MetroMan - Confessions of a Metrosexual Dad

Bend, Stretch, Reach for the Stars!

2008-08-25T05:16:00.000-07:00

"Bend, Stretch, Reach for the Stars"

Some of you may recognize the line - if I remember correctly it's from Romper Room. Yah, you'd need to be old enough to remember the kids morning show that was popular in the 50's and 60's in the Rhode Island and Southern, MA area. But that isn't the point. What I get out of it, more than a simple little stretching exercise for the kiddies, is a great way to attack every day of your life. Strategic and tactical actions for great living!

Bend

Be flexible. Physically because you don't want to get as achy. Mentally because life changes minute to minute. Yes, have goals, but be willing to bend and take new avenues of opportunity as they come along. Flex when heavy winds (adversity of any kind from you blowhard boss to a call saying you didn't get a new job, contract or whatever) blow your way.

Stretch

Exapand! Lengthen! Physically because it promotes blood flow and flexibility. Mentally? Don't stay inside your current boundaries! Move outside what you currently deal with, work on , read of. Get outside of your head, get into other people's points of view, learn more, dream more, go BIG!

Reach for the Stars

Aim high! Physically it lengthens you. Really! Well, not like you're going to grow, but it's still good. Mentally: Sure, you're not working in NASA on the space program but reaching for the stars is something that starts mentally and moves physically! Aim high, set big goals. If you shoot for the stars and miss you still end up in the sky. If you aim low and miss, you end up in the ant hills.

So, for this Monday and any day. Bend, Stretch, Reach for the stars! You'll be surprised what happens when you do!

It's not Social Media - it's SPAM.

2008-08-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

@JPTrenn and @ckieff have been having this great discussion about flogging and astroturfing. According to a focus group (of one) the decision was reached that we shouldn't be upset because it's just advertising or marketing (depending on if you choose JP's or Chris' side of the argument).

From there Chris arrived at the conclusion that because we - the digerati - are purists about our social media - we get offended at these marketers and advertisers but really we need to just get acclimated and learn how to recognize them. All (including the first part of the argument) to which I say

BOLDERDASH!

What a steaming pile of spare parts that is! (of course, I don't mean that in a *bad* way*) And to think, they almost had me taken in too. HA!

So, why are they wrong? What is the fatal premise? Simple. It's the premise that these floggers are advertisements. They are not, they are SPAM.

I know, you may be saying that I'm a purist so I don't want these marketing and advertising type people on. WRONG. I know a LOT of people on twitter that are on there *AS* their brand. I'm grateful for it, I appreciate their contribution. Yes, everything they say comes through a filter - which is OK because in reality we have a filter on everything that everyone says to us anyway.

BUT these floggers, these so called advertisers are not those things. They are simply SPAM. I've already decoded which accounts these people have. There are several tells that give it away. And for those lucky people that make the mistake of following me - I block them. I know - I'm a cold hearted SOB ain't I? I mean, I'm blocking these people even though they're just trying to make a living right? They're just trying to drive traffic to their site in hope of getting sales, or ad-clicks or whatever. You can't blame them, they're just trying to make a digital buck!

WRONG people. WRONG! They're spammers! And in fact they are such annoying damn spammers that I think they have as a group done something that Seth Godin never anticipated - they abused his permission marketing platform so thoroughly they've have permanently associated his Squiddo brand with SPAM in my mind. Way to go!

Wait though. I've made an assertion and I've ranted about it, but I haven't provided the reason *why* I think these people are spammers. And the answer is... Because they are NOT permission marketing, because they certainly are not part of the social media discussion. What they are is a bunch of accounts that do nothing but follow thousands of people in the hope that the people who follow the link back to their page to see who they are will click on their sole tweet to whatever their product is. Sure, some people create a feed to their twitter page that tweet every link they put up on their sites creating a mini link-farm. Again, they follow thousands of people (with next to no followers) and they only thing they're doing by following you is hoping that you'll click on their link.

THAT boys and girls is spam. Mass quantities of unwilling participants being hit with a message that they do NOT want. Bingo! We have Bingo!

So, with respect to my friends JP and Chris, it's not advertising or marketing. I *don't* need to get used to it. I need to block as many of these annoying twits (and I don't mean that in a twitter sense) as possible, not give them access to have my content draw people to their streams, and hopefully have them shrivel up and die as soon as possible (was that harsh?).

Hey, I may be The Most Enthusiastic Person on Earth (tm) but that doesn't mean that I have to allow these booger-heads to waste my time with their spam. I am however looking forward with great enthusiasm and delight to the solution of being rid of them while other people with brand integrity continue to tweet, blog, ping, plurk, pownce and friendfeed about their services and create the village square of the internet.

Seven Spectacular Ways to Make Monday ROCK!

2008-08-18T06:12:00.000-07:00

Hey tweeps, phritters, phriends and all others :-) Here are seven *spectacular* ways to make your Monday rock - and I bet they get you off to such a great start the whole week will rock too!

1. Take time to set your mind. A little time in prayer, meditation or just reflecting on all the amazing blessings you have does *marvelous* things for setting your mind and spirit in a great state to start the week.

2. Stretch! Stretching does *great* stuff for body. It promotes blood flow, it works out kinks and aches and it makes you feel more flexible. And really, when we're more flexible and we feel good our minds are more flexible too!

3. Do a bit of exercise. You bet. Strong bodies help build strong minds. Get those endorphins flowing, build muscle, feel buff.

4. Picture your week. Create the image of the week that you're starting - and see it all going GREAT! See it just the way it should be. Don't worry, even if things come up, you'd be amazed at how easily you can adapt those surprises in and help make them part of how great the week is!

5. Make today's to do list. If you haven't already done it the night before, do one now. Don't make it exhaustive and don't make it for the rest of the month. Today's list is fine. Then find one thing you can get done straight away and get your first check mark!

6. Smile and say hello to everyone (yes, even "them") that you work with on the way into your desk/office/cube/work station. You'd be surprised at how much starting with a smile will make both their week and yours better!

7. Be *positive*! For realz. This is pithy, but true. Look at things with a glass half full - heck - even go 3/4 full! - mentality. Sure, stuff happens, but look at it as an opportunity! Yes, I hear some of you thinking that you're a "realist" or " too pragmatic" for that. Well, guess what! The most pragmatic thing you can do is to change the reality by going after those opportunities by unleashing your creative mind with a positive outlook for creative solutions with enthusiasm!

There you go, seven spectacular, sure fire ways to make your Mondays (and your week) ROCK. Have more? Let me know in the comments!

I can't take it anymore! Now it's my turn.

2008-07-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

The kids singing at children's day

2008-06-29T08:41:00.001-07:00

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Four Things About Me - A Different Twist

2008-06-04T21:46:00.000-07:00

I'd love to start having this go around. The only change to the instructions? Make sure every person that you ping - and responds with an email, blog post, YouTube video or whatever - pings me too!

FOUR THINGS ABOUT ME!!!!!
Well, it starts with me, but I really want to know about YOU!

This one is a bit different from others we've seen go around. Four things about me that you may or may not have known in no particular order.

Four jobs I have had in my life:

1. Making shakes at McDonalds
2. Pushing carriages /cashier/ front-end supervisor in a grocery store
3. Program Director/DJ at the college radio station
4. Domino's delivery

Four movies I've watched more than once:
1. A Knight's Tale
2. Pride and Prejudice
3. When Harry Met Sally
4. All Six Star Wars movies

Honorable mention: Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (only because it's so new. Only 3 times so far)
I FORGOT! Legally Blonde (had to add it for full disclosure)

Four places I have lived:
1. Coventry, RI
2. Atlanta, GA (really Buckhead and Dunwoody - but they're both part of Atlanta now)
3. Fall River, MA
4. East Taunton, MA

Four T. V. Shows that I watch:
1. American Idol
2. House Hunters International
3. Chuck
4. BSG

Four places I have been:
1. Haiti
2. Hawaii
3. Cali
4. Virginia

People who e-mail me
1. Shanna
2. Halle
3. Kevin
4. BACN! (it's a meme - look it up ;-)

Four of my favorite foods:
1. My father's lasagna
2. My mother's meatballs
3. My wife's Chicken Scampi (with the salt amount adjusted)
4. Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp @ The Cheesecake Factory

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Cali
2. Florida
3. London
4. France
(I know - France? What kind of an Italian/American am I?)

Four friends I think will respond:
1. Ed
2. Karina
3. B
4. Annie

Things I am looking forward to this year:
1. Explosive spiritual growth
2. Impacting people - one person at a time
3. Missions trip
4. Vacation - in a van - with four little girls.

ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS
Hit forward, delete my answers and type in Your answers. Then send this to some people you know INCLUDING the person who sent it to you. The Theory is that you will learn a lot of little known facts about those who know you. Remember to send it back to the person who sent it to you.

My Addendums
- send me a link to your blog post, YouTube/Viddler/Seesmic video, etc.
- have anyone that answers you via email include me on the distribution
- feel free to answer in the comments

YOU ROCK. Never forget it.

Frustrations of a Tire Changer

2008-06-01T04:38:00.001-07:00

Thanks Dodge/Chrysler. May I just take this opportunity to say that your engineers really need to rethink how the spare is stored on your minivans? Because while this experience has been enlightening, and possibly humorous, fun it hasn't been!

So, the short story, I get a call from the beloved wife last night at 11:00 saying "I have a flat tire". Thank the good Lord that she heard something happen to the tire shortly before getting to the development we live in. So, she had come to a stop off the main road and only a 1/4 mile away from the house. I padded out to the car in my bare feet (not a wise decision as I was to find out) and zipped up the road. Of course, it was drizzling and it was dark and I couldn't see a damn thing. She had already driven a good mile or so since the noise (but the tire took a little while to go flat) so looking at it there in the 11th hour darkness - and not knowing where any of the requisite tools were to get the job done I just declared the tire hosed and I drove it the 1/4 mile through the development to the house.

This morning I go out to the van in full regalia - all prepped for crawling on the ground and handling nasty tire kinda stuff (come on - did you think I was going to get dirty? PHULEASE). I knew where the jack was. Figure out where that went pretty easily. Score one for the designers. But the spare, where the heck was that? So, I started looking around - and under. That's where I spotted it. The sucker is underneath the back of the van. So I crawl underneath looking for some bolt or something... nothing. There's some kind of plastic piece holding the tire on. I start thinking, lefty loosey? Is that it? So I try to move it. No easy task. And I'm still thinking - how the heck do they expect people to be able to do this? Well, really, they don't. I cranked around a few times by various methods (like hammer for instance). Nothing. Finally (hey, I never said I was quick, you know?) I resort to the manual and find out the tire is held up by an ingenious winch mechanism that releases from a nut inside the van. So, I find the nut, crank it around assiduously and BINGO! The cable loosens and drops to the ground. The tire on the other hand does not. Seems the piece holding it is locked - rusted - right to the anchor. That baby ain't goin' NOWHERE. Of course, I find this out after wasting a good 45 minutes of my time on a Sunday morning! Which of course is important because I was trying to get the spare on so we could all go to church. BEAUTIFUL.

So thanks Dodge. I appreciate the opportunity for forbearance, patience and all those other great attributes that only show up in trial. In this case; however, I would have preferred a tire change.

2008-05-26T12:39:00.001-07:00

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2008-04-25T09:21:00.001-07:00

Having fun working on different projects. The IA for each is completely different.

2008-04-24T22:43:00.001-07:00

Good night y'all, time for some sleep (again) big meeting in the morning!

Productivity Comes to OUTLOOK! How do I know? Check it ou!

2008-04-23T18:48:00.000-07:00

Hey peeps and tweeps!

So, for the new job I've got to use some Windoze PC stuff, mainly because the folks at the office (a) have PCs, (b) use Visio as their wireframing tool, and (c) Omnigraffle Pro 5 translates the Visio stuff fine, but doesn't put it into a decent format going the other way.

Being that I was stuck in the environment with Outlook I got frustrated because Outlook as many of you know has NO threading or anything of the like. Being an avid GMail and Apple Mail user for several years now, I couldn't imagine life without it.

Anyway... thankfully while I was whining about my situation, one of my new work buddies told me about this FANTASTIC new Outlook plugin!

Xobni is still in private beta, but you can request an invite just by using the badge above. Dude - you will SO love it! Check it out now, and by requesting to be in the beta using the badge above, you help me get in the beta too! (I've been drooling all day so get me in before there's a big puddle, could you?)

Thanks peeps. Really, this thing is HOT!

If you have a kid in school, you want to read this

2008-04-19T16:50:00.000-07:00

A great video done at a university about education. If you have a child in school at any age, it applies.

2008-04-19T13:34:00.001-07:00

q-bits, photons, Cooper pairs, radio frequency. Shnikies.

2008-04-19T13:32:00.001-07:00

Just got a call from someone I didn't know. They told me they just hit my wife's van. Nice.

2008-04-19T09:22:00.003-07:00

1. I love my job. 2. I'm DAMN good at it, which makes the fact that I love it even better!

2008-04-19T09:22:00.001-07:00

Can I say two things without sounding too obnoxious?

2008-04-19T08:54:00.001-07:00

Working on inbox 200. Yes, it is that bad.

2008-04-19T08:26:00.001-07:00

Catching up on my following back everyone, sending email to my 93 yo mom and WORK.

2008-04-18T21:22:00.001-07:00

Shnikies watching a video in the virtual machine beat the CRAP out of my processor. MacBook sounded like a jet!

2008-04-18T21:06:00.003-07:00

So weird. Using Digsby and clicking on links keeps me in Windoze - now I need to be careful AND have antivirus running.

2008-04-18T21:06:00.001-07:00

Damn @Digsby I want a Mac version. Faster! PLEASE!

2008-04-18T20:56:00.001-07:00

I think I'm going to switch to windows just so I can use Digsby all the time.

2008-04-18T18:10:00.001-07:00

Done making @ShanZan's special dessert and coffee. Now time to sit down and watch Idol Extra :) Bye Kristy Lee!

2008-04-17T22:52:00.001-07:00

Time for this PhillyMac to hit the sack! Night tweeps, phritters, pownceites and bookies! Peace.

2008-04-17T22:18:00.003-07:00

Great news! He's doing the podiobook of the next book in the series - The Two Travelers. It ROCKS.

2008-04-17T22:18:00.001-07:00

Listening to JC Hutchins interview Mark Jeffrey author of Pocket & the Pendant

2008-04-17T22:16:00.003-07:00

I've now "read" four of the Jane Austen books. P&P, Emma, Persuasion and NA

2008-04-17T22:16:00.001-07:00

Favorites in order. Pride & Prejudice, Persuasion, Emma. Northanger Abby SUCKED. Sorry Jane.

2008-04-17T22:14:00.001-07:00

OK. It's 65 in Cleveland and 43 in Boston. What's wrong with that.

2008-04-17T22:10:00.001-07:00

Just watched the Devil Wears Prada on my iPhone. OK, well on the trip home. iPhone battery did pretty well.

2008-04-17T22:02:00.001-07:00

First message frpm iPhone with ping.fm

2008-04-17T21:38:00.001-07:00

Scoping out Ping.fm... It's not Digsby but hmmmm, lots of ways to hit many places at once!

PhillyMac talking with Victor from Typical Mac User

2008-04-05T13:43:00.001-07:00

PhillyMac talking with Victor from Typical Mac User, originally uploaded by PhillyMac.

Doing the podcast interview with Victor Cajiao for the MacNation. Listening this time.

PS According to my 12 year old - I look a little rough in this picture. Thanks sweetie.

Who's the King? NAJA King!

2008-03-31T11:51:00.000-07:00

DUDE!

OK. So, Have to tell you about this new product I just got called the NAJA King. (see picture)

The Naja King (part of the NAJA line from thoughtout.biz) is a killer cool device that is a killer cool iPhone/iPod touch holder or stand that you can configure all kinds of ways. In fact, I used it this morning with my iPhone so that I could play the video of my warm up exercises.

How? Easy. This thing is TOTALLY flexible, so I created a nice wide base because I was putting it on my ironing board in the bedroom. Needed stability. BUT, because it's so configurable I also was able to make a nice long neck on it too, so I got the hight up there pretty well too.

I was excited when I saw this device because I already have the PED3 (sitting right here on my desk next to me) and I love the wide base and the rotating head where you put the iPhone/iPod Touch. The NAJA King I think is even cooler though because you can configure it for almost anywhere, adjust height. I mean, it's REALLY cool. I haven't tried this yet, but you can even loop it around you neck and prop it on your chest so you can watch your iPhone/iPod Touch on the train without having to hold it up the whole time. Damn - come to think of it, I could do that in bed too. SWEET!

OK. So that's it. Check it out here: thoughtout.biz. I'm telling you, you're gonna want one!

2008-03-19T06:11:00.001-07:00

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2008-03-19T06:08:00.001-07:00

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2008-03-18T06:16:00.001-07:00

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2008-03-13T05:51:00.001-07:00

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Logo Decision

2008-03-05T13:18:00.000-08:00

I've had a logo for my company for about 5 years now. And usually with logos I like to stick with what I've got. In this case though, there are several reasons why I want to change it - and why I can't just start a new company. So, I've got to come up with a new logo.

Here's the old one, which worked when it was first created. GlobalSync did software for the Palm and was really into the "sync" thing.

However, now the company is going to be going more SaSS. It's not so much syncing (though as I mentioned I need to keep the name). So, at the moment I have this logo.

It's got a bit of a different vibe, but I like it's movement. I'm not saying it's the last in the line of iterations, but it's a direction.

Your thoughts?

2008-02-29T08:11:00.001-08:00

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2008-02-29T08:08:00.001-08:00

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Why Hillary Can't Win

2008-02-19T16:58:00.001-08:00

The deal is done. Hilly's race is run. It's over. It's been fun. By Hillary.

By why so soon you ask? What makes you call the race so early? What about Texas? Ohio? It makes no difference. Put a fork in her, Hillary is done.

Still you persist... don't count her out! They counted her out in New Hampshire! Yes they did, and that was the only thing that saved her campaign. It won't happen again.

You think I'm unreasonable perhaps? You think I haven't taken into consideration Hillary's record? (No, not the imaginary 35 years of experience but the 6 she actually spent in legislature). Sure I took that into my evaluation.

Oh wait. I know. You're thinking that I've counted out the Clinton machine. No, no. I haven't done that either. I know it's there.

"Ah ha!" you say. "You've forgotten Hillary's charm!" OK, I know, you never said that but it was kind of funny to think of someone saying it ;-)

But, still, with all of the above said, Hillary still can't win. At this point, it no longer has to do with Hillary. Sure, up until a couple of weeks ago she was actually part of the equation. But now, Hillary is a bystander just as sure as John Edwards and every other Democrat. It has nothing to do with her abilities or inabilities any more. So, what is it?

HISTORY

It's that simple. History. Hillary is history, because history is now being made. People know that. They can feel it. Some people call it momentum, and that has shifted. But it's shifted because of history. It hasn't shifted because Obama is really a better candidate that is offering anything that any Democratic candidate (including Hillary) for the past 15 years has offered. Really, look at his record and his platform. But that's not why Hillary can't win. Hillary can't win because of history. And right now, Barack Obama is ready to make history. People can feel it. People want to be a part of it.

Of course, it makes no difference if his platform is light. Hope doesn't need reason. It makes no difference if his experience is shallow. Enthusiasm, vision and charisma have created a legion of followers that look at Obama as the next MLK, Jr. and JFK combined. And now, especially since Super Tuesday, people know that history can be made.

The campaign is no longer about policy, it's about being a part of history. Being able to remember back in a fond glow of the heady days of this campaign leading to the Democratic nomination. Hillary has nothing to combat that. Bye Hillary.

2008-02-06T06:39:00.001-08:00

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2008-02-06T06:35:00.001-08:00

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2008-02-06T06:29:00.001-08:00

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PhillyMac Get's Out the Vote!

2008-02-05T13:31:00.001-08:00

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Geared up - on Thursday!

2008-01-31T12:26:00.001-08:00

Geared up - on Thursday!, originally uploaded by PhillyMac.

And you people thought I was a fanatic?

Cute even when sick

2008-01-31T12:24:00.001-08:00

Cute even when sick, originally uploaded by PhillyMac.

So, we were at the doctors office and I thought I'd kill time taking a picture. This kid is cute even when she's sick! God love her.

BMW after the Car Wash

2008-01-25T13:08:00.003-08:00

BMW after the Car Wash, originally uploaded by PhillyMac.

This is a similar angle to the picture I saw of the car when I looked at it and said "that's mine". I love the color. Oh yah, it drives real nice too!

She was up early

2008-01-25T13:08:00.001-08:00

She was up early, originally uploaded by PhillyMac.

Chloe was up early, so it's not surprising she's grabbing a little nap. I was up early to, but I'm not getting a nap.

The Difference between Islam and Christianity

2008-01-19T14:45:00.000-08:00

Just read this article first

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22728491/

OK. Now that you're back, let me state simply a 2 things:

1. Christians don't cut their head with razor blades and flagellate themselves to celebrate saints. And even the celebration of saints days is limited to the Roman Catholic church.

2. The God of the New Testament is a God of Love. His command is love. Love him, love others as yourself.

Just sayin' is all

A Bit Unlikely

2008-01-16T14:40:00.001-08:00

Yah, I can't figure it out. I'm #4. How the heck did that happen?

- I don't have as many followers
- I haven't done that many tweets today
- I've only had a handful of @s (maybe 10 or so) for the day

Yet my reputation is higher than ever and I had a gain of +38.

I didn't really contribute a lot in encouragement, I didn't really link. I did help anyone to have a great day. I didn't say anything brilliant or funny.

Ah, what the heck. I'll take it and run :-p

Sparkliing shrubs

2008-01-15T06:52:00.001-08:00

Sparkliing shrubs, originally uploaded by PhillyMac.

OK. It looked better in the camera while I had my glasses on and it was fuzzy because they were the wrong glasses ;)

Looking out the front door

2008-01-15T06:51:00.001-08:00

Looking out the front door, originally uploaded by PhillyMac.

If you can look past the sticky kid finger smudges you can see into our little cul-de-sac. That's the BMW mobile studio out there. The way our property is, or yard goes out to the left of and past the three shrubs.

The shed with frosty trees

2008-01-15T06:49:00.001-08:00

The shed with frosty trees, originally uploaded by PhillyMac.

Looking out the window over the sink on the back of the house.

Swingset dawning

2008-01-15T06:48:00.001-08:00

Swingset dawning, originally uploaded by PhillyMac.

PhillyMac: My Head - Gashed!

2008-01-06T19:15:00.001-08:00

PhillyMac: My Head - Gashed!, originally uploaded by PhillyMac.

This is what my head looked like while my wife was tweeting about it ;-) thanks @shanzan. Thankfully, I'm recovering.

PhillyMac in da house!

2008-01-05T07:06:00.001-08:00

PhillyMac in da house!
Originally uploaded by PhillyMac

Sporting the new Red Sox cap I picked up at the mall last night. It's my cool old guy in the hood look ;-) Nice cap, part of my Christmas present from wifey :D

@megfowler thinks everyone is a sexy geek. hrmmm.

2008-01-03T09:06:00.001-08:00

So I thought about it (above is the thoughtful pose). Geesh, even looking like that, am I still sexy? Am I "hawt"?

Damn straight!

Sexy isn't really something that someone anoints you, it flows from who you are. It's part confidence, part personality, part look. So, if you think you're sexy, then you've gone a long way along the road to being sexy. (note: if you're a gross, un-hygienic, ignorant pig however I can assure you that more than likely few people will find you sexy. So, shape up!)

Additionally, virtually everyone can find completely different attributes sexy! So, between you feeling sexy and others finding different attributes sexy, chances are (exceptions noted above) you're sexy! w00t!

Now, is sexy always classically pretty? Not always. But who cares? I mean heck, one of my buddies and I had a long running debate on which of Charlie's Angels (Jaclyn, Cheryl Ladd and Kate whatever her name was) was the prettiest. Obviously they were all attractive and there are some people that can almost universally be considered attractive. But does that mean that to be sexy you've got to *be* one of those people?

Hell NO!

So, whoever you are, wherever you are, ROCK who you are and daggumit you're all sexy!

Christmas = Patriots Gear!

2007-12-26T22:17:00.001-08:00

So, you all know besides being a geek, I'm also a huge football fan - specifically a Patriots fan. This year was great for me at Christmas. You've got to see why.

More to come on Christmas later!

Patriot's Rings: Super Cool!

2007-12-19T17:48:00.001-08:00

OK, so here's the story. I'm sitting at my desk, dying, massive headache. Looking at what some folks are twittering because I can't wrap my brain around some design I'm supposed to be doing. Out of the blue, the founder of the startup I'm working for walks into the office. "Hey Phil. You're a Patriots fan, right?" Me: Yes! "You might find these interesting." He puts a felt bag on my desk and walks out the door.

So, as you can imagine, I'm wondering. Now, I know that he used to work for the Pats. The company got it's first round of funding from the Kraft's as well. And, seeing the felt bag, I certainly have this little flutter of suspicion. So I opened the bag... and there they were.
I reached in and took the first one out. Man! It's beautiful. And it's HEAVY. I mean HEAVY. I think it's worth more than I make in a couple of months. At least. Geesh. And in person, it is every bit as awesome as you'd think it is. But of course, I had to see what else was in the bag.

Sweet! The "Dynasty" ring. The first one is my favorite. I love its clean lines, it's simple, elegant. The third ring is awesome too though. Sparkle is an understatement. And it's huge too. Of course, it also represents the third of the three Super Bowl wins in 4 years that made the Pats a dynasty. Sweet!

I have to admit. I was a kid in a candy store. My co-workers Adam and Phillip both were acting like kids too. We were using our cell phones to take pictures of the rings for each other. Absolutely silly. It was like holding the holy grail almost. I was in awe when I first took them out of the bag too. I find it funny. I'm not someone that's given to that kind of stuff. I grew up in a house where we had visiting dignitaries in all the time. No biggie anymore. But the rings? The real rings? It was very cool & very special. Nice way to forget for a few minutes that I had a nasty headache!

The Apple Fan Boy Mailbox

2007-12-15T11:28:00.000-08:00

I really wish I could attribute this, but man I'd love to have this as my mailbox! Anyone want to contribute an old shell to me? I really do actually need a new mailbox.

What does every Apple Fan Man Want? A PED!

2007-11-21T07:39:00.000-08:00

OK. Maybe that should be "What accessory does every Apple Fan Man that wants an iPhone want to go with it? But, that was too long for the title. The answer is still the same though, a PED3 iPhone stand!

One of the things I hate is having to leave my iPod lying on the desk. And honestly, as much as I love Apple design, the dock is a *little* uninspired. Thus I think this PED3 Rotating iPhone Stand would be the bomb. What do you think?

It's sleek, it's sexy, it makes people drool when they see it. (that would include me. Yes, this is absolutely on this metro Apple Fan boy's Christmas list. Oh honey!

Yay for the Red Sox! Yay! and Sorry for Mike Lowell.

2007-11-19T18:03:00.000-08:00

No, this isn't a delayed "hoorah!" for winning the World Series post. Though as any good New Englander should be, I'm jacked. No, this post is a "yea" for the team re-signing Mike Lowell, their World Series MVP. And, a "sorry" to Mike Lowell that he didn't hit the mega-bucks sweepstakes. Not that I'm going to cry too long for Lowell who'll be making $12 million per season. Guaranteed. Even if he breaks both legs in spring training next year and never plays another game.

But I digress. This is a Yay! for the Sox. Yay they got the guy back, keeping the middle of their order in place. Their lineup should be pretty potent again next year and the pitching will be improved.

Yay! for the Sox. They didn't spend $20 million a year and over promise on the number of years. Yay for the Sox for not bothering to go after A-Fraud, especially after that tasteless announcement by his agent during game four of the World Series.

Which brings us back to Lowell. Yay! So here's how it happened. A-Fraud announces he's opting out of his contract. What's his hope? That the $$ rich Red Sox will drive his numbers up so he can make an even more obscene amount of money for being the best regular season player in baseball. But what happened to his plan?

It breaks down this way. The Red Sox make Lowell an offer (and a nice offer, plus $3 million a year over his expiring deal) to stay in Boston. They make an offer that fits them, their need, and Lowell's age. It's a good offer. Not insane, but good. Despite the fact they know that A-Fraud is out there. Despite the fact they know the Yankees can offer big $$, they make their offer to Lowell. This kills A-Fraud.

It kills A-Fraud because he knows the Sox aren't going to pony up the $30+ million a year he wants. It kills the market for Lowell because the Yankees know that the Red Sox aren't going to (a) over pay for Lowell, or (b) over pay for A-Fraud. The Yankees make an offer, but nothing staggering. The Sox don't bite. They also don't start looking for A-Fraud. More over, everyone in New England is quite vocally saying "WE DON'T WANT A-FRAUD".

Suddenly A-Fraud realizes that he has no where to go. No place else (Angels, Mets, Braves) that can afford him is interested in what he wants. So, HE approaches the Yankees to open talks. Once the Yankees know they have A-Fraud, they take the offer for Lowell off the table. So, Lowell takes the Sox offer because he knows it's his best bet.

So, Yay! For the Sox. We've got a Gold Glove third baseman (something the Yankees can't say ;-)! Yay for Lowell! He's making $3 million a year more than he was :-D Yay! That the Yankees get stuck with the petulant, spoiled choke artist that could well be the best regular season player in the game. They deserve him!

Oh. And the Patriots are undefeated by the way. Anyone notice that?

Today we Honor

2007-11-12T14:36:00.000-08:00

We honor those that have fought in just wars to stop power crazed dictators from taking over the world, and suffered for it the rest of their life (my father - WW II, Disabled American Veteran).

We honor those that serve their country with bravery, even in a war that is never declared (my sister-in-law and father-in-law - Vietnam).

We honor those who serve their country bravely in countries that don't even acknowledge them as equal beings - because a crazy dictator threatens a country for oil (my sister - Gulf War 1)

We honor those who serve their country with distinguished honor, seeing hell on earth, orphans injured and bloody without parents, because their commander-in-chief ordered them to do so (my brother-in-law - Serbia & Gulf War 2)

And while their may be no "just" wars, we thank the people that laid down their lives to protect our freedoms from those who sought to take over the world. (specifically those that died in WW I & II)

WAY too Funny

2007-11-11T04:47:00.000-08:00

I saw this when I opened my e-email this morning. Oh Lord. Please! My eyes are stinging!

Beat the rush!! HA HA HA HA LOL LOL LOL ROFLMBO!

Sigh.

Today, I am weary.

2007-10-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

I am weary of fighting the fight. I'm weary of being a good will ambassador in a world that I am an alien in. I'm weary of expressing love while being reviled. I am weary of teaching my children sound principles of life, while they choose to act from their base nature. I'm weary of always extending grace, when I'd like to see some change instead. I'm weary of being misunderstood when I'm doing my best to understand and to clearly express what is deepest in my spirit. I'm weary of being the negotiator - trying to reconcile different worlds - when it seems that neither wants to be reconciled. I'm weary of trying to justify truth to those who only want "truth" that is subjugated to their opinion or whim.

It does not mean that I've quit. It doesn't mean that I've given up. it doesn't mean that tomorrow won't be different. It doesn't mean that joy, love and peace won't flood my soul to renew and revitalize me. It means that today, I'm weary.

Why I Get Paid II

2007-10-14T06:50:00.000-07:00

I get paid to prevent what happened for most of you looking at the below web site.

1. You saw the picture.
2. Your eye didn't come to rest easily (other than possibly on the picture).

Though I don't know a lot about this site, I know I won't be going back. Why? It's not the writing. Honestly I didn't really read anything. So why? *BECAUSE* I didn't really read anything. I never found the focus, the main point for being there. I'm sure I wasn't alone.

The picture is a useless construct unless it's a celebrity and there's an associated story (for the most part). I personally have no idea what the headline was associated with the picture.

Web sites need to be designed so that you can easily identify your purpose for being there - and perform that purpose. This site isn't. It's a bad design. And that's the reason why I get paid - so that your site won't look like this one.

Class dismissed.

Why I Get Paid

2007-10-13T10:10:00.000-07:00

Nope. This isn't going to be a long rant. I'm not providing a tutorial. Just a picture. And a question. (yes, I purposely used a period and I capitalized And at the beginning of a sentence).

First, the picture. (best if you view it full size)

Now the question (2 really)
1. Where did your eye rest? (or did it?)
2. If it did come to rest, where did it?

Thank you very much. Class dismissed.

Missing the Forest for the Trees - Language and Subject matter Not Suitable for Children

2007-10-09T21:57:00.000-07:00

I just had this conversation with someone whom I dearly love. It's hard to have this type of disagreement.

Response from earlier comment...

People sin because they're longing for something missing. That something is God. The AFA group has no love, just the ability to be constantly offended. If you're offended that gay guys blew each other in public, fine, but your outrage won't draw them to Jesus. Love will and always does. I don't see a Jesus offended by sin. I see a Jesus who loves people right where they are. AFA wants to purify sinners before they're saved so that they don't have to experience anything naughty. Christians need to be willing to walk into sin, ignore it and love people all the way to Jesus. He can change people. We can't.

My response

I agree with most everything you said except one *small* piece. I do think your assessment of the AFA wanting to clean people up first is pretty accurate. Of course, I still think that you're jumping ahead to the AFA before acknowledging that there was a huge event with some pretty offensive behavior and the mainstream media just gave it a total pass - which as I recall was my primary point.

OK. 2 small pieces... 1st is more my opinion
Regarding outrage due to inappropriate public behavior - I would think that it shouldn't make a difference if you're a Christian or not for people to to agree that public blow jobs (gay, straight or any other way) are not socially acceptable behavior. I can't tell you the outrage I would feel if I saw someone behaving like that in public in front of any of my four young girls - and my willingness to take them to task verbally and/or physically and/or legally for such base, crude and objectionable behavior.

That being said... 2nd... my actual point of disagreement:

"I don't see a Jesus offended by sin." Really? Jesus is holy. He is completely offended by sin. He died on a cross to save us from that sin. Jesus HATES sin. Yes, he loves the people where they are ("while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us"). And yes, he purifies us. But I think scripturally, he's quite offended by sin.

Now, my complete editorial...

You've been pretty vitriolic in your attack on the AFA. While I agree with you that they aren't a perfect organization and I've mentioned that I've expressed that to them - you're so busy attacking them that you're excusing the outrageous behavior that just took place because "the AFA is mean." Well, the AFA may be mean. They may be legalistic. They may miss the mark - just like all of us that need a savior do. But at least they are trying to be a conscientious voice encouraging other sinners saved by grace (otherwise known as Christians) to speak up for the gospel and all that "gospel" means. That's pretty different than the group at Folsom Street that was encouraging people to come out and put on display their primarily promiscuous and masochistic sexual lifestyle.

Just my .02

Like I said, I love this person dearly. It was hard for me to have this conversation because I really do respect the person. We have had many great and intellectually and spiritually stimulating conversations. The person is right about Jesus waking in and loving people where they are. The person is right about "Christians" always trying to clean up people's naughty behavior. The person is right that LOVE is what draws us to the Lord. But I think that as much as part of what they were saying is right, the person was missing the real point of what I was saying (see previous post). And, I guess I just didn't want them to miss the forest for the trees.

Big Media Ignores Event - Why? NSFW - Controversial

2007-10-09T08:34:00.000-07:00

Howdy,

I try not to forward stuff that I get, but this particular item got my notice and I thought it might be serious food for thought. For those of you that know I'm a Christian, you know that I'm all for loving people and sharing the good news of the Gospel with them. I think that we need to show what we believe WAY more than talk it. However, when said people show disregard for common decency as they did at Folsom Street (you can read the descriptions) - then we need to say it's wrong. Say what you will about people being able to live their lives, etc. - but this stuff goes way beyond. And it's not just a few people that were acting as such, there were 400,000 people involved.

What I found to be more disturbing was that the mainstream media didn't cover this event. There was no news of this disorderly conduct anywhere to be found. I wonder why that is? I mean, this isn't Burning Man folks (for those of you that don't know what Burning Man is - don't worry), this isn't out in a desert, isolated from the general populace event. It took place right IN San Francisco. Why weren't the people involved - or the organizers - called to be accountable for this behavior?

Last note. You may or may not agree with the organization that sent out the notice that found me. I can't say I always agree and I actually sent them an email recently for that very reason. On this news item though, there are plenty of included references, and if you're really adventurous you can do a search and find plenty more.

Don't just take my word for it, if you dare, follow the links to find out more. OH, and this is absolutely not safe for work viewing.

Click here to read an article by Kelly Boggs, editor of the Louisiana Baptist Message.

Click here for some pretty shocking photos from the Folsom Street Fair event. WARNING! These photos are EXTREMELY graphic and are provided only for verification purposes only.

TiVo Unbox - The Reason(s) Why I'll Keep Getting DVDs

2007-09-21T19:17:00.000-07:00

Hey boys and girls. Long time no post, I know! But, I had an experience so horrible that I had to post somewhere about it. I had to say something. I had to be able to have my opportunity to rant. This is the place!

So, what did I do? I tried to get a free download from TiVo via Amazon Unbox.

Now, to help everyone have context, I've been looking forward to this. I've got TiVo and I love it. Alas, with a TiVo, Comcast OnDemand just never works correctly. It's a real PIA to rent a movie. So, when I heard about the rental feature of Amazon Unbox through TiVo, frankly, I was jacked.

Now, it's time to take advantage of that service. Grab the TiVo and here I go!

First, hey, where's that TiVo Unbox option off the main menu! I mean, after all, one of the great things about TiVo is its software, so easy my (then) 7 year old could use it. Uh, so where is it? It's hidden on a menu off the main menu. So, I've got three clicks to get there. OH, and it doesn't say Amazon Unbox anywhere until you're in the service.

Booooo TiVo. Boooo.

Well, now I've found it, so what next. Hey! I'll just look up what I've got available. Well, that part works pretty well. A good set of different options to choose from including what's new, popular, rental, free and paid for full movie. That's cool. I think I'll download a couple of those preview shows they have for free. Click! BUUZZZZ.

Uh, we're sorry. No sir. You can't download those free items without an account set up. Huh? Why? It's free isn't it? Sure, sure it is, but we're sorry sir, you have to set up an account. Ummm, TiVo my friend, don't you have my account information already? Not to be a nudge or anything, so I hate to remind you, but you bill me every month. In fact, you hit directly against my bank account. Won't that suffice? No sir. You have to set up an account. OK. OK already. I'll set up an account.

Setup Click. Account Click. What? You want me to use the email address and password that I use on the TiVo site? You're kidding right. You must know I have no idea which of my 8-12 email accounts I've used. And I think only God knows which of my 27 different password combinations I've used. TiVo Please tell me you're kidding. No, we're not sir.

Fine. Hmmm. Let's see, I guess I'll check Keychain (Mac OS X's username/password management software). Nope. Not there. Hmmm. OK. Let me check my other browser. FINALLY, I've got it in FireFox. Time to log in.

Move the letter selector. Click. Move, click. Move, click. Move, click. Oh LORD. Move, click.... (you get the idea). First the email address THEN the password. Finally, submit.

Thank you sir. Please enter your Amazon password. No, no TiVo. You have to be kidding right? It just took me 10 minutes to enter my other username and password - never mind the time it took me to find it. Yes sir. We are serious. Please enter your Amazon password. AUGH! (see previous process for password retrieval).

Finally... everything is entered. Yay! Now I can finally download the *free* video. Click, click.

Thank you! Your video is downloading, you can find it in your Now Playing list. We'll start that download anywhere in the next 30 minutes for you. WHAT!!!! Come on TiVo, you've got to be kidding me? Why do you have to wait at all? What? and I have to wait for it to finish downloading before I can start to watch it too? We didn't mention that sir? Uh, no TiVo, you didn't.

Tick, tock. 45 minutes after the download started, which is a blody 1-1 ratio of the number of minutes of the show in the download! (Plus the 15 minutes after I ordered the download I had to wait for it to start) - I finally got to watch it.

Geesh. So, now that I've finally gone through the pain, is it worth it? Maybe. It's no OnDemand. It calls for thinking about what you want to watch at least a couple of hours before you watch it. Was it nice to have on my TiVo where I could use that remote and control it? Yes. WAY better than OnDemand for that - but for me - the jury is still way out. And no extra stuff either. So for me it's still the DVD. That's my $.02. How about you?

The Conundrum of the Modern MacPhilly

2007-08-21T19:28:00.000-07:00

I find myself in a very interesting place politically and socially. A place where it seems I fit into no group.

Here's why...

I am too conservative for both the Republicans and the Democrats, yet far too Progressive (my leanings are Progressive as defined in the early 1900's not Liberal) for the Republicans.

I'm to Libertarian for either party, yet I certainly believe that Government should have a role, responsibility and accountability in the 21st century.

I believe that leadership should be respected. But I also believe that we should question and criticize our leadership.

I voted for Bush (mostly because I couldn't stand the thought of voting for Kerry - I live in MA after all), but also believe he should be impeached.

I empathize with the social ethos of liberals and their desire to touch all people, but also believe that the government shouldn't be involved in all aspects.

I empathize with the principles of a free-market economy, freedom of speech, the bill of rights and the right to bear arms. I also believe that when people violate those liberties should be held accountable.

I don't believe that government should legislate internet content (like porn for example) - but I believe that porn is degrading, demeaning, morally objectionable and injures everyone (including those that view it) that it touches.

I believe that no child should be left behind - but I believe that No Child Left Behind is bad policy.

I believe that teachers should be judged by standards (both siblings are teachers by the way) but don't believe that teaching kids to pass state tests is the way to educate children. (neither do the siblings)

I believe that I should have the option to choose where my children are schooled - without having to pay a premium to educate them out of the public school system. (Note: my kids are home-schooled now).

I believe in a personal and loving God. I believe that his love extends to all people. I believe that all people are created in his image. I believe that God is merciful and forgiving. I also believe that God is just and truthful. I believe that he is holy and has provided standards for us to live by. I believe we'll be held accountable to those standards.

I believe that I'm NOT perfect and that God will judge me along with everyone else. Until then, I believe that I'm responsible to tell everyone I know that God loves them and believes in them - even if they don't believe in him.

I don't believe that all religions are the same, but I believe that I am supposed to love everyone even if they don't believe what I believe.

I believe that greed is bad, but free markets are good. I do not believe that free markets are God.

I believe that no person should be homeless - especially in the US where we have so much.

I believe that no person should be without health care - but don't believe that the government should run universal health care. (talk about VAST inefficiency)

I believe in the freedom of religion - not freedom from religion.

I believe that politicians should have term limits.

What do you believe?

Pizza - You tell me, is it right?

2007-08-15T15:34:00.001-07:00

What Your Pizza Reveals

People may tell you that you have a small appetite... but you aren't under eating. You just aren't a pig.

You are a very picky pizza eater. Not any pizza will do. You fit in best in the Northeast part of the US.

You like food that's traditional and well crafted. You aren't impressed with "gourmet" foods.

You are generous, outgoing, and considerate with your choices.

You are adventurous and independent. You should consider traveling to Thailand.

The stereotype that best fits you is geek. You're the type most likely to order pizza to avoid leaving your computer.

What Does Your Pizza Say About You?

Blowing Kisses to Daddy

2007-08-08T17:49:00.000-07:00

So, I come home from work the other day. As I'm walking up the steps to the side door of the house, I hear the little one (17 month old Sophie) chanting "da da, da da". I open the door and most of the family is in the kitchen, and Sophie sees me. So, I smile at her, say 'hi' and she starts walking towards me. Then, as she's walking towards me she starts blowing kisses with the 'mmaa" kissing sound.

Tell me, what daddy on earth doesn't melt with their adorable auburn haired, blue-eyed, porcelain skinned, little baby almost running up to them blowing kisses? Sigh.

You are the measure of my success!

2007-07-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

I have decided to become one of the next "big" internet personalities, because my goal in life requires the scope of reaching thousands and thousands of people.

Part of that goal is to make everyone I come in contact with realize how awesome they are and to motivate them to be the best they can be. To break out of whatever box they're living in and experience new and fulfilling vistas in life.

In order to do that, I need to know what I can do to best serve you. I would like to start with the friends and build. How can I make your life so much better, help you to feel so incredible that you are willing to refer me as a person and persona to your friends? What can I do that will make you so excited? What value can I offer you? Let me know and help me to help you while reaching the world!

The Seminar Cometh! Find your destiny!

2007-07-28T17:16:00.001-07:00

Here's the first promo for my seminar. If you're in NE - feel free to stop by!

It's going to rock baby.

Here's an eye opener

2007-07-23T03:15:00.001-07:00

Check out this link if you want to know which candidate you agree with. The scary part? Guliani was a -27, McCain -10. Obama was a +2. Ron Paul was the closest with me. Must be the whole kind of libertarian vibe or something.

PhillyMac and the Family Z - Slip and Slide

2007-07-16T19:18:00.000-07:00

A lovely video of the kids. Check out Sophie sitting at the end of the slip and slide splashing.

Meet Mi Familia!

2007-07-15T20:14:00.000-07:00

Just about all of them. Nice sun-lit video this time!

Enjoy!

(Man, isn't my wife just a babe?)

What's your Sunday about?

2007-07-15T10:42:00.001-07:00

So, what's Sunday about to you? Is it another day of work? Part of the weekend when you can get stuff done? Is it a day of rest for you? A day that you chill? A day for family? Is it a day of worship? Is it a day when you stop to thank God for everything he's done in your life? Why is that?

For my family, it's a day of worship and it's a day of rest. Yes, many times it's a day when we get to see family too. But first - it's a day of worship. It's a day to get up (almost as early as I do on a week day), get ready, then go with joy up to the house of the Lord. We pack up the kids (no easy feat), head to church early (because my wife and I are both on the worship team) and get ready to party. Yes - party. It's funny. One of the things that I have the hardest thing sharing with people that aren't connected as much into the supernatural realm is that where I go to church, it isn't boring. Anything but. No, church isn't an aerobic workout, we don't have folks swinging from the chandeliers (well, we don't have chandeliers and our ceiling it s good 30 feet high so it would be quite the feat to get there and quite dangerous to swing...). But, you never know what might happen. :-)

You see, where I go, it's not about religion, or formulas. It's not about how you're dressed or who you know - except for if you know God. And knowing God, how awesome He is, what He's doing, where He's going. It's a party because we like to celebrate that all of our burdens (guilt, fear, worry) and our sins (anger, bitterness, resentment, idolatry, and any type of sexual sin) have been taken from us. It's a party because we like to celebrate God's mercy and His grace (his favor that goes out before us), we celebrate what he's given us, what he's done for us. It's a party because we get to celebrate his LOVE. The love that transcends everything else. It's just a time to celebrate Him. And, we'd all be happy to celebrate Him even if we didn't have all the other stuff because He's THAT awesome. Really.

So, Sunday for us is a day of rest. It's rest in God, in taking time to rest in him and his promises. It's a time to thank Him for everything he's done. And, it's also time for rest because God wants us to take a rest from our labor. See - He really is looking out for us.

Some of you may disagree. It's OK. Have at it. Some of you may think I've taken leave of my senses - you wouldn't be the first. Some of you may think that I'm another one of those Christians that's so heavenly minded I'm no earthy good (um, yah, no). Some of you may think I'm a hypocrite (as opposed to a hypogriff). You should ALL think that I'm not perfect - because there's never been a truer statement - it's why I need a savior. Like everyone in my church I'm not perfect, I'm being perfected. I haven't arrived, but I'm on the journey.

Here's what I can tell you. I know what he's done for me. I know where I was before I met Him. I know how I didn't even bother waiting for the weekend - I just was out getting wasted virtually every day. I know I was unhappy, I know I was unfulfilled. I know that I had little wisdom. I know that I was wretched. Really - the word applies. And now that I know I'm not. I know God has made me not wretched anymore. He's removed my guilt. He's given me a hope and a future and a purpose. So, that's why on any given Sunday, you'll find me joyfully going up to the house of the Lord to thank him for what he's done.

So, that's what Sunday is about for me. What about you?

Play the Game

2007-07-12T21:12:00.000-07:00

I'm a life long learner. I'm a voracious reader. I'm always looking for ways to become a better dad and husband. I'm always looking for ways to deepen my relationship with God. I'm always looking for ways to unlock the incredible person I know I was created to be. So, tell me what you've got!

I got the idea here from Chris Brogan but I'd love to know from you...

1. What I can do for you? I'm always happy to make any knowledge that I have available if you ask.

2. What can you teach me? I'm ready to listen to what you have to say... especially if you're someone who's gotten funding for a startup!

I'm ready - how about you?

PS If you want a glimpse of my perspective - CHECK HERE. And if you live in New England - you can come to the seminar FREE on August 12th. Just ping me for more information!

I had to do something a little different anyway...

2007-07-12T20:15:00.000-07:00

You'll see what I mean.

Let me know if you want to see it the other way! phillymac [at] gmail.com Who loves ya!

MeToday 7/11/07 - Meet the Comic Relief

2007-07-11T21:38:00.000-07:00

Here it is. Another video from the homestead. This time my wife provides the comic relief instead of Halle...

Phillymac and the Family Z

2007-07-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

Yup - just chillin' like a villin with the girlitas while Shannie is away.

And yes, I will post a real post again too, but for now, catch me on

Twitter: http://twitter.com/phillymac

or

Pownce: http://pownce.com/phillymac

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

2007-07-09T18:33:00.000-07:00

OK, it's not as good as me with Halle - or maybe just Halle alone, but it is my MeToday!

Have fun!

MeToday - 7/8/07. Meet Halle and Adventures in the Apple Store!

2007-07-08T21:25:00.000-07:00

This was just tooooo much fun. Man, I love this kid!

The picture I spent three hours on. Geesh.

2007-07-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

OK. Here's the original.

Here's the Photoshopped version. Sigh. So much time too.

So, was it worth the effort?

Another day - another Video!

2007-07-07T20:53:00.000-07:00

Yup, it's my "metoday" for viddler.com. Hope you enjoy it. The pictures are right above this post!

Love that Bayley!

Meet Chloe - She Likes Bunnies!

2007-07-06T20:56:00.000-07:00

Well, you've met Sophie - who's very cute- now meet her adorable (in her own force of nature type of way) sister - Chloe!

History in the Making?

2007-07-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

Political Radar is Posting this headline: Ron Paul Tops McCain in Cash on Hand. Are we seeing some history in the making? Can we dare hope?

Check out the article here.

Meet Sophie (she's cute!)

2007-07-05T22:24:00.000-07:00

4th of July

2007-07-05T00:02:00.000-07:00

I could tell you about it - and I may - but better that I show you. Check out the video!!

Peace!

The Natural

2007-07-03T10:03:00.001-07:00

Chloe, age 4, the Natural. "Dad can you turn on the TV for me? And dad, remember, I *love* you."

Really. All by herself. Unreal.

NO - I DON'T HAVE ONE

2007-07-02T13:48:00.001-07:00

No. iDON't have an iPhone. My contract with Sprint ends in December. I don't feel like paying $350 to get out of the contract ($175 for each for my and my wife's phone) PLUS kick out another $1,200 for two phones PLUS the $129 x2 ($26) for the bluetooth headset). I'm saving for next year after MacWorld when Rev v2 should be out (over 180 days from the initial release).

Happy?

Ever want to be a superhero? Now you can be!

2007-07-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

Nah - this isn't some theological post, it's really just a cartoon character!

Vacation? Really

2007-06-26T23:39:00.000-07:00

Much to my surprise, people want to hear more about my vacation. Of course, the problem is - as with many things - the more time has separated me from my alleged vacation the less I remember. I think, but I'll try.

For instance, I mentioned the ride to finally get to the resort and indoor water park. The fun really started when we got there. Well, fun if you were a kid anyway. Whomever coined the term "family vacation" obviously never had a family. Thus the title of my last vacation post. Why would I say such a thing? Because I HAVE a family and trust me, it was no vacation for me. It was probably less so for my wife. The kids? They thought it was great - but for mom and dad it was "welcome to the Zannini Family Traveling Road Show."

Putting aside the hurting on the family budget that our two days in the fake, indoor Florida sun cost us - let's think of what it cost us in effort. Like, say planning. It's safe to say that two days away with four kids takes about the same amount of primary and contingency planning as one of the Apollo moon missions. Maybe more. After all, NASA only had to worry about three adults and on Apollo they had bathroom facilities built right into the space suits. Not the case for the family in the trusty family van. But boy would that have been nice.

As parents, we all know the drill, the thrill and the dread of the words coming from our little precious treasures "I HAVE TO GO TO THE BATHROOM!" Of course, it's usually said immediately after we've gone past the last exit for 10 miles on a stretch of road where not only is there no rest stop, but the sides of the road either go up 50 feet of blasted rock facing on one side or down 50 feet on the other. The question is - what do you do?

Me - I pray. I think even if I didn't have a religious bent to me anyway, this is a place I would still pray. I'm praying for a lot of things, like for example, the wisdom to understand WHY we just let the kid drink the one liter juice bottle we had packed for her. Or maybe I'm wondering - why didn't we have her go to the bathroom * before * we left the house? I'm also praying that when we got the van we were smart enough to have gotten the seats Scotch guarded. I'm praying for the capacity to become a real life McGyver, and trying to figure out how to build a porta-potty from the baby's portable high chair and the cup-holders from the front of the stroller. Most of all I'm praying that every state trooper for the next 10 miles either falls asleep or has just had someone in a bright red sports car go by them at 100 miles an hour - that way no one will notice the gray Grand Caravan going by at 90 because the kid is now saying "Daddddddyyyy! I hap to go bad!"

Yeah, right. Vacation.

Vista SP1 Delay won't hurt Enterprise - DUH

2007-06-26T09:25:00.000-07:00

And why is that you might ask? CAUSE NOBODY HAS IT INSTALLED. Don't just believe my rant - read it for yourself.

Computer World article

Don't Consume before Bed Time - Nightmares May Ensue

2007-06-26T06:20:00.000-07:00

Yikes. It just keeps getting scarier.

http://jewishworldreview.com/cols/will062507.php3

Will we be a "sweet land of liberty" much longer?

It's no fluke.

2007-06-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

So, Friday we went on a whale watch. This was the picture that was on the white-board in the kitchen when I got down stairs for breakfast. Thus, welcome to an 11 year old's (my eldest Halle's) rendering of a whale watch - and what the whales are doing (yes, that is a disco ball they've hung off the bottom of the boat).

The only bummer is that you don't see part of the picture that was erased by my 4 year old Chloe that showed other whales saying "Let's paaaaarrrrttteeeeeeeee". Unreal that Halle girl. Pictures from the whale watch to come...