As the Donald would say . . . . .

It only makes since that Radio Shack, a purveyor of high tech tidbits would use this method to downsize.

Which makes me wonder . . . . .

Would the All Star Flag Company use this method?

Ace Above would have an impressive, but somewhat impersonal method.

Ford Motor Company could use this method.

The Florida Orchestra would use this egregious method.

Now 100% Ernesto Free!

So the doctor says that I have a viral infection in my eye. Eeeeek! But it is much feeling much better and no longer looks like something out of a horror movies involving the CDC and scientists in bunny suits. The bad news is that I have to wear glasses for the next three weeks, and according to the Dixie, they "are not flattering."

Nice.

So, moving on in world news:

• I think the nice folks at Mattel may have snapped. Or maybe the Mattel lawyers are trying to develop a sense of humor.

• Let me say that people need to be more involved in world events. Pick a cause . . . . . any cause . . . . and run with it.

• OK, this is a funny article as it stands . . . . but now read it again only substitute "cow" for "stripper." Not only does it still hold true, but will likely flush your nasal passages with coffee.

• And here we have a textbook case of environmental engineering and application.

I'm watching you

This is what I saw in the mirror this morning.

I think I *might* have a cornea infection.

Splishes and Splashes

On Saturday a convoy of 11 Jeeps headed into the Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area. On this ride we took the Secret Service-esque Dixie Jeep, which sports a black paint job, black tires and black wheels, and black tinted windows. Dixie started out as the pilot as we ran full bore into fairly deep mud puddles. About 10 minutes into the ride the electronics under the hood had

enough water and shut the machine down. In the middle of a puddle . . . of course. I got out and slogged through the much so that we could be towed to higher ground. After a couple of minutes the Jeep healed itself and we were on our way. After breaking for lunch we switched seats. I disengaged the 4 wheel drive and spent the last half of the trip sending rooster tails of mud 40 feet into the air (and onto the hood of whoever followed too close!)

It was all fun and games until Sunday . . . . . or clean up day, as it were. For some unknown reason Dixie took ill and was unable to clean her Jeep . . . . . but I felt fine. Funny, eh? AND to show that I am the nicest boyfriend on the planet, after cleaning her Jeep, I installed some beefy metal plates on the side of it to prevent rock-rash on the body panels. The mad shuffling of Jeeps made for an interesting sight in my driveway. (Note how the black Jeep shines!)

Randomness

This weekend the Jeeps hit the trail. We are going somewhere different this time and I have never been there before. Sounds like it is going to be a tame ride - but seeing new scenery will be nice. The destination is called the Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area and is just north of the bustling metropolis of YeeHaw Junction, home of the Desert Inn.


Here is another picture from the South America trip. As you can infer from the photograph this was a very serious trip and a pivotal point of our business education.

The Lovely Cate Classmate is standing there next to me as we waft the vapors from the oak aging casks. The reason for my smile is four-fold:

1. I am wearing my favorite and very understated yellow jacket.
2. Cate pinched my butt just before the photo was taken.
3. Wine.
4. It was cold enough to actually wear the cashmere scarf that was recently purchased in Buenos Aires without looking like a dork. (I know Dixie will disagree with that.)

This is my nephew Michael. While on a visit in North Carolina we wandered upon a spring-fed stream with pristine crystal-clear water. As you can see by the present turbidity, a six year old can really have an impact on the environment. I believe in this picture he was making a convincing case as to why I needed to roll up my jeans, remove my socks and shoes and join him in his quest for gold nuggets and quartz crystals. Although his reasoning was varied and extensive I remained on the bank.

Sonograms, Security, Spiders and Strippers

I, uh, really don't know what to say about this. So I will just leave it at that. It will be interesting to see how much the scan sheet brings on eBay. Someone roll my eyes back to me please.

RyanAir is Europe's version of SouthWest Airlines. This is curious.

Hmmmmm, I certainly don't like the sound of this discovery. How far away is Ecuador?

Awwww man, I wonder if they will be allowed at weddings?

Picture of the day

A couple of summers ago I went with a group of my MBA classmates to Argentina and Chile under the guise of studying international business relations. In reality it was more along the lines of a research project on precisely which Chilean wine complemented which cut of Argentine beef. (Note: this research project was nearly concluded, however this blog feels that more research must be conducted before a valid thesis can be presented.)

One of the highlights of the trip was the thorough investigation of the Concha Y Toro Winery. While on the cellar tour we were regaled with the story of how the founder of the winery brought back valuable grapes from the Bordeaux region of France. The wines pressed from these grapes were set aside in the cellar for his family in a back section of the cavernous store. Over time he noticed that some of the libation seemed to be disappearing, while at the same time his employees seemed to be smiling more than usual. To combat the shrinkage, he concocted a story that he had seen the devil in the cellar, hence the Casillero del Diablo (Devil's Cellar) wine label.

So this picture was taken in this section of the cellar where the staff have now installed a multimedia sound and light show to entertain the patrons. (Which at this late point of the incessant wine consuming tour even Pauly Shore would be entertaining.) For you photography propeller heads: 0.7 second exposure, f2.8, focal 8.0mm

How To: Subscribe

So . . . . some of you may be saying to yourself: "You know, that T.J. is such a clever guy, how can I stay on top of his blogs?"

Simple. I think.

It seems that there are programs designed to gather information and deliver it to you as requested . . . news, information, blogs, lacey panties, and so forth.

For instance: http://www.bloglines.com/

Someone give it a try please, and let me know if it works.

Snakes and other slimy things

I really can't believe that someone made a movie called "Snakes on a Plane." I also think that it is an indicator of the downfall of Western civilization when I see that it has grossed $20 million so far.

But what is more scary than the existence of a film about snakes on a plane? That's right, naked pictures of Roseanne.

Picture of the day

Today's picture of the day is a photo from a commercial shoot that I did for Xtreme Jeeps in Tampa.

I guess it was about 8 p.m., or about a half hour after sunset. I have a strobe kicking the front of the Jeeps and a tungsten kicker light behind the vehicles. This looks like about a 12 second exposure. I just wish I would have sprayed down the asphalt with water.

Welcome

OK - so Live Journal does not have the features I wanted easily accessible (I refuse to learn HTML . . . . . HTML is the second language of people who tend to win spelling bees, know what is meant by - and even excel at "gaming", or tend to wear black nail polish.)

So I tried Myspace. It had everything that I like in terms of human-to-computer interaction . . . but has been glitching and I have typed many an entry of late that was lost in posting.

Time to give the Google product a shot! I just hope my readers will follow me!

So if you are reading this: thank you.