TiVo Press Release: Comcast and TiVo Announce Strategic Partnership; A Multi-Year Agreement to Make the TiVo Service Available to Comcast Customers.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
A reprieve for TiVo?
A reprieve for TiVo?: Digital video recorder pioneer TiVo is in 'advanced talks' with cable giant Comcast to broker a partnership that could dramatically expand its audience, according to a published report.
Monday, March 14, 2005
Wallace & Gromit
A number of years ago, my brother-in-law introduced to us to Wallace & Gromit in The Wrong Trousers, A Close Shave, and A Grand Day Out.
A new Wallace & Gromit mvie, Curse of the Wererabbit, is coming to the big screen on October 7, 2005.
A new Wallace & Gromit mvie, Curse of the Wererabbit, is coming to the big screen on October 7, 2005.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
To Orange County and back
I spent the day traveling to Orange County and back to see Drew. Heading to the airport early, the plane that I supposed to take had mechnical problems; there was a lot of hydraulic fluid dripping from under the engine.
Southwest then did something that I have never seen an airline do before. They put the passengers from our plane on the next flight that arrived in Sacramento. They told the passengers waiting for that plane that they were getting the next plane that arrived in Sacramento. It is my experience that airlines will typically cancel the flight and then rebook the passengers on later flights.
I saw Drew in a student production of Bat Boy, The Muscial. He did a great job in the role of Dr. Palmer.
Afterwards, Drew had a short call back for Seussical the Musical. When he was finished, we stopped by his apartment and then went out to dinner. He dropped me at the airport after dinner.
It was very nice to see Drew and spent a few hours with him.
Southwest then did something that I have never seen an airline do before. They put the passengers from our plane on the next flight that arrived in Sacramento. They told the passengers waiting for that plane that they were getting the next plane that arrived in Sacramento. It is my experience that airlines will typically cancel the flight and then rebook the passengers on later flights.
I saw Drew in a student production of Bat Boy, The Muscial. He did a great job in the role of Dr. Palmer.
Afterwards, Drew had a short call back for Seussical the Musical. When he was finished, we stopped by his apartment and then went out to dinner. He dropped me at the airport after dinner.
It was very nice to see Drew and spent a few hours with him.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Dinner with Pat and Bernard
Sharon and I met Pat Funk and Bernard for dinner at Il Fornaio in downtown Sacramento. We had a great time. We have not seen them since we met them in Napa last January.
Second Baseball Practice 2005
With Basketball ending last weekend, baseball pratice started on Wednesday. Jack had his second practice of the season this morning.
Friday, March 11, 2005
Cub Scout Go See It
Jack's Cub Scout Den visited Elk Grove Fire Station 76. Requirement 2G for the Tiger Cub Badge is to visit a police or fire station.
Since 1998, I have worked with Donna Gainsley. Sharon and I have gotten to know her and her husband Kevin socially. We have had them for dinner, they have had us for dinner and we have played golf together on a number of occasions.
Kevin is a Captain in the Elk Grove Fire Department. We set the visit up with him and he did a great job with the kids. Just as the visit was ending one of the trucks was called out on a possible house fire. The kids got to see the fire fighters dress, load in the truck and leave the station with the siren going.
I had my camera, but left the memory card sticking the computer. As a result, all I got were some camera phone pictures...
Since 1998, I have worked with Donna Gainsley. Sharon and I have gotten to know her and her husband Kevin socially. We have had them for dinner, they have had us for dinner and we have played golf together on a number of occasions.
Kevin is a Captain in the Elk Grove Fire Department. We set the visit up with him and he did a great job with the kids. Just as the visit was ending one of the trucks was called out on a possible house fire. The kids got to see the fire fighters dress, load in the truck and leave the station with the siren going.
I had my camera, but left the memory card sticking the computer. As a result, all I got were some camera phone pictures...
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Rita's Retirement Party
Sharon traveled to Santa Rosa and back to attend a retirement party for Rita Whalen [on the left]. Rita is retiring from America AgCredit, ACA after 27 years with farm credit.
Quote of the Day
From ESPN Page 2, Bill Simmons, The Sports Guy
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Vendor Dinner
Thursday night, a number of people from Sutter including Lew Gasper, Rudy Jugoz and I were invited to a vendor dinner at Moxie Jr. The dinner included appearances by Kings player Maurice Evans and Coach Elston Turner. I had a change to have my picture taken with Maurice Evans.
Last year, Doug Christie and his wife were the keynotes speakers at this dinner.
Last year, Doug Christie and his wife were the keynotes speakers at this dinner.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Kings versus Grizzlies
Sharon and Liz went to the Kings versus Grizzlies game. The Kings let a 16 point second half lead slip away, but Bibby hit an amazing 3-pointer from several feet behind the line at the buzzer for a 85 to 82 win. Bibby made all four of Sacramento's field goals in the fourth quarter while his teammates went 0-for-9. There was a 10 minute stretch that the Kings only scored one field goal.
Weber Watch Day 14
Jack and I watched part of the third and all of the fourth quarters of the 76ers game against the Warriors. Chris Weber was 3 for 12 (25%) in the 76ers loss. Weber was booed repeatedly. In seven games for Philadephia, Weber is 41 for 119 or 34.4% from the field.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Weber Watch Day 13
Weber was 4 for 13 (30%) in the 76ers loss to the Heat. In six games for Philadephia, Weber is 38 for 107 or 35.5% from the field.
It also appears that Weber is not happy with his playing time!
It also appears that Weber is not happy with his playing time!
Miscellaneous Mammoth
The last run on Saturday as we were skiing back to Canyon Lodge, I was chasing the group. Moving flat out on a long easy stretch, we blew pass a small sign in the middle of the run that said EXPERTS ONLY. We were dropping down into a short chute right above the lodge called Blue Jay that is marked as a black diamond run. I had to laugh when I saw sign because at that point I was committed...
Coming through South Lake Tahoe, I was surprised to see there is now a gondola for Heavenly that extends down to the spot right next to the Embassy Suites near the California/Nevada border. Sitting at the light, I watched people come out of the casinos wearing ski clothes and carrying their skis and walk towards the gondola.
Coming through South Lake Tahoe, I was surprised to see there is now a gondola for Heavenly that extends down to the spot right next to the Embassy Suites near the California/Nevada border. Sitting at the light, I watched people come out of the casinos wearing ski clothes and carrying their skis and walk towards the gondola.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Back from Mammoth
We had a nice 2 bedroom, 3 bath with a loft condo at Mountain Back. It was close enough that we walked to the Canyon Lodge on Friday and Saturday morning.
After packing and loading the cars, I dropped Larkin, Steve and Pete at the Canyon Lodge a litte after 8:00 a.m. and started towards home. I was in Bridgeport at 9:00 a.m., Gardnerville at 10:00 a.m., Meyers at 10:50 a.m., Shingle Springs at 12:00 p.m. and home about 12:40 p.m. There was a lot of traffic through South Lake Tahoe and on the two lane section of Highway 50. Overall, it was an uneventful 4 hour and 40 minute trip back.
After packing and loading the cars, I dropped Larkin, Steve and Pete at the Canyon Lodge a litte after 8:00 a.m. and started towards home. I was in Bridgeport at 9:00 a.m., Gardnerville at 10:00 a.m., Meyers at 10:50 a.m., Shingle Springs at 12:00 p.m. and home about 12:40 p.m. There was a lot of traffic through South Lake Tahoe and on the two lane section of Highway 50. Overall, it was an uneventful 4 hour and 40 minute trip back.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Mammoth Day 2
A great day of skiing. We were on the chair lift about 8:25 a.m. We took a break at 10:00 a.m. and had lunch at 1:00 p.m. The sun slid in and out of behind some clouds in the morning, but by the afternoon it cleared off and was sunny. The snow was great. We finally gave up at 4:00 p.m.
This group skis hard and fast. Every one of the guys that I was skiing with wore a helmet! Although I was typically riding drag, I felt good about not slowing the group down too much for second straight day.
We had dinner at the Mammoth Bar and Grill. After dinner Larkin and I wandered through The Village at Mammoth and stopped for a beer at Hennessey's.
This group skis hard and fast. Every one of the guys that I was skiing with wore a helmet! Although I was typically riding drag, I felt good about not slowing the group down too much for second straight day.
We had dinner at the Mammoth Bar and Grill. After dinner Larkin and I wandered through The Village at Mammoth and stopped for a beer at Hennessey's.
Sixth Basketball Game 2005
Jack played in his sixth and final little dribbler basketball game of the season. Baseball practice starts on Wednesday!
Friday, March 04, 2005
Mammoth Day 1
Up early, we were on the chairlift before 8:30 a.m. It snowed lightly all morning. The light was very flat making it very difficult to see bumps and moguls. We took a quick break at 10:00 a.m. and then had lunch around noon.
This was the first time I have skied in two years. The rest of the group skis a lot; for example, Larkin has already skied more than a dozen times this year. I kept up with the group pretty well and did not embarrass myself too badly.
After lunch it started to snow harder. At the top of a couple of the chairlifts, it was very difficult to see. Additionally, there was a lot of wet, heavy snow on the ground. Overall, the conditions were not ideal. Three of us (Larkin, Larry and I) skied until about 2:30 p.m. and then headed back to the condo.
For dinner, we got take-out pizza and watched the Heat rout the Kings on ESPN. This is not a late night group; everyone crashed early. I am sore. I used some muscles today that I have not used in a while...
This was the first time I have skied in two years. The rest of the group skis a lot; for example, Larkin has already skied more than a dozen times this year. I kept up with the group pretty well and did not embarrass myself too badly.
After lunch it started to snow harder. At the top of a couple of the chairlifts, it was very difficult to see. Additionally, there was a lot of wet, heavy snow on the ground. Overall, the conditions were not ideal. Three of us (Larkin, Larry and I) skied until about 2:30 p.m. and then headed back to the condo.
For dinner, we got take-out pizza and watched the Heat rout the Kings on ESPN. This is not a late night group; everyone crashed early. I am sore. I used some muscles today that I have not used in a while...
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Off to Mammoth
I picked Larkin up at his house about 12:30 p.m. and we started off towards Mammoth Lakes for a weekend of skiing at Mammoth Mountain. Debating whether we should go from there through Reno or South Lake Tahoe, I think that we made a tactical error and chose Reno. We ended up getting caught up in a lot of traffic in Reno and Carson City.
We got to Mammoth Lakes about 6:00 p.m. and met up with the rest of the group at the condo. There are six guys skiing together tomorrow with several more people expected either late Friday or on Saturday. I have skied off and on with this group since 1994 at both Mammoth and around Tahoe. Most years since then, I have spent a weekend in March skiing with this crowd or in Arizona for spring training with the Davis Mafia.
My excitement for the evening was that I drew the high card and got my chose of bedrooms. I took the big master suite with a king size bed!
We had dinner at Gumpy's Sports Restaurant. After dinner, Larkin and I spent some time configuring our laptops to attach to the wireless access point in the condo building. The group crashed early with plans to be on the slopes at 8:30 a.m. when the lifts start running.
We got to Mammoth Lakes about 6:00 p.m. and met up with the rest of the group at the condo. There are six guys skiing together tomorrow with several more people expected either late Friday or on Saturday. I have skied off and on with this group since 1994 at both Mammoth and around Tahoe. Most years since then, I have spent a weekend in March skiing with this crowd or in Arizona for spring training with the Davis Mafia.
My excitement for the evening was that I drew the high card and got my chose of bedrooms. I took the big master suite with a king size bed!
We had dinner at Gumpy's Sports Restaurant. After dinner, Larkin and I spent some time configuring our laptops to attach to the wireless access point in the condo building. The group crashed early with plans to be on the slopes at 8:30 a.m. when the lifts start running.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Weber Watch Day 8
I get some perverse pleasure checking the box score to see how Weber is doing...
In the 76ers loss to the Nets tonight, Weber missed 10 of his first 11 shots and finished 4 for 18 (22.2%). Philadephia has lost three of four since acquiring Weber.
In the 76ers loss to the Nets tonight, Weber missed 10 of his first 11 shots and finished 4 for 18 (22.2%). Philadephia has lost three of four since acquiring Weber.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Electronic Medical Record
I spent most of the day in Modesto for the SOMA Meeting; this is the steering committee for Sutter Health's outpatient electronic medical record project. We have a major project underway to expand the electonic medical record to all of our hospital and doctor's offices.
More TivoToGo
After initially getting TivoToGo to work, I started having problems burning DVDs. Sonic's MyDVD would return a variety of error messages rather than successfully finish writing the DVDs. I tried DVDs from a number of different manufacturers without any improvement. Then standing in Staples in front of a wall of different DVDs, I read on the back of a pack of DVDs that it was important to match the rated speed of the DVD with the write speed of the DVD reader drive. Since I have done this, I have not had any problems; I have been able to create a number of DVDs without any problems.
Monday, February 28, 2005
Down in the Block
On the Kings Comcast SportsNet West pre-game show on Sunday, Jim Kozimor noted that the first caller on the 76ers post game radio show Saturday night harangued Chris Weber for shooting outside shots and said that Chris needed to play more down in the block. Kevin the Rat repeated the story during the Rise Guys Show Monday morning.
I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say Weber needed to play more in the paint on the radio in Sacramento over the last six years. If I did, I would be living on the beach in the South Pacific.
I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say Weber needed to play more in the paint on the radio in Sacramento over the last six years. If I did, I would be living on the beach in the South Pacific.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Another Busy Day
After working in the yard for a while in the morning, Jack and I drove up to Placerville to have lunch with Morgan at Z-Pie.
After finishing decorating our cake in a castle motif, we took off early in the afternoon for the Cub Scout Blue and Gold Dinner. This event is held annually as a rite of passage for the cub scouts who are moving up to boy scouts.
After finishing decorating our cake in a castle motif, we took off early in the afternoon for the Cub Scout Blue and Gold Dinner. This event is held annually as a rite of passage for the cub scouts who are moving up to boy scouts.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Busy Day
Jack and I had a busy day, including paying bills, working in the yard, his basketball game, trips to Home Depot, Wells Fargo, Sports Authority for some ski pants and Safeway, watching the Kings versus 76ers game and making a cake for a cub scout dinner on Sunday.
After getting Jack to bed, I watched Spiderman 2.
After getting Jack to bed, I watched Spiderman 2.
Kings versus 76ers
I said previously that I did not understand the Weber trade. Running on the treadmill and watching the Kings versus 76ers game with Jack, I got some hint about why Petrie was willing to make the Weber trade. Offensively, Weber was 7 for 20 from the field for a 35% field goal percentage. On the dismal pre-All Star road trip, Weber took 63 shots and about made 31% of them. Philadelphia fans better get used to watching Weber miss lots of shots. Defensively, Kenny Thomas (one of the players that the Kings got for Weber) went around Weber repeatedly. A number of forwards have had career nights against Weber and the Kings in the last month, including players on the Clippers and Hawks. Thomas ended up with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Fifth Basketball Game 2005
Jack played in his fifth little dribbler basketball game of the season. I got enlisted to help referee the game.
Friday, February 25, 2005
El Retiro San Inigo 2005
Eight of the last nine years, Sharon has spent a weekend this time of year at El Retiro San Inigo, the Jesuit Retreat House of Los Altos. She attends a silent retreat for members of the legal profession; this session is titled "In the Footsteps of Thomas More." Last year, Sharon went by herself. This year, Liz went down with her. Andrea Turner is also going and bringing someone with her.
With Sharon gone for a couple of nights, I am tackling a couple of projects. Tonight, I am working to transfer a journal I wrote during a trip to Moscow and Germany ten years ago out of an Apple Newton Messagepad to a ten year old IBM Thinkpad 760CD using X-Port, on to a diskette, on to my home PC and into the blog. April will mark the ten year anniversary of the trip and I am planning to publish the journal entries and pictures from the trip.
With Sharon gone for a couple of nights, I am tackling a couple of projects. Tonight, I am working to transfer a journal I wrote during a trip to Moscow and Germany ten years ago out of an Apple Newton Messagepad to a ten year old IBM Thinkpad 760CD using X-Port, on to a diskette, on to my home PC and into the blog. April will mark the ten year anniversary of the trip and I am planning to publish the journal entries and pictures from the trip.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Five Net Names to Watch in '05
A blockbuster risk for Kings
Kings' Petrie taking a big chance
I am not sure that I understand this trade. While it clearly makes the 76ers a better team, I can not see how it helps the Kings. I would a lot better about the trade if it include Glen Robinson's contract or one of the 76ers younger players.
I am not sure that I understand this trade. While it clearly makes the 76ers a better team, I can not see how it helps the Kings. I would a lot better about the trade if it include Glen Robinson's contract or one of the 76ers younger players.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Dell sued
Dell sued over bait-and-switch charges | CNET News.com:
A suit, filed in San Francisco County Superior Court on Feb. 14, seeks class action status in California and accuses Dell of 'bait and switch' practices, false advertising, fraud and deceit in sales and advertising, and breach of contract.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
To Microsoft
Up very early, I headed to the Microsoft Campus in Mountain View. A large group from Sutter Health, including Yvonne Risch, Lew Gasper, Brian Morrison Nelson Ramos and I, spent the day talking with Microsoft about our desktop strategy. At the end of the day, I struggled through traffic back to the valley...
Shotgun Golf with Bill Murray
Shotgun Golf with Bill Murray by Hunter S. Thompson from ESPN.com Page 2 posted February 15, 2005.
This was Hunter S. Thompson's last article before he died.
This was Hunter S. Thompson's last article before he died.
Monday, February 21, 2005
Cub Scout Go See It 4G
One of the requirements for the Tiger Cub Badge is to go see a television station, radio station or newspaper office. The den leader set up a visit to Country Radio Station KNCI. Sports 1140 is also in the same building so we also got to see the studio that the Rise Guys and Grant and Mike use. We had a great tour and got a chance to see how everything works.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
More Pets
Jack and I went to Mass at Good Shepherd in the morning.
We spent the afternoon getting more pets... We added two more finches to the three finches that we have in the flight cage. The two new finches are Orange Cheeked Waxbills. We also got two more goldfish to add to the tank that Sharon bought herself for her birthday.
Sharon and I also started a major spring cleaning project for the house. We started with the closet under the staircase.
We spent the afternoon getting more pets... We added two more finches to the three finches that we have in the flight cage. The two new finches are Orange Cheeked Waxbills. We also got two more goldfish to add to the tank that Sharon bought herself for her birthday.
Sharon and I also started a major spring cleaning project for the house. We started with the closet under the staircase.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
At the DiGiorgio's
Sharon and Jack headed to the DiGriorgio's in the late afternoon. They picked some flowers along F Street and then made flower arrangements. I got there in time for a great dinner that Brun had made!
Fourth Basketball Game
I spent the lion's share of the day helping with Jack's basketball league. I got to the gym about 7:10 a.m. to help set-up the goal standards and the chairs. Over the course of the day, I was responsible for making sure that all of the games started and ended on time. After the last game, I put everything away and cleaned-up. It was 4:30 p.m. by the time I pulled away from the gym.
I ended up watched eight basketball games. Jack and Sharon showed up in the middle of the day and Jack played in his fourth little dribbler basketball game of the season.
I ended up watched eight basketball games. Jack and Sharon showed up in the middle of the day and Jack played in his fourth little dribbler basketball game of the season.
Friday, February 18, 2005
Sac Valley Annual Meeting
For the second year in a row, Sharon and I went to the Sacramento Valley Farm Credit Annual Meeting held at the Hilton. At dinner, we sat with Jim and Susie Connelly and Roger Lown and his wife.
Fashion and Customes in Art
Sharon spent part of the afternoon serving as the Art Docent for Jack's first grade class. The lesson looked at how different the clothes that people wore several hundred years ago are from the clothes we wear today and the types of costumes worn by artists' models and during times of celebration.
The class learned about three artists and their paintings: Jan Vermeer and The Milkmaid [shown below]; Mary Cassatt and Woman with Dog, and; Pablo Picasso and The Artists' Son.
Sharon also talked to the class about Mardi Gras. For their art project, the class decorated masks for Mardi Gras.
The class learned about three artists and their paintings: Jan Vermeer and The Milkmaid [shown below]; Mary Cassatt and Woman with Dog, and; Pablo Picasso and The Artists' Son.
Sharon also talked to the class about Mardi Gras. For their art project, the class decorated masks for Mardi Gras.
Tomasin's Birthday
Today is John Tomasin's 50th Birthday! I called and wished him happy birthday this morning. He was standing in the parking lot at Kirkwood Ski Resort with David, Chris and Mike getting ready for a day of skiing.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
The Broker
Over the last twelve years, I have read eighteen novels by John Grisham. While I enjoyed his latest book, The Broker, it was not as good as The Last Juror, but definitely a lot better than The Summons or The King of Torts.
Grisham acknowledges in the Author's Note that he knows very "little about spies, electronic surveillance, satellite phones, smartphones, bugs, wires, mikes and the people who use them." As an espionage novel, there are some parts of the books that do not feel very true to me.
I also wish that Grishma would vary from wrapping everything up in a neat bow with a happy ending in his books more often. A more complex ending with a twist would be nice; something like the ending in The Partner.
Most of the book is set in Bologna, Italy. Sharon and I have actually been briefly to Bologna; we almost got stranded there.
Grisham acknowledges in the Author's Note that he knows very "little about spies, electronic surveillance, satellite phones, smartphones, bugs, wires, mikes and the people who use them." As an espionage novel, there are some parts of the books that do not feel very true to me.
I also wish that Grishma would vary from wrapping everything up in a neat bow with a happy ending in his books more often. A more complex ending with a twist would be nice; something like the ending in The Partner.
Most of the book is set in Bologna, Italy. Sharon and I have actually been briefly to Bologna; we almost got stranded there.
King's Potpourri
With the Sacramento Kings not represented in the All-Star for the first time in ten years, the players commit themselves to taking it out on their opponents, particularly Phoenix (three players in the All-Star Game) and Seattle (two players in the All-Star Game). They proceed to lose 6 of the next 7 games demonstrating that the coaches were probably justified in leaving the Kings players off the All-Star roster.
On the dismal pre-All Star game road trip, the Kings won 1 and lost 2. Weber was a combined 20 for 63 over the three games (31.7%), including 7 for 23 at Boston, 7 for 21 at Chicago and 6 for 20 at New Jersey. During this stretch, I have come to realize that sitting in front of the television and screaming "Stop Shooting" does not have any impact...
On the dismal pre-All Star game road trip, the Kings won 1 and lost 2. Weber was a combined 20 for 63 over the three games (31.7%), including 7 for 23 at Boston, 7 for 21 at Chicago and 6 for 20 at New Jersey. During this stretch, I have come to realize that sitting in front of the television and screaming "Stop Shooting" does not have any impact...
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Life on Mars?
NASA Researchers Claim Evidence of Present Life on Mars:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6981361/.
A pair of NASA scientists told a group of space officials at a private meeting here Sunday that they have found strong evidence that life may exist today on Mars, hidden away in caves and sustained by pockets of water... They have submitted their findings to the journal Nature for publication in May, and their paper currently is being peer reviewed.The article is also available on MSNBC at
5 out of 6
Watching the Sacramento Kings lose five out of the last six games, I am amazed at their ability to score lots of points and frustrated with their absolute inability to guard anyone.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Using Technology
When we came back Saturday afternoon for Sharon to work on a loan closing, it turned out she was still missing some information from the title company. Some additional PDFs were e-mailed to her on Monday, but several more were promised from the title company on Tuesday that she needed to complete the package. With Sharon traveling starting Monday night and a deadline looming to close the loan, we were facing some problems.
She used a cool combination of technology to deal with the situation.
More thaan a year and a half ago, we brought her a Sierra Wireless Aircard 750 that uses the AT&T wireless network. With this cellular card, she can essentially pick up her e-mail and browse the internet at better than dial-up speeds sitting almost anywhere in the world. Taking a break from working with one client, she picked up her e-mail on Tuesday morning using the cellular card and PDFs of the documents that she needed had been e-mailed to her.
Monday night before she left, I installed some software that allowed her to print from her applications directly to a Fedex Kinkos office. She opened the PDFs in Acrobat and sent a print job over the internet to the nearest Kinkos. A couple of hours later she showed up at the Kinkos and the documents were ready. She collated them into her loan package that she had taken with her and then gave then gave everything to Kinkos to have sent out via Fedex.
very cool!
She used a cool combination of technology to deal with the situation.
More thaan a year and a half ago, we brought her a Sierra Wireless Aircard 750 that uses the AT&T wireless network. With this cellular card, she can essentially pick up her e-mail and browse the internet at better than dial-up speeds sitting almost anywhere in the world. Taking a break from working with one client, she picked up her e-mail on Tuesday morning using the cellular card and PDFs of the documents that she needed had been e-mailed to her.
Monday night before she left, I installed some software that allowed her to print from her applications directly to a Fedex Kinkos office. She opened the PDFs in Acrobat and sent a print job over the internet to the nearest Kinkos. A couple of hours later she showed up at the Kinkos and the documents were ready. She collated them into her loan package that she had taken with her and then gave then gave everything to Kinkos to have sent out via Fedex.
very cool!
Monday, February 14, 2005
Valentine's Day Lunch
Sharon and I met for a nice Valentine's Day Lunch at Cafe Vinoteca and exchanged gifts.
After dinner, Sharon headed back to the Monterey Peninsula. She is going to spend a couple of days on the road working for Tower.
After dinner, Sharon headed back to the Monterey Peninsula. She is going to spend a couple of days on the road working for Tower.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Op Center: Call To Treason
There are some many good books that I do not know why I keep reading the Clancy branded Op-Center, Net Force and Power Play books. Call to Treason is the eleventh Op-Center book written in the last ten years; it is not very good and there is little about the book to recommend. Continuing to read these books, I almost feel like I am watching a slow motion train wreck that I just can not tear my eyes away from.
An updated version of my reading list can be found at:
http://www.heringer.org/books.htm
An updated version of my reading list can be found at:
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Back to the Valley
Sharon and Hood went for an early morning 3.0 mile run on the beach. She liked mine so much that I got Sharon her own Garmin Forerunner 201 GPS for her birthday. After breakfast, we packed up and hurried towards home. Sharon needed to get back to work on a loan closing.
Friday, February 11, 2005
2005 AT&T PRO-AM
We have been very lucky over the last couple of years with weather at Pebble Beach. We were not so lucky this year. It drizzled off and on all morning while Sharon and I went out for runs and then during breakfast. I was hoping that it would clear off in the afternoon.
We headed to Pebble Beach, walked around for a while and then caught a bus to the Poppy Hills Golf Course. We tend to gravitate towards the course where the bigger name celebrities and players are. We ended up camping on the eighth green and watching the groups hit up and putt out. From a player perspective, we got to see both Vijay Singh and Phil Michelson play. The celebrities we saw play included Donald Trump, Rush Limbaugh, Bill Belichick, Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Sinise, Andy Garcia, George Lopez, Kevin Costner, Carson Daly and Kenny G.
Donald Trump spent his time between the eighth green and the ninth tee on a cell phone. When he got off the phone, he announced so the world could hear that he had been talking to Tom Brady, the Patriot's quarterback. The whole scene was very weird; it was like Trump was trying to impress the crowd...
Rush Limbaugh got lost in the trees along the eighth fairway and ended up picking up his ball and not finishing the hole.
Kevin Costner starting signing autographs on his way to the ninth tee which sent Sharon scrambling for something for him to sign. Unfortunately, she ended up missing out. We did not get as lucky as last year when Jack got a ball from Phil Michelson.
Unfortunately, it never really stopped drizzling so it ended up being a cold and wet day.
At the end of the day, we headed towards Mark and Jeanie Hood's house in Pacific Grove. We spent the evening having a few drinks, getting take-out Mexican food from Peppers Mexicali Cafe and visting, while the kids had a great time playing.
We headed to Pebble Beach, walked around for a while and then caught a bus to the Poppy Hills Golf Course. We tend to gravitate towards the course where the bigger name celebrities and players are. We ended up camping on the eighth green and watching the groups hit up and putt out. From a player perspective, we got to see both Vijay Singh and Phil Michelson play. The celebrities we saw play included Donald Trump, Rush Limbaugh, Bill Belichick, Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Sinise, Andy Garcia, George Lopez, Kevin Costner, Carson Daly and Kenny G.
Donald Trump spent his time between the eighth green and the ninth tee on a cell phone. When he got off the phone, he announced so the world could hear that he had been talking to Tom Brady, the Patriot's quarterback. The whole scene was very weird; it was like Trump was trying to impress the crowd...
Rush Limbaugh got lost in the trees along the eighth fairway and ended up picking up his ball and not finishing the hole.
Kevin Costner starting signing autographs on his way to the ninth tee which sent Sharon scrambling for something for him to sign. Unfortunately, she ended up missing out. We did not get as lucky as last year when Jack got a ball from Phil Michelson.
Unfortunately, it never really stopped drizzling so it ended up being a cold and wet day.
At the end of the day, we headed towards Mark and Jeanie Hood's house in Pacific Grove. We spent the evening having a few drinks, getting take-out Mexican food from Peppers Mexicali Cafe and visting, while the kids had a great time playing.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
To Monterey
For the last couple of years, we have gone to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am on Friday and then stayed with some friends on the Monterey Peninsula. This year we decided to drive down on Thursday night and stay in a hotel rather than drive over Friday morning. I got a room at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey. We took off after work. With a quick stop for a bit to eat, we were in the room by 10:00 p.m.
Tenth Floral Arrangement
Sharon is continuing to enjoy floral school. She made this arrangement at class on Thursday and we took to Monterey to give to the Hood's.
Dell prices out of whack
From the Inforworld's Notes from the Field By Robert X. Cringely
SELLING THE DELL WAY: ...shopping for a memory upgrade for a Dell OptiPlex when he discovered something curious: Dell.com was charging different prices for identical products. Depending on the link he followed, the 256MB SIMM cost either $88 (Small Business), $99 (Home & Home Office), or $110 (Medium & Large Business). A Dell spokesmaven says that’s just the way they do things...
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Baby NameVoyager
Here is a link to a cool java application that allows you to look at how babies names have been used over the last hundred plus years!
The Baby Name Wizard's NameVoyager
After dinner, Sharon, Jack and I had fun looking at how the usage of names for people we know has ebbed and flowed. From a peak in the 1950's and 1960's, Mark has fallen in popularity as a boy's name!
click on the image for a larger version!
After dinner, Sharon, Jack and I had fun looking at how the usage of names for people we know has ebbed and flowed. From a peak in the 1950's and 1960's, Mark has fallen in popularity as a boy's name!
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
![Rita Whalen [on the left]](http://photos1.blogger.com/img/219/939/1024/June2004%20300.jpg){kind=link}
Kings lose to Suns
Sharon and Tim saw the Suns outlast the Sacramento Kings in a track meet. The Suns won 125 to 123.
I had lunch with Sharon at The Cellar Cafe in The Nimbus Winery Center.
I had lunch with Sharon at The Cellar Cafe in The Nimbus Winery Center.
Monday, February 07, 2005
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Ten Years
Ten Years... Today marks ten years since Sharon and I had our first date. Originally, we planned to go to dinner at Mace's where we had our first date, but Mace's was not open. We ended up going out to brunch at Chevy's.
This is milestone has a couple of layers of significance. From the first date to the date of separation for my first marriage, it was about two weeks short of ten years. So, I now have been with Sharon longer than I was with Alison.
Jack and I finished the day watching the Superbowl in high definition on Fox. The quality of Fox's high definition coverage is just not as good as the HD programming on ESPN and ABC.
This is milestone has a couple of layers of significance. From the first date to the date of separation for my first marriage, it was about two weeks short of ten years. So, I now have been with Sharon longer than I was with Alison.
Jack and I finished the day watching the Superbowl in high definition on Fox. The quality of Fox's high definition coverage is just not as good as the HD programming on ESPN and ABC.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Girls Night Out
Sharon, Liz Deuso and Mary Franklin went to see Million Dollar Baby. Afterwards, they went to dinner at Tahoe Joe's in Folsom.
Sharon liked the movie, but dinner turned into a little bit of a fiasco. After a long wait for a table, the server screwed up their orders and the food was not particularly good. We went Tahoe Joe's a couple of years ago for Mother's Day and I remember being very underwhelmed by the service and the food.
Sharon liked the movie, but dinner turned into a little bit of a fiasco. After a long wait for a table, the server screwed up their orders and the food was not particularly good. We went Tahoe Joe's a couple of years ago for Mother's Day and I remember being very underwhelmed by the service and the food.
Friday, February 04, 2005
2005 Kings versus Knicks
With Wallen planning to be in town and the Kings playing at home tonight, I started several weeks ago to work on seeing how many tickets I could get. I ended up getting a block of ten tickets to one of the suites.
We saw the Kings play the Knicks and had a great time. The group included: Tomasin, Bachman, Chabrier, Snipes, Connor, Wallen, Larkin, David Tomasin, Cole (a friend of David's) and myself.
The game had a great finish. The Kings scored seven points in the last 48 seconds to win 116 to 115.
One of my favorite vignettes from the evening occurred with about two or three minutes to go in the basketball game. With the Kings down by double digits, a lot of people started to get up and leave the game. One of the main aisles from the lower level runs right by the suite. As people are getting up and leaving, Ricky is screaming at them as only he can after a couple shots of tequila: "Where are you going, the game is not over!" And it wasn't!
After the game, we ended up at The Blue Gecko shooting pool.
We saw the Kings play the Knicks and had a great time. The group included: Tomasin, Bachman, Chabrier, Snipes, Connor, Wallen, Larkin, David Tomasin, Cole (a friend of David's) and myself.
The game had a great finish. The Kings scored seven points in the last 48 seconds to win 116 to 115.
One of my favorite vignettes from the evening occurred with about two or three minutes to go in the basketball game. With the Kings down by double digits, a lot of people started to get up and leave the game. One of the main aisles from the lower level runs right by the suite. As people are getting up and leaving, Ricky is screaming at them as only he can after a couple shots of tequila: "Where are you going, the game is not over!" And it wasn't!
After the game, we ended up at The Blue Gecko shooting pool.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
TAG Meeting
I spent the day at the TAG meeting. The meeting was held at the Historic Del Monte Building in downtown Sunnyvale. The agenda include a long presentation on voice activated transcription and an EHR update.
Sharon and Liz went cross country skiing at Royal Gorge.
Sharon and Liz went cross country skiing at Royal Gorge.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Seventh Floral Arrangement
After Sharon got home from the night session of floral school, I took off for the bay area. I have an early morning in the south bay and did not feel like fighting the fog and traffic. An hour and 40 minute drive late at night could easily be a four hour struggle during the morning commute. I got to the Residence Inn by Marriott after 11:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Wallen, Nooter, Tomasin
John Wallen flew into town and spent the night; he is heading to Tahoe on Wednesday for a couple of days at a conference. Sharon made a great lamb chop dinner for the three of us!
I had a chance to Rob Nooter on the phone for the first time in at least thirteen months. It was great to talk to him. Rob, Barb and their kids have spent the last year in Tanzania. When I asked him how everyone was adapting to the change, Rob noted it was a little weird, but things are going as well as can be expected considering they were sweating in 90 degree heat at the Dar Salaam Yacht Club a week ago and shoveling snow over the weekend in Virginia.
I also talked to Tomasin for the first time in a while. We are coordinating the details for Friday.
I had a chance to Rob Nooter on the phone for the first time in at least thirteen months. It was great to talk to him. Rob, Barb and their kids have spent the last year in Tanzania. When I asked him how everyone was adapting to the change, Rob noted it was a little weird, but things are going as well as can be expected considering they were sweating in 90 degree heat at the Dar Salaam Yacht Club a week ago and shoveling snow over the weekend in Virginia.
I also talked to Tomasin for the first time in a while. We are coordinating the details for Friday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)