Update: 8/30 at 8:09 a.m.
The surgery went well, according to the doctor. He cleaned some stuff (technical term) out of my knee and said the tendons along the side of the knee were stretched to the point of tearing, but didn't come loose. All the ligaments (ACL, MCL) looked good.
I was totally wacked out all day Monday. I don't think I've slept that much in a long time. I'll be wrapped and on crutches for a while -- likely start physical therapy sometime next week. There is no timetable yet on when I'll be able to be active again, but I will be working hard towards 100%.
I appreciate all the well-wishes and e-cards I've received. I am truly touch by your outpouring of kind thoughts. I promise to respond to all of you who have written directly to me, but please be patient. The medication tends to make me sluggish -- so awake time is limited to short bursts of consciousness. :)
Next week, no more talk about me. We'll move on to more interesting things.
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I'm heading for surgery in a few hours, so this will be very short now and hopefully I will be conscious enough later to add some more stuff in.
It is amazing how the fear of someone cutting into your body can make you feel oh-so-much better. While I still ache, I would rather just hurt than have surgery.
But then, I try to move and the knives stab into my knee and we're back to square one. Ugh.
I'll be back later -- unless I am under the spell of chemicals for the rest of the day.
Bad Comments
You may have noticed (if you read the comments) that someone submitted spam as a comment. I was able to delete it fairly quickly, but it still got posted on the site for a while.
Automated systems, or bots, scan blog sites like this one and post "comments", which are nothing more than trashing my site and my Internet (possessive, aren't I?) Blogger now has a way to block bots from posting spam, but it requires a little work from you if you want to post a comment.
People leaving comments on the blog will be required to complete a word verification step -- in other words, enter a computer generated word to get their comments posted. Fighting fire with fire.
I like reading the comments. I think you guys are a great bunch and are very thoughtful about what you read here and what you write at the bottom. I want to encourage discussion and a free exchange of ideas. I don't want to make it harder or inconvenient to post comments.
However, if the spam becomes more of an issue, I may have to seriously think about it. Would that stop you from posting a comment if you had to take one extra step?
Imagination is a curious thing. It killed the cat and it is 98% of invention. Albert Einstein once wrote, "Imagination is more important than knowledge -- knowledge is limited, but imagination encircles the world." Have you used your imagination today? It needs exercise, too! "Down with tyranny! up with ... non-tyranny!"
Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox
Monday, August 29, 2005
Monday, August 22, 2005
Memory Dump
I have been totally swamped the past couple of weeks. I know. How dare work get in the way with my personal web life?
I apologize for not posting last week, but I promise to give you a heads-up the next time. Unfortunately, this week will just have to be a memory dump -- too much in my mind.
Work
My work site is changing to this. We hope it will be a cleaner site with more available at the user's fingertips.
This is a big project. We are the fourth site to be changed and probably the most contentious so far. Lots of personalization and lots of work on the backend.
I hope to be out of this soon.
Distractions
If you haven't figured out, I am a lover of cartoons. I grew up with Bugs, Daffy, the Road Runner, Taz and all the Warner Brothers gang.
I also watched lots of Spider-Man and Ultra Man (great Japanese show with monsters).
These days, Cartoon Network has got me hooked on Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends. Honestly, if you like cartoons, you have to check this one out. It is great for kids and has enough adult humor to make it good for the rest of us.
Medicos
And if work weren't enough, I have a tear in a ligament in my knee.
Yes, it happened in hockey. Yes, I'm seeing a doctor (and he has seen me).
And yes, I'm driving those close to me nuts. I don't do well with sitting still or not being involved in sports.
My mom has suggested a heavy (or heavier) dose of video games to keep me occupied. My co-workers have been very diligent in reminding me that I need to be on my crutches.
Their only hope is that I'm unconscious while the healing process continues.
But on the other hand, you guys might get more of me. How does that sound?
Did that sound like a threat? :) Don't worry. You'll get warned in plenty of time before that happens. And if you have any good stories to throw my way, I'd be glad to read them. Also, feel free to drop me a line if you get e-mails that sound like hoaxes. I consider it a community service to stop those @#%ing e-mails from clogging up everyone else's inbox. "In an interstellar burst, I am back to save the universe."
Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox
I apologize for not posting last week, but I promise to give you a heads-up the next time. Unfortunately, this week will just have to be a memory dump -- too much in my mind.
Work
My work site is changing to this. We hope it will be a cleaner site with more available at the user's fingertips.
This is a big project. We are the fourth site to be changed and probably the most contentious so far. Lots of personalization and lots of work on the backend.
I hope to be out of this soon.
Distractions
If you haven't figured out, I am a lover of cartoons. I grew up with Bugs, Daffy, the Road Runner, Taz and all the Warner Brothers gang.
I also watched lots of Spider-Man and Ultra Man (great Japanese show with monsters).
These days, Cartoon Network has got me hooked on Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends. Honestly, if you like cartoons, you have to check this one out. It is great for kids and has enough adult humor to make it good for the rest of us.
Medicos
And if work weren't enough, I have a tear in a ligament in my knee.
Yes, it happened in hockey. Yes, I'm seeing a doctor (and he has seen me).
And yes, I'm driving those close to me nuts. I don't do well with sitting still or not being involved in sports.
My mom has suggested a heavy (or heavier) dose of video games to keep me occupied. My co-workers have been very diligent in reminding me that I need to be on my crutches.
Their only hope is that I'm unconscious while the healing process continues.
But on the other hand, you guys might get more of me. How does that sound?
Did that sound like a threat? :) Don't worry. You'll get warned in plenty of time before that happens. And if you have any good stories to throw my way, I'd be glad to read them. Also, feel free to drop me a line if you get e-mails that sound like hoaxes. I consider it a community service to stop those @#%ing e-mails from clogging up everyone else's inbox. "In an interstellar burst, I am back to save the universe."
Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox
Monday, August 08, 2005
Random Act Of Kindness
The past few weeks have put baseball and the steroids issue in the spotlight -- much to the dismay of the Baltimore Orioles.
First baseman Rafael Palmeiro failed a steroid test, months after testifying before Congress that he never took steroids in his career. In a statement after the failed, Palmeiro said he never intentionally took steroids.
Let the parsing begin.
Many fans and non-fans have jumped up and down on Palmeiro and other sluggers for allegedly drugging up throughout their career. Baseball itself has suffered yet another black eye as congressional leaders possibly move to clean up the game.
And yet, for all the publicity that this has created, there was an even bigger story that didn't get nearly the same play.
Last Wednesday, a 6 year-old boy and his grandfather went to a ballgame in Cincinnati to watch the Reds play the Atlanta Braves. Sometime during the game, the grandfather collapsed in the stands and died.
While emergency crews worked to save the man, a security guard took the boy to the Reds bullpen. The boy sat with the players for the rest of the game while his parents were summoned to the ballpark.
When the game ended, outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. went and got him. The boy took part as players exchanged high-fives to celebrate their 8-5 win over Atlanta. Then he then joined them in the clubhouse, where the players showered him with gifts and entertained him until his parents arrived.
“We just tried to make a bad situation a little better,” outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “We play a game. What he was going through doesn’t compare. It was important that the little guy not be by himself.”
So many times, random acts of kindness catch us off guard so badly that we don't realize how magnificent they really are until much later. The Reds didn't have to do anything, yet they reached out to the youngster with so much compassion and understanding that it boggles the mind.
It wasn't about a scheduled activity or a public relations ploy to win over fans. It was about reacting to the situation and having the understanding of the moment.
Baseball isn't about hits, runs, steroids or over-inflated salaries. It is about players and families coming together to enjoy a game.
As Griffey said, "We play a game. What he was going through doesn’t compare."
We could do with more stories of compassion, coming together and understanding.
One more time: just because the tornado isn't directly aimed at your house doesn't mean you get to blast the television station because we are warning those people in the path.
A tornado warning, which means a tornado has actually been sighted or is indicated by radar, was issued this weekend and my television station did what it is supposed to -- break into programming to warn those people who might get hit by the tornado to get out of the way.
It is a station's community responsibility to alert residents to get out of the way of tornadoes to prevent loss of life. Stations don't break into programming just for fun or just to upset your daily routine.
So to the people who decided to swear, belittle and flame the station for the decision to warn people about a tornado that was spotted by the National Weather Service -- the next time a storm comes, don't turn on your television or radio. Let's see if you want to find out about the storm then.
"I am Bloo! And you are my minions!!!"
Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.
First baseman Rafael Palmeiro failed a steroid test, months after testifying before Congress that he never took steroids in his career. In a statement after the failed, Palmeiro said he never intentionally took steroids.
Let the parsing begin.
Many fans and non-fans have jumped up and down on Palmeiro and other sluggers for allegedly drugging up throughout their career. Baseball itself has suffered yet another black eye as congressional leaders possibly move to clean up the game.
And yet, for all the publicity that this has created, there was an even bigger story that didn't get nearly the same play.
Last Wednesday, a 6 year-old boy and his grandfather went to a ballgame in Cincinnati to watch the Reds play the Atlanta Braves. Sometime during the game, the grandfather collapsed in the stands and died.
While emergency crews worked to save the man, a security guard took the boy to the Reds bullpen. The boy sat with the players for the rest of the game while his parents were summoned to the ballpark.
When the game ended, outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. went and got him. The boy took part as players exchanged high-fives to celebrate their 8-5 win over Atlanta. Then he then joined them in the clubhouse, where the players showered him with gifts and entertained him until his parents arrived.
“We just tried to make a bad situation a little better,” outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “We play a game. What he was going through doesn’t compare. It was important that the little guy not be by himself.”
So many times, random acts of kindness catch us off guard so badly that we don't realize how magnificent they really are until much later. The Reds didn't have to do anything, yet they reached out to the youngster with so much compassion and understanding that it boggles the mind.
It wasn't about a scheduled activity or a public relations ploy to win over fans. It was about reacting to the situation and having the understanding of the moment.
Baseball isn't about hits, runs, steroids or over-inflated salaries. It is about players and families coming together to enjoy a game.
As Griffey said, "We play a game. What he was going through doesn’t compare."
We could do with more stories of compassion, coming together and understanding.
One more time: just because the tornado isn't directly aimed at your house doesn't mean you get to blast the television station because we are warning those people in the path.
A tornado warning, which means a tornado has actually been sighted or is indicated by radar, was issued this weekend and my television station did what it is supposed to -- break into programming to warn those people who might get hit by the tornado to get out of the way.
It is a station's community responsibility to alert residents to get out of the way of tornadoes to prevent loss of life. Stations don't break into programming just for fun or just to upset your daily routine.
So to the people who decided to swear, belittle and flame the station for the decision to warn people about a tornado that was spotted by the National Weather Service -- the next time a storm comes, don't turn on your television or radio. Let's see if you want to find out about the storm then.
"I am Bloo! And you are my minions!!!"
Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.
Monday, August 01, 2005
We Are Such Prudes
Hue and cry!
Fear! Fire! Foes!
Sound the alarm!
Oh... wait... *sigh*... it is just another case of overreaction.
You've probably heard about the controversy over a modification available for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. This "hot coffee" mod supposedly allows explicit scenes of sex to be unlocked on the video game.
The maker of the game -- Rockstar -- at first said they didn't create the objectionable content. Then, they said, ok, yes we did, but you weren't supposed to see it. In fairness, the creator of the modification apparently doesn't work for Rockstar, so maybe they can be forgiven for that (but then how did the modder know the code was there -- hmmmm...)
In any event, the typical reaction of "ban all games", "games are evil", "video playing is the bane of our future" quickly emanated from all the usual suspects. The critics demanded blood and the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) reacted. They changed the voluntary rating of the game from M for mature to AO for adults only.
A bold move to be sure.
A closer look shows that this is a marshmallow move. According to the ESRB site, titles rated M (Mature) have content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older. Titles in this category may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, and/or strong language.
On the other hand, the site said titles rated AO (Adults Only) have content that should only be played by persons 18 years and older. Titles in this category may include prolonged scenes of intense violence and/or graphic sexual content and nudity.
Note the ages: 17 for M and 18 for AO. I guess that one year makes all the difference in the world -- NOT.
I don't know what they are thinking, but I guess they felt they had to do something. More and more people are "banning" the game because of the extra content so someone had to react -- and react poorly.
I have played Grand Theft Auto and GTA: Vice City. In the game, you are allowed to pay for services rendered by a prostitute. She climbs in the car; you go to a "private" spot; the car shakes and shimmies while moans come from the vehicle (and your money gets depleted); and then she gets out. Some people (mentioning no names here) then shoot the prostitute and regain their money.
That's the basis of the game. Kill for cash -- whether it is mob hits, police officers or prostitutes.
So, by critics standing up and lamenting about the "hot coffee" mod, in effect they are saying it is ok for my 17 year old to learn about killing, but not sex. And if you are letting your child who is under 17 play the game, you have no one to blame but yourself.
On a lighter note, I have a new grill and I've been putting flame to just about every meal. This is a real grill -- not a George Foreman grill -- and this is the first time I've ever owned this metal goddess. Now, I need to find good grilling recipes. I've done the basics, but I'm ready to experiment. You know about my love for ribs. I want to experience meat on bone over flame for myself. It is time for a party. "Ah! What is that? Get it away! It will steal my soul!" -- Eduardo
Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.
Fear! Fire! Foes!
Sound the alarm!
Oh... wait... *sigh*... it is just another case of overreaction.
You've probably heard about the controversy over a modification available for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. This "hot coffee" mod supposedly allows explicit scenes of sex to be unlocked on the video game.
The maker of the game -- Rockstar -- at first said they didn't create the objectionable content. Then, they said, ok, yes we did, but you weren't supposed to see it. In fairness, the creator of the modification apparently doesn't work for Rockstar, so maybe they can be forgiven for that (but then how did the modder know the code was there -- hmmmm...)
In any event, the typical reaction of "ban all games", "games are evil", "video playing is the bane of our future" quickly emanated from all the usual suspects. The critics demanded blood and the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) reacted. They changed the voluntary rating of the game from M for mature to AO for adults only.
A bold move to be sure.
A closer look shows that this is a marshmallow move. According to the ESRB site, titles rated M (Mature) have content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older. Titles in this category may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, and/or strong language.
On the other hand, the site said titles rated AO (Adults Only) have content that should only be played by persons 18 years and older. Titles in this category may include prolonged scenes of intense violence and/or graphic sexual content and nudity.
Note the ages: 17 for M and 18 for AO. I guess that one year makes all the difference in the world -- NOT.
I don't know what they are thinking, but I guess they felt they had to do something. More and more people are "banning" the game because of the extra content so someone had to react -- and react poorly.
I have played Grand Theft Auto and GTA: Vice City. In the game, you are allowed to pay for services rendered by a prostitute. She climbs in the car; you go to a "private" spot; the car shakes and shimmies while moans come from the vehicle (and your money gets depleted); and then she gets out. Some people (mentioning no names here) then shoot the prostitute and regain their money.
That's the basis of the game. Kill for cash -- whether it is mob hits, police officers or prostitutes.
So, by critics standing up and lamenting about the "hot coffee" mod, in effect they are saying it is ok for my 17 year old to learn about killing, but not sex. And if you are letting your child who is under 17 play the game, you have no one to blame but yourself.
On a lighter note, I have a new grill and I've been putting flame to just about every meal. This is a real grill -- not a George Foreman grill -- and this is the first time I've ever owned this metal goddess. Now, I need to find good grilling recipes. I've done the basics, but I'm ready to experiment. You know about my love for ribs. I want to experience meat on bone over flame for myself. It is time for a party. "Ah! What is that? Get it away! It will steal my soul!" -- Eduardo
Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.
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