Thursday, March 29, 2007
Just Another Day At Work
Just Another Day At Work
As usual, I had my camera and took a few dozen shots of the mayhem. They are up on my Flickr site here. Note co-workers Cisco, Duran and Carolyn as "The Box Robot Army." Not sure. Just don't know. There's also a shot or two of my crew as well as UArts junior and American Idol star Nicole Tranquillo.
It was a fun thing to be a part of something like this. And yeah, that's a foot in that photo.
Have a good day!
C
Labels: Big Shot, marketing, Nicole Tranquillo, philadelphia, photography, photos, students, Uarts
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
I'm Speechless - Blogger Gets Death Threats
I'm Speechless - Blogger Gets Death Threats
But somebody always has to mess shit up. This morning, in my normal troll through the randomness of life on the Interwebthingy, I found this horribly disturbing blog. It details a series of threats of violence and sex against Kathy Sierra, a well-known blogger, that caused her to have to cancel a speaking engagement and get the police involved. Her blog is usually very good and in no way is there anything in it that might have triggered such a horrible response.
It's good that the police are involved and that the blog community has rallied around Sierra. The people who did this are sick, twisted scum who should be be prosecuted. It's never acceptable to use the freedom of the press in such a way that you threaten the physical well-being of another. Such behavior IS ILLEGAL, chills interaction, threatens potential regulation and should be dealt with severely.
Labels: blogging, blogs, death threats, free speech, kathy sierra
Monday, March 26, 2007
Jason Ray, UNC Mascot, Dead at 21

Jason Ray, UNC Mascot, Dead at 21

The Associated Press says that the NCAA is discussing how to memorialize Ray's life at this weekend's men's Final Four in Atlanta. CBS has a nice story here that re-caps the last few days.
I can't imagine how they must feel at this time. My son John is six and Emma is three and I have so many hopes and dreams for them. I can't imagine losing them so young.
My thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.
Labels: death, final four, jason ray, unc, unc mascot
Anna Nicole Still Dead

Anna Nicole Still Dead

Here's my question. Will the next generation's Elton John produce a song about this Playboy starlet. Is she the Turn of the 21st Century's Marilyn? I gotta think not. You never saw her on the arm of the President (not even that horndog Bill Clinton) and she was never cool enough to run with the Rat Pack, not even George Clooney's version.
Still the world seems a little less glittery and a tiny bit less fun, doesn't it?
Bracketology
In in the 73rd percentile in the nation, three of my Final Four are alive, and my national champion handed UNC its ass in OT last night. Still I only win my pools if Georgetown wins it all. Go Hoyas!
Puts It All In Perspective
Jason Ray, UNC Senior and hoops mascot remains on life support. I know how much kids like Jason put into their support of teams. I wish his family well.
Have a good one.
C
Labels: anna nicole smith photos, autopsy findings, brackets, final four, george clooney, jason ray, marilyn monroe, oceans 13, playboy, rat pack, unc mascot
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Spring Has Sprung
Spring Has Sprung
It's amazing. As soon as the calendar said that spring was actually here, I started to get the itch to head out into the yard and do some work. What causes that? I want to get the spreader out and put down the Scott's Turfbuilder plus Halts or whatever, gather up the fallen branches, trim up the bushes and plant some flowers.
Yeah I'm a guy and all, but I do love to get out and mess around in the yard and I would love to know why last week I had zero desire to do anything and now I am suddenly ready. I was out there briefly, and while the spring sunshine LOOKS warm, the wind cuts pretty hard just to remind me it's still March.
Maybe next week.
Timeline Finally Set On Iraq
The House Democrats pushed through a measure (HR 1591) this week to set an end date on the war in Iraq. While it's unlikely this measure will become law since President Shrub says he will veto it, I think it begins to show that things are starting to change in DC. The final vote was 218-212-1. My initial question was who the hell elected a guy who votes PRESENT on a WAR???
Then I read this. Mr. Stark, you have immense courage and I stand humbly corrected.
Labels: congress, gardening, HR 1591, Iraq, Pete Stark, spring, weather, yard
Saturday, March 24, 2007
OK - I Am Officially Worried
“We need to get off to a fast start and this definitely makes me concerned,'' he said. “Do you think jumping off the Causeway Bridge would help?”Think the Phils' manager is looking around and noting all these guys on his coaching staff that have managerial experience? Think that's what has him worried? The Phils know one thing for sure. Brett Myers will be on the mound when the Phightin's open the season against the Braves at 1:05 on April 2nd at Citizens bank Park. Matt and I will be there. Bracketology Pitt killed me. I still have 3 of my 4 final four alive, but only 40 picks right so far out of 56 puts me in the 52nd percentile nationwide. Oregon is a surprise, UNC and Kansas look VERY scary. I'll stick with my Hoyas pick, but I will not be surprised if the Tar Heel Nation hoists the trophy. Sad Note Jason Ray, the University of North Carolina senior who portrays the Ramses mascot at athletic events was struck by a SUV and critically injured yesterday just hours before the UNC win over USC. Roy Williams addressed the issue after the game. My thoughts go out o him and his family.
OK - I Am Officially Worried
And this team comes north next week.
Even Uncle Charlie is starting to fret:
Think the Phils' manager is looking around and noting all these guys on his coaching staff that have managerial experience? Think that's what has him worried?
“We need to get off to a fast start and this definitely makes me concerned,'' he said. “Do you think jumping off the Causeway Bridge would help?”
The Phils know one thing for sure. Brett Myers will be on the mound when the Phightin's open the season against the Braves at 1:05 on April 2nd at Citizens bank Park. Matt and I will be there.
Bracketology
Pitt killed me. I still have 3 of my 4 final four alive, but only 40 picks right so far out of 56 puts me in the 52nd percentile nationwide. Oregon is a surprise, UNC and Kansas look VERY scary.
I'll stick with my Hoyas pick, but I will not be surprised if the Tar Heel Nation hoists the trophy.
Sad Note
Jason Ray, the University of North Carolina senior who portrays the Ramses mascot at athletic events was struck by a SUV and critically injured yesterday just hours before the UNC win over USC. Roy Williams addressed the issue after the game. My thoughts go out o him and his family.
Labels: brackets, brett myers, charlie manuel, freddy garcia, jason ray, karim garcia, March Madness, mascot, phillies, roy willams, tom gordon, unc
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Priorities

Priorities

John Edwards just announced that he will continue his presidential bid despite the fact that his wife Elizabeth's cancer has returned. Ok. You are running for president and you find out your wife has cancer that is likely incurable. Only a COMPLETE ASSHOLE keeps running for president at that point.
I've never been a fan of Edwards. I think he's style over substance at a time when America needs leadership with credibility. This decision now makes me wonder if he would be capable of handling the complex decisions of the presidency.
I know he's saying his wife is forcing him to stay in the race, but he can say no. He can say thanks for your support dear, but my most important job is here with you now.
My other issue here is that he told us that his wife being cancer-free was a major factor in his getting into the race. Now suddenly it doesn't matter. I see a credibility gap.
At any rate, I sure hope that her treatment is successful and this is all a minor setback for her.
Phoenix Has It
Priority that is. Over Philly. The Daily News has a rather confusing story today that basically boils down to this: more people live in Phoenix than live in Philadelphia. We dropped from 5th largest city in the US to 6th. Probably sometime last year.
Bummer. At least we still have grass.
Umm Yeah No-Brainer Here
Ok. I'll admit I have done it. But texting should not be your priority when driving. Our friends in Trenton are ready to help us by banning texting while driving. You already can't use a cell phone when driving in NJ. Yeah right. Thanks to Assemblymen Paul Moriarty, D-Gloucester, and David Mayer, D-Gloucester, we now have another thing that we wont be allow to do. Sure. Uh-huh.
Labels: cancer, census, elizabeth edwards, john edwards, NJ, Pat's Philly Steaks and Subs, Phoenix, President, texting
Monday, March 19, 2007
Snow, Stephen and Bo
"We were up by 40, dunking the basketball," Rockets point guard Rafer Alston said after the game.The Sixers "didn't give any hard fouls," surprised Rockets guard Kirk Snyder added. "They didn't get called for any technicals."
It's sad that these guys have no heart and now they have no Kevin Durant or Greg Oden.
The Pride of Aston or Chester or Brookhaven or where ever he says he's from, Bo Ryan, just doesn't get it. In one of the great stories of this NCAA Tournament, his Wisconsin badgers were BOMBED by UNLV's Kevin Kruger, son of head coach Lon Kruger. In this article, Ryan complains that Kruger should not have been able to play in the game because of his circuitous road to eligibility at UNLV. How can you fault a kid who wants to play for his dad? Hey Bo, I love ya man. I loved what you did for D3 at Platteville. I love the defensive intensity. But when you get your ass handed to you in The Show, be gracious.Enjoy!
CSnow, Stephen and Bo
Eventually It Had To Happen
I agree with Stephen A. Smith. Finally. He has finally written a column where he doesn't talk out of both sides of his mouth. He rips the fans. He rips Mr. Snider. He snubs the players. Last night, after the 76ers lost by 50 at home, Mr. Smith Went To The Visitor Locker Room. Skipped the home guys. No matter. They weren't talking much after posting the worst home loss in franchise history.
The Rockets were though:
"We were up by 40, dunking the basketball," Rockets point guard Rafer Alston said after the game.The Sixers "didn't give any hard fouls," surprised Rockets guard Kirk Snyder added. "They didn't get called for any technicals."
It's sad that these guys have no heart and now they have no Kevin Durant or Greg Oden.
The Pride of Aston or Chester or Brookhaven or where ever he says he's from, Bo Ryan, just doesn't get it. In one of the great stories of this NCAA Tournament, his Wisconsin badgers were BOMBED by UNLV's Kevin Kruger, son of head coach Lon Kruger. In this article, Ryan complains that Kruger should not have been able to play in the game because of his circuitous road to eligibility at UNLV.How can you fault a kid who wants to play for his dad?
Hey Bo, I love ya man. I loved what you did for D3 at Platteville. I love the defensive intensity. But when you get your ass handed to you in The Show, be gracious.
Enjoy!
CLabels: 76ers, bo ryan, gayborhood, kevin kruger, lon kruger, March Madness, NCAA, philadelphia, Snow, stephen a. smith, taxes
Sunday, March 18, 2007
March Snowball Fights and Much More
"That's why Billy couldn't make it here. He could have been a superstar in Philly. The fans loved him because he threw 100. But he chose to focus on the negative part instead of the positive: The fans are the way they are because they care."And that's why Brett Myers will make it here. Despite being a wife beater, Myers gets it. he understand who pays his salary and who the people are who care enough about a sport to enable him to throw a baseball for a living. Bracketology I am 8-2 in the second round games so far as March Madness rolls on. That puts me in the 98th percentile of all online pools and behind only Goot in each of the two online pools I am in. Who knows how I am doing against the folks at UArts.
March Snowball Fights and Much More
Yesterday, he and Eli and Eli's sisters had a great snowball fight in the back yard. A few photos are up at my Flickr site. I remember all of the great snowball fights I had as a kid back in Brookhaven with Greg and Matt and the girls. Mr. Feld was always around to help construct complicated snow forts and walls and participate in the fights.
Billy Wagner - Moron
In Jim Salisbury's column today, he reveals again, for anyone who has missed it before, that Billy Wagner is a moron. You may remember that Wagner played here for a few years, before moving on to New York because he could not handle ... the fans. he claims that the fans will be the Phils' downfall this year. Brett Myers puts some sanity into the article by noting:
"That's why Billy couldn't make it here. He could have been a superstar in Philly. The fans loved him because he threw 100. But he chose to focus on the negative part instead of the positive: The fans are the way they are because they care."And that's why Brett Myers will make it here. Despite being a wife beater, Myers gets it. he understand who pays his salary and who the people are who care enough about a sport to enable him to throw a baseball for a living.
Bracketology
I am 8-2 in the second round games so far as March Madness rolls on. That puts me in the 98th percentile of all online pools and behind only Goot in each of the two online pools I am in. Who knows how I am doing against the folks at UArts.
Labels: billy wagner, brackets, brett myers, Kids, March Madness, Memories, moron, snoball fights, Snow, Uarts
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Cats Run Done

Cats Run Done

This was a fun year to follow this team. They lost a ton off of last year's #1 seeded team and yet managed to post more than 20 wins, slip into the NCAA tournament and topple a few giants along the way. Hopefully Jay Wright was on the phone to his recruits last night after the game, or at least today, talking to a few guys over 6'5". The y0ung guards on this squad could do a lot of damage if they had some big guys to help balance the attack. Similarly, Villanova could play a bit more zone against teams to switch things up if they had some tree-toppers in the middle.
Bracketology
I went 25-7 in the first round. Not too bad. That puts me tied with my brother for last in his office pool and in the 75% world-wide in the Yahoo pick 'ems. I would have done a bit better if I had put my money where my mouth was. I had been telling people all week that Winthrop was going to beat Notre Dame. And they did. I just didn't pick the game that way! I've only got one loss that projects into the second round, so I am ok so far. A lot better than some folks.
The Kids
We are all here in the snow today. Made a long trip from Joe Sestak's Higher Ed Summit in West Chester to pick them up yesterday afternoon and get back here safely. We were all pretty exhausted, hence the lack of an update yesterday. Emma is playing kitchen and John is playing football. How much more typical can you get?
Have a good one!
C
Labels: jay wright, joe sestak, kentucky, Kids, March Madness, notre dame, Snow, Villanova
Thursday, March 15, 2007
The Madness is Upon Us

The Madness is Upon Us
Today should be a National Frigging Holiday!
Bill Simmons has some hilarious lines in his tournament preview.
Check out the setup that Enrico found some guy using to follow The Show.
Here is further proof that Tony Bruno is God. Check out Amanda, the Hooters chick who called his show today to say that she had broken up with her boyfriend and wants to move to LA. Good luck there TonE!
Enjoy my friends. It's the best weekend of the year. All live, all free, right here on CBS On Demand.
Good luck with your brackets.
Labels: amanda, brackets, Hooters, March Madness, tony bruno
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Illegal photo
Illegal photo
This rather blurry photo of the main reading room of the Library of Congress was taken today while I was on a guided tour there. No photos are allowed of the room (no reason given) and it's through 1.5 inches of glass on a cellphone camera.
Incredibly beautiful room. Stupid rule. Thus the transgression.
Heading Out
- Florida
- Pittsburgh
- Georgetown
- Ohio State
Heading Out
It's always nice to be away for a bit but also always nice to come home. I don't travel enough that it's a chore, but there is something tedious about noisy hotels and room service. Being away does make me appreciative. Not only of the places I get to visit, but also of my little home, the joyful noise of little people and also someone soft to hold against me at night.
Photos
Yesterday I got a chance to wander around the Mall a bit. I was 'challenged' by a federal officer when I took pictures of the Federal Reserve Building. Apparently I fit their terrorist profile. Many photos up at my Flickr site. More coming, especially of the ubiquitous surveillance cameras in DC, later this week in a special report on privacy.
March Madness
My Final Four:
- Florida
- Pittsburgh
- Georgetown
- Ohio State
Villanova beats Kentucky, but gets smoked by Kansas.
As always, Enrico has found Another Angle.
Lots of happy thoughts for my new friends from Niagara University. I met you all in the bar last night and I feel good for you. Enjoy it, because the Jayhawks loom.
See ya in Jersey.
Labels: dc, March Madness, niagara, photography, privacy, Travel, Villanova
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Sunrise in DC
Sunrise in DC
The conference is yet another opportunity for me to realize how much there is to know in the world and how little of it I grasp.
More DC photos are up on my Flickr.com site
I had been planning a Phillies Preview, but this one is better than anything I can do, so I will just humbly link.
I had never seen this Lance Armstrong quote before, but I think it sums things up: "What am I on? I'm on my bike, busting my ass six hours a day. What are you on?"
Labels: dc, dinner, food, knowledge, lance armstrong, phillies, photos, Restaurants, Travel
Monday, March 12, 2007
Travel Report
So DC is not bad, but it’s not a ton of fun when you are by yourself. Yesterday, I wandered downtown in the afternoon. The DC St. Patrick’s Day Parade was a lot of fun. I walked the parade route along
After that, I wandered over to the area around Union Station. I took some pictures at The Dubliner, but they were not really interested in serving a tourist with a camera. The place next door was also an Irish bar, but filled with DC Firefighters post-parade. I had one Guinness. Then I headed over to Cap City Brewing. I had a good cheesesteak and a great Kolsch there. They were out of the dunkleweizen, but the Wee Dram was a very good substitute. Kate was a good bartender and fun conversation.
I ate dinner and caught up with a few former colleagues. This morning I discovered that the sun shines straight through the curtains at the Juries. This was good, since it came up at 7:25 and I had forgotten to set the alarm.
Every time I am in DC, I am amazed at the Metro. While the 1970s mass concrete architecture seems a bit dated in the 21st century, the system is still about the best I have used.
The burnt orange and yellows of the original cars are being gradually replaced, but one thing has not changed. The trains are never late. The stations are clean, if eerily lit. And even when it’s crowded, the system is still roomy enough that you aren’t pressed into other people.
Sports
Jay Wright must be pissed. His team was a top 30 RPI squad that beat
Tournament Expansion
For the last few months, every time I get a chance, I tell people that the NCAA tournament is too small. I have told Jody Mac, I have posted it on blogs, I have talked to my buddies about it. There is already a play-in game. There should be 4. It’s pretty simple. The 8 worst teams in the tournament should play each other Tuesday night to earn the right to have their ass handed to them by
I think that 3 teams is enough. That won’t water down the talent too much, and it will also give teams who normally would get blown out and go home a chance to actually win a game in The Show before getting blow out and going home.
Have a great day! CTravel Report
So DC is not bad, but it’s not a ton of fun when you are by yourself. Yesterday, I wandered downtown in the afternoon. The DC St. Patrick’s Day Parade was a lot of fun. I walked the parade route along
After that, I wandered over to the area around Union Station. I took some pictures at The Dubliner, but they were not really interested in serving a tourist with a camera. The place next door was also an Irish bar, but filled with DC Firefighters post-parade. I had one Guinness. Then I headed over to Cap City Brewing. I had a good cheesesteak and a great Kolsch there. They were out of the dunkleweizen, but the Wee Dram was a very good substitute. Kate was a good bartender and fun conversation.
I ate dinner and caught up with a few former colleagues. This morning I discovered that the sun shines straight through the curtains at the Juries. This was good, since it came up at 7:25 and I had forgotten to set the alarm.
Every time I am in DC, I am amazed at the Metro. While the 1970s mass concrete architecture seems a bit dated in the 21st century, the system is still about the best I have used.
The burnt orange and yellows of the original cars are being gradually replaced, but one thing has not changed. The trains are never late. The stations are clean, if eerily lit. And even when it’s crowded, the system is still roomy enough that you aren’t pressed into other people.
Sports
Jay Wright must be pissed. His team was a top 30 RPI squad that beat
Tournament Expansion
For the last few months, every time I get a chance, I tell people that the NCAA tournament is too small. I have told Jody Mac, I have posted it on blogs, I have talked to my buddies about it. There is already a play-in game. There should be 4. It’s pretty simple. The 8 worst teams in the tournament should play each other Tuesday night to earn the right to have their ass handed to them by
I think that 3 teams is enough. That won’t water down the talent too much, and it will also give teams who normally would get blown out and go home a chance to actually win a game in The Show before getting blow out and going home.
Have a great day!C
Labels: basketball, Beer, dc, metro, NCAA, st. patrick's day, Travel, Villanova Basketball
Sunday, March 11, 2007
In DC

In DC

And 7:30 am comes really frigging early when some doofus in Congress takes and hour of sleep away from you.
Don't these guys have something more important to do that play with the clocks? Have they noticed there is a war dragging on? A massive federal deficit out of control?
Shit, if they want to work on something insanely stupid, they can tackle the traffic problems here in The District.
Later - meetings.
Labels: congress, daylight savings time, dc, grumpy, stupidity, traffic, war
Friday, March 09, 2007
Antonella Barba - Gone - Same as the Cats
Antonella Barba - Gone - Same as the Cats
Well the run had to end somewhere for trashy-hot Jersey Girl Antonella Barba. America voted, and she got sent home last night. I can't figure out the obsession this country seems to have with American Idol, but its getting killer ratings, and even the people who lose get recording contracts, so i guess they are doing something right over at Fox.
The Cats
Not doing anything right yesterday in the first half was anyone in a Villanova uniform. At the Garden, the Cats managed just 7 points in the first 15 minutes. While they rallied to make it clsoe, Jay Wright's boys are now sent home to wait and wonder. One friend of mine at NBC Sports says that Villanova is back on the bubble with a lackluster win over DePaul, an ugly loss to Georgetown and Nardi not looking so hot.
I still say they are in. So does Chamomiles Davis. The question in my mind at this point is seeding. I think that yesterday's loss drops them a bunch, perhaps into a dreaded 8-9 matchup.
On the Town
I Took Patti and Jim to the big V last night after work for a few drinks. As I have noted before, whenever I take people there they love the place. Last night was no different. Lorenzio kept Patti guessing with his concoctions and the pours of Jack were generous. As usual it was a varied crowd, some gay, some straight, some dressed in clothes their mom did not buy for them.
Chef John was on Fox29's morning show this week, and the place got a great writeup at AroundPhilly.com this week. It's a good thing George is knocking a hole in the wall and expanding. It's tough to get a seat some nights!.
Cabrini Hoops
The whispers in the Philly hoops curcles are that Speedy Morris, former LaSalle Explorers coach and current St. joe's Prep Head Hawk, wants to fill John Dzik's shoes at Cabrini. After Matt Maccoccia nearly destroyed the program in just two years, something needs to be done. Morris can coach, that's for sure, and he has always brought talent in, but Division III is a whole seperate animal. Can he do it without scholarships and in an environment that is darn near hostile to athletic success? Stay tuned.
The Weekend
Headed to a cocktail party and The Flower Show tonight. Maybe a few margaritas at The Mexican Post afterwards. Audtition Day at UArts toimorrow. (No I can't get your kid into Musical Theatre). Saturday afternoon I head to DC for a higher education software conference until Wednesday. Sounds exciting huh? I'll try to shoot some photos while I am down there.
Have fun!
C
Labels: american idol, antonella barba, dc, Matt Maccoccia, mexian post, speedy morris, The Flower Show, Travel, Valanni, Villanova Basketball