$1.55

$1.55 that was the price of unleaded gasoline when Georgie boy “defeated” Al Gore in November 2000.  In my area that price is now roughly $3.65, more than doubled.  Thanks George!!!!

Currently home heating oil prices hover around $4.00.  Thank God the spring is here.

Why can anyone vote for a political party that allowed this to happen?   What exactly will the party nominees do to resolve this?  Let’s be honest, what can they do?  Georgie’s legacy will be that of screwing the American public more than any president in the last 100 years.

Recall I don’t consider myself a Democrat or Republican, but I can’t help but place a large amount of this blame squarely on the Republican shoulders.

Time for BASEBALL!!!!!!!

Spring is in the air and that means only one thing to me, return of baseball!!

I don’t know why but I love that game.  Whether it’s watching MLB or the farm teams, it doesn’t matter.  Good baseball to me is just entertaining.  Nothing better than a game of catch with your children.  And who doesn’t love attending a Red Sox game at Fenway.  Spring is here!!!

Sense of Urgency?

I’m really not sure how you can work with clients and not have a sense of urgency. My new company is great. Great people, great products, great atmosphere and attitude. One thing that is lacking is sense of urgency. Our projects are relatively simple and straightforward but when we get behind no one in the engineering group seems to “care”. I put that in quotes because it’s what I believe they aren’t feeling, I’m sure (I hope) they do care but it is not the way I want them to care. Even the VP of Engineering seems to lack the sense of urgency. That is truly scary, but maybe I can step up into a more involved role.

One of the developers told me today that another developer has a history of under estimating the work effort and that I needed to get used to that. No!!!!! That developer needs to understand they can’t continually under scope items. The process shouldn’t have to accommodate their weaknesses.

While I like the new position and company we have issues like every company does. We’ll get it.

Think Before You Vote

Alright, it’s getting to that time when we have to choose between the lesser of two evils again.  I can’t say I’m currently happy with either parties particular choices of candidates.

In a nutshell, and in my opinion, the dems have screwed it again with two very highly inexperienced people (again my opinion only) that may have “rock star” recognition but have done nothing.  The Republicans have another old white male that seems to be making bipartisan strides but come on, backing this war still???

So do whatever you want, all I ask from you is to Think Before You Vote.  Make sure you know why you are voting for your candidate.  Make sure you know what they stand for and believe.  Don’t vote for someone because “your” party tells you too.  Vote for the right person, not your party’s person.   Stand up for yourself.  Don’t be part of a herd heading to the slaughter.

Easter

Recall I’m not much of a religious guy but every now and then I can understand why others do and sometimes it gets me thinking, what do I believe?  Well over this past week which lead up to Easter I came up with some ideas for song:

He lived, to show us how

He died, for all our sins

He sacrificed, so others may live

He rose to give us hope

What kind of man?

O’ Lord tell me, what kind of man?

What kind of man would die for all of us?

Oh Lord.

This can be read a few ways.  One way is from a true Christian standpoint, Jesus did all these things.  Another is from a non-believer, doubter, etc… did he do this?  Or from my standpoint, I understand a person named Jesus may have lived and preached a positive worthwhile message but I’m not really sure I believe he was the Son of God, but that doesn’t really lessen any of his teachings.  I learned along time a go that “the Truth is the Truth” it doesn’t matter what language or religion you believe.  Be nice to one another.  Treat others as you want to be treated.  Treat others like they are your brother, sister, father or mother.  How hard can that be?

New Year

Wow, it’s been along time since I posted. Never intended it to be this long between posts. I guess with the new job and the holidays time just slipped away from me. There is so much to talk about.:

Presidential candidates

Patriots

Jaime Spears

Christmas

Today though I want to tell everyone that I will be dropping out of the race for President and throwing my support behind Governor Bill Richardson. He seems like a decent guy and from what I have read about his background and experience, he is the best fit. Unfortunately he doesnt have the charisma or media savviness to win, but this should be about the best qulaified candidate and not the best marketed candidate. Can you tell me that Mr. Obama truly has the experience needed to run the country? He’s not even a one term congressman. And Hillary? At least he husband was a governor. Living in the White House doesnt make you qualififed to run the country. That’s it for now. Hopefully I’ll be more frequent with the posts.

The Wild And The Young

The wild and the young
They all have their dreams
The wild and the young
They’ve got to be free
The sun never sets
For souls on the run
The wild and the young

- “The Wild and the Young” by Quiet Riot

Yesterday it was reported that Kevin Dubrow, lead singer of Quiet Riot, was found dead at his home on Monday evening. Like most people I first heard about Quiet Riot when they released “Cum on Feel the Noize” in the early 80’s. It was the beginning of my love affair with Heavy Metal. I’m probably one of the rare few people who even own QRIII, let alone the Kevin-less 1988 release Quiet Riot.

In my mind Kevin Dubrow is equivalent to Kurt Cobain, in that both started/lead or was the face of a musical movement. Kevin and Quiet Riot may not have had the success of Nirvana and others but I believe they were just as, or possibly, more important to the music scene.

My sympathies and condolences go out to Kevin’s family, friends, band mates and his fans. If there is a heaven I hope Kevin and Randy Rhodes are sitting there jamming away.

Done and done

I accepted the new company offer this AM.  So sometime between today and tomorrow I will give my notice.

It’s been a long time since I recall being this excited.  When I signed the papers this AM, they new company was very happy to see.  They told me how excited they are for my arrival.  I even rec’d an email from the CEO welcoming me aboard.  The atmosphere there seems to be what I need right now.

Even my children are happy that I’ll be closer to home.  Win, win all around.

Recommendations

Just a few things I’ve seen/heard recently that I enjoyed:

Knocked Up – very, very funny movie.  Sort of the new version of She’s Having a Baby and Nine Months.  Very funny.  Very crude at times.

Blades of Glory – alright I admit I’m finding Will Ferrel to be extremely funny and this movie is no exception.

Foo Fighters “Echoes, Silence, Patience And Grace” – I’ve never been a real Foo Fighter fan, a few songs here and there, but this is a good album.  Solid music and great songs.

Kid Rock “Rock n Roll Jesus” – again never been a real big Kid Rock fan but this is probably the best album I’ve heard in a very long time by anyone.  Great emotion and great songs.

That’s all for now.

Interview follow up

Well that interview went extremely well and we’re working together on terms of an offer.  It looks like this will be it, after nearly a decade, 15 layoffs and two mergers I’ll be departing.  I’m real interested to see how the new management will handle my departure.  Will they kick me out the door with nothing or let me finish my notice time.  We’ll see.

This is the right thing for my family and myself.  The terms of the offer may not be exactly what I envisioned, but it doesn’t matter.  The courage to be happy is what matters.  The terms will not hurt my family and the intangibles make up the difference.  I will be more productive at work and more importantly happier at home.

After everything I’ve been through over the last 4-5 years I feel like I’m finally getting to a place where I can be happy.  But I’m also waiting for the other shoe to drop (that’s my nature).