63 years ago today, 361 Japanese warplanes attacked American airfields and shipyards at Pearl Harbor, disabling 19 ships, destroying 200 planes, and killing over 2300 men. The pre-emptive strike prompted this country to plunge headlong into the most destructive war in history. It was a defining moment, to be sure; one which ultimately marked the turning point in a war of unprecedented scale.
Continue reading “Slumbering Giant”

If you ever watched the show Twin Peaks (great show, by the way), you know that Dale Cooper, Special Agent, had a penchant for enjoying the little things in life. Though dutifully fulfilling his law enforcement obligations, he understood the importance of living and thinking dynamically, not submitting to the monotonous routine many believe inescapable in today’s world.

I’m with Agent Cooper; I refuse to accept any implication that “settling into a groove” is somehow the all-encompassing proper way to live. On the contrary, I believe that to do so is to deny our own human nature. After all, we thrive on diversity; our physical existence is defined by our exposure to external stimuli. To subject oneself to the same routine, day-in and day-out, would serve only to dull our senses, and with them our sense of life.

I know, I know; it’s not as if the real world allows us the luxury of simply doing as we please ALL of the time. I understand there are certain responsibilities that must be tended to on a daily basis, certain constraints we must live within; however, it is up to us, whenever possible, to add some much-needed zest to what could otherwise be a sadly two-dimensional (depressing?) existence. Often this means taking advantage of the little things. I don’t think I could put it any better than the words of Dale himeself: “Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don’t plan it, don’t wait for it, just let it happen. It could be a new shirt at the men’s store, a catnap in your office chair or…two cups of good hot black coffee. Like this.”

Man, did that guy love coffee.

Okay, so two politically-oriented topics in as many posts, though this one will also remain (with some effort) non-partisan. After all, it IS voting day.

I just wanted to share with you my relief at this day having finally arrived. At this point I just want it over with. I didn’t believe either one of our primary presidential candidates a gem to begin with, but after hearing them bicker playground-style for the last few (several?) months I find myself even more disappointed in our choices. Come tomorrow, no more campaign ads…it’s almost hard to imagine. While waiting to cast my ballot this morning, an older gentlemen was commenting on how this was the most heated debate he has ever known, and how both sides got so dirty that neither can claim to have clean hands. I couldn’t agree more; what a spectacular example these two have set.

One thing is for sure: I have never seen this country so divided. I can only hope that when all is said and done the “losing side” can put the election behind them and we can take positive steps into the future. Though today promises to be anything but predictable, if I had to guess I’d say G.W. by a smidgen (just thought I should get it on record). Either way, all signs point to this being one exciting election.

One thing everonward has (hopefully) yet to be during its short existence is political (and by that, I think I mean partisan). I plan, for the most part, to keep it that way, too. If you are like me, you find yourself bombarded by politics at every turn. And, if you are like me, you grow weary of its intrusion into otherwise enjoyable pastimes. Don’t get me wrong, involvement and education are important, but smothering me with unsolicited political commentary only serves to further jade my perception of modern government and taint my desire to participate in it.
Continue reading “Hitler’s Patriot Act”

In general, I admire ingenuity and creativity, but such attributes strike an even greater chord with me when demonstrated in the context of mischief. That said, I thought it only appropriate (and fair?) to tip my hat to the clever batch of co-ops we had at work this past summer, despite the fact their fun came primarily at my expense. Hey, I’m man enough to (reluctantly) admit it.

All three college students who worked in my deparment for the summer were women, which itself is odd in a place of engineering (first time in my four years we’ve had such an instance). Also unusual about this crew was the outright temerity they exhibited in planning, mobilizing, and executing a strategy to abscond with a cherised piece of my OU memorabilia: a 32 oz. aquarium glass from “The Pub,” which finds intermittent use as a candy bowl in my office. Things immediately became personal when I walked into my office that fateful morning to find this note on my desk:
Continue reading “Due Credit Where Credit’s Due”

I saw a sign today that said:

“You Are What You Think About.”

It scared the hell out of me.

I figured by this time the readers of this site might be wondering what it’s all about (though I could be wrong), so I’ve decided to offer a brief explanation for both of you.

This web log represents nothing more than those those (often random) topics of which I might be thinking at a particular time. I really can’t imagine boring you (and myself) with the altogether ordinary occurrences of my everyday life, so I typically try not to do that. This is less a log detailing specific events than it is a place for me to organize my thoughts into something I can look back on later and share with others at the same time (not that you ever asked or anything). Much of the satisfaction I garner from it is a result of the feedback offered by readers on any given subject. So thanks for that.

From this point on, consider yourself forewarned: reading this web log could very well give you a glimpse into the strange world that is my mind. There, I’ve done my duty.

They come in many forms: people, places, events. They can hit you out of the blue or they can sneak up on you. They can be the result of that which you never saw coming or they can simply be a new twist on something you only thought you knew: a rediscovery. They can disarm you.

They can be ephemeral in nature so that you might barely recognize one before being left with a sense of loss at its passing. They can endure. They can cause you to question other facets of your life you believed static, to question what you previously held to be true. They can change you.

No matter their shape or relative significance, they share the common trait of having a positive impact on your life; a bonus “good” that was not there just a short time before; an unexpected gift with no strings attached. So walk with an open mind, and make yourself available to those pleasant surprises that should happen along. Because there will be times when you think you have everything figured out…

…and you’ll be wrong.

I’ve never been a big fan of work, in general. While there should be nothing surprising about that, what might surprise you is the fact that every weekday morning on my way out the door I can’t help but crack a bemused smile. Why, you ask? It’s simple, really. Typically, on such a morning, I’m on the way out to get in my 1988 Volkswagen Jetta. For some reason, setting foot in that car is tremendously amusing to me.
Continue reading “Livin’ the Dream”

This post is somewhat delayed, considering the subject of its contents occurred last week, but it’s something I’ve thought about since. Last Wednesday, I went to see the band Boston in concert with a couple of friends from work. It was a typical July day for Cleveland: upper 80’s and sunny. The venue was the Scene Pavilion (formerly known as Nautica), located right next to the Cuyahoga River on the West Bank of the Flats. The concert itself was impressive; I was amazed at how well that group can still rock.

Sitting in the stands, the city of Cleveland proved a fantastic backdrop to their performance. Immediately behind the stage flowed the river, whose cool waters provided a breeze of comfort to those of us in attendance. Across the river to the left was the East Bank and, just up the hill beyond, West 6th and its myriad establishments. Looking along the river to the right, one could see a few of the many lift bridges that lend such unique character to the Cleveland skyline. Directly behind us loomed the Powerhouse with its bustling watering holes. Straight ahead in the distance stood downtown with its humble yet distinctive towers.

As the sound of rock ‘n’ roll washed over me, these few scenes visible from my seat in the stands came to represent the many things that make this city special. I just don’t think there’s any place like it. And so it was, with perhaps a predictable irony (tell me you didn’t see it coming), on that hot summer night Boston helped me realize anew how much I dig the city of Cleveland.