OK. So, I've been busy. As some of you know and have experienced, winter is long in Rochester, so you have to cram as much as possible when you get the chance. In June I became the proud owner of a new Cannondale mountain bike and spent much of the summer riding the woods of western NY. Wow, did I forget how much fun it was. I spent many hours riding as a "kid", but my high school and college years playing hockey (which I still do too). I entered a few races in Rochester, Allegheny State Park, and even Manhattan. Not that I finished well, but it got me motivated. I started running and swimming to get back in shape, and by the end of the season a -10 pounds later I was in much better condition. More on this and what's to come soon. For now check out some pictures from the trails.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
New Ride
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| From Cannondale F5 |
Now that I have a desk job, my efforts to stay somewhat in shape have been stepped up. The calories hang on well when all you're doing is sitting staring at a screen all day. Going to the gym is the obvious answer, but it bores me. I just don't have the patience to run or ride a machine while staring at a TV for hours. I much rather have some more interaction. So, to take advantage of the summer weather I decided to invest in a mountain bike rather than the gym. There's some pretty good trails around here with plenty of weekend MTB events. I'm also considering trying to commune to work, but I may have to get my legs and lungs back into a little better shape. Wednesday night I entered my first race and got beat pretty badly, but at least I finished. The biking community are pretty hard core, but most people are really helpful. I'm looking forward to more races over the summer.
So, save a dinosaur and leave your car at home, get a bike!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Party all the time
While doing some picture organizing this evening, I came across these from Grilladelphia 08. What is a Grilladelphia you ask? Well I'm sure it's the name of a cheese steak place in Philly, but it's also a kick ass party Em and Nicole have turned into an annual event. This was about a month ago, so I'm late posting these, but who doesn't like fond memories?
There's almost nothing better than friends and BBQ. I can't wait for next year.
There's almost nothing better than friends and BBQ. I can't wait for next year.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
I need more of more cowbell.
It's been a couple years since I made it a point to tune into SNL on a regular basis. Every time a new cast comes in the skits suck, and you think " Oh man, now that Will Ferrell/Mike Meyers/Adam Sandler/Chris Farley/etc are gone the show is done." Well, after three consecutive weeks I think I may be so bold to say that something good is cooking again. There are still some duds (Keenan Thompson) in the cast, but overall I've been pleasantly surprised.
Sadly, the season just ended. It'll be interesting to see if they can pick up where they ended.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Stay thirsty, my friends.
I'll be honest I don't drink Dos Equis, but after coming across their latest marketing I just might have to start. I haven't seen this much thought and detail put into selling beer in a long time. This site is a great waste of time for anyone looking to procrastinate.
The Most Interesting Man in the World
Enjoy, and stay thirsty.
Monday, May 5, 2008
A Perfect Day
I'm please to announce that today was the first perfect day of the year in Rochester. It has been nice and sunny the past few weeks, but either a little on the chilly side or too hot (anything over 75 degrees is getting too hot in my book).
The perfect day has to have at least 6 things:
1) Clear Sky
2) Consistent sunlight
3) Very mild breeze
4) Be around 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit
5) Allow me to wear jeans and a t-shirt and be consistently comfortable with no fluctuation in being too hot or cold. ( This is usually what will make or break a perfect day, as it is easy to get too cold in the shade and too hot when standing in full sun. However, it can be done.)
6) Allow me to roll all my car windows down when driving, and again, not get too cold. (This will consequently make me smile for no reason, drive fast, and play music loudly. Which is probably my favorite side effect of the perfect day.)
Other things like chirping birds, BBQ, cold beer, cute girls in tank tops, etc are all well and good, but they more or less just add to the perfect day after the first six requirements have been met. Rochester doesn't get many of these, so when they arrive they're extra perfect.
The perfect day has to have at least 6 things:
1) Clear Sky
2) Consistent sunlight
3) Very mild breeze
4) Be around 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit
5) Allow me to wear jeans and a t-shirt and be consistently comfortable with no fluctuation in being too hot or cold. ( This is usually what will make or break a perfect day, as it is easy to get too cold in the shade and too hot when standing in full sun. However, it can be done.)
6) Allow me to roll all my car windows down when driving, and again, not get too cold. (This will consequently make me smile for no reason, drive fast, and play music loudly. Which is probably my favorite side effect of the perfect day.)
Other things like chirping birds, BBQ, cold beer, cute girls in tank tops, etc are all well and good, but they more or less just add to the perfect day after the first six requirements have been met. Rochester doesn't get many of these, so when they arrive they're extra perfect.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Real Reality
Thursday evening I went to see a live broadcast of This American Life at the local theater. Where they were beaming it in via satellite in full HD glory. As some of you may know they recently adapted the popular NPR program into a TV series for Showtime, so they presented this broadcast to promote their second season. Of course I don't have cable, so I'll have to wait till it comes out on DVD, but after watching the first season on Netflix instant playback (best thing ever!) and seeing the story previews at this broadcast it looks like it will be worth the wait.
For those of you who don't know what This American Life is, all I can say is start listening to the old shows off their website and/or start watching the TV show. It my be one of the most addicting programs ever made, especially if you love reality TV. However, TAL features stories about every day people and their experiences in life, so it lacks the beautiful people and cat fights, but no less entertaining.
Friday, April 25, 2008
How to make a bag
Making a bag is a lot more involved than you think it would (or should) be. First, we decide what kind of bag we want ( shoulder bag, backpack, sling bag, etc), and we decide what else it will have to hold, and who we're selling it too. Then I'll do some more research on the market and start sketching away on some idea. Hopefully, we'll decide on one concept that we like and I'll make a packet of drawing to give to our factory to start making samples for us to test and review....this is a long story, so instead of reading about it check out the slide show and factory footage. I think you'll get the idea.
It's a really satisfying feeling to see a drawing you made in Rochester, NY go around the world and get turned into this thing, and then turn into thousands of more things ready to go out into the world. It cool to see, but also makes you realize that you're affecting what is put out into this World, and that you should take the opportunity to make it count.
Side bar: We took a day to visit the factory in China. The factory is in Qingdao, China, which is also the location of the water sport events of the Summer Olympics. So, the entire area is a construction area as the city is trying to prepare. The amazing thing about unlimited labor is that they can do the same construction in months that it takes us to do in years.
We were met at the airport by some of the factory managers, and we all piled into this tiny van and made out way to the factory. Here's a little taste of what it's like to drive there.
(I'm trying very hard to keep the camera still, but between the rough roads and the van with no shocks, it was difficult to do. You also get a new appreciation for side walks and traffic laws)
I think that just about does it for my trip, and Spring is here so I'm sure they'll be lots more to talk about soon.
It's a really satisfying feeling to see a drawing you made in Rochester, NY go around the world and get turned into this thing, and then turn into thousands of more things ready to go out into the world. It cool to see, but also makes you realize that you're affecting what is put out into this World, and that you should take the opportunity to make it count.
Side bar: We took a day to visit the factory in China. The factory is in Qingdao, China, which is also the location of the water sport events of the Summer Olympics. So, the entire area is a construction area as the city is trying to prepare. The amazing thing about unlimited labor is that they can do the same construction in months that it takes us to do in years.
We were met at the airport by some of the factory managers, and we all piled into this tiny van and made out way to the factory. Here's a little taste of what it's like to drive there.
(I'm trying very hard to keep the camera still, but between the rough roads and the van with no shocks, it was difficult to do. You also get a new appreciation for side walks and traffic laws)
I think that just about does it for my trip, and Spring is here so I'm sure they'll be lots more to talk about soon.
People are strange, when you're a stranger...
Before I move onto China, I'd like to share two more details of my experience in Seoul that is sure to raise the eyebrow of any God fearing American.
Let's talk about personal space. We all need it. Sometimes it's because whatever you are doing at that given time is an event that should be kept to yourself, and other times it's just nice to get away. Well, I give you this...
Now, not all bathrooms are like this. Many have the standard westernized, Man and Woman rooms, but many if not most are like this. A general bathroom with Men and Women "zones". I didn't encounter any uncomfortable situations myself, but I can imagine some good ones.
Here's another:
There's lots of people in Seoul, and therefor lots of cars. Just like any major city really, but there are no (or at least it there doesn't appear to be) any parking rules. Basically, if you can put park it without blocking the main road, it's fair game. Naturally, you'll have these situations where you're going to get parked in, and in order to get out you have to find EVERYONE who is parked in front of out and ask them to move. When I was told about this "situation" I thought, "how is this possible?" I mean you'd be waiting all day! Well, I also learned that the trick to this is that every one's cell phone number is on the window of their car, so if you need them to move it, you just call. "And they'll come down and move it", you ask? Yes, they do. This happened to us once and I figured we'd be waiting for awhile (like any New Yorker would), but to my surprise the car was moved in a matter of a few minutes! Talk about respecting your fellow man.
Before we move on, please watch the following:
What's going on you ask? Why a rally to drum up support for Son Hak-Gyu! Mr. Hak-Gyu is running for a position in the South Korean Parliament, and he needs your vote. He shook my hand, and I saw into his soul.
My natural reaction was to chuckle at this sight. A group of teenagers dancing in a city market is supposed to be taken seriously? How can they take such a serious thing as Democracy and bring it to the level of a teenage dance party!? Then I thought for about two seconds, and realized America is no better. We just look at things like: if someone is or is not wearing a pin, believes in Jesus, wears boxers or briefs, or inhales. You know, the important stuff. Now, I only wonder what other countries think of us.
Sigh.
Let's talk about personal space. We all need it. Sometimes it's because whatever you are doing at that given time is an event that should be kept to yourself, and other times it's just nice to get away. Well, I give you this...
Now, not all bathrooms are like this. Many have the standard westernized, Man and Woman rooms, but many if not most are like this. A general bathroom with Men and Women "zones". I didn't encounter any uncomfortable situations myself, but I can imagine some good ones.
Here's another:
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| From Seoul |
There's lots of people in Seoul, and therefor lots of cars. Just like any major city really, but there are no (or at least it there doesn't appear to be) any parking rules. Basically, if you can put park it without blocking the main road, it's fair game. Naturally, you'll have these situations where you're going to get parked in, and in order to get out you have to find EVERYONE who is parked in front of out and ask them to move. When I was told about this "situation" I thought, "how is this possible?" I mean you'd be waiting all day! Well, I also learned that the trick to this is that every one's cell phone number is on the window of their car, so if you need them to move it, you just call. "And they'll come down and move it", you ask? Yes, they do. This happened to us once and I figured we'd be waiting for awhile (like any New Yorker would), but to my surprise the car was moved in a matter of a few minutes! Talk about respecting your fellow man.
Before we move on, please watch the following:
What's going on you ask? Why a rally to drum up support for Son Hak-Gyu! Mr. Hak-Gyu is running for a position in the South Korean Parliament, and he needs your vote. He shook my hand, and I saw into his soul.
My natural reaction was to chuckle at this sight. A group of teenagers dancing in a city market is supposed to be taken seriously? How can they take such a serious thing as Democracy and bring it to the level of a teenage dance party!? Then I thought for about two seconds, and realized America is no better. We just look at things like: if someone is or is not wearing a pin, believes in Jesus, wears boxers or briefs, or inhales. You know, the important stuff. Now, I only wonder what other countries think of us.
Sigh.
Making Friends
About 80% of what is involved in doing business in Korea, is the relationship itself. Business has a family feel to it, which is quite different to the western view of "business is business". So, a lot of our time spent on the trip was devoted to "growing" the relationship, and by that I mean lots of eating, drinking, and karaoke singing. Pictures don't do it justice, but here it is.
Everyone we met there was very friendly and outgoing. After only a couple of days you begin to feel like you've know these people a lot longer, and I could begin to see how strong loyalty can develop between business parters this way; even if you don't speak the same language.
I know I'm dragging this out, but China stuff will be posted up next and then I'll move along to a new topic.
Oh yea...some Karaoke action for ya (no, not me)
Everyone we met there was very friendly and outgoing. After only a couple of days you begin to feel like you've know these people a lot longer, and I could begin to see how strong loyalty can develop between business parters this way; even if you don't speak the same language.
I know I'm dragging this out, but China stuff will be posted up next and then I'll move along to a new topic.
Oh yea...some Karaoke action for ya (no, not me)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Big City, Small World
One of the "weird" things about traveling in Asia is that you become the overwhelming minority for the first time. Americans joke that "they all look the same", well, they think the same thing about us. Most of the white people you see are European, but every once in awhile you'll run into someone from the States. The whole experience certainly brings into reality how HUMONGOUS the planet is. However, every once in awhile something happens that makes things seem much smaller.
It was decided (for us) that we'd change it up a bit one night and instead of having Korean beef BBQ we'd go for some Japanese beef (both are extremely delicious). For some reason the place where we intended to go wasn't there anymore, but we found another place down a nearby side street. After we had started eating the host/owner came out and started some small talk with us. His English was perfect, so we asked him if he had ever lived in the US. He went on to tell us that he grew up in the States!
Us: "Wow, cool we're from Upstate New York."
Him: "Oh, I lived up there for awhile."
Us: "Really?! We're from Rochester."
Him: "Oh, I went to school there."
Us: "Really?! Where?"
Him: "RIT."
Us/Me: " Holy cow, that's where I went to school!".
Him: " Oh, Wow, Really?!"
Unbelievable.
We talked with him some more and learned that his sister was a Gold Medalist Speed skater for Korea, and he took us to see some of the metals she won. A very cool small world moment.
It was decided (for us) that we'd change it up a bit one night and instead of having Korean beef BBQ we'd go for some Japanese beef (both are extremely delicious). For some reason the place where we intended to go wasn't there anymore, but we found another place down a nearby side street. After we had started eating the host/owner came out and started some small talk with us. His English was perfect, so we asked him if he had ever lived in the US. He went on to tell us that he grew up in the States!
Us: "Wow, cool we're from Upstate New York."
Him: "Oh, I lived up there for awhile."
Us: "Really?! We're from Rochester."
Him: "Oh, I went to school there."
Us: "Really?! Where?"
Him: "RIT."
Us/Me: " Holy cow, that's where I went to school!".
Him: " Oh, Wow, Really?!"
Unbelievable.
We talked with him some more and learned that his sister was a Gold Medalist Speed skater for Korea, and he took us to see some of the metals she won. A very cool small world moment.
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| From Food and Fun ... |
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Seoul in 250 words or less
Its taken me a little longer than I thought to sort and upload all my pictures and videos, but I'm just about done.
Seoul is pretty unreal. It seems to spread out forever and anywhere you go is busy. Sort of like Manhattan, but bigger and lots more people. Because I was there for work I only had one day for sightseeing, so its very hard to take it all in, nevermind trying to blog about it. So, it's easier to just show pictures.
Here's a quick video of the changing of the guard ceremony outside the front gate of Seoul Palace.
The most impressive sight was Seoul Palace. It's pretty amazing to visit a culture and city that has literally more than a thousand years of history, with buildings and monuments still standing to prove it. There's nothing that really compares in the US, as we are only a couple hundred years old.
Getting to see those Olympic Gold Metals was pretty cool too, and there's an amazing "small world" story to go with it that I'll include in my next entry. Stay tuned.
Seoul is pretty unreal. It seems to spread out forever and anywhere you go is busy. Sort of like Manhattan, but bigger and lots more people. Because I was there for work I only had one day for sightseeing, so its very hard to take it all in, nevermind trying to blog about it. So, it's easier to just show pictures.
Here's a quick video of the changing of the guard ceremony outside the front gate of Seoul Palace.
The most impressive sight was Seoul Palace. It's pretty amazing to visit a culture and city that has literally more than a thousand years of history, with buildings and monuments still standing to prove it. There's nothing that really compares in the US, as we are only a couple hundred years old.
Getting to see those Olympic Gold Metals was pretty cool too, and there's an amazing "small world" story to go with it that I'll include in my next entry. Stay tuned.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Jetsetter (kinda)
Part of the fun of going to Asia is the trip there, right? Actually, I wasn't looking forward to sitting on the plane for the 12+ hours it would take to get from Newark to Japan, but I was pleasantly surprised. The main reason for this was because I got to fly in business class, which I am now convinced is the ONLY way to do this kind of trip. With all the layovers and time in the air it took about 28 hours before we had landed in Seoul. Having access to the nice lounges and being able to lean back in a Lazyboy really takes the edge off of traveling stress.
The airport in Japan was just redone, and done beautifully. The space feels like more of a mix between and airport/resort/5 start hotel lobby, and completely clean. The whole place was carpeted and normally I would expect to see stains, gum spots, and whatever else, but it was groomed and spotless just like your grandmother's living room. The only western "restaurant" in the place was a McDonald's, and it had the longest line of white people next to it that you've ever seen. I'm disappointed that I didn't take a picture, but it was the happiest McDonald's that you've ever seen. Because of the long line, most people had to place there order and then wait for it to be completed. However, the "chef" came out from behind the counter to hand deliver each order with a smile and and bow. For anyone who is used to the usual service at a McDonald's (or any other fast food place) this was an unreal sight. Just my first taste of the Asian culture and their complete dedication to service and courtesy. I'll mention this more later.
So we had some time to kill in Japan, so I got a massage and a couple beers. I really want one of these machines!
I'm still organizing my pictures from Seoul and China but I'll post them in the next day or so.
The airport in Japan was just redone, and done beautifully. The space feels like more of a mix between and airport/resort/5 start hotel lobby, and completely clean. The whole place was carpeted and normally I would expect to see stains, gum spots, and whatever else, but it was groomed and spotless just like your grandmother's living room. The only western "restaurant" in the place was a McDonald's, and it had the longest line of white people next to it that you've ever seen. I'm disappointed that I didn't take a picture, but it was the happiest McDonald's that you've ever seen. Because of the long line, most people had to place there order and then wait for it to be completed. However, the "chef" came out from behind the counter to hand deliver each order with a smile and and bow. For anyone who is used to the usual service at a McDonald's (or any other fast food place) this was an unreal sight. Just my first taste of the Asian culture and their complete dedication to service and courtesy. I'll mention this more later.
So we had some time to kill in Japan, so I got a massage and a couple beers. I really want one of these machines!
I'm still organizing my pictures from Seoul and China but I'll post them in the next day or so.
An American in Asia
Monday I returned home from one of my more interesting life experiences; my first business trip to Asia. Last week I flew to Seoul, Korea where one of our suppliers is based and also did a quick day trip to China to visit our factory. Seoul is an great city with an amazing culture, and China is something that is hard to believe until you see it with your own eyes. It puts a lot of things into perspective really fast. I did a lot of picture snapping, because it was so much to try and take in. I still have to sort through all the pictures and movies, but I'll be posting up more this week, so check back. For now, I'll give you a taste of what a drive to work in Seoul looks like. LOTS more to come.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Embrace the bumble
“You've got to bumble forward into the unknown.” ~ Frank Gehry
I've seen a few interviews with Frank Gehry and I'm a big fan of his documentary, Sketches of Frank Gehry. Once you get to know a little bit about him, you learn that he really isn't so sure of himself most of the time. He's not the typical hotshot architect/designer who intimidates you with their ego. He admits to the blocks and self-doubt that ebb and flow during the creative process, all starting with the most daunting; the blank page.
I struggled with this the most early in college. I kept waiting for the day when something would click and all the right answers would just flow right out. Instead I learned that, like it or not, bumbling in the unknown is the most important part. It's the time right before the A-ha moment or 4am miracle where it all comes together and you look back and wonder, "where did that come from?" My post college years have also taught me that this idea extends to most of the things you'll encounter in life; career, insurance, rent, taxes, loans, relationships, "adult" decisions. Any encounter with something new evokes the fear of the blank page, but embracing the bumble always helps you move forward.
This blog is going to be about my bumblings and findings. Enjoy.
I've seen a few interviews with Frank Gehry and I'm a big fan of his documentary, Sketches of Frank Gehry. Once you get to know a little bit about him, you learn that he really isn't so sure of himself most of the time. He's not the typical hotshot architect/designer who intimidates you with their ego. He admits to the blocks and self-doubt that ebb and flow during the creative process, all starting with the most daunting; the blank page.
I struggled with this the most early in college. I kept waiting for the day when something would click and all the right answers would just flow right out. Instead I learned that, like it or not, bumbling in the unknown is the most important part. It's the time right before the A-ha moment or 4am miracle where it all comes together and you look back and wonder, "where did that come from?" My post college years have also taught me that this idea extends to most of the things you'll encounter in life; career, insurance, rent, taxes, loans, relationships, "adult" decisions. Any encounter with something new evokes the fear of the blank page, but embracing the bumble always helps you move forward.
This blog is going to be about my bumblings and findings. Enjoy.
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