality/homicide/criminal investigation/hospital/lawyer shows do we really need? Love Monkey was a breath of fresh air change to the same old stuff. Not only did CBS pull it, they didn’t even give it a chance. They ran two episodes, promoted the hell out of the third, then delayed that a week for the State of the Union Address. To make matters worse, many stations in the East delayed broadcast to show an ACC basketball game. How does CBS really expect to find a following when they have not yet lead? CBS, you had a good thing going. You should have given it some nurture and time to grow like Northern Exposure, Seinfeld, Friends and Raymond. Ironically, CBS became the Goliath Records they portrayed in the show. You disappoint me and have lost a Tuesday night viewer. All hail the Monkey!

It's Valentine's Day...

2006-02-14T10:35:00.000-06:00

*sigh*

Phil, the Rodent

2006-02-02T10:25:00.000-06:00

Happy Groundhog’s Day! Since the first official day on February 2, 1887, locals and the eyes of the world have gathered in Punxsutawney, Pa. to watch a woodchuck stick his head out of a hole and determine if we need to switch our clothes from one closet to another. And to think so many go to college to learn these skills.

Punxsutawney Phil was the brainchild promotional creation of the owner of the Punxsutawney Spirit newspaper to help promote the town and region in hopes to increase business. Phil, whose full name is “The Sear of Sears, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators and Weather Prophet Extraordinary,” is the official grand-poobah groundhog and has made appearances at the White House and on Oprah (I bet he didn’t jump and flail on her couch).

Well, it would appear that Phil popped from his hole this morning, saw his own shadow, was so startled by the series of events that he vacated his bowels and plunged back into his hovel. According to legend, we are now set for another six weeks of winter (it will probably take that long to get the mess off of his fur). Since his track record over the last 100+ years has only been about 40% accurate, I think I am going to pack up at least a few sweaters now!

Mmmm, BBQ!

2006-02-01T11:31:00.000-06:00

Growing up in Kansas City and having a Southern Mom, I have been eating some sort BBQ since close to birth. I am pretty sure I was weaned on the zesty sauce! (You did know that you can mix the sauces, right?)

On my way to work this morning I saw a catering van that sparked a thought I have been pondering for years. Why is it that BBQ companies use cows and pigs on their logos and signs to promote their meat? They are typically illustrated dressed in a little chef’s hat and carting about a tray heaped full of succulent meats. They are very happy to serve you their product and want you eat it with finger-lickin’ fervor. Isn’t that endorsing cannibalism?

“Howdy! Try a hunk of Stella. She was a tough, old Mom, but she sure is tender now!”

“Baby back ribs? Not only that, but they were my baby brother, Reggie. Eat up! Mmmm!”

How would this concept translate to other marketing and advertising campaigns? A corpse as a spokesperson for a funeral home? Perhaps Jeffrey Dahmer representing Hamilton Beach kitchen appliances? Amelia Earhart for Garmin GPS? Oh, how about Natalie Wood for Ester Williams Swimming Pools? Some things just don’t seem to promote a positive picture of product endorsement.

Rather than slaughtered farm animals (which are damn tasty!), what about a fat and happy grinning family with BBQ sauce smeared from ear to ear? Seems a bit more realistic to me. Just a thought…oh, and hand me the hot sauce!

Come On, Disney!

2006-01-24T11:05:00.000-06:00

It seems that Disney continues to crank out one DVD after another. Many are made strictly for DVD release and never see the dark of theater. Seriously, how many more celluloid masterpieces such as Lindsey Lohan: Fully Loaded and Mulan Does the Axis Powers can there be in the creative mind of the Mouse. I have been anxiously awaiting for years for Disney to dig down in their vaults to restore and release probably my all-time Disney favorite. It had its original theatrical release in 1963. An expanded version ran over three weekend nights on The Wonderful World of Disney in 1964. I was too young to see it in its first release, but I do have fond memories of going to see it with my dad when it was re-released in theaters in the early 70s. I remember popcorn and Milk Duds (eat them together…sounds gross, taste great) and a huge Coke. We were at the Ruskin Twin. The movie was preceded by Disney’s Painted Desert. Then the magic started! Dr. Syn, Alias the Scarecrow. Wow, what a movie! Based on the old book, The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh, the movie is set in 18th century England, near Kent. The main character, Dr. Syn, is a priest by day, the Scarecrow – a vigilante for the people, fighting the oppression of the King, by night. Disney has announced a restoration and release a few times, but has scrapped it each time. Then something like Tigger and Christopher: A Forbidden Longing hits the shelves. Come on, Disney! If you can release a beautifully restored masterpiece like Snow White, you can do this. Please!

Random Thoughts On a Rainy Friday

2006-01-20T10:54:00.000-06:00

Jesus saves, but Gretzky rebounds and scores!

A 1000 mile journey usually begins with a cash advance.

Save the whales. Collect the whole set!

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything. But they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.

Why do they sterilize needles for lethal injections?

Life is a journey, not a destination. It's also a board game.

Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?

Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I will remember. Teach me and I will learn.

Wheat balls. A vegetarian dish or scarecrow genitalia?

Friends and Family

2006-01-18T13:39:00.000-06:00

I just flew back from New York on Monday morning...and boy were my arms tired. (Rim shot) Thanks! I am here all week. Tip your waitress and try the veal!

Seriously, what was overall a great trip ended like crap. I was up in New York for an AICPA event similar to the one I attended last November. It was a good meeting and once again resulted in some very good business leads.

Once the weekend hit, I slid into non-work mentality. My sister and her husband came up from Bermuda for the weekend to shop, see me and visit with mutual friends of ours. Friday night found us at O’L unney’s on 45th just off of Times Square. Jackie and I arrived first and got a couple beers in us. We were also able to secure prime real estate at the corner of the bar. This was around 6:15 p.m. Sarene arrived a bit later and the food was ordered. God love greasy bar faire! We ended up merging our small social group with a couple Air Force guys in town for work. This was their first time in New York and last night in town. After a few more beers, we had new best friends! Alain-Daniel soon joined us and started playing catch-up with rounds of nasty-ass shots and more greasy substance. Roughly eight hours later we all decided to call it a night.

Saturday found us supporting the local New York economy along 5th Avenue and the Upper East Side. I found some killer post-Christmas deals at Bloomingdale’s! Did I need them? No. Did it stop me? No. That evening we joined Wendy, Shawn, Scott, Isabelle, Rajev and Jackie at Artisinal for fondue and wine. Good food, lousy service. Nonetheless, it was a great evening.

Champagne brunch? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Off to Café Luxembourg on the Upper West Side for some mimosas and eggs benedict on Sunday. We took brunch at a very leisurely and civilized pace. It was so great to hang out and visit with everyone over the course of the trip.

As Sunday came to a close it was time to head to the airport for my trip home (or so I thought). Once I got to Newark I was informed that my flight to Kansas City had been cancelled due to extreme weather conditions in Kansas City. The ONLY extreme condition in KC was the fact that it was 68 degrees and sunny in January! Personally, I think Continental had a small flight and decided to bail out of it to save money (they recently reported a net loss of $205 million dollars for 2005). I was rerouted to Cleveland, Ohio for the night (flight was one hour 45 minutes late due to over fueling the plane), put up in the Airport Sheraton (no airport attendant on duty to make arrangements. Found one after scouring the airport) and routed to KC the following morning (flight late due to unknown reasons). I finally arrived back in KC on Monday morning and headed into the office…ready for a nap!

Top: L - R: Jason, Chuck, Jackie, Sarene & Alain-Daniel
Bottom: L - R: Rajev, Alain-Daniel, Sarene, Jackie, Isabelle, Wendy, Sean & Scott

Back From the Dead (parts 1 and 2)

2006-01-02T11:47:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year to everyone! It’s hard to believe yet another 365 are behind us. I have been playing it pretty low key lately. I was fighting a losing battle with a cold just prior to Christmas, and then went down for the count on Christmas day. Nothing quite like an upper respiratory infection over your last days of annual vacation to get you in the festive mood! The couch and bed and I bonded quite nicely over the last week. I finally dragged my sorry ass out of bed on Friday and tried to get some vacation time under my belt before having to go back to work. Still pretty wiped here, but feeling mucho better and walking as one of the living.

And speaking of living (how do you like that for a segue?)…If you recall a few posts back found my digital camera in a sad state with a broken LCD. I had all but written it off as a goner because of the high repair cost and had replaced the camera with a new one. Then curiosity and the fact that my warranty was already shot took hold. The next thing I knew I had located a parts company out of Mississippi that carried the needed screen. One purchase, about twelve screws, and caution to the wind later I had repaired the little bugger and had a perfectly functioning digital camera. Back to Circuit City went the newly-purchased one and life was grand for a mere $61.18. I think I will try to make a flat screen TV out of my CRT television next!

Company Cheer

2005-12-20T16:52:00.000-06:00

We had our company Christmas party last night. The boss-man shut down the office about two o’clock and we all headed over to Dave and Buster’s for drinks, food, drinks, game play, drinks, gifts, drinks and competitive, in-your-face, ass-kickin’ teambuilding. My team decided on Hawaiian shirts and Santa hats – The Don Ho Ho Ho’s. Long story short, we won!

During the secret Santa gift exchange I scored an iTunes gift card. Additionally, everyone received a company embroidered fleece and cash (we now look like a cult) and I won enough tickets playing trivia to redeem it in the ‘Cheap Plastic Crap Store.’ I opted for the vodka glasses. All in all a very good time.

In the immortal words of Tiny Tim, “God bless us, everyone and tiptoe through the tulips!”

Above: The winning team!

A Holiday Riddle

2005-12-13T11:13:00.000-06:00

Q: How can you tell a reindeer from an elk or a white-tail deer?
A: Reindeer are a little chewier.

Liquid Cracked Display

2005-12-12T16:41:00.000-06:00

I love my Canon SD500 Digital Elph camera. I have had it five months. I have taken hundreds of photos with it. It is small. It is compact. It is packed chock-full of features. It is broken. Sigh. Saturday found me on my way out of the house, arms full of assorted crap. I had the camera in its cozy leather case and had the cord over my fingers. Or so I thought. Somewhere along the way the cord found its freedom. Mere moments later we did a little experiment in Newton’s Second Law of Universal Gravitation…the Earth exerts a force on the object. There was an acceleration of said camera to the Earth. Then Wham! Law Three…the object exerted a force upon the Earth.

Have you ever heard a small LCD screen break? It is a sickening sound. I didn’t see it break. More of a dark revelation that is just known. After many expletives that would make a sailor or Tourettes patient proud, I slid the camera from its then leather coffin and powered it on. Comes on….good news. White screen with black spider webs forming from one corner, outward…bad news. It still takes great photos, even though I cannot see them until they are downloaded to the PC.

I love my new Canon SD550 Digital Elph camera. I have had it two days.

It's a Hell of a Town!

2005-11-30T15:43:00.000-06:00

It has been a while since I have posted on here. I really need to be better about it. I always intend to add a thought here or there, but I typically think of it at midnight. Not really feeling like getting out of the cozy covers at that point. Thus, another day rolls by.

I spent a few days in New York earlier this month. I tend to get up there a couple times a year for work. Man, I really enjoy that city! As far as work was concerned, it was a very productive trip. I got to visit with several colleagues who have become friends over the years. It is always great to see them. Additionally, I made several good leads for prospective new members for work.

Personally, I got to visit with a few friends who live in the area. I had brunch with Todd on Sunday and got to see Scott and Shawn’s new brownstone place in Brooklyn, followed by a great meal Saturday evening! Spoke with Wendy and Jackie, but was not able to connect up with them this trip. I hope to see them when I am back up there in January.

I didn’t do too much stuff other than eat, shop, visit with some friends and catch a Broadway show – Spamalot. I highly recommend it. Tim Curry and David Hyde Pierce are too good! It was a totally over the top version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. I believe I actually enjoyed it more than the movie. I did do one touristy thing. The observation deck atop Rockefeller Center (Top of the Rock) reopened after about a 20-year closure. Awesome 360 degree views of the city from 57 stories up. The weather was beautifully clear the day I went. One could see fall colors dotted throughout Central Park.

After being in New York several times, nothing really stands out to me as odd anymore. At least, not until this trip. A brief summary…Basement of Macy’s on Broadway. Cellar/Restaurant area. ATM machine. Amish man in full attire. Cash withdrawal. Independently, nothing out of the normal. Put them all together…that made me take a step back and go, “Hmmm.” And by the way he was navigating through the ATM, this Amish gentleman was no stranger to FastCash!

Top: L - R: Leisa, Sally, Granville
Bottom: Central Park

It Had to Happen...

2005-11-04T13:14:00.000-06:00

Well, today I turned 40! Not sure what I was expecting. Feeling different, maybe? Breaking a hip? Feels pretty much like 39 and 364 days. Which, in turn, feels a lot like 30. Not sure why people get so worked up about age. I am 40. No big deal. I am pretty darn happy with myself, my life, my family, my friends. I still have a ton I want to do and see in my life. Nowhere near old here...just in a different age bracket for group health pricing. Could be worse!

2005-11-02T14:41:00.000-06:00

Only 53 shopping days left until Christmas! Okay, I know that is still quite a lot of time. I typically don't start until around mid-December then slide into panic mode. However, through absolutely NO planning on my part, I started early. I actually have a couple gifts already knocked out as I stumbled upon them. Wonder if the trend will continue and I will be finished early this year to enjoy the season without having to deal with shopping-induced mall havoc? I doubt it. Just wouldn't feel right if I did. Fa-La-La-La-La...

2005-11-01T14:43:00.000-06:00

I can't seem to get motivated this afternoon. I had a nice, long lunch at Pierpont's this afternoon with some past co-workers. We all try to get together once every month, or so, to see each other and keep current. We always seem to end up at the same place...though definitely not a bad thing. Pierpont's is an upscale restaurant specializing in steak and seafood. Everyone was able to show up today. It was really great to see them. As an added bonus, a retired co-worker was also able to join us. Afterwards, since we were all stuffed and needed to move, plus the fact it is a beautiful Fall day, we walked a couple blocks over to the Crown Center branch of UMB Bank where I use to work. I was able to see a couple more past co-workers. Was great to see everyone, but I am so glad I no longer work for that organization. It was very political and divided when I was there about five years ago and now seems even more so. All in all, a very good day. I am now ready for a nap.

Above: L - R: Mark, Pat, Jeff, Carol, Carla

2005-10-25T10:56:00.000-06:00

I thought I would try my hand at blogging. It seems like the whole world is turning to the blog as yet another way to flatten and shrink this crazy, mixed up world. Why not be a lemming and jump right in! Look for more to follow in the near future...