Absolutely gorgeous packaging. Beautiful iPhone bag.
And my impressions pretty much end there. 'cause I have yet to open the damn thing. This is kind of my modus operandi; I get caught up in the hype cycle and make the purchase, anguish over it for days, and then generally bring it back to the store. And I think that's what is going to happen in this instance.
I have doing extensive research for the past 24 hours and have been following all the forums. Generally, I'd say that most consumers seem pleased. I spoke with my buddy and he's happy. And I noodled around on my neighbors unit (man, does that sound wrong) and was impressed as I was last night (by the way, I went to the store last night expecting them to be sold out; the only reason I made the purchase was 1. it was so damn cool -- beyond expectations and 2. the dude at the store announced they only had 20 more 8 gigs, and I noted I would be the 19th person in line!).
Without question, the thing is wicked ass cool, but I have a few major concerns:
1. For me personally, it's simply too expensive a toy that I don't really need right now -- unless it can offer business utility. If I can get my network email, which for me is the "killer app" and non-negotiable, then we'll be in business. In order for that to happen, though, Apple needs to strike a licensing agreement with Microsoft (Exchange Server), so that it can Active Synch and deliver messages in real time. Word has it that this announcement will be made next week and I'll be watching out for it; this, for me, is enormous. This would enable me to use it as my primary device and if I can do that, and it's fairly efficient then I have NO problem rationalizing the cost. As is, however, there is no way I currently get rid of my 8525.
2. The keyboard is better than I thought, but I still don't think it is optimal for a power user as is. However, if they can create an option where the keyboard can be made available in landscape mode, I think it will prove sufficient for email. Currently, the keyboard will in fact go into landscape mode, but only in Safari. I suspect this will be a relatively easy software fix and I hope they get it out soon.
Now, if any of the above happens in the next two weeks (I have 14 days to return), it's a keeper. If not, I will return it without regrets, because there is no question Apple is going to hose all the early adopters ; I predict we'll see a version 2.0 come the holidays, replete with 3g (with a brower like this, no way does Jobs stand still with EDGE) and bigger capacity (hello 15 and 25 gig).
Anyway you look at it though, there is no question that this is a very, very big step forward for the mobile industry. Well done, Apple.
By the way, for all fo you who don't know me all that well, I am a fairly simple man, but there's a few areas/subjects in which I consider myself an "expert": bikes and mobile devices being two of them. So for me (and half of America, it seems), this product is a pretty big deal.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Eight Days Until The Tour, Crappy TV and Other Thoughts
There is nothing good or interesting on TV right now. And I mean nothing. The upside: I have more time to write and workout. The downside? Well, there's nothing to freaking watch on TV. I have no choice but to get caught up on Howard Stern TV (which rules by the way).
Of course, there is always Entourage, but I'm afraid even that is not enjoying its finest season. A "bad" Entourage is still pretty darn good but this season just appears a little ... off. Remember my prediction a few weeks ago that Medellin is going to bomb, throwing the boys into a tailspin. I am still standing by that one.
John from Cinci has totally lost me. It's to meta-something or other, the characters aren't all that interesting and the John character is annoying as hell.
Flight of the Concords isn't half bad. It's a little weird, but starting to grow on me.
Man, I am so desparate I just might give Age of Love (kittens vs, cougars is the premise) a shot. What an incredibly dopie concept. I think reality TV has officially jumped the shark.
__________________________________________
I need a new book. I am reading a fairly interesting one about Navy SEALS (a major obsession by the way; a dedicated post on this subject later) and I just started The Hunt for Lincoln's Killer, which is pretty good, but I am open to suggestions.
I haven't blogged at all on books, but I am a major reader and think I will start a monthly book review. Please let me know if there's anyting you recommend; nothing has really jumped out at me at the bookstore
__________________________________________
Eight days until the Tour de France, baby. I don't have the biggest blog audience in the world, for the record (though I love each and everyone of you), and I am fearful it's going to drop precipitously once I start with my Tour rantings. Try to bear with me. It's a spectacular sport and forget about all the drug nonsense that surrounds the sport. Sure, it's unfortunate, but I can personally care less, much as I could really care less about steroids in baseball. I just love watching both the individual effort as well as the high level of strategy involved on both an individual and team level. It's like watching a chess game with fast moving pieces.
Team Discovery announced their squad today and it is *very* interesting. The big surprise is no Tom Danielson, but he's had a crappy spring. Levi is the team leader, and Johan's prediction that they are "going for the podium" is typical Johan. Either he's playing it coy and Levi is on form or he knows Vino looked unbeatable in the Dauphine. Either way, it should be interesting. I'll be pulling for Levi in a huge way. I'm also intrigued by some of the new guys on Discovery, many of whom I don't know. Should be interesting to see how they perform. The one guy I will be keeping a keen eye on is this Alberto Contador dude, the Spanish climber. We haven't had a good Spanish guy in quite some time and they say this guy is a revelation. I also expect big things from Popo. He's had enough seasoning and it's time for him to take a stage or two.
Ok, I sense in advance I might be losing you, so to wind this down, here's my predictions for the Tour:
3. Levi
2. Menchov
1. Vino.
Let the fireworks begin.
__________________________________________
Couple of interesting new albums out. I'm thus far liking the new White Stripes album, Icky Thump. Perry Farrrell's album is getting marginal reviews, but it is really growing on me and I think it's an 8 on a scale of 1-10. And I just go the new Velvet Revolver, which i'm really stoked about.
Dad, if you want any of the above let me know and I'll burn them for you asap.
(Ps. The decision has been made: I am sitting out tomorrow's iPhone introduction. For now, at least)
Of course, there is always Entourage, but I'm afraid even that is not enjoying its finest season. A "bad" Entourage is still pretty darn good but this season just appears a little ... off. Remember my prediction a few weeks ago that Medellin is going to bomb, throwing the boys into a tailspin. I am still standing by that one.
John from Cinci has totally lost me. It's to meta-something or other, the characters aren't all that interesting and the John character is annoying as hell.
Flight of the Concords isn't half bad. It's a little weird, but starting to grow on me.
Man, I am so desparate I just might give Age of Love (kittens vs, cougars is the premise) a shot. What an incredibly dopie concept. I think reality TV has officially jumped the shark.
__________________________________________
I need a new book. I am reading a fairly interesting one about Navy SEALS (a major obsession by the way; a dedicated post on this subject later) and I just started The Hunt for Lincoln's Killer, which is pretty good, but I am open to suggestions.
I haven't blogged at all on books, but I am a major reader and think I will start a monthly book review. Please let me know if there's anyting you recommend; nothing has really jumped out at me at the bookstore
__________________________________________
Eight days until the Tour de France, baby. I don't have the biggest blog audience in the world, for the record (though I love each and everyone of you), and I am fearful it's going to drop precipitously once I start with my Tour rantings. Try to bear with me. It's a spectacular sport and forget about all the drug nonsense that surrounds the sport. Sure, it's unfortunate, but I can personally care less, much as I could really care less about steroids in baseball. I just love watching both the individual effort as well as the high level of strategy involved on both an individual and team level. It's like watching a chess game with fast moving pieces.
Team Discovery announced their squad today and it is *very* interesting. The big surprise is no Tom Danielson, but he's had a crappy spring. Levi is the team leader, and Johan's prediction that they are "going for the podium" is typical Johan. Either he's playing it coy and Levi is on form or he knows Vino looked unbeatable in the Dauphine. Either way, it should be interesting. I'll be pulling for Levi in a huge way. I'm also intrigued by some of the new guys on Discovery, many of whom I don't know. Should be interesting to see how they perform. The one guy I will be keeping a keen eye on is this Alberto Contador dude, the Spanish climber. We haven't had a good Spanish guy in quite some time and they say this guy is a revelation. I also expect big things from Popo. He's had enough seasoning and it's time for him to take a stage or two.
Ok, I sense in advance I might be losing you, so to wind this down, here's my predictions for the Tour:
3. Levi
2. Menchov
1. Vino.
Let the fireworks begin.
__________________________________________
Couple of interesting new albums out. I'm thus far liking the new White Stripes album, Icky Thump. Perry Farrrell's album is getting marginal reviews, but it is really growing on me and I think it's an 8 on a scale of 1-10. And I just go the new Velvet Revolver, which i'm really stoked about.
Dad, if you want any of the above let me know and I'll burn them for you asap.
(Ps. The decision has been made: I am sitting out tomorrow's iPhone introduction. For now, at least)
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Things That Rules and Things That Ain't Too Cool
For the first time since starting this blog, I'm struggling a bit for a topic. That said, I just got back from a fantastic 4.5 mile trail run. California gets this amazing golden sunlight late in the day (I'm wondering if this is where the Golden State comes from) and as it makes its appearance while I am climbing up the Miwok Trail, I'm thinking to myself: this rules. Not more than a minute later I jump over what appears to a piece of wood in the middle of the trail and the damn thing moves right at me. A snake. And a fairly large one at that. I think: that ain't at all too cool.
So, in the spirit of that moment, following is a list of random things that rules and others that aren't too cool.
Rules: Coming home from work every evening and knowing exactly what I am going to do the second I park my car in the driveway: have a catch with my son. Some of our catches last two minutes and others a half hour but we always have a catch. And it really is true: nothing rules more than having a catch with my son. And there is nothing greater than watching him learn - and learn to love -- the great game of baseball.
Not So Cool: the occasional throws that bonk him in the head.
Rules: On the subject of baseball, my Yankees.
Not So Cool: My Yankees.
Rules: Finally getting fit again.
Not So Cool: Knowing that in a few short months I am going to lose all this fitness again due to another godforsaken cancer treatment.
Rules: My wife. She does not get nearly enough credit or space on these pages (and she would probably add that she doesn't get enough credit from me in life, either) but she's the best. I appreciate her more every day and could not have married a better woman.
Not So Cool: The infrequent times that I get on her bad side. They are infrequent, aren't they, Love?
Rules: Going for a run with your main boy in Michigan for the first time in about six years; the same guy who got you into all this working out nonsense. An hour after the run, going for an equally killer swim with your other main boy.
Not So Cool: Blowing all the accrued fitness from the above by drinking copious amount of various alcohol-based products, none of which mix particularly well with one another.
Rules: My sister in law Penny, who I love dearly and is a great kid.
Not So Cool. Her last few weeks. May the pain both physical and in your heart one day pass, Penny.
Rules: My new special edition Lance Armstong glasses. Yep, I got 'em - actually the wife got them for me for Father's Day -- and I am pleased to report that they are not at all too Fred-ish. That said, these puppies are more designed for function than fashion. They ain't everyday wearing glasses if you know what I am saying. What's amazing though, is the specially designed lenses, which somehow are able to shed water/sweat and don't smudge. As you runners and bikers know, this is a big development. If you want to support the Lance Armstrong Foundation and need workout sunglasses, I recommend them highly. If you want a slightly cheaper edition, go get any version of the Oakley Radars.
Not So Cool: The $185 cost to the consumer and the fact that they probably cost Oakley no more than $15 to manufacture.
Rules: This blog. Since I've started this blog, I've had good karma both in business and in life. I'm enjoying writing each day and learning more about the blogging process. Most importantly, though, I am loving the sense of community that is developing among friends and family from all facets of my life as well as strangers that I am meeting along the way.
Not So Cool. Absolutely nothing as relates to the above. Let's hope it stays this way for a while.
So, in the spirit of that moment, following is a list of random things that rules and others that aren't too cool.
Rules: Coming home from work every evening and knowing exactly what I am going to do the second I park my car in the driveway: have a catch with my son. Some of our catches last two minutes and others a half hour but we always have a catch. And it really is true: nothing rules more than having a catch with my son. And there is nothing greater than watching him learn - and learn to love -- the great game of baseball.
Not So Cool: the occasional throws that bonk him in the head.
Rules: On the subject of baseball, my Yankees.
Not So Cool: My Yankees.
Rules: Finally getting fit again.
Not So Cool: Knowing that in a few short months I am going to lose all this fitness again due to another godforsaken cancer treatment.
Rules: My wife. She does not get nearly enough credit or space on these pages (and she would probably add that she doesn't get enough credit from me in life, either) but she's the best. I appreciate her more every day and could not have married a better woman.
Not So Cool: The infrequent times that I get on her bad side. They are infrequent, aren't they, Love?
Rules: Going for a run with your main boy in Michigan for the first time in about six years; the same guy who got you into all this working out nonsense. An hour after the run, going for an equally killer swim with your other main boy.
Not So Cool: Blowing all the accrued fitness from the above by drinking copious amount of various alcohol-based products, none of which mix particularly well with one another.
Rules: My sister in law Penny, who I love dearly and is a great kid.
Not So Cool. Her last few weeks. May the pain both physical and in your heart one day pass, Penny.
Rules: My new special edition Lance Armstong glasses. Yep, I got 'em - actually the wife got them for me for Father's Day -- and I am pleased to report that they are not at all too Fred-ish. That said, these puppies are more designed for function than fashion. They ain't everyday wearing glasses if you know what I am saying. What's amazing though, is the specially designed lenses, which somehow are able to shed water/sweat and don't smudge. As you runners and bikers know, this is a big development. If you want to support the Lance Armstrong Foundation and need workout sunglasses, I recommend them highly. If you want a slightly cheaper edition, go get any version of the Oakley Radars.
Not So Cool: The $185 cost to the consumer and the fact that they probably cost Oakley no more than $15 to manufacture.
Rules: This blog. Since I've started this blog, I've had good karma both in business and in life. I'm enjoying writing each day and learning more about the blogging process. Most importantly, though, I am loving the sense of community that is developing among friends and family from all facets of my life as well as strangers that I am meeting along the way.
Not So Cool. Absolutely nothing as relates to the above. Let's hope it stays this way for a while.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
To iPhone or Not to iPhone ... That is the Question
Howard Solomon of CancerMan fame back, after abdicating to my father for a fortnight.
For the record, I've discovered I should on occasion mention my name (Howard Solomon) and "affiliation" (Cancerman in this case) as it greatly optimizes my ranking on Google. Google ranking, I should add, is utterly irrelevant vis a vis the intent of this blog, but admittedly somewhat cool at the same time. Plus, once I get to a couple of hundred unique users per day (in my estimation, and at my current pace, I expect this to happen by 2011, latest) I fully intend to speak of myself in the third-person anyway, ala any of today's NBA stars.
Dad -- for the record, I don't expect you to follow any of the above in this lifetime. Speaking of my father, I think he was pretty psyched about all the comments. I spoke with him earlier and he asked me "How many blogs have I gotten?" Ummm.... not exactly down with the vernacular. But hey, he's 71 so I will cut him some slack. I'm just glad he figured out how to use a keyboard. But, he's funny as hell all the same and I have sent him off to think about his next post. I've promoted him by the way, and he's now challenged to pen a weekly post. Email me or post a comment if you have any suggestions or topics for his next column.
______________________________________
Most of you who know me know that I am the mother of early adopters so far as technology products are concerned. I am proud to state I haven't missed a good solid consumer product introduction in almost a decade. A few examples:
-- I purchased an IMac and first generation Ipod within one week of introduction to the marketplace.
-- I was Ruder-Finn's original Blackberry beta user. With the exception of the 8800 and the Curve, I have owned every single Blackberry ever introduced. I purchased most on the first day of their introduction. Michael Beno can confirm.
-- I waited on line for four hours in a driving Chicago snowstorm for the first Ipod shuffle. I am proud to say I was owner number number two in all of Chicagoland. I should also note that I've owned five or six ipods in total, and currently have a 15 gig, 30 gig video, Nano and old shuffle. Just last night April and I took the wraps off the new shuffle.
-- I purchased the new MacBook within a week of introduction. Actually, in the interest of full disclosure, my family purchased it for me as an early 40th birthday present. Thanks again, family.
-- I purchased a PSP2 the day it was introduced. Actually, my main man Beno got it for me. I returned it after a week, upon recognition that I haven't played video games for about 20 years and had no intention of starting any time soon. But It was cool and much desired so I had to go with the proverbial flow.
I could go on and on but you probably get my point. And by the way, I don't state the above in a boastful manner. The truth of the matter is I think I have a borderline problem. I am sure we'll examine this in greater detail at a later date.
Which brings us to the iPhone. Up until today, I've been proud of myself: I did not allow myself to get caught up in the hype. For once in my life, reason seemed to prevail. I was committed to waiting the first generation out and seeing what kind of reviews it would garner.
As a power emailer, I was also concerned about the keypad and just didn't think it would cut it from a corporate perspective. A fun toy for the masses, perhaps, but it didn't offer a compelling value proposition for someone who already had a screaming fast 3G phone, multiple ipods, and other such toys.
And then today came along, and reason completely unravelled. I don't know what it was that set me off: for some crazy reason I think it might have been today's announcement that you can activate the damn thing through itunes. Or maybe it's the nonstop news coverage. Or the fact that people are starting to camp out in front of Apple stores in anticipation. Or maybe it was the kicker: positive reviews by Walt Mossberg and David Pogue.
Whatever it is, something has snapped and I am freaking out. I feel like I need one -- right now. In fact, I'm thinking of getting on line (that is, on line in front of an Apple store) right now with the huddled masses.
Of course, this is completely illogical. I would need to keep my existing phone and number for work until I had full trust in its email capabiities. I'd need to carry two devices, versus one. And I'd need to get a new phone number, which seems completely superfluous. In fact, my only rationalization would be the fact that I travel regularly, and my current 3G phone dies after about three hours of use (I know, getting a second battery would make sense. But it's a heck of a lot less fun than GETTING A BRAND NEW IPHONE!).
Anyway, a long winded way of stating that I am torn. I could argue the pluses and minuses all day. In fact, that's exactly what I have been doing.
So, upon rumination, I have decided to throw it out there for you all to decide. Let's allow the wisdom of the crowds to prevail.
With that all said, what say ye all (for the record: Burch, Beno and Dave, no need to respond. I know -- and have already tallied -- your respective responses)?
Should I buy on Friday, or sit it out for the time being? You be "the decider" as GWB would say.
For the record, I've discovered I should on occasion mention my name (Howard Solomon) and "affiliation" (Cancerman in this case) as it greatly optimizes my ranking on Google. Google ranking, I should add, is utterly irrelevant vis a vis the intent of this blog, but admittedly somewhat cool at the same time. Plus, once I get to a couple of hundred unique users per day (in my estimation, and at my current pace, I expect this to happen by 2011, latest) I fully intend to speak of myself in the third-person anyway, ala any of today's NBA stars.
Dad -- for the record, I don't expect you to follow any of the above in this lifetime. Speaking of my father, I think he was pretty psyched about all the comments. I spoke with him earlier and he asked me "How many blogs have I gotten?" Ummm.... not exactly down with the vernacular. But hey, he's 71 so I will cut him some slack. I'm just glad he figured out how to use a keyboard. But, he's funny as hell all the same and I have sent him off to think about his next post. I've promoted him by the way, and he's now challenged to pen a weekly post. Email me or post a comment if you have any suggestions or topics for his next column.
______________________________________
Most of you who know me know that I am the mother of early adopters so far as technology products are concerned. I am proud to state I haven't missed a good solid consumer product introduction in almost a decade. A few examples:
-- I purchased an IMac and first generation Ipod within one week of introduction to the marketplace.
-- I was Ruder-Finn's original Blackberry beta user. With the exception of the 8800 and the Curve, I have owned every single Blackberry ever introduced. I purchased most on the first day of their introduction. Michael Beno can confirm.
-- I waited on line for four hours in a driving Chicago snowstorm for the first Ipod shuffle. I am proud to say I was owner number number two in all of Chicagoland. I should also note that I've owned five or six ipods in total, and currently have a 15 gig, 30 gig video, Nano and old shuffle. Just last night April and I took the wraps off the new shuffle.
-- I purchased the new MacBook within a week of introduction. Actually, in the interest of full disclosure, my family purchased it for me as an early 40th birthday present. Thanks again, family.
-- I purchased a PSP2 the day it was introduced. Actually, my main man Beno got it for me. I returned it after a week, upon recognition that I haven't played video games for about 20 years and had no intention of starting any time soon. But It was cool and much desired so I had to go with the proverbial flow.
I could go on and on but you probably get my point. And by the way, I don't state the above in a boastful manner. The truth of the matter is I think I have a borderline problem. I am sure we'll examine this in greater detail at a later date.
Which brings us to the iPhone. Up until today, I've been proud of myself: I did not allow myself to get caught up in the hype. For once in my life, reason seemed to prevail. I was committed to waiting the first generation out and seeing what kind of reviews it would garner.
As a power emailer, I was also concerned about the keypad and just didn't think it would cut it from a corporate perspective. A fun toy for the masses, perhaps, but it didn't offer a compelling value proposition for someone who already had a screaming fast 3G phone, multiple ipods, and other such toys.
And then today came along, and reason completely unravelled. I don't know what it was that set me off: for some crazy reason I think it might have been today's announcement that you can activate the damn thing through itunes. Or maybe it's the nonstop news coverage. Or the fact that people are starting to camp out in front of Apple stores in anticipation. Or maybe it was the kicker: positive reviews by Walt Mossberg and David Pogue.
Whatever it is, something has snapped and I am freaking out. I feel like I need one -- right now. In fact, I'm thinking of getting on line (that is, on line in front of an Apple store) right now with the huddled masses.
Of course, this is completely illogical. I would need to keep my existing phone and number for work until I had full trust in its email capabiities. I'd need to carry two devices, versus one. And I'd need to get a new phone number, which seems completely superfluous. In fact, my only rationalization would be the fact that I travel regularly, and my current 3G phone dies after about three hours of use (I know, getting a second battery would make sense. But it's a heck of a lot less fun than GETTING A BRAND NEW IPHONE!).
Anyway, a long winded way of stating that I am torn. I could argue the pluses and minuses all day. In fact, that's exactly what I have been doing.
So, upon rumination, I have decided to throw it out there for you all to decide. Let's allow the wisdom of the crowds to prevail.
With that all said, what say ye all (for the record: Burch, Beno and Dave, no need to respond. I know -- and have already tallied -- your respective responses)?
Should I buy on Friday, or sit it out for the time being? You be "the decider" as GWB would say.
Monday, June 25, 2007
I'm Back .. and So is My Father
Back late yesterday from the boys weekend at my friends cabin in Michigan. What happens at boys weekend stays at boys weekend, but given that the average age of our group is now 40.5, nothing really occurs that's not fit for these pages. Just some good old fashioned hanging among a group of great friends who because of age and geography unfortunately don't see nearly as much of one another as we'd all like. But alas, we all manage to clear this one weekend each year for a 72 hour group hang. Good times indeed.
Before I left I was talking to my father on the phone and he started to tell me about his recent trip to the urologist. I was doubled over with laughter (after, of course, he told me everything ultimately checked out ok) within 30 seconds of the story and I told him this he had to write on this for his next guest blog posting.
I sure hope no one finds this one offensive, and apologies in advance if you do. I recognize the *humor* might be somewhat lost on those of you who have never had the pleasure of meeting my father, but if you know him, you can almost hear his voice in the following and it is just classic Gerald Solomon.
So, without further ado, I bring you this guest posting (oh, and if you do like it, please leave a comment so he doesn't badger me like he did after his last posting).
A VISIT TO THE UROLOGIST
Written by Gerald Solomon
The other day while taking a whiz I noticed that the fluid in the the urinal was not my customary pale yellow (like the maize in maize and blue) but rather more like pink.A second pee a few hours later was more like crimson (but I,m no buckeye). Having heard what this could mean I immediately pulled the panic button. I jumped in my car and raced to my doctors office. I called him from his waiting room and when he asked when I could come in I told him I was already in and had my zipper down and ready to go . He reluctantly agreed to see me then even though he was examining his last patient of the day. That patient happened to be my urologist.
The next step was an appointment with the urologist. As a favor he sqeezed me in at 7:30 am a few days later. I got there at 7:05 and the place was already jumping with patients. Allover the office were pamphlets my doc had written.Sexual Disfunction, Urinary Disfunction,Prostate Disfunction,and aTime magazine. Anyway a sonogram showed something that looked like it might be a stone so off to the radiologist for pictures of my insides.Tests were negative but the doc wanted me to come in for I more test.
So I arrive for this appointment this time in the afternoon. It must have been “old timers day”.Canes walkers,men so bent over they were face to face with their crotches,Finally they put me in the room where they perform cystascopies. Whoa I say to the nurse who wants to prep me , No one is sticking anything up my penis de milo just like that. This procedure has been a nightmare to me since I first heard about it 40 years ago. She brings in the doc. who tells me this test is a must for anyone with my initial symptom (blood),Well what are you going to say to that. I lie down on the table,the nurse puts a metal clothspin on my pdm,presumably so he won,t jump off the table, and puts some anethstetic on it too. The procedure is not half bad. You get to see for the first time your own uretha,prostate, sphincter,bladder,kidney and then it is over. No problems I,m happy to report.I ask the doc how soon I can have sex again. He says tonight. Great , please call my wife and make arrangements. He says” I have my own problems in that area’ .
Before I left I was talking to my father on the phone and he started to tell me about his recent trip to the urologist. I was doubled over with laughter (after, of course, he told me everything ultimately checked out ok) within 30 seconds of the story and I told him this he had to write on this for his next guest blog posting.
I sure hope no one finds this one offensive, and apologies in advance if you do. I recognize the *humor* might be somewhat lost on those of you who have never had the pleasure of meeting my father, but if you know him, you can almost hear his voice in the following and it is just classic Gerald Solomon.
So, without further ado, I bring you this guest posting (oh, and if you do like it, please leave a comment so he doesn't badger me like he did after his last posting).
A VISIT TO THE UROLOGIST
Written by Gerald Solomon
The other day while taking a whiz I noticed that the fluid in the the urinal was not my customary pale yellow (like the maize in maize and blue) but rather more like pink.A second pee a few hours later was more like crimson (but I,m no buckeye). Having heard what this could mean I immediately pulled the panic button. I jumped in my car and raced to my doctors office. I called him from his waiting room and when he asked when I could come in I told him I was already in and had my zipper down and ready to go . He reluctantly agreed to see me then even though he was examining his last patient of the day. That patient happened to be my urologist.
The next step was an appointment with the urologist. As a favor he sqeezed me in at 7:30 am a few days later. I got there at 7:05 and the place was already jumping with patients. Allover the office were pamphlets my doc had written.Sexual Disfunction, Urinary Disfunction,Prostate Disfunction,and aTime magazine. Anyway a sonogram showed something that looked like it might be a stone so off to the radiologist for pictures of my insides.Tests were negative but the doc wanted me to come in for I more test.
So I arrive for this appointment this time in the afternoon. It must have been “old timers day”.Canes walkers,men so bent over they were face to face with their crotches,Finally they put me in the room where they perform cystascopies. Whoa I say to the nurse who wants to prep me , No one is sticking anything up my penis de milo just like that. This procedure has been a nightmare to me since I first heard about it 40 years ago. She brings in the doc. who tells me this test is a must for anyone with my initial symptom (blood),Well what are you going to say to that. I lie down on the table,the nurse puts a metal clothspin on my pdm,presumably so he won,t jump off the table, and puts some anethstetic on it too. The procedure is not half bad. You get to see for the first time your own uretha,prostate, sphincter,bladder,kidney and then it is over. No problems I,m happy to report.I ask the doc how soon I can have sex again. He says tonight. Great , please call my wife and make arrangements. He says” I have my own problems in that area’ .
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Howard Solomon Run for Thyroid Cancer and Other Thoughts
First off, what a great initial response to the Howard Solomon Run for Thyroid Cancer (the tenative name; I am open to suggestions). By the way Nick, you were right; the actual date is September 9th. Mark it in your calender, people.
I came up with this idea on a lark, but now it's officially "on" and it was great to hear from so many people -- Beno, Nick, Deb and Gary G, Laurie, Payro, Toddie, Zolla, and anyone else I am forgetting. Thank you all. Thanks to my father too, who volunteered to -- nap.
I haven't added up the miles yet and will do so later but I suspect we're probably up near around 100, exclusive of mine.
I'm going to set a tentative goal of 500 miles, so we still have a ways to go. So come on all ye faithful readers -- let's hear from you. I know you are out there: still haven't heard from Schultz, my lame ass brothers who never post on this blog -I don't think they read it, actually. Come on Solomon boys. I'm throwing out the challenge to you. Neil, my former marathon-running-turned-soft brother - man up and do 10. Scott. Ummm, I'll make a special exception and make a donation in your name if you run one. Seriously. Scooter, you can run three. Sellers, you can match Payro's 20 my man. Silbo -- actually, forget Silbo. I don't think he could run a yard). Hope G, you out there? I'm putting you in for 10 unless I hear otherwise. Val R -- you're the runner. Let's hear from you. CrazaMama, you have any time with those six kids of yours to get in three miles? Emily H -- come on Em -- you can easily run 6!
Everyone else, be forewarned; I know how to reach you.
If I get enough of you committed, I am going to send y'all specially-designed "race" t-shirts. Now is that motivation enough?
Oh, and special thanks to my dear father, who has graciously agreed to underwrite a good portion of this event (actually, he hasn't quite agreed to anything. This is the first he's heard of this idea. Though I am absolutely certain he'll step up -- right dad?).
_________________________________________________
There is a post I have been contemplating for a long time. It's a tough one, and one I have given much thought to: it's about people who have disappointed and let me down during this ordeal.
As I mentioned in one of my original posts, this entire ordeal has gone a long way of reaffirming my faith in my fellow man. Overall, people have just been fantastic; whether it's old friends, or new.
That being said, there's been the unfortunate side of the coin too; people who have disappointed me tremendously. Individuals who I thought were family, who never reached out to me in any capacity. Or reached out once and were never heard from again. Or family (albeit not immediate family) who lives down the street and has not once called.
Fortunately, these folks have been in the minority, but because I value friendship above all, I can't help but be bothered by this on several different levels. I am not going to name names but in the off chance these individuals ever happen to read these words, the only thing I can really say is I hope you regain your humanity and not make the same mistake twice in this lifetime. A phone call -- or even an email --takes but a few seconds from your very busy lives, but the meaning can endure forever.
I was going to go on more on this subject, but I think I'll end it here. I am trying to avoid negative ju ju on this blog. I did need to get that off my chest though
_____________________________________________________________
Anyway, headed out for a long weekend with the boys. I'll be back posting on Sunday, provided I have the requisite brain cells. Have a nice weekend all and start training!
I came up with this idea on a lark, but now it's officially "on" and it was great to hear from so many people -- Beno, Nick, Deb and Gary G, Laurie, Payro, Toddie, Zolla, and anyone else I am forgetting. Thank you all. Thanks to my father too, who volunteered to -- nap.
I haven't added up the miles yet and will do so later but I suspect we're probably up near around 100, exclusive of mine.
I'm going to set a tentative goal of 500 miles, so we still have a ways to go. So come on all ye faithful readers -- let's hear from you. I know you are out there: still haven't heard from Schultz, my lame ass brothers who never post on this blog -I don't think they read it, actually. Come on Solomon boys. I'm throwing out the challenge to you. Neil, my former marathon-running-turned-soft brother - man up and do 10. Scott. Ummm, I'll make a special exception and make a donation in your name if you run one. Seriously. Scooter, you can run three. Sellers, you can match Payro's 20 my man. Silbo -- actually, forget Silbo. I don't think he could run a yard). Hope G, you out there? I'm putting you in for 10 unless I hear otherwise. Val R -- you're the runner. Let's hear from you. CrazaMama, you have any time with those six kids of yours to get in three miles? Emily H -- come on Em -- you can easily run 6!
Everyone else, be forewarned; I know how to reach you.
If I get enough of you committed, I am going to send y'all specially-designed "race" t-shirts. Now is that motivation enough?
Oh, and special thanks to my dear father, who has graciously agreed to underwrite a good portion of this event (actually, he hasn't quite agreed to anything. This is the first he's heard of this idea. Though I am absolutely certain he'll step up -- right dad?).
_________________________________________________
There is a post I have been contemplating for a long time. It's a tough one, and one I have given much thought to: it's about people who have disappointed and let me down during this ordeal.
As I mentioned in one of my original posts, this entire ordeal has gone a long way of reaffirming my faith in my fellow man. Overall, people have just been fantastic; whether it's old friends, or new.
That being said, there's been the unfortunate side of the coin too; people who have disappointed me tremendously. Individuals who I thought were family, who never reached out to me in any capacity. Or reached out once and were never heard from again. Or family (albeit not immediate family) who lives down the street and has not once called.
Fortunately, these folks have been in the minority, but because I value friendship above all, I can't help but be bothered by this on several different levels. I am not going to name names but in the off chance these individuals ever happen to read these words, the only thing I can really say is I hope you regain your humanity and not make the same mistake twice in this lifetime. A phone call -- or even an email --takes but a few seconds from your very busy lives, but the meaning can endure forever.
I was going to go on more on this subject, but I think I'll end it here. I am trying to avoid negative ju ju on this blog. I did need to get that off my chest though
_____________________________________________________________
Anyway, headed out for a long weekend with the boys. I'll be back posting on Sunday, provided I have the requisite brain cells. Have a nice weekend all and start training!
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