A meditation on the speed limit

These guys are lucky they didn't die trying. Basically a group of friends tried to see what would happen if they all drove the speed limit on a crowded Atlanta highway. They blocked all lanes for a few miles, containing all traffic to 55. The clip is produced nicely...very funny.

Downtown Toledo pics

You don't expect to see horses frolicking downtown, but if you look hard you will find them hanging out at the TPD ranch.

The one at the fence kept sticking his tongue out. Thanks to Mr practical joker horse, I had to retake the shot several times.

Toledo, a great place to raise a family?

I've heard this time and time again...I guess there is evidence to refute this claim:

race riots

forced teen prostitution ring

and now terrorists?

Keep it up COSI

COSI Toledo is so important to the long term technical and social scene in Toledo. Support it, even if you don't have kids. Looks like they've been recently recognized for an award...nice photo of Dr Walsh and Laura Bush here.

funny

Catching up on email since returning from the trip, thanks for this one Andrew...

Last day in UK

I purchased a map of St Helens and surounding areas, caught a train a few towns down the track, and then wandered my back to the hotel. I estimate based on the map that I walked around 30 miles all together over an 8 hour period. It was really cool to stop through the town centers and see what people really live like over there. I stopped and spoke with various people, all of whom were friendly. One was very guarded until I assured him I was not a j witness.

After I ate and rested a while and ventured back out to hear some live music at the Citadel. Daniel Amor opened for Amy Wadge. I totally fell in love with Amy, she is so amazing. She rocked the acoustic 6 string, 12 string, and piano all the same. She was very energetic and funny, great great show. She was backed up by a pretty good band as well, including another keyboardist and standup electric base. I took a non flash snapshot, hope she doesn't mind...

Another year wiser

Yesterday was my birthday...so I've been blogging for a whole year. I think I've achieved my goal of having an online journal that captures snapshots some of my thoughts, interests, and activities. I've made some great new friends this year, and had many excellent experiences.


In the evening we went to a great Thai restaurant in Lymm. I was joined by Icaro, Steve, Bob, Udo, and Peter. We drank a good amount of Sigha beer. Afterward Bob hosted us at his home where his wife Sharon served up some deserts and champagne. In the photo from left to right: Udo (Germany), Peter (Denmark), myself, Bob(US), Steve(Australia), Icaru (Brazil).



Some of my friends/coworkers put together a nice audio montage wishing me happy birthday from back home. They called and recorded messages at Bob's house all day and he compiled them into one. When I heard my daughter's I wanted to be with her right then... we'll all be together again Sunday.

Rugby League - Wigan Warriors

Today was the last day with the SAP EP6 consultant. After work we headed up to Wigan for a rugby match. Excellent game, Wigan won.



The area around the stand (stadium) is built up very nicely with shopping and resteraunts. We had a round at the Red Robin after the match, not a chain like you have here. In England you have these pubs everywhere that have great food, beer, and character. If you are looking for the mens room, its always refered to as the 'gents', and if you would like chips, they are 'crisps'.

Manchester

After work today we headed for Manchester. We walked around down town for a while, what a beautiful city. Excellent mix of old and new architecture. There are many colleges in town and hence many hip urban gen x/y'ers. We stopped by a candle light vigil for the Brittish soldiers who died in Iraq.

After dinner, went to the Life Cafe to see Ben Lee, Tina Dico opened. They were both so terrific...some of the best music I've heard live. Steve was worked up when I called them folk singers, but its really what they are. Hip young folk singers, they play accoustic guitar and sing melancholy songs. There were fun and lively songs too, good mixture, good good time.

At the end of Ben's show he sang We're All in this Together, he walked in through the crowd and we were all singing it together, it was quite moving.