Christmas = Patriots Gear!

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!

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

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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!

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!

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

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

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