tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103140732011-05-17T12:45:35.484-04:00I hate Derek Jeter.beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.comBlogger8951100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-38939969916429933212009-01-25T08:57:00.007-05:002009-01-25T13:46:52.048-05:00

Any of us with a younger sibling knows the best way to get under his skin is to ignore him (or her). So, it appears, it is true when it comes to mortal enemies in the War on Terror.I read this article this morning from the Washington Post, which basically says that al Queda doesn't quite know what to make of our new president. Seems they miss their "perfect foil" (aka Geroge W. Bush) and are

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-49663047798742414422009-01-22T21:50:00.002-05:002009-01-22T21:55:27.998-05:00

President Obama. First Lady Michelle Obama. ::smile::I'm so freaking tired, I can't come up with a lot of magical reportage. All I can say is that I never thought this day would come. And now that it's here, I'm a little stunned.Rock on, Mr. President.

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-88398887828813241842009-01-20T16:52:00.003-05:002009-01-20T17:06:25.866-05:00

What a day! Everything today was just as I imagined it would be. The weather was fine, the seas of people seemingly behaved themselves and enjoyed Obama-stock with peace and love.The speech was quite moving, and a bit more political than I had anticipated. If I was to predict, I would have said it would have more rhetorical flourishes than policy statements. But it seemed a great rebuke of

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-25190812868006827412009-01-20T00:12:00.000-05:002009-01-20T00:13:17.997-05:00

January 20, 2009.It's here.

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-17858156494703263362009-01-19T17:32:00.003-05:002009-01-19T18:28:37.303-05:00

Although I haven't posted for a while, the blog hasn't been far from my thoughts. In fact, every time, I saw the link to "Blogger" in my bookmarks it screamed: "WRITE SOMETHING, YOU DOPE!" And then, I clicked on Facebook and posted my ramblings and links to other people's thoughtful posts.But today is such an auspicious day that I am called back. While it's Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, it's

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-35265836048167234412008-11-27T12:55:00.001-05:002008-11-27T12:55:27.756-05:00

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-45235256210428885942008-11-09T08:15:00.000-05:002008-11-09T08:17:19.219-05:00

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-63736113686539123552008-11-08T22:05:00.001-05:002008-11-08T22:07:50.366-05:00

If anyone doubted there is a new day dawning, check this out:Transition advisers to President-elect Barack Obama have compiled a list of about 200 Bush administration actions and executive orders that could be swiftly undone to reverse White House policies on climate change, stem cell research, reproductive rights and other issues, according to congressional Democrats, campaign aides and experts

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-8660510620471518892008-11-07T19:04:00.000-05:002008-11-07T19:05:11.455-05:00

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-22831872320726956492008-11-05T17:45:00.003-05:002008-11-05T17:47:34.586-05:00

Alleluia. I am so exhausted from emotion and filled with good cheer that I can't think straight. More to come, but this will do for now:

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-87988581741130168142008-10-29T18:29:00.004-04:002008-10-29T18:44:04.382-04:00

Imagine a life crossing THREE centuries. Imagine voting for a black man for President of the United States, the same country that allowed your father to be considered property. It strains credulity, but here is 109-year-old Amanda Jones' story, and of course this takes place in Texas:"Jones' father herded sheep as a slave until he was 12, according to the family, and once he was freed, he was a

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-61844128838609956082008-10-25T11:49:00.004-04:002008-10-25T12:03:18.929-04:00

Being bad with the maths and an ostrich by nature when it comes to money matters, I was startled yesterday when the bad economy almost literally hit home. Late yesterday afternoon I went for a walk in my neighborhood to shake off the work week blues. As I turned the corner, I came upon a cute little stucco house that had recently been sold. As I approached this time I noticed it was again for

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-15163901856945026592008-10-25T11:36:00.001-04:002008-10-25T11:36:55.456-04:00

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-37502082295348201952008-10-24T20:52:00.003-04:002008-10-24T20:52:46.306-04:00

See more Ron Howard videos at Funny or Die

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-2322566631727305462008-10-23T18:20:00.001-04:002008-10-23T18:20:45.449-04:00

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-27489632945608561352008-10-19T13:46:00.001-04:002008-10-19T13:47:20.423-04:00

Finally, at long last, a grown-up is speaking to us all.

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-59330451975737966982008-10-16T20:03:00.002-04:002008-10-16T20:08:00.321-04:00

All during the debate, you could hear Grandpa wheezing and gakking away like some kind of amphibian. Grandpa almost made it through the contest without his real self showing through: "Look! I think I caught a fly on my tongue!"

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-88103181252931470062008-10-05T21:49:00.003-04:002008-10-05T21:54:26.892-04:00

Although I haven't yet put this thought into words, this post at Andrew Sullivan's blog crystallizes just what it is about Sarah Palin that I can't abide. One of his astute readers wrote:I just want to ask: can anyone, anyone, imagine Condoleeza Rice or Margaret Thatcher or even Hillary Clinton for God's sake, winking at the nation and/or being coquettish in any national format? Yeah. Just

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-40221933474141133952008-10-05T17:25:00.003-04:002008-10-05T17:31:45.826-04:00

Here's another nail in the coffin aka The McCain Campaign. Rolling Stone does a long feature on him this month (which, truth be told, I haven't yet finished reading). But when it starts out by comparing Grandpa with the Chimp and saying it's very even, except the Chimp was a better pilot, I have a feeling I know where it's going. Enjoy the complete article here.Hat Tip to Redbeard.

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-39437808374145764752008-10-04T15:57:00.000-04:002008-10-04T15:58:52.426-04:00

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-5226174594843078542008-10-04T10:17:00.001-04:002008-10-04T10:17:22.626-04:00

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-13612557671872587552008-10-03T19:40:00.001-04:002008-10-03T19:40:41.473-04:00

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-28061642913508211632008-10-02T17:57:00.000-04:002008-10-02T17:58:14.639-04:00

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-15871307383545408362008-10-02T17:25:00.002-04:002008-10-02T17:30:00.457-04:00

Well, it seems that recent events have caused Grandpa to re-evaluate where he's spending his campaign dollars. And today we find out that he's giving up on Michigan. We just need a couple more of those swing states to continue to move Obama's way and this could turn into a blow-out. I'm careful not to get too high on these things - anything can happen. And God only knows McSame might come up

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-66181562376313680272008-10-01T21:18:00.002-04:002008-10-01T21:22:12.054-04:00

Holy cow. I hate to get too over the top with the good news, but things are looking great for Barack. Today's CNN polls:• Florida: Obama 51%, McCain 47%, with a ±3.5% margin of error.• Minnesota: Obama 54%, McCain 43%, with a ±3.5% margin of error.• Missouri: Obama 49%, McCain 48%, with a ±3.5% margin of error.• Nevada: Obama 51%, McCain 47%, with a ±4% margin of error.• Virginia: Obama 53%,

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-56007543460028517672008-09-30T21:25:00.001-04:002008-09-30T21:25:51.561-04:00

For all you Faux News fans:

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-7712325112850329432008-09-30T20:20:00.001-04:002008-09-30T20:20:22.188-04:00

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-46776270682692458962008-09-29T18:55:00.002-04:002008-09-29T18:56:54.756-04:00

Thank you, North Carolina!!A new Public Policy Polling survey in North Carolina finds Sen. Barack Obama has taken the lead over Sen. John McCain for the first time, 47% to 45%.Key finding: "Over the last year there's been a strong relationship between the number of North Carolinians listing the economy as their biggest concern, and Obama's standing in the polls. In January when just 39% of voters

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-30332008376952311952008-09-28T21:56:00.000-04:002008-09-28T21:57:37.076-04:00

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-59879869026368596862008-09-28T08:40:00.002-04:002008-09-28T08:41:11.241-04:00

The writers at SNL don't really have to do much anymore except watch the news. The below video is either hilarious or scary. You make the call:

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-40090403573909463822008-09-27T11:22:00.001-04:002008-09-27T11:23:26.660-04:00

I love the expression on Katie Couric's face. And, of course, I adore Jack Cafferty's response.

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-48054373408832445062008-09-24T18:44:00.001-04:002008-09-24T18:44:55.926-04:00

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-26476737781446455972008-09-23T19:10:00.003-04:002008-09-23T19:30:27.114-04:00

Although our neighbor, Phil, was a funeral director by profession, he never seemed "the type." We never saw him in a suit, or in a somber pose in the 25-plus years we lived across the street from him. He had strawberry blonde hair, a jaunty walk, and could often be found, in good weather, taking the sun on the side deck with his wife, Debbie.Yesterday, we heard Phil died. He was 65 and

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-60904160011183596212008-09-21T19:17:00.001-04:002008-09-21T19:17:40.093-04:00

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-37808852283249854892008-09-21T15:20:00.003-04:002008-10-06T17:58:02.954-04:00

Here's Barack's thinking on how we deal with the looming economic crisis. Easy to understand, too.Although I fully understand we need to offer no blank check, etc., my favorite line is that NO CEOs PROFIT FROM THE BAILOUT. EVER.

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-66469691228741836102008-09-20T11:39:00.002-04:002008-09-20T11:42:05.149-04:00

Are you a woman? Do you have a daughter? If so, you'll be interested in this 30-minute webcast with Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton. They discuss the impact Grandpa will have on the Supreme Court, equal pay for equal work, violence against women, and more.

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-42129229721167659922008-09-14T16:59:00.003-04:002008-09-14T17:00:34.734-04:00

Do you still think the GOP has your best economic interests at heart???

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-17289007865821973252008-09-13T13:02:00.001-04:002008-09-13T13:03:41.781-04:00

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-84492240549534420162008-09-10T18:03:00.004-04:002008-09-10T18:06:53.355-04:00

Could we just cut the crap? The GOP is making a mockery out of the USA, the office of President of the United States and the electorate. Just stop already. I had once thought John McCain had a few decent bones in his body and that he was far less dangerous than the Chimp. But his campaign over the last couple of days has shown what a despicable liar he is and what a morally bankrupt campaign he

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-6548346425258476072008-09-06T13:24:00.001-04:002008-09-06T13:24:26.706-04:00

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-70257192124221679602008-09-06T09:44:00.000-04:002008-09-06T09:45:11.836-04:00

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-30029800517254600892008-09-05T18:25:00.002-04:002008-09-05T18:28:03.178-04:00

I like where the Obama camp seems to be going. Rather than be distracted by a truly shiny object in the person of Governor Palin, the campaign appears to be refocusing on McCain. And, to reinforce that message, Senator Clinton will be going to Florida on Monday to talk about the economy - the non-topic of the RNC.Go Hillary!

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-83847611209955180682008-09-04T18:30:00.002-04:002008-09-04T18:40:06.638-04:00

Yes, the McCain's understand all of us. They understand what it's like to struggle with the mortgage. They understand what it's like to pay the credit card bill. They feel our pain when it comes to buying groceries, filling the gas tank and saving for our childrens' educations. That's why it was easy for them to determine their budget for Cindy's outfit at the convention the other night. They

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-46152162124253450982008-09-03T18:53:00.002-04:002008-09-03T18:57:08.603-04:00

Two GOP operatives are heard saying what they REALLY think about Sarah Palin.You can get the transcript here.

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-88632119380531498842008-09-01T17:03:00.004-04:002008-09-01T18:22:00.753-04:00

News broke today that the daughter of presumptive VP nominee Sarah Palin is pregnant and planning to marry her 17-year-old boyfriend. She's apparently five months along, and we assume that her parents knew about this prior to accepting the appointment as Grandpa McCain's running mate.If this is indeed the case, and knowing that the national media was going to focus on your daughter's personal

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-61087717844648634212008-08-30T09:27:00.003-04:002008-08-30T09:37:45.073-04:00

Holy smokes. McCain is stupid. What kind of person, contemplating the complicated world we live in today (and who has been stoking the FEAR about such a world) picks a little known, inexperienced empty suit of a small time governor as his running mate? Listen, folks, if you had any doubts about McCain's judgment, this choice should set off alarm bells all over the place.And, McCain's

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-56095452023281365322008-08-24T16:59:00.000-04:002008-08-24T17:00:24.654-04:00

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-86057709654485341802008-08-23T15:43:00.001-04:002008-08-23T15:45:51.661-04:00

I've always liked Joe Biden and I'm actually very pleased with this choice. Just listened to his first speech in Springfield, and let's say it's now officially ON.

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-40921780656114336052008-08-14T19:21:00.003-04:002008-08-14T19:25:46.446-04:00

So, he's on vacation doing things that NO American ever would think of doing, right? Riiiiiiiight. I love this picture...

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-2783432949181374862008-08-10T09:45:00.001-04:002008-08-10T09:45:45.799-04:00

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-18261217431573123732008-08-02T19:39:00.002-04:002008-08-02T19:42:20.608-04:00

Alejandro + Bruce = a match made in Texas.

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-18432411521633191842008-07-27T19:22:00.002-04:002008-07-27T19:23:04.254-04:00

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-14333865429962035552008-07-27T10:55:00.002-04:002008-07-27T10:56:32.473-04:00

People in Iowa sure are smart. Some have attempted a citizen's arrest of that notorious creep, Karl Rove. Good stuff.

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-91616754251007939662008-07-24T18:20:00.005-04:002008-07-24T18:48:53.746-04:00

So. When's the last time you saw Europeans gathering to cheer an American? When's the last time you heard a crowd of 200,000+ people chanting "USA! USA!" outside our country's borders? Well, it happened today when Barack spoke in Berlin. And it's about time.Today's speech reiterated how important it is to repair, and - yes - improve, our relationships with allies abroad. And seeing people of all

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-55004994806080942992008-07-19T10:26:00.002-04:002008-07-19T10:27:31.170-04:00

Send a JibJab Sendables® eCard Today!

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-63307957524919097532008-07-16T11:29:00.005-04:002008-07-16T11:41:38.177-04:00

Well, the last day is finally here - and the work we came here to do is finished. So we went out on the town to celebrate with our colleagues.Started at a shopping district near Yuan Gardens:And then we went to dinner:And walked around The Bund:And I iz one tired puppy. Night, all!

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-82482685846258739422008-07-15T09:17:00.009-04:002008-07-15T18:44:16.802-04:00

Today was as much like a normal workday as it could be on the other side of the world. Our Chinese driver picked us up at our hotel and drove us the 40 minutes or so to the office. We held our training session with some of the most eager students I've ever worked with. Mostly a room of 30-year-olds, many with university degrees, all of whom paid close attention to everything we said. This is

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-79190355244455232912008-07-14T09:13:00.007-04:002008-07-14T09:43:35.079-04:00

Yesterday's travels to Shanghai and today's workday have pooped me out. This won't have a lot of content, mostly pictures because I'm ready for bed. But I do want to at least get this much done. And I'm sorry for not responding to emails, I hope to do more of that tomorrow! Took some pictures from our 38th floor breakfast area in the hotel, the lobby itself:How 'bout these crazy chairs?We were

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-43093797901899082572008-07-13T09:53:00.009-04:002008-07-13T10:24:27.791-04:00

Made the short hop over from Osaka to Shanghai today, which included so many modes of transportation, it's hard to keep it all straight.Took a taxi (transportation type 1) to the Kyoto train station, where we were pretty much like your average run-of-the-mill contestants on "Amazing Race." We had to use our wiles to figure out where to buy a ticket and find the train. The tricky part was that

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-49575270474208255102008-07-12T18:24:00.016-04:002008-07-12T19:16:26.107-04:00

Keeping busy in Kyoto on Saturday is not the least bit difficult. To help us get a sense of this place (which we've learned is the seventh largest city in Japan) we signed up for a half-day tour of three typical spots. First, Nijo Castle, home of the Shoguns. (I didn't see the mini-series or read the book, but may want to do that after this tour.) Then, we went to a Shinto shrine - ack! I didn't

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-3620513679272471752008-07-11T08:10:00.013-04:002008-07-11T08:38:33.954-04:00

Greetings from Kyoto. The bullet train from Tokyo was about as smooth a ride as one could ask for - so very civilized as opposed to travel by plane. AND, the Japanese know how to run a railroad: the trains arrive PRECISELY on time, people queue up to get on them rather than push their way forward like Boston's commuter rail. AND, you could practically eat off the floor of the rail car, it's so

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-16606362690660194322008-07-10T09:23:00.007-04:002008-07-10T09:50:05.587-04:00

This was our final day in Tokyo, and we finally found a new neighborhood to explore. We had worn a path between the office and the hotel and sought the help of a colleague to find out where we could kill the evening. She suggested we go to the Giza district, which is pretty much a combination of Fifth Avenue and Times Square. Lots of neon, lots of style, with the women (and men) outdoing each

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-72273477373800871582008-07-09T07:15:00.013-04:002008-07-09T08:14:58.291-04:00

Rather than focus on food, which is a most interesting topic to me, I thought I'd share some images from the last day or two. Let's start with the infamous toilet. Here's the small box hung on the wall next to it. It still spooks me when the toilet lid rises when I open the door of the water closet. There's a lot of automatic things that go on when you sit down, that I still haven't quite figured

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-17021121908962301582008-07-08T08:39:00.008-04:002008-07-08T17:22:34.193-04:00

They tell me Japan is in the rainy season, and I believe them. The humidity here is stifling, and the air is thick - not from polution, but from regular old mugginess. It's hard to know what to wear because within minutes you start to perspire. Then when you get into a/c, you begin to be chilly. This is probably why I'm sitting here with a scratchy throat. That, plus being in a closed airplane

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-81118123708157697672008-07-07T16:47:00.004-04:002008-07-07T17:24:08.793-04:00

I made it! Writing this morning from beautiful, downtown Tokyo. The past 36 hours have been interesting and hopefully the start of some good times.Just to recap: Sunday morning I was picked up by the airport van around 5:30 am. It's really hard to say goodbye to loved ones, and this particular part of the trip was NO fun. But Bob waved me around the corner, and I left with a lump in my throat.

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-67045364427301611632008-06-29T18:16:00.003-04:002008-06-29T19:57:09.422-04:00

The long-awaited business trip to Tokyo and Shanghai is growing near. This time next Sunday (Tokyo time), I'll be sitting in my hotel room after about 14 hours in the air. Lucky for me, my employer springs for business class seats for overseas travel, and puts us up in hotels I probably would not consider, if I were footing the bill. The planning for the trip is tough. We'll be in three

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-31643138427936225922008-06-23T21:13:00.002-04:002008-06-23T21:22:20.599-04:00

Another major loss on the comedy front with word of George Carlin's death earlier today. This is the kind of guy you want to be around when times are tough and you need someone to point out the inanities of everyday life. RIP, George. Have fun with Hunter.Just to show us what we're missing, here are a few of his observations, from throughout his career.* If you can’t beat them, arrange to have

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-2181445797799313742008-06-19T22:05:00.002-04:002008-06-19T22:08:37.159-04:00

I can't believe I didn't take note of the 2008 World Champion Boston Celtics! They celebrated with the traditional Rolling Rally through the streets of Boston today. Imagine being the poor Bruins, who haven't won a championship in 30+ years. The pressure's on, boys.Congratulations - let's do it again soon!

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-81662438732400765502008-06-19T21:24:00.003-04:002008-06-19T21:27:15.096-04:00

Photo by Moises Saman for The New York TimesDoes anyone believe the war in Iraq was about anything OTHER than oil now? The proof is in today's New York Times:BAGHDAD — Four Western oil companies are in the final stages of negotiations this month on contracts that will return them to Iraq, 36 years after losing their oil concession to nationalization as Saddam Hussein rose to power.Exxon Mobil,

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-75163156700979817502008-06-18T20:34:00.003-04:002008-06-18T21:13:33.003-04:00

Recently, Rudy Giulliani and Grandpa McSame have begun to take Senator Obama to task for his "September 10 mentality." Yes, it seems Senator Obama seems to think that we can manage terrorism as a law and order issue, without abusing our personal privacy or dismantling the Constitution. Imagine that?"He seems to think [terrorism] is adequately dealt with merely by being a criminal prosecution,"

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-17818727000818660042008-06-09T20:00:00.002-04:002008-06-09T20:09:51.703-04:00

So. Scott McClellen is going to testify under oath, in public, about what was going on in the White House when they decided to out a CIA agent. And it appears that the questions could widen:His hearing is expected to focus heavily on the outing of CIA agent Valerie Plame, an episode that McClellan has said was driven by political motivations from within the Oval Office. But the committee could

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-35232394757863921212008-06-08T15:25:00.003-04:002008-06-08T15:38:39.536-04:00

The talk at our house is when will Grandpa McSame blow? From what we've read and heard, the good senator from Arizona is thisclose to blowing a gasket. I say the Obama campaign keeps on him until he loses his temper, whether at a reporter, or their campaign...whatever it takes. The man is NOT the one you want to have with his finger on the proverbial button. Here's more on this same topic.

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-16741721684116261102008-06-07T15:54:00.002-04:002008-06-07T15:58:11.803-04:00

In October of 1999, Nicholas White, a Production Manager at Business Week magazine, went out for a smoke break, and, on his return to the office, got into the slowest express elevator ever: he ended up being stuck for 41 hours. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator for 41 hours? Personally, I'm not sure I'd survive.

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-16528675481809160072008-06-05T21:14:00.003-04:002008-06-05T21:37:28.931-04:00

It's been a nutty day, and a slightly crazier evening, but I didn't want this day to pass without mentioning that this is the 40th anniversary of Robert F. Kennedy's assassination. There have been many tributes over the past few days, including some touching commentary from his kids.Let's just say, I remember vividly being told of Bobby's death in the early morning of June 6. My mom, who was not

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-15190500852276885882008-06-04T21:25:00.003-04:002008-06-04T21:40:14.245-04:00

Hillary is finally facing reality and conceding the primary fight on Saturday. Hope Al Gore gives her a call to let her know just how one gracefully exits a political fight. While certainly frustrating, Hillary's problem is nowhere near as heart-rending as what Al faced back in 2000.Turns out some of her staff turned her in to her Senate colleagues (according to MSNBC), asking them to finally

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-7274089135414976282008-06-03T21:14:00.004-04:002008-06-03T21:43:53.756-04:00

It's been a long, strange trip, but Barack Obama has now received enough votes to make him the presumptive Democratic nominee for President. When I watched him make his announcement speech from Springfield, Illinois, more than a year ago, there was no way in hell I thought he'd be the nominee. Did I hope he would be? Yeah, but just like I wished that Teddy Kennedy was the nominee in 1980, or that

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-1871346555125909132008-05-27T19:28:00.001-04:002008-05-27T19:28:58.160-04:00

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-60434427373057222892008-05-27T18:37:00.006-04:002008-05-27T19:29:39.244-04:00

When I grow up and get the job of my dreams, this would be it: Body Person for a winning presidential candidate. You have incredible access, you get to ride on Air Force I and spend your days either traveling the country or in the White House, and you literally watch history unfold before your very eyes. I enjoyed watching "The West Wing" and seeing President Bartlett and his guy, Charlie. But

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-50541308567011574222008-05-26T10:03:00.004-04:002008-05-26T10:29:17.175-04:00

Back in the fall, I posted a story about volunteering to read to a student in the school district in which my office is located. As I mentioned then, I had dreams of having one of those moments of connection that lead to a Lifetime movie or a visit to Oprah.Well, the school year finished last week and I'm able to report that none of the above happened. As I mentioned earlier, Nicole was hardly

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-51019752364306257782008-05-21T18:16:00.001-04:002008-05-21T18:18:27.086-04:00

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-27197006133386337082008-05-19T18:14:00.006-04:002008-05-19T18:26:36.942-04:00

Holy shit! It's Woodstock revisited in Portland, Oregon, yesterday. Obama is speaking to roughly 75,000 people (according to the police, not the campaign). Thought this was a great display of where the country is going these days. Wonder if my brother and sister-in-law went? Somehow I doubt it.By the way, Bob and Tara, happy anniversary! And happy birthday tomorrow, Tara! May you have many happy

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-73452712488429899942008-05-17T08:19:00.003-04:002008-05-17T08:24:23.051-04:00

I've always been a fan of John Edwards. I like his style, his politics and his sense of outrage at injustice. If I were ever in need of an advocate, there's no one I'd rather have standing by my side. That's why I like this story. He very strongly says he doesn't want to run with Obama for VP, but seems to hold the door open for Attorney General. Imagine him coming in and cleaning house? Wow,

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-2658407201282060602008-05-09T19:23:00.005-04:002008-05-09T19:38:51.085-04:00

The Democrats have selected a nominee, and it is Barack Obama. Don't you just love that picture? The cover of Times says it all.And now that the decision is made, many are turning to the next topic, which is "Who will be Obama's running mate?"I like the idea of Jim Webb and some good arguments are made here. Many have speculated that Hillary would be a good vice presidential candidate. I agree

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-77942191978461641222008-05-04T17:16:00.010-04:002008-05-04T18:28:16.287-04:00

At various times during this trip, my feet hurt (from walking), my ears hurt (from blaring music), my back hurt (from the bed of concrete at the hotel). However, it was one of the best trips we've ever taken. The weather was summery and borderline humid. The people were equally warm and quite friendly everywhere we went. And a big shout-out to the employees of HEB grocery who babysat my wallet

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-1452424023139367532008-05-04T16:45:00.009-04:002008-05-04T17:13:33.119-04:00

Friday was a good way to end the Texas sojourn. We rested up a bit and got ourselves organized so that we could enjoy the last night. The trip down I-35 took us to Gruene (pronounced "Green" for those of you non-native Texans), which is a little bit of tourism, a little bit of history, and a whole lotta fun.Smack in the heart of the little village are two important places: the Grist Mill, where

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-85907099605161178292008-05-02T09:16:00.006-04:002008-05-04T16:40:58.670-04:00

It may just be my imagination, but even when it's not hot in central Texas, it LOOKS hot. Perhaps it's the angle of the sun, or the fact that there was often not a cloud in the sky. Whatever it is, on Thursday we began to get a small sense of what summer in Austin is like. There was a touch of humidity in the air as the temps rose to the mid-80s. After a late start at Austin Java, we crossed the

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-19009194283212662412008-05-01T10:57:00.006-04:002008-05-04T16:44:48.520-04:00

Yesterday was fairly quiet in Paloozaville. If you call a quiet day shopping most of the afternoon, having the best frappacino ever, eating deeeeelightful BBq at The Salt Lick, going to the Mother Church of Texas Music (aka "The Broken Spoke") and topping it off with another set at the Continental Club to see Jon Dee Graham.http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifSouth Congress Street has some

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-39270923667833304322008-04-30T10:29:00.005-04:002008-05-04T15:51:02.397-04:00

Took an opportunity to take a drive through the Texas Hill Country west of Austin yesterday. It is surprisingly non-flat (duh!) and green, although we were not able to find any bluebonnets. The locals say it is because of a lack of rain, and it does appear to be a bit dry out there. Our drive took us about an hour away, just beyond Johnson City, where we toured the LBJ Ranch on the Pedernales

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-9207667938726376722008-04-29T20:46:00.005-04:002008-05-04T15:44:19.910-04:00

Monday's drive to San Antonio included a deep immersion into colorful and heroic Texas history. Yes, we visited the Alamo and finally are beginning to put the pieces together toward understanding the Republic of Texas. For whatever reason, I always got this part of American historyconfused - between the Spanish-American War and the Mexican War and all the different players (as I mentioned the

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-30833176634534166432008-04-29T00:00:00.013-04:002008-04-29T00:31:53.262-04:00

By popular demand, I need to go back and tell the Saturday story of arriving at the airport with a certain tall curly-haired Texan.Let me begin where it all started. The airport van pulled up to a jam-packed JetBlue terminal early on Saturday morning and we barely had room to unload the suitcases. In fact, the back doors of the van were blocking the crosswalk, causing everyone to walk around them

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-23562202464937989932008-04-27T23:14:00.012-04:002008-05-04T15:39:55.170-04:00

We're about 36 hours into the Texas sojourn and so far, we're crazy about Austin. After our friend, Tex, greeted with a Guinness (in celebration of our SG Sisterhood) and some chocolate covered strawberries (in honor of Bob and my anniversary), we launched ourselves into the local scene.Our first stop was dinner yesterday at Evangeline's Cafe, about as authentic a Cajun restaurant as you could

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-79747318810122445442008-04-26T05:01:00.003-04:002008-04-26T05:05:03.147-04:00

Seriously, never thought we'd pay money to go to Texas. But here we are...today's the day. In honor of that, I give you a favorite son of Texas, Mr. Stevie Ray Vaughn:Oh, and Happy Anniversary to my sweetie-pie. Good Lord, 28 years? How could that possibly be? It's been fun, hasn't it...and I still like trippin' with you.I love you with all my heart...still.

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-40773527619712698752008-04-18T19:28:00.005-04:002008-04-18T19:43:39.313-04:00

As a kid, we think about the president as an old, white guy who is intelligent, worldly and wise. He (and it always was a he, of course) hung out with boring bankers and diplomats and came from a stodgy, Ivy League background. No doubt his family was wealthy and somewhat conservative in that they were usually keepers of the status quo. Let's face it, even the Democrats that have been elected are

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-17582368636172929102008-04-16T18:51:00.003-04:002008-04-16T19:03:02.510-04:00

Alright, stop looking at me like that. I've been busy at work. I was sick for two weeks. I have been engrossed in baseball games. I've been 'palooza-ing. Besides, I haven't had anything earth-shattering to say. Yes, the Clinton-Obama saga continues unabated. She's still clinging to hope. He's still rising above it all. At long last, the Pennsylvania primary is less than a week away. If Hillary

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-66118802798616154702008-03-29T23:21:00.001-04:002008-03-29T23:23:10.424-04:00

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-22242930127074442422008-03-25T20:42:00.005-04:002008-03-25T21:26:50.486-04:00

The day we've been waiting for all this long winter finally arrived! And I'm having a hard time figuring out which aspect of today's events was the most bizarre. Waking up at 5 am to watch the pre-game show? How about the "opening ceremonies" featuring young Japanese girls dancing across the field in traditional costumes? How about the gigantic flower bouquets presented to each manager at home

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-66870596405649544462008-03-24T19:38:00.007-04:002008-03-24T20:29:07.360-04:00

Here's the original image by Nico Pitney and post. Be sure to click it open all the way so you can see some of the faces close-up. It's quite powerful, and so very sad.Bring them the hell home.

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-22316659449729150412008-03-23T19:31:00.002-04:002008-03-23T19:56:26.929-04:00

Five weeks from this very moment, I will have experienced "Chicken Shit Sunday" in Austin. It looks like a hoot-and-a-half, and far different from many of the other ways we've entertained ourselves while on vacation. For those of you who might not be traveling to Austin, youtube has (of course) provided an alternative. Enjoy.

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-4568223045282053802008-03-19T18:16:00.003-04:002008-03-19T18:21:03.259-04:00

Here's a two-fer: one of my favorite guilty pleasures, the Dixie Chicks (from Texas) reacting to their famous anti-Bush statement. Perfect as a palette cleanser for the fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq. And, no, I ain't ready to make nice either.

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10314073.post-23482945424814738942008-03-18T19:52:00.002-04:002008-03-18T19:56:43.272-04:00

OK, I admit it. I'm fully, madly, deeply supportive of Senator Obama. Today proved it most forcefully for me. I'm sure he realized that at some point he was going to have to give a speech like this, and it came at a time when he apparently most needed it. All of us should ask ourselves, when was the last time a politician actually talked to us? Actually talked in a way that was normal, about a

beckpersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714713068583512270noreply@blogger.com3