Two Things (Maybe Three)

Conan O'Brien is not funny and really needs to do something with his hair. I don't know about anyone else, but this new Jay Leno thing that was so heavily touted for months hasn't seemed to pan out. I'm not sure if it's the format, writing, or what, but I don't find myself glued to the TV weeknights at 10:00. Finally, the know-it-alls who say golf is dead w/o Tiger don't understand the level of talent on the PGA Tour. Maybe ratings will dip, but the quality of golf is still outstanding, and fun to watch for those of us who have a clue about the game.

The Paradox of Our Time

The following passage has been attributed to George Carlin. However, that's apparently not true. It appears the credit should go to a minister from the State of Washington. Regardless of the origin, it really made me stop and think. That's my only reason for sharing it now.

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but
shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more,
but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and
smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees
but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more
problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little,
drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too
little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our
possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and
hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to
life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but
have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer
space but not inner space.

We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air,
but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice.

We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less.

We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold
more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less
and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small
character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of
two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes.

These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one
night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer,
to quiet, to kill.

It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the
stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time
when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going
to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to
you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your
side.

Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you because that is the only
treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember,
to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all
mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep
inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday
that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak
and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

The version I have includes the following in closing.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, by by the moments that take our breath away.

I Googled Myself

Fortunately, there were no surprises. Here's some of the hits (in order):
Linked In
Facebook
My Dad's Obituary
Office for Sponsored Programs (work)
Town of Ellington (12 years service on the Recreation Commission)
2004 Ellington Football 5K Road Race

There were many other hits for running and work-related stuff, but once again, nothing I wouldn't want my wife, friends, employer, etc... to see. maybe it's time to let loose?

Oh, there's just so many....

...Passwords! Thankfully, I live in a single sign-on world at work. But some of these things I do at home - there are just too many log-on id's and passwords to remember. Enough said!

Ready for Some Football?

I braved the elements with my wife and a group of friends last night, and went to Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT to watch the UConn Huskies take on the South Florida Bulls in the Big East season finale for both teams. The emphasis here has to be on "brave the elements", as the first snowfall of the season made it tough for the fans. However, most of the 35k plus faithful did indeed gut it out and were rewarded with last second 29-27 victory. Higlights for me included great food, cold beer, and a nice catch of a flying tshirt by my wife. My friends kid wimpily ducked as the tshirt flew toward his head, and I actually tried to tackle my wife in an effort to become the pround owner of the shirt. Ends up it'll be mine anyway - it's an extra-large! Other highlight include the first tailgate party for my neighbor Dolores, and probably one too many $10 beers for my friend Dave. At least he gave us all a few laughs! A nice win for the Huskies after losing 5 games throughout the season by a combined 15 points. Next up for the Huskies, the papajohns.com bowl - pizza party anyone?

Days Like Today Really Suck!

After a nice long weekend, including my 21st consecutive Manchester Road Race - 4.748 miles in a sizzling (for me) 36:59, a nice Thanksgiving dinner, and photos in RI with my family...



...I'm home with a cold and a sore back! Oh well, beats working I guess.