Friday night, Nena and I went to Matt and Moe's wedding reception at the Land's End in Sayville, NY.
After a week of rain...the remnants of Hurricane Frances, it was an absolutely perfect day...and we all had the pleasure of enjoying a gorgeous sunset as we sipped our drinks during their cocktail hour...
Jamie at tropicalfruition left a comment here yesterday pointing me to an article that has one interesting theory on why President Bush remains so popular...even after four years of messing up the economy, our standing with the rest of the world....and just being a deluded Bible thumper.
It's an interesting article...and while I do know several Bush supporters that don't fall into the category highlighted in the article, it does make sense.
Of course I can't explain my friends that support Bush...
And welcome to the world Arianna!
Our good friends Al and Jen are new parents...even if the little one was holding on as long as she could...finally entering the world almost two weeks late!
We saw them all in the hospital over the weekend and everyone is doing very well. They will make great parents and I'm sure that Arianna (boy I hope I'm spelling that right) will grow up to be a great young girl!
Congrats again guys...and we'll see you soon.
The weather was immactulate...the friendships were strong and love was in the air all weekend for Liz and John's wedding. See the pictures. (I'll be adding more pictures as people send them to me)
Thursday after work was the rehearsal dinner followed by a delicious dinner at Blackwell's. I'll be doing a review over at LENNDEVOURS in the next day or so.
Friday, after we picked up our tuxes in the morning, we golfed at Great Rock Golf Club, a challenging course that ate me alive. And, because Blackwell's is at Great Rock...we ate there again! Yes, the food was that good.
Saturday, the day of the main event, was one for the books. There wasn't a cloud in the sky...it was warm but not overly so...and the humidity was much lower than it had been earlier in the week. I like to call it perfect tuxedo weather...
The ceremony was beautiful...my lovely fiancee' sang three pieces and brought several members of the congregation to tears...and they they cried again as Liz and John tied the knot. It was truly a great day filled with happiness and friendship.
Well John...this is the weekend. The weekend that your life as you know it ends. It's not too late. You live close to three airports...you've got your passport renewed...put them to use!
In all seriousness...congratulations. Nena and I are proud to be a part of your big day and we're lucky to have you as friends.
Of course, I have no idea why I'm writing this to John...the chances of him ever seeing it are about the same as me being named to the U.S. Olympic basketball team. (That's zero for all of you "challenged" people out there)
To all my readers...there probably won't be many posts for the next few days. I'll be busy with rehearsal dinners, a groomsmen golf outing tomorrow and then the big day Saturday. But I'm sure there will be much to report both here and at LENNDEVOURS after the weekend.
(I know Liz is MUCH more likely to read this...so, hi Lizzy and congrats to you as well. Enjoy your time in the city and then in St. Lucia)
So, I rented "Big Fish" it last night...and we got through it...barely. I NEVER turn movies off in the middle...no matter how bad, but I did consider it. I was REAL close.
Quite simply...it was boring. It's 2 hours long...and until the last 15 minutes or so...it's a real snorefest.
I'm not going to give you the blow-by-blow on the film...trust me, you dont' want to hear it. Blow is a good way to say it though...this movie blows.
I don't really like going to movie theaters...which is really a shame given how much I enjoy movies most of the time. I just hate being herded like cattle into a room with cramped seats (I guess if I weren't 6'3" they wouldn't seem as cramped)...and I LOATHE the movie theater yappers. You know who I'm talking about...the people that talk through the entire movie.
I also don't like the people that seem to think that movies are interactive...to the point of talking back to the screen. Screaming or laughing are fine...but you're not supposed to converse with the characters in the film. Shut up. Sit down. And watch the movie...it's the show, not you.
Despite my disdain...I wanted to see the new Harry Potter movie. Yes, I've read all the books...mock me if you will. I'm a big fan of the stories and the characters are well done I think.
I'm not planning on writing anything that would spoil the movie...but just in case....I'll end this portion here...Click below to read more...
As many of you know, Nena and I travelled to Philly this past weekend because I was in my buddy Paul's wedding to the lovely Sara. We had a great time (more postings on the food and fun we had later)...and I just posted our pictures here.
I'm not done with the captions yet...but I'll get them done soon. If anyone needs/wants a hi-res version of any of the pictures (for printing or anything) just let me know.
Well here I am...on a potentially glorious spring Sunday (looks like it MAY turn out that way anyway)...and I'm working. Working working working. Because our huge annual conference starts tonight in Las Vegas (with press conferences and a keynote around 9 p.m. our time) I'll be working from 9 a.m. to probably 11 p.m. tonight...uploading and reviewing updates to our website as event happen in Sin City.
It's been a crazy couple of weeks. My department has been scrambling like crazy to get hundreds of new web pages prepared, produced and posted...and today through Tuesday are the days where we'll REALLY be insanely busy.
On the other hand...we had a mini-BBQ last night...strip steaks with blue cheese butter, roasted corn on the cob, double baked potatoes with cheese and bacon, tomato/mozarella salad...and Nena's soon-to-be-famouse strawberry shortcake. I'm thinking of it as a last supper of sorts...since I'll be eating most meals at the office for the next three days!
I've not been posting much lately. Mostly because work has been even busier than usual and my evenings have been filled with dentist appointments, softball games and other busy things.
This past weekend we were in upstate NY for Nena's step-sister-in-law's baby shower and her half-brother's first communion. It was great to see everyone...and it always makes Nena miss being home more. I can't blame her...it's so nice to get away from the busy island for even just a couple days.
Hopefully her parents will be visiting in late June...and mine in August!
Because I have a spare moment...I'll be posting some pictures and some other stuff right now...both here and on LENNDEVOURS
If you check out my photo albums, you'll see that I've added pictures to Long Island/Beach 2004, Food: Restaurants, Food: At Home, and Us. Friends. Family.
I've also posted about some of the wine and food we've been eating at home lately...but you'll have to go to my other blog, LENNDEVOURS to check those out!
Ahhh...spring is upon us. Any remaining snow in the mountains has melted, filling the land's rivers to the brim.
Apparently the same is true for the river of stupidity that is ever-present in corporate America. I don't know what it is lately, but people around here are just acting STUPID. S-T-U-P-I-D!
No one is following any of our pre-set processes. Everyone wants "favors" that let them skirt these processes...and people who have been here for months (or on some cases, years) are playing stupid, acting like they don't know processes that they have been forced to follow before.
If it were up to some people, everyone would have posting right for our various website. I saw copy today where our company name was spelled incorrectly. I've seen copy in the last week that spelled a major partner's name wrong...you may have heard of them, Microsoft!
I have pride in my work and I also take pride in the fact that I don't let the ineptitude of those around me affect how I do my work. Sure, I may complain here on my blog every now and then, but not at the expense of my work.
I can feel an all out ramble coming on, so I'll cut this short now.
Do your work. Do it well. And, please at least pretend that you give a sh*t about its quality.
I tend to be at least marginally environmental...and while I don't usually agree with Greenpeace (their methods anyway) but the Japanese killing hundreds of whales for research sure sounds like a heaping pile of feces to me.
I tend to be a little more into "saving the whales" because of my background in marine science...but $52 million from the sale of whale meat makes me think the research is secondary (or maybe even tertiary).
Much to Nena's surprise and joy, her mom recently booked the Catskill String Quartet to play at our cocktail hour. Pretty cool huh? Thanks FMIL.
Well I got back from New Orleans yesterday afternoon after a fun-filled 4-day weekend of boozing and barhopping on Bourbon Street for my buddy John's bachelor party. Our hotel was nice (too classy for us if the truth is important) and there are some great spots down there.
I'd get into details...but what happens in NO stays in NO when it comes to bachelor parties. Due to our ages (late 20s to early 30s) we didn't party as hard as we once would have, but we did more than our share.
In that vein...I should not be at work today. I'm beat...sunburned from golfing and more than a little hungover. I guess the delayed hangover happens when you drink in the morning to fend off the hangover caused by the night before.
Finally posted some pictures from the BBQ we had for my work crew a couple weekends ago...check them out.
By the way...congrats go out to Jason...he's finally escaped our current employer and is heading to the city to work as a writer/editor for a toy trade publication. Lucky bastard...you don't have to mock us and remind us that we're still here.
As I posted previously, Nena and I went for a walk on the beach this past weekend. It was a bit chilly, but was an absolutely beautiful morning on Long Island. Check out the pictures...
Well...29 years ago today I was born just outside of Pittsburgh, PA. Do I feel any older? Nope. Am I fearing 30? Not really...I'm about as mature as a 8th grader anyway.
Tonight, Nena is making me an all-time favorite...sketty (which is what I called it as a youth) and meatballs (her sauce is damn good)...and we'll probably open a bottle of barolo I've been holding on to for a special occasion.
Ooh...and she already baked me a french vanilla-chocolate chip cake with homemade icing.
We had a busy, but nice pre-birthday weekend, including a morning walk at the beach (pictures will be uploaded tonight) that was just great. We also had dinner at Sweet Magnolia in Sayville (review forthcoming on LENNDEVOURS). And, last night I used up the last of my charcoal to BBQ some pork loins (pictures will be uploaded tonight)...
For the non-sports nuts who read this blog, Pat Tillman was killed in the Middle East today. Again for the non-sports types...Tillman played safety at ASU and for the Arizona Cardinals...and was damn good. But, when the time came, he walked away from his huge salary to play safety for the USA, as a Ranger in the Army.
That he was killed in Afghanistan is truly a sad thing. If I could, I'd send my condolences to his friends, family and former teammates. But instead, I'm going to talk to you, my readers.
It's sad that Pat Tillman, an All American in the most important ways, has died in combat. But what is even sadder is that all over this country, ESPN junkies are talking at the proverbial water cooler about how much it upsets them to see a sports star gunned down in his prime. I, admittedly, don't know how many troops have died in varioud middle east scuffles...but it bothers me that THIS is the guy we're upset about. I'm guilty of it too. I was talking to my buddy at the office today about it...again, at the proverbial water cooler...and then it dawned on me "If this were just some regular guy, I probably wouldn't even talk about it." Of course we'd probably not even hear much about it if it weren't a guy from the world of sports.
I know that this is how our society works. Unless a victim is a direct part of your life, they are most often a faceless nameless entity...but isn't that sad? People are dying in the name of freedom (we won't debate whether or not they should be there...they are there and we should support the troops)...the freedom that we take for granted...the freedom that some in the government are trying to take away gradually.
I wish we could all be more aware of what really matters.
Nena is not going to like this post...and neither is a large portion of America...but I'm GLAD that Jennifer Hudson got voted off of American Idol this week. Can the girl sing? Yes. Is she a much better singer than Big Red? Yes. But you know what? Not as many people voted for her as voted for the other contestants. It's that simple.
Was Justing Big Hair a great singer? No...and his dead-in-the-water career has shown that.
I haven't liked Hudson from the very beginning. There is just something about her that I didn't like. She seemed angry every time she ended up in the bottom three (which was fairly often...let's not forget).
What really irks me is that people are crying racism. Racism is a terrible, horrible, unfair thing that is a definite problem in this country...but it is too often used as an excuse. The CNN article I like to above points out that more african-american households watch AI than white. Not to mention, last year's winner and one of the top four this week are african american as well.
Like it or not...AI is a popularity contest...and that's what the pop music game is too. Are there ANY big name pop singers today that are ugly or who have a bad image? No. Gone are the days of Tom Petty, Carly Simon and Bob Dylan (all ugly folks...don't deny it.)
The music industry is more about image now than pure talent. And image leads directly to popularity. The American public has voted. That's the premise of the show.
When you let people vote...you have to live with the results. It's that simple.
My biggest fan said to me this morning "You are REALLY slacking with the posts. You better catch up."
I'm probably not going to try to catch up per se....but I know I've not been posting as much as I'd even like. Sometimes work cuts into my posting time. Sometimes I just don't feel like sitting at the computer after I get home at night. Sometimes I just don't feel like writing. Sometimes I'm just plain lazy.
No more. We've got a lot coming up in the next couple of months...so I should have plenty to write about...and I'll REALLY try to not be a total slacker.
It wasn't as large as I had hoped, especially given the fact that I received an absolutely stellar review this year...but at least I got one this year.
This is actually the first time I've ever received a raise without going out and getting another job offer to use as leverage. So, I guess part of me should be grateful for any raise that was offered to me.
Of course the % doesn't even cover cost of living increases...especially when you consider this is my first raise in my 2+ years with the company.
Well it's only a month later...but I've finally posted the rest of the pictures from Charlie's bday weekend in Sturbridge.
With hands, faces...okay...our entires bodies nearly frozen solid, the softball team known as the Drunk B*stards (yes, that's really our name...we're not that creative...and we're honest), dropped both games of its first double header. We lost the first 7 to 5 and then lost the nightcap 18-17 in the last inning.
All in all, it was good to get the cobwebs out. There were some ugly moments, including:
- A few swinging strikeouts...which we must chalk up to rust and it being our first time touching a bat in months
- A LOT of swings at bad pitches...some up at our shoulders
- Jim's sweatpants splitting up the front...luckily he had a couple layers on
Pleasantly, after the low-scoring first game, we got our bats going pretty well in game two. Ryan and Ray both hit homers, I ripped one off the fence and John had a nice hitting game.
I think by the time the summer season rolls around we're going to be a real good team. I can't wait.
No...I'm not talking about NCAA women's softball. I'm not talking about fast pitch high school softball or anything of that sort.
I'm talking about slow pitch men's softball...a beer-drinking disease of a sport that I was infected with 5 years ago. It pains me to call it a disease...but in may ways it is. I can't stop it...and it consumes my very being!
Tonight is our first spring training season game...weather willing anyway. Last season our spring season was ludicrous...our of 8 regular season doubleheaders, we played 4. And, to top things off, because summer league was going to start, our playoffs were condensed into one day. We had to play 6 games in a row...losing in the finals. I could recount that day more closely...but I won't. We choked hard.
Anyway...tonight is our first game...and it's going to be a cold one. 8:15 at a fiend on the water in Lindenhurst.
Full recap tomorrow if we actually play.
**If you don't have a broadband connection to the Internet, stop reading this post now**
A buddy of mine here at work just finished his online portofolio...and it's definitely cool. He's trying to get the word out...so I figured I'd help him.
I give him a hard time just about constantly, but he's really talented with multimedia and 3D...so check it out if you're into such things.
As many of you know, a little over a month ago I started a new job (same company). Basically I went from being a marketing writer to the guy responsible for the quality of our Internet marketing (sites, email blasts etc.)
Well, after a month I have to say that it's one of the best decisions I've ever made in my career.
At first I was wondering if I should have just stayed where I was. I was doing a good job, working with good people (for the most part) and I probably could have stayed there forever. Was I happy? No. Was I going anywhere there? Not really. But, I'm not always big on change (an understatement really) so I was nervous about the change.
Now I couldn't be any happier. The management in this new gig is amazing. They let me take true ownership of projects. They ENCOURAGE me to take things on...and, most importantly, they support me every step of the way...because they respect and appreciate my contributions. If I push back on someone we're doing a project for...I know that my VP isn't going to cave under pressure and tell me to "just let it go." My manager and supervisor care about quality as much as I do. It's really great.
Oh...and I should mention that here I actually get positive feedback too. That's something that was severely lacking previously.
Plus, it doesn't hurt that instead of being one of three guys in a department it's about 50/50 over here...meaning that there's plenty of sports talk in the little free time that we do have here.
- I love watching the NCAA tournament. Nena is probably getting a little sick of me parking myself in front of the TV whenever possible to watch games I'd ordinarily care about...but hey, it only comes once a year. Right honey?
- She's actually not AS annoyed as you might think...her having her own bracket helps.
- Of course Stanford losing to 'Bama screwed both of us...since we had them in the Final Four.
- My tournament winner prediction: Pitt (I know, shocking)
- Nena's pick: Pitt (what a good girl!)
- The weather lately is really driving me nuts. Friday morning it was snowing nearly has hard as it has all winter....and then by 3 p.m. it was sunny with barely a cloud in site...which melted much of the snow. I wish spring would just show up!
- The MLB season will be starting soon...and it always makes me miss Pittsburgh. Not because the Pirates are some great team...but they are my team...and I miss getting all the news out of Bradenton (their spring training spot). I'm doing okay keeping up with them via the Web...but it's just not the same.
- While I'm at it...I miss Mark Madden's ESPN radio show...which is all about 'burgh sports.
- Went to a BBQ last night at Liz and John's...hard to call it a BBQ since we were really inside the whole night...but John braved the cold and rain to grill up some tasty steaks, shrimp and portabella caps. Hopefully soon we'll be able to REALLY BBQ.
- Speaking of BBQ...if you like the real deal...check out Smokin' Al's in Bay Shore, NY. We went there this weekend for a quick and inexpensive meal because we'd read about it in Newsday. The food was great...and it will be reviewed soon in LENNDEVOURS.
- Pitt is playing in round two versus Wisconsin today...IN Wisconsin (which is bullshit, but we'll not get into that here!). Should be a close, low-scoring game with their two tough defenses. Should also be interesting to see how the Badgers' Devin Harris does against Pitt's Julius Page. Harris is probably going to be in the League next year...but Page is one of the top shut-down defenders in the nation.
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Unfortunately, I didn't make it into NYC for the big parade. Not that I ever have gone in...but it's something I'd like to do some year....assuming my liver can handle it.
Well it's snowing again. Weather.com says we're in for up to 5 inches by the end of the day today.
Snow in and of itself doesn't really bother me that much. What bothers me is that it was gorgeous yesterday...sunny and almost 60.
Tonight when I get home, I very well may have to shovel the driveway...
Spring better show up soon...spring training softball is only two weeks away!
What on earth am I thanking our "President" for? I'm thanking him for motivating me to finally make sure that I'm not only registered in NY state (after nearly 4 years living here) but that I'm also registered as a democrat and at my current address.
I've never voted before. I know...believe me...it's not something I'm particularly proud of. I have just had so little interest in politics over the years and I'm not one to vote without any knowledge behind it. I refused to be one of the people in America who vote just to vote...based on the candidate with the best clothes or "cooler" tv spots.
All that is about to change. I'm voting this November...and I'm gonna make sure I know enough to cast an educated ballot. Of course, just seeing where Bush's priorities are -- abolishing same-sex marriag and eliminating free speach -- lets me know that I'm not voting for him.
What about all those jobs you promised us? How about getting our boys out of Iraq safely? It's good to know the cares more about two women getting married in California than the thousands and thousands of people without jobs.
I think he's just focusing on these volatile topics to get the Bible pounders all wound up...so that they will ignore the fact that the economy is still in the dumper. It's a clever smokescreen...so clever, in fact, that it must have come from one of his underlings...George isn't smart enough to come up with it on his own.
I understand that I work for a large corporation. Meetings need to happen. They are where deals are made and ruined and where projects are born. I know this. However, should it ever enter the men's room?
I ask because as I walked into the men's room nearest my cube, I heard a full-fledged conversation happening -- which, if you ask me, is already a violation of every men's toilet code imaginable. At the peak of my restroom repartee, I give the "guy" nod and a "hey man." Not these jokers. These guys were holding court like they were in a conference room, discussing some sort of marketing project they are both working on. To make matters worse...they weren't standing at the sinks. They weren't even standing at the urinals as they discussed expenses and ROI.
That's right ladies and gentlmen, each of these monsters of marketing was in a stall...talking through the wall.
I don't even know what more to say. I'll stick with my "guy" nod and "hey man."
17-year cicadas -- Who even knew that there was such a species!??!
What a great weekend! It started off a little hectic as we battled Long Island traffic on our way to Sturbridge, MA but once we got there, we had an absolutely great time with Nena's family.
We stayed and had dinner at The Publick House and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a charming, rustic weekend away.
Spending time with Nena's parents, sister (and husband) and step-siblings (and spouses) is always a lot of fun.
I got a few of our pictures posted last night...the rest will probably go up tonight.
click for full-size image
Here's the family minutes after surprising Charlie in Sturbridge, MA for his 60th birthday.
We're getting pretty good with the timer on the ole digital camera aren't we?
Not that we don't already know...but Bill is a real jackass. If he thinks I'm paying for email, he must be as deluded as he is ugly.
Yes...SPAM sucks...there's no doubt about it. But there have to be other solutions. It doesn't even bother me that much anymore. I have a series of filters set up on my various accounts...and if something gets through, I just delete it.
What's the big deal? I'm NOT paying to send email. How can someone...especially a 'leader' in high technology suggest such blasphemy? The Internet is commercial enough...let's not make email a commodity.
I've really been terrible about writing here lately. I really want to make it a priority...even if I don't have anything in particular to write about.
In that spirit...a few random ramblings from my scattered mind...
He's 60...but he doesn't look a DAY over 55 ;)
Yes...yet another happy birthday to my future in-laws...no acronym this time though. He's Charlie...and that's more than enough!
I know. I know. I've been really bad about posting lately. Meals have been eaten...wine consumed...and you may ask "Where are the reviews?"
The answer is simple really...there won't be any! I never keep notes when I'm reviewing something...so if I don't do them when they're fresh in my head, I'm unable to give a fair review.
I guess I'll just have do eat at Pasta Pasta again and drink a few wines again as well. What a shame that is.
I have, however, put together a new photo album from FMIL's surprise bday party. Enjoy!
That may seem a little bit over the top...and maybe it is, but it got your attention...and it's not that crazy a notion.
In the wake of Howard Stern's show being taken off the air on all Clear Channel stations, we need to take a look at what seems to be going on.
Continue reading "Clear Channel and the FCC -- Bringing Taliban Ideals to America" »
Again, it seems as if I'm delving into politics here on Slingin' Ink...something I never intended to do. I just can't help it. When I see stupid growing and spreading like wild fire, it's too much for me to ignore.
President Bush has come out and said he's all for banning same-sex marriage. I don't think anyone is shocked that this country's head cowboy is against it, but I seriously question that it's something he needs to concern himself with.
I've heard it said that he believes that same-sex marriage lessens "regular" marriages somehow. That's complete and utter BS. Nena and I are getting married in a little over a year...and I don't see how ANY other marriage (same sex or not) affects our future marriage.
Personally, I'm not for or against same-sex marriages...because it's none of my business...at all. If two people love each other and want to express that love through marriage, who am I to be against it.
It scares me that with all the other crap going on in the world and in our country, the Cowboy feels the need to ban same-sex marriage. This is not someone who should be leading this country. His priorities are a mess.
Of course...all these people that think my life is their business are a mess too. All these anti-abortion activists are certainly included in that group. I'm not saying people can't have an opinion...but keep it to yourself. It's NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS.
This weekend we went upstate for a quick visit to Nena's parents' place in Schoharie, NY. This coming Thursday is my future mother-in-law's birthday and her loving daughters (with her husband's help) planned a surprise birthday dinner for her. FMIL's sister and her hubby came from Syracuse as well.
A great time was had by all and the surpirse definitely worked. I think FMIL was touched and felt very loved, which she is.
I have a pile of pictures to wade through, but I'm sure I'll post several to the site this week.
Sex and the City aired its last episode last night...and I must admit, it was a really good and appropriate final episode.
I've been a sometimes fan of the show for a long time...more so since Nena and I moved in together (she's as rabid a fan as there is). Say what you want about it being a "girl" show...the character development and growth over the years is some of the best you'll find on TV. Not suprisingly, it was done on HBO.
I'm mostly a FoodTV and ESPN/sports TV watcher...with an increasing amount of History and Discovery channels. Most sitcoms bore me (except the Seinfeld reruns) and only the CSI franchise qualifies as must-see-TV in my life. HBO shows seem to be the exception to the typical TV rules. They are interesting. They truly create and build characters that we can care about, even when we don't actually like them. Sex and the City. Six Feet Under. The Sopranos. And, most recently Carnivale. They are all shows I have enjoyed watching and I'm always eagerly anticipating the new seasons, which HBO spaces out way too much for my liking.
The Sopranos are back in a couple weeks...and the trailers look good and violent. I can't wait.
But for now...goodbye to Sex and the City. A great show that has touched and helped many people over the years. It will live on on DVD for sure...I know we already have a couple seasons in our collection.
I went down by the water a few times this past weekend...and actually remembered to take my camera with me...click on it for a larger version.
What a great Valentine's Day!
Around 10am, Nena's parents arrived from upstate. We had a delicious breakfast of Nena's soon-to-be famous banana-chocolate chip pancakes and mimosas (made with Wolf Blass sparkling wine). Then we hopped on a train and headed to Manhattan to see 42nd Street at The Ford Center.
It was my first show and I had a great time. I liked it even more than I thought I would. Even if musicals aren't usually my "thing"...I always appreciate talent...and these performers were extremely talented.
After the show, we headed uptown to dinner at Caffe Grazie...pictures and my review to come later this week.
Well, it's Friday the 13th...but I'm feeling pretty lucky. Not only do I get to spend V-day in Manhattan with my wife-to-be and my future parents-in-law...I get to cook said wife-to-be a nice romantic dinner tonight (info and pictures to come). It's sure to be a weekend filled with good food, good drink and good times with good people.
Happy Valentine's Day everyone...and if you're curious, learn more about the history of Friday the 13th (the legend, not the movies).
I've decided to make a change. Lenn Thompson, while a great name...just isn't doing it for me anymore...so, from now on, please refer to me as Poke.
You are probably asking yourself "Why Poke?"
I'll tell you why...I want my name to be an action. That's right. I want to be a noun AND a verb. I want someone to be able to say "Hey poke Poke" and have it mean something.
Actually, we were just watching the Grammys and I thought it was funny that Sting (which is NOT his real name) is both a noun and a verb.
Of course, as we talked about Sting...Nena started to drool and we had to stop.
If you are, check out the new site my buddy Sean is working on.
If I were into the Pixies...I'd like it (I think).
I'm sure I'm like most people...truly sick of hearing about what happend at half-time of the Super Bowl. As a matter of fact, I was making an effort not to post about it, because there are much more important things going on in the world. But I just have to share this blurb I found on cnn.com:
A banker from Knoxville, Tennessee, filed a class action lawsuit against Jackson, dance partner Justin Timberlake, CBS, halftime show producers MTV and the networks' parent company, Viacom. Terri Carlin said the "sexually explicit conduct" by the performers caused millions of people to "suffer outrage, anger, embarrassment and serious injury.
Are you kidding me?
At this point, I'm not sure what's more disgusting...what Janet and Justin did...or this jackass suing over it.
...when worker bees in the corporate world think that they'll "get ahead" by coming in earlier and staying later than the rest of their group. Why do these people think that their physical presence in their cubes makes them look like better employees that deserve recognition? Maybe that's how big companies worked in the 50s and 60s, I guess I wouldn't know since I wasn't working (or breathing) then.
I'm not saying that there's never a reason to work late. But, this is 2004...and I'm fairly certain that actual talent and ability far outweigh the ability to get up early and a lack of anything to do after work.
Wake up. Sitting in your cube for 12 hours a day just so you can say you do it isn't going to get you anywhere. If you ask me, it just means you need more time to do the work I can do in 8 hours.
A few random comments on Super Bowl Sunday.
Arch Alcantara seems like a guy worth checking out. There's a few clips up on the site...check them out.
Okay, okay...so this guy happens to be dating and living with a good friend of mine from grad school. So what? He's still good and if mentioning his site on mine gets him a few more hits...where's the harm in it?
And, if some exec from a major label sees my site and signs him to a multi-million dollar deal...I'll only take the 10% I deserve.
Okay, 5%...but that's my final offer.
I listen to one or all of my three Coldplay albums just about constantly...and even if I never get tired of them, I'd like to branch out!
I don't claim to be "into" the music scene...but I know some people who check out this blog are...so help me out! Suggestions of new bands I may not have heard of please!
For the first time since probably junior high or high school, I took a snow day of sorts today.
We got at least a foot of snow overnight and we didn't even get dug out of our driveway until after 10 a.m. so I decided to work from home. Nena had a snow day today as well (her's was official...as of last night) so we've spent the day together.
I HAVE had to do some work today...but it's nice working at home in shorts and a sweatshirt.
Back to the office tomorrow...but we'll be one day closer to Friday.
I forgot to mention that I really have very little interest in politics...so please don't respond with your graduate thesis on boring politicians and how they are good for the country. I don't really care.
Thank you for your cooperation.
There must be nothing worth discussing on the media lately...since everyone seems to have time to get on Howard Dean about his outburst in Iowa. Granted, it was outlandish and some of the parodies I've seen and heard are hilarious...but what's the big deal?
Continue reading "It's funny...but let's leave Dean alone" »
Did anyone catch the ad on NBC promoting the final episodes of Friends that refer to it as "the best comedy ever"?
Are you kidding me? What about some of my favorites (and the favorites of generations) like M*A*S*H, Cheers and Seinfeld?
What about the Cosby Show? What about shows that were a bit before my time like the Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Honeymooners?
The list goes on and on. Wake up...Friends is a popular show...but it's no where near the best comedey ever.
Bob Keehsan, most famous as Captain Kangaroo, died today...
I'm sure there aren't many kids today that even know who he is...but when I was a kid, he was THE guy. I loved his show...and he could run circles around Barney, the Power Rangers and whoever else you want to mention.
He'll be missed...and now I need to try to find old reruns of his show. Anyone have any ideas where I can find them?
Well after three days of product training...I'm back at my desk catching up on the hundred or so emails I got while I was out. Most of it is junk thankfully.
I've been thinking quite a bit lately about this blog and it's future direction...and I think I've come to a decision...it makes a lot more sense to create a couple different blogs with different themes. The first one I'm going to create is food/wine related. I'm still working on the new name, but that blog will house my reviews, recipes, etc...
So keep an eye out for the next generation of Lenn's blogs :)
I haven't posted in a while, so I wanted to make sure I did so tonight...since I'll be in training the first three days of this work week and probably won't have much time to write.
We went to Sage Cafe last night for dinner...it was great. It's a great little bar/pub/cafe that has the staples (wings, quesadillas) but also more interesting things like my app last night--blackened chicken fingers with horseradish sauce. We've been there probably five times now...and it's top of our list the next time we can get my future in laws to visit. Nena thinks it's a place they'll really enjoy.
Lots of ideas for this and other blogs are knocking around in my head...I'm sure I'll have plenty of time this week to think about them while I'm sitting in a conference room from 8am to 6pm for three days!
Eventually I'll put this little icon on my homepage to link back to their site...but I don't feel like doing it right now
Normally I'd never really do one of these quizzes at all...let alone put it here on my blog...but I guess I'm feeling like looking back and thinking about my 2003...so here it goes...
1. What did you do in 2003 that you'd never done before?
I got engaged!
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't really make any hard and fast resolutions last year. I did write more than in 2002 though. And no, I didn't make any resolutions for 2004.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes...Chad and Teresa had little Noah...Jon and Erin had Emma...
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Nena's uncle died fairly recently...I hope her family is doing okay.
5. What countries did you visit?
Um...none...even if Long Island feels like a different country sometimes.
6. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?
More money and time to do the things I enjoy
7. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
July 24th...the day that Nena and I got engaged.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I finished the first draft of my first novel: Half Past Yesterday. No Where Near Tomorrow.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Staying in shape
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I tweaked my achilles this fall playing snowflake softball...but that doesn't really count I don't think
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Nena's engagement ring...and our new computer! ;)
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Everyone...I try to only surround myself with good people
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
No one's...I try not to deal with morons that would make me feel that way
14. Where did most of your money go?
Again...Nena's enagement ring...and our insane rent
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Going to the Steelers/Jets game last month with Nena, Liz and John
16. What song will always remind you of 2003?
The Scientist by Coldplay
17. Compared to this time last year, you are:
More comfortable and content in my own skin and in my own life.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Even though I did more in 2003...more writing is always good
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Loafing around in front of the TV
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Spent it with Nena's family in upsate NY
21. Did you fall in love in 2003?
Nope...I was already in love with her
22. How many one-night stands?
Zero
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Carnivale
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I wouldn't say hate...but there are people who I don't like nearly as much
25. What was the best book you read?
Stiff: The Curious History of Human Cadavers
26. What was your greatest musical (re)discovery?
That I still have absolutely no musical talent
27. What did you want and get?
My iPod...the Indiana Jones Trilogy...oh, and a fiancee'
28. What did you want and not get?
NBA Live 2004 and/or Madden 2004...which I'll probably just buy myself
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Punch Drunk Love...I really liked it even if Nena fell asleep during it
30. What birthday did you have this year and how do you feel about it?
I turned 28 this year...and I'm okay with it. Nena keeps telling me that I'm almost 30 though. Of course turning 30 holds no anxiety for me either.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A softball championship...it's one of my goals for 2004 (our coed title doesn't count!)
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2003?
Comfort during the week...more black on the weekends
33. What kept you sane?
The good friends that I have...both here and far from here
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I'm not sure I'd use the word "fancy" but I still think Eliza Dushku looks good
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
I try not to get too caught up in politics...but people that were so anti-war that they forgot to support our troops annoyed (and continue to annoy) the sh*t out of me
36. Who did you miss?
My dog Jedi
37. Who was the best new person you met?
The only new friend that comes to mind is Eli...or Don...who can REALLY pitch a softball
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003:
I learned that no matter how nice you are to some people, they'll find a reason to be negative and dishonest...so don't get caught up in their BS
Well I'd say that our New Year's Eve party was a hit...we had 6 people total and a good time was had by all. I cooked filet mignons with Maytag blue cheese glaze, bacon/scallion.cheddar mashed potato cakes, green beans with bacon and I made blue cheese dressing for over a wedge of iceberg lettuce.
Al and Jen brought these great sasusage and cheese balls that were really like dense bisquits. They were great and were even great the next day cold right from the fridge. Liz and John brought another favorite...tomato/mozzarella salad. Great friends. Great food. Great time.
After dinner we played the new DVD/Pop Culture version of Trivial Pursuit...great game and, as always, the men won handily.
The funniest (okay, maybe saddest) part of the night was how most of us had to force ourselves to stay awake to watch the ball drop at midnight. Not one of us is even 30 yet...and we were all in bed by 12:20! What has happened to us? Have we become our parents? Was it because some of us had to work during the day (including John doing manual labor for 10 hours)? Or was it just the combination of meat, potatoes and booze?
I think we're just getting old...six elderly twenty-somethings.
I hope all my faithful readers (the word ALL may seem a bit much...but I know there's more than one of you) had great holiday seasons...
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Nena and I had an absolutely great Xmas holiday in upstate NY with her family. We ate lots of good food, got lots of great presents...and, most importantly, spent lots of time with family and friends.
I'll be posting some of the great pictures we took during our almost week away from Long Island...but for now, here's my top 10 favorite gifts that I received this Xmas (in no real order).
1. Indiana Jones Triology DVDs (thanks Kathy and Charlie)
2. Coldplay 2003 Live DVD/CD (thanks Nena)
3. iPod (thanks mom and dad)
4. Case of Aussie wine (thanks Pam and Randy)
5. Tickets to the 12/14 Steelers vs. Jets game (Thanks Nena)
6. Hand-held Tetris game (thanks Kim and Frank)
7. Black leather wallet (thanks Sarah)
8. Rabbit wine opener (thanks Charlie and Kathy)
9. 6-bottle wine cart (thanks Pam and Randy)
10. Scarface Anniversary DVD (Thanks Kim and Frank)
Even though I didn't get to spend Xmas with my family this year...it was really great getting to spend it with my new and soon-to-be family. We got to see just about everyone in Nena's family, including her grandparents, siblings and step-siblings...and her parent's holiday party was a blast as always.
Clark Griswold is normal compared to some of these people.
Must be nice to have the disposable income to do those sorts of things!
Some would say that they dislike or even hate wrapping Xmas presents.
I LOATHE it. That is really the only word that even approaches accurately describing how I feel about it.
I hate it because I'm not good at it...and I have no patience or acumen for it.
All of Nena's presents are wrapped though...so I won't have to do it again until next year!
Oh wait...she has two more things coming from Amazon.com. DAMMIT!
Well I'm back from the weekend in the city and in NJ. We had an absolutely great time this weekend. We checked out some of the Xmas staples (the Plaza, Trump Tower, Rockefeller Center), ate some great food(Playwrights and Rocco's)...and drank some great beverages (including a glass of wine at Morrell Wine Bar & Cafe).
I have lots of pictures to post, as well as a review of Rocco's that I'm working on. I've already posted some pictures from our hotel (both out our window and from the roof).
Photo albums to come:
In about an hour our friends Liz and John will be here to pick us up for our weekend in the city and at the Steelers/Jets game!
My new portable gas grill is ready to go for tailgating. We have our food, wine and beer all packed as well...along with warm clothes. It should be an awesome weekend and we'll likely take lots of pictures...so you'll all be able to share in our festivities.
Tonight we also have reservations at Rocco's...I'll do my review Monday morning.
My prediction on the game...Steelers 27 Jets 20. Hopefully with Hines and Plaxico having big games...since they are both on my fantasy football squad and I'm in the semifinals of one of my leagues.
Don't ask about my other league!
Well I've just submitted an application for The Big Blog Show. Even if I don't make it on the "show"...it should be an interesting thing to keep an eye on.
Of course, why wouldn't they want someone with an actual functioning brain on it? Oh wait, this is a 'reality' show...no one with an IQ over 75 is allowed, right?
Check this out...and Happy Holidays!
You'd think that will all the snow we got over the weekend(around 20 inches I think) that I'd have made several posts. Between getting our Xmas tree (braving the blizzard to do so), shovelling like a mad man (my back can attest to that) and just spending quality time with Nena...no posts.
Some random comments on the weekend and weather:
I've been living on Long Island for over 3 years now...so I think I've been living here long enough to state that SUFFOLK COUNTY SUCKS...at least when it comes to snow removal.
We've been hearing about this snow storm all week. It is not like it just popped up out of no where. Despite plenty of warning and plenty of tax money (taxes are INSANE here on Long Island) the roads remain a mess. They are bad enough, in fact, that we were told we could leave early today.
The sad thing is that there isn't even that much snow out there...nothing like we used to get in Pittsburgh and certainly nothing like Nena used to see in upstate New York. A little sand and/or a little salt on the roads, combined with a few passes of the plow and the roads would be fine.
The salt could have started being thrown down this morning before the storm even got here. That's what you're supposed to do with salt as a storm approaches. This is not rocket science.
And before anyone says "Long Island has a lot of roads"...shut up. The Long Island Expressway...THE road on LI is crawling along at 5-10 miles per hour. I can only imagine what lesser roads are like.
Nice to know that our tax money is going to this stellar snow removal. Really.
I don't claim to be a legal expert...but I do know this: If the government is worried enough about national security that they don't want this guy talking to any of the detainees...who cares if that means he can't be put to death?
If given the option of dying and spending the rest of his life in a U.S. prison, I bet he'd rather die. Wouldn't dying for his 'cause' make him a martyr? Besides, how well do you think other inmates would treat this guy?
Well after having this blog for a month, I have my first funny search item that led someone to my site: picture cellophane noodle.
Apparently someone was in dire need of a picture of cellophane noodles, which I obviously don't have (yet anyway). I guess my review of Lawan restaurant is the culprit.
Fear not cellophane noodle searcher...the next time I have them, I'll take a snap shot for you.
I got an iPod for Xmas and I love it. I know, I know...it isn't Xmas yet, but we did Xmas with my family in Pittsburgh over Thanksgiving because we'll be with Nena's family for Xmas.
Anyway...the iPod is just awesome. My only minor complaint is that the battery only lasts 8 hours (which barely gets me through the work day and the gym)...otherwise it's great.
It's even better now that I got my RadTech sleeve for it...which keeps it from getting scratched. And, as an unexpected bonus, the sleeve actually makes the controls act more like regular buttons. They aren't feather sensitive anymore.