Voting 2006

Yesterday, I ran out of the house early to vote. I've recently heard how some people are opposed to early voting. Some believe that if you make your choices early that you are not getting all the information out there and are not hearing all of the message. I like to think that my voting a few weeks early counters the power of negative, mudslinging ads and lessens congestion at the polls during a later date. It's also a great way to force me to visit the mall.

The one thing that ticks me off most recently about voting in general is pressure from employers and associations to vote a specific way. I actually received a "2006 Employee Voters Guide" this year as well as a "recommended candidates list" from the union that I belong to. This got me thinking about how much pressure someone might feel to vote a specific way to keep their company in the black which may in-turn keep them employed. Sure, we've often heard about people voting their wallet. I've just never been reminded by two different sides as to which puts money in mine.

Mann Cub

Congrats go out to Teri and Lloyd. Their son Jacob was delivered at 8am yesterday morning (photos were taken some hours later with Aunt Wendy as designated holder.) Teri and Jacob are doing great and should be heading home in the next few days. Yes, even I am starting to notice the abundance of children photos on the blog lately. I'm not complaining.

My Favorite Quote

During the weekend, I reflected on my favorite quote. It means that much to me that I put it up above my computer monitor (and Pumpkin) so I have to look at it often. I'm not really the type to dwell on things that I can't change like the past or other people. Instead, I do think about the many ways that I can affect my surroundings and keep myself from looking at a bad situation in the near future that was at one point correctable. I guess my lack of intense worry about many things comes across very unaffected but I think it's more attributable to Saint Francis of Assisi's quote:

Lord grand me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can, and
the wisdom to know the difference.

I assume that I'll always be working to attain that level of wisdom.

Brian Lumley

I probably have mentioned a book to you before called The Necroscope. Well, there is a reason. The author, Brian Lumley, puts an amazingly creative spin on the topic of vampirism. I've probably dressed as a vampire for most of my days trick-or-treating and still find the subject fascinating. Lumley also mixes his best-known series with the paranormal (the idea of being a necroscope is one that communicates with the dead.) If interested, you can find a lot better detailed information about Lumley and his books at BrianLumley.com.

Anyhow, the reason that I mention this is that Mr. Lumley (along with his wife and site webmaster) were in Las Vegas this weekend promoting his latest installation of the series, Necroscope: The Touch. I made sure to run my butt down to the mall to chat with him and get a few autographs. Here's a photo of him at the signing table with his wife and several of his books.


















One reason why I made sure to get down there was that I have first editions of every U.S. hardback release of his Necroscope series (15 books and counting) and first published novel. He did mention to me that the option on the film rights have been re-upped and I can only cross my fingers that someone will make a film. If I had more time, creativity and skill, I'd probably try to write a script for the first book but I wouldn't even make the attempt. Anyhow, below is a photo of my Lumley shelf. In the brown case on the left is his first book (I'm pretty protective of it.)

Mom's Birtday Party With The Kids

Went to my sister's house on Sunday to celebrate my Mom's birthday. Although, we got there after they ate (really good recipie for pasta bake of which I moments ago finished off the last of the left-overs), I got to spend a little bit of time with everyone. I also took a bunch of photos with the kids that you'll see below.

First we have the twins. For some reason Conner really wanted to pose for the photo and I waited for him to relax.

Then their little sister (with my little sister) Lillian.

For some reason Mia didn't want to look at the camera but I stole this shot while she was hanging out with her Dad.

Then there is my cousin Syndey in her cute dress.

Last but not least is her little sister Kaitlynne. (Ok, not too sure on the spelling.)

Classically Martin: Possum Dixon's For Your Love

I think you remember back before I picked up my iPod that I mentioned a quest of mine... the one to keep track of my favorite songs (one per band.) Well, since I've added them all to my iPod, it has made looking at them that much easier and I've decided to try to use technology to bring them to you here. So here's Possum Dixon's cover of "For Your Love." The song was actually a B-side to one of their singles and after I heard it... I had to hunt it down. Not an easy one to find but I think it's that mix of darkness (in the keyboards) and light (in the chorus) that kinda fits me. Just click on the little link there below to hear the song. Here's hoping it works on the first try.



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Bottled Up: The Challenge

It is a little funny when you get ready to post something, think it through and then delete it because you find it invalid and irrational. One of those things that I didn't post was about fluoride. You see, I drink a lot of bottled water. I don't drink the drinking water though because I think distilled means that everything has been killed in there and it tastes cleaner. I got to thinking that distilled water doesn't even have fluoride which is a mandate for tap water in the effort to protect our teeth. I took some time and looked into it. Yes, there are a few bottled water brands that mention they have fluoride added. But in my research, I found out that there are many doctors out there saying that the level is actually higher than it needs to be as nearly every toothpaste currently has fluoride while it didn't back then. So... that post never happened. Why do I mention it now?

I went out to dinner with Kerry, Teri and Lloyd for Kerry's birthday a few weeks back. She was mentioning how her doctor has been urging her to drink a gallon of water a day. We teased her about it slightly and she said to me, "You do it." I actually drink a lot of water each day. But I'm going to take up this challenge and go one step further. I am putting plans in action to drink... 2 gallons of water on Saturday. Why? I've always heard that you can't drink too much water but you need at least at least 8 - 8oz. glasses per day. I will use this as a learning experience and will begin my training in a Takeru Kobayashi method. I know that I can do it. Let's just say that I'm going to drink a little extra for Teri this weekend.

Rock Star: Martin's Closet: Episode 1

Usually, you don't want to start a series with bad news. 4 of our 12 contestants were disqualified for doping (we've never seen such thick threads) while 1 opted out of the contest. This leaves us with 7 contestants and a shorter season. Let's see who we have (click on each photo for a better view):



Contestant 1 is from China (57% linen 43% rayon) and has probably been worn more than any of the others (usually over t-shirts.)









Contestant 2 is from India (100% cotton) and might have been worn once or twice but I you'd think that I'd remember.






Contestant 3 here is from Myanmar (which I have no idea where the hell that is but it's 100% cotton) but I'm pretty sure that it was washed once. It just may have been after pulling all the tags off of it.




Contestant 4 is from Pakistan (100% cotton Chaps/Ralph Lauren.) Never worn but I'm sure care was taken in making it. I think that I'd be afraid to get it dirty.





Contestant 5 is from India (100% cotton.) I think that I used it for the top of a Halloween murder victim one year but it might look alright under a t-shirt someday, I guess.




Contestant 6 is another Indian entry (55% cotton 45% rayon.) I think that I tried it on once but with the lack of a collar, I don't see a shirt working under it.

Lastly, we have our Seoul Korean entry (85% acrylic 15% polyester.) I think it would have gone well with parachute pants. There is a zipper where that black stripe goes across. Wide enough to hold a pencil or two, I assume. Someone must have thought me scholarly.





All votes you send via the comments section will be for the removal of a contestant. Voted off contestants will be announced at the end of the commentary period. In the event of a tie or lack of commentary votes, I reserve the right to make a final decision (no, I haven't pre-selected a winner.)

Life Update - 092706

Things have gotten rather busy around here. I have to put a lot of the responsibility for this burst of production on the class that I've been taking. I did think that ALS 101 was going to be about learning how to handle taking notes, how to study effectively and how to take a tests. Now, I'm not so sure. The most important thing that I've started doing is writing down everything that I want to get done each day on an index card. This allows me to keep in mind my goals for the day, add to my goals and mark off any progress that I've made. I'm getting quite a bit more done now. I figure the pack of 500 index cards might help me get through the year.

After 3 years, I've finally joined the text messaging generation. Do I plan to do much of it, not really. I gave up my cheapie little Samsung for this Sanyo Katana (pictured here.) Why would I do that? Being able to see who is calling, the ability to check NFL scores and hear clearer are big reasons. The Bluetooth earphone is nice but taking some time to adjust to. Looks slightly cooler too.

After that Tivo vs. DirecTV post, I took some time to think about things and yesterday ordered DirecTV's HD DVR Plus. I think it's because of Bones, Lost, Jericho and the Biggest Loser airing at the same freaking time. Jericho may bite the dust but I will have to watch the first episode that I recorded already prior to make a decision. What this will allow me to do is: not miss a UFC fight, not have to choose between most shows (bedroom Tivo catches one while living room DVR catches 2 more) and lets me hold onto HD shows to watch at a later date. They'll be showing up on Friday morning to set things up... meaning that I'll miss the second episode of Jericho in the meantime.

Forced myself to sleep early last night and if I can keep this going, I'll be very very happy. I do accept that I'm an information junkie. I check the same Web sites 3 to 4 times a day to make sure that I know 'right now' everything that's available to be known. I shouldn't do this before I sleep. Clearing off the Tivo, sure. But, it takes longer to wind your brain down after you stimulate it with information. Hoping to create an habitual 2am bedtime.

On Saturday, I went to the Mike Agassi 'No Quit' National Junior Tennis Tournament. I figured that I need to start appearing at these events and saw some amazing players (this little 9 year-old girl just floored me with how well she hit her 2-handed forehand and 2-handed backhand.) It did remind me of playing these events when I was younger and what reminded me more was having my brother Matt there with me. He brought Mia out and I held her for awhile to give him a breather. I need more mornings like that.

So Vain

Everyone has done it. You've typed in your name in Google to see what pops up about you. It's called a vanity search. Nothing is wrong with it. Without doing it myself, I wouldn't have known that there is a composer named Martin Hennessy. There is a different twist on it that I'd like you to try. Just for kicks, I'd like you to go to Google and type in your first name with the word 'is' behind it enclosed in quotation marks.

As an example, the first listing in my search for "Martin is" came up in the summary as: Howard said Martin is preparing a response to the accusations.

I didn't even know that I was in that much trouble. What did yours say?

InDirecTV?

I've love my experience with DirecTV so far. The worries of losing video signal to birds, trees or weather never became an issue. I do see some problems in the future.

I love my Tivo. I don't think anything has changed the way I look at entertainment more. I also love my high-definition signal. But it seems that Tivo and DirecTV don't plan to get along anymore. Sure, they have had squabbles in the past but they have worked well together too. Yet, there is a battle starting over the HD personal video recorder market. Essentially, both companies per their agreement will continue to work together for the next few years with no new product on the horizon. Meanwhile, DirecTV has launched new satellites for high-definition programming... that will not work with previous high-definition receivers or even the DirecTV HD Tivo (as the satellite carrier will change over from MP2 video codec to MP4.) This means that viewers that want to get the new programming (which includes many HD local and new HD DirecTV channels) will have to ditch the expensive ($999 in some places) DirecTV HD Tivo they purchased over the last year and pay for the new DirecTV HD DVR. This also bends over the customers (much like myself) who paid $400 or so for an HD receiver to get DirecTV HD channels. Sure, this may be a great way to make everyone buy only a product from the satellite company but it also looks like I'll have to consider putting my receiver on eBay and going back to cable. I haven't made any decisions and patience may be my only option. I'm going to have to wait things out with what I have until Tivo creates a new HD box that works with the new satellite video codec or switch to cable and purchase the new Tivo3.

Assignment 1-2

As part of my ALS course that I'm taking, I had an assignment in which I took the Jung Typology Test. Essentially, I'm an ENFJ and am described as:

ENFJs are the benevolent 'pedagogues' of humanity. They have tremendous charisma by which many are drawn into their nurturant tutelage and/or grand schemes. Many ENFJs have tremendous power to manipulate others with their phenomenal interpersonal skills and unique salesmanship. But it's usually not meant as manipulation -- ENFJs generally believe in their dreams, and see themselves as helpers and enablers, which they usually are.

ENFJs are global learners. They see the big picture. The ENFJs focus is expansive. Some can juggle an amazing number of responsibilities or projects simultaneously. Many ENFJs have tremendous entrepreneurial ability.

ENFJs are, by definition, Js, with whom we associate organization and decisiveness. But they don't resemble the SJs or even the NTJs in organization of the environment nor occasional recalcitrance. ENFJs are organized in the arena of interpersonal affairs. Their offices may or may not be cluttered, but their conclusions (reached through feelings) about people and motives are drawn much more quickly and are more resilient than those of their NFP counterparts.

ENFJs know and appreciate people. Like most NFs, (and Feelers in general), they are apt to neglect themselves and their own needs for the needs of others. They have thinner psychological boundaries than most, and are at risk for being hurt or even abused by less sensitive people. ENFJs often take on more of the burdens of others than they can bear.

I was actually kind of floored that a simple Yes and No questionaire with no Maybe's could feel more accurate than anything I've taken before. Feel like taking a 72 question test and letting me know how you did?

Not My Rock Star

Been very busy but just wanted to get something up here. Please, please... Supernova please do not pick Lukas as your singer tonight. I have it in my mind that I will not buy anything from the band if this is going to be their lead singer. My main reason: I can't understand a word out of his mouth during specific vocal styles. His singing with the band was the best example of this. I know some people that don't want him to win because they don't like how he looks. Why am I so worried? Several weeks back, a report surfaced that the band had pre-chose Lukas Rossi to be their singer in... the same way that J.D. Fortune was chosen. Essentially, they also said that they were cookie-cutter images created to get fan response. I dismissed this entirely until a last week when a separate source claimed something similar (without smearing J.D.) If proven right, I know how disgusted I'll feel about it but I would watch another series. I just won't be buying an album.

Freedom Walk 2006

I had a great night out last night. We went to Buca di Peppo last night with Lloyd and Teri for Kerry's birthday. Had lots of food burned some of it off this morning at the Freedom Walk. Essentially, Las Vegas' mayor Oscar Goodman and city councilman Larry Brown sponsored a walk at a northwest Las Vegas park in memory of the lives lost as well as the police and firefighters that responded to the events on 9/11. It wasn't a long walk but I'm pretty tired. I feel like I actually participated in something worthwhile. Talked to Oscar before and Larry after the walk while receiving some nifty items (the shirt and wristband pictured above.)

It is pretty odd thinking about the fact that it will be 5 years since then. I was actually called into work on my day off due to a major convention coming into the hotel. As we stood around waiting for the guests to arrive, I went into the break room to watch the news. About 15 minutes into the news, they broke away for a "special report" showing the first plane crashing into the World Trade Center. I stood there stunned. I yelled for the other guys (about 40 on staff that day) to come see what was going on. Then the second plane hit.

As stunned as we were, it took awhile for it to sink in that those guests coming for the convention weren't going to arrive. Flights canceled nationwide and people were trying to find any way to leave the city that they could. Our hotel sent people home as there wasn't any business and later cut the staff over 30%. Most of these co-workers lost their jobs for quite awhile and had to consider other means to support their families during this time. I was rather lucky. I was around #16 in seniority so they only changed my shift a little. Yet, I still remember taking up a collection for several of the other guys and even joining some that offered to cut back to 30 hours a week so no one would have to lose their job. Not everyone felt that way.

Las Vegas recovered rather quickly but it did wake me up to how vulnerable our city was. Confidence in travel safety and the economy do control our leisure dollar. In no way did this overshadow the lives lost in the air and in New York. It's sad to see that many of those responding to the call of such an emergency still suffering from lung ailments. But, I worry that someone will in retrospect say that it was the wrong decision to send recovery teams in there to save lives at the expense of their own. Thank you for putting your lives on the line for people you may not have even known. 5 years really isn't that long is it?

Moving On

Growing up in Las Vegas, we've always had our celebrities. Many were performers who relocated to be close to the Las Vegas Strip where they had performance contracts. But, there are only two sports figures that are destined to be remembered decades from now. Future hall of fame baseball pitcher Greg Maddux is one. Tennis great Andre Agassi is another. I'm going to focus on Andre for a moment.

Andre's four-set loss on Sunday in the U.S. Open will have ripple effects throughout Las Vegas. I felt it myself. Growing up around tennis and playing in the local junior tennis tournaments does seem like a lifetime ago. Watching Agassi on the court saying a tearful goodbye brought a lot of the past back. You see, Andre was always playing in the age bracket just above mine. When I was in the 12's, he was in the 14's. I never played him but watched many of his early battles with the Entzel brothers and several of our other top juniors. I did get to play with him for awhile but that was when we were on the same basketball team. He was our deep threat hitting almost all of his 3-point shots. Even in a second sport, he was a competitor.

So as I look back on Andre's career from flashy colored shirts, jean shorts, long hair, bandana and yes the ever-popular shoes, I think about how he has changed the face of the sport. Tennis gets greater coverage due to the early media focus on the young-upstart Andre and was slowly able to bring an understanding of the skill and commitment it takes to be a great player. I think about how easy it was for me to put down the tennis racquet years ago and how much harder it will be for a man who has dedicated over 2 decades to being and beating the best in the sport. Thank you, Andre. And welcome to the next chapter of your life.

Thoughts On 7 Habits

As you've noticed, I took some time and added an area to keep track of what I'm reading. Currently, I'm in the middle of Stephen R. Covey's The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading this as it's helped me focus on several different areas of my life. Ideas like being proactive, noticing a paradigm shift and living my life with the end in mind have really hit home (yes, and I'm still in the first half.) It looks like this will be a book that I'll revisit often.

One of the best things about the book are the examples that bring to light some of these habits. One example was: Close your eyes and imagine your funeral. Imagine who would be speaking (family, friends, co-workers and church members) and what would they say about you. How you live your life now will be reflected in how you are remembered and what you leave behind. Another example has to do with paradigm shift and the photo on the left. How old do you think the lady is? Feel free to post that answer in your comments.

Rock Star: Martin's Closet: The Reality Series

I can't remember how long ago Lora mentioned it (hence, I can't find the post to link to) but she mentioned how guys tend to hold onto clothes too long whether they wear them or not. I'm very guilty of this and my closet is full of clothes I've received during Christmas/birthdays and have never worn. Which gave me an idea that I alluded to on her blog. There are some of the offending garments in the photo there ---->

Anyhow, I've put it in my head that this is the premiere introduction episode for the new monthly reality series Rock Star: Martin's Closet. Yes, during this month, I will choose 12 items from hundreds manufactured from all around the world in their chance to win a position in my closet. This will be very difficult and there will probably be tears but I will let YOU make the final choice. All 11 of the items that don't make the final cut will be donated to charity (and if they don't take them... a thrift store or yard sale.) I promise to see this competition to a successful end and if all goes well we may have a second season. At the end of next month, you will meet the contestants. My guess is that China will have many entries.

Insensitive Me

I was watching something on television yesterday and then my Tivo kicked in a suggestion. This happens often as I like to see what it thinks I'm interested in. Anyhow, it started recording a special titled Why Does College Cost So Much... And Is It Worth It? The show walked through the normal issues of rising tuition costs countered with the lower teacher to student ratios, the expensive classrooms and even a college with a 52 person capacity hot tub. Since, I'm returning to education, of course I found it interesting to see the reasons for increased tuition. It seemed to make a lot of sense until about 20 minutes or so in. You see, they gave two different viewpoints (one prior to going in and one after.)

One soon to be student comes from a family that earns $100,000 a year which was over the limit to get assistance yet the parents hadn't considered putting any money away for their daughter's college. They were upset with the system. The father urged her to consider community college for the first few years and the mother would not allow it. The journalists followed the family around as they toured schools for a few months.

Perspective #2 was of a woman who just finished 4 years of college (tuition and fees paid were $135,000) and now owed $80,000 in college loans. (Yes, this means that either she, grants or scholarships paid off the other $55,000.) When asked why she chose such an expensive school she replied, "I was told that I'd fit in better there." She proceeds to talk about how hard it is now after finishing school. The graduate had been at the mall with her friends looking at dresses for their formal and (she sniffles and tears up) she has to look in the clearance rack for her dress. (Tears are now streaming down her face as she looks at the camera.) She then says that she doesn't know when she'll be able to buy designer clothes again.

I laughed so hard that I had to watch it again (this time showing it to Kerry.) Kerry herself has been putting money away for her son David's education while earning much less than half of what the first family mentioned. Sometimes it hurts having to save but it is necessary. Sure, things can go wrong and that happens but making an attempt doesn't hurt. Leaving community college out as an option is also rather petty. The post-student irks me the most. Now that you've graduated, nothing has changed other than the height of the ceiling as you enter the working class and what floor. Yes, you owe student loans and you will for quite some time but to see someone cry over not being able to purchase designer items... boo friggen hoo!

Martin In A Strange Land

The phrase "stranger in a strange land" has been around since the early biblical translations into English began (Exodus 2:22.) Growing up, I'd heard of the book often and of course heard of the songs of the same title by Iron Maiden and Leon Russell. Recently, the text was placed in my hands (ok, it was a bag stacked full of books) by Teri and Lloyd, I was just an egg.

You see, the book's main character is a human male named Valentine Michael Smith who was born on Mars under the supervision of Martians and has returned to Earth as an adult. In the early part of the book, Smith becomes the perfect vessel to examine the human condition through the eyes of someone just learning (or who is "just an egg.") We've seen this type of situation used often with Star Trek: TNG's Data, Star Trek's Spock, Tom Hanks in Big and Darryl Hannah in Splash (well, that's more of a fish out of water tale.)

Another point that I find fascinating at the start of the book is Heinlein's view of the 'space race' in the early 60's. The book was published in 1961 during the same year that President John F. Kennedy said, "I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth. No single space project...will be more exciting, or more impressive to mankind, or more important...and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish...." We hadn't reached the moon yet but Heinlein saw us hitting Mars. He also believed the Russians would get there before us.

The first half of the book deals with Smith's becoming accustomed to Earth, his "rights" as a human, his money (as sole heir to a fortune) and to the correct uses of his extraordinary abilities. The second half makes a jerky right turn and proceeds into making Smith a pseudo-Christ character as he creates a cultish 'church' in an effort to educate the masses. Of course, problems arise with rival factions, organized criminals and a frenzied media. I really started losing touch with the book when they brought angels into it and then revealed Smith's true character...

No more for spoilers but if you haven't read the book, it is worth it as he creates some great characters whose interactions are absolutely hilarious at times (had me laughing out loud at work.) Most of these involve the character Jubal Harshaw (an educated older eccentric millionaire and reclusive writer) who will remain a favorite. Also worth noting is that Heinlein coined the word "grok" in this book which means to drink, to understand and to be one with.

Spoilage

It seems that I'm on an unusual streak of posts dealing with things said to me by co-workers. This can be a bad trend that will end it with this one. I was asked last week, "Are you an only child?" There was no preamble, no "hey, how's it going?" but straight and to the point. I told her that I wasn't and proceeded to say that I'm the oldest of 4. I don't think she even heard me as she didn't say anything after that even when I asked her why she asked. Very odd. Even though I heard her ask someone else the question moments later. So, I just chalked it up to her taking a poll.

I bumped into her later. Sarcastic person that I can be, she was within earshot when I turned to another co-worker and asked, "Are you an only child?" She didn't get my making fun of her previous question and I asked her again, why she had asked. After saying "it's nothing" a few times, she said, "... because you are spoiled." That wasn't what I was expecting. But, she said little to say why she thought that.

Anyhow, I'm one of those people that take those little moments and mull them over and over and over until I have burned the gears out. What makes me seem like a spoiled brat to her? I mentally came up with a list of 15 to 20 things that I have, may do or might not do that may imply it (yes, the iPod is on the list.) Everyone is entitled to their own evaluation of other people. But, how is it that you define spoiled? And does being an 'only child' automatically imply you are spoiled?

Goal Tending

I was approached with a question by another co-worker about 3 days ago (this seems to happen often, huh.) I tend to be the person that people come to when they have a song in their head that they can't remember the artist or title. Sometimes they just remember the music video. I plead ignorance to some of the 70's and current hits but can usually nail my decade of study (the 80's.) This co-worker has a sister that used to be a local DJ at KUNV (where I trained as a DJ much later) who now works for Rhino Records. After answering his question, he asked me one that I haven't heard before. "Martin, why haven't you written a book?"

That's a darn good question. I had two goals (formed when I was in high school) that I wanted to attain by the time I turned 30. Goal #1 was to record an album. I sort of conquered that one by 1996 but that's a whole other story. Goal #2 was to publish a book. I didn't get to that one in time. Early on, the idea was simply publishing a collection of poetry and short stories that I'd written during my high school years. That goal evolved over time yet my focus jumped to different arenas while goal #2 gathered dust... until 3 days ago.

I recently mentioned my re-entry into college. Doing so, I'll need to spend some time in English classes (pesky core requirements.) This will give me some time to refine an outline for a possible book about... squirrels. No, of course it will be about 80's music. There are so many books about the music of this time period out there that just throw names about (Madonna, Springsteen, Duran Duran, etc.) but I'd like to show the decade for what it was. It was a time when charting pop music was disco, country, rock, dance, reggae, synthpop, rap, punk, jazz, metal, R&B and even T.V. show instrumental theme songs (think Miami Vice and Hill Street Blues theme songs.) It was a time of musical tolerance before each genre needed a radio station for itself. So, here I state that goal #2 has been given a 10 year extension with hopes to finish something in the next 5 years (as I try to juggle everything else.)

Probing Job Applications

Sick of seeing New York yet? I figure you've seen it up there longer than I spent there. So, off to another item that has been rolling around in my head since before the trip: credit checks.

A co-worker of mine approached me a few weeks ago. (Seeing as I have my head in a book most of the time, it seems that I'm always the one to ask unusual questions.) He asked me, "Why do you think that companies are now running your credit when you apply for a job?" He felt really uneasy about the idea that an employer gets to poke around in your personal history.

My first response to him was "because they can." My second was that it makes sense for an employer when it comes to a skilled field. If my credit was horrendous and it shows that I was lucky that I haven't been evicted from my home yet, why would an employer want to invest money into training me for a position? If I've already shown that I'm not responsible with my bills and that homelessness is a future possibility, what would keep me from not showing up to work, overcharging a customer or stashing a $20 bill from the cash register in my sock? Sure, they could take a risk on an underdog but when it comes to a small business you want to take as few risks as possible.

He then asked me, "What about those young kids that have just come out of school or are in college?" Sure, many of them find their way into credit debt but debt doesn't usually exclude you from a job (or we'd all be having problems.) Showing a continuing trend of credit issues screams that there is a current problem that should be resolved before more responsibility is given. Some of the bigger problems stems from not having a strong job history (while attending school) and now telling someone that you want to redirect your focus to the job market. This is also a great reason for entry level positions as each of them shows your willingness to work as well as gives the employer someone to call and ask, "Did Martin have a problem showing up on time?"

So overall, I don't see an employer having access to credit information as a bad thing. Do I think that it should play a major role? No. We already give out an amazing amount of information on an employment application in the hopes of being hired (former addresses, former employers, educational summary and even the names, numbers and addresses of people that can vouch for you.) Letting them see that I don't change jobs every week and that I pay my bills isn't going to kill me.

As an employer, would you use all the information available to you a prospective employee to make your decision?

New York Vacation - Day 3 - 4

My last few days have to be lumped together because they were just fun lazy days. We pretty much wandered around town and were still letting the event the night before sink in.

The only real plans we had for day 3 were dinner plans at Campagnola that night on 77th and 1st. In all honesty, this restaurant knocked me off my feet and has become one of my favorite dining experiences...if not the best. Why would I say such a thing? I think it's because I really threw caution to the wind and tried some things that I would never have put in my mouth. When we walked in and met our server (really nice gentleman from northern Italy), my father requested two pizzas as appetizers. Oddly enough, Dad wasn't kidding. He really wanted pizza but our server took it as a joke and smiled saying, "I'm gonna take care of you!" I ordered a glass of their house chianti. We were served an immense amount of food that early on could have been seen as a sampler plate with gnocchi, ravioli, calamari and a scallop (never had a scallop before but it will have to be as amazing to get me to try it again.) Next came a few other items and Chilean sea bass (which again, I had to try and found tremendous.) Then came a gigantic T-bone steak which had the meat cut from the bone and sliced in strips. I could only eat a little of that as I was already pretty full. Then came dessert: a platter with 6 different gellatos, slices of ice cream between them, little pastries in between those and a sundae in the middle containing black coffee beans. Tried out their moscatto (dessert wine) at this point. I was stuffed but really felt like I had toured Italy without eating Italian fast food.

After returning to the hotel, Dad walked with us back down to the Tonic Bar & Grill. I guess it was Beck's night or something because we got the last free round of them as well as key chains. This was the first time we were all able to have a drink together during the trip and Dad left after his bottle was gone. I stayed out a bit longer, had a few more drinks and walked back. Last minute, I decided to look into the Hooters across the street from where we were staying to see what it was like. I then called it an evening.

We were hoping to take a tour of the city the next morning but Matt and Mike (pictured there on the right) were recovering from their night out. While waiting for them, Dad and I noticed a fair going on outside the hotel (running all the way down 7th.) I slept in a bit longer and went to the gym with Dad. Then we walked around the fair. It seems they do this every 2 weeks where they close down the street and put little vendors with everything from luggage, t-shirts (bought a few offensive ones,) reggae CDs (possibly RIAA infringement,) Mexican food (wasn't going to risk it,) sunglasses (bought a pair,) fortune tellers (I'm sorry but I don't expect much when they charge $2 to $5 per reading) and much more.

After walking the length of the fair, we got a call from my brothers (who desperately needed coffee.) We walked back, walked the street again and returned back for a trip to the deli. That was when we figured that we only had a few hours left before we needed to get ready for our flight. Having packed our bags, we decided to walk past the fair and go further into the city towards Top Of The Rock. It seems the GE building (owned by NBC) has an observation deck on top called Top Of The Rock and our best chance of seeing the city would be from 70 stories up. So, I took a bunch of photos from there and as Dad, Matt and Mike walked in. We ran through the tour to save time and went straight up. Pretty amazing view. We then ran back out, took a cab back to the Manhattan Club, picked up our luggage and flew back home. Upon later reflection, the timeliness couldn't be better (seeing what happened with flights the following week.)





























































As you can tell, I'm throwing as many pictures up here as possible but pay close attention to the last photo. Imagine owning a company with that name (or even just being a driver.) Don't be afraid to click and zoom in. I just wonder how many people keep signing him up for Cialis and Enzyte samples. Thank you for sharing my vacation with me.

New York Vacation - Day 2

Our second day in town was a little more normal. Having unwound from the flight and settled in for the night, we scouted the surroundings. Dad and I headed over to the gym for a workout while my brothers recovered from checking out the local pubs (this would happen all week with myself and at one point Dad joining.) While the boys slept, we found a supermarket and picked up some goodies. We brought Mike and Matt there later to pick up some lunch. We would later find a deli on 7th that we'd keep going back to because of the service (and they made fresh juices which Dad would pick up... carrot, beet and celery.) Pictured is the back of Mike's head.


It was time for us to get ready for Tony Bennett's 80th birthday party held at the Museum of Natural History. Yes, I know a few people would like me to post photos of myself. You are in luck. I actually let my Dad handle the camera (which he really seemed lost doing.) This was taken with you in mind as I was getting ready for the night.


So, off we went to the party. Right before it started, I had the munchies and tried a slice of Ray's Pizza. I was told this was the best pizza in town and had to try it, so I did. Not bad. Ok, anyhow, the party was attended by 250 people. Many of you would know the names: Robert DeNiro, John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Bruce Willis, Harry Belafonte, Elvis Costello, Diana Krall, Donald Trump, Katie Couric, Alec Baldwin, Congressman Charles Rangel... lets just say there were a lot of them. Matt and Mike spent quite some time with Travolta and Preston. Very nice people. Dinner was amazing (ok, the appetizer wasn't as it was an antipasti plate) as it was my first taste of veal milanese and saffron orzo followed by an assorted gelato and sorbet plate dessert. Here are a few pics from the party (one with Elvis and one with Dad.)


Yes, I tend to avoid taking photos of myself but I couldn't resist getting one with the creator of one of my favorite albums, Spike. After leaving there, Dad returned back to the hotel and I went to join Matt and Mike for a few drinks. It seems they have more than one place called Tonic (Tonic Bar & Grill and Tonic -- the nightclub.) I wound up spending $40 in a cab going to a very seedy part of town only to find out that the were at the much closer Tonic Bar & Grill to the hotel. The telephone directory only listed the nightclub. We walked back, grabbed some food and turned in for the night.

New York Vacation - Day 1

Ok, this is going to get edited a bit more as we go due to time constraints. Finally unpacked all the electronics that I brought on the trip with me (iPod, digital camera, electric razor, cell phone and really new iPod player) and now, having hooked everything back up, I can look at what photos I took. I also figured that this area has gone empty for too long so here are a few photos and notes.


We stayed in two rooms at the beautiful Manhattan Club (on 200 W. 56th near 7th) which is right across from a Hooters. Amazing location (and not because of the Hooters) which is just a block or so away from Ed Sullivan Theater (yes, where they tape David Letterman.) The photo was taken from the window in our room. The brown building you see over there? That's Carnegie Hall.


Trash day is really odd in New York. Not much area for dumpsters, so they stack everything on the sidewalk. No smell was more overpowering during our first few days than that of black trashbags full of refuse in hot humid weather. And here I thought all the jokes were about New Jersey.


The first weird sign that I saw on my way via taxi to our hotel said 'Siamese For Retail Only.' My first thought was... you can rent people from Siam? Or were they privy to a special ordinance allowing only them to rent this part of the wall? Later reflection had me thinking that it meant both of those had to be used at the same time but I'm still lost on the use of the word "retail." Very odd.

Did I Leave The Iron On?

So much to do, so little time. Just sent out a bunch of things that I sold on eBay, got fitted for and picked up a nice suit, got a haircut, hopped in the shower, paid some bills and yet... I still haven't packed for my trip tomorrow. So, I might have to leave work early to do so. We'll see. Anyhow, I just wanted to pop in and wish all of you a great week and feel free to leave a few ideas of New York sights that I should see while I'm there in the comments. I might be able to sneak on and check while I'm out there. So much crap to pack!

What Does A Government Do Well?

I believe that a notion solidified in my mind when the Red Cross and Salvation Army's efforts to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina were turned aside by Louisiana state homeland security and FEMA officials. My notion: government isn't the answer for everything. I'd like you to take a moment to think of a few things that a government does well... here is such a list compiled by U.S. Congressman Chaka Fattah. Personally, I see at least 5 in that list that are pretty laughable and a few I can agree with but that really isn't my point.

In several decades of questionable governmental spending which has brought about the much discussed $200 hammer and $500 toilet seat, do we really think that a government action is the best solution for all of our societal ills? Usually an incompetent elected government official is discarded during the next election (unless they resign, pass away or are removed in a special session) but an incompetent executive or employee can be sent packing or even sued a lot quicker. Funding is scrutinized much closer as the company, organization or business wish to cut costs to show acumen and possibly earn a bonus. Also, much government action goes through committee after committee with revision and addendum which pushes the project(s) back considerably.

I'm not saying that everything should be taken out of bureaucratic hands but I ask, "What does a government do well?"

Life Update - 072606

It's been a very odd week. I guess usually it is good to start from one end of the spectrum and work to the other (bad news then good.) Back some time ago, I figured out that one of the biggest problems that I had with the master bathroom (other than the need to have it gutted and redone) was that it needed storage space. So I added a little cabinet on the only wall that was available. It keeps up with the wood look that is already going on in there.

Anyhow, it was a regular Monday (meaning that I was trying to get the newsletter done before heading off to work) and planned to save a little time by shaving off the weekend stubble growth. So, I grabbed my shaving cream from inside the shower (view of the shower and the cabinet from inside the shower.) I headed to the sink and started lathering up. I then returned to inside the shower to grab my razor. I headed back to the sink. If you ever had an obstacle around the house that you normally avoid out of habit, you know what happens when for some reason you break that habit... you trip, slip or hit something. I hit something -- the edge of the cabinet... right in the middle of my forehead.

So I firmly held a towel to it for about 15 minutes to cut down on the gushing blood and promote clotting followed by the application of Neosporin. It hasn't been without that salve and a band-aid for longer than 3 minutes since then. Doesn't look like it's bad enough for stitches (kinda made an L shape... can anyone say loser?) but should be interesting to see it if leaves a scar (hence the optimistic abundant use of Neosporin.) So far so good. The photo was taken just moments ago (it's almost 3:30 a.m.)

I also wound up returning from dinner with Kerry, Teri and Lloyd on Saturday night and found something interesting. That new front door that I had installed had a nifty foot print on it placed high in the middle (must have been at least a size 12+.) It wasn't long until I was out in the yard clipping the bush that obscures the door from the street by over a foot. With all the weird things going on around here in the neighborhood, it does give me more of a reason to consider placing a loud alarm at the door. Maybe, I've just seen too many home security commercials where the thief throws himself at the door and it opens with the alarm blaring.

After returning home that night, I lined up all the books on my headboard in cue for my reading pleasure. (You can also see the new $49.99 iPod stereo to the left and new Peter Kitchell print above it which I picked up at a yard sale for $12.00. The owner had a tag on it that said $35 and before I left she offered to sell it for $10. I felt guilty and added $2 more so she can proudly say she got more than she asked.) This book list was extended quite graciously by Teri and Lloyd who shocked me with a bag of books and a load of chocolate chip cookies (Teri used Alton Brown's recipe and they are great!) Yes, I don't say it often enough but I'm very lucky to have friends like them.

Lastly, I returned home this morning to an answering machine message from Mom. I believe that it is worth placing here verbatim for me to remember and for her possible future embarrassment:
"I'm looking at the clock and it's 11:56 p.m. 35 years ago, your Dad and I were traveling to the hospital at Sutter Memorial. And we checked in at 12:04 -- to avoid having to pay extra for the day before we had to wait until the A.M. And of course, four hours later my first beautiful baby was born. I'm so grateful for that. You are such a special special son to me. I'm so grateful to have you. I'm just want to let you know now, so I won't be calling you at 4:30 a.m. I'll see you tomorrow." Who says that text messages are all that fabulous when I can get an answering machine message like this? Love ya, Mom. Anyhow, I took today off for a change and am going to try to have lunch and/or dinner with the family (Mom is heading to her high school reunion this weekend which doesn't work with the standard Sunday dinner thing for family birthdays but it's all about enjoying your time together, isn't it. B)