No, not really, but as I'm sitting here enjoying a pre-embargo cuban, I've come to realize that I can't smoke anything marginal anymore. Why bother? I went to Cisso a few weeks ago with the husband of my wife's best friend (say that 10 times fast). What a great place! For the price, I can't imagine anything with a better value than Cisso - who makes all the cigars onsite - right on Lake Ave near Kodak. But while I really enjoyed a couple of the cigars, one of them really wasn't my cup-o-tea. It was something Cisso affectionately called an "after dinner cigar," meaning it was laden with sweet flavors. Um, no thanks. Won't do that again! Now part of the problem was the night I was smoking these it was particularly windy outside, sitting on Marty's porch. If it had been calmer, I'm sure it would have been a better smoke. But they all burned un-evenly, and got a bit of a nasty flavor too early in the course of smoking the things. Still, I'll go back - no doubt - and probably smoke there. They serve beer and wine, so that in combination with the cigars is a great combo.
There - I just wasted my time writing the above paragraph when I should be writing stuff for work... or better yet, watching the MLB All-Star game (albeit, not in the house with a lit cigar.)
Oh, and just for shits and giggles - check out the "hidden" website of Andrew Welch (creator of Ambrosia Software) on his visits to the Arturo Fuente plant.... he moved the site to here - http://www.vitolas.net/. AMAZING pictures, and apparently Andrew had too much time on his hands?
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Catching up
Went back to Corky's the other night with Julie - BIG improvement. Apparently they've either fired the lousy staff, or else they were just out back smoking pot. We each had hard serve ice cream - so that's simpler than trying to get the soft serve. And we also decided it was a good idea to go with the "kiddy" size. As we were there, another woman ordered a medium of the mint ting-a-ling. That's apparently the favorite of everyone else too, as in addition to this woman, i think her husband got it, Julie got it, and another guy ordered it as we were eating our ice cream. I decided to try the creme brulee which was really quite good. Anyway, the moral of the story here is Corky's redeamed themselves, and I'll go back. Of course, that doesn't mean I'm not going back to Coldstone, but at least my choices are back up by one!
There were some other things I wanted to mention too, but now I can't think of them. It might have been baseball related (went to the Red Wings game tonight. Wings won the game. Good time had by all - except the losers). It might have been work related, or something else. Right now though, it's time for a glass of scotch to finish off the night. Cheers.
There were some other things I wanted to mention too, but now I can't think of them. It might have been baseball related (went to the Red Wings game tonight. Wings won the game. Good time had by all - except the losers). It might have been work related, or something else. Right now though, it's time for a glass of scotch to finish off the night. Cheers.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Happy 4th
Man, what a busy weekend it's been - and it's only Sunday morning! Today is Steve Brown's wedding - so that'll be how I spend most of my afternoon. But Friday night we went out to dinner with some of Julie's friends, and I ended up going to Cisso for cigars with Marty McCarthy - the husband of one of Julie's best friends. Sat out on his deck and smoked, chatted, generally had a good time. Saturday night was also spent at their house - did a cookout, and played euchre. Monday the 3rd we'll be at Conesus Lake for what should be the last hurrah at Don's parents' lake house (currently listed for sale). Damn, it's $245,000 - way too much for me today, and it's kindof a hole, but it's still a great spot. Someday...
The 4th is also really busy, going to Tim and Darlene's for their annual 4th of July party, which is always a bunch of fun, with lots of great food. I also want to try and set aside some time to catch Yankee Doodle Dandy on TV. It's a GREAT movie, and worth watching. Done in 1942 and starring James Cagney, he's an AMAZING performer, acting out the life of George M. Cohan, renowned musical composer, playwright, actor, dancer and singer. Cagney makes you realize how much talent actors used to have - when they were more than just a name and face. This guy (much like other greats, like the Marx Brothers) could do it all. If you get a chance - watch this movie.
The 4th is also really busy, going to Tim and Darlene's for their annual 4th of July party, which is always a bunch of fun, with lots of great food. I also want to try and set aside some time to catch Yankee Doodle Dandy on TV. It's a GREAT movie, and worth watching. Done in 1942 and starring James Cagney, he's an AMAZING performer, acting out the life of George M. Cohan, renowned musical composer, playwright, actor, dancer and singer. Cagney makes you realize how much talent actors used to have - when they were more than just a name and face. This guy (much like other greats, like the Marx Brothers) could do it all. If you get a chance - watch this movie.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Had a wig for his wig and a brain for a heart
There's a great video on YouTube.com right HERE that you've got to check out. Very funny stuff!
So, what's new and exciting?
Baby stuff
Baby's next ultrasound is right around the corner! There seem to be a lot of people who're pregnant these days. Or maybe I'm just noticing it more. One thing I was asked today by one of the folks I work with at Infotonics was, "Are you going to find out what it is?". She is also pregnant, and while she'd like to know, her husband wants it to be a surprise. Julie and I are going to find out at that next ultrasound. It'll make it way more fun preparing the nursery for our little arrival! But Julie also made an interesting comment about someone she knows being really pissed off that we weren't taking the "surprise" route. In short, this person's take was, "Well, what fun is it if you already know?!" We're basically of the opinion that it's the actual BABY that's the exciting part. Not some weird ritual of guessing whether you're going to have a boy or a girl. Are we gambling on this or something? Setting up a pool with co-workers on boy or girl, weight, length, and whatever else there might be?
Anyway, I still haven't posted the pics from the first ultrasound, and by the time I get a chance, we'll probably have the second ones done!
Work stuff
Lots of interesting stuff going on at work, and it looks like little Javelin will be growing. I've been pushing to pick up an expanded contract with ITC, and it looks like it's going to happen. In that case, I'll probably need another person to join me and Claire in this little adventure. I just hope I can find someone who's happy to work for money, and not really REALLY needing health insurance. I just got a packet from Paychex about the cost of health insurance, and damn is it expensive! Now, if we went with Preffered Care, it's not terrible, but the offerings from the Blues are maybe 25-30% higher in monthly premiums! The other thing I may do is start offering a 401(k) plan, but that's $1500 up front to set up and frankly, I think I'd be happier WITH the $1500.
Misc. stuff
It's been exciting times from Kansas City Royals fans! We're on a roll - winning 8 of the last 10 games. They're going to blow it tonight in Cinncinnatti, but considering how dreadful their away record is, I'm just happy they won yesterday's game. They've improved their record to 25-50 (though, after tonight, 25-51) which is bad, but it's better than it was looking a month ago.
Other misc. stuff? Well, the trees finally came down in the backyard. Holy smokes, what a difference! There's actually LIGHT in the back now. There's a couple more trees that probably should have been taken down too, but maybe that'll be for next year. Next up - we get some new landscaping to give us some privacy in the backyard. I'd love to fence off the whole thing with a natural fence - but considering we're probably only going to be in this house another 3 years, it's not worth it. The only big ticket items left to do as far as I'm concerned are the glass block windows in the basement. That, and installing my new kitchen sink fixtures, and one new ceiling fan for the living room.
Well, that's it for now. I'm sitting outside and the mosquitoes are really starting to bug me. A nice glass of scotch will finish off this night!
So, what's new and exciting?
Baby stuff
Baby's next ultrasound is right around the corner! There seem to be a lot of people who're pregnant these days. Or maybe I'm just noticing it more. One thing I was asked today by one of the folks I work with at Infotonics was, "Are you going to find out what it is?". She is also pregnant, and while she'd like to know, her husband wants it to be a surprise. Julie and I are going to find out at that next ultrasound. It'll make it way more fun preparing the nursery for our little arrival! But Julie also made an interesting comment about someone she knows being really pissed off that we weren't taking the "surprise" route. In short, this person's take was, "Well, what fun is it if you already know?!" We're basically of the opinion that it's the actual BABY that's the exciting part. Not some weird ritual of guessing whether you're going to have a boy or a girl. Are we gambling on this or something? Setting up a pool with co-workers on boy or girl, weight, length, and whatever else there might be?
Anyway, I still haven't posted the pics from the first ultrasound, and by the time I get a chance, we'll probably have the second ones done!
Work stuff
Lots of interesting stuff going on at work, and it looks like little Javelin will be growing. I've been pushing to pick up an expanded contract with ITC, and it looks like it's going to happen. In that case, I'll probably need another person to join me and Claire in this little adventure. I just hope I can find someone who's happy to work for money, and not really REALLY needing health insurance. I just got a packet from Paychex about the cost of health insurance, and damn is it expensive! Now, if we went with Preffered Care, it's not terrible, but the offerings from the Blues are maybe 25-30% higher in monthly premiums! The other thing I may do is start offering a 401(k) plan, but that's $1500 up front to set up and frankly, I think I'd be happier WITH the $1500.
Misc. stuff
It's been exciting times from Kansas City Royals fans! We're on a roll - winning 8 of the last 10 games. They're going to blow it tonight in Cinncinnatti, but considering how dreadful their away record is, I'm just happy they won yesterday's game. They've improved their record to 25-50 (though, after tonight, 25-51) which is bad, but it's better than it was looking a month ago.
Other misc. stuff? Well, the trees finally came down in the backyard. Holy smokes, what a difference! There's actually LIGHT in the back now. There's a couple more trees that probably should have been taken down too, but maybe that'll be for next year. Next up - we get some new landscaping to give us some privacy in the backyard. I'd love to fence off the whole thing with a natural fence - but considering we're probably only going to be in this house another 3 years, it's not worth it. The only big ticket items left to do as far as I'm concerned are the glass block windows in the basement. That, and installing my new kitchen sink fixtures, and one new ceiling fan for the living room.
Well, that's it for now. I'm sitting outside and the mosquitoes are really starting to bug me. A nice glass of scotch will finish off this night!
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Cold Stone Creamery
Just wanted to say a fast word about Cold Stone Creamery. I've never been to one of these before, and as Julie and I drove back from seeing her dad in Conesus, we decided it was a perfect day for icecream. We'd been driving around with the top down in 90 degree weather, so I think we were both ready for some ice cream. I had some reservations about going to Cold Stone. The big one, however, was Julie said how unimpressed she was with one of them out west. We decided to go there anyway, just for something different, and let me tell you, it was amazing! I got this one mix called Cookie Doughn't You Want Some - or something like that - with vanilla ice cream, big chunks of cookie dough, chocolate chips, chocolate sauce and some caramel sauce. Wow. Really tasty stuff. Unfortunately, I bought the "medium" size, and ended up tossing about a third of it. Next time I'll be sure to get the small.
After a major disappointment at Corky's Cravings Parlor, this is definately a good one to add to my list of "to-do's" over the rest of the summer. For some reason, Corky's was staffed the other night by a bunch of drug addicts. Either that, or just idiots. They didn't know how to use the soft serve machine, and it was at least 3 to 5 minutes to process each order. With the group of us comprising about 7 people, that meant some folks were finishing when others were just getting their ice cream. Really pathetic for a place that those of us who lived in the Overdale/Luzerne Street area really came to enjoy. I'll probably give them another shot later in the summer, once they've had some time to get their act together. But in the mean time, I'll be sure to enjoy Cold Stone Creamery again!
After a major disappointment at Corky's Cravings Parlor, this is definately a good one to add to my list of "to-do's" over the rest of the summer. For some reason, Corky's was staffed the other night by a bunch of drug addicts. Either that, or just idiots. They didn't know how to use the soft serve machine, and it was at least 3 to 5 minutes to process each order. With the group of us comprising about 7 people, that meant some folks were finishing when others were just getting their ice cream. Really pathetic for a place that those of us who lived in the Overdale/Luzerne Street area really came to enjoy. I'll probably give them another shot later in the summer, once they've had some time to get their act together. But in the mean time, I'll be sure to enjoy Cold Stone Creamery again!
Friday, June 16, 2006
UPDATE: Gargoyles live!
Or, in theory they do. No, not like the gargoyles of the TV series - voiced by our favorite Star Trek actors, but the ones from the Elwood Builidng which was razed in the 60s.
I asked local historian and Rochester Numismatic Association member Gerry Muhl if he was familar with the Elwood Building, and more specifically, the gargoyles that sat atop it. Well, lo and behold, not only did he know about them, he'd even SEEN them on display! Apparently, the City took ownership of them following the razing of the building and did indeed put them into storage. They were later put on display, though I don't recall where, and then put back into storage. Gerry believes that they now are boxed away either near City Hall or at a storage facility on Andrews Street near the Rochester Fire Department's main building.
So, I'm getting closer to solving the mystery (albeit, apparently, not too difficult of one to solve it seems.) Gerry also suggested that I contact Ruth Rosenberg-Naparsteck to see if she's familiar with them and knows where they are. I may email her tonight to try and figure out what happened to them. Of course, the next question is: what to do about it? According to Gerry, the gargoyles are actually tin, which says to me after all this time, brittle. But maybe there's a way to still display one somehow? Not like I wanted, on top of my garage, but maybe on permanent display somewhere? I mean, are you telling me, there isn't a single building in say, all of downtown Rochester, that doesn't have space in their lobby for a permanent display of a historical item such as one of these gargoyles? Of course, I'd feel sorry for the other 14 or so that would stay locked up in storage crates somewhere, but if they weren't going to fall apart, I wonder if they could be added to a new building? I'd even be willing to say if I win the MegaMillions, I'll be sure to build something downtown that incorporates the rest of the gargoyles!
So, maybe the next step in my quest is to get some actual, up close pictures of the gargoyles? That'd be pretty cool - failing walking off with one! (LOL)
I asked local historian and Rochester Numismatic Association member Gerry Muhl if he was familar with the Elwood Building, and more specifically, the gargoyles that sat atop it. Well, lo and behold, not only did he know about them, he'd even SEEN them on display! Apparently, the City took ownership of them following the razing of the building and did indeed put them into storage. They were later put on display, though I don't recall where, and then put back into storage. Gerry believes that they now are boxed away either near City Hall or at a storage facility on Andrews Street near the Rochester Fire Department's main building.
So, I'm getting closer to solving the mystery (albeit, apparently, not too difficult of one to solve it seems.) Gerry also suggested that I contact Ruth Rosenberg-Naparsteck to see if she's familiar with them and knows where they are. I may email her tonight to try and figure out what happened to them. Of course, the next question is: what to do about it? According to Gerry, the gargoyles are actually tin, which says to me after all this time, brittle. But maybe there's a way to still display one somehow? Not like I wanted, on top of my garage, but maybe on permanent display somewhere? I mean, are you telling me, there isn't a single building in say, all of downtown Rochester, that doesn't have space in their lobby for a permanent display of a historical item such as one of these gargoyles? Of course, I'd feel sorry for the other 14 or so that would stay locked up in storage crates somewhere, but if they weren't going to fall apart, I wonder if they could be added to a new building? I'd even be willing to say if I win the MegaMillions, I'll be sure to build something downtown that incorporates the rest of the gargoyles!
So, maybe the next step in my quest is to get some actual, up close pictures of the gargoyles? That'd be pretty cool - failing walking off with one! (LOL)
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Wine and Friends
I was browsing on WineBid.com tonight looking at some great california cabs when it occurred to me that I have no one to enjoy wine with. By that, I don't mean someone who will just drink wine, but someone who will really appreciate it. Of course, this is in the post-Henry era. We both were really into wine - and now I'm kindof screwed. And with Julie not drinking with the pregnancy, that means I can't even justify opening a great bottle, cause I'd have to drink it all myself - and that's no fun. Fortunately, I really like scotch too - and can drink a little of it at a time - and there're a few of my friends who are big scotch people. But no wine people!
Henry bought a bunch of wines a couple days before he died, and while we'll drink them, and enjoy them, it won't be the same. I could probably call family friend Don Yungkurth - a BIG wine fan - and I may just have to do that! I hope he won't mind drinking really good burgundies and zins. So, maybe I need to find a couple new friends who can just be my "wine friends"??
Henry bought a bunch of wines a couple days before he died, and while we'll drink them, and enjoy them, it won't be the same. I could probably call family friend Don Yungkurth - a BIG wine fan - and I may just have to do that! I hope he won't mind drinking really good burgundies and zins. So, maybe I need to find a couple new friends who can just be my "wine friends"??
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Gargoyles
Anyone who knew Henry knew that he was into some weird shit. For example, for some reason he had this desire to place a large gargoyle on the roof of the garage. Specifically, from Design Toscano, he was particularly interested in purchasing Apex - the Winged Dragon". In fact, so enamored with Apex, he suggested he buy one for Julie and me! Needless to say, when I showed Julie the Apex - the Winged Dragon her first reaction was, "What the hell?!" Followed by something like, "Can't he just give us the money? Or maybe buy something we could actually use?" Well, sorry, but no. That wasn't his way! How many winter jackets did he buy me that I didn't need? How many winter jackets did he buy that HE didn't need?!
Well, I kindof dig the Apex gargoyle. It's kindof cool, and I wouldn't mind having one perched on the roof of my garage! (Though, Julie would probably kill me - and shoot the dragon.) And what got me to thinking about this had absolutely nothing to do with anything. I'm considering downtown office space. I like Highfalls, and I like the Highfalls building, however we never heard from them when we basically said we'd do it - so that kindof turned me off. I also REALLY like the idea of having a balcony. This is due in large part to my love of "Boston Legal". If I'm going to put in long hours, and run a business, I want a balcony I can sit on and occasionally smoke a cigar and drink a nice glass of scotch. Well, here's the problem with living in Rochester - no downtown buildings have balconies. Or, at least, I can't seem to find one. The closest thing is the Powers Builidng tower. There's balconies on a couple of the levels, and I can imagine myself sitting out there! (Oh, the other one is on top of Kodak tower, but the smoke from a burning cigar probably would interfere with the falcons flying around).
Again, this has nothing to do with gargoyles! Well, here's how we come to them. I was looking for pictures of the Powers building tower and came upon pictures of the Elwood Building. This building was torn down in 1967 in the name of progress. What drew my interest were the large gargoyles that sat atop this builidng. According to the Monroe County Library's history site, "there were originally 16 gargoyles. However, one was removed in 1962 for fear that is was going to break free and fall to the street below."
When they tore down the building, the site states that "the gargoyles, however, were taken down and put into storage." So, what happened to these lovely fellows? I'm sure there are some local historians out there that know, and I know a few of them, so next time I run into them, I'll ask. It's interesting that they saved them at all, considering how bad "urban renewal" was for downtown. So much was lost, and tossing the gargoyles wouldn't have been any less crazy than telling bird collectors (those who collect stuffed birds) that they'd better go south and shoot Ivory Billed Woodpeckers while they still can - before they go on the endanged list! (Yes, this actually did happen, albeit prior to 1967. What better way to save a species than to SHOOT it.)
So, my new mission is to find these gargoyles and put one on my roof. Maybe not the most meaningful mission in the world, but I'm SURE Julie would just LOVE one of these on our roof.
Well, I kindof dig the Apex gargoyle. It's kindof cool, and I wouldn't mind having one perched on the roof of my garage! (Though, Julie would probably kill me - and shoot the dragon.) And what got me to thinking about this had absolutely nothing to do with anything. I'm considering downtown office space. I like Highfalls, and I like the Highfalls building, however we never heard from them when we basically said we'd do it - so that kindof turned me off. I also REALLY like the idea of having a balcony. This is due in large part to my love of "Boston Legal". If I'm going to put in long hours, and run a business, I want a balcony I can sit on and occasionally smoke a cigar and drink a nice glass of scotch. Well, here's the problem with living in Rochester - no downtown buildings have balconies. Or, at least, I can't seem to find one. The closest thing is the Powers Builidng tower. There's balconies on a couple of the levels, and I can imagine myself sitting out there! (Oh, the other one is on top of Kodak tower, but the smoke from a burning cigar probably would interfere with the falcons flying around).
Again, this has nothing to do with gargoyles! Well, here's how we come to them. I was looking for pictures of the Powers building tower and came upon pictures of the Elwood Building. This building was torn down in 1967 in the name of progress. What drew my interest were the large gargoyles that sat atop this builidng. According to the Monroe County Library's history site, "there were originally 16 gargoyles. However, one was removed in 1962 for fear that is was going to break free and fall to the street below."
When they tore down the building, the site states that "the gargoyles, however, were taken down and put into storage." So, what happened to these lovely fellows? I'm sure there are some local historians out there that know, and I know a few of them, so next time I run into them, I'll ask. It's interesting that they saved them at all, considering how bad "urban renewal" was for downtown. So much was lost, and tossing the gargoyles wouldn't have been any less crazy than telling bird collectors (those who collect stuffed birds) that they'd better go south and shoot Ivory Billed Woodpeckers while they still can - before they go on the endanged list! (Yes, this actually did happen, albeit prior to 1967. What better way to save a species than to SHOOT it.)
So, my new mission is to find these gargoyles and put one on my roof. Maybe not the most meaningful mission in the world, but I'm SURE Julie would just LOVE one of these on our roof.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Kansas City Royals Beat the Yankees?!
I am an on-again, off-again KC Royals fan. Over the past several years they've gone from bad to worse to good to bad, to more bad, to really bad and now really REALLY bad. We're talking 11 wins and 35 losses bad. Of course, before last night, they were 10 and 35 - having just beaten the NEW YORK YANKEES last night. WTF? We lose to everyone else under the sun - except the Indians - and now they have the audacity to beat the Yankees? And this after they blew a 6 run lead against Detroit a couple nights ago to lose in the 9th inning - something we expect to see as KC fans.What's next, beat the Mets in interleague play? What does Buddy Bell think he's doing? Now those of us totally resigned to a crappy crappy year have been given hope, of sorts.
OK - they won ONE game, not exactly a huge accomplishment. But then again, if the can beat the Yankees, why can't they beat some other quality teams? I guess I shouldn't complain, KC starter Scott Elarton got is first win (now a whopping 1-5 with a 4.76 ERA) so that's positive. And it was nice to see that it was Jason Giambi blowing it for the Yankees. (I wonder if his post-game interview was laced with inuendo about steroiods?)
Now we've got a shot at an actual WIN STREAK this year. The best they've done is a three-game streak against the Indians, which again, gave fans a slight bit of hope, but this recent 14 game losing streak really was amazingly bad. I'll be watching the YES network later today, cause, well, I'm just a glutton for punishment.
UPDATE: KC lost 15 to 4 to the Yankees today. Guess there's no streak. Oh well!
OK - they won ONE game, not exactly a huge accomplishment. But then again, if the can beat the Yankees, why can't they beat some other quality teams? I guess I shouldn't complain, KC starter Scott Elarton got is first win (now a whopping 1-5 with a 4.76 ERA) so that's positive. And it was nice to see that it was Jason Giambi blowing it for the Yankees. (I wonder if his post-game interview was laced with inuendo about steroiods?)
Now we've got a shot at an actual WIN STREAK this year. The best they've done is a three-game streak against the Indians, which again, gave fans a slight bit of hope, but this recent 14 game losing streak really was amazingly bad. I'll be watching the YES network later today, cause, well, I'm just a glutton for punishment.
UPDATE: KC lost 15 to 4 to the Yankees today. Guess there's no streak. Oh well!
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Dad & Baby
Well, as nearly everyone who knows me or my family knows, my dad passed away on May 9th. I don't know if I'm ready yet to post some sort of big memorial piece here, but I might at some point. It's been great how supportive everyone's been, however. For those who are interested, yes, I'm keeping Javelin going. We recently changed the name to The Javelin Group, Inc., and I'm adding Claire Kenney part time on June 5th, which will be a great help to me. And in the middle of June we might be adding one other person. That'll bring Javelin up to three. Ideally, we'll have enough work coming in here that we can even bring some others on.
On a VERY happy note, Julie and I are having a BABY!!! Yes, we did it! Our tentative due date is December 13th, but that's probably going to change. When I get a chance, I'll want to scan the ultrasound pics and post em' up here. It was AMAZING to see the baby for real. That just totally blew me away. We told both families and now I'm at liberty to spread the news around, so there it is!
Otherwise, just keeping busy and will post a lot more stuff up here in the not-too-distant future. Check back!
On a VERY happy note, Julie and I are having a BABY!!! Yes, we did it! Our tentative due date is December 13th, but that's probably going to change. When I get a chance, I'll want to scan the ultrasound pics and post em' up here. It was AMAZING to see the baby for real. That just totally blew me away. We told both families and now I'm at liberty to spread the news around, so there it is!
Otherwise, just keeping busy and will post a lot more stuff up here in the not-too-distant future. Check back!
Sunday, April 23, 2006
What a great line!
I have to post this quote from today's (4/23/06) issue of the New York Times. It's from a story entitled, "To Hire Sharp Employees, Recruit in Sharp Ways." Essentially, it's a story about how the best employees already have jobs - jobs they probably also like. So, there's a great line in here which made me laugh, cause it's so opposed to the way Rochester works. John J. Sullivan, a management professor at San Francisco State University (ok, not exactly Harvard or Standford, but let's ignore that credential for a moment, shall we?) - a critic of traditional hiring practices states, "It's amazing that so many companies still use job fairs to recuit talent. Who goes to job fairs? People without jobs! All you get are worthless resumes and lots of germs. Recruiting has to be a clever, fast-moving business discipline, not a passive, paper-pushing bureaucracy."
The job-fair is the answer to all our problems in Rochester - or so the "thought leaders" believe. Job fairs and business planning contests are the most innovative ways to solve our problems, so they'll say. That, and spending lots and lots of money with these self-proclaimed thought leaders on their pet projects which do nothing more than pay for their travel expenses and make them feel like a saviour-in-out-midsts. Of course, ask them five-years from now for a report on all their successes, and you'll get nothing but spin, and the real outcomes will be slight-to-immeasurable.
Of course, in the same story, the director of talen acquisition for Quicken Loans (one of the fastest growing companies in the US) states, "We're after certain kinds of people, not people from a certain business.... We can teach people about finance. We can't teach passion, urgency and a willingness to go the extra mile." Don't tell that to another Rochester-institution that has based it's entire marketing strategy on the "We teach... passion" campaign!
The job-fair is the answer to all our problems in Rochester - or so the "thought leaders" believe. Job fairs and business planning contests are the most innovative ways to solve our problems, so they'll say. That, and spending lots and lots of money with these self-proclaimed thought leaders on their pet projects which do nothing more than pay for their travel expenses and make them feel like a saviour-in-out-midsts. Of course, ask them five-years from now for a report on all their successes, and you'll get nothing but spin, and the real outcomes will be slight-to-immeasurable.
Of course, in the same story, the director of talen acquisition for Quicken Loans (one of the fastest growing companies in the US) states, "We're after certain kinds of people, not people from a certain business.... We can teach people about finance. We can't teach passion, urgency and a willingness to go the extra mile." Don't tell that to another Rochester-institution that has based it's entire marketing strategy on the "We teach... passion" campaign!
Friday, March 24, 2006
DC Pics
OK! FINALLY I can post some pics... here's on the roof of our hotel:
Here's the little church across the street from the hotel (the President was there on Sunday morning for services... I would have actually have gone to church if I knew!)
And here's a shot from the FDR memorial...
More shots of the monuments at night coming...
Here's the little church across the street from the hotel (the President was there on Sunday morning for services... I would have actually have gone to church if I knew!)
And here's a shot from the FDR memorial...
More shots of the monuments at night coming...
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Blogger
You know, you'd think it wouldn't be rocket science from Blogger to just work. I mean - all I want to do is post text and the occasional picture. Well, I'm sitting here attempting to upload some images from our recent trip to Washington, DC. I wrote a whole section and then attempted to upload the images. It didn't work. Each time, the screen went white after doing the spinning upload thingy. So, I thought, "I'll try using Firefox rather than Safari... maybe that'll make a difference." Nope. Still can't post images. I think I'm going to just say fuck it and try to move to a different blogging program. If Google can't get something as simple as image upload to work on a regular basis, then we should all be worried (but ESPECIALLY all those people out there owning Google shares at $300+ each.)
Saturday, March 04, 2006
The Simpsons (for real!)
As many of you know... I am a huge Simpson's fan. In fact, I probably know more about The Simpson's that I should... having seen every episode - multiple times - and having an uncanny ability to speak along with the lines as various episodes play. I am also a pseudo news junkie... albeit not as big as these guys. I actually seed all sorts of articles on Newsvine - thanks to Brendan who got me into the beta. It's live and open to the public now.
Well, anyway, checking Newsvine today, got me this link. It's The Simpson's opening with real people! VERY well done!
Well, anyway, checking Newsvine today, got me this link. It's The Simpson's opening with real people! VERY well done!
Monday, February 27, 2006
Sick AGAIN
Well, I don't know what the heck is going on, but I am sick again. This time, it's gotta be the flu. Fever, aching, sneezing, congestion... all that good stuff. In fact, I felt so bad this morning, I had to stay home from work today. I HATE doing that - especially when it's YOUR business... and if you're not there, no one else will pick up the slack. To add to all that, mom and dad are in Tucson, and I wasn't able to get to their place tonight to feed the kitties. Fortunately, Jason was able to stop over there and feed them. I just hope that tomorrow morning I feel great - so I can get to work.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Aren't Communications Great?
So, it's just before 11am (eastern time) in Rochester, NY and I get a call from Brendan in Seattle. He's heading up to take the ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island - presumably to do some camping. He's calling me to get the ferry schedule from the Washington State Department of Transportation website. Of course, I have no problem finding what we're looking for, and I let him know that the weekday schedule is different from the weekend schedule, and that they can stop speeding to catch the 8:30 ferry... cause the next one they want isn't until 10:00am.
In reflecting on these events, it's really amazing how far communications have come. That a person in Seattle can phone a person in Rochester - with no long distance charges - and that the person in Rochester can tell him the ferry schedule in Washington State. Now, with the right technology, Brendan could have found this info himself - with a blackberry, or laptop hooked up to a cell phone, or whatever - but it's still interesting. Fifty years ago - hell, TWENTY years ago - none of this would have been possible. He could still have called me, but rudimentary cell phone plans would have probably charged him $20 or more just to make the phone call. Then, I'd probably need to go looking through stacks of papers to find the schedule - assuming I have one - and then hope that it's not out of date!
Just an interesting observation. Up next? Flour City Tavern Tour 2006!!! Just gotta sit down with George and finalize our route. This year's going to start on Monroe Avenue, it appears, probably at Monty's Krown or Jerremiah's Tavern. Jerremiah's would be good for beer and food to start... and then go to the Krown. From there, it's a LONG walk to anywhere... except Enright's... and unless they miraculously add 5 or 8 new taps with excellent beers on them, that'll be a pass. The old Tom Thumb restaurant is good if you're looking to get drinking at 8am, but beyond that it's not really up to tavern-tour expectations.
Once the route is down, then come the t-shirts. In fact, this weekend I'll probably try and pull together the graphics so it's ready to go. Then it'll only be like $10-12 per shirt.
Cheers'
In reflecting on these events, it's really amazing how far communications have come. That a person in Seattle can phone a person in Rochester - with no long distance charges - and that the person in Rochester can tell him the ferry schedule in Washington State. Now, with the right technology, Brendan could have found this info himself - with a blackberry, or laptop hooked up to a cell phone, or whatever - but it's still interesting. Fifty years ago - hell, TWENTY years ago - none of this would have been possible. He could still have called me, but rudimentary cell phone plans would have probably charged him $20 or more just to make the phone call. Then, I'd probably need to go looking through stacks of papers to find the schedule - assuming I have one - and then hope that it's not out of date!
Just an interesting observation. Up next? Flour City Tavern Tour 2006!!! Just gotta sit down with George and finalize our route. This year's going to start on Monroe Avenue, it appears, probably at Monty's Krown or Jerremiah's Tavern. Jerremiah's would be good for beer and food to start... and then go to the Krown. From there, it's a LONG walk to anywhere... except Enright's... and unless they miraculously add 5 or 8 new taps with excellent beers on them, that'll be a pass. The old Tom Thumb restaurant is good if you're looking to get drinking at 8am, but beyond that it's not really up to tavern-tour expectations.
Once the route is down, then come the t-shirts. In fact, this weekend I'll probably try and pull together the graphics so it's ready to go. Then it'll only be like $10-12 per shirt.
Cheers'
Friday, February 10, 2006
The sickness!
Oh me' miserum!
Actually, today I'm feeling much better. The past three days have been a pain in the ass, to say the least. Last night, however, was by far the worst. While I did enjoy a good drug induced sleep - I also spent most of the evening huddled on the sofa in my livingroom shivering with fever. Today is better, but I'm also taking a hell of a lot of cold medicine which is keeping me mostly "normal." Still have a nasty cough, congestion, watery eyes, and a general feeling of malaise, but it's not terrible. The objective is to get healthy enough to do two things tomorrow that I've been looking forward to - smoking a cigar at Havana Moes, and going to the Knighthawks game. Why am I looking forward to this? Well, Julie also happens to be in Arizona this weekend - lucky to be away from my sickness! So, I was planning on doing things that she wouldn't normally like me to do (other than the lacrosse, which is good... it's those cigars that aren't viewed too highly.)
I was also planning on eating smoked chubs and cooking a big pot o' tripe - two other things Julie can't stand - but I don't think I could stomach it either right now. Hopefully one more night of sitting on my ass, watching TV, and relaxing will get me back to normal.
Actually, today I'm feeling much better. The past three days have been a pain in the ass, to say the least. Last night, however, was by far the worst. While I did enjoy a good drug induced sleep - I also spent most of the evening huddled on the sofa in my livingroom shivering with fever. Today is better, but I'm also taking a hell of a lot of cold medicine which is keeping me mostly "normal." Still have a nasty cough, congestion, watery eyes, and a general feeling of malaise, but it's not terrible. The objective is to get healthy enough to do two things tomorrow that I've been looking forward to - smoking a cigar at Havana Moes, and going to the Knighthawks game. Why am I looking forward to this? Well, Julie also happens to be in Arizona this weekend - lucky to be away from my sickness! So, I was planning on doing things that she wouldn't normally like me to do (other than the lacrosse, which is good... it's those cigars that aren't viewed too highly.)
I was also planning on eating smoked chubs and cooking a big pot o' tripe - two other things Julie can't stand - but I don't think I could stomach it either right now. Hopefully one more night of sitting on my ass, watching TV, and relaxing will get me back to normal.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Wedding pictures posted!
Well, it's only been three months, but the wedding pictures are FINALLY posted. Go to www.pictage.com, register online, and look up "Gottfried" in the find an event section. There'll you find a few hundred photos from the wedding! Lots of good ones... some not so good! Check em' out for yourself!
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Dave's New Car Redux
Well, looks like I'm not only days away from the new car coming! Talked to the dealership today and they're sending it over now. I still gotta make up my mind on the various options I want - but I think I know what I want. Basically, I want to add fog lights and a subwoofer sound system. I'd LOVE to have a moonroof too, but it's not an option on this model. Which is strange, considering it's a four-door... and they offer it on other models. But, alas, at this time, there's no moonroof option. Perhaps at some point I can have a hole cut to make one... but not now! It also comes with a navigation system which is really cool. No more getting lost!
The best part is - no more Audi issues. The latest round was the fuel pump died. How is this possible? Why did it die AFTER I went in for my 60,000 mile service? Of course, I'm turning in my car with 5000 extra miles on it - and they'll probably screw me with damage charges. It would just round out the experience of dealing with Audi, which has been terrible. All Audi needed to do to keep me happy was pick up a lease payment once. But they didn't. So I'll never buy another Audi again. They actually called me the other day to discuss my Audi experience... but it was a voicemail message. So, it's unlikely that I'll call them back. What could they possibly do to make me happy now? And why would THEY care? I've already purchased the next car... and it's not an Audi. Oh well.
This will also make Julie very happy on several accounts. First, the car is not leased but purchased. So I actually get to own something! Second, it's automatic, so she can drive it! Third, it's not an Audi, so hopefully it won't have all the technological problems. Every time I drive her around, that damn front turn signal goes dead and the warning light goes off! She then tells me what a POS the car is! (I have to agree - this car shouldn't have this many problems for the price!!!!)
So, hopefully before the week's end, I'll have tons of pictures of the new car. Yay!
The best part is - no more Audi issues. The latest round was the fuel pump died. How is this possible? Why did it die AFTER I went in for my 60,000 mile service? Of course, I'm turning in my car with 5000 extra miles on it - and they'll probably screw me with damage charges. It would just round out the experience of dealing with Audi, which has been terrible. All Audi needed to do to keep me happy was pick up a lease payment once. But they didn't. So I'll never buy another Audi again. They actually called me the other day to discuss my Audi experience... but it was a voicemail message. So, it's unlikely that I'll call them back. What could they possibly do to make me happy now? And why would THEY care? I've already purchased the next car... and it's not an Audi. Oh well.
This will also make Julie very happy on several accounts. First, the car is not leased but purchased. So I actually get to own something! Second, it's automatic, so she can drive it! Third, it's not an Audi, so hopefully it won't have all the technological problems. Every time I drive her around, that damn front turn signal goes dead and the warning light goes off! She then tells me what a POS the car is! (I have to agree - this car shouldn't have this many problems for the price!!!!)
So, hopefully before the week's end, I'll have tons of pictures of the new car. Yay!
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Buffalo - The Real Deal
One of my hobbies is reading The Buffalo News. While it seems every Western New Yorker loves to blast his or her town's local newspaper, really, The Buffalo News ain't half bad. After sitting here drinking my Sunday morning coffee, and reading the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle , and feeling rather unfulfilled about it, you come to realize the Buffalo News in comparison is a pretty good paper - even if I'm too lazy to go to Wegmans and buy an actual copy of it, and instead opt for the online addition.
Anyway, there's a great commentary in today's edition by Donn Esmonde: A few words say it all about Buffalo. Apparently, he held his own little slogan contest to see what readers could come up with for Buffalo. The winner? Buffalo - The Real Deal. Quote, "It's tough-minded, to the point, matter-of-fact. It says this is an authentic place . . . We are what we are, and proud of it. It's smash-mouth football. Chicken wings at the corner tavern. Beers and kielbasa. It's not glitz and glamour, but the authentic America that has been lost in so many places." I have to admit, I really like it too. It also capitalizes on the nation's latest infatuation with poker! Naysayers undoubtedly will complain that the slogan should be negative - pointing to Buffalo's need for a state board to manage it's finances - but those assholes don't get it. Comming up with a city slogan should identify something POSITIVE. EVERY community has bad stuff.... but how can you set your city apart, even with something as insignificant as a slogan?
I think "Buffalo - The Real Deal" is about a BILLION TIMES BETTER than "Rochester - Made for Living". Notice the difference between these two three-word slogans? One kindof hits you - makes you wonder about what might be there, and possibly makes you want to visit. The other conjures up images of schools, suburbs, and soccer moms. Um, that's not a place I need or want to visit. Rochester has so much more going for it, and to have spent thousands comming up with "Made for Living" is an embarrassment. Donn's effort shows how community involvement can usually result in better outcomes than the efforts of our city "thought leaders." Oh yeah, and what did this contest cost Donn? A $100 restaurant gift certificate.
Anyway, there's a great commentary in today's edition by Donn Esmonde: A few words say it all about Buffalo. Apparently, he held his own little slogan contest to see what readers could come up with for Buffalo. The winner? Buffalo - The Real Deal. Quote, "It's tough-minded, to the point, matter-of-fact. It says this is an authentic place . . . We are what we are, and proud of it. It's smash-mouth football. Chicken wings at the corner tavern. Beers and kielbasa. It's not glitz and glamour, but the authentic America that has been lost in so many places." I have to admit, I really like it too. It also capitalizes on the nation's latest infatuation with poker! Naysayers undoubtedly will complain that the slogan should be negative - pointing to Buffalo's need for a state board to manage it's finances - but those assholes don't get it. Comming up with a city slogan should identify something POSITIVE. EVERY community has bad stuff.... but how can you set your city apart, even with something as insignificant as a slogan?
I think "Buffalo - The Real Deal" is about a BILLION TIMES BETTER than "Rochester - Made for Living". Notice the difference between these two three-word slogans? One kindof hits you - makes you wonder about what might be there, and possibly makes you want to visit. The other conjures up images of schools, suburbs, and soccer moms. Um, that's not a place I need or want to visit. Rochester has so much more going for it, and to have spent thousands comming up with "Made for Living" is an embarrassment. Donn's effort shows how community involvement can usually result in better outcomes than the efforts of our city "thought leaders." Oh yeah, and what did this contest cost Donn? A $100 restaurant gift certificate.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)