I think I'm Facebook friends with most everyone who reads this blog, therefore a majority of you have already heard the good news: I got my scan and blood work back last night and everything is clear.
By now, I am expecting good news, but with cancer one never really knows, so getting the "all clear" is ALWAYS good news.
SO, it's been a good week. We won a major piece of new business this week. We got nominated for the industry's top award for one of our client programs. I hired a bunch of great new people. I'm clear of cancer. And the Yankees won their home opener today.
All that, and it's not even Friday.
Word.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Beer
My most recent shipment from my Beer of the Month club. Anyone recognize these? Coach Phil? I'm particularly excited to try the Pigs Ear Brown Ale. 
Sent from my iPhone
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Batter Up!
Tomorrow is the first day of baseball. One of the best day's of the year, without a question. I'm going to predict a World Series featuring my original home town team (Yankees) versus my adopted town's team (Giants). If this prediction comes to pass, I think the Little Boy and I might have to move out of town for a few weeks. Regardless, I'm always more than excited for an impending season.
I'm also predicting a huge, MVP-caliber year from ARod and a Cy Young for CC. I'm also predicting that the Little Boy and I go to a boatload of games. I'd safely set the over/under at around 15.
In other news, I'm in LA, where the weather is just about perfect; a welcome respite from the seemingly never-ending rain we've been having in NorCal, though reports from there are that it's beautiful there too. Looking forward to getting home tonight.
I'm also predicting a huge, MVP-caliber year from ARod and a Cy Young for CC. I'm also predicting that the Little Boy and I go to a boatload of games. I'd safely set the over/under at around 15.
In other news, I'm in LA, where the weather is just about perfect; a welcome respite from the seemingly never-ending rain we've been having in NorCal, though reports from there are that it's beautiful there too. Looking forward to getting home tonight.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Epic Run
Went for an incredible run on Saturday with my main men Rob and Berkeley Dave. What was supposed to be a 2.5 hour run stretched into almost four and huge props to Rob for hanging tough. Dude only runs trails when he visits us, hasn't run more than 10 miles in years and busts out a 19 miler with more than 3,000 feet of climbing. Incredible. Anyway, it was wetter than wet out there. Treacherously so, actually. This video as you'll note features a rolling waterfall. I've run by it dozens of times in the past and it's never been anything more than a trickle. If it doesn't dry out soon here we are going to have big problems. We already had one slide nearby and there's a number of other areas that look ready to go. Sent from my iPhone
Thursday, March 24, 2011
All Quiet on the Western Front
I haven't been blogging much of late due to being busy and work and the fact that all has been ... quiet. We are getting rocked with rain out here - I'm just waiting for the mudslides to start - which has prohibited us from really doing much.
Only thing noteworthy is that I have been running a ton; this is a big build up week for my 50 milker with Todd in two weeks. I've run six miles every day this week and will be going long both Saturday and Sunday. After that I presume I will start to taper.
We will see how this 50 miler goes. I'm certainly in shape and Way Too Cool was a good practice run but 50 miles is .. a very long distance. Slow and steady is going to be the order of the day. I am stoked to finish though (knock on wood) because this race features an extremely cool finishers jacket.
More on this later I am sure as we get closer to race day.
Only thing noteworthy is that I have been running a ton; this is a big build up week for my 50 milker with Todd in two weeks. I've run six miles every day this week and will be going long both Saturday and Sunday. After that I presume I will start to taper.
We will see how this 50 miler goes. I'm certainly in shape and Way Too Cool was a good practice run but 50 miles is .. a very long distance. Slow and steady is going to be the order of the day. I am stoked to finish though (knock on wood) because this race features an extremely cool finishers jacket.
More on this later I am sure as we get closer to race day.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Play Ball
The Little Boy had his first game of the season last night. Much to my delight he is on the Yankees. Alas, they lost 13-12 on an absolutely terrible call by the ump, who clearly wanted the game over. I couldn't help myself and went up to him after the game. I told him him he called a good game except for the last play - which would have been the tieing run. I told him he flat out blew that call and much to my surprise he agreed and apologized. That pretty much stopped me in my tracks. Anyway, an opening game loss aside, there's nothing better than the start of baseball season. Play ball! 
Sent from my iPhone
Monday, March 21, 2011
Michigan Basketball
Well, as you all probably noted, Michigan's basketball season came to a conclusion yesterday against Duke. We lose by 2 and had a great opportunity to tie the game on the last play of the game. Alas, it wasn't meant to be. So be it; in one of my friend's words, we were playing with house money this tournament.
It's been quite some time since I've been as impressed with a Michigan team as I have been with this squad. They played well when their backs were up against the wall, they demonstrated poise, they clearly responded to their coaching staff and they played with a lot of heart. For the first time in a long while, it's fair to say that our program is on the rise. All we need now is a big guy to fill the middle - this small ball does make me nervous - and I think we will be a major force next year.
So, good on ya, Michigan hoopsters. You've definitely made us proud and restored a bit of our glory. Work hard this offseason and see you in a few months.
Go Blue.
It's been quite some time since I've been as impressed with a Michigan team as I have been with this squad. They played well when their backs were up against the wall, they demonstrated poise, they clearly responded to their coaching staff and they played with a lot of heart. For the first time in a long while, it's fair to say that our program is on the rise. All we need now is a big guy to fill the middle - this small ball does make me nervous - and I think we will be a major force next year.
So, good on ya, Michigan hoopsters. You've definitely made us proud and restored a bit of our glory. Work hard this offseason and see you in a few months.
Go Blue.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
iPad 2
With all that's going on in the world these days - most especially in Japan - it's really hard to get mental about something as trivial as an iPad. Trust me, I get it.
But that being said, they've really screwed up this launch in my opinion. I've been trying to think and cannot recall a launch where they have had so little supply. It's almost bizarre; you'd think by now they'd have their supply chain pretty dialed in to meet demand.
Like a complete lemming I got on line at Best Buy last Friday. Thought I'd be smart and avoid the craziness at the Apple Store. I was about 10th in line and was really surprised that they only had about 12 units. My only choice was what they had, which was a 32 gig, white wifi. I bought it but it's still in the box. I thought I'd get one over the course of the week but each retail until seems to be getting no more than a handful of units per day and they are selling within minutes.
Not a big deal - it's just a matter of time before they get this worked out - but from a business standpoint I'm still very surprised.
Oh - and if anyone has a 32 gig wifi/3g in black they'd like to trade for, I am all ears.
But that being said, they've really screwed up this launch in my opinion. I've been trying to think and cannot recall a launch where they have had so little supply. It's almost bizarre; you'd think by now they'd have their supply chain pretty dialed in to meet demand.
Like a complete lemming I got on line at Best Buy last Friday. Thought I'd be smart and avoid the craziness at the Apple Store. I was about 10th in line and was really surprised that they only had about 12 units. My only choice was what they had, which was a 32 gig, white wifi. I bought it but it's still in the box. I thought I'd get one over the course of the week but each retail until seems to be getting no more than a handful of units per day and they are selling within minutes.
Not a big deal - it's just a matter of time before they get this worked out - but from a business standpoint I'm still very surprised.
Oh - and if anyone has a 32 gig wifi/3g in black they'd like to trade for, I am all ears.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Fab 5 Documentary
If you get a chance, be sure to set your TiVo to catch the documentary on Michigan's Fab 5, which debuted on Wednesday night. If I am not mistaken, it should repeat regularly.
Hard for me to believe that the essential history on this groundbreaking team has already been written; I was already out of college for several years when they made their debut. The documentary is extremely well done - Emmy-award winning caliber, in my opinion, although I do feel that it was a tad too self-serving (and that's coming from the biggest Michigan fan in the world) at certain times. If you are at all interested, I think Jason Whitlock wrote an interesting "dissent."
Nevertheless, you don't at all have to be a basketball fan to enjoy this excellent documentary. If nothing else, it sure does capture the essence of a slightly bygone era. And what a fun ride - and era - it was. Say what you will about the Fab 5, but they were a hell of a lot of fun to watch. Glad to see that they've all moved to successful post-basketball endeavours, too.
Hard for me to believe that the essential history on this groundbreaking team has already been written; I was already out of college for several years when they made their debut. The documentary is extremely well done - Emmy-award winning caliber, in my opinion, although I do feel that it was a tad too self-serving (and that's coming from the biggest Michigan fan in the world) at certain times. If you are at all interested, I think Jason Whitlock wrote an interesting "dissent."
Nevertheless, you don't at all have to be a basketball fan to enjoy this excellent documentary. If nothing else, it sure does capture the essence of a slightly bygone era. And what a fun ride - and era - it was. Say what you will about the Fab 5, but they were a hell of a lot of fun to watch. Glad to see that they've all moved to successful post-basketball endeavours, too.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Race Report: Way Too Cool 50k
FInished Way Too Cool in 5:38. That's an improvement over my last Cool (2008) by nearly40 minutes, but that might be a bit misleading because I think this newly modified course might be a bit "easier." Regardless, there's no question that I was lot more fit this year. I was steady and consistent all day and really didn't lose my legs except maybe for the top of Goat Hill (mile 27), which is a serious doozy of a hill.
The Cool/Auburn region is spectacularly - almost indescribably - beautiful. Amazing scenery, waterfalls everywhere - it's really a site to behold. However, the course was wet from all the recent rain - and I mean really wet. It might have been the most consistently muddy course I've ever run and I finally paid the price for it at mile 27-ish, when I rolled my ankle something fierce on a muddy downhill. It's killing me today and my fingers are crossed it's nothing serious.
Anyway, pretty good gauge of my fitness and I'm overall pretty happy with my race. Next up is 50 miler in a few short weeks, with my boy Todd. That one is going to hurt.
Big ups to my friends Emily and Mary on completing their first 50k. They both trained hard and kicked ass.
The Cool/Auburn region is spectacularly - almost indescribably - beautiful. Amazing scenery, waterfalls everywhere - it's really a site to behold. However, the course was wet from all the recent rain - and I mean really wet. It might have been the most consistently muddy course I've ever run and I finally paid the price for it at mile 27-ish, when I rolled my ankle something fierce on a muddy downhill. It's killing me today and my fingers are crossed it's nothing serious.
Anyway, pretty good gauge of my fitness and I'm overall pretty happy with my race. Next up is 50 miler in a few short weeks, with my boy Todd. That one is going to hurt.
Big ups to my friends Emily and Mary on completing their first 50k. They both trained hard and kicked ass.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Sushi Burrito
We have a lunch club at work every Thursday. We rotate among staffers each week, the goal being to find something new and unique for lunch. Of course it also provides us an opportunity to catch up as a Team as well. Anyway, I thought today's lunch was particularly interesting; sushi burritos. Only in California. Bet this becomes a national trend within the next year. Anyway, not sure whether this picture appeals to you all but I have to say - it was freaking delicious. 
Sent from my iPhone
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Synagogue
Those of you who know me know I'm not terribly religious. Sure, I'm very much "ethnically" Jewish and I am very proud of my heritage, but like most Jews, I go to Temple no more than a handful of times a year, usually around the High Holidays.
But the Little Boy is about 18 months from his bar mitzvah and as part of that process he has to attend six Saturday morning morning. Prior to each service, there is a 45 minute class with one of the rabbi's, where he examines each individual section of the shabbat service. I have to say that I have greatly enjoyed each of these sessions; they are both interesting and thought provoking and they make me want to learn more. Whether or not I go down that path remains to be seen but this mini experience has been just terrific (though the Little Boy probably would not agree).
I grew up with/at a conservative temple and I used to somewhat scoff at the reform movement and their liberal interpretations, but I am discovering that they are to something. I think they fundamentally understand what turns kid's off from religion/hebrew school, and work to address those issues as part of their overall educational curriculum. Or - it could just be that this particular synagogue - and I'll give them a shout out - Temple Emanuel in San Francisco - just happens to be very, very good.
But the Little Boy is about 18 months from his bar mitzvah and as part of that process he has to attend six Saturday morning morning. Prior to each service, there is a 45 minute class with one of the rabbi's, where he examines each individual section of the shabbat service. I have to say that I have greatly enjoyed each of these sessions; they are both interesting and thought provoking and they make me want to learn more. Whether or not I go down that path remains to be seen but this mini experience has been just terrific (though the Little Boy probably would not agree).
I grew up with/at a conservative temple and I used to somewhat scoff at the reform movement and their liberal interpretations, but I am discovering that they are to something. I think they fundamentally understand what turns kid's off from religion/hebrew school, and work to address those issues as part of their overall educational curriculum. Or - it could just be that this particular synagogue - and I'll give them a shout out - Temple Emanuel in San Francisco - just happens to be very, very good.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Endgame
Just finished Endgame, a biography of Bobby Fisher. It was excellent, and highly recommended if you have even the slightest interest in one of the most brilliant - and enigmatic - American's in modern history. One of the more interesting aspects of this book is that the author knew Fisher well, and was eyewitness to both his ascent and decline. A fascinating read; almost as good as Unbroken.
Next up, unless someone has a better recommendation, is this examination of our failed strategy in Afganistan. It's gotten pretty rave reviews and it's been a while since I've read a good military analysis.
Next up, unless someone has a better recommendation, is this examination of our failed strategy in Afganistan. It's gotten pretty rave reviews and it's been a while since I've read a good military analysis.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Two Cool New Apps
I'm a little pressed for time today but if you are an iPhone user and interested in cool and interesting new apps, check out this post I just wrote for TechDork. As noted, I haven't yet had time to really test drive them, but at first glance they look really cool. Since they are free you might want to test drive, especially if you like in the NYC or SF area.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
iPad 2.0
I woke up this morning swearing I wasn't going to buy the iPad 2 but by now, you guys know me well enough to know how that story goes. Very poorly. Most particularly if you happen to be my pocketbook.
Fact is, they completely got me with the slimmer design and faster processor. Damn. They get me every single time.
So, Dear Wife, if you are reading these words, kindly forget everything I told you last night. We're about to welcome a new 32 gig, wifi addition to the household. Hope you can deal with that.
Hit me if you are interested in my iPad 1.0 (32 gig wifi-3g version) at a palatable price. Baby needs a new home.
Anyway, if you are at all interested in my further thoughts on the subject, check out my TechDork post here.
Fact is, they completely got me with the slimmer design and faster processor. Damn. They get me every single time.
So, Dear Wife, if you are reading these words, kindly forget everything I told you last night. We're about to welcome a new 32 gig, wifi addition to the household. Hope you can deal with that.
Hit me if you are interested in my iPad 1.0 (32 gig wifi-3g version) at a palatable price. Baby needs a new home.
Anyway, if you are at all interested in my further thoughts on the subject, check out my TechDork post here.
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