I just don't get it

An Early Summer Rain

2011-06-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

Joe is fast asleep. Jocelyn is out with a friend at the movies. An early summer rain beats upon the window pane. It is the best kind of rain there is....strong, steady no wind, no lightning, no destruction. The tomato plants rejoice, soaking in every last drop and waiting to burst forth, once the sun again shines, with that fruit that puts the T in a BLT!

Me, I move soundlessly to the fridge, to open yet another cold frosty adult beverage...

Week 7 Picks

2010-10-24T07:06:00.000-07:00

Dolphins +3 over Steelers
Atlanta -3.5 over Bengals
Jags +9.5 over Chiefs
Eagles +3 over Titans
Redskins +3 over Bears
Saints +13 over Browns
Ravens +13 over Bills
49ers -3 over Panthers
Bucs -3 over Rams
Cardinals +7 over Seahawks
Chargers -2.5 over Pats
Raiders +7.5 over Broncos
Packers -3 over Vikings
Cowboys -3 over Giants

Last week: 4-9
Year to date: 34-37-1

Week 6 Picks

2010-10-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

Rams +8.5 over Chargers
Texans -4.5 over Chiefs
Ravens +2.5 over Patriots
Saints -4 over Bucs
Falcons +2 over Eagles
Lions +10.5 over Giants
Bears -6 over Seahawks
Packers -3 over Dolphins
Browns +14 over Steelers
Jets -3.5 over Broncos
Raiders +7 over 49ers
Cowboys +1.5 over Vikings
Jags +3 over Titans

Last week: 5-8
Year to date: 30-28-1

Week 5 Picks

2010-10-09T07:31:00.000-07:00

Not much to say, but go Yanks!

Broncos +7 over Ravens
Jaguars +1.5 over Bills
Colts -7 over Chiefs
Lions -3 over Rams
Cleveland +3 over Falcons
Bucs+6.5 over Bengals
Panthers -1.5 over Bears
Redskins +2.5 over Packers
Texans -3 over Giants
Saints -7 over Cardinals
Chargers -6 over Raiders
Cowboys -7 over Titans
49ers -3 over Eagles

Last week: 9-5
Year to date: 25-20-1

Week 4 Picks

2010-10-03T08:20:00.000-07:00

It's a dog eat dog world out there. I like the 'dogs this week:

Broncos +6.5 over Titans
Ravens +2.5 over Steelers
Cleveland +2.5 over Bengals
Lions +14.5 over Packers
Panthers +13 over Saints
49ers +7 over Falcons
Bills +6 over Jets
Colts -7 over Jaguars
Texans -3 over Raiders
Cardinals +9.5 over Chargers
Redskins +5 over Eagles
Bears +3.5 over Giants
Rams +2 over Seahawks
Dolphins +1 over Pats
Texans -3 over Raiders

Last week: 11-5
Year to date 16-15-1

Week 3 Picks

2010-09-26T06:20:00.000-07:00

Off to a slow start last week, but ready to climb back up on the comeback trail:

Giants -3 over Titans
Bills +14.5 over Patriots
Browns +11 over Ravens
Steelers -2.5 over Bucs
Bengals -3 over Panthers
Lions +12 over Vikings
Cowboys +2.5 over Texans
Rams +4.5 over RedSkins
Eagles -3 over Jaguars
Colts -5.5 over Broncos
Chargers -4.5 over Seahawks
Raiders +4.5 over Cardinals
Jets +2.5 over Dolphins
Packers -3 over Bears
Saints -3 over Falcons
Chiefs +3 over 49ers

Last week: 5-10-1
Year to date: 5-10-1

Week 2 Picks

2010-09-19T06:40:00.000-07:00

Off to a late start, whiffed on Week 1, and am already knocked out of my King of The Hill (Suicide) pool. Curse you Alex Smith and the woeful 49ers!

Better late than never, let's chronicle the picks (for recreational purposes only, as always):

Browns -3 over Chiefs
Buffalo +13 over Green Bay
Ravens -2.5 over Bengals
Steelers +5 over Titans
Detroit +6.5 over Philly
Cowboys -7 over Bears
Carolina -3.5 over Tampa Bay
Falcons -6.5 over Cardinals
Miami +5.5 over Minnesota
Raiders -3.5 over Rams
Denver -3.5 over Seattle
Redskins +3 over Texans
Jacksonville +7 over San Diego
Patriots -3 over Jets
Giants +5 over Colts (Heart pick)
New Orleans -5.5 over San Francisco

Last week : (np) Year to date: 0-0

Go GINTS!

Chili - the perfect food

2010-08-15T13:18:00.001-07:00

Made my first batch of chili this season, with fresh peppers from the garden. It's all simmering in the crock pot and good to go. But how to consume this delectable dish?

- Standalone, with maybe a nice salad on the side?
-as part of loaded nachos (very delicious)?
-chili dogs ( one of my all time favorites)?
-on top of a baked potato (very underrated presentation, but very tasty)
-chili cheese fries anyone?
-on top of a cheeseburger (another underrated usage of chili, the food of the gods)?

I'll figure it out. Another thing that makes chili the best food ever, it only gets better as leftovers!

I wish I was insane

2010-08-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

Einstein is famously quoted as saying, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results".

In my career as a homeowner, I have owned 3 homes with pools. In all three cases, said pool has been surrounded by towering (mostly pine) trees. In all three cases, I have struggled to keep the sh-t from the trees out of my pool, with varying degrees of success. IN all three cases, I have sworn to never buy a house with a pool unless the pool is in an open field.

I don't think I'm insane, but I keep doing the same thing over and over even though I don't expect different results.... somehow that seems worse....

I Wish Athletes Weren't Celebrities

2010-07-11T05:31:00.000-07:00

I am an admitted sports junkie. I am enthralled by the ability and grace of modern athletes in all of the major sports. I like nothing better than watching the best in the world practice their craft.

Fisk waving that ball fair in '75, Bucky in '78, David Tyree's impossible catch in the Super Bowl, Dr. J swooping all the way around the hoop to lay it in off the glass.. I could go on and on and on..

For me there's nothing better than witnessing these transcendent moments. I greatly admire world class athletes for the skill in their chosen profession.

What they do off the field/court/pitch is of absolutely zero interest to me. They're all grownups, they do what they do and they are responsible for their actions. Period.

Give me the score, show me the highlights and move on to the next game.

Thanks.

I just don't get it

2010-07-05T11:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's a holiday weekend, the July 4th weekend. It's a very hot, very summer kind of day. I am inside, taking a much needed break from the heat and the sun. My little one has just drifted off for a nap.

I get Lord knows how many channels on my cable box. I just flipped through them all. There is not a single baseball game being broadcast.

On a Holiday in July, in the United States of America, in the middle of the afternoon.

How is that even possible?

Week 2 Picks

2009-09-22T16:17:00.001-07:00

Oops

Forgot to make 'em.

I had virtually every game right though, no lyin'

Week 1 Picks

2009-09-13T04:48:00.000-07:00

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!?!?!?

Week 1:

Pittsburgh - Tennesee (push - didn't get the pick in)

Atlanta -4 over Miami
KC + 12.5 over Baltimore
Philly -2.5 over Carolina
Minny -4 over Cleveland
NYJets +4.5 over Houston
Jacksonville +6.5 over Indy
Detroit +13.5 over New Orleans
Tampa Bay +5 over Dallas
San Francisco +6 over Arizona
Washington +6.5 over NYG
St. Louis +7.5 over Seattle
GB -4 over Chicago
New England +11 over Buffalo
San Diego +9.5 over Oakland

Facebook

2009-08-30T06:09:00.000-07:00

So I've been doing the Facebook thing for a while now. I've reconnected with some old friends from high school, which is cool. I'm able to keep track (somewhat) of my long lost nieces and nephews which is also goodness.

Most of my "Friends" are current or past colleagues from work. Not surprising, given my field of endeavor. Near as I can tell, they are just as boring outside of work as in :-)

All in all, I like it.

Week 10 Picks

2008-11-09T09:05:00.000-08:00

I Didn't get my pick in for the Thursday night game, so that will have to be a push.

Here's the rest of the picks:

Jacksonville -6.5 over Detroit

Chicago +3 over Tenn

New Orleans +1.5 over Atlanta

St. Louis +9 over NYJets

Miami -8 over Seattle

Minnesota -2.5 over Green Bay

Carolina -10 over Oakland

KC +14.5 over San Diego

Pittsburgh -3.5 over Indy

Baltimore +2 over Houston

NYGiants +3 over Philly

Arizona -9.5 over SanFrancisco

New England -3.5 over Buffalo

Last week: 5-9

Year to date:70-59-2

Week 9 Picks

2008-11-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

Houston +5.5 over Minnesota
Cincy +7.5 over Jax
KC +9.5 over Tampa
Cleveland -2.5 over Baltimore
Buffalo -5 over NYJets
Arizona -3 over St.Louis
Detroit +12.5 over Chicago
Tennessee -4 over Green Bay
Denver -4 over Miami
Oakland +3 over Atlanta
Dallas +8.5 over NYGiants
Seattle +6.5 over Philly
NewEngland +6.5 over Indy

Washington -2 over Pittsburgh

Last week: 9-5
Year to date: 65 - 50 - 2

Week 8 Picks

2008-10-26T09:50:00.001-07:00

Baltimore -8 over Oakland
New Orleans +3 over San Diego
KC +14 over NYJets
Miami over Buffalo
Tampa +2 over Dallas
Atlanta +9 over Philly
Carolina -5 over Arizona
Washington -7.5 over Detroit
St. Louis +9 over New England
Cleveland +7 over Jacksonville
Giants +3 over Pittsburgh
Seattle +5.5 over San Francisco
Cincy +9 over Houston
Indy +4 over Tennessee

Last week: 4-10
Year to date: 56-45-2

Week 7 Picks

2008-10-19T05:49:00.000-07:00

KC +9 over Tennessee
SD -1 over Buffalo
Pburgh -9.5 over Cincy
Miami -3 over Baltimore
Dallas -7 over St. Louis
Minnesota +3 over Chicago
Carolina -3 over New Orleans
San Fran +10.5 over NYG
Detroit +9.5 over Houston
Jets -3 over Oakland
Cleveland +7.5 over Washington
Indy -1 over Green Bay
Seattle +10.5 over Tampa Bay
Denver +3 over New England

Last week: 8-6
Year to date: 52-35-2

Week 6 Picks

2008-10-12T03:52:00.000-07:00

New England doesn't get any better than this weekend.
Glorious weather, magnificent foliage, apples everywhere.
Weekends like this help fortify us for the long winter ahead.
Enjoy while we can people.

On to the picks:
New Orleans -7 over Oakland
Baltimore +3.5 over Indianapolis
Cincinnati +9.5 over NY Jets
Detroit +13 over Minnesota
Atlanta +3 over Chicago
Miami +3 over Houston
Philly -4.5 over San Francisco
Dallas -4.5 over Arizona
GreenBay +1.5 over Seattle
Washington -13.5 over St.Louis
Jacksonville +3.5 over Denver
Tampa Bay -1.5 over Carolina
New England +5 over San Diego
NYGiants -8 over Cleveland

Last week: 8-5-1
Year to date: 44-29-2

Week 5 Picks

2008-10-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

Indy -4 over Houston
Tennessee -1 over Baltimore
San Diego -6.5 over Miami
KC +10 over Carolina
Washington +6.5 over Philly
Chicago -3.5 over Detroit
Atlanta +5.5 over Green Bay
Giants -6.5 over Seattle
Tampa Bay +3.5 over Denver
San Francisco +3 over New Englan
Buffalo +2 over Arizona
Cincy +16 over Dallas
Pittsburgh +5 over Jax

Last week: 7-6
Year to date: 36-24

New Orleans -3 over Minnesota

Last wekk:

Week 4 Picks

2008-09-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

KC + 9.5 over Denver
Cincy -1 over Cleveland
Jax -6.5 over Houston
Arizona +1 over Jets
SanFran +4.5 over New Orleans
Carolina -6.5 over Atlanta
Tennessee -3 over Carolina
Tampa Bay -2 over Green Bay
St. Louis +8.5 over Buffalo
San Diego -8 over Oakland
Washington +10 over Dallas
Philly -3 over Chicago
Baltimore +5 over Pittsburgh

Last week: 11-5
Year to date: 29-18

Week 3 Picks

2008-09-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

The Pats, as expected, are the class of the AFC East, even without Mr. Brady, though Buffalo looks like they could provide a challenge.
The Giants have their work cut out for them in the NFC East, which is a beast this year. I fully expect the Gints, Eagles and 'Boys to all make the playoffs and will be surprised if two of those three do not meet for the NFC Championship.

On to the picks...

K.C. +6 over Atlanta
Oakland +9.5 over Buffalo
Tennessee -4.5 over Houston
Washington -3 over Arizona
Miami +12.5 over New England
Tampa Bay +3 over Chicago
Carolina +3 over Minnesota
St. Louis +9.5 over Seattle
San Francisco -4.5 over Detroit
New Orleans +5.5 over Denver
Pittsburgh +3.5 over Philly
Jax +5 over Indy
Cleveland +2 over Baltimore
Dallas -3 over Green Bay
San Diego -8.5 over NYJets
Cincy +13.5 over NYGiants

Went with the big dogs this week (Cincy, Miami, St. Louis,..) on the expectation that things will settle down and parity will continue to reign.

Last week: 10-5
Yeart to date: 18-13

Week 2 Picks

2008-09-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

Kansas City -3.5 over Oakland
Tennessee+1 over Cincninnati
Minnesota +1.5 over Indianapolis
Washington (PK) over New Orleans
Detroit +3 over Green Bay
NYGiants -8.5 over St. Louis
Buffalo +4.5 over Jacksonville
Tampa Bay -7 over Atlanta
SanFrancisco +6.5 over Seattle
Miami +6.5 over Arizona
New England +1 over NYJets
Denver (PK) over San Diego
Cleveland +6.5 over Pittsburgh
Philadelphia +6.5 over Dallas
Baltimore Houston postponed

Last week: 8-8
Year to date: 8-8

Week 1 Picks

2008-09-07T04:50:00.000-07:00

Here goes:

NYG -5 over Washington (Freebie)
Baltimore +2 over Cincy
NYJ -3 over Miami
KC +16 over NewEngland
Pittsburgh -6.5 over Houston
Tenn +3 over Jax
Detroit -3 over Atlanta
Seattle +1 over Buffalo
NewOrleans -3 over Tampa
Philly -8.5 over St.Louis
Cleveland +6 over Dallas
SD -9 over Carolina
SanFrancisco +2.5 over Arizona
Indy -9.5 over Chicago
Minnesota +2 over Green Bay
Oakland +3 over Denver

Serve & Volley

2008-07-04T17:56:00.000-07:00

It is as we had hoped on the men's draw:

Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal

On the distaff side, what a pleasant surprise, the Williams' Sisters do battle for the 3rd time to decide the Wimbledon Champion.

It may not be Borg vs. McEnroe, but it's good stuff

The Yankees Stink

2008-05-21T15:12:00.000-07:00

Wow, the Bronx Bombers are sinking like a rock.

The BoSox look invincible. Their pitching is incredible.

The Tampa Rays and Baltimore Orioles appear to be much improved.

Toronto has the pitching to make a run, if they can start to hit.

When does football season start?

The Two Best Weekends of the Year

2008-01-06T06:02:00.000-08:00

For a pro football junkie like myself, the two best weekends of the year are this one and the next. Four Playoff games, two on Saturday and two on Sunday. I remain in denial that the end of the season is near.

I got a buncha Sammies, cold in the fridge, the Wings are ready to go and the beloved Giants headline the first game at 1 PM this afternoon.

The kids are coming over, though they are sadly not Giants' fans, to join in the revelry.

What could be better?

Rock Band Rocks!

2007-12-25T16:55:00.000-08:00

The kids came over late this Chrismas morning and stayed until about 8PM, which qualifies as probably the longest visit of the year.

We opened presents in about 30 seconds flat. The big gift was the Rock Band Bundle from MTV games. It was a smash hit.

We spent most of the day alternating between trying out the new game and shooting a bunch of 8-Ball. The latter activity gave rise to the band's name, "The Miscubes" ( some sort of bastardization of the word miscue, because there were plenty, especially once the beers started flowing later in the day).

We also managed to wolf down vast quantities of buffalo wings, pigs in a blanket, shrimp cocktail and other finger foods, which is we always do on Christmas, rather than have a traditional sit down dinner.

I didn't really participate in the rock band, but watched my older son on guitar, my daughter on vocals and my younger son manning the drums. It was clear they were having a blast but I may have enjoyed it most of all, just sitting there and watching them engage each other.

All in all it was a very Merry X-mas for this father of three who doesn't get to see enough of his kids!

Tampa Bay or not Tampa Bay

2007-12-25T06:32:00.001-08:00

So the Giants are in the playoffs and their first round matchup is set. They'll be playing the Bucaneers in Tampa the first weekend in January. The exact date and time is not decided yet.

However, tickets are available, as are cheap flights and hotels. I have a trip lined up right now, including game tix, 3 nights hotel (supposedly less than a mile from Raymond James Stadium) and round trip air fare for under $600.

I can't decide if I should pull the trigger.

On the plus side, it would be awesome to see a Giants' playoff game, I've never been and I figure they have a decent chance to win or at least make it a competitive game. It's a great excuse to get out of the cold northeast for a long weekend (today's forecast, partly sunny and 77 degrees). We also have friends not too far from there...

On the down side, we just bought a house and cash is tight, I just bought a new HD TV and the games are awesome on it. Not knowing if the game is Sat or Sunday means I'd have to burn at least 2 vacation days to fly down on Friday and fly back on Monday. The kids want to go see their grandparents this coming weekend and I hate traveling, really don't want to do it two weekends in a row. Air travel is the worst. Last two trips I got stuck overnight, trying to get back to Manchester...

I guess it's a nice dilemma to have, but what's a football fan to do?

Joys of owing a Home

2007-12-25T06:08:00.000-08:00

So after 3 1/2 years living in a condo, where someone else does the gardening, mowing and the snow plowing, we moved into a house last weekend, just in time for the snow storms.

Naturally, the snow blower the previous owners left has issues. The shovel works just like I remember, except it seems to take a lot longer and I have to pause a lot more frequently, before the driveway is cleared.

The house is way too big for us and the furnace runs constantly. Lord only knows how much the electric bill will run every month...

On the plus side, the hot tub is awesome for soaking the tired old bones after a bout of shoveling.
The pool table (also inherited from the previous owners) means the kids come over a lot to play.

The neighbors have been great, and the pooch loves the big, fenced in back yard.

Maybe this owning a house isn't so bad after all...

You think we're done with snow until next December???

Phil Rizzuto

2007-08-27T17:33:00.000-07:00

It is with infinite sadness that I comment on the passing of the Scooter, Phil Rizzuto, one of the most beloved Yankee Icons of all time. He was a great player, and won 7 world series as the anchor at short for the Yanks in the 40's and 50's.

That was before my time. I know him best as the announcer for Yankee broadcasts. It was like watching/listening to the game with your crazy old Uncle Phil. I will miss him dearly.

He broadcast Yankee games for 40 years. As a trivia question, who can tell me why he stopped, after 40 years? Why would he stop? He was an institution.

On a personal note, I got to meet the great Scooter once, some 20 odd years ago at my buddy Robert's wedding. It was in Bennington, VT, at one of these deals with a banquet hall on one side and a restaurant/dining room on the other. Rumor had it that Scooter's daughter owned the place.

Sure enough, when we wandered across the dining room, on the way to the john, there was the great man, having dinner with his wife Cora and friends. Naturally, we dove in, interrupted his dinner and told him what a tremendous Yankee fanatic our buddy Robert was.

Gracious does not even begin to describe the Scooter's response. He walked back to the reception hall, shook hands, made small talk, posed for pictures. Truly amazing.

Rest In Peace Scooter.

Barry Bonds

2007-08-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

Unlike with Mr. Vick, I am not, in anway conflicted over Barry Bonds and his amazing accomplishment this summer. HE HAS HIT MORE HOME RUNS THAN ANY MAJOR LEAGUER IN THE HISTORY OF BASEBALL!!!

I listen to the talking heads talk about cheating and the importance of a level playing field and I shake my head and laughs.

Cheating is practically institutionalized in baseball. It always has been!

The notion of a "level playing field", I find particularly preposterous. One of the charms of our national pasttime is , there is no such thing as a level playing field. Every ballpark is different.

How many more home runs would Joe D have hit if his home park didn't have Death Valley, in left field?

How many fewer home runs would Hank Aaron have hit if he didn't play at the launching pad?
Lord have mercy, Davey Johnson hit 40 HRs one year in that bandbox.

Don't deny Barry his greatness. He's the best ballplayer you will ever see.

Michael Vick

2007-08-27T17:09:00.000-07:00

I've been pretty conflicted about the whole Michael Vick saga that has enfolded these last few weeks.

Two articles by journalists I respect a whole lot, one black (Jason Whitlock) and one white (Gregg Easterbrook), lend some much needed balance to the discussion. I mention their race because anyone who thinks race and culture is not central to this whole issue, is, in my opinion, simply deluding themselves.

Please read them if you get the chance.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7160334?MSNHPHMA
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=easterbrook/070816

Apart from Michael Vick, I recommend the writings of Messrs. Whitlock & Easterbrook very highly. Jason is a sports journalist. Mr. Easterbrook is the Tuesday Morning Quarterback on ESPN, but ranges farther afield. He is in fact, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institute.

The Yankees Stink

2007-05-20T05:57:00.000-07:00

18-23, 10 1/2 games behind the Sox.
You know what? I'm ok with that.

I've been a Yankee fan for over 40 years. Apart from this remarkable run of the last dozen years or so, and a couple great years in the late 70's, the Yankees have stunk for the vast majority of my time as a fan. I don't think they have to win the American League East every year, like they have for the past NINE years in a row.

The most encouraging sign I see is that the Yankees are returning to investing in the farm system. Forget the big bucks, quick fix (read Giambi, Rodriguez, Abreu...). Develop and bring up the youngsters (Cano, Cabrerra, Hughes..). As a fan, it is much more satisfying to root for a bunch of home-grown players, rather than mercenaries. I'm ok if it takes a few years before the Yankees are on top again. Give me a team I can root for!

People forget that the heart & soul of the great championship teams of the 90's (Jeter, Rivera, Pettitte, Bernie Williams, Posada, ) was entirely home-grown. In fact, with the exception of one ill-advised detour to Houston, this exceptional group of players have played their entire major league careers for the Yankees. That is nearly unheard of in today's game.

GO YANKEES! Do it right.

My only request is that we get Mariano, Derek, Jorge, et al one more ring before they call it a (great) career.

A New (old) Gig

2007-05-12T07:01:00.000-07:00

I started my new job last week.
I am working on something called the Lotus Notes client, for IBM.
It has been a little over eight years since I left Westford to seek my fortune in the WWW.

Some things have changed not at all.
Many things are very different.

I am a lot older and hopefully, somewhat wiser.

Go figure...

Amen

2007-04-19T14:33:00.000-07:00

Forget the multitude of talking heads.

This amazing woman said it all....

Don Imus and the Double Standard

2007-04-14T17:36:00.000-07:00

Please see my previous post on Jackie Robinson for background.

Don Imus got fired for making a racist and sexit remark about the Rutgers women's basketball team.

Much has been made, of the double standard that is applied, along the lines of, "it is ok with rappers, etc.. to use the same words, but when a white DJ says them, he is made a pariah, and loses his job...."

I am not a fan of hip-hop. I deplore the explicit lyrics.

Having said that, as a white American, I would never utter the filth that came out of Mr. Imus's mouth. He should know better. In fact, he does know better. It was not a mistake, it is how he feels. This is not the first time for this bum to utter a racial slur, it is just (hopefully) the last.

Thanks to the Rutgers Women's basketball team for standing up for themselves and getting this idiot off the airwaves.

I am ok with the double standard. Again, as a caucasian American male, I cannot make up for the centuries of injustice to people of color and to women. I can only ensure that I will not make any utterances that re-enforce that injustice and I roundly condemn all that do.

It is really quite simple, folks.

National Shame

2007-04-14T17:16:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow mark's the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's first game as a Major League Ballplayer. We are told it is a time for celebration. I am ok with celebrating the man, and his legacy, but for me, a caucasian baseball nut, it is a time of great shame.

Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947. THAT WAS NEARLY A CENTURY AFTER SLAVERY WAS ABOLISHED IN THIS COUNTRY.

For you Video-game heads, WE USED TO HAVE SLAVERY IN THIS COUNTRY. That's right, we imported folks from Africa, and held them as chattel, as property. For two centuries. The practice was outlawed, only for political reasons.

As bad as that is, that is not why I am ashamed. I am ashamed for what has transpired since. Though Jackie's entree into the Major Leagues was long, long overdue it was seven years BEFORE Brown vs. Board of Education

It was an entire generation before the cats from Texas Western changed the face of college basketball. Revered bigots like Paul "Bear" Bryant took even longer to integrate their squads
and only did it as a last resort, when it became clear that that was the only way to compete.

God bless you Jackie Robinson, and I am very, very sorry, as well as being totally ashamed.

Pay Phone Search

2007-03-28T04:26:00.000-07:00

So yesterday, I rushed out the door to work, leaving my cell phone sitting on the counter.

At the end of the day, I found myself in my car, on the road, needing to make a phone call.
I was supposed to meet my kids for dinner and we hadn't solidified plans.

We had tentatively talked about meeting at the 99 (a favorite dining spot for the Kudla Klan).

No problem, I figured. I'll just make a quick call from a pay phone.

Well, finding a pay phone is harder than one might think in this year of our Lord, 2007.
After several fruitless stops at a Rite Aid, gas stations and convenience stores, I stopped in at the restaurant figuring I would sit at the bar and see if I could bum somebody's cell phone (great plan, huh?).

Well, there was a pay phone right there in the upstairs lobby. I got change from the hostess, contacted my daughter and within the half-hour was enjoying a nice relaxing dinner with her and her brother. Believe it or not, it cost $.90 for a 1-minute call!

So the moral of the story is, don't forget your cell phone. But, if your ever stuck in North Nashua, and need to make a call, the 99 right off Exit 7 of Rt3 has a pay phone in the lobby!

Common Courtesy

2007-03-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

I just had my first experience with CraigsList.
It was a positive experience.

I posted an item that I wanted to get rid of, and which generated much more interest than I expected. The first person who looked at it, bought it, for the price I asked. The whole thing was done, from soup to nuts, in a little over 24 hours.

There were about half a dozen pending inquiries at the time of the sale. I took the time to reply to each, either via e-mail or by phone to let them know that the item was no longer available.

Without fail, I received a heartfelt thank you from the prospective buyer for taking the time to respond to their inquiry.

It took me all of five minutes. It made me feel pretty good.

Red Sox Nation

2007-03-24T14:13:00.000-07:00

One of the things I enjoy about living in New England as a transplanted (upstate) New Yorker and die-hard Yankees fan is the passion of Red Sox nation.

The latest saga involves the role of closer in the Sox bullpen.

Jonathan Papelbon, who was lights out, for the first half of last season, as the BoSox closer, was slated to return to the starting rotation this year.

However, after a fruitless search for a replacement to close games, Mr. Papelbon is returned to his aforementioned role. He even admitted to a curious sleep disorder, as a result

Depending on who you listen to, in this crazy mixed-up nation, this is great, this is perplexing or this is the end of the world....

I love you crazy, whacky Red Sox fans.

Enjoy finishing behind the NY Yankees in the AL East for (what is it) the 84th year in a row???

The Whole is not always greater than the Sum of its Parts

2007-03-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

Big congrats to the gang over at Tabblo.
It was announced this week that HP is acquiring the Cambridge-based startup.

I know two of the starting nine at Tabblo, Ned and David.

They are two of the good guys in this crazy industry.
I have had the good fortune of working with both Ned and David a couple of times in my career.
This led me to the following rumination...

Ned and I worked together at Lotus/Iris and we were successfully acquired by IBM.
David and I worked together at Glassbook and we were successfully acquired by Adobe Systems.
Ned and David are working together at Tabblo and are about to be sucessfully acquired by HP.

Ned, David and I all worked together at Kubi Software and we umm.....
never mind.

Congrats to Ned, David and the whole Tabblo Team!

Opening Day...

2007-03-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

..is a week from tomorrow.

Despite the forecasts of 2-4" of snow tonight, the boys of spring/summer will be plying their trade in very short order.

Is there anything better than the first day of baseball season?

Hang in there kids.

Manny beng Manny

2007-02-26T13:31:00.000-08:00

I have been disillusioned about the state of popular music for a long time now.

It has gotten so bad, for me personally, that I have taken to listening to Sports Talk Radio

I love it.
WEEI is THE STATION in Boston.

The topic of the day is, Manny being Manny.

The talk show idiots, are morons (is that redundant?).

I would put Manny in my outfield, in a heartbeat, in less than a heartbeat.

The scarcely veiled racism in Boston, to this day, amazes me.

Best Ad I've Seen this Season

2007-02-18T14:00:00.000-08:00

So, I'm kinda puttering around today, fixin' a roast beef dinner. The kids are coming over!
In the background, the Great American Race is on the TV.

The Super Bowl gets all the hype, but the Daytona 500 consistently has the best ads.

Today, I was watching the girl, in the passenger seat, wax poetic how about how great their relationship is, and how her parents love him, and how even her cats love him, and how she wants to spend the rest of her life with him...

Meanwhile, the poor guy who is driving, is nervously watching the Check Engine light burn bright red, and not really paying attention to anything his girl is saying.

He finally decides he better pull over, while she natters on....

Of course, he pulls over right in front of a jeweler's store with a big ad for diamond engagement rings.

The ad ends with her on the cell phone telling someone (Mom?) that she is getting married while the guy rolls his eyes and bangs his head back against the headrest of his car.

Once I got done laughing, I realized I had absolutely no idea what the ad was advertising!!
That's ok with me, it's the best ad I've seen all year!

Does anyone sing harmony any more?

2007-02-17T13:12:00.000-08:00

So, I am sitting here listening to my Simon & Garfunkel's Greatest Hits CD while I type this.
I just have to ask. Does anyone sing harmony any more?

It's just sweet music to the ears. My favorite is probably CSNY singing Suite Judy Blue Eyes
My second favorite is probably the same group of cats singing about the Southern Cross. (Though about 35 years prior to this performance). They didn't call CSNY a super group for nuthin' kids.

The last example I can remember is the progeny from the Mamas & Papas and the Beach Boys
(two groups who could totally sing harmony).
I can't for the life of me remember the name of that band!

The sweet sound is, to me, right up there with the Beatles and the Motown Sound of the 60's.

Who sings harmony any more?

Pete? Susan? help me out here....

Super Sunday

2007-02-04T11:26:00.000-08:00

The chili is simmering on the back burner....the beers are chillin' out on the porch (better not leave them out too long, the New England winter has finally arrived).

The hot sauce is made, the wings are good to go, the shrimp cocktail is all set.

All we are lacking is the kick-off, still some 4 hours away.

Speaking of which, it appears to be a fairly even battle between two storied NFL franchises.
I look forward to a good hard-hittng, hard-fought entertaining battle.

I fear the Colts will come out of the gate quickly and crush the Bears.
If the Monsters of the Midway can withstand the first couple of onslaughts of Peyton's crew
it could very well be their game.

Who you got?

Colts 41 Bears 17 is my prediction but I am hoping for a much more competitive game.

The IPhone

2007-01-27T07:14:00.001-08:00

I want one.

LotusSphere from the Outside

2007-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

So, I just got back from Orlando, where I attended my first LotusSphere since 1999 when I left Iris. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Lots of talks, lots of labs, lots of parties...

It really didn't feel all that different. I still drank way too much, made a fool out of myself at JellyRolls and didn't get anywhere near enough sleep, just like I used to...

It was great to hook up with a bunch of old buddies and get a chance to make some new ones. It was sort of like going to your high-school reunion. Some people look exactly like they did 10 years ago, some have aged gracefully and some of us have aged ummm...less gracefully :-)

As an old Notes client jockey, it was gratifying to see so much attention paid to the client and the end user experience. I hope to write up my impressions on the technical side of what I saw, in a future post, but as a loyal employee of a partner/competitor, I never know what is ok to say.

All in all, it was exciting and I feel pretty enthusiastic about the future of Lotus software.

Stay tuned for more...

Old, and getting Older

2007-01-13T11:51:00.000-08:00

So I received a disturbing mail this past week, from the AARP.

Apparently I am eligible to join. Actually, the letter said I have been eligible to join the AARP for some time now, but have yet to take advantage...

How is that possible?

I don't even know what I want to be when I grow up!

Maybe I don't have the same fire I had when I was 25, but I am not ready to retire yet.

Software I have written has yet to change the world, though it has been noticed

AARP, SCHMAARP. I have yet much to accomplish before I retire!

Say a Prayer for No. 1

2006-12-28T17:22:00.000-08:00

Update: The news is not good.
I'm still pullin' for you Bobby. I hope Red Sox nation can put aside our differences and pull for you as well....

God Bless #1

Bobby Murcer, was set to have brain surgery today, to remove a tumor.

The fans of Red Sox Nation probably don't remember much about Bobby, as he patrolled centerfield in Yankee Stadium at a time when The Rivalry, was pretty quiescent (69- 74).

As for me, he was a hero of my youth. Although he was saddled with the expectations of being, "the next Mickey Mantle", he was more like a precursor of dirt-dogs like Trot Nixon.

Though the Scooter will always be the radio voice of the Yankees for fans of my vintage, I have come to learn that Bobby has done an admirable job there as well.

Hang tough, Bobby, this ole' Yankee fan is pulling for you!

Quick update: I guess Bobby made it through and now begins his recovery, still pulling for you #1!

Rest In Peace, President Ford

2006-12-27T14:27:00.000-08:00

I was saddened to hear that President Ford passed away.

His long list of accomplishments and honors during his 93-years will be well-chronicled elsewhere.

Mr. Ford holds special significance to me, in that he is the first presidential candidate I ever voted for. He lost that election to young Jimmy Carter but that set a precedent for my voting record.

Thirty years later, I have only ever voted for a single candidate who was elected Presdient of this great nation.

This country certainly could use leaders of Mr. Ford's strength, character and integrity today...

LotusSphere

2006-12-04T15:16:00.000-08:00

So, I'm in the midst of my 3rd year at my current gig, at EMC2 in Nashua, NH.
I've pretty much spent the entire time working on our Email archiving product line.

For the third straight year, I've signed up to go to LotusSphere in Orlando, next month.
The past two years, I had to bow out at the last minute, mainly due to other work pressures. Though our products support Domino, and I sometimes dabble and consult/troubleshoot, it's not my main focus on a daily basis.

I attended the first half dozen or so LotusSpheres, as a member of the development team. I haven't been back since I left IBM, shortly after LotusSphere in 1999, just as R5 was wrapping up.

They all sort of run together in my mind, apart from the very first one, which was held at a different time of year and was much, much smaller than all the subsequent ones...

I think it would be fun to go back, and see how things have evolved in the past 8 years ( has it really been that long???). It will be kind of weird standing on the outside looking in. I hope to connect with some old friends and make some new ones. I might even make it this year.

Any one know if the Lotus Notes (aka Red Box Panic) have a gig this year??

THanksgiving without Football

2006-11-22T17:55:00.000-08:00

So, I am going to my new in-laws this Thanksgiving, for dinner.
I just learned they do not watch football on Thanksgiving afternoon.

Huh?

Anyone have any ideas for how to deal with this situation? I am pretty sure I know where at least one TV is in their house....

Shout out to Pete

2006-11-22T16:06:00.000-08:00

My ex-colleague and fellow cigar aficianado, Pete Lyons is a crack software engineer.
At the same time, he has made no secret of his desire to be an author.

His last two posts show his very obvious talents as both a poet and and a writer of short stories.

It's hard to do one job well, but I hope you keep writing Pete, even if you don't make it your 2nd career.

Good stuff.

Good Read

2006-11-22T16:02:00.000-08:00

Short, quick article that gave me a chuckle....

Mr. Moranis' situation is not much different from my own.
Well done.

Wovel

2006-11-15T05:22:00.000-08:00

One of the advantages of living in a condo is not having to worry about snow removal.
Before moving to my present digs, I did my time clearing driveways and walks. I never
resorted to power equipment and did it all manually. Most of the time it was not too bad,
but there were a few storms where I wished I had some other means to get rid of the mountains of white stuff.

Along comes the Wovel. I think it could actually work. I have no need for one now, but when I buy my next house, I might just pick one up...

Fried Smelt

2006-11-12T06:05:00.000-08:00

When I first moved to New England in the early 80's, Buffalo Wings hadn't yet migrated from Upstate NY to here. My pub food of choice became fried smelt.

We used to play hoops then go over to some dive in Warren, which I cannot name, not for the life of me. I would invariably order and wolf down an order of fried smelts. They were bite-sized, about the size of my thumb. You would dip them in hot sauce and eat them whole. Delicious! That was the only place I ever remember seeing fried smelt on the menu.

Last night, my daughter took me to dinner at Newick's to celebrate my birthday. Imagine my surpise and delight to see fried smelt on the appetizer menu. I then proceed to trip down memory lane, no doubt boring my poor daughter near to tears.

Of course, we ordered them. When they were arrived, they were much different than I remembered. They were bigger than my thumb, um about the size of a different appendage. The heads had been chopped off. They were deep-fried, but not crunchy.

They were tasty, but I was oddly disappointed. They also served a huge plateful of them and my daughter didn't like them, so I ate way too many...

I now have to try and recreate my long-remembered, small, crunchy smelt at home...

Right after I figure out how to make Apple Kudla...

Week #8 Picks

2006-10-29T04:32:00.000-08:00

Just the beloved G-men, this prognosticator is hitting his stride.
Load up on these picks:

Tennessee -3 over Houston
Jax +7.5 over Philly
Cincy -3.5 over Atlanta
Tampa +9 over NYG
SanFran +16 over Chicago
GreenBay -3.5 over Arizona
KC -4 over Seattle
NewOrleans -1.5 over Baltimore
St. Louis +9.5 over SanDiego
Oakland +9 over Pittsburgh
NYJets +2 over Cleveland
Denver -3 over Indy
Carolina -5 over Dallas

Minnesota +2 over New England

Last week : 8-4-1

Year to date: 37-46-4 (Inching towards respectability)

Week #7 Picks

2006-10-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

Was on the road last week, and did not make my picks.

We're back now, and ready to hit it big:

KC +5 over San Diego
Houston +8 over Jax
Buffalo +5.5 over NE
Atlanta +2.5 over PBurgh
Miami -5 over Green Bay
TB +5.5 over Philly
Jets -3.5 over Detroit
Carolina +3 over Cincy
Denver -4.5 over Cleveland
Washington +8.5 over Indy
Minnesota +6.5 over Seattle
Arizona -3 over Oakland

Giants +3 over Dallas

Week #5 Picks

2006-10-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

Finally had an above .500 week. THe tide continues to turn in week 5:

Redskins +4.5 over Giants
Colts -18 over Titans
Detroit + 6.5 over Minnesota
Tampa Bay +6.5 over New Orleans
St.Louis -3 over Green Bay
Miami +10 over New England
Chicago -10 over Buffalo
Carolina -8 over Cleveland
NYJets +7 over Jacksonville
Arizona +3.5 over KC
San Fran-3 over Oakland
Philly -1.5 over Dallas
Pittsburgh +3.5 over San Diego
Denver -4 over Baltimore

Last Week: 8-6-0
Year to date:21-36-3 (Very, very bad)

Week #4 Picks

2006-10-01T04:45:00.000-07:00

Last week was another horrible week. It looks like trade school for sure, for the youngest of my brood. Time to get up on the comeback trail. The beloved Giants are off today, so I should be able to concentrate on the picks. Here goes:

Jets +9 over Colts
Chargers -2 1/2 over Ravens
Pats +6 over Bengals
Seahawks +3 1/2 over Bears
Cards +7 over Falcons
Bills -1 over Vikings
Saints +7 1/2 over Panthers
Cowobys -9 1/2 over Titans
49ers +7 over Chiefs
Rams -5 over Lions
Jags -3 over Redskins
Packers +11 over Eagles
Texans +3 1/2 over Dolphins
Browns -2 1/2 over Raiders

Last week: 3-8-3
Year to date: 13-30-3 (HORRIBLE)

Five Words I Never Hope To Hear Again

2006-09-24T07:11:00.000-07:00

"We have no more beer". Thus spake the bartender at the little bar in Chicago's O'Hare airport, terminal C. I was on my way home from LA, connecting through Chi-town when the sh-t hit the fan.

Violent thunderstorms, torrential downpours, even a tornado or two, left thousands of travelers stuck, hoping their planes would eventually make it out to their destination. Needless to say, the bars in the airport were doing a brisk business. Brownie and I were gonna wait it out, have a couple drinks and make the best of it.

THEY RAN OUT OF BEER! This was a first for me, in all my years as a beer drinker. I've never been in a bar that ran out. I guess I always had a naive belief in the bottomless tap.

I was stunned speechless for several seconds, but then managed to order a couple Bombay & Tonics (and a couple more after that). The day was saved, at least for a while.

Alas, our flight was canceled and we had to spend the night (sans luggage) in Chi-town. We got home the next day without incident. Of course I stopped at Market Basket on the way home and bought a bunch of 12-packs. Guests to my home will never hear those five words, I promise!!!

Week #3 Picks

2006-09-23T16:33:00.000-07:00

Last week was an absolute disaster, but the kid remains undaunted.
Here we go with week #3:

Miami -11 Over Tenn
Saints +3 1/2 Over Atlanta
Denver +7 over New England
Bears -3 over Vikings
Buffalo -5 1/2 over Jets
Redskins -4 over Houston
Jaguars +7 over Indy
Panthers -3 over Tampa
Baltimore -6 1/2 over Cleveland
NYGiants +3 1/2 over Seattle
Arizona -4 1/2 over St. Louis
49ers +6 over Philly
Detroit -7 over Green Bay
Steelers -1 1/2 over Cincy

Last Week: 3-13
Year to Date: 10 - 22

I Love Cigars

2006-09-16T12:11:00.000-07:00

I don't smoke, not really. I'm asthmatic and though my asthma is pretty well under control all I need to do is smoke a single cigar and I suffer throughout most of the next day.

Having said that, I love a really good cigar. The other night, we had an excellent dinner and after cleanup I was sitting out on my porch and had a terrible craving for a nice cigar.

I didn't have any on hand and was too lazy to actually go out and buy one. I thought, "wouldn't it be nice if I used that humidor I received as a gift a few years back and had it stocked with a fine selection of stoagies?"

I'm not sure. Right now, I have a cigar maybe once every couple months. As I said, they are really bad for me but every once in a while they just plain hit the spot, dammit!

Pete, what should I do?

Week #2 Picks

2006-09-16T12:03:00.000-07:00

Week 1 sucked. It is good that my youngest doesn't want to go to college so I can continue to lose big $$$ betting on the NFL!!!

No but seriously, this week I will win it all back, and then some!

On to the picks:

Oakland + 12 over Baltimore
Indy -13.5 over Houston
Cleveland +10 over Cincy
Miami -6.5 over Buffalo
Detroit +8.5 over Chicago
Carolina over Minnesota
NYGiants +3 over Philly
Tampa Bay +5.5 over Atlanta
Green Bay +2 over New Orleans
St.Louis -3 over San Francisco
Arizona +7 over Seattle
Denver -10.5 over KC
San Diego -11.5 over Tennessee
NYJets +6 over New England
Washington +6.5 over Dallas
Pittsburgh -2.5 over Jax

Last Week: 7 - 9
Year to date: 7 - 9

Kudla's Week #1 Picks (Contd.)

2006-09-09T04:13:00.000-07:00

Hit the Thursday night game so I'm undefeated for the year (1-0)!
Vegas here I come!

Here's the rest of the week 1 picks:

Denver -4 over St.Louis
NYJets +2.5 over Tennessee
New England -9.5 over Buffalo
Tampa Bay -3 over Baltimore
Kansas City -2.5 over Cincinnati
Detroit +6 over Seattle
Carolina -5.5 over Atlanta
Philadelphia -5 over Houston
New Orleans +3 over Cleveland
Dallas +2 over Jacksonville
Green Bay +3.5 over Chicago
San Francisco +8 over Arizona
NY Giants +3.5 over Indianapolis
Washington -4.5 over Minnesota
San Diego -3 over Oakland

First week, who knows...

GO JINTS!!!!!!

Kudla's Picks Week #1

2006-09-07T17:09:00.000-07:00

Don't have time to do them all, but let's get the Thursday pick in.

Pittsburgh -1 over Miami

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL??!?!?!?

King Andre

2006-08-28T18:10:00.000-07:00

Say what you want about Mr. Agassi and his many incarnations but he has played the game at the highest level, for longer than anyone this side of Jimmy Connors.

The US Open began play today at Flushing Meadow. Andre has declared that this is his swan song.

I have rooted for him, I have rooted against him, but I have always enjoyed watching him play.
Can he conjure a magic run ala Jimmy in 1991?

This tennis fan, for one, will be rooting for him.

Much Ado about Nothing

2006-08-28T17:58:00.000-07:00

So, I'm sitting at my desk at work and the guy next door comes over to tell me, "the DA has dropped all charges against Karr". My first thought was, "who does Karr play for?". I then realized he was talking about the Ramsay murder case.

I admit I hadn't followed it very much, and frankly I don't think it is news. I will grant you the murder of a 6-year old girl is a terrible tragedy. If you will concede that the fact that we have 6-year old beauty queens is, at best, unfortunate, I will not speculate on how that may have contributed to the events that transpired.

How many crimes (murder, abuse, neglect) have been perpetrated against little girls (and boys) in this country, since Jon-Benet Ramsay was murdered? That, my friends, is the real tragedy, and that should be the real story....

I'm getting a pair

2006-08-28T17:13:00.000-07:00

So, I saw a very interesting piece on Outside the Lines yesterday.
Stephon Marbury is introducing and endorsing the 'Starbury One' a sneaker that sells for, get this $14.95.

That's right parents, there are no missing digits in that above price.
In an era where Air Jordans go for nearly $200 (American) and Lebron's signature shoe will set you back about $125.

The piece I saw on TV stated that the shoes are pretty much all constructed the same way, but there were plenty of questions about the $15 shoe having the same cachet (particularly with teens) as the higher priced footwear. We're talking an order of magnitude here folks. At the same cost to outfit one kid with Air Jordans, you can shoe your entire roster with Starbury Ones.

I will do my part and pick up a pair, as soon as I can figure out where to get them...

My First Song

2006-08-28T16:53:00.000-07:00

So a couple years back, Ray Charles got a lot of play. There was a hit movie, Ray about his life.
Jamie Foxx totally nailed the role. Excellent movie, rent it the next chance you get.

Anyways, that is not the point of this post. As ever, it takes me a while to get to the point.
That same Christmas (I'm gonna say 2005), I received the soundtrack CD as a gift.

It is a great disc, I love it. One song stuck out for me, and that was I Can't Stop Loving You

When I was a tyke, I rode it the middle of the front seat of my daddy's car. I had my own steering wheel complete with a horn I could beep at will (and I did!). Listening to this song, it brought it all back, riding with Daddy, beeping my horn and listening to Ray Charles.

Sure enough, the song was released in 1962, when I would've been four. It's my earliest recollection of pop music. In fact, if I remember aright, this song made the Country Charts.

I listen to it today, apart from the flood of good memories it brings back, it's a damn good tune, and Ray's soulful interpretation is just plain genius.

The Way the Game is supposed to be played

2006-08-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

I just got done watching the Little League World Series championship game. It was riveting.
Dominant pitching, tight defense, one key hit (2-run homer) and the boys from Georgia won 2-1.
I enjoyed it immensely.

Last Saturday, I journeyed to Fenway Park (already chronicled on this blog) and watched an excrutiating 13-5 game. Tons of bases on balls, shoddy defense an a couple long balls.

Gimme a 2-1 game where the outcome turns on a single play against a 13-5 slug/walk fest where the biggest challenge is to stay awake.

That's the way the big leaguers played when I was a kid (tight close games), but we've lost it. Can we ever get back?

How about a retinal scanner attached to my laptop?

2006-08-20T16:11:00.000-07:00

Today I was once again frustrated attempting to retrieve some information from an account online (my IBM 401K). I couldn't remember my password, actually I couldn't remember my user ID either, but when I hit the "forgot Password" link, I learned that my user ID is really my social security number (on other accounts, it is mkudla on others it is kudlam, on some work accounts, it is my badge #...etc...).

Today's episode was a classic, I was told that my updated password would be mailed (not e-mailed) within 2 business days (how 20th century is that?) to my permanent address on file. Of course, the reason why I was accessing the account online is because my permanent address (who has a permanent address any more?) was obsolete. When I tried to update it, I was denied, because I couldn't login, because I didn't know my password.

This crap happens to me at least once a week. Between work (Windows domain(s), e-mail, Time Sheet, Benefits, 401K...) and personal (hotmail, expedia, amazon, google, bank, ticketmaster, cell phone, credit cards, stubhub....) I estimate I have at least 2 dozen different accounts I log on to, all with varying frequency. It's not just passwords, it's user names (or IDs).

This whole online thing sucks

Preseason Football Stinks

2006-08-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

I watched my Giants the other night against KC. They looked great and won 17-0.
The Patriots were equally impressive last night in a 30-3 lambasting of the Cardinals.

So what? They're exhibition games. I hate exhibition games. All you do is pray that none of your team's key players get hurt. What fun is that? It just makes the wait for the start of the season more interminable.

What's the fix? Easy. The NFL went one step in the right direction nearly 30 years ago. Teams used to play SIX preseason games and 14 regular season games. Prior to the 1978 season, the schedule was amended to 4 exhibition games and 16 regular games. Much better. Let's do it again. 2 preseason games is plenty. Let's play 18 REAL games. I am ready for some FOOTBALL!!

Boston Massacre

2006-08-20T05:08:00.000-07:00

When my daughter graduated from Providence College this past spring, I promised I would provide her two tickets to this weekend's big tilt at Fenway. I'm a lifelong Yankees' fan. Emily, born and raised in New England, roots for the Red Sox. It was only May, but we already figured this mid-August series would be huge.

I waited til the last minute, then ponied up a small fortune for 2 rightfield grandstand seats via Stubhub (the best of the legal scalper sites, in my opinion). I grudgingly put on a Boston hat and promised Emily I would not root for the Evil Empire, for this one day at least. We got there early and grabbed our seats. They were decent unobstructed view of everything but the extreme right field corner.

Spending time with my first-born was the highlight of the day. The game was a bomb. It was long and ugly, particularly for the Sox fans. I kept to my word and didn't gloat. Even as a Yankee fan, I didn't find the game particularly enjoyable but a W is a W.

Are the Sox done? Too early to tell. We all know what happened the last time the Yanks won the first 3 games of a big series against the Boston nine :-)

Any trip to Fenway park is a good time for me. Being able to enjoy it with my daughter, who has blossomed into a pretty hard-core fan, makes it all the more so...

Maybe next time we'll see a well-played close, exciting contest. You can bet there will be a next time.

Back Online

2006-08-19T05:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I did it. A week and a half without using a computer. First time in at least 10 years.
Though I didn't bring my laptop to Aruba, there were Internet Cafes all over the place.
I wasn't really tempted to use any of them. Not sure what it means, maybe I needed a break or maybe I'm burned out. I figure next week at work will tell the tale. If I feel refreshed and energized, it will be the former, if I struggle to get through the week, it is the latter.

In any event, I plan to try and make a serious effort at this whole blogging thing....

Off the grid

2006-08-08T02:24:00.000-07:00

Well, as I mentioned I just got married.
Today we leave for our honeymoon, in Aruba.

After much internal discussion, I've decided the laptop stays here.
Jocleyn agrees with the decision, so it's the right call.

I havent been disconnected for any period of time in a very long while.
Should be interesting.....

Gettin' hitched

2006-08-06T05:15:00.000-07:00

Well, today is a big day for me. I am tying the knot with my lovely fiance Jocelyn.
The weather certainly has cooperated, as it will be an outdoor event.

It's all good.

There's no fish in the Nashua River

2006-07-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

So, this is my 2nd summer lving in a condominium complex along the Nashua River.
I do not own a boat, or even a canoe, but I enjoy getting my line wet from any number of positions (along the river).

Though no one would ever mistake me for a fisherman, last year, I caught a number of blue gills ( good fighters) , several perch and even a couple of bass. Almost every time I cast, I got at least a nibble.

This year, virtually nothing. A couple hard nibbles, and that is it. I know the fish population in the river is way down. Last year, on a sunny day, you could see the sunfish teeming. This year, not so much.

I attribute it to the hard rains and floods we had in late spring that washed all kindsa crap into my river. I throw this out to see if others can corroborate this, not just on the Nashua River, but other rivers 'round here.

Trippin' down memory lane

2006-07-23T06:21:00.000-07:00

So I went to a meeting at IBM Westford last Friday, to talk about 64-bit Domino stuff with Bob Bertolini and "Fast" Eddy Bell. It was a pretty good meeting, there were no surprises, but I got the opportunity to roam around my old stomping grounds for a bit (escorted, of course)!

The first big surprise was when we bopped up to the front desk to announce ourselves for the meeting. "May I see your driver's licenses?", said the young lady behind the counter queried.
"Wow! Where's the metal detector?", I replied as I dug the license out of my wallet. She did not seem amused. Heck, when I started at Iris the rule was the last one to go home was supposed to lock the glass doors in front, on the way out. Back then, unlike most software engineers (then and now) I was a bit of an early bird and was on any number of occasions, the first one in, to sail into a completely unlocked facility..

The morning was a bit surreal. The overall physical plant was very familiar, but I had trouble remembering the details. I saw plenty of familiar names on the nameplates outside the offices (often 2 to a single door!), and also plenty of unfamiliar ones. I managed to meet the father of my good buddy David Pitkin (purely by chance) and I bumped into a few old-timers and chewed the fat for a while.

All in all, it was an interesting experience. It made me reflect on the 8 years I spent working on Lotus Notes, the best gig of my career. To this day, I like many of my ex-colleagues, make my living, at least tangentally from the work we did in those years. It is gratifying to see Notes and Domino continue to make hay, and to see guys like Ed Brill continue to fight the good fight.

I left feeling strangely dislocated and with a vauge desire to write an @Formula or some LotusScript (or at least get Slappy or Damien to do it, which is in truth what I used to do...)

I guess you can't go home again, but it's kinda cool to visit

Do you know why Babe Ruth didn't take steroids?

2006-07-23T06:14:00.000-07:00

Because they weren't available in his day. Plain and simple.

To some how put players in the "pre-steroid" era on some pedestal and to proclaim that their statistics are more legitimate is flat out ludicrous.

Heck, Babe Ruth didn't even have to compete against the best players of his time (or at least a good portion of them). He got by on his prodigious natural talents. His idea of workout was sevens (hot dogs, women, and cigars, 7 of each).

Mickey Mantle could've potentially approached Ruth's HR record, if he took halfway decent care of himself and didn't go out boozing all the time.

Steroids aside, the work ethic of guys like Bonds, Clemens, etc is something the ballplayers of yesterday could never approach. These guys are amazing athletes and deserve at least much acclaim and praise has the older guys....

I wish these sanctimonious sports writers would get off their soap boxes and realize that.

If at first you don't succeed..

2006-07-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

..so I abandoned my first attempt at this whole blogging thing a few months back.
But, sometimes I enjoyed it, so I'm gonna try again.
My original blog mkudla.blogspt.com got hijacked, I have no idea why, so I got a new URL too.

Not sure if anyone will find it, but I'll post my thoughts here anyways.

Party on.