As many of you know, I've accepted a position that will require us to relocate to Columbus, Ohio. Yes, I am moving from south Florida to Columbus, Ohio in freaking January. I think on Tuesday there was a 50 degree difference in the high temperature.
Its been tough at work. My VP continues to lean on me hard trying to get me to stay--offering that I could create my own title and org chart and stopping me after meetings to thank me for staying engaged and telling me, "Just say the word if you change your mind. One word is all it takes" . My director resigned yesterday and the flak from my resignation and the VPs response to her was the final straw in making her decide to leave. Its been hard to see the staff reaction--I thought one of the guys was going to cry. I felt badly when one of the directors on the business side stopped me after a meeting to ask if it true that I was leaving. When I said that it was, he put his face in his hands and said, "God, we're screwed."
Last night was the annual cookie exchange at my friend's house. It was probably the 8 or 9th time I had gone to it. Its the same house where we've had most of our Thanksgivings for the last 8 years. It was sad to know it was the last time I'd do the cookie exchange with them. I'm still planning on coming down for Thanksgiving with them, though.
I went to volleyball after the cookie exchange and told my partner we were moving. We've been playing sooooo good together. Know each other's reactions, who's going to get what, when we're likely to get a set on the first pass so we can attack on the second hit. It made leaving even more sad when we totally dominated the other team. I have one more match there and then its gone.
I'm going to use this space to record my perspectives over the next few weeks. I start my new job January 9. I'm really excited about the job and the opportunity to be near Alan's family but I'm going to really miss my life down here. I hated it when we moved here but I've built up quite a group of good friends and it will be sad to leave them behind.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Sunday, October 30, 2005
WILMA!!
As many of you know, my area, Coral Springs, Florida, was hammered by Hurricane Wilma on the morning of Monday, October 24. She came through as a Category 3 hurricane and we had sustained winds of over 100 MPH at the recording stations near my house. Based on the track I've seen published, the eye passed within 20 miles of my house.
The front side of the storm wasn't too bad, although since the winds were coming from the east (the direction most of my sliding glass doors face) it was a little nerve wracking. When you see six-foot tall panes of glass bowing in toward you, it can be a bit scary. We went out during the eye to check damage and it wasn't too bad--one 50-foot tall Scheffelera tree down in the backyard and one Australian pine from across the canal down on our fence. The front yard was fine.
The backside of the storm was much, much worse. More wind, more rain and lots noisier. I took some video which I'll post up later. We lost power about 8AM Monday morning and haven't had it since. Right now, I'm using an extension cord from my neighbor's generator to power my refrigerator and one other "smaller" appliance--the computer right now.
We lost some roof tiles during the back side of the storm--but just one row of cap tiles at one peak that runs from the front of the garage to the top of the roof. No real damage to the house or, more importantly, any one. Sad thing is that the first death from the storm here occurred in my town when some materialistic numbnuts guy went out during the storm to clear branches off of his BMW.
All in all, things have been good. No one hurt that we know, no real damage to anyone's house. There are a lot of trees down but, amazingly, most missed houses that were only a few feet away. All the neighbors came together to help each other out--from clearing debris to sharing food and electricity to just hanging out. The worst part thus far has been the gas situation. There's lots of gas at the stations, but there's no way to pump it without power. And without gas, the neighbor's generator goes out and I lose my one bit of normalcy--having a refrigerator and freezer. So, I waitied in line for six hours on the Florida Turnpike on Wednesday to get $20 (8 gallons) of gas. But that's 1-1/2 days of generator power. At least my town was never under a boil water order. We were one of the few that were able to drink water out of the tap the entire time.
When I asked Claire if she learned anything from the hurricane, she said, "Hurricanes are fun." I think she gave us all a good lesson as she collected the lemons and limes from my neighbor's yard and said she was going to make some lemonade for her and some Margarita mix for me.
The Koontz mantra through this trying time is--"When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. When life hands you limes, make Margaritas."
Here's a link to my photo album. All the photos were taken within a five minute walk of my house. Its like this throughout Broward and southern Palm Beach County. Here's a video of the experience--
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr7c71jZ6ks
===================
10/30 8PM update--
Here's the reply from my #1 Aussie buddy. This could only be written by someone who really appreciates a good Margarita.
The front side of the storm wasn't too bad, although since the winds were coming from the east (the direction most of my sliding glass doors face) it was a little nerve wracking. When you see six-foot tall panes of glass bowing in toward you, it can be a bit scary. We went out during the eye to check damage and it wasn't too bad--one 50-foot tall Scheffelera tree down in the backyard and one Australian pine from across the canal down on our fence. The front yard was fine.
The backside of the storm was much, much worse. More wind, more rain and lots noisier. I took some video which I'll post up later. We lost power about 8AM Monday morning and haven't had it since. Right now, I'm using an extension cord from my neighbor's generator to power my refrigerator and one other "smaller" appliance--the computer right now.
We lost some roof tiles during the back side of the storm--but just one row of cap tiles at one peak that runs from the front of the garage to the top of the roof. No real damage to the house or, more importantly, any one. Sad thing is that the first death from the storm here occurred in my town when some materialistic numbnuts guy went out during the storm to clear branches off of his BMW.
All in all, things have been good. No one hurt that we know, no real damage to anyone's house. There are a lot of trees down but, amazingly, most missed houses that were only a few feet away. All the neighbors came together to help each other out--from clearing debris to sharing food and electricity to just hanging out. The worst part thus far has been the gas situation. There's lots of gas at the stations, but there's no way to pump it without power. And without gas, the neighbor's generator goes out and I lose my one bit of normalcy--having a refrigerator and freezer. So, I waitied in line for six hours on the Florida Turnpike on Wednesday to get $20 (8 gallons) of gas. But that's 1-1/2 days of generator power. At least my town was never under a boil water order. We were one of the few that were able to drink water out of the tap the entire time.
My office has been closed for a week and next week, its only business critical personnel since the people that used to occupy three multi-story buildings will all be in the one that has power.
As expected, Claire has been treating this as one big adventure. She's been taking the dogs on LOTS of walks--"Mom, Bridget looks bored, I'm going to take her for a walk." She's also been playing with the younger neighbor kids and has a little fan club down the street. They ask their Mom every morning if Claire is going to come over. When trying to tempt her to spend the night at my friend's house who has power when she wanted to stay here, I said, "But they have TV" and she said "I'm not really missing TV at all."When I asked Claire if she learned anything from the hurricane, she said, "Hurricanes are fun." I think she gave us all a good lesson as she collected the lemons and limes from my neighbor's yard and said she was going to make some lemonade for her and some Margarita mix for me.
The Koontz mantra through this trying time is--"When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. When life hands you limes, make Margaritas."
Here's a link to my photo album. All the photos were taken within a five minute walk of my house. Its like this throughout Broward and southern Palm Beach County. Here's a video of the experience--
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr7c71jZ6ks
===================
10/30 8PM update--
Here's the reply from my #1 Aussie buddy. This could only be written by someone who really appreciates a good Margarita.
"On the forenoon of the great tempest, the Lord took pity upon the wretched Floridians, and brought fourth limes, that they might maketh wine of comfort. And the Lord said unto the wretched, blendeth you the limes and the juices of cactus, and salt from the oceans. So the wretched of Floridians did blend, and the voice of the tempest was silenced by the wail of a thousand blenders.
Into the depths of night blendeth they, and dranketh they deeply of the wondrous bounty. There was much rejoicing and praise. Playest they the music of the Lord, and jiggy didst they get, unto it. Their voices did rise, and the bravest amongst them didst bare their unclothed nether regions to the very eye of the tempest, calling upon it to kiss those most private of places.
But one did renounce the bounty, and went instead to clear his chariot of the branches of trees, and the Lord did smite him verily. The others did see, and redoubled was their faith in the Lord's instruction, proclaiming the charioteer a foolish man of questionable fatherhood.
And the wretched of the springing coral did cry out in praise and thanks to the Lord singing "Gators are champions". And smiled did He politedly, for His comprehension of their new-age psalms was clouded by the dust of the Tempest.
The Lord looked upon The Party, and saw that it was good."
Monday, October 10, 2005
Been a While
Sorry, fans, I've been busy riding, shooting and fishing in Wyoming, speaking in Orlando and getting invited to speak in Madrid. COOL!
New favorite quote--
"I reject your reality and substitute my own."
Adam Savage
Mythbusters
New favorite quote--
"I reject your reality and substitute my own."
Adam Savage
Mythbusters
Monday, June 20, 2005
More Gadgets
Well, we're having a 4th of July party and were planning on having lots of fireworks and, of course, feeding the raccoons across the canal using the potato cannon. I made the mistake of showing this video to my husband and, now, he wants to build one of these for our guests to use during the party...
Water Bottle Jetpack
Who wants to go first?!?!?
Water Bottle Jetpack
Who wants to go first?!?!?
Friday, June 17, 2005
Goodyear Blimp Crashes
Last night, we had one of those crazy bad Florida thunderstorms--driving rain with raindrops the size of grapes and lots of lightning and thunder. We had three lightning strikes that shook the house.
In the midst of this, I heard a noise outside that sounded like a plane but it stayed overhead way too long for a plane. I looked out and saw the lights of the blimp passing overhead. The blimp passes over my house quite often because we are due west of its hanger. I called my husband in disbelief that it would be flying through that storm.
Found out this morning that the blimp crashed about 4 miles from my house. Here's a photo before it crashed--
and here's the after--
Thank God both pilots are OK.
Here's the story--
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-cblimp18jun18,0,6957519.story?coll=sfla-home-headlines
In the midst of this, I heard a noise outside that sounded like a plane but it stayed overhead way too long for a plane. I looked out and saw the lights of the blimp passing overhead. The blimp passes over my house quite often because we are due west of its hanger. I called my husband in disbelief that it would be flying through that storm.
Found out this morning that the blimp crashed about 4 miles from my house. Here's a photo before it crashed--
and here's the after--
Thank God both pilots are OK.
Here's the story--
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-cblimp18jun18,0,6957519.story?coll=sfla-home-headlines
Monday, June 13, 2005
HAPPY BONNAROOOO, MAN!
What an incredible, amazing, super duper fun time at Bonnaroo. The Koontz family showed once again that we can have a great time in ANY circumstances. Shoe-horned like sardines into our campsite so we couldn't move our car, surrounded by all night smokers (not cigarettes), shroomers, nitrous oxide sucking, acid dropping, crazy but nice people in hot and humid, rainy and muddy conditions, we spent more time laughing than doing anything else. Even though we were dirty (didn't shower between Wednesday afternoon and 3AM Sunday morning), tired from the all night partying by our neighbors and the 12-hour drive, we had sooooo much fun.
Our level of fun was confirmed when we hear from the next campsite, "Sounds like they're having more fun over there" from this gravely, Wolfman Jack sounding voice. Around the corner comes this classic burnout, stoner--bleached bonde hair, four piercings in his lip, faraway look in his eyes--holding a nitrous balloon in his hand. He sits down in the open chair, takes a hit of nitrous and says, "Sounds like you guys are having more fun over here so I came to visit."
He told us that "Acid helped me kick drugs. I would never have been able to get off heroin without acid." His clothes were impounded when the car he was traveling in was impounded because the cops found three nitrous tanks in it. But, "God provides," he said as he pulled a pair of shorts from his pocket. "See, someone gave me a pair of clean shorts. God takes care of me, just like he does the birds and the bees and the flowers."
He told us that he sneaked into Bonnaroo but, "I got a wristband", he said holding up his arm to show his Bonnaroo admittance wristband, "so I'm good now." I asked his name and he says he goes by Hugh and is from St. Louis. We gave Hugh some beer and wine (he wasn't hungry) and he hung out with us for about 30 minutes We really enjoyed meeting Hugh.
Three days, 5 stages, 80,000 people--including Hugh!
Here's some of the news reports--
USA Today Article
This one from Billboard is really good--
Billboard story part 1
Billboard story part 2
We saw the guys climbing this big tree during Jack Johnson. The second scampered up like a cat. Amy said the third guy looked like Mowgli from Jungle Book cause his butt was sticking out and he had long, stringy hair.
Here's the link to my photo album.
http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2125265474&code=16587802&mode=invite&DCMP=isc-email-AlbumInvite
Shows I saw were Kings of Leon, Josh Ritter (love my man Josh!!!), Jack Johnson, Gov't Mule, Old 97s, Allman Brothers, Dave Mathews Band (did a great version of "All Along the Watchtower" with Robert Randolph on steel guitar), Drive-by Truckers, Rilo Kiley, Alison Krauss and Union Station, Yonder Mountain String Band, John Prine and Herbie Hancock's Headhunters. I'm sorry I missed Heartless Bastards (listen to this great song--"Onions" by Heartless Bastards), Legendary Shack Shakers and The Word (features Robert Randolph.)
We are DEFINITELY going back next year.
Our level of fun was confirmed when we hear from the next campsite, "Sounds like they're having more fun over there" from this gravely, Wolfman Jack sounding voice. Around the corner comes this classic burnout, stoner--bleached bonde hair, four piercings in his lip, faraway look in his eyes--holding a nitrous balloon in his hand. He sits down in the open chair, takes a hit of nitrous and says, "Sounds like you guys are having more fun over here so I came to visit."
He told us that "Acid helped me kick drugs. I would never have been able to get off heroin without acid." His clothes were impounded when the car he was traveling in was impounded because the cops found three nitrous tanks in it. But, "God provides," he said as he pulled a pair of shorts from his pocket. "See, someone gave me a pair of clean shorts. God takes care of me, just like he does the birds and the bees and the flowers."
He told us that he sneaked into Bonnaroo but, "I got a wristband", he said holding up his arm to show his Bonnaroo admittance wristband, "so I'm good now." I asked his name and he says he goes by Hugh and is from St. Louis. We gave Hugh some beer and wine (he wasn't hungry) and he hung out with us for about 30 minutes We really enjoyed meeting Hugh.
Three days, 5 stages, 80,000 people--including Hugh!
Here's some of the news reports--
USA Today Article
This one from Billboard is really good--
Billboard story part 1
Billboard story part 2
We saw the guys climbing this big tree during Jack Johnson. The second scampered up like a cat. Amy said the third guy looked like Mowgli from Jungle Book cause his butt was sticking out and he had long, stringy hair.
Here's the link to my photo album.
http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2125265474&code=16587802&mode=invite&DCMP=isc-email-AlbumInvite
Shows I saw were Kings of Leon, Josh Ritter (love my man Josh!!!), Jack Johnson, Gov't Mule, Old 97s, Allman Brothers, Dave Mathews Band (did a great version of "All Along the Watchtower" with Robert Randolph on steel guitar), Drive-by Truckers, Rilo Kiley, Alison Krauss and Union Station, Yonder Mountain String Band, John Prine and Herbie Hancock's Headhunters. I'm sorry I missed Heartless Bastards (listen to this great song--"Onions" by Heartless Bastards), Legendary Shack Shakers and The Word (features Robert Randolph.)
We are DEFINITELY going back next year.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
BONNAROOOOOO!
Leaving after work tomorrow for Bonnaroo! Driving 11 hours with Al and Amy to Karen and John's and then we're all caravaning over to Tennessee. Should be there by 7AM Thursday morning.
They posted a map of the stage area today. It looks like so much fun. Add in the camping and hanging out with Karen and John and we're going to have a blast.
See it full-size here--Link to the cool place where I'll be this weekend
Or check out the festival here--BONNAROOOOOOO
Catch you slackers next week!!!
PS Does anyone know if second-hand pot smoke can cause you to fail a drug test?
They posted a map of the stage area today. It looks like so much fun. Add in the camping and hanging out with Karen and John and we're going to have a blast.
See it full-size here--Link to the cool place where I'll be this weekend
Or check out the festival here--BONNAROOOOOOO
Catch you slackers next week!!!
PS Does anyone know if second-hand pot smoke can cause you to fail a drug test?
Monday, June 06, 2005
"Why does everyone hate Coldplay?"
Article on MSNBC today poses the question Why Does Everyone Hate Coldplay?
Shock of shock--who could hate Coldplay? I've already bought four tickets to their show here in September and will go out at lunch tomorrow to buy their new CD "X&Y" so we can listen to it continuously on our 13-hour drive to Tennessee on Wednesday. (Why is it released a day later in the US and Canada than the rest of the world? I mean, the world may hate the US, but why make the innocent Canadian music fan suffer.) I'm sure most people who hate hate them do because a guy as homely and seemingly wimpy as Chris Martin is in a relationship and has a child with Gwyneth Paltrow.
Go to coldplay.com and listen to "Fix You". Great song. "Til Kingdom Come", a song they wrote for an album Johnny Cash was going to record but died before he could record it, is a hidden track on the album. Verrrry good.
And now, to something totally unrelated, here's me, Amy and Claire at the Bud Light volleyball tourney in May. Unfortunately the best abs in the pic are blocked by Claire. ;)
Click here to see us!
Shock of shock--who could hate Coldplay? I've already bought four tickets to their show here in September and will go out at lunch tomorrow to buy their new CD "X&Y" so we can listen to it continuously on our 13-hour drive to Tennessee on Wednesday. (Why is it released a day later in the US and Canada than the rest of the world? I mean, the world may hate the US, but why make the innocent Canadian music fan suffer.) I'm sure most people who hate hate them do because a guy as homely and seemingly wimpy as Chris Martin is in a relationship and has a child with Gwyneth Paltrow.
Go to coldplay.com and listen to "Fix You". Great song. "Til Kingdom Come", a song they wrote for an album Johnny Cash was going to record but died before he could record it, is a hidden track on the album. Verrrry good.
And now, to something totally unrelated, here's me, Amy and Claire at the Bud Light volleyball tourney in May. Unfortunately the best abs in the pic are blocked by Claire. ;)
Click here to see us!
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Dilbert documents America's obsession with the British accent
Sooo funny these Dilberts of late. What's especially great is that they were sent to me by my British friend and co-worker Malcolm. Its also funny that Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert, will be speaking at Teradata Partners where I'll be spending time with my British friend Rupert. They could do this same series about Aussies, I think. Have him tossing out a few "Maaaaaaate", "Bastard", "No worries" and a "Cop you later". Could work.
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Ahhhh vacation
Spent a week here at Orange Lake near Orlando. What a great time! Went to Disney parks (Rock N Roller Coaster in MGM is fuuuuun! and Claire got to meet Chewbacca)
, we relaxed, I went wakeboarding, Claire went tubing, and she and Al went jetskiing.
This vacation met my criteria for a good time...
1) Spend more on your drink at lunch than you do on the food--yummmy Rum Runners.
2) Wear nothing but flip flops in the evening--dress, black Reefs.
Should have no trouble meeting rule #1 and #2 at Bonnaroo. I may have to change my footwear choice to cowboy boots for Wyoming.
, we relaxed, I went wakeboarding, Claire went tubing, and she and Al went jetskiing.
This vacation met my criteria for a good time...
1) Spend more on your drink at lunch than you do on the food--yummmy Rum Runners.
2) Wear nothing but flip flops in the evening--dress, black Reefs.
Should have no trouble meeting rule #1 and #2 at Bonnaroo. I may have to change my footwear choice to cowboy boots for Wyoming.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
More Josh Ritter...
OK, so I'm still obsessed with Josh Ritter. They just published the schedule for Bonnaroo and Josh Ritter is one of the first artists on the first day. WOO-HOO. Dave Mathews plays until midnight on Friday and The Mars Volta plays from midnight-4AM on Friday night/Saturday morning. Check it out here http://www.bonnaroo.com/2005/ at the schedule link on the artist lineup section.
Here's a link to a video of one of my favorite songs. The video itself is pretty bad--some art school attempt to make a boring visual subject look cool through odd lighting and focus techniques. But the song is GREAT!!! "Kathleen"
Some of my favorite lines from him are...
"All the other girls here are stars, you are the Northern Lights."
"Every heart is a package tangled up in knots someone else tied."
"oh the heart has no bones you say so it won’t break
but the purpose of loving is the pounding it takes"
"don’t stand so close to me
don’t be another tragedy
I’ve burned everybody who had a hand to lend
a man burning at both ends"
"I’d rather be the one who loves than to be loved and never even know"
"I’m singing for the love of it—have mercy on the man who sings to be adored"
Here's a link to a video of one of my favorite songs. The video itself is pretty bad--some art school attempt to make a boring visual subject look cool through odd lighting and focus techniques. But the song is GREAT!!! "Kathleen"
Some of my favorite lines from him are...
"All the other girls here are stars, you are the Northern Lights."
"Every heart is a package tangled up in knots someone else tied."
"oh the heart has no bones you say so it won’t break
but the purpose of loving is the pounding it takes"
"don’t stand so close to me
don’t be another tragedy
I’ve burned everybody who had a hand to lend
a man burning at both ends"
"I’d rather be the one who loves than to be loved and never even know"
"I’m singing for the love of it—have mercy on the man who sings to be adored"
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Bonnaroooooooooooooo!
T minus 30 days until Bonnaroo 2005!!!
Bonnaroo 2005!
Last night, I discovered another Bonnaroo artist I'm excited to see--Josh Ritter. I heard him doing music for a movie about surfing the Poraroca--the almost endless waves that form at the mouth of the Amazon. I don't really like the song they use in the clip but the surfing scenes are incredible. Here it is--
Crazy surfing on Amazon waves
I like this song much better--
"Come and Find Me" by Josh Ritter
and the song "Man Burning" and "Snow is Gone" are reallllly good.
I cannot wait until Bonnaroo. Relaxing, camping, listening to GREAT music with most of my family (sorry, Claire, but you're not ready for this) and two of my best friends...what a great way to spend three days. Josh's web site says he'll be performing on Friday, June 10 in Tent #3 (wonder if that's the "This Tent", "That Tent" or "The Other Tent").
Bonnaroo 2005!
Last night, I discovered another Bonnaroo artist I'm excited to see--Josh Ritter. I heard him doing music for a movie about surfing the Poraroca--the almost endless waves that form at the mouth of the Amazon. I don't really like the song they use in the clip but the surfing scenes are incredible. Here it is--
Crazy surfing on Amazon waves
I like this song much better--
"Come and Find Me" by Josh Ritter
and the song "Man Burning" and "Snow is Gone" are reallllly good.
I cannot wait until Bonnaroo. Relaxing, camping, listening to GREAT music with most of my family (sorry, Claire, but you're not ready for this) and two of my best friends...what a great way to spend three days. Josh's web site says he'll be performing on Friday, June 10 in Tent #3 (wonder if that's the "This Tent", "That Tent" or "The Other Tent").
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Skateboarding
I cannot wait for the movie Lords of Dogtown to come out. I will be in the theater on June 3 at the first showing to see it.
I saw the previews for this movie and it took me back to being 14-years-old and a scruffy, tomboy surf-girl/skateboarder trying to keep up with the boys in the neighborhood. I freaked out at the movie theater watching the previews when I saw one of the characters with the skateboard deck I always wanted--"Dang, he's got the G&S that was so cool while I was stuck with the crappy Proline!!!"
Maybe I'll try to look up some of my old surfer and skateboard buddies to see if they want to go. AND, I'm taking Amy's skateboard to the skate park to see if I can still do a 540 on the half pipe and come out fakey.
I saw the previews for this movie and it took me back to being 14-years-old and a scruffy, tomboy surf-girl/skateboarder trying to keep up with the boys in the neighborhood. I freaked out at the movie theater watching the previews when I saw one of the characters with the skateboard deck I always wanted--"Dang, he's got the G&S that was so cool while I was stuck with the crappy Proline!!!"
Maybe I'll try to look up some of my old surfer and skateboard buddies to see if they want to go. AND, I'm taking Amy's skateboard to the skate park to see if I can still do a 540 on the half pipe and come out fakey.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Bad Day at Work
There are days in my job where I feel I'm going to be buried under a big load of $hit. Well, this poor tractor driver in the Czech Republic was killed when he was buried under an 8-ton load of manure that he was dumping in a field.
What a crappy way to go!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7308702
What a crappy way to go!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7308702
Sunday, April 03, 2005
New LCD Rear Projection TV
I haven't been posting much because I've been spending a lot of quality time with my new TV and DirectTV HD service. Wow, is this sweeeeet! I did a lot of research before deciding on the Sony 42" Grand WEGA LCD Rear Projection TV. See it here--
42" Grand WEGA™ LCD Rear Projection HDTV KDF-42WE655
One of the best sites I found while researching it was this review on CNET--
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6463_7-5023901-4.html. It compares DLP, LCD and LCoS rear projection TVs. Bottom line was that once I saw this TV next to the other rear projection TVs at BrandsMart, there was no choice. The picture is incredible!
I've been watching all kinds of cool shows on HD DirectTV--A Year in the Blue Angels, a cool show on cave diving in the Florida springs, a DiscoveryHD show on meerkats, classic movies like "My Fair Lady". And, now that we finally have a subwoofer, I'm watching some DVDs I've had with newfound enjoyment in the picture and sound--"Braveheart", "The Return of the King" and one movie that looks particularly good is "The Incredibles".
My three favorite scenes in "The Return of the King" are--
Pippin: I didn't think it would end this way.
Gandalf: End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path... One that we all must take.
[Pippin listenes and watches Gandalf curiously, as he continues. The battle around seems to quiet down]
Gandalf: The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all change to silver glass...
[a light comes into Pippin's face, as a small smile comes into his eyes, as Gandalf looks out into the distance]
Gandalf: ...And then you see it.
Pippin: What? Gandalf?... See what?
Gandalf: White shores... and beyond. The far green country under a swift sunrise.
[They both smile as they look at each other]
Pippin: Well, that isn't so bad.
Gandalf: [Softly:] No... No it isn't.
-------------------------------------------
Denethor: Farewell, Peregrin, son of Paladin... I release you from my service. Go now and die in what way seems best to you.
-------------------------------------
Witch King: You fool. No man can kill me. Die now.
Eowyn: I am no man. (As she stabs him and wins the battle.)
And the best part of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy is right here--MMM, MMMM, good
42" Grand WEGA™ LCD Rear Projection HDTV KDF-42WE655
One of the best sites I found while researching it was this review on CNET--
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6463_7-5023901-4.html. It compares DLP, LCD and LCoS rear projection TVs. Bottom line was that once I saw this TV next to the other rear projection TVs at BrandsMart, there was no choice. The picture is incredible!
I've been watching all kinds of cool shows on HD DirectTV--A Year in the Blue Angels, a cool show on cave diving in the Florida springs, a DiscoveryHD show on meerkats, classic movies like "My Fair Lady". And, now that we finally have a subwoofer, I'm watching some DVDs I've had with newfound enjoyment in the picture and sound--"Braveheart", "The Return of the King" and one movie that looks particularly good is "The Incredibles".
My three favorite scenes in "The Return of the King" are--
Pippin: I didn't think it would end this way.
Gandalf: End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path... One that we all must take.
[Pippin listenes and watches Gandalf curiously, as he continues. The battle around seems to quiet down]
Gandalf: The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all change to silver glass...
[a light comes into Pippin's face, as a small smile comes into his eyes, as Gandalf looks out into the distance]
Gandalf: ...And then you see it.
Pippin: What? Gandalf?... See what?
Gandalf: White shores... and beyond. The far green country under a swift sunrise.
[They both smile as they look at each other]
Pippin: Well, that isn't so bad.
Gandalf: [Softly:] No... No it isn't.
-------------------------------------------
Denethor: Farewell, Peregrin, son of Paladin... I release you from my service. Go now and die in what way seems best to you.
-------------------------------------
Witch King: You fool. No man can kill me. Die now.
Eowyn: I am no man. (As she stabs him and wins the battle.)
And the best part of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy is right here--MMM, MMMM, good
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Sunday, March 20, 2005
This One's for the Girls
The ESPN promos for the NCAA Women's Basketball using the Martina McBride song "This One's For The Girls" reminded me of how much I love the lyrics of that song. Especially the third verse--
My sentiments exactly!
Read all the lyrics here Martina McBride--This One's For The Girls
The other country song I've been listening to lately is by Jo Dee Messina--My Give a Damn's Busted!
This is for all you girls about forty-two
Tossing pennies into the fountain of youth
Every laugh, laugh line on your face
Made you who you are today
My sentiments exactly!
Read all the lyrics here Martina McBride--This One's For The Girls
The other country song I've been listening to lately is by Jo Dee Messina--My Give a Damn's Busted!
Friday, March 11, 2005
Arm Wrestling
Well, well, well, look at this little news item about a 17 year-old high school girl who describes herself as a weakling beating three robotic arms designed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab. You'd think if they could power a rocket into space they could pin back the arm of some skinny high school weakling. Read all about it here--Wimpy robotic arms can't even beat a high school girl
One interesting note, they had two visitors who held world titles in arm wrestling give her advice. They said, "Lean in with your body, stand on your toes." I'll have to remember that for Partners next year.
One interesting note, they had two visitors who held world titles in arm wrestling give her advice. They said, "Lean in with your body, stand on your toes." I'll have to remember that for Partners next year.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Great Gator Basketball Game
What a great way for the Gators to finish the regular season with a win over the UK Wildcats! Knocked the Cats out of a number one seed for NCAA tourney and gave senior David Lee his only win over Kentucky during his last UF home game.
Walsh makin' the 3-point plays and Roberson calmly sinking the one and one free throws....beauty. I love this quote from Roberson. "I had to make them," Roberson said. "That's what you dream about on the playground in Saginaw, Mich., last seconds, down by one, CBS, two free throws. The moment is right there in front of you. I want the ball in my hands in that situation."
Amy and I were writhing on the couch the last 5 minutes of the game and ran through the house screaming when the Gators won. What a great mother-daughter Gator girl moment.
Walsh makin' the 3-point plays and Roberson calmly sinking the one and one free throws....beauty. I love this quote from Roberson. "I had to make them," Roberson said. "That's what you dream about on the playground in Saginaw, Mich., last seconds, down by one, CBS, two free throws. The moment is right there in front of you. I want the ball in my hands in that situation."
Amy and I were writhing on the couch the last 5 minutes of the game and ran through the house screaming when the Gators won. What a great mother-daughter Gator girl moment.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Great Gift Idea
Not sure what to get that co-worker that you're sure is a serial killer off-hours or perhaps a neighbor who you're convinced is into Santeria? Maybe you need a great gift idea for an ex who you're not really over? Getting ready to have the in-laws over and you want this to be the last visit?
May I present the Voodoo Display with 5 Knives by ViceVersa. So many situations that this would make the perfect gift.
Thanks, Dave!
May I present the Voodoo Display with 5 Knives by ViceVersa. So many situations that this would make the perfect gift.
Thanks, Dave!
Another Great Poem
Got this poem in my daily email from bartleby.com (great website)! Since I'm a big fan of sarcasm, I really liked it.
"Sambo's Right to Be Kilt" by Edmund Clarence Stedman (and by Kilt, he's not talking about the Scottish clothing.)
"Sambo's Right to Be Kilt" by Edmund Clarence Stedman (and by Kilt, he's not talking about the Scottish clothing.)
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Our week with the Blackleys
The family said farewell to our friends the Blackleys, our guests from England, this morning at 5:30 AM. After they left, Claire and I went back to bed (Alan was at work), and as I'm falling asleep, I hear Claire in her room sobbing. I asked her what was wrong and she said, "I just miss Ruby. Its not the same without her." Those two are peas in a pod and had such a great time together. The scene as we left the ice skating show at the Office Depot Center on Friday night sort of summed up those two. They were about 20 yards ahead of me, Rupert and Oliver, skipping and jumping along together as they tried to step on only the white pavers. Oliver is such a well-spoken and interesting young man. He and Alan had some great conversations and, after one of them, Alan said, "I always respect children who can conduct a real conversation with an adult." We had a GREAT time with them this past week.
Started off last Sunday with a trip to Billie Swamp Safari--the tourism service of the Seminole Indian nation. Went to the middle of the Everglades, took an airboat ride, a swamp buggy ride and camped in a Chickee Hut. (Our Everglades Trip) I told Rupert that we did this first because it would make the accommodations at my house appear luxurious in contrast.
Tuesday was beach for the Blackleys (Deerfield Beach--Deerfield Beach Web Cam) and then a quiet dinner at the house. Wednesday was another trip to the beach for the Blackleys (Ft. Lauderdale Beach--Ft. Lauderdale Web Cam) and then dinner out at Bonefish Grill. We were joined by Monica for this one. Thursday, the Blackleys were back at Deerfield Beach and then my friends Allyn and Jasper brought over Shish-ka-bob for dinner. I took Friday off and we went to Delray Beach (Delray Web Cam) for a while in the morning, then we met Monica, Martha and David for lunch at the Blue Anchor (The Blue Anchor), took the kids across the street to the playground, went down to the girls soccer state semi-final match (our neighbor plays goalkeeper for the defending champions, American Heritage Delray) and we capped the day off by watching an ice skating show featuring a number of former Olympic medalists. Exhausting.
One afternoon, Ruby, Claire and Oliver were out in the street riding bikes and scooters. Rupert said it was a scene out of "The Wonder Years." That same day, they went around the neighborhood singing and performing tricks. Claire brought a "tip jar" and they collected $15. (I think some people gave them money just so they would go away.) Oliver's eyes lit up with excitement and pride whenever he relayed the amount of money they raised. Another afternoon, I came driving around the corner and saw quite the soccer match going on in the front yard. Claire's best friend, Erin, and Erin's brother and sister, Eric and Hailey, were playing boys against the girls with Claire, Ruby and Oliver. How cool is that?!?!?
I think it was Tuesday night that we broke out the potato cannon. (Here's plans for one like ours--Potato Cannon Plans . I would recommend mounting the igniter on the cannon. Loose igniter wires are somewhat shocking.) As the saying goes, it's not a party at the Koontzes until a potato goes 700 feet in the air. First launch by Al saw the potato fall on our neighbor's roof--the neighbors with the solar heater on their roof. EEEK. Ruby and Oliver loved the potato cannon and Rupert was the best at getting the potato to land in the canal. Must be that degree in rocket science that he's got.
It was a fantastic visit. Its nice when your professional relationships develop into personal friendships that are shared with the families. We're already looking forward to the next one. We miss the Blackleys!
Started off last Sunday with a trip to Billie Swamp Safari--the tourism service of the Seminole Indian nation. Went to the middle of the Everglades, took an airboat ride, a swamp buggy ride and camped in a Chickee Hut. (Our Everglades Trip) I told Rupert that we did this first because it would make the accommodations at my house appear luxurious in contrast.
Tuesday was beach for the Blackleys (Deerfield Beach--Deerfield Beach Web Cam) and then a quiet dinner at the house. Wednesday was another trip to the beach for the Blackleys (Ft. Lauderdale Beach--Ft. Lauderdale Web Cam) and then dinner out at Bonefish Grill. We were joined by Monica for this one. Thursday, the Blackleys were back at Deerfield Beach and then my friends Allyn and Jasper brought over Shish-ka-bob for dinner. I took Friday off and we went to Delray Beach (Delray Web Cam) for a while in the morning, then we met Monica, Martha and David for lunch at the Blue Anchor (The Blue Anchor), took the kids across the street to the playground, went down to the girls soccer state semi-final match (our neighbor plays goalkeeper for the defending champions, American Heritage Delray) and we capped the day off by watching an ice skating show featuring a number of former Olympic medalists. Exhausting.
One afternoon, Ruby, Claire and Oliver were out in the street riding bikes and scooters. Rupert said it was a scene out of "The Wonder Years." That same day, they went around the neighborhood singing and performing tricks. Claire brought a "tip jar" and they collected $15. (I think some people gave them money just so they would go away.) Oliver's eyes lit up with excitement and pride whenever he relayed the amount of money they raised. Another afternoon, I came driving around the corner and saw quite the soccer match going on in the front yard. Claire's best friend, Erin, and Erin's brother and sister, Eric and Hailey, were playing boys against the girls with Claire, Ruby and Oliver. How cool is that?!?!?
I think it was Tuesday night that we broke out the potato cannon. (Here's plans for one like ours--Potato Cannon Plans . I would recommend mounting the igniter on the cannon. Loose igniter wires are somewhat shocking.) As the saying goes, it's not a party at the Koontzes until a potato goes 700 feet in the air. First launch by Al saw the potato fall on our neighbor's roof--the neighbors with the solar heater on their roof. EEEK. Ruby and Oliver loved the potato cannon and Rupert was the best at getting the potato to land in the canal. Must be that degree in rocket science that he's got.
It was a fantastic visit. Its nice when your professional relationships develop into personal friendships that are shared with the families. We're already looking forward to the next one. We miss the Blackleys!
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Props for my hometown
I saw a lot of media articles bashing Jacksonville as a hick, backwater town not worthy of hosting the Super Bowl. Leave it to a Brit to write the truth....
SUPER BOWL: Venue did not deserve criticism
I feel I have to put something in writing from a visiting journalist's standpoint to try to counterbalance many of the vicious and, frankly, ignorant comments being aired in various media about the venue for Super Bowl XXXIX.
Jacksonville did a great job in attracting the NFL here in the first place. While the city is a more small-scale venue than most, it certainly did not deserve the vitriol it has attracted from some quarters.
The bottom line is that the Super Bowl is not here for the benefit and entertainment of the visiting media; it is here for the fans, the local community and the country as a whole. It is charged with providing a fitting venue for the biggest annual sporting event in the world.
On those counts, there were plenty of positive signs, to the credit of the host committee, the thousands of volunteers and the city as a whole.Of course, Jacksonville is not a city of the scope of New Orleans, Los Angeles or Miami, but it is different from all of those, and diversity is always healthy.
There was plenty going on. It was easy to get around, events ran on time and the visiting fans in town sure looked as if they were having fun.
Of course, the weather could have been kinder, but for some writers to criticize purely on the basis of being cold or damp is puerile in the extreme.
Having been to seven previous Super Bowls, I can attest to the fact the media are extremely well catered to (to the point of being spoon-fed), and Jacksonville was certainly no different. It seems those who criticized were doing it purely because they lacked the imagination to find a real story; it is far easier to damn than to praise, in journalistic terms.
Finally, for those members of the media who slammed Jacksonville before we even got to the weekend: Come on, people, surely you can't be that small-minded? The Super Bowl is all about having a party; and if you can't recognize a genuine party when you see one, you are on the wrong planet, let alone in the wrong job.
From my perspective, there was enough here to suggest Jacksonville is not out of place in the Super Bowl rotation, and the city fully deserves its chance to contend again in the future.
SIMON VENESS, London Sun, London, England
Friday, January 21, 2005
Straight out of Star Wars
For a mere $20,000 (available on Amazon) you can buy yourself a genuine JL421 Badonkadonk Personal Sand Crawler. Each "Donk" is powered by a 6hp Tecumseh engine that can propel the Jawaesque Playa Crawler to speeds up to 40mph. And while the outside is all sloping, blaster-fire-deflecting metal crevists, the inside is fully appointed, with full carpeting and seating for 5. Wonder if the pimped out neon is standard or if it is an option. That might be just the thing to get me, Claire, Amy and all our crap out to the volleyball tournaments. No more lugging our stuff across the sand. Thanks for the link, DB!
http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/novelties/who-put-the-donk-in-the-jl421-badonkadonk-029757.php
Now, why "Badonkadonk"? Reminds me of one of my favorite clips from Chappelle's Show....
"I Know Black People!"
http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/novelties/who-put-the-donk-in-the-jl421-badonkadonk-029757.php
Now, why "Badonkadonk"? Reminds me of one of my favorite clips from Chappelle's Show....
"I Know Black People!"
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Darth Tater
Saw this in the paper today. Too funny! I gotta get me one of these.
http://www.hasbro.com/starwars/pl/page.news/id.1130/dn/default.cfm
http://www.hasbro.com/starwars/pl/page.news/id.1130/dn/default.cfm
Star Gazing
That's star gazing as in Astronomy, not entertainment type people. Some friends gave Claire a telescope last fall and we've used it a few times. While checking for a new weather site, I found this one where you can enter your zipcode and it will display a map of the sky showing planets, constellations, stars, etc. You can change the options of what is displayed and enter a specific time and date to get that particular map. Pretty cool stuff. I think we'll take the telescope out tonight!
http://www.wunderground.com/sky/index.asp
http://www.wunderground.com/sky/index.asp
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Tsunamis and Turkey
Two topics on my mind today are the tsunami and Turkey (the country not the fowl.)
Found some incredible before and after satellite photos of the affected areas--http://homepage.mac.com/demark/tsunami/9.html
These showing Banda Aceh are the most stunning. Here's the before--
and this is after--
I'm putting on a fundraiser in April for a Microenterprise development organization, Five Talents, that is part of the Anglican Church. My friend and former co-worker (and beloved "little brother"--not in DNA but in spirit) is the Executive Director.
They have two programs in India and one in Indonesia but neither were affected by the tsunami. I'm sure that once the affected areas get beyond relief and into recovery, Five Talents will have some programs to assist people in recovering their livelihoods. Craig has asked me about going on a trip with him and teaching in some of the business seminars they put on for the people they serve. I may just have to go if he does a trip to India next year. Here's his update on the tsunami----http://www.fivetalents.org/1204.htm
And, now onto Turkey....I watched "Gallipoli" with my friend Monica as part of the preparation for her trip to Australia. I thought it would be a good choice and it was confirmed by our friend, Luke. Wow, what a depressing movie. I decided to do a little research on the Gallipoli campaign and The Nek battle that is depicted at the end of the movie. The movie did a pretty good job of giving context but #1 the sound on the VHS tape wasn't the best and #2 I was somewhat distracted by Mel Gibson's 25-year-old arse that is one of the better pieces of scenery in the movie.
Anyway, I found some good sites with a lot of historical information about the battle. I think the most heart-wrenching part is that The Nek was merely a diversion to enable a British landing at a nearby bay. I'm sure the Turks were quite diverted busily loading their machine guns and mowing down 600 ANZACs in a matter of 45 minutes. Here are some interesting figures on Australia's participation in WWI --"From a population of fewer than five million, 300,000 men enlisted, of which over 60,000 were killed and 156,000 were wounded, gassed or taken prisoner." This is from The Australian War Memorial web site. (http://www.awm.gov.au/atwar/ww1.htm)
This site gives some interesting info on The Nek--http://www.macknortshs.qld.edu.au/ANZAC/nek.htm.
And this one has a good overview of the entire campaign--
http://www.anzacday.org.au/spirit/gallipoli/gallip02.html
After eight months, the British High Command decided that the war at Gallipoli was too costly and the ordered the troops to withdraw. Its interesting how the troops tried to make everything look normal during the evacuation that took two weeks to complete. The soldiers rigged up "Ghost guns" so it looked like there were more soldiers there. A rifle was placed among the sand bags with a tin cup above and one below. Water dripped slowly from the top tin into the one below. The rifle fired when the bottom tin became heavy enough to pull a wire attached to the trigger. There's a picture here--
http://www.anzacday.org.au/spirit/gallipoli/gallip04.html
Found some incredible before and after satellite photos of the affected areas--http://homepage.mac.com/demark/tsunami/9.html
These showing Banda Aceh are the most stunning. Here's the before--
and this is after--
I'm putting on a fundraiser in April for a Microenterprise development organization, Five Talents, that is part of the Anglican Church. My friend and former co-worker (and beloved "little brother"--not in DNA but in spirit) is the Executive Director.
They have two programs in India and one in Indonesia but neither were affected by the tsunami. I'm sure that once the affected areas get beyond relief and into recovery, Five Talents will have some programs to assist people in recovering their livelihoods. Craig has asked me about going on a trip with him and teaching in some of the business seminars they put on for the people they serve. I may just have to go if he does a trip to India next year. Here's his update on the tsunami----http://www.fivetalents.org/1204.htm
And, now onto Turkey....I watched "Gallipoli" with my friend Monica as part of the preparation for her trip to Australia. I thought it would be a good choice and it was confirmed by our friend, Luke. Wow, what a depressing movie. I decided to do a little research on the Gallipoli campaign and The Nek battle that is depicted at the end of the movie. The movie did a pretty good job of giving context but #1 the sound on the VHS tape wasn't the best and #2 I was somewhat distracted by Mel Gibson's 25-year-old arse that is one of the better pieces of scenery in the movie.
Anyway, I found some good sites with a lot of historical information about the battle. I think the most heart-wrenching part is that The Nek was merely a diversion to enable a British landing at a nearby bay. I'm sure the Turks were quite diverted busily loading their machine guns and mowing down 600 ANZACs in a matter of 45 minutes. Here are some interesting figures on Australia's participation in WWI --"From a population of fewer than five million, 300,000 men enlisted, of which over 60,000 were killed and 156,000 were wounded, gassed or taken prisoner." This is from The Australian War Memorial web site. (http://www.awm.gov.au/atwar/ww1.htm)
This site gives some interesting info on The Nek--http://www.macknortshs.qld.edu.au/ANZAC/nek.htm.
And this one has a good overview of the entire campaign--
http://www.anzacday.org.au/spirit/gallipoli/gallip02.html
After eight months, the British High Command decided that the war at Gallipoli was too costly and the ordered the troops to withdraw. Its interesting how the troops tried to make everything look normal during the evacuation that took two weeks to complete. The soldiers rigged up "Ghost guns" so it looked like there were more soldiers there. A rifle was placed among the sand bags with a tin cup above and one below. Water dripped slowly from the top tin into the one below. The rifle fired when the bottom tin became heavy enough to pull a wire attached to the trigger. There's a picture here--
http://www.anzacday.org.au/spirit/gallipoli/gallip04.html
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