Tretakoff Musings
Thursday, March 30, 2006
I love retro electronics
Pete is about the only other person I know who actively loves retro gadgets as much as I do, although he has a more developed sense of their usefulness. For me, playing Mattel's Football II on the Palm is the height of entertainment. But this new cell phone, destined only for Japan (alas), is just up my alley. All the cool retro feel, with the modern technology. Now THAT'S cool.
Pete is about the only other person I know who actively loves retro gadgets as much as I do, although he has a more developed sense of their usefulness. For me, playing Mattel's Football II on the Palm is the height of entertainment. But this new cell phone, destined only for Japan (alas), is just up my alley. All the cool retro feel, with the modern technology. Now THAT'S cool.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Google: my new homepage?
I'm a big fan of customized homepages; have been ever since Netscape's first, back in 1995. Recently, with the explosion of Web 2.0 Ajax-laden sites, I've been considering dumping my tried and true My Yahoo. I've switched to NetVibes at work, and tried Goowy at home, but a recent contender caught my eye: Google.
Google's new personalized homepage allows you to add content, like RSS feeds, sure, but the real kicker for me is the integration of the modules. Google weather, displayed as on overview to the Google Map. A full interactive crossword puzzle, with a new one every day. Gmail? Check. How about the map of recent fire and police alerts? Got you covered. Your favorite comic strips? Done. What's coming on your Netflix list? Wrapped.
I'm still nto a fan of the Google minimalist interface, but the appeal of these is undeniable, without the performace hits of Goowy and My Yahoo. Plus, they all are available on your cell and mobile device. I'll keep you posted...
Google's new personalized homepage allows you to add content, like RSS feeds, sure, but the real kicker for me is the integration of the modules. Google weather, displayed as on overview to the Google Map. A full interactive crossword puzzle, with a new one every day. Gmail? Check. How about the map of recent fire and police alerts? Got you covered. Your favorite comic strips? Done. What's coming on your Netflix list? Wrapped.
I'm still nto a fan of the Google minimalist interface, but the appeal of these is undeniable, without the performace hits of Goowy and My Yahoo. Plus, they all are available on your cell and mobile device. I'll keep you posted...
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Michael vs. Michael - Google Video
Since I seem to have a sports-related thing going today, might as well add to it. One of the best Michael Jordan commercials (and there have been some amazing ones; is there any pitchman better?) was this Gatorade one, featuring a 39 year old Michael Jordan playing 1 on 1 with his 23 year old self. Great effects, great sense of realism, and a great ending.
A stake in my Cowboys heart
My 'Boys will never be the same. A long time ago, I blogged about the arrival of Bill Parcells to coach my beloved Dallas Cowboys. I was never a big Parcells guy, and, despite two winning seasons since then under him, I'm still not.
Then came Bledsoe, the quarterback I always thought was just the guy you wanted when you didn't want to win a big game. He surprised me, after years in New England where I watched him do very little, it was his performance in the AFC Championship Gane, in the Patriots' first Superbowl title run. He had been benched earlier in the season, injured, and on came Tom Brady. The rest, of course, is history, but for that AFC Game, Brady went down, and Bledsoe came in. He drove them to the SuperBowl: it was the first time he had ever impressed me. When he came to Dallas, I groaned: back to the same old Bledsoe. Ready to throw the key interception when you need him to.
But none of that matters. Not after last week. The most disturbing image I have ever seen in professional sports, outside of Joe Theismann's leg being broken, or having to look at any professional figure skater met my eyes:
Terrell Owens, AKA the biggest asshole in professional sports, signed with the Dallas Cowboys.
I'm in shock.
I'm in horror.
I'm...speechless.
For those not familiar with the origin of these reactions, let me regale you with this team-wrecker's highlights:
- In San Francisco, he pushed out Jerry Rice, the greatest receiver of all time. He accused his quarterback, a Pro Bowler, of being gay, and blew up at his coaches on the sidelines.
- His incompetence had him choose an agent who missed a key filing deadline for free agency. So, instead of being able to reap millions by becoming a free agent, he was summarily dumped by the 49ers to the Ravens.
- He successfully fought the trade (how, I will NEVER understand), and got his free agency, where he went to Philadelphia, his team of choice.
- He had one successful season in Philly, plagued by injury, and then proceeded to rip his team, his quarterback, his coach, and his fans. He was summarily demoted and dismissed by the team; he responded with bizarre press conferences and legal actions. HE LOST.
"This guy is the poster child for bad atheletes. And now, he comes to my Cowboys. Oh, the play he is most well known for? Ah, yes: after scoring a touchdown while with the 49ers, playing in Dallas, he sprinted to the center logo, mocking the fans (see image to the left). On a 2nd touchdown, he did it again, but this time, former Cowboy George Teague, who will be forever a Cowboy in my mind, decided to show the arrogant prick that football is a game of pain (see image below, right).
Now, I know the columnists are saying this is a great match: Bledsoe loves him; Parcells knows how to handle "problem" players, like Lawrence Taylor, Keyshawn Johnson, and Terry Glenn; Jerry Jones takes chances on "outlaw" players (Michael Irvin, Erik Williams). But I'll say it right here: if this asshole gets them to the Superbowl, he is still a piece of shit, and this title will have an asterisk by it. Jerry needs to sell tickets, with a new stadium coming and a coach going, and there's nothing like a freak show to bring in the gawkers: good for you, Jerry; I applaud the business savvy.
But somewhere, Troy Aikman, Roger Staubach, Emmitt Smith, Herschel Walker, and Tony Dorsett are looking at their SuperBowl rings and noticing they are not shining quite as brightly as they had been.
Go Cowboys.*
Then came Bledsoe, the quarterback I always thought was just the guy you wanted when you didn't want to win a big game. He surprised me, after years in New England where I watched him do very little, it was his performance in the AFC Championship Gane, in the Patriots' first Superbowl title run. He had been benched earlier in the season, injured, and on came Tom Brady. The rest, of course, is history, but for that AFC Game, Brady went down, and Bledsoe came in. He drove them to the SuperBowl: it was the first time he had ever impressed me. When he came to Dallas, I groaned: back to the same old Bledsoe. Ready to throw the key interception when you need him to.
But none of that matters. Not after last week. The most disturbing image I have ever seen in professional sports, outside of Joe Theismann's leg being broken, or having to look at any professional figure skater met my eyes:
Terrell Owens, AKA the biggest asshole in professional sports, signed with the Dallas Cowboys.
I'm in shock.
I'm in horror.
I'm...speechless.
For those not familiar with the origin of these reactions, let me regale you with this team-wrecker's highlights:
- In San Francisco, he pushed out Jerry Rice, the greatest receiver of all time. He accused his quarterback, a Pro Bowler, of being gay, and blew up at his coaches on the sidelines.
- His incompetence had him choose an agent who missed a key filing deadline for free agency. So, instead of being able to reap millions by becoming a free agent, he was summarily dumped by the 49ers to the Ravens.
- He successfully fought the trade (how, I will NEVER understand), and got his free agency, where he went to Philadelphia, his team of choice.
- He had one successful season in Philly, plagued by injury, and then proceeded to rip his team, his quarterback, his coach, and his fans. He was summarily demoted and dismissed by the team; he responded with bizarre press conferences and legal actions. HE LOST.
"This guy is the poster child for bad atheletes. And now, he comes to my Cowboys. Oh, the play he is most well known for? Ah, yes: after scoring a touchdown while with the 49ers, playing in Dallas, he sprinted to the center logo, mocking the fans (see image to the left). On a 2nd touchdown, he did it again, but this time, former Cowboy George Teague, who will be forever a Cowboy in my mind, decided to show the arrogant prick that football is a game of pain (see image below, right).Now, I know the columnists are saying this is a great match: Bledsoe loves him; Parcells knows how to handle "problem" players, like Lawrence Taylor, Keyshawn Johnson, and Terry Glenn; Jerry Jones takes chances on "outlaw" players (Michael Irvin, Erik Williams). But I'll say it right here: if this asshole gets them to the Superbowl, he is still a piece of shit, and this title will have an asterisk by it. Jerry needs to sell tickets, with a new stadium coming and a coach going, and there's nothing like a freak show to bring in the gawkers: good for you, Jerry; I applaud the business savvy.
But somewhere, Troy Aikman, Roger Staubach, Emmitt Smith, Herschel Walker, and Tony Dorsett are looking at their SuperBowl rings and noticing they are not shining quite as brightly as they had been.
Go Cowboys.*
Confessions of an Arena Football fan
Wait...don't say "Oh no, not another reference to the Sports Guy again...". Fear not; just a confession: I love Arena Football. It's everything good about professional football, with none of the bad. Players make very little money, the gameplay is fast and exciting, and it's got all the trappings of great fun. And at ticket prices that start at less than $10, it's cheaper than a bad movie!
What I really love about Arena Football is the fans. In San Jose, the team's mascot? A guy on a Harley, who rides around and throws T-shirts into the crowd. And I mean, CROWD. The arena is PACKED. And y'know what? Everyone is having a good time. Picture a sporting event without the obnoxiousness and adults and kids just kicking back. More a picnic atmosphere than a football game.
Of course, I love alternative football leagues. USFL? Yep, I was a big fan of the New Jersey Generals (Doug Flutie AND Herschel Walker on the same team!), and went to a couple of Boston Breakers games. XFL? To me, a great reason to go to PacBell...I mean, SBC...I mean AT&T Park to watch an event that is NOT baseball: the San Francisco Demons were nothing to write home about, but it was still a lot of fun. How about NFL Europe? Yep, I'm watching the Sea Devils, under Jack Bicknell (former Boston College head coach, and yes, Doug Flutie's mentor) this season on the NFL Network. CFL? Go Stampeders! Oh, did I mention Flutie won the Grey Cup (their Superbowl) a few times, with a few different teams there?
Arena Football, though, has been my favorite (even if Doug Flutie never played in it :-)). Good marketing, core development, and they even lost those Zubaz pants they used to wear when they first started. Now, with owners like John Elway and Jon Bon Jovi, not to mention Jerry Jones (owner of the Cowboys), the league is starting to be a real competitive place.
This last week, I was in Chicago for meetings. I got there early, and, in the lobby of the building, what do I see? The Arena Football League headquarters offices! Still early, but they were open, so I slipped in for a peek!
Go Desperados!
What I really love about Arena Football is the fans. In San Jose, the team's mascot? A guy on a Harley, who rides around and throws T-shirts into the crowd. And I mean, CROWD. The arena is PACKED. And y'know what? Everyone is having a good time. Picture a sporting event without the obnoxiousness and adults and kids just kicking back. More a picnic atmosphere than a football game.
Of course, I love alternative football leagues. USFL? Yep, I was a big fan of the New Jersey Generals (Doug Flutie AND Herschel Walker on the same team!), and went to a couple of Boston Breakers games. XFL? To me, a great reason to go to PacBell...I mean, SBC...I mean AT&T Park to watch an event that is NOT baseball: the San Francisco Demons were nothing to write home about, but it was still a lot of fun. How about NFL Europe? Yep, I'm watching the Sea Devils, under Jack Bicknell (former Boston College head coach, and yes, Doug Flutie's mentor) this season on the NFL Network. CFL? Go Stampeders! Oh, did I mention Flutie won the Grey Cup (their Superbowl) a few times, with a few different teams there?
Arena Football, though, has been my favorite (even if Doug Flutie never played in it :-)). Good marketing, core development, and they even lost those Zubaz pants they used to wear when they first started. Now, with owners like John Elway and Jon Bon Jovi, not to mention Jerry Jones (owner of the Cowboys), the league is starting to be a real competitive place.
This last week, I was in Chicago for meetings. I got there early, and, in the lobby of the building, what do I see? The Arena Football League headquarters offices! Still early, but they were open, so I slipped in for a peek!Go Desperados!
A great way to say goodbye
Recently, when we went back to Boston for the funeral of Amy's brother in law, Bob Weinberg, the friends and family decided to celebrate his life by doing one of the things he loved best: eating. :-) On a night when the windchill brought the cold to below zero, 18 of Bob's friends and family headed to Boston's famous North End for a great meal.
Maki & Robbie, our favorites.
Amy and I lived in the North End for over 6 years. At least once a week, we'd walk back from work, and head up Salem St. to our favorite restaurant, L'Osteria. After 10+ years away, we called and timidly asked if, on a Saturday night they could handle our party; they remembered us immediately and were thrilled to have us there.
Mia, Maki & Rob's daughter, confers with Francine on the menu
Man, what a feats. Anitpastos, great wine, and L'Osteria's signature Chicken Picatelli (not on the menu; you have to ask for it), and Chicken Marenga (God, is it sinfully good). All combined with great folks, a fun celebration, and a fitting toast to a man who enjoyed their food many times.
Mia approves!
Maki & Robbie, our favorites.Amy and I lived in the North End for over 6 years. At least once a week, we'd walk back from work, and head up Salem St. to our favorite restaurant, L'Osteria. After 10+ years away, we called and timidly asked if, on a Saturday night they could handle our party; they remembered us immediately and were thrilled to have us there.
Mia, Maki & Rob's daughter, confers with Francine on the menuMan, what a feats. Anitpastos, great wine, and L'Osteria's signature Chicken Picatelli (not on the menu; you have to ask for it), and Chicken Marenga (God, is it sinfully good). All combined with great folks, a fun celebration, and a fitting toast to a man who enjoyed their food many times.
Mia approves!
Become a bluesman!
Yeah, I'm a frustrated Akroyd/Belushi: the Blues are one type of music I can listen to anytime, and lose myself in it. Hell, with the frequency of my trips to Chicago these days, maybe I'll start to absorb some talent! ;-)
Until then,I'll just have to point my browser to the desktopblues site, which takes away the guesswork and turns me into a master bluesman!
Fun for a few diverting minutes; enjoy!
Until then,I'll just have to point my browser to the desktopblues site, which takes away the guesswork and turns me into a master bluesman!
Fun for a few diverting minutes; enjoy!
Sunday, March 12, 2006
San Francisco Snowstorms
Hey, it can happen! This week, it's been as close as we get, complete with a 28 car pileup a few miles from my house. Real snowstorms here, although rare, actually have occurred, with predictable results. Take a look at the history of San Francisco Snowstorms.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Amazing 3D Sidewalk Art Photos
More clever photo illusions from a trule talented sidewalk artist. I like the inclusion of the commercialism: if there was a way to mass produce this, it could make for a whole new way to reach consumers.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
A man after my own heart
When most people ask me what I do for a living, I reply that I provide loyalty solutions for retailers and service providers. They look at me blankly for a moment, then timidly ask, "So, what DO you do for a living?" I answer with:
"You know how you go to the grocery store, and they give you a loyalty card, so you can get discounts? We provide the same thing for retailers like Smith & Hawken, 1-800-Flowers, and people like Bally Fitness."
They nod; the light dawns, and then they ask, "So, you provide all of those little cards?" I smile and explain that no, we don't do the cards. In fact, we don't like the cards. How many do they have, I ask; invariably, the horror stories come of the multitude of cards in their wallet, keychain, etc. I then immediately explain we do the same, but without the cards.
Now, this intelligent man has taken a different approach to the multiple loyalty card problem, and applied another ingenious, albeit manual, solution to the problem.
So, if you want to free up your wallet or keychain, but keep the loyalty card functions, check him out.
"You know how you go to the grocery store, and they give you a loyalty card, so you can get discounts? We provide the same thing for retailers like Smith & Hawken, 1-800-Flowers, and people like Bally Fitness."
They nod; the light dawns, and then they ask, "So, you provide all of those little cards?" I smile and explain that no, we don't do the cards. In fact, we don't like the cards. How many do they have, I ask; invariably, the horror stories come of the multitude of cards in their wallet, keychain, etc. I then immediately explain we do the same, but without the cards.
Now, this intelligent man has taken a different approach to the multiple loyalty card problem, and applied another ingenious, albeit manual, solution to the problem.
So, if you want to free up your wallet or keychain, but keep the loyalty card functions, check him out.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Hey Neighbor, Stop Piggybacking on My Wireless - New York Times
Great article from the New York Times talks about Wifi sharing issues. Worth looking.
New Bluetooth headset
As stylish as the Jabra is, in the slightest wind, it's worthless. Since I walk more than I drive these days, I needed one that people coudl actually hear me on the streets of San Francisco. I settled on the Plantronics Voyager 510, after reading great reviews of it's real-world performance. The biggest improvement is a windscreen on the microphone; that alone is really all I wanted for the Jabra. Sure, the Plantronics is more functionally elegant, but no one just sells these windscreens! What a racket.
In any case, it's working well so far, with good comfort, and very good audible cues to tell you what's going on. More as I discover it with the Sony Ericsson Z520a, my fairly new cell.
In any case, it's working well so far, with good comfort, and very good audible cues to tell you what's going on. More as I discover it with the Sony Ericsson Z520a, my fairly new cell.
Silence is not always golden
It's been a rough week at work, and with the traveling, not a lot happened on the Blog. Lani and Pete are putting me to shame. If you haven't been reading them, they both do great blogs, with regular updates.
As for me, I have not had any spare time, but I have been working on a memorial site for Bob Weinberg, Amy's late brother-in-law. Right now, it's all set up, but I can't seem to get the darned URL to work (bobsbobbers.com). As soon as it is, I will open it up to Bob's friends and family. It's been an interesting project, one that Bob's sister Wendy came up with, and I have to say a wonderful memorial.
To all of our SF friends, we will be re-emerging shortly from our extended hiatus. For now, thanks for being with us.
As for me, I have not had any spare time, but I have been working on a memorial site for Bob Weinberg, Amy's late brother-in-law. Right now, it's all set up, but I can't seem to get the darned URL to work (bobsbobbers.com). As soon as it is, I will open it up to Bob's friends and family. It's been an interesting project, one that Bob's sister Wendy came up with, and I have to say a wonderful memorial.
To all of our SF friends, we will be re-emerging shortly from our extended hiatus. For now, thanks for being with us.
