Saturday, October 31, 2009
My Daughter the Triathlete
The Little Girl did her first ever triathlon today and I have to admit, I've never been prouder. She did absolutey great but way more importantly, she had a blast and can't wait to do it again. I loved every minute of it. Note that the one group photo features Chris Lieto, second place finisher at Ironman Hawaii. Totally cool, down to earth guy.
Friday, October 30, 2009
The Night That Was
Greetings from 30,000 feet. You have to love Virgin Air.
So, I am not even sure if I could do justice to last night. Not even just last night, actually; the entire day. Just the process alone of getting from SF to Yankee Stadium (think planes, trains, van, subways and automobiles and then some) was incredible.
We were pretty raggedy and worn out by the time we made it to the stadium at about 6:20 EST, but the look in the Little Boy's eye was just priceles when he saw that cathedral to baseball. We were on a high from there on in that did not let up until we got back to our hotel room at 1:00 am (and we had a 5:30 wake up call today. Suffice to say, we are zonked).
The game was well played and fun. It had great pitching and two timely home runs. And it also featured me and the Little Boy screaming our heads off in the Bleachers the entire time. The bleachers were the BEST. I would not have traded those seats for first row. This is where the real Yankees fans sit and the Little Boy was very much welcomed into the club. He also picked up a few new words along the way, most of which start with the letter "F".
Anyway, suffice to say I will replay last night in my head for many moons to come. As will a certain ten year old, I suspect.
Photos and video to come when we land.
So, I am not even sure if I could do justice to last night. Not even just last night, actually; the entire day. Just the process alone of getting from SF to Yankee Stadium (think planes, trains, van, subways and automobiles and then some) was incredible.
We were pretty raggedy and worn out by the time we made it to the stadium at about 6:20 EST, but the look in the Little Boy's eye was just priceles when he saw that cathedral to baseball. We were on a high from there on in that did not let up until we got back to our hotel room at 1:00 am (and we had a 5:30 wake up call today. Suffice to say, we are zonked).
The game was well played and fun. It had great pitching and two timely home runs. And it also featured me and the Little Boy screaming our heads off in the Bleachers the entire time. The bleachers were the BEST. I would not have traded those seats for first row. This is where the real Yankees fans sit and the Little Boy was very much welcomed into the club. He also picked up a few new words along the way, most of which start with the letter "F".
Anyway, suffice to say I will replay last night in my head for many moons to come. As will a certain ten year old, I suspect.
Photos and video to come when we land.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Week of Travel
So, my week has looked something like this:
Monday: early flight to LA Work in LA all day. Evening flight to Chicago (where I sat next to a woman who was hacking into a surgical mask the entire flight). Arrive at hotel at 1 am.
Tuesday - Wednesday: all day in Chicago, late Wednesday flight to SF
Thursday: 7 am flight to NYC with the Little Boy for World Series (!)
Friday: 7:30 am flight back to SF.
By my estimate, I think I will be in the air for 23 plus hours this week. Insane. My singular objective, beyond having the time of my life at the World Series? Avoid getting swine flu.
Any suggestions?
Monday: early flight to LA Work in LA all day. Evening flight to Chicago (where I sat next to a woman who was hacking into a surgical mask the entire flight). Arrive at hotel at 1 am.
Tuesday - Wednesday: all day in Chicago, late Wednesday flight to SF
Thursday: 7 am flight to NYC with the Little Boy for World Series (!)
Friday: 7:30 am flight back to SF.
By my estimate, I think I will be in the air for 23 plus hours this week. Insane. My singular objective, beyond having the time of my life at the World Series? Avoid getting swine flu.
Any suggestions?
Monday, October 26, 2009
World Series: We're Headed to NYC
When I was a little boy of 11, my Old Man took me to a 1977 World Series game. It remains today one the greatest memories of my childhood.
the evening that my son was born, October 21 1999, he and I sat on a rocker and watched a World Series game together. He was not but 10 hours old. I explained to him Derek Jeter and Paul O'Neill and promised that one day we would be Yankee fans together, forever. Strangely, he didn't even peep the few innings that I held him. I'm convinced today that he was listening to the Game.
When I went through the cancer thing a few years back, I did a bit of soul searching and made a bucket list of sorts - a list of things that I needed to do before I died.
One of the things on my list was to cultivate my son into being a Yankees fan -- and take him to the World Series, similiar to what my father did for me more than 30 years ago. I accomplished the first part three years ago; as you probably know from these pages, my son is a raving Yankees fan. So mission accomplished there. And now the Yankees are going to the World Series.
And guess what - so are me and my Little Boy. And to be honest, I am not sure who's more excited. Probably him, but only by a hair.
It's costing an arm and a leg and it's going to turn me inside out from a travel perspective but you know, you only live once. And money is fleeting while memories are forever. So screw it -- we're going to the World Series. We'll be in NYC for less than 24 hours and it will probably take a few days to recover and of course there's no guarantee that the Yankees will win, but regardless, there's nowhere else my Little Boy and I would rather be.
Let's Go Yankees.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Nice Day for a Ride
Indian Summer is in full effect in Marin County, CA. It must be 75 today and there isn't a cloud in the sky. It's days like this, in late October no less, that makes California what it is. My boy Dave M is in town and we had to celebrate the weather with an epic bike ride. We road about 30 miles at a moderate pace. It was so enjoyeable it makes me wonder why I don't ride more, versus all this crazy running. After the ride we had Tony Tutto's organic pizza for lunch. If I can score a quick nap - and get over this travesty of a Michigan football game - this has the makings of a perfect day.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Tech Dork Guy Strikes Again
Fact is, my old Airport Express was old and slow and had terrible range. Really. It did. I swear. That's what I told my Wife, anyway. Review to follow.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Happy Birthday Little Boy
Ten years ago was one of the best and scariest days of my life. Scary in the sense that The Wife had some unexpected complications in the delivery room that made for an utterly nerve wracking day. Best from the standpoint that everything was fine in the end and the day culminated with the birth of my Little Boy. I simply cannot believe that he's ten years old. Like any kid his age he certainly has his moments and he can be a bit bratty but he's also one of the sweetest, most kind hearted and compassionate kids in the world. I love him (and his sister too of course) more than life itself. Happy birthday Little Boy. I'm really proud and honored to be your father.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Rain storm in SF
I was headed to a client meeting today when a storm of biblical proportions broke out. That would have been one thing, but I've never seen anything quite like this where water was literally erupting upwards. It was so odd that I had to stop and film it and I wasn't alone; a network cameraman was doing the same. So, can anyone explain to me the law of physics that caused this to occur?
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Slugger
Too tired to post tonight; long, fun-filled weekend spent partially here and partially with some friends in Palo Alto. One of the highlights of the weekend was catching the Little Boy getting a solid hit in his game earlier today. He also pitched and caught an inning. He's really coming along as a baseball player and I'm very proud of him - he's the smallest kid out there but has achieved what he has through hard work and a pretty solid commitment. Now if he was only as committed to his homework.....
Friday, October 16, 2009
Riding the (Google) Wave
Alrightee then - after two long weeks I've finally gotten an invite onto Google Wave (as has Mikey). Thanks again, Rev Dave. So, I've only had one threaded conversation thus far, but I have to say that is has exceeded my expectation and it doesn;t seem nearly as complicated as folks have been making it out to be. At first blush I am not exactly convinced that it will ultimately replace email, but I do think it will evolve into being an excellent collaborative solution for businesses. In fact, I wish my entire office(s) were on the Wave. I think we would find unexpected utility.
Anyway, this is only my very topline impression. I still need to noodle around on it quite a bit more before I can offer up a fully formed opinion.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Greetings from 36,000 feet
I'm currently typing this from somewhere over Pennsylvania. I think airline wifi might just be the greatest invention of all time. Anyway, just a quick note to thank you all for your support of the 3rd Annual Howard Solomon Race for Thyroid Cancer. Participation was a tad bit light relative to previous years but I guess that is to be expected. I am thinking of something epic for 2010.
In other news -- I have no other news, really, All I have been doing of late is traveling for business, and it's becoming a tad bit tiresome.
the Little BOy turns ten next week and I am thinking about surprising him with a trip to Anaheim. Not to go to Disneyland, for a change, but rather to catch the Yankees at the ACLS. More on that later.
Anyway, over and out for now.
In other news -- I have no other news, really, All I have been doing of late is traveling for business, and it's becoming a tad bit tiresome.
the Little BOy turns ten next week and I am thinking about surprising him with a trip to Anaheim. Not to go to Disneyland, for a change, but rather to catch the Yankees at the ACLS. More on that later.
Anyway, over and out for now.
Monday, October 12, 2009
And a Few More From Today
Today's run: Miwok to Coyote Ridge to Green Gulch and back. Another epic day. And with that, I am off to New York.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
One Day Extension
I just realized that for some of us, this is a three day weekend (Columbus Day). So in celebration of Senor Columbus, I am heretofore extending the third annual Howard Solomon Run for Thyroid Cancer by one day. So all of you who forgot about it -- you know who are -- you have one day to get out there, do some sort of physical activity and get me a picture.
So -- what are you waiting for? Get on it, now.
(Ps. Yankees sweep. Red Sox get swept. And all is finally right in the Universe)
My Run
In celebration of this years event, I looked for a trail that I've
never before ran. I ended up parking my car at Pantoll Station and ran
the Matt Davis and Coastal trails. It was overcast, foggy and
drizzling; all the makings for an absolutely epic 1:35 run. Only way
to describe it is that it was like running through an enchanted
forest. The second picture comes close to capturing it.
never before ran. I ended up parking my car at Pantoll Station and ran
the Matt Davis and Coastal trails. It was overcast, foggy and
drizzling; all the makings for an absolutely epic 1:35 run. Only way
to describe it is that it was like running through an enchanted
forest. The second picture comes close to capturing it.
The Kid
Now here's a man who doesn't need an introduction; my main man, former training partner and fellow ultra runner Chris Perrault, aka Payro. Here he is running the Kentucky Bourbon Relay. I think he did 14.5 miles in total. Not bad for a dude who is coming of an injury. In late November Payro and I are running the Quad Dipsea together. That will be epic. I plan to live tweet this one so if you aren't on Twitter yet, sign up now.
My Girl Jen Q
Here's Jen Quirke - my coached athlete for 2009. One year ago she watched Nick run his first marathon and was inspired. Well, today she's a marathoner too. And she turned in an amazing effort to top it off and beat my already high expectations. She was the best student ever - she did every workout, stuck to the program and never complained. I am so, so proud of you, Jen. Congrats on an awesome race.
My Man John Howlett
My main guy John Howlett: 4 miles running and 12 miles biking. This might be the one that most impresses me. Most others posted thus far are hardcore runners. With respect, John isn't, but he says he is committed to doing a duathlon next year and I think that's the coolest thing I've heard all day. Atta boy, Johnnie. Also, my contribution for today's Thyroid Cancer run is going to go to a fund established for John's very good friend from Indiana University, who recently passed away at a very young age from colon cancer. His name was Tony Feller and he sounds like he was a terrific guy. And Michigan guys: he was a fellow theta chi as well. When you all read his blog, which I will post later tonight or tomorrow, I am sure you are going to be quite moved.
Way to go John. Next year take a photo. Not that I don't believe you or anything, but that's such a solid effort a photo would have been nice.
Gail M
This is Gail. I am lucky to have met her through this site. Like me, she's both an ultra runner and a thyroid cancer survivor. I think we are the only two.S he's been through other battles recently as well. She is a warrior chick (hope you don't mind being called that Gail!). Here she is setting the record for the day - 22 miles. Her longest run of the year, which completely stokes me. Awesome job Gail. You too are truly an inspiration.
My Main Man Dave M
Dave, along with Scooter from yesterday, is one of my main boys from Michigan. We hang out all the time and he's a fellow endurance athlete as well. Dave is really inspirational in that he's limited in what he can do due to bad feet. He's a strong dude and an incredible swimmer and cyclist. Here he is after a cruise earlier today on his bike. Nice job Mr. Nut. You are the man.
Cousin Carrie and Her Dude
No photo attached sadly but Carrie walked 5 miles in Cntral Park while Jeremy ran - wait for it - 20 miles. He might be our big winner today. He's training for New York marathon next month. Solid effort, both. Send a picture of the two of you anyway.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
My Main Man Nick
Nick (a regular in the comments section) and I used to work together many moons ago and we are still buds. I coached him last year through two marathons, one of which we rantogether and this year he stepped it up to triathlons. I am smelling Ironman in his future. Anyway this is Nick after running 6 today. Tomorrow his wife Jen goes for the big one: Chicago Marathon.
First Picture: Scooter Hurwitz
Here's my main man Scott Hurwitz, live from the great state of Connecticut. I'm particularly proud of Scooter because he's made an incredible effort to get in shape this year. He literally astonished us during our boys weekend in June. He dropped a ton of weight and replaced it with muscle. If I'm not mistaken Scooter put up five solid miles today which just stokes me. Way to go Scoot.
Thyroid Cancer Run: Trail Run with Family
What a show the Little Girl put on today. I ran this trail HARD and every time I turned aroundthere she was, right behind me, smiling and chit chatting. We ran four miles, excluding the 600 Dipsea Steps and according to my Garmin she ran the last mile at 8:30. Pretty crazy, especially for a seven year old.
Today is the Day
Today's day one of the Howard Solomon Thyroid Cancer run. So get out there and make sure to send a picture or two that you're comfortable with me posting. Today we are going to do a family trail run and tomorrow I plan to do something solo.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Blog Disclosure Statement
Sorry such a quiet week here on old Tech Dork blog. I was traveling like crazy, as was Mikey, who just returned from London. Michael, would be interesting to get your thoughts regarding interesting applications of technology in the UK.
In the interim, in the interest of the new FTC requirements, here is our disclosure statement:
(Sadly), Tech Dork blog has not received any product, from any company, for review purposes. It pained me to write those words, but 'tis true. Trust me, if we got a product we'd not only disclose it, we'd probably sing it from the mountaintops. Should the situation change, you can bet we will be upfront about it.
In the interest of beyond-necessary disclosure, unrelated to this particular blog, I did once review a Windows Mobile phone from a friend and former colleague who's now at Microsoft. I disclosed this fully on my Cancerman blog about 18 months ago. So there you go.
In other Tech Dork news:
-- I have been using Foursquare quite a bit of late and have to say: it's fun. And kind of addictive. I recommend it, particularly for you iPhone users (the app is pretty cool)
-- Speaking of cool apps, Tweetie 2.0 is out and it is *very* impressive
-- Used my new Nano and it too is cool - much better than my (lost) 3rd generation Nano. Not sure how often I'm really going to use the video function, however.
-- While in Chicago, I stayed literally across the street from the Apple store. A dangerous proposition indeed.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Chicago
There's many things I love about Chicago. The people. The lakefront. The architecture. The Midwest sensibility. But sadly, for me personally it's all kind of negated by the weather, which was a major factor in our decision to move to California. Anyway, without belaboring the point (because on could go on at length about Chicago weather) the attached picture, which I took from my office window, pretty much sums it up. Too darn early for such crappy weather - not to mention it might snow on Monday!
Monday, October 5, 2009
So, What are YOU Going to Do?
Solomon RUn for Thyroid Cancer is quickly approaching, and I'm curious as to your rewspective plan(s). I know Jen Q is going to do a little 26.2 miler but no one else has declared their intentions though rumor has it my Old Man is going to bust out something epic.
The "event" goes on for both weekend days. My loose plan is for one epic run probably on Saturday. And the other day, I'm going to do a family run (hear that, Wife?) along the lines of what the Wife and Little Girl did yesterday. Doing something family oriented would stoke me greatly. I will be sure to upload photos, videos and other forms of media.
On the topic, be sure to send photos, Dearest Peeps. Remember, this is our most fun "event" of the year and pictures are absolutely key so keep 'em coming all weekend long and I will continuously upload.
One other thing: my good friend Crazymama hasn't been feeling well of late (fear not; it's not cancer related) and recently did a little stint in the hospital. She's an important part of this little community and on behalf of all of us, Crazy, feel better!
The "event" goes on for both weekend days. My loose plan is for one epic run probably on Saturday. And the other day, I'm going to do a family run (hear that, Wife?) along the lines of what the Wife and Little Girl did yesterday. Doing something family oriented would stoke me greatly. I will be sure to upload photos, videos and other forms of media.
On the topic, be sure to send photos, Dearest Peeps. Remember, this is our most fun "event" of the year and pictures are absolutely key so keep 'em coming all weekend long and I will continuously upload.
One other thing: my good friend Crazymama hasn't been feeling well of late (fear not; it's not cancer related) and recently did a little stint in the hospital. She's an important part of this little community and on behalf of all of us, Crazy, feel better!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Constant Motion
This was the weekend of constant motion. Come to think of it pretty much every weekend is one of constant motion. We aren't exactly a family that sits around. I'd hazard to guess that over the course of a typical weekend, we probably don't spend much ore than an hour at a time at the house.
Today is a perfect example. The day started with the Little Boy's baseball game (he went 2-4, pitched one solid inning and caught). Afterwards we went out for lunch and then the Little Girl and I rode our bikes for about 45 minutes. After that, we headed down to the infamous Dipsea Steps (which number 600). In one of the more astonishing things I have evr seen -- the Little Girl, who recently turned seven, ran the Dipsea steps with her mother, and the proceeded to do a 4.5 mile, fairly technical trail run. Most adults would struggle with this, let alone a 7 year old. I asked her if it was difficult and her response: "No way. It was fun. It was like an adventure in the woods." Afterwards when we got home, she spent about a half hour running laps around the house.
She brings new meaning to the phrase crazy energy.
Anyway, fun weekend. Yesterday's highlight was spending a majority of the day at Stinson Beach, on a perfect Indian Summer Day.
Life is definitely good. And to top it wall off: clean neck scan on Friday, or so I was led to believe by the technician. Official results to come in a day or two.
Today is a perfect example. The day started with the Little Boy's baseball game (he went 2-4, pitched one solid inning and caught). Afterwards we went out for lunch and then the Little Girl and I rode our bikes for about 45 minutes. After that, we headed down to the infamous Dipsea Steps (which number 600). In one of the more astonishing things I have evr seen -- the Little Girl, who recently turned seven, ran the Dipsea steps with her mother, and the proceeded to do a 4.5 mile, fairly technical trail run. Most adults would struggle with this, let alone a 7 year old. I asked her if it was difficult and her response: "No way. It was fun. It was like an adventure in the woods." Afterwards when we got home, she spent about a half hour running laps around the house.
She brings new meaning to the phrase crazy energy.
Anyway, fun weekend. Yesterday's highlight was spending a majority of the day at Stinson Beach, on a perfect Indian Summer Day.
Life is definitely good. And to top it wall off: clean neck scan on Friday, or so I was led to believe by the technician. Official results to come in a day or two.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Just A Reminder
We are T-Minuts one weekend until the Solomon Run for Thyroid Cancer. Now that you've had ample warning, what are YOU planning to do? I'm thinking of something that is quasi-epic.
Remember to please send photos and descriptions in real-time. And if you have any questions as to what this is all about, ping me offline. Over the next few days I will send information relating to the Tony Feller fund. I will be making a contribution in our collective honor and I hope that you join me as well.
Remember to please send photos and descriptions in real-time. And if you have any questions as to what this is all about, ping me offline. Over the next few days I will send information relating to the Tony Feller fund. I will be making a contribution in our collective honor and I hope that you join me as well.
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