Saturday, January 3, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Goodbye 2008
I think just about everyone is glad to see 2008 go. Ironic that one of the greatest events of our lifetime, the election of an intelligent, non dogmatic person as President, happened during this miserable year.
They say that the worst of times can bring out the best or the worse in people. I have seen both this year. I have seen strangers get closer because of the common bond of uncertainty, and I have seen people take advantage of the dire situation. As for myself, I have changed a lot in 2008. By seeing the worst and the best of people I have also expanded my own personality and behavior. This year I have seen many surprising successes while enduring some painful failures. No year before has had such dramatic ups and down. I end this year battered and bruised but still alive and still enthusiastic for the future.
In 2009 I hope to blend the best of the "new" Mark - focused, driven and aggressive while bringing back some of the "old" Mark - thoughtful, compassionate and true to myself. If I can accomplish that in any significant way over the next twelve months then 2009 looks to be a much better year. I wish that for myself and for all of you!
They say that the worst of times can bring out the best or the worse in people. I have seen both this year. I have seen strangers get closer because of the common bond of uncertainty, and I have seen people take advantage of the dire situation. As for myself, I have changed a lot in 2008. By seeing the worst and the best of people I have also expanded my own personality and behavior. This year I have seen many surprising successes while enduring some painful failures. No year before has had such dramatic ups and down. I end this year battered and bruised but still alive and still enthusiastic for the future.
In 2009 I hope to blend the best of the "new" Mark - focused, driven and aggressive while bringing back some of the "old" Mark - thoughtful, compassionate and true to myself. If I can accomplish that in any significant way over the next twelve months then 2009 looks to be a much better year. I wish that for myself and for all of you!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Home for the Holidays
The flights yesterday were crowded but on time. After many years, I have finally mastered the art of sleeping on airplane. The secret? Don't get enough sleep for weeks on end prior to boarding a plane. Quite simple really. I have been in South Florida about 12 hours and have already ate a ton and slept a ton. Now to step out in the 75 degree sunshine.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Homeward Bound
I couldn't pick a better time to head back to Florida for a break. The weather here is beyond freezing and exhaustion and fatigue have taken their toll. I need to get out of here for a while. A week in the comforts of family is just what the doctored ordered. I get to Miami about 6pm via Washington D.C. I'm looking forward to good company, good food, good weather and some good sleep.I'm going to the exact right place for that.
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View Larger Map
Friday, December 19, 2008
Quote of the Day
I found a list of the The Top Dozen Insights of Conservatives for 2008. Below is my favorite because it clearly illustrates the folly of the (economic) Conservative movement. For a generation they told us to rely on the "miracle" of capitalism and the all knowing good of "the invisible hand". For years we were scolded that capitalism must be allowed to operate freely and without restrictions. For years, evidence to the contrary has been very visible. Sadly, most Americans ignored the truth and were convinced to not believe their lying eyes. Alan Greenspan's' comment after the economic collapse shows that even smart people fell into this stupid, stupid trap.
"I made a mistake in presuming that the self-interests of organizations, specifically banks and others, were such that they were best capable of protecting their own shareholders and their equity in the firms".
Happy Friday!
I got a full night's sleep last night for the first time in what seems like a very long while. That alone will make this a Happy Friday. Add to that, I have tomorrow off, got a Christmas event to go to tonight and it's expected to snow like crazy all day long. So I start this day with a smile.
If I have time later at work I may do some more posting. There are a lot of great news stories I could comment on. For example, the New York Senate seat. Caroline Kennedy is getting most of the press and is the subject of a lot of speculation. I'm not crazy about the pick but could live with it. Andrew Cuomo is the other name but I'm only lukewarm on him too. Let's get someone who is not political royalty.
I think New York needs someone representing them in the Senate who pulls himself up by the bootstraps everyday. Someone who lives, works, breathes New York. Someone who knows what it's like to work more and more for less and less. Someone who can relate to the millions of people in this state that have to get up, go to work and make the sacrifices to pay the bills just to have the privilege of getting up and doing it again the next day. Therefore I would like to throw my hat into the ring. I nominate myself for the U.S. Senate. I have a famous last name - which seems to be a requirement - yet I am not part of the political elite.
If I have time later at work I may do some more posting. There are a lot of great news stories I could comment on. For example, the New York Senate seat. Caroline Kennedy is getting most of the press and is the subject of a lot of speculation. I'm not crazy about the pick but could live with it. Andrew Cuomo is the other name but I'm only lukewarm on him too. Let's get someone who is not political royalty.
I think New York needs someone representing them in the Senate who pulls himself up by the bootstraps everyday. Someone who lives, works, breathes New York. Someone who knows what it's like to work more and more for less and less. Someone who can relate to the millions of people in this state that have to get up, go to work and make the sacrifices to pay the bills just to have the privilege of getting up and doing it again the next day. Therefore I would like to throw my hat into the ring. I nominate myself for the U.S. Senate. I have a famous last name - which seems to be a requirement - yet I am not part of the political elite.
Yes, I am the perfect choice! Governor Patterson - how can you not see this?!?
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Big Snow
No doubt about it this time - it's snowing. Huge flakes too. Biggest I've ever seen. Some of it is sticking too. Will it accumulate? Check back and I'll tell you.
webcam
UPDATE 6 PM: It did not stick and it's now freezing rain. The weather people say expect an inch of "snow" tonight which means it will probably not snow at all.
UPDATE 8PM: It's snowing and it's sticking.
webcam
UPDATE 6 PM: It did not stick and it's now freezing rain. The weather people say expect an inch of "snow" tonight which means it will probably not snow at all.
UPDATE 8PM: It's snowing and it's sticking.
Suprising Shoe Story
I'm sure all of you have seen the video of the Iraqi reporter throwing his shoes at President Bush. I call this story "surprising" for these reasons.
1. When I saw the tape I felt real anger toward the reporter, real sympathy toward Bush and real pride that Bush handled it as smoothly as he did. Give him credit, he ducked away perfectly without looking wimpy and his comments afterwards put the best face possible on the incident. This is surprising because, as you know, I think Bush is the worst president ever and has caused more widespread suffering than anyone in American history. Still, my initial instinct was that he is our President and I don't appreciate people throwing stuff at him. I know it was only shoes, but if they had hit him, they would have broken his nose, knocked him out or worse. I guess I simply don't like violence - even towards George W. Bush.
2. I was surprised at the good aim of the reporter. Seriously, that guy knows how to throw shoes! He had perfect aim.
3. I was surprised at the US Secret Service. Where the hell were they? How in the world was that guy allowed to throw not one but two shoes at the President? They better be more on the ball than that for Obama.
4.I am surprised at the world reaction. I expected a mix of my type of disdain with maybe a little joking around about it. Nope. The middle east, and much of the rest of the world is celebrating this! The level of hatred for George W. Bush is much deeper than I realized. When millions celebrate and revere a person who throws shoes at Bush, it says something about his standing in the world. Also, it reminds us that the Iraqi people, for the most part, resent the war and do not feel grateful for their "liberation".
1. When I saw the tape I felt real anger toward the reporter, real sympathy toward Bush and real pride that Bush handled it as smoothly as he did. Give him credit, he ducked away perfectly without looking wimpy and his comments afterwards put the best face possible on the incident. This is surprising because, as you know, I think Bush is the worst president ever and has caused more widespread suffering than anyone in American history. Still, my initial instinct was that he is our President and I don't appreciate people throwing stuff at him. I know it was only shoes, but if they had hit him, they would have broken his nose, knocked him out or worse. I guess I simply don't like violence - even towards George W. Bush.
2. I was surprised at the good aim of the reporter. Seriously, that guy knows how to throw shoes! He had perfect aim.
3. I was surprised at the US Secret Service. Where the hell were they? How in the world was that guy allowed to throw not one but two shoes at the President? They better be more on the ball than that for Obama.
4.I am surprised at the world reaction. I expected a mix of my type of disdain with maybe a little joking around about it. Nope. The middle east, and much of the rest of the world is celebrating this! The level of hatred for George W. Bush is much deeper than I realized. When millions celebrate and revere a person who throws shoes at Bush, it says something about his standing in the world. Also, it reminds us that the Iraqi people, for the most part, resent the war and do not feel grateful for their "liberation".
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