Hello All,
Since it is mid week and I feel like a quick morning break from the patent scribble .....here is a link to a funny video based on the Emperor in Star Wars
(yes I did sent this link out last night to some of you via email)
http://www.collegerecruiter.com/weblog/archives/2006/08/entry_level_job_2.php
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Friday, December 7, 2007
Pearl Harbor Day
Always amazes me to read/hear stories from people involved in such events.
It also reminds me that this happened only 66 years ago. Long enough that most of us only know about such things academically. Hopefully such a World War does not happen again tis bad enough with all of the smaller conflicts currently occuring.
For your reading enjoyment.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/military/20071207-9999-1n7pearl.html
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwii-pac/pearlhbr/pearlhbr.htm
It also reminds me that this happened only 66 years ago. Long enough that most of us only know about such things academically. Hopefully such a World War does not happen again tis bad enough with all of the smaller conflicts currently occuring.
For your reading enjoyment.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/military/20071207-9999-1n7pearl.html
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwii-pac/pearlhbr/pearlhbr.htm
Thursday, December 6, 2007
I realized somthing about my blog title block
Hola all,
I realized that I referenced restaurant guides in my title block....but I have not done much reporting recently. To rectify this I shall start spending some time reviewing the food haunts of Fredericksburg, VA.
Today I went to lunch at Brock's with our new coworker. For lunch I had the steak wrap special (steak with a jerk rub and a pineapple salsa). Twas tasty, even though they could have done a better job removing the gristly parts....Fries also came with the lunch. Coworker had and enjoyed the half plate of ribs. What I historically eat there is dinner and for dinner I highly recommend the Tuna Steak or the Blackened Chicken Alfredo. Place is on the river and during the right times of year it is nice to hang out on their outdoor dining areas.
Shifting to a completely different topic. My father sent an interesting anti-global warming article with link. Below is a link to the one of the author's blog articles regarding this interesting topic. I would encourage you to find his initial entry (which I am too lazy to find and/or copy directly from my email).
http://www.kusi.com/weather/colemanscorner/11338421.html
I will say that this gent's opinion(s) are more in line with what I believe then Mr. Gore's position based on the limited science/data I have actually read.
Avoid being blindly led by what the media and others report. Reading about different positions and what they are based upon (or not based upon) can be amusing.
and if a Kozak in San Diego reads this...comment upon what you know/think of the author (if you have any knowledge of the dude being in the same relative locale)
I realized that I referenced restaurant guides in my title block....but I have not done much reporting recently. To rectify this I shall start spending some time reviewing the food haunts of Fredericksburg, VA.
Today I went to lunch at Brock's with our new coworker. For lunch I had the steak wrap special (steak with a jerk rub and a pineapple salsa). Twas tasty, even though they could have done a better job removing the gristly parts....Fries also came with the lunch. Coworker had and enjoyed the half plate of ribs. What I historically eat there is dinner and for dinner I highly recommend the Tuna Steak or the Blackened Chicken Alfredo. Place is on the river and during the right times of year it is nice to hang out on their outdoor dining areas.
Shifting to a completely different topic. My father sent an interesting anti-global warming article with link. Below is a link to the one of the author's blog articles regarding this interesting topic. I would encourage you to find his initial entry (which I am too lazy to find and/or copy directly from my email).
http://www.kusi.com/weather/colemanscorner/11338421.html
I will say that this gent's opinion(s) are more in line with what I believe then Mr. Gore's position based on the limited science/data I have actually read.
Avoid being blindly led by what the media and others report. Reading about different positions and what they are based upon (or not based upon) can be amusing.
and if a Kozak in San Diego reads this...comment upon what you know/think of the author (if you have any knowledge of the dude being in the same relative locale)
Friday, November 30, 2007
Friday and forgotten Pictures
Hail lurkers,
I brought in my digital camera to use for work....and noticed that I had some pictures from the MD Renn faire that I forgot to put on the site. This issue has been rectified.
Some of you lurkers should send in pictures that I can put into some type of random collage if you are feeling brave enough. And no, I will not pull a Francis and cut off your head and reattach it to a dancing animated woman.
I brought in my digital camera to use for work....and noticed that I had some pictures from the MD Renn faire that I forgot to put on the site. This issue has been rectified.
Some of you lurkers should send in pictures that I can put into some type of random collage if you are feeling brave enough. And no, I will not pull a Francis and cut off your head and reattach it to a dancing animated woman.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Post Tgiving and back to work
Hello World,
Well Thanksgiving was quite the enjoyable day. Started the day with a bike ride but not the planned one. Ended up meeting Francis Wong at his house in Ashburn and we rode along the Washington & Old Dominion trail to downtown Leesburg. Around 15-16 miles round trip...a pleasant little ride to start the day (after the 1.25 hour drive to his house). From there a quick jaunt up to the folks house in Littlestown PA. Saw many relatives that I had not seen in quite a while. The folks cooked up the usual monster bird (27 lbs) and assorted other good things to eat. The most amusing part of the visit was scaring my 5.5 year old niece by threatening to hang her upside down by her feet. Good to know that I can still scare small children.
The day ended with the 2.5 or so hour drive home that day.
For the weekend, I had grand plans of getting ahead at work. Instead email civ game turns with the Skarbecks occurred.....with just a couple of good hours put in at work.
Also an amusing zombie film was watched....Planet Terror.....well worth watching once....with probably the most well known names in a zombie movie ever.
So far this week....just grinding out paper at the office for the latest work project and surfing for future vacations.
Well Thanksgiving was quite the enjoyable day. Started the day with a bike ride but not the planned one. Ended up meeting Francis Wong at his house in Ashburn and we rode along the Washington & Old Dominion trail to downtown Leesburg. Around 15-16 miles round trip...a pleasant little ride to start the day (after the 1.25 hour drive to his house). From there a quick jaunt up to the folks house in Littlestown PA. Saw many relatives that I had not seen in quite a while. The folks cooked up the usual monster bird (27 lbs) and assorted other good things to eat. The most amusing part of the visit was scaring my 5.5 year old niece by threatening to hang her upside down by her feet. Good to know that I can still scare small children.
The day ended with the 2.5 or so hour drive home that day.
For the weekend, I had grand plans of getting ahead at work. Instead email civ game turns with the Skarbecks occurred.....with just a couple of good hours put in at work.
Also an amusing zombie film was watched....Planet Terror.....well worth watching once....with probably the most well known names in a zombie movie ever.
So far this week....just grinding out paper at the office for the latest work project and surfing for future vacations.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Happy Bird Day World
Hello and Early Happy Thanksgiving,
Like most of my recent weeks...not too much to report. Went up to Woodbridge last Saturday on a whim, and ended up playing a few card games during an open game session at the hobby store there.
Going to the folks for Bird tomorrow and to see relatives I rarely see these days which should be enjoyable. My offer to provide Spam on the Half-Shell for an appetizer while embraced by my father.....was clearly rejected by my mother. Her instructions were to by some assorted nuts. Maybe I should mix spam and nuts.........thoughts lurkers?
The pre-Thanksgiving gathering activity will be an bikeride in MD/DC for fun. We shall see how the out of shape Ron does on the 10-20ish mile ride tomorrow morning. With luck I will make it from Carderock to Georgetown and back...in time to show up at the appointed food hour.
http://bikewashington.org/canal/canal_a.php
the biggest challenge (I hope) is riding a non-paved path with my skinny tire bike.....will I get a flat. Second biggest challenge is waking up early enough to pull all of this off .... as we have the early dinner (1PM I think) at the folks retirement villa in PA.
Hope you all have an enjoyable holiday.
Like most of my recent weeks...not too much to report. Went up to Woodbridge last Saturday on a whim, and ended up playing a few card games during an open game session at the hobby store there.
Going to the folks for Bird tomorrow and to see relatives I rarely see these days which should be enjoyable. My offer to provide Spam on the Half-Shell for an appetizer while embraced by my father.....was clearly rejected by my mother. Her instructions were to by some assorted nuts. Maybe I should mix spam and nuts.........thoughts lurkers?
The pre-Thanksgiving gathering activity will be an bikeride in MD/DC for fun. We shall see how the out of shape Ron does on the 10-20ish mile ride tomorrow morning. With luck I will make it from Carderock to Georgetown and back...in time to show up at the appointed food hour.
http://bikewashington.org/canal/canal_a.php
the biggest challenge (I hope) is riding a non-paved path with my skinny tire bike.....will I get a flat. Second biggest challenge is waking up early enough to pull all of this off .... as we have the early dinner (1PM I think) at the folks retirement villa in PA.
Hope you all have an enjoyable holiday.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Hail
Not much new to report out. Just at work slowly working through the next set of paperwork that needs to be completed so as to fill the paycheck. A new online game has also come out which is starting to fill up my evenings and perhaps some of my lunch breaks. Tabula Rasa (http://www.rgtr.com/index.html)
Otherwise just recovering from watching that painful Redskins football game.
Not much new to report out. Just at work slowly working through the next set of paperwork that needs to be completed so as to fill the paycheck. A new online game has also come out which is starting to fill up my evenings and perhaps some of my lunch breaks. Tabula Rasa (http://www.rgtr.com/index.html)
Otherwise just recovering from watching that painful Redskins football game.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Escaping to RI and testing the train
Hola Lurkers,
I am currently typing from RI. I wandered up here last Thursday after an 8.5 hour train ride. The train was the way to go. Roomy, comfortable and almost effortless on my part. I had to lug my luggage about 4 blocks and then wait for the train. Boarded and then had a seat or two for my use. Did some reading and about 4 hours of work while riding the Amtrak. The most difficult thing of working while riding, was that the train had just enough vibration action in some spots that words while typing occassionally came out liiikkkeee this. This was with the laptop on the fold out table as compared to securing a firm table in the dining car. We shall see what I can get on the ride back..................
An enjoyable weekend of mainly gaming spent here visiting my old college roomate (Pete) and his family. We managed 2 full days of playing Battlelore (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/25417)
as well as playing spades most nights for 3+ hours. Combine the gaming with lego building (small children and Ron like Legos) and their hot tub twas an excellent weekend. Tomorrow I wander back to the 'burg.
and to the Kellermens....thanks for the Redskins voice message update.
I am currently typing from RI. I wandered up here last Thursday after an 8.5 hour train ride. The train was the way to go. Roomy, comfortable and almost effortless on my part. I had to lug my luggage about 4 blocks and then wait for the train. Boarded and then had a seat or two for my use. Did some reading and about 4 hours of work while riding the Amtrak. The most difficult thing of working while riding, was that the train had just enough vibration action in some spots that words while typing occassionally came out liiikkkeee this. This was with the laptop on the fold out table as compared to securing a firm table in the dining car. We shall see what I can get on the ride back..................
An enjoyable weekend of mainly gaming spent here visiting my old college roomate (Pete) and his family. We managed 2 full days of playing Battlelore (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/25417)
as well as playing spades most nights for 3+ hours. Combine the gaming with lego building (small children and Ron like Legos) and their hot tub twas an excellent weekend. Tomorrow I wander back to the 'burg.
and to the Kellermens....thanks for the Redskins voice message update.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Monday the 23rd Part II
FLASH UPDATE
After reading the entrails from my lunch......I became motivated to find my next sailing vacation. I think I have found it. I have located a sailing school (and upon an ongoing email exchange) that teaches both the Catamarran cruising class that I wish to take and the follow on to my other ASA classes (advanced coastal cruising ASA 106). They have a class at the end of december and on towards the end of February. Based out of Ft. Lauderdale they sail to either the Bahamas or the Florida Keys. I suspect that this class will go to the Bahamas because part of the 106 class topics is night sailing and the traditional trip from Florida (based upon distance and lack of visible night navigational aids in the Bahamas) to the Bahamas is an overnighter.
www.bwss.com
Hopefully I can get this finalized this week.
After reading the entrails from my lunch......I became motivated to find my next sailing vacation. I think I have found it. I have located a sailing school (and upon an ongoing email exchange) that teaches both the Catamarran cruising class that I wish to take and the follow on to my other ASA classes (advanced coastal cruising ASA 106). They have a class at the end of december and on towards the end of February. Based out of Ft. Lauderdale they sail to either the Bahamas or the Florida Keys. I suspect that this class will go to the Bahamas because part of the 106 class topics is night sailing and the traditional trip from Florida (based upon distance and lack of visible night navigational aids in the Bahamas) to the Bahamas is an overnighter.
www.bwss.com
Hopefully I can get this finalized this week.
Monday the 23rd
Hola,
Well the Redskins won this weekend....due to their defense. Based on how weak the offense looked I hope that they find a practicioner of HEPATOSCOPY to perhaps assist in the formulation of a game plan.
In order to continue offering education materials on occassion the following is provided.........
Hepatoscopy is a form of divination using the entrails of animals.
In ancient times the liver was regarded as the focal point of life and of special occult importance.
The liver was divided into sections with each section representing a particular diety.
The markings in these zones were of great importance
Otherwise, not much new here. The weather was excellent this weekend so I took some time to do a nice 4+ mile walk around town on Sat and a bike ride on Sunday morning.
Upcoming for this week is just processing paperwork in order to justify my paycheck.
Well the Redskins won this weekend....due to their defense. Based on how weak the offense looked I hope that they find a practicioner of HEPATOSCOPY to perhaps assist in the formulation of a game plan.
In order to continue offering education materials on occassion the following is provided.........
Hepatoscopy is a form of divination using the entrails of animals.
In ancient times the liver was regarded as the focal point of life and of special occult importance.
The liver was divided into sections with each section representing a particular diety.
The markings in these zones were of great importance
Otherwise, not much new here. The weather was excellent this weekend so I took some time to do a nice 4+ mile walk around town on Sat and a bike ride on Sunday morning.
Upcoming for this week is just processing paperwork in order to justify my paycheck.
Friday, October 12, 2007
The Next Step
Hail Lurkers!
The Next Step...catchy title and what does it mean. To support one of my future goals of getting out and traveling more, I am getting a laptop with the plan to use it to work while traveling. The upcoming test for this will be around the first weekend in November when I am going up to Rhode Island to visit some friends. The mode of travel chosen this time is train. So I can walk to the station and sit for 8.5 hours while the train ambles along and hopefully work for some portion of that trip.
Other news and random thoughts.
GO REDSKINS!
an interesting article related a British Courts ruling/interpretation of Al Gore's "Inconvenient Truth" http://abcnews.go.com/US/TenWays/Story?id=3719791&page=1
now back to the regularly scheduled writing of a patent.
The Next Step...catchy title and what does it mean. To support one of my future goals of getting out and traveling more, I am getting a laptop with the plan to use it to work while traveling. The upcoming test for this will be around the first weekend in November when I am going up to Rhode Island to visit some friends. The mode of travel chosen this time is train. So I can walk to the station and sit for 8.5 hours while the train ambles along and hopefully work for some portion of that trip.
Other news and random thoughts.
GO REDSKINS!
an interesting article related a British Courts ruling/interpretation of Al Gore's "Inconvenient Truth" http://abcnews.go.com/US/TenWays/Story?id=3719791&page=1
now back to the regularly scheduled writing of a patent.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Older but not necessarily wiser
Hola Lurkers,
Not much of great interest has occured over the last week, just a number of small but useful? items.
1. My mom emailed me to remind me that I was another year older.
2. More things of fun viewage have been hung on the walls of the condo.
3. A small table for dining now exists in the condo, and the computer has been moved to the yellow room.
4. Steve is back from Sweden, so the work load is about to go back up (aka I have been told I can work as much as I want and that would still not come close to covering all of the potential work that is in the office for the moment).
5. I worked up a number of retirement scenarios.....and I have come to the conclusion that I will not be retiring at the age of 50.
6. The bike ride along the Potomac river was excellent. We did about 22 miles starting near Belle Haven marina...went up to the Key bridge into Georgetown...wandered over to the National Mall and then over th 14th street bridge (i think) and back along the river. Was very nice to see people out enjoying the day.
7. Going out for hot wings tonight!....Be afraid of me tomorrow!
hope all of you lurkers are having fun out there.
Not much of great interest has occured over the last week, just a number of small but useful? items.
1. My mom emailed me to remind me that I was another year older.
2. More things of fun viewage have been hung on the walls of the condo.
3. A small table for dining now exists in the condo, and the computer has been moved to the yellow room.
4. Steve is back from Sweden, so the work load is about to go back up (aka I have been told I can work as much as I want and that would still not come close to covering all of the potential work that is in the office for the moment).
5. I worked up a number of retirement scenarios.....and I have come to the conclusion that I will not be retiring at the age of 50.
6. The bike ride along the Potomac river was excellent. We did about 22 miles starting near Belle Haven marina...went up to the Key bridge into Georgetown...wandered over to the National Mall and then over th 14th street bridge (i think) and back along the river. Was very nice to see people out enjoying the day.
7. Going out for hot wings tonight!....Be afraid of me tomorrow!
hope all of you lurkers are having fun out there.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Condo
Hola all,
Yes, I never got back to enter the other verbage regarding the Maine trip, but at least the photos are posted which are probably more interesting than that which I would type.
Not much going on here.....doing a little office work and still setting up the condo. Two more pieces of furniture have been purchased. Also the storage unit is down to just two more loads of things to relocate or pitch.
Upcoming fun with luck will include a 20+ mile bike ride along the Potomac river this weekend with some of the guys I used to work with at GM.
Yes, I never got back to enter the other verbage regarding the Maine trip, but at least the photos are posted which are probably more interesting than that which I would type.
Not much going on here.....doing a little office work and still setting up the condo. Two more pieces of furniture have been purchased. Also the storage unit is down to just two more loads of things to relocate or pitch.
Upcoming fun with luck will include a 20+ mile bike ride along the Potomac river this weekend with some of the guys I used to work with at GM.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Pictures
hola lurkers
my pictures from the vacation are up! With luck I shall put some captions onto the pictures later. Also if anyone else from the trip (hint) submits pictures ....I shall gladly post them, or link in your gallery.
my pictures from the vacation are up! With luck I shall put some captions onto the pictures later. Also if anyone else from the trip (hint) submits pictures ....I shall gladly post them, or link in your gallery.
Friday, September 7, 2007
First Installment
Hola all,
Here is the first installment of the narration of the Maine trip. Pictures will go up this weekend.
8/25/07 Friday
Departed Fredericksburg, around 1020, on a hot and humid day when the temperature was supposed to hit 99F. Arrived in West Chester, PA around 1400. Took Bonnie an additional 2.5-3 hours to finish packing and load her car...then onward to Haddenfield, NJ to get Andrew.
Was given the nickel tour of Andrew's pleasant spartan condo (furniture and decorations optional) which was in a nice location. Brief tour of downtown Haddenfield, followed by a decent dinner at an Italian restaurant.
Departed Haddenfield around 2000 and drove until around midnight where we stopped in Connecticut about 20 miles south of Hartfield. My pleasureable day of being in vehicles allowed me to go through parts of VA, MD, DC, PA, NJ, NY and CT...what fun!
8/26
Woke up and had breakfast in the Denny's next door and got rolling around 0815. Arrived in Bar Harbor, ME around 1500. Todays route went via route 91 to rte 15 to rte 84 to the Mass. Pike to rte 495 to rte 95 to rte 295 to rte 95 which got us to Bangor, ME (for you Stephen King fans). From there, rte 1a to rte 3 to Bar Harbor. (exciting highways)
It was hot and humid in Bar Harbor (upper 80's). The house was nice and open with 3 floors. Entry/garage lvl, bedroom lvl, then the open kitchen/family/dining room with a deck on the 3rd floor. Nice view of the local forests and mountains from the deck...also very breezy!
Picked up rental bikes (Trek 4300 mountain bike.....used)
Dinner was mediocre at Rupinini's....not good enough to remember what we ate or going back to.
Steve and Carole arrived at around 2100....after driving straight through from Fredericksburg, VA....they were rather zombie like upon arriving.
8/27 Sunday
Everyone was up early and feeling rather energetic. The morning tradition of eggs and tea for breakfast was started this morning ( i had 2 eggs, Andrew had 7+). A short bike ride (4 miles at most I guess) which allowed us to find the entrance to the Great Meadow Loop path...for our group morning walk.
The walk started innocently enough.....walked 2-3 miles from the house to the Nature Center..all feeling good, so Steve and I decided we should try something more strenuous...Dorr Mountain. This clime was labelled strenuous (we later found out) and was painful. The views were amazing....I opted out part way up the mountain since going down is more difficult then going up with my knees. Steve, Carole and Andrew made it to the summit....and Steve was challenged going down....was amusing to pick him up at the bottom with his new walking stick.....
Total walk for me was around 6 miles..and my legs/knees were done when finished. The descent was very slow and challenging for me...but not as bad as I thought it might be. The pictures of the carved steps and such are cool.
No mosquitos!
Rest of day was spent recovering, prior to an excellent dinner at MacKays pub...highly recommended if anyone gets to Bar Harbor. Good filets and seafood.
Here is the first installment of the narration of the Maine trip. Pictures will go up this weekend.
8/25/07 Friday
Departed Fredericksburg, around 1020, on a hot and humid day when the temperature was supposed to hit 99F. Arrived in West Chester, PA around 1400. Took Bonnie an additional 2.5-3 hours to finish packing and load her car...then onward to Haddenfield, NJ to get Andrew.
Was given the nickel tour of Andrew's pleasant spartan condo (furniture and decorations optional) which was in a nice location. Brief tour of downtown Haddenfield, followed by a decent dinner at an Italian restaurant.
Departed Haddenfield around 2000 and drove until around midnight where we stopped in Connecticut about 20 miles south of Hartfield. My pleasureable day of being in vehicles allowed me to go through parts of VA, MD, DC, PA, NJ, NY and CT...what fun!
8/26
Woke up and had breakfast in the Denny's next door and got rolling around 0815. Arrived in Bar Harbor, ME around 1500. Todays route went via route 91 to rte 15 to rte 84 to the Mass. Pike to rte 495 to rte 95 to rte 295 to rte 95 which got us to Bangor, ME (for you Stephen King fans). From there, rte 1a to rte 3 to Bar Harbor. (exciting highways)
It was hot and humid in Bar Harbor (upper 80's). The house was nice and open with 3 floors. Entry/garage lvl, bedroom lvl, then the open kitchen/family/dining room with a deck on the 3rd floor. Nice view of the local forests and mountains from the deck...also very breezy!
Picked up rental bikes (Trek 4300 mountain bike.....used)
Dinner was mediocre at Rupinini's....not good enough to remember what we ate or going back to.
Steve and Carole arrived at around 2100....after driving straight through from Fredericksburg, VA....they were rather zombie like upon arriving.
8/27 Sunday
Everyone was up early and feeling rather energetic. The morning tradition of eggs and tea for breakfast was started this morning ( i had 2 eggs, Andrew had 7+). A short bike ride (4 miles at most I guess) which allowed us to find the entrance to the Great Meadow Loop path...for our group morning walk.
The walk started innocently enough.....walked 2-3 miles from the house to the Nature Center..all feeling good, so Steve and I decided we should try something more strenuous...Dorr Mountain. This clime was labelled strenuous (we later found out) and was painful. The views were amazing....I opted out part way up the mountain since going down is more difficult then going up with my knees. Steve, Carole and Andrew made it to the summit....and Steve was challenged going down....was amusing to pick him up at the bottom with his new walking stick.....
Total walk for me was around 6 miles..and my legs/knees were done when finished. The descent was very slow and challenging for me...but not as bad as I thought it might be. The pictures of the carved steps and such are cool.
No mosquitos!
Rest of day was spent recovering, prior to an excellent dinner at MacKays pub...highly recommended if anyone gets to Bar Harbor. Good filets and seafood.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Survived Vacation
Hola all,
Acadia National Park is phenomenal to view. Much hiking and biking for all levels of fitness to do there.
More details and pictures will be available in a few days after I recover.
Acadia National Park is phenomenal to view. Much hiking and biking for all levels of fitness to do there.
More details and pictures will be available in a few days after I recover.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Prepping for Maine
Hello Lurkers!
I am currently attempting to finish up the work projects and get a few things purchased in prep for my Maine vacation. The travel portion begins this Friday, may the pain of the drive be worth what is found up there. Since I am going, I expect this to be.
Plans for Maine.....
I hope to sail, bike, hike, and perhaps kayak. Other plans, minimize shopping, sampling the local cuisine (while attempting to avoid shellfish), possibly catching a sunrise/sunset from Cadillac mountain (highest peak on US eastern seaboard), and not doing any work.
Something else occuring during this time for you Astronomy buffs....
Two moons on 27th August 2007* *27th August; the day the Whole World is waiting for ...... Planet Mars will be the brightest in the night sky starting August. It will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye. This will cultivate on Aug. 27 when Mars comes within 34.65 Million miles of earth. Be sure to watch the sky on Aug. 27 12:30 am. It will look like the earth has 2 moons. The next time Mars may come this close is in 2287. Share this with your friends as NO ONE ALIVE TODAY will ever see it again.
I hope everyone else enjoys next week as much as I hope to.
With luck I will update the photo gallery and/or blog a couple of times next week.
I am currently attempting to finish up the work projects and get a few things purchased in prep for my Maine vacation. The travel portion begins this Friday, may the pain of the drive be worth what is found up there. Since I am going, I expect this to be.
Plans for Maine.....
I hope to sail, bike, hike, and perhaps kayak. Other plans, minimize shopping, sampling the local cuisine (while attempting to avoid shellfish), possibly catching a sunrise/sunset from Cadillac mountain (highest peak on US eastern seaboard), and not doing any work.
Something else occuring during this time for you Astronomy buffs....
Two moons on 27th August 2007* *27th August; the day the Whole World is waiting for ...... Planet Mars will be the brightest in the night sky starting August. It will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye. This will cultivate on Aug. 27 when Mars comes within 34.65 Million miles of earth. Be sure to watch the sky on Aug. 27 12:30 am. It will look like the earth has 2 moons. The next time Mars may come this close is in 2287. Share this with your friends as NO ONE ALIVE TODAY will ever see it again.
I hope everyone else enjoys next week as much as I hope to.
With luck I will update the photo gallery and/or blog a couple of times next week.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Hot!
Hello all,
Per the local weather guessers, it hit 105 with a heat index of 115 here yesterday. What a joy to walk around in!
This hot weather has somewhat slowed down my exercising in preperation for the Maine vacation. Even with that, I have managed a few 3-4 mile walks around town in the early morning hours (when it is still hot, but survivable). The current fun walk is going up one of the hills in town that held Confederate Artillery during the battle for Fredericksburg (Civil War battle). The hill gives a nice view of parts of the town, as well as giving my legs a bit of a work out.
Current Temperature (0900) in Bar Harbor, ME 62
Current Temperature (0900) in Fredericksburg, VA 86 but feels like 92
Littlestown, PA 80 but feels like 83
Pensacola, FL 85 but feels like 97
[info is curtesy of www.weather.com]
Per the local weather guessers, it hit 105 with a heat index of 115 here yesterday. What a joy to walk around in!
This hot weather has somewhat slowed down my exercising in preperation for the Maine vacation. Even with that, I have managed a few 3-4 mile walks around town in the early morning hours (when it is still hot, but survivable). The current fun walk is going up one of the hills in town that held Confederate Artillery during the battle for Fredericksburg (Civil War battle). The hill gives a nice view of parts of the town, as well as giving my legs a bit of a work out.
Current Temperature (0900) in Bar Harbor, ME 62
Current Temperature (0900) in Fredericksburg, VA 86 but feels like 92
Littlestown, PA 80 but feels like 83
Pensacola, FL 85 but feels like 97
[info is curtesy of www.weather.com]
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Upgrading Communications.......
Sent to me via the Kellermanns....this is hilarious and will be understood by any Harry Potter fans out there.
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2007/071807-hogwarts-it-director.html?page=1
not much new here, just work this week and a visit by the Kellermanns to check out the new condo this weekend. They are bringing their wee one so that shall be interesting.....and amusing.
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2007/071807-hogwarts-it-director.html?page=1
not much new here, just work this week and a visit by the Kellermanns to check out the new condo this weekend. They are bringing their wee one so that shall be interesting.....and amusing.
Friday, July 27, 2007
The next vacation
Hola all,
Looks like the next vacation has been determined. Maine from August 25 to Sep 1 (roughly). A abode has been picked within walking distance of Bar Harbor. Hopefully all goes through with the rental paperwork........ here is a link to the place.
http://www.knowlesco.com/content/RentalPropertyServlet/q/mode/detail/id/470#
looks very nice, only challenge for me shall be the stairs...may my knee braces be strong enough!
The amount of things to do there looks amazing....hiking in Acadia National Park, biking (40+ miles of trails with no cars), hanging out in the town, kayaking and of course sailing.
http://www.mansellboatrentals.com/sailboats.html
So the question is....am I in adequate physical shape to enjoy this? (not to the full extent), can I get into adequate physical shape in 1 month? and most importantly will my knees stay at a reasonable size or will they look like basketballs after a few mile hike?
So much excitement in my future!
Looks like the next vacation has been determined. Maine from August 25 to Sep 1 (roughly). A abode has been picked within walking distance of Bar Harbor. Hopefully all goes through with the rental paperwork........ here is a link to the place.
http://www.knowlesco.com/content/RentalPropertyServlet/q/mode/detail/id/470#
looks very nice, only challenge for me shall be the stairs...may my knee braces be strong enough!
The amount of things to do there looks amazing....hiking in Acadia National Park, biking (40+ miles of trails with no cars), hanging out in the town, kayaking and of course sailing.
http://www.mansellboatrentals.com/sailboats.html
So the question is....am I in adequate physical shape to enjoy this? (not to the full extent), can I get into adequate physical shape in 1 month? and most importantly will my knees stay at a reasonable size or will they look like basketballs after a few mile hike?
So much excitement in my future!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Current Events and the Next Vacation
Hail Lurkers,
This weekend saw a successful weekend of gaming with the usual suspects. Also the new 50" TV got some viewing time. The condo is getting closer to being set up. My parents have decided to come down for an inspection visit next week which should be amusing.
Attempting to work out details for a trip to Maine near Bar Harbor/Acadia National park around the Labor Day weekend to get some sailing, hiking and biking in......so if any of you lurkers are interested drop me a line. Also if any of you have been up there and can recommend things to do or avoid feel free. It shall be an interesting challenge I suspect getting optimal lodging around that weekend at this point in time.
This weekend saw a successful weekend of gaming with the usual suspects. Also the new 50" TV got some viewing time. The condo is getting closer to being set up. My parents have decided to come down for an inspection visit next week which should be amusing.
Attempting to work out details for a trip to Maine near Bar Harbor/Acadia National park around the Labor Day weekend to get some sailing, hiking and biking in......so if any of you lurkers are interested drop me a line. Also if any of you have been up there and can recommend things to do or avoid feel free. It shall be an interesting challenge I suspect getting optimal lodging around that weekend at this point in time.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Friday the 13th
Hola all,
Curtesy of my word of the day service (dictionary.com) that I subscribe to, here is a good one:
triskaidekaphobia: having a morbid fear of the numbe 13 or Friday the 13th
I can honestly say, that I do not suffer from this phobia.
Curtesy of my word of the day service (dictionary.com) that I subscribe to, here is a good one:
triskaidekaphobia: having a morbid fear of the numbe 13 or Friday the 13th
I can honestly say, that I do not suffer from this phobia.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Partially decorated condo
Hola all,
Here are some new pics of the condo with some paint, decorations and perhaps blinds!
http://picasaweb.google.com/ron.dubois/PartiallyDecorated
this has been the main focus of my waking moments.
Here are some new pics of the condo with some paint, decorations and perhaps blinds!
http://picasaweb.google.com/ron.dubois/PartiallyDecorated
this has been the main focus of my waking moments.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Something Fun
Hola all,
Moving is no fun. With that being the case, I am fairly well along in the move in process and other than being worn out I appear to have survived. Painting is complete, and I am into the unpacking phase and a bit more to move out of the apartment. Furnishing has commenced.
Now, my father was kind enough to send me this amusing link, so here it is for your amusement.
What are you worth?
http://mingle2.com/cadaver-calculator
I was not worth very much.........
Moving is no fun. With that being the case, I am fairly well along in the move in process and other than being worn out I appear to have survived. Painting is complete, and I am into the unpacking phase and a bit more to move out of the apartment. Furnishing has commenced.
Now, my father was kind enough to send me this amusing link, so here it is for your amusement.
What are you worth?
http://mingle2.com/cadaver-calculator
I was not worth very much.........
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Condo
Well it has occurred. I have signed the paperwork and paid down some significant cash, but now I have the keys to the new condo. Time for the evil known as decorating. My sister-in-law has kindly been digging through various magazines and tabbing things for my review, and tonight paint might be purchased.
It will be amusing to see just how much of the painting, hanging of light blocking devices and moving can be done between now and Sunday night.
It will be amusing to see just how much of the painting, hanging of light blocking devices and moving can be done between now and Sunday night.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Condo and stuff
Hola all,
I did a walk through of the condo yesterday and it looked nicer than expected. Also the loan stuff seems to almost be finished. The number of hurdles are decreasing. Now for the tough part, figuring out how to decorate/paint the place and then do the painting........(volunteers are welcome).
A funny link was sent to me curtesy of PK that I enjoyed so much that it is linked here for your reading pleasure you scurvy bilge rats.
http://www.wikihow.com/Talk-Like-a-Pirate
I did a walk through of the condo yesterday and it looked nicer than expected. Also the loan stuff seems to almost be finished. The number of hurdles are decreasing. Now for the tough part, figuring out how to decorate/paint the place and then do the painting........(volunteers are welcome).
A funny link was sent to me curtesy of PK that I enjoyed so much that it is linked here for your reading pleasure you scurvy bilge rats.
http://www.wikihow.com/Talk-Like-a-Pirate
Monday, June 18, 2007
4-Day Vacation
Hola all,
I have returned to Fredericksburg. During my four days away, I spent 2 days in OC MD with the Kellermanns. Was enjoyable to walk the boardwalk, get sunburned, eat crabs, listen to the drunks wandering the boardwalk late at night and have their small child attempt to use me as a piece of furniture or toy. From there I drove to Philadelphia to see John, his wife Marie and Andrew. We were to go sailing on saturday, but a flat tire on a trailer altered plans. Instead we went for a "leisurely, warmup" ride of 9-10 miles in a local park. Scenary was good. Then John and Marie prepared a tasty dinner of grilled chicken, salad with mushrooms and asperagus, couscous and a peach chutney. The evening goal (for me) was to sleep and drink as much water as I could hold.
On Sunday morning, we were up at the crack of dawn to get ready for the bike ride. The 22 mile ride through Philly was both scenic and enjoyable. It took about 2 hours on relatively flat ground. The start was along Kelly drive (no cars allowed that morning) up through a place called Manayunk in Philly. Along a river and an old canal. Paths consisted of roads, a boarded old tow path, asphalt bike trails, a semi-ground gravel path, and a very short section of cobblestones. Cobblestones are not fun to go over on my bike.
I was pleasantly suprised that I finished and was able to move after the ride. Today I am significantly less sore then expected.
The only downside to the whole weekend, was the 5.5 hours drive home getting stuck in traffic......gotta luv route 95!
I have returned to Fredericksburg. During my four days away, I spent 2 days in OC MD with the Kellermanns. Was enjoyable to walk the boardwalk, get sunburned, eat crabs, listen to the drunks wandering the boardwalk late at night and have their small child attempt to use me as a piece of furniture or toy. From there I drove to Philadelphia to see John, his wife Marie and Andrew. We were to go sailing on saturday, but a flat tire on a trailer altered plans. Instead we went for a "leisurely, warmup" ride of 9-10 miles in a local park. Scenary was good. Then John and Marie prepared a tasty dinner of grilled chicken, salad with mushrooms and asperagus, couscous and a peach chutney. The evening goal (for me) was to sleep and drink as much water as I could hold.
On Sunday morning, we were up at the crack of dawn to get ready for the bike ride. The 22 mile ride through Philly was both scenic and enjoyable. It took about 2 hours on relatively flat ground. The start was along Kelly drive (no cars allowed that morning) up through a place called Manayunk in Philly. Along a river and an old canal. Paths consisted of roads, a boarded old tow path, asphalt bike trails, a semi-ground gravel path, and a very short section of cobblestones. Cobblestones are not fun to go over on my bike.
I was pleasantly suprised that I finished and was able to move after the ride. Today I am significantly less sore then expected.
The only downside to the whole weekend, was the 5.5 hours drive home getting stuck in traffic......gotta luv route 95!
Monday, June 11, 2007
The weekend and the Upcoming Week
Well all,
It has gotten relatively busy down here in the burg. Paperwork has been increasing as I try and get the loan and condo stuff finalized. The latest challenge from the condo group.....was "someone forgot to mail out some of the settlement letters" so I still have no written confirmation of the settlement date and time which is supposed to occur on June 27th.
On the work side of life, I have been pleasantly busy so I should be able to afford the condo ( at least for the short term future).
On the fun side, as you know the sailing trip was enjoyable. Recently I have been attempting to do some more biking. This weekend I did an amusing 9 mile loop with some hills at the Prince William Forest Park located near Quantico, VA.
http://home.nps.gov/applications/parks/prwi/ppMaps/new_PRWI_Map.pdf
http://www.nps.gov/prwi/index.htm
This ride was in preparation for joining some of the greater Philadelphia area crew on a 22 mile jaunt on Sunday the 17th of June. (and yes I know 9 miles is significantly fewer than 22 miles)
Other upcoming fun, with luck Ocean City, MD for a couple of days. Some of my friends (Kellermann) have condo on the beach for a week or so I hope to wander down there for a day or two prior to the biking jaunt up north.
It has gotten relatively busy down here in the burg. Paperwork has been increasing as I try and get the loan and condo stuff finalized. The latest challenge from the condo group.....was "someone forgot to mail out some of the settlement letters" so I still have no written confirmation of the settlement date and time which is supposed to occur on June 27th.
On the work side of life, I have been pleasantly busy so I should be able to afford the condo ( at least for the short term future).
On the fun side, as you know the sailing trip was enjoyable. Recently I have been attempting to do some more biking. This weekend I did an amusing 9 mile loop with some hills at the Prince William Forest Park located near Quantico, VA.
http://home.nps.gov/applications/parks/prwi/ppMaps/new_PRWI_Map.pdf
http://www.nps.gov/prwi/index.htm
This ride was in preparation for joining some of the greater Philadelphia area crew on a 22 mile jaunt on Sunday the 17th of June. (and yes I know 9 miles is significantly fewer than 22 miles)
Other upcoming fun, with luck Ocean City, MD for a couple of days. Some of my friends (Kellermann) have condo on the beach for a week or so I hope to wander down there for a day or two prior to the biking jaunt up north.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Pictures
Hola all,
I finally got around to hooking the digital camera up to my computer....and realized that I had three sets of pictures to download. They are now out for your viewing pleasure
Condo in Progress
Vegas in April 07
and the latest sailing trip around the Memorial Holiday weekend.
For those of you that are challenged here is another link....
http://picasaweb.google.com/ron.dubois?pli=1
I finally got around to hooking the digital camera up to my computer....and realized that I had three sets of pictures to download. They are now out for your viewing pleasure
Condo in Progress
Vegas in April 07
and the latest sailing trip around the Memorial Holiday weekend.
For those of you that are challenged here is another link....
http://picasaweb.google.com/ron.dubois?pli=1
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
First Sailing Pics
Hola all,
The first set of sailing pics are in.........to view them use the My Travels link. When additional pics are uploaded they will be under My Travels in the May 07 Sailing picture folder.
Enjoy.
The first set of sailing pics are in.........to view them use the My Travels link. When additional pics are uploaded they will be under My Travels in the May 07 Sailing picture folder.
Enjoy.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Survived Sailing
Hola Lurkers,
Yes, it is true...we survived 4 days on the Ches. Bay. Later this week I shall pen in more details from my notes and add some pictures that I took, and perhaps some pictures from Andrew....
Highlights include:
Sailing underneath the Bay Bridge near Annapolis MD.
Light Air, and
a Thunderstorm
Yes, it is true...we survived 4 days on the Ches. Bay. Later this week I shall pen in more details from my notes and add some pictures that I took, and perhaps some pictures from Andrew....
Highlights include:
Sailing underneath the Bay Bridge near Annapolis MD.
Light Air, and
a Thunderstorm
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Memorial Weekend Sailing Trip
Ah yes, it is time again to get out on the Ocean blue. This time we are going out of Rock Hall MD
http://www.baydreaming.com/rock_hall.htm for four days of hopefully fun sailing. The weather is predicted to be 80's in the day and down to the 60's at night. Decent temperatures. Mostly sunny with the occassional T-storm...which can make life interesting on the Bay.
The boat of choice this time is http://www.havencharters.com/summerplace.htm which from the pictures looks like a nice 32' Ocean Packet. It will be a tad cramped with four of us going....but that will help with the costs.
Destinations have not been determined yet, but I suspect that we will get to port at most once...due to cost and no reservations. This suits me fine, since in the Bay I prefer some of the peaceful anchorages as compared to the hassle of a busy marina.
For Bonnie and the Kellerman crew....should I ask them to make you a calendar?
http://www.baydreaming.com/rock_hall.htm for four days of hopefully fun sailing. The weather is predicted to be 80's in the day and down to the 60's at night. Decent temperatures. Mostly sunny with the occassional T-storm...which can make life interesting on the Bay.
The boat of choice this time is http://www.havencharters.com/summerplace.htm which from the pictures looks like a nice 32' Ocean Packet. It will be a tad cramped with four of us going....but that will help with the costs.
Destinations have not been determined yet, but I suspect that we will get to port at most once...due to cost and no reservations. This suits me fine, since in the Bay I prefer some of the peaceful anchorages as compared to the hassle of a busy marina.
For Bonnie and the Kellerman crew....should I ask them to make you a calendar?
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Condo
Well what can I say.....yesterday I received a phone call with a "new" settlement date of June 27th...and with this came a time and location for settlement, as well as my last 2 walk through dates. It will be interesting to see the written followup that I am suppposed to be receiving.
All of you lurkers out there....start practicing your painting skills, and general house setting up skills for I might have uses for some of you! Just think of the possibilities here.....helping to set up my latest bachelor pad....and after it is painted it will need a big screen TV.
What else will the condo need?
Please post some of your ideas................
All of you lurkers out there....start practicing your painting skills, and general house setting up skills for I might have uses for some of you! Just think of the possibilities here.....helping to set up my latest bachelor pad....and after it is painted it will need a big screen TV.
What else will the condo need?
Please post some of your ideas................
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Biking...or an attempt at self damage
Hola all,
I purchased a bike for fun this weekend and today I rode it into work. Fortunately coming into work is more downhill than uphill. I wonder if the ride home today in the expected 89 degree afternoon will finish me off..............
Otherwise not much new is going on here. My brother and his wife are in Sweden for a few days, and I have been asked to feed their cats. So if anyone wants a cat (or 3) I can sell them to you for a rather low price.
I purchased a bike for fun this weekend and today I rode it into work. Fortunately coming into work is more downhill than uphill. I wonder if the ride home today in the expected 89 degree afternoon will finish me off..............
Otherwise not much new is going on here. My brother and his wife are in Sweden for a few days, and I have been asked to feed their cats. So if anyone wants a cat (or 3) I can sell them to you for a rather low price.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Condo Update
Yes, I know you all are waiting to hear more about the condo I am trying to move into. After calling and e-mailing the folks at the condo place I have been given a tentative settlement date of June 20th. So what does this mean? I have no clue.
For anyone curious or perhaps bored here is a link that can lead you to a floor plan for my unit and a general map of Fredericksburg showing the condo location.
http://www.cobblestonesquarecondos.com/
I have a 2 bedroom corner unit.
Gaming was successful. I think we spent over 14 hours playing one game, and we sampled at least one other game.
For anyone looking for some quick gaming interaction, I would recommend Battlestations:Midway. In this game you are put in charge of a ship or planes (WWII themed)with the grand goal of sinking the enemy fleet prior to the same happening to you. What is neat about this game is that you can play against other people and that each game (in my limited experience) lasts from 8-25 minutes. I am sure that this would look nice on my father's large screen TV. The game mechanics are fairly easy to learn, but successfully implementing them has so far eluded me.
Also worthy of new note: 15 days until I get to go sailing.
Hope all of you lurkers are doing well out there.
For anyone curious or perhaps bored here is a link that can lead you to a floor plan for my unit and a general map of Fredericksburg showing the condo location.
http://www.cobblestonesquarecondos.com/
I have a 2 bedroom corner unit.
Gaming was successful. I think we spent over 14 hours playing one game, and we sampled at least one other game.
For anyone looking for some quick gaming interaction, I would recommend Battlestations:Midway. In this game you are put in charge of a ship or planes (WWII themed)with the grand goal of sinking the enemy fleet prior to the same happening to you. What is neat about this game is that you can play against other people and that each game (in my limited experience) lasts from 8-25 minutes. I am sure that this would look nice on my father's large screen TV. The game mechanics are fairly easy to learn, but successfully implementing them has so far eluded me.
Also worthy of new note: 15 days until I get to go sailing.
Hope all of you lurkers are doing well out there.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Some things do not change
Hola all,
Yes it is true that some things do not change. What am I going to do this weekend, the same type of thing I used to do with some of my high school friends..back when we were in high school...get together at someone's house and play computer games (or board games) for most of a weekend. Myself, Francis, Jim and Ben.
This is one example of why I stay employed.
I am sure many of you are jealous or perhaps you would consider this another example my questionable/lack of a social life.........
Yes it is true that some things do not change. What am I going to do this weekend, the same type of thing I used to do with some of my high school friends..back when we were in high school...get together at someone's house and play computer games (or board games) for most of a weekend. Myself, Francis, Jim and Ben.
This is one example of why I stay employed.
I am sure many of you are jealous or perhaps you would consider this another example my questionable/lack of a social life.........
Monday, April 23, 2007
Planet Earth
As many of you know, I rarely watch television shows. However, one of the newer programs on the Discovery Channel called Planet Earth is quite good. The photos are of amazingly high quality and show a large variety of flora and fauna that I have either never seen before or not seen in many years since watching National Geographic type specials. New episodes show on Sundays, but there seem to be reruns shown at various times during the week. Highly recommended.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Return from the North
Hail All,
I have returned to Virginia after spending almost a week in Rhode Island visiting Pete (my college roomate) and his family (Cathy, Sierra and Paul). The visit was enjoyable, and the weather was relatively evil. No snow at least...but a bit cold and rainy. One of the amusing things about this visit was the Volcano. A Volcano was built by Cathy and Paul and was set to erupt using baking soda and vinegar I think. So we all truck outside to watch......and 15 seconds of pinkish goo came out of the top and dribbled down the sides. All were amused.
Why am I posting this you ask?
Because I think that this would be ideal for some of you lurkers out there to create. Particularly a certain set of grandparents...........
I have returned to Virginia after spending almost a week in Rhode Island visiting Pete (my college roomate) and his family (Cathy, Sierra and Paul). The visit was enjoyable, and the weather was relatively evil. No snow at least...but a bit cold and rainy. One of the amusing things about this visit was the Volcano. A Volcano was built by Cathy and Paul and was set to erupt using baking soda and vinegar I think. So we all truck outside to watch......and 15 seconds of pinkish goo came out of the top and dribbled down the sides. All were amused.
Why am I posting this you ask?
Because I think that this would be ideal for some of you lurkers out there to create. Particularly a certain set of grandparents...........
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Post Vegas
Well...what can I say...I am not independently wealthy but not through lack of effort.
Weather was sunny and in the 70's and 80's. Spamalot was seen and is highly recommended. Very, very funny...but rather similar to the Monty Python movie relating to the search for the Holy Grail.
Sampled some new and old food haunts......Corsa at the Wynn was decent Italian, the traditional steakhouse at Bally's was nice, and the usual Mon Ami Gambi was also very nice.
Gambling....first line says it all for me, Bonnie on the other hand demonstrated new levels of luck on slot machines.....winning over $100 dollars on a 1 cent slot, and $450 on a nickel slot.
For the card players, the Texas Hold 'em tournament was a blast.
Weather was sunny and in the 70's and 80's. Spamalot was seen and is highly recommended. Very, very funny...but rather similar to the Monty Python movie relating to the search for the Holy Grail.
Sampled some new and old food haunts......Corsa at the Wynn was decent Italian, the traditional steakhouse at Bally's was nice, and the usual Mon Ami Gambi was also very nice.
Gambling....first line says it all for me, Bonnie on the other hand demonstrated new levels of luck on slot machines.....winning over $100 dollars on a 1 cent slot, and $450 on a nickel slot.
For the card players, the Texas Hold 'em tournament was a blast.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
It's that time of the Year again...
Yes...it is time to go back to Las Vegas. So with luck upon my return there might be some pictures and random comments from my wanderings....
Hope all of you workers (and even those retirees) are able to enjoy yourselves while I continue to work on my life of leisure.
I was also amused by my brother the other day......he was waffling over going to Las Vegas as well....but he and his wife decided to buy a tread mill instead. You decide...tread mill or Las Vegas trip....
Hope all of you workers (and even those retirees) are able to enjoy yourselves while I continue to work on my life of leisure.
I was also amused by my brother the other day......he was waffling over going to Las Vegas as well....but he and his wife decided to buy a tread mill instead. You decide...tread mill or Las Vegas trip....
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Revealing Comments from Fran re: India
>>How is the air quality?
Air quality would kill a squirrel in 5 minutes..
>>the corporate apt?
Stayed in the hotel instead! very nice 4-star -- very comfy -- but it lost electricity about 4 times a day.
>>other general comments?
Lost of stray dogs -- stray dogs poop -- lots of poop on the ground
Air quality would kill a squirrel in 5 minutes..
>>the corporate apt?
Stayed in the hotel instead! very nice 4-star -- very comfy -- but it lost electricity about 4 times a day.
>>other general comments?
Lost of stray dogs -- stray dogs poop -- lots of poop on the ground
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Today's Random Thoughts
I am wearing shorts..it is in the upper 70's and sunny outside, which leads me to think about Buffett.
Last year was the first time in about 7 years I did not go to his concert. This year I tried to get tickets, but failed and the show sold out in around 10 minutes (maybe 3-5). So for fun I have been tracking the price of tickets for the vendors that somehow get blocks of tickets to "resell". So how much is a Jimmy Buffett ticket worth? I am considering purchasing some for about $100 a piece. After searching various ticket agents online...that is about the bottom price. Some people are attempting to sell tickets for over $1000 for a seat to a show at Nissan Pavillion. (My jaw dropped when I saw that insanity) (Face Value of a lawn ticket is under $50)
Maybe this should become a side business?? All of you stay at home types check out the going rates for concerts...and what sells out...then figure out what you can make. I suspect that the time committment is fairly minimal to possibly make hundreds if not thousands of dollars annually.
Last year was the first time in about 7 years I did not go to his concert. This year I tried to get tickets, but failed and the show sold out in around 10 minutes (maybe 3-5). So for fun I have been tracking the price of tickets for the vendors that somehow get blocks of tickets to "resell". So how much is a Jimmy Buffett ticket worth? I am considering purchasing some for about $100 a piece. After searching various ticket agents online...that is about the bottom price. Some people are attempting to sell tickets for over $1000 for a seat to a show at Nissan Pavillion. (My jaw dropped when I saw that insanity) (Face Value of a lawn ticket is under $50)
Maybe this should become a side business?? All of you stay at home types check out the going rates for concerts...and what sells out...then figure out what you can make. I suspect that the time committment is fairly minimal to possibly make hundreds if not thousands of dollars annually.
Monday, March 12, 2007
W. and 300, two unrelated topics
300
300 was a neat action packed and gory movie. IF this is your speed go see it in the theater. I enjoyed it.
W.
Francis has sent a link of his questionable photos as he travels to India.....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69039396@N00/sets/72157594578503092
for your viewing pleasure
side note: These Spartans make Rostov look like a little girl.
300 was a neat action packed and gory movie. IF this is your speed go see it in the theater. I enjoyed it.
W.
Francis has sent a link of his questionable photos as he travels to India.....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69039396@N00/sets/72157594578503092
for your viewing pleasure
side note: These Spartans make Rostov look like a little girl.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
The best one liner I have seen today
It takes a village to raise a child...but it takes a Viking to RAZE a village
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Things worth noting in March
Hello Lurkers!
Things to do in March.
1. See the 300 (Spartans) movie.
2. March 17th .....Liver Appreciation Day.......
3. Write patents to pay off last years tax obligations.
4. Plan for a Memorial Weekend sailing trip on some still to be determined body of water on some unknown type of sailing vessel from a yet to be picked by John charter company. (this is a good thing)
5. Other suggestions welcome..........
Note: These ideas are not necessarily just for me.
Things to do in March.
1. See the 300 (Spartans) movie.
2. March 17th .....Liver Appreciation Day.......
3. Write patents to pay off last years tax obligations.
4. Plan for a Memorial Weekend sailing trip on some still to be determined body of water on some unknown type of sailing vessel from a yet to be picked by John charter company. (this is a good thing)
5. Other suggestions welcome..........
Note: These ideas are not necessarily just for me.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
What is New?
Answer: Not much. Just a few tidbits....
1. New condo is delayed...with luck I will move in to it in May (preferably early May).
2. Francis W. has the joy of going to India to teach a seminar.....also known as more evidence that more technical work could be going there.......
3. Watched part of a truly poor movie....American Astronaut....Do Not Ever Rent IT
(remember, if I think a bad move is bad...it is probably worse than that)
4. Rumors from the North indicate a possible sailing trip on the Bay over Memorial Weekend set up by John I.
5. A toy for all ages http://www.coverpop.com/wheeloflunch/
thanks to Trish K,
1. New condo is delayed...with luck I will move in to it in May (preferably early May).
2. Francis W. has the joy of going to India to teach a seminar.....also known as more evidence that more technical work could be going there.......
3. Watched part of a truly poor movie....American Astronaut....Do Not Ever Rent IT
(remember, if I think a bad move is bad...it is probably worse than that)
4. Rumors from the North indicate a possible sailing trip on the Bay over Memorial Weekend set up by John I.
5. A toy for all ages http://www.coverpop.com/wheeloflunch/
thanks to Trish K,
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Food thoughts...courtesy of my father
A couple of years ago I was in Lille for a conference, and decided to try one of the "local" restaraunts. I had no idea what Andouiliette was ordered a soup that contained it and fromage. Now cheese in soup can be good, French onion and Minestrone both benefit from the addition, but this was disgusting, bits of pig intestine with strings of something like mozzarela, in a limpid liquid that was fairly grey.
For those of you that know my father...the above is part of an email from him (even though the "I" is not him)...it shows that he has not changed (mentally).....of course it might also explain something about me........
Yummy stuff!
For those of you that know my father...the above is part of an email from him (even though the "I" is not him)...it shows that he has not changed (mentally).....of course it might also explain something about me........
Yummy stuff!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Jim Skarbeck's 40th
http://pictures.aol.com/ap/viewShare.do?shareInfo=aeVRhXusOtLlv4aMoV5wXEa8qRNkcJMDnFJ8j4JCSgi%2fjFCnkV3ciA%3d%3d
The link goes to the pictures that Francis Wong took during the suprise 40th birthday party for Jim. Tough to believe that people I went to highschool with are hitting 40.......
The link goes to the pictures that Francis Wong took during the suprise 40th birthday party for Jim. Tough to believe that people I went to highschool with are hitting 40.......
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Zardoz
The latest movie review is of Zardoz. This not so excellent film was made in 1974 and stars Sean Connery. It appears to be a somewhat low budget sci-film in which Earth goes down hill and a small group of people find immortality within a barrier. Sean Connery initially worships the giant floating head called Zardoz. He somehow learns to read and figures out that maybe Zardoz is a front for something else.
Long story short, not much action, many scantily clad women, a mildly interesting plot, with an unknown ending since I went to sleep.
Long story short, not much action, many scantily clad women, a mildly interesting plot, with an unknown ending since I went to sleep.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Cold
Hola all,
This cold weather is making me think I need to be back in the Keys or perhaps farther south......
At least I am no longer in MI or upstate NY.........
This cold weather is making me think I need to be back in the Keys or perhaps farther south......
At least I am no longer in MI or upstate NY.........
Friday, January 26, 2007
Vacation Poll
Hola All,
I am getting that itch to plan my next vacation. The big question(s) are when and where to go?
Assuming my knees decide to work, I am thinking an outdoors type vacation....like sailing in a new and exotic place. Perhaps throwing in some diving and/or light hiking. So for those of you with ideas...please post them...also for those of you that vacation with me..definitely post your thoughts. (Something to get those lurkers posting)
Other options that always pop up at this time of the year is Las Vegas...but that might wait another year or so.....
Times that do not work. April is a no go. In theory that is when settlement and move-in occurs at the new cave.
I am getting that itch to plan my next vacation. The big question(s) are when and where to go?
Assuming my knees decide to work, I am thinking an outdoors type vacation....like sailing in a new and exotic place. Perhaps throwing in some diving and/or light hiking. So for those of you with ideas...please post them...also for those of you that vacation with me..definitely post your thoughts. (Something to get those lurkers posting)
Other options that always pop up at this time of the year is Las Vegas...but that might wait another year or so.....
Times that do not work. April is a no go. In theory that is when settlement and move-in occurs at the new cave.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Snakes on a Plane
Look no farther for a movie that has it all. This movie has action and humor. Not to mention the excellent one-liners....and standard Samuel L. Jackson comments. This movie truly was enjoyable to watch.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Movies and other thoughts to post until the next Vacation
Since I feel like filling up the time between my attempts at travelling or vacationing, I am going to post movie reviews every so often.....I am looking for a method of ranking so feel free to make some recommendations. (For example 1 to 5 stars 5 being an amazingly good movie, 1 to 12 beers depending upon how many you should drink to enjoy the movie, etc.)
First movie
Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter
A fine independent film coming to us from Canada (I think). This movie was hilarious. A mixture of comedy and action, with a musical twist. General plot is as follows.....Vampires start hunting people, mainly women, in a certain priest's parish. He sends a fellow priest to get Jesus Christ from some unknown, but not too far, location. Jesus comes and fights vampires. He starts to lose...so God talks to him and recommends that he recruit Santo (the patron saint of Mexican Wrestlers?)...the duo then tries again and has more success against the Vampires. An interesting climactic fight ensues.......
First movie
Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter
A fine independent film coming to us from Canada (I think). This movie was hilarious. A mixture of comedy and action, with a musical twist. General plot is as follows.....Vampires start hunting people, mainly women, in a certain priest's parish. He sends a fellow priest to get Jesus Christ from some unknown, but not too far, location. Jesus comes and fights vampires. He starts to lose...so God talks to him and recommends that he recruit Santo (the patron saint of Mexican Wrestlers?)...the duo then tries again and has more success against the Vampires. An interesting climactic fight ensues.......
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Some new pictures are linked to my friend John's picasa web gallery. John is the friend that I have sailed with for many of the last 9 years or so. These pictures are all (I think) taken with his cameras from some of our past trips.
Thanks John!
http://picasaweb.google.com/poko67
Thanks John!
http://picasaweb.google.com/poko67
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Home
Hola all,
For better or worse I have returned to VA. One new photo is attached. More shall go up when I get my copy of Bonnies last day or 2 of shots and the parasailing pictures.
It was so nice down there, that we stayed another day. Final day or 2 was in the 70's and 80's...with lots of sun. (Imagine that).
I managed to rent a 16' Hobiecat and get out on the water for a bit the last day. Was wonderful, sailing off of a beach into the Atlantic Ocean. Went out about 1/2 mile offshore, had 1.5 foot swells...just enough to add a tad of excitement to the sail.
Well, hopefully some of you found this amusing. For those of you that have lurked and not commented please comment and/or shoot me an email so I know whether this should be continued or discontinued in the future.
For better or worse I have returned to VA. One new photo is attached. More shall go up when I get my copy of Bonnies last day or 2 of shots and the parasailing pictures.
It was so nice down there, that we stayed another day. Final day or 2 was in the 70's and 80's...with lots of sun. (Imagine that).
I managed to rent a 16' Hobiecat and get out on the water for a bit the last day. Was wonderful, sailing off of a beach into the Atlantic Ocean. Went out about 1/2 mile offshore, had 1.5 foot swells...just enough to add a tad of excitement to the sail.
Well, hopefully some of you found this amusing. For those of you that have lurked and not commented please comment and/or shoot me an email so I know whether this should be continued or discontinued in the future.
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