Back on 4-20 I was thinking about visiting Psystar's offices to discuss the Mac clone. Psystar is a short drive from my house. I'm sure they're scammers, but I want to see for myself. So today, I figured I'd drive by.
First a few words. Their claims have been met by skepticism on all fronts. They claim to be a company that has just moved. Their new address was wrong. Many people claimed the new address doesn't exist on mapping software. I'll get to that in a moment.
Everything about them is suspicious and I'll skip all of that because it's documented everywhere. First, they are in a nice building -- many photos are on the web. Today's Sunday and most companies are closed. Psystar's lot was full of crappy-looking cars -- not the sign of a successful company -- but their neighbour company was open: cottonImages, so perhaps the cars were theirs. The main doors were closed and the company did not appear to be open for business and the door is silk-screened "not open to the public."
I mention this only because it is a shared building. One building, two tenants. Their door graphics were done by the same company, obviously. And it looks like despite Psystar's claims, they've been there awhile. On the Psystar side, the bay doors were closed. A blue ocean container was blocking one of the doors.
This brief visit did not instill confidence. However the address is valid and has been valid for years. Some map software may not show it because it's a gated complex. That means by shutting a gate, the entire complex is closed off and there is no public access. Those criticizing because the address is invalid are just blowing smoke.
I'll report more, but sometimes you just have a bad feeling. This is one such time. (This is my opinion and perhaps my facts are wrong.)
4-28-08 Update: I've got some links of interest. This link from ZDNet has photos of the Psystar offices and some commentary that is semi-positive. More upsetting is this link from Gizmodo which shows some of the old "offices" but what concerns me is the last paragraph. If you want to see the registration for Psystar on the state's website, it's here.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Firefox Rolls On
Just a quick entry to note that Firefox has crossed the 500 million download mark. That's a half-billion downloads. Or to put it in numbers 500,000,000 downloads and counting. I hope Bill Gates sleeps well tonight.
Thanks to Jose for helping me with php includes. Soon my site will perform better and be easier to update. I am removing most tables from the site. The original index page had about a dozen nested tables -- yech. The new one has two tables: one that's two columns and one row (it includes the sidebar navigation in one column and the content in the second). The other table is in the sidebar. That's the Sponsor's box and it includes a border. I wasn't sure how to make that work. I'm sure I'll get to it.
Thanks to Jose for helping me with php includes. Soon my site will perform better and be easier to update. I am removing most tables from the site. The original index page had about a dozen nested tables -- yech. The new one has two tables: one that's two columns and one row (it includes the sidebar navigation in one column and the content in the second). The other table is in the sidebar. That's the Sponsor's box and it includes a border. I wasn't sure how to make that work. I'm sure I'll get to it.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Identity Theft And BankAtlantic A New Case
I had a long, involved fraud case with BankAtlantic from February of this year. There were three posts (One, Two, Three) and I only refer to them for my less-frequent readers. I had decided to keep my money there because it was convenient, they noted my new account (and all closed accounts) that there were fraud restrictions and everything had to be checked with photo IDs. I heard no more about it and had put it behind me.
I need to point out that BankAtlantic has a unique typo in my address that nobody else has. The only place this typo occurs is INSIDE the BankAtlantic computer. Mail was always sent to an alternate address (which also, oddly, contains a unique typo in their computer). Nobody else on the planet has this uniquely incorrect address of mine. Everyone else has it correct.
I came home from work today and had a big fat envelope from BankAtlantic. At home. With the same uniquely misspelled address. (Insert Klaxon Here). I open it, and it contains a letter thanking me for opening a brand new savings account and lists the account number. Yeah, except I didn't open a new account.
I call them immediately. The lady is helpful and asks me a number of security questions because, of course, there are notes on the account. She also notes money has been transferred from my checking (real) account to the savings (fake) account. I ask her to close the account. She needs a supervisor. They both note that the account was opened over the phone with no sort of valid ID provided. They close the account and transfer the money back. They try to get the fraud department (aka Security Department) on the phone without luck as it's after 530pm. They also try to call the person who opened the account with no luck. They suggest I call Monday. I thank them and hang up.
I get in my car and drive to the local BankAtlantic branch. I see someone and explain what happened. I ask for a cashier's check for the sum in my account. I am told they need to get a supervisor to sign it. I say that's fine. She says she's not sure if one's available. I tell her to have one drive over from another branch and I'll wait. She's not sure if she can do that. I said I will gladly take cash. She tries to tell me there may not be enough cash, which I find laughable. I don't have that much money.
She then runs into the back of the bank to consult with the supervisor (I assume the same one who isn't available). She comes back and is on the phone trying to call the security department, the person who opened the account, and so forth.
I remind her that it's my money and I have politely requested it. They are legally obligated to give it to me as long as it's under $100,000 -- and I can assure you it was NOWHERE near that amount, though I wish it was. She stalls and tries to get me to keep my account open.
I tell her I won't leave without my money and they can lock me in if they'd like. Amazingly, I get my money and the account is closed along with many apologies from the supervisor (who I must be imagining since she's not available). I remind her that they've already broken the law by opening an account without following legal procedures -- and they've done it TWICE now. And they ought to find out which employee is the crook.
I go to another financial institution -- again I need an account in a bank that's open on weekends. But I do most of my financial dealings with a traditional bank. I open my account and return home.
I am going to make one last phone call to the BankAtlantic fraud department and relay this last story. There is a close to 100% chance it's an inside job at the bank. If you have an account here, you probably need to reconsider the wisdom of that.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
4-28-08: Update redacted 4-30-08 at the request of BankAtlantic Fraud Department.
I need to point out that BankAtlantic has a unique typo in my address that nobody else has. The only place this typo occurs is INSIDE the BankAtlantic computer. Mail was always sent to an alternate address (which also, oddly, contains a unique typo in their computer). Nobody else on the planet has this uniquely incorrect address of mine. Everyone else has it correct.
I came home from work today and had a big fat envelope from BankAtlantic. At home. With the same uniquely misspelled address. (Insert Klaxon Here). I open it, and it contains a letter thanking me for opening a brand new savings account and lists the account number. Yeah, except I didn't open a new account.
I call them immediately. The lady is helpful and asks me a number of security questions because, of course, there are notes on the account. She also notes money has been transferred from my checking (real) account to the savings (fake) account. I ask her to close the account. She needs a supervisor. They both note that the account was opened over the phone with no sort of valid ID provided. They close the account and transfer the money back. They try to get the fraud department (aka Security Department) on the phone without luck as it's after 530pm. They also try to call the person who opened the account with no luck. They suggest I call Monday. I thank them and hang up.
I get in my car and drive to the local BankAtlantic branch. I see someone and explain what happened. I ask for a cashier's check for the sum in my account. I am told they need to get a supervisor to sign it. I say that's fine. She says she's not sure if one's available. I tell her to have one drive over from another branch and I'll wait. She's not sure if she can do that. I said I will gladly take cash. She tries to tell me there may not be enough cash, which I find laughable. I don't have that much money.
She then runs into the back of the bank to consult with the supervisor (I assume the same one who isn't available). She comes back and is on the phone trying to call the security department, the person who opened the account, and so forth.
I remind her that it's my money and I have politely requested it. They are legally obligated to give it to me as long as it's under $100,000 -- and I can assure you it was NOWHERE near that amount, though I wish it was. She stalls and tries to get me to keep my account open.
I tell her I won't leave without my money and they can lock me in if they'd like. Amazingly, I get my money and the account is closed along with many apologies from the supervisor (who I must be imagining since she's not available). I remind her that they've already broken the law by opening an account without following legal procedures -- and they've done it TWICE now. And they ought to find out which employee is the crook.
I go to another financial institution -- again I need an account in a bank that's open on weekends. But I do most of my financial dealings with a traditional bank. I open my account and return home.
I am going to make one last phone call to the BankAtlantic fraud department and relay this last story. There is a close to 100% chance it's an inside job at the bank. If you have an account here, you probably need to reconsider the wisdom of that.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
4-28-08: Update redacted 4-30-08 at the request of BankAtlantic Fraud Department.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Why I want to own a Casino 2.0
This will be my third annual why I want to own a casino post in which I marvel at obscene amounts of money and rip on Donald Trump. Previous posts are here: 2006 and 2007.
Today we'll use the Wynn as our example. The Wynn is a lovely place, though they do not get my patronage due to their high table limits and overpriced rooms. They have one in Las Vegas and a brand new one in Macau, SAR, China. The one in Macau is spectacular and I did spend the night there in 2006, but that's another story (part 1 and 2).
All data, as always, is from the 10-K forms filed with the SEC. No arguing these numbers.
Income for Wynn, just one hotel in Las Vegas, is a staggering $2.9 billion dollars. Of that $1.9 billion dollars is from the casino. That's an average take of $5.3 million dollars per day just on the casino -- out of which winnings are $3.2 million dollars per day. That leaves $2.1 million dollars per day in profit.
To be fair, "doubtful accounts" are budgeted at $100,000 per day. These accounts are owned the skeletons they found in the desert, back in the day. I maintain that trained monkeys could operate a casino. Trump bankrupted his. Why do people respect this man?
Another property is Boyd Casinos. It's a chain. Wynn makes as much as their entire chain. But Boyd operates "locals" casinos for the most part, though they're building a strip resort called Echelon now. And they own part interest in Atlantic City's Borgata. Still $1.7 billion annual income on casino against $752 million paid out still leaves about a billion left over for the year. What could you buy with a billion bucks? A tank of gas. Maybe even two.
The rest of the operation is profitable too. But we don't need to discuss that. I wish some brave company would let me run their casino for a few years. I know casinos, I know gambling (for better or worse) and I could run one. They probably can't afford me. :)
I am going to visit Mom on mother's day. I got a ticket. It's embarrassing what a plane ticket costs now. Then again, after filling up my car maybe it's not so unreasonable.
Today we'll use the Wynn as our example. The Wynn is a lovely place, though they do not get my patronage due to their high table limits and overpriced rooms. They have one in Las Vegas and a brand new one in Macau, SAR, China. The one in Macau is spectacular and I did spend the night there in 2006, but that's another story (part 1 and 2).
All data, as always, is from the 10-K forms filed with the SEC. No arguing these numbers.
Income for Wynn, just one hotel in Las Vegas, is a staggering $2.9 billion dollars. Of that $1.9 billion dollars is from the casino. That's an average take of $5.3 million dollars per day just on the casino -- out of which winnings are $3.2 million dollars per day. That leaves $2.1 million dollars per day in profit.
To be fair, "doubtful accounts" are budgeted at $100,000 per day. These accounts are owned the skeletons they found in the desert, back in the day. I maintain that trained monkeys could operate a casino. Trump bankrupted his. Why do people respect this man?
Another property is Boyd Casinos. It's a chain. Wynn makes as much as their entire chain. But Boyd operates "locals" casinos for the most part, though they're building a strip resort called Echelon now. And they own part interest in Atlantic City's Borgata. Still $1.7 billion annual income on casino against $752 million paid out still leaves about a billion left over for the year. What could you buy with a billion bucks? A tank of gas. Maybe even two.
The rest of the operation is profitable too. But we don't need to discuss that. I wish some brave company would let me run their casino for a few years. I know casinos, I know gambling (for better or worse) and I could run one. They probably can't afford me. :)
I am going to visit Mom on mother's day. I got a ticket. It's embarrassing what a plane ticket costs now. Then again, after filling up my car maybe it's not so unreasonable.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Stuff I am currently thinking about....
1. I miss the Fab One-Shot. The best laundry product ever. I discovered it in college. Obviously invented by a guy. No need to think. One packet in with the clothes and it contained detergent, fabric softener, everything. Then move the whole batch to the dryer. All done. SCORE!
2. The Aero bar. No longer available in the US -- most people here just didn't go for it -- but thankfully I can still get them in Canada and the UK. Mom brought me one and I intend to eat it tomorrow.
3. Smarties. Yum. Screw M&Ms. Smarties are way better. Not for sale in the USA due to a trademark issue with the US Smarties. Totally different candies.
4. Josh. I should know better, but I don't. ::mutter:: Oh, and Eric Hedlund, too. I wonder what he's doing right now?
5. Austri. I really do have to tell her about the Billy Crystal concert being cancelled. Tomorrow for sure. Which reminds me, my trade show in Vegas is rapidly approaching.
6. Banana Nesquik. I am running low and the other brands are just not as good.
7. Milo has returned to the USA and I've just bought some at my Publix. I first had it on the Caribbean island nation of Dominica when I was a kid.
8. Schweppes Lemonade -- a UK only drink, not for sale in the USA. I'd like some right now.
9. My review of Vladimir Tod from Friday. I'm thinking I'll re-read it again.
10. The fact I spent $180 on the plumber. He was here for 16 minutes. But the shower in my guest bathroom works again.
11. I am itchy.
12. Dinner did not fill me up. I am hungry. I am a pig. Blech.
13. Adrian because we ended up not skating and not seeing a movie. Nobody is to blame because it just didn't work out.
14. London. I'm half tempted to go for the weekend. I could use miles. Leave Friday night. Arrive Saturday morning. Spend the day there. Fly home Sunday morning. Travel is great. No way would I do it. But I like thinking about it. Nobody would be crazy enough to go with me, anyway. Foyle's, Forbidden Planet, the London Transport Museum, a tour of the new Bond exhibit at the Imperial War Museum, maybe a show, a dinner at Rules, and a trip on the Eye. I could it all in that one day. That does sound fun, doesn't it?
15. Both The Simpsons and Family Guy are repeats tonight. Hence my ruminations on number 9 above.
16. I was thinking about Rob Barry. He wrote me -- snail mail -- two years ago and said we ought to write something together. I wrote him back twice (email and snail mail) and never heard back. That's a project that has always interested me. Rob's smart. I like Rob.
17. I'm still vexed by converting Claris Resolve to a current format, especially now that I can't even run OS-9 reliably.
18. I was thinking about visiting Pystar's offices to discuss the Mac clone. Pystar is a short drive from my house. I'm sure they're scammers, but I want to see for myself. If I'm wrong, I'll buy one.
19. I need a literary agent still. I'll never get published without one. One day... One day...
20. Scooter's vet check-up went well, so another 90 days of hopeful good health. Everything was as normal as could be. The thyroid medications is working her kidneys are starting to fail but she's compensating well.
21. How to get more traffic to my Panthers (and other teams) Hockey Message boards.
2. The Aero bar. No longer available in the US -- most people here just didn't go for it -- but thankfully I can still get them in Canada and the UK. Mom brought me one and I intend to eat it tomorrow.
3. Smarties. Yum. Screw M&Ms. Smarties are way better. Not for sale in the USA due to a trademark issue with the US Smarties. Totally different candies.
4. Josh. I should know better, but I don't. ::mutter:: Oh, and Eric Hedlund, too. I wonder what he's doing right now?
5. Austri. I really do have to tell her about the Billy Crystal concert being cancelled. Tomorrow for sure. Which reminds me, my trade show in Vegas is rapidly approaching.
6. Banana Nesquik. I am running low and the other brands are just not as good.
7. Milo has returned to the USA and I've just bought some at my Publix. I first had it on the Caribbean island nation of Dominica when I was a kid.
8. Schweppes Lemonade -- a UK only drink, not for sale in the USA. I'd like some right now.
9. My review of Vladimir Tod from Friday. I'm thinking I'll re-read it again.
10. The fact I spent $180 on the plumber. He was here for 16 minutes. But the shower in my guest bathroom works again.
11. I am itchy.
12. Dinner did not fill me up. I am hungry. I am a pig. Blech.
13. Adrian because we ended up not skating and not seeing a movie. Nobody is to blame because it just didn't work out.
14. London. I'm half tempted to go for the weekend. I could use miles. Leave Friday night. Arrive Saturday morning. Spend the day there. Fly home Sunday morning. Travel is great. No way would I do it. But I like thinking about it. Nobody would be crazy enough to go with me, anyway. Foyle's, Forbidden Planet, the London Transport Museum, a tour of the new Bond exhibit at the Imperial War Museum, maybe a show, a dinner at Rules, and a trip on the Eye. I could it all in that one day. That does sound fun, doesn't it?
15. Both The Simpsons and Family Guy are repeats tonight. Hence my ruminations on number 9 above.
16. I was thinking about Rob Barry. He wrote me -- snail mail -- two years ago and said we ought to write something together. I wrote him back twice (email and snail mail) and never heard back. That's a project that has always interested me. Rob's smart. I like Rob.
17. I'm still vexed by converting Claris Resolve to a current format, especially now that I can't even run OS-9 reliably.
18. I was thinking about visiting Pystar's offices to discuss the Mac clone. Pystar is a short drive from my house. I'm sure they're scammers, but I want to see for myself. If I'm wrong, I'll buy one.
19. I need a literary agent still. I'll never get published without one. One day... One day...
20. Scooter's vet check-up went well, so another 90 days of hopeful good health. Everything was as normal as could be. The thyroid medications is working her kidneys are starting to fail but she's compensating well.
21. How to get more traffic to my Panthers (and other teams) Hockey Message boards.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Robin Williams' Reality What A Concept
When I was a kid -- 300 to 400 years ago --, I first heard Robin Williams' album "Reality ... What a Concept" and it was uproariously funny (subversively bawdy might be a good term). I believe it was my cousin Mike who first played this album for me. I never forgot it, though my vinyl collection had long since vanished while I was off at college. I always wanted it on CD though it's never been able to be released. Once, I saw a copy on e-bay for like $90. Yeah, as if.
Anyway, I was perusing the web with Google. Google's an amazing thing. On a lark, I typed it in and boom. There it was. Laugh.com sells it for a reasonable price. I ordered it and it came yesterday. I listened to it today and it's as funny as ever. What scares me, is that I still remember almost every bit as crystal clear as when I used to listen to it over and over and over again.
"Rented lips" and "Sammy Davis Junior Junior" come to mind. As well as the New York Echo. I laughed hard listening to it again. I also got some bits that I didn't get when I first heard this album in 1979. Innocence I suppose. I would encourage everyone to locate and purchase this album. It's 41 minutes of bliss. It's classic OLD Williams -- unfocused, random, pointless, and guaranteed to cause paroxysms of laughter.
My eyes won't stop watering but I don't think I'm actually sick. This is day two of mostly runny eyes and occasional sneeze attacks. It feels like a bad allergy onset, though god knows to what.
It's Passover and I was off to see Mom and Grandma for dinner. On the way over, there was some sort of horrific accident. It must have just happened because I was only about ten cars back. Finally a cop comes flying through. Moments later traffic begins to slowly creep by on the median, directed by someone who had stopped. Ambulances and other police hadn't arrived. I got to the front and it was pretty horrific. There was a guy laying in the center lane, a big, bald biker dude who wasn't wearing a helmet. He was clawing at the ground in obvious pain and there was an enormous puddle of blood. It was everywhere. I drove on since a cop was already on scene and others had stopped to help -- what could I do? Some minutes later I passed an ambulance head that way. I'm sure it was far too late. I didn't relate this story over dinner.
I got to Grandma's, gave her the present from Sophia (Feng Fang Fu) and took a photo which is posted over at Flickr. Then we had dinner at Outback. The service was good, the food was average -- I am not an Outback fan as they've gone downhill. I had a nice time.
Anyway, I was perusing the web with Google. Google's an amazing thing. On a lark, I typed it in and boom. There it was. Laugh.com sells it for a reasonable price. I ordered it and it came yesterday. I listened to it today and it's as funny as ever. What scares me, is that I still remember almost every bit as crystal clear as when I used to listen to it over and over and over again.
"Rented lips" and "Sammy Davis Junior Junior" come to mind. As well as the New York Echo. I laughed hard listening to it again. I also got some bits that I didn't get when I first heard this album in 1979. Innocence I suppose. I would encourage everyone to locate and purchase this album. It's 41 minutes of bliss. It's classic OLD Williams -- unfocused, random, pointless, and guaranteed to cause paroxysms of laughter.
My eyes won't stop watering but I don't think I'm actually sick. This is day two of mostly runny eyes and occasional sneeze attacks. It feels like a bad allergy onset, though god knows to what.
It's Passover and I was off to see Mom and Grandma for dinner. On the way over, there was some sort of horrific accident. It must have just happened because I was only about ten cars back. Finally a cop comes flying through. Moments later traffic begins to slowly creep by on the median, directed by someone who had stopped. Ambulances and other police hadn't arrived. I got to the front and it was pretty horrific. There was a guy laying in the center lane, a big, bald biker dude who wasn't wearing a helmet. He was clawing at the ground in obvious pain and there was an enormous puddle of blood. It was everywhere. I drove on since a cop was already on scene and others had stopped to help -- what could I do? Some minutes later I passed an ambulance head that way. I'm sure it was far too late. I didn't relate this story over dinner.
I got to Grandma's, gave her the present from Sophia (Feng Fang Fu) and took a photo which is posted over at Flickr. Then we had dinner at Outback. The service was good, the food was average -- I am not an Outback fan as they've gone downhill. I had a nice time.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Ninth Grade Slays: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod
This review is spoiler free except for mentioning some names of new characters.
(Edit: added three video links)
Some time ago I reviewed Eighth Grade Bites: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod. It was the first book in a new series by Heather Brewer (known as "Auntie Heather" to her loyal minions*). The new book is out and is entitled Ninth Grade Slays: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod.
The new book, like the first, is a fast read. Ms. Brewer is a great writer, producing an engaging story but my complaints about this book are the same as the first: it's too damned short, and she's in a terrible hurry to get everywhere she's going. A plane flight from Siberia to the USA is dealt with in three sentences. There's nothing wrong with that, but it's a good chance to spend some time letting the character talk and getting to know more about them.
And she writes great characters and I do want to know lots more about them. Besides Vlad and Henry, we meet two new characters of import: Joss and Eddie. Eddie's last name is Poe and that made me smirk mightily. We also have more Meredith, but she's still a think character and we need to learn a lot more about her.
Joss, and this will be hard to do without uttering spoilers, is an amazing character and I wanted a whole book just about him. He's complex -- as complex as Vlad, no mean feat. And Ms. Brewer turns a great trick at the end with Joss, making me feel like someone kicked me in the stomach -- that or I'm coming down with the flu. Joss is the sort of character I'd like to spend an hour with over a cup of coffee, just talking.
Eddie, though only a bit player, has potential to be a big character in the next instalment(s). I get this nagging feeling that not only is important, but that one day he'll be a good friend to Vlad despite what we see in this book.
Otis and Nellie are in the book, but consigned to floating in and out of the story. That's not a criticism either. I much would prefer hearing about the kids because they're very interesting. Vlad cries a bit too much, and I think his circumstances have a lot to do with it. He's very Emo without actually being Emo. It makes sense to me, anyway.
Vlad is a great character. He continues to evolve and get more complex. I wish this book was about a hundred pages longer. Vlad continues to show signs of cuteness when he tries to interact with Meredith. And if he knew anyone thought he was showing such signs, he'd certainly cringe. In my previous reviews, I said a reader would want to be friends with Vlad and that remains even more true in this book.
TRAILER FOR THE NINTH GRADE BOOK (FLASH)
TRAILER FOR THE EIGHTH GRADE BOOK (FLASH)
TRAILER FOR THE EIGHTH GRADE BOOK (YouTube)
LIVE ACTION CLIP DONE BY A HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA CLASS
Download it from the school's website.
Tonight's Springsteen concert was cancelled so I was able to stay home and read the book cover to cover in just about two hours. Enjoyable as all hell. Highly recommended. I mean that sincerely. Auntie Heather has a MySpace page, which you should also join because she is very cool -- even though I never win one of her hoodies. I may have to just buy an XL one and be done with it. Hope spring eternal :)
Oh, and the end is a bit of a cliffhanger. Auntie Heather is evil.
(In worse news, on 3 May I was going to see Billy Crystal in concert in Las Vegas. That's been cancelled as well. I guess I should tell Austri....)
* I am proud to consider myself one of them.
(Edit: added three video links)
Some time ago I reviewed Eighth Grade Bites: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod. It was the first book in a new series by Heather Brewer (known as "Auntie Heather" to her loyal minions*). The new book is out and is entitled Ninth Grade Slays: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod.
The new book, like the first, is a fast read. Ms. Brewer is a great writer, producing an engaging story but my complaints about this book are the same as the first: it's too damned short, and she's in a terrible hurry to get everywhere she's going. A plane flight from Siberia to the USA is dealt with in three sentences. There's nothing wrong with that, but it's a good chance to spend some time letting the character talk and getting to know more about them.
And she writes great characters and I do want to know lots more about them. Besides Vlad and Henry, we meet two new characters of import: Joss and Eddie. Eddie's last name is Poe and that made me smirk mightily. We also have more Meredith, but she's still a think character and we need to learn a lot more about her.
Joss, and this will be hard to do without uttering spoilers, is an amazing character and I wanted a whole book just about him. He's complex -- as complex as Vlad, no mean feat. And Ms. Brewer turns a great trick at the end with Joss, making me feel like someone kicked me in the stomach -- that or I'm coming down with the flu. Joss is the sort of character I'd like to spend an hour with over a cup of coffee, just talking.
Eddie, though only a bit player, has potential to be a big character in the next instalment(s). I get this nagging feeling that not only is important, but that one day he'll be a good friend to Vlad despite what we see in this book.
Otis and Nellie are in the book, but consigned to floating in and out of the story. That's not a criticism either. I much would prefer hearing about the kids because they're very interesting. Vlad cries a bit too much, and I think his circumstances have a lot to do with it. He's very Emo without actually being Emo. It makes sense to me, anyway.
Vlad is a great character. He continues to evolve and get more complex. I wish this book was about a hundred pages longer. Vlad continues to show signs of cuteness when he tries to interact with Meredith. And if he knew anyone thought he was showing such signs, he'd certainly cringe. In my previous reviews, I said a reader would want to be friends with Vlad and that remains even more true in this book.
TRAILER FOR THE NINTH GRADE BOOK (FLASH)
TRAILER FOR THE EIGHTH GRADE BOOK (FLASH)
TRAILER FOR THE EIGHTH GRADE BOOK (YouTube)
LIVE ACTION CLIP DONE BY A HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA CLASS
Download it from the school's website.
Tonight's Springsteen concert was cancelled so I was able to stay home and read the book cover to cover in just about two hours. Enjoyable as all hell. Highly recommended. I mean that sincerely. Auntie Heather has a MySpace page, which you should also join because she is very cool -- even though I never win one of her hoodies. I may have to just buy an XL one and be done with it. Hope spring eternal :)
Oh, and the end is a bit of a cliffhanger. Auntie Heather is evil.
(In worse news, on 3 May I was going to see Billy Crystal in concert in Las Vegas. That's been cancelled as well. I guess I should tell Austri....)
* I am proud to consider myself one of them.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Why I won't return to Tony Roma's
Today I had a great meal and decent service, but a really bad experience. I live near Tony Roma's Doral. I've been eating there regularly since they opened. I've been eating at their chain since the very first one opened in North Miami Beach back in the 1970s. Yeah, most people don't know it started right here near my Grandma's house -- a dark, dingy place up against the railroad tracks; but long since closed. Mighty good eating at fair prices.
Over the years they have continued to jack up their prices but I still go. You know what? It's all about the food. If the food's good and the place is clean you can forgive a lot. But I can't forgive being insulted as a customer. They've managed to do it.
So we (me and a business associate were there) ordered our drinks, then when they came, our food. My associate asked for the bread right away because he was hungry. We were told that "bread now costs a buck." The entrées are now $16 to $22 each -- just raised recently. Our particular entrées were $18. I bumped in and asked specifically why they would do that to which our server had no answer. He was hungry so we paid the buck (and were charged) for the bread over my strenuous objections. It's not the buck, which I can afford but the principle of the matter.
They could raise their prices a little more and still give the bread away. Or they could serve it on request? I was offended at how cheap they were. Our tab was around $60 for two people and they wanted that extra buck really bad? Maybe the should have charged for that last minute glass of water too. Cheap bastards is what they are.
I wrote them (in their itty-bitty feedback form box) a short note. I wonder if they shall reply. I don't much care because if they don't change their policy, I won't ever go back: and I hope none of my loyal readers go to any of their restaurants any more.
Here's what I crammed into that itty-bitty box if you're curious:
I've been a loyal customer of yours since I was young. I used to eat at your original NMB store and now eat regularly at the Doral location. You raised your prices again and I understand that. However what I don't understand is how you can raise your prices and ALSO charge me $1 for bread that every restaurant gives out for free. I objected when told, but they say it's been that way for a few weeks. I won't be returning until you change this policy. Shorty's BBQ is just down the block. Not quite as good but they don't insult me by charging $20 for an entrée and then another buck for bread. Nice work -- you should be EMBARRASSED.
4-24-08 Update:
I received an e-mail reply on 4-16-08 which was CC'd to 6 people:
Dear Mr. Seiden:
Thank you for contacting Tony Roma's Guest Relations. Please accept our apologies for the disappointment you had at the Doral Tony Roma's in Miami, FL. Each guest plays an important role in helping us maintain the standards by which we operate and we appreciate your feedback. Your message is being forwarded to Karen Weinberger, Executive General Manager. Management would like to discuss your visit to Tony Roma's and will contact you at the earliest opportunity. Thank you.
Martha Killion
Guest Relations
Romacorp, Inc.
(Phone redacted)
Having not yet received a reply from ANY of those people as of 4-24-08 548pm:
Dear Everyone:
Judging by the lack of any further contact, I must assume this to be entirely untrue. You sent this email to quite a few people. Nobody's made any effort to contact me. (I don't specifically care, but this certainly does make me just a bit more ticked off than I was). "Earliest Opportunity" implies some level of urgency. The time elapsed has indicated there is no sense of urgency.
Peace Out.
-- E
Over the years they have continued to jack up their prices but I still go. You know what? It's all about the food. If the food's good and the place is clean you can forgive a lot. But I can't forgive being insulted as a customer. They've managed to do it.
So we (me and a business associate were there) ordered our drinks, then when they came, our food. My associate asked for the bread right away because he was hungry. We were told that "bread now costs a buck." The entrées are now $16 to $22 each -- just raised recently. Our particular entrées were $18. I bumped in and asked specifically why they would do that to which our server had no answer. He was hungry so we paid the buck (and were charged) for the bread over my strenuous objections. It's not the buck, which I can afford but the principle of the matter.
They could raise their prices a little more and still give the bread away. Or they could serve it on request? I was offended at how cheap they were. Our tab was around $60 for two people and they wanted that extra buck really bad? Maybe the should have charged for that last minute glass of water too. Cheap bastards is what they are.
I wrote them (in their itty-bitty feedback form box) a short note. I wonder if they shall reply. I don't much care because if they don't change their policy, I won't ever go back: and I hope none of my loyal readers go to any of their restaurants any more.
Here's what I crammed into that itty-bitty box if you're curious:
I've been a loyal customer of yours since I was young. I used to eat at your original NMB store and now eat regularly at the Doral location. You raised your prices again and I understand that. However what I don't understand is how you can raise your prices and ALSO charge me $1 for bread that every restaurant gives out for free. I objected when told, but they say it's been that way for a few weeks. I won't be returning until you change this policy. Shorty's BBQ is just down the block. Not quite as good but they don't insult me by charging $20 for an entrée and then another buck for bread. Nice work -- you should be EMBARRASSED.
4-24-08 Update:
I received an e-mail reply on 4-16-08 which was CC'd to 6 people:
Dear Mr. Seiden:
Thank you for contacting Tony Roma's Guest Relations. Please accept our apologies for the disappointment you had at the Doral Tony Roma's in Miami, FL. Each guest plays an important role in helping us maintain the standards by which we operate and we appreciate your feedback. Your message is being forwarded to Karen Weinberger, Executive General Manager. Management would like to discuss your visit to Tony Roma's and will contact you at the earliest opportunity. Thank you.
Martha Killion
Guest Relations
Romacorp, Inc.
(Phone redacted)
Having not yet received a reply from ANY of those people as of 4-24-08 548pm:
Dear Everyone:
Judging by the lack of any further contact, I must assume this to be entirely untrue. You sent this email to quite a few people. Nobody's made any effort to contact me. (I don't specifically care, but this certainly does make me just a bit more ticked off than I was). "Earliest Opportunity" implies some level of urgency. The time elapsed has indicated there is no sense of urgency.
Peace Out.
-- E
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Firefox Continues To Cause Grief at Microsoft
In an ongoing, amazing development, Firefox is clobbering Internet Explorer. It's far from the end, but there are signs all is not well in the browser department in Redmond.
Information Week's 7 April 2008 issue has the market share report for Internet Explorer.
This just pleases me to no end. Granted, it's not just Firefox but other browsers such as Opera and Safari. But any dent in Microsoft's armour is a good thing. Every time Bill gates has stress, I lose a little of mine. When he has a bad day, I have a good one. Between Firefox and the EU, perhaps he's developing an ulcer.... :)
Oh and let's not forget Open Office. I have no idea why it won't hit critical mass: it does everything Office does and more and it can read/write Office documents just fine. We've installed it at work with no issues. Though I will admit we use Word/Excel type documents only and haven't tried the other modules except to play some Powerpoint training slides. Try it at your company. It comes in all flavours Mac, PC, UNIX, etc.
The article makes some special points "... IT departments are moving to support [Firefox] in the enterprise Web apps. That should be less than reassuring to Redmond."
The article also talks about how IE8, forthcoming soon, will break a number of web applications even though it is supposedly more standards friendly. Many non-commercial sites, such as mine, don't even test to IE specifications because they simply aren't standards. Web standards are just that: standards. IE is a collection of crap that makes writing a site to be compliant a pain. I've made sure my corporate site works with IE -- that is you can view it -- but it looks and works much better in Firefox. It makes me angry I have to do even that.
In other amusing news, Microsoft is already readying the replacement to Vista. So despite their claims, it's obviously not going as well as they'd like. No spin can fix that except to a true moron.
Information Week's 7 April 2008 issue has the market share report for Internet Explorer.
| Month | % Share |
| Jan 2007 | 88.7 |
| March 2007 | 86.0 |
| October 2007 | 80.1 |
| December 2007 | 77.7 |
This just pleases me to no end. Granted, it's not just Firefox but other browsers such as Opera and Safari. But any dent in Microsoft's armour is a good thing. Every time Bill gates has stress, I lose a little of mine. When he has a bad day, I have a good one. Between Firefox and the EU, perhaps he's developing an ulcer.... :)
Oh and let's not forget Open Office. I have no idea why it won't hit critical mass: it does everything Office does and more and it can read/write Office documents just fine. We've installed it at work with no issues. Though I will admit we use Word/Excel type documents only and haven't tried the other modules except to play some Powerpoint training slides. Try it at your company. It comes in all flavours Mac, PC, UNIX, etc.
The article makes some special points "... IT departments are moving to support [Firefox] in the enterprise Web apps. That should be less than reassuring to Redmond."
The article also talks about how IE8, forthcoming soon, will break a number of web applications even though it is supposedly more standards friendly. Many non-commercial sites, such as mine, don't even test to IE specifications because they simply aren't standards. Web standards are just that: standards. IE is a collection of crap that makes writing a site to be compliant a pain. I've made sure my corporate site works with IE -- that is you can view it -- but it looks and works much better in Firefox. It makes me angry I have to do even that.
In other amusing news, Microsoft is already readying the replacement to Vista. So despite their claims, it's obviously not going as well as they'd like. No spin can fix that except to a true moron.
Friday, April 11, 2008
A Meeting With Alan Cohen, Owner of the Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers invited a number of season ticket holders to attend their first (and hopefully not their last) meeting with the team owner, Alan Cohen. Or, as I now call it, Bitch at Cohen Fest. Absolutely no recording devices were allowed nor were any media allowed. The sole recording was by the official Panthers video guy (who, I might add, was using an HD camera).
I made an original post on my message board from my unedited notes. You may find them interesting. Those notes were written more or less in order with my few thoughts inserted as they came up. They were unedited and lack complete sentences, complete thoughts: just typing from my notes and not checking spelling, grammar, or anything. What you’re reading here is far more polished and includes conclusions and such reached after the fact.
The event started on time on 10 April 2008 at about 705pm and ended at around 910pm. I didn’t check my watch but was in my car at 914pm so that’s a pretty close approximation. The meeting was held in the Chairman’s Club. All the ticket representatives seemed to be there -- and a shout out to my rep, Mario, who is awesome. Also there were Randy Moller, Bill Lindsay, Michael Yormark, Steve Goldstein, and of course Alan Cohen. In the crowd were a number of people from my message board (the best and the ORIGINAL one), more from the “official” message board (some great folks, but it's still quantity over quality), and the Booster Club, of course. And of course Cowbell King Van Murphy was there –wearing a sports-jacket and tie so I almost didn’t recognize him -- who didn’t get in the question line, much to my disappointment.
Let me start by saying that it wasn’t what I expected. There were about 150 people of the 250 or so who sent an RSVP. I’ve never met Cohen, never heard him speak, and knew nothing about him except what I heard second and third hand. I formed an opinion of him based on that, and that opinion is apparently wrong.
I will start by saying that at the end, I left thinking that Cohen seemed very sincere. And I have to say he was brave to take some of the hardball questions lobbed in with the softball questions. It takes real cajones to face the music, especially when you know what must be coming.
A few people expected shills to be planted. Others expected questions to be screened. It was, however, open microphone. If you wanted to ask a question, you got to line up at the microphone and ask it. A nice and simple plan – if they’d have stuck to it. I was 4th in line. About 20 people, all told, got in line before they closed off the line due to time constraints.
At the beginning, it was requested by Steve Goldstein to please have one question only and go no more than one minute. He also asked people to stick to topics that were in the scope of Cohen’s job. Because of the requested limit, I only asked one question. Had I known other people after me would steal the floor and rant for a long time without ever making a point, I’d have spent more time asking some additional pointed questions. Enough said about that.
First, there were no shills apparent – though they would have been preferable to some of the speakers (which is the term I will use to refer to the person asking the question). A few people were rude, some long-winded, and several never did get to a point causing Steve Goldstein to jump in and ask if they’d please get to one. Even that admonishment didn’t deter some of them.
Cohen gave long, long, often detailed answers – and I mean that in a good way because he explained why he did what he did -- and though he rambled a little, it was interesting for the most part. I will say he actually seems to give a shit about the team. I can’t say what he thought about us, the fans. But it’s apparent he’s disappointed in what the organization delivered on-ice and this was his way of offering partial redress.
The first question was about, of course, Jacques Martin, and was more of a statement that we need a new coach and General Manager. There was a huge but not unanimous applause. Cohen agreed something needed to change and said he was talking with Jacques Martin to give him time to decide. He also said the Coach and General Manager job would be separated for next season. It sounded like Jacques Martin was going to keep one of his two jobs. Cohen took a hand vote to see who wanted to jettison Jacques Martin entirely and who wanted to keep him in some capacity. The crowd was about 66% for a total jettison and about 33% for a partial capacity. Cohen repeatedly said he doesn’t know hockey, and some fans apparently took him literally and not in the sense he meant, which was that he leaves running the hockey to the hockey people. He’s a long-time fan so he knows hockey. I don’t know why I have to explain this to people.
In response to the next question about Luongo -- I wish people would get over this already -- he said Luongo’s demands on who the team could and couldn’t hire and who they had to get rid of are what ultimately led to Luongo’s trade and nothing else. This corroborates many media reports after the fact. Cohen also said Mrs. Luongo really wanted Roberto to stay and he had several conversations with her as well. I could make some very rude comment here about the calibre of Mr. Luongo’s character, but I shan’t do that.
Cohen did not sound very positive on Olli Jokinen’s leadership abilities but he deferred that to whomever the next General Manager or Coach may be. In fact, he repeatedly deferred these types of question to the Coach and/or General Manager. I think this is the proper answer to such questions. He claims to be a hands-off owner, and moreso since the Keenan/Luongo debacle. I am not sure if I believe him entirely, or if he even realizes what constitutes a hands-off owner. This isn’t a critical statement but an observation.
My question – and I had my choice of two back-up questions since my Jacques Martin question was rendered moot by the people in front of me, was about the advertising. I introduced myself (and got some applause which surprised me ::smile::) and asked if he felt we were selling the soul of our team to the highest bidding advertiser. There was a smattering of applause in response to my question. His response was that ticket sales were US$16 million and advertising revenue was US$19 million – will the IRS please confirm this -- but he did think maybe the ad-laden urinal cakes were a bit over the line.
Then, Yormark chipped in that at least I noticed there was a sponsor. To that, I replied “but I don’t know who the sponsor is” That wasn’t an answer to my question. I will report that Yormark has a sense of humour, and that surprised me as he always comes across as very dour. My opinion of him is still very much coloured by the infamous New Times article (scroll down to Body Slamming Alice) about him where he fired an usher for telling him not to cuss in front of kids while screaming "don't you know who I am?" Um, we don't care who you are, sir. The rules are for everyone, especially those who should lead by example. Two years on, I am still waiting for the story where he apologizes to her.
As I finished, I threw in a quick comment about settling for mediocrity being completely unacceptable and told him he doesn’t settle for it in his business and he shouldn’t settle for it with the Panthers either, thanked him, and sat down.
Next up was the speaker from Hell. And it had nothing to do with what he said. It was the fact he said nothing. He ranted, he raved, and went on and on and on and never got to a point. He took forever. He went 19 minutes before Goldstein interrupted and told him to get to his point. It didn’t faze the speaker at all. He kept going and going and going – like the Energizer Bunny -- never getting to his point, before the audience finally got sick of him and began shouting him down.
Cohen was overly indulgent of the windbag – I suppose trying to be a nice guy even though it wasn’t warranted. And this is where things became less civil, much like when a referree loses control of the game. People began shouting comments, talking amongst themselves, and so forth. I felt bad for Cohen.
Next up was a kid, Brian I think, of about 12 who got a standing ovation with his question “What, given free-agency, would you do to make the Panthers a play-off team?” Cohen gave a half-answer touching on a number of things. He also stated, again, that Jacques Martin is doing a good job as General Manager to a muted applause. I tend to concur that though Martin does make mistakes here too, he’s not horrible. If you’re going to keep him around, at least he can do some good here.
In response to another question, he deferred again to the Coach, who was obviously not there. But he did come up with an answer. He said he’d answer from a fan’s standpoint. “Olli needs to be motivated,” said Cohen. “It’s wanting it.” The implication being Jokinen didn’t want it anymore. I am not an Olli-hater nor am I an Olli-lover. I’ve said this on my message board repeatedly: I don’t think he’s the right captain for this team, but I also think stripping him of his “C” may ruin him. A fan trotted out the Zednik excuse, and Cohen agreed. This doesn’t sit well with me because Zednik was in good shape after a few days, and Jokinen should have recovered and he didn’t. Olli's a professional and it’s an excuse, and not a good one. This team has way too many excuses.
Cohen also trotted out the injury excuse – used every year – and that also didn’t sit well with me. I’m tired of excuses. But then again, I’ve sat through the entire run of the Panthers organization since day one. I’ve also worked for an ECHL team so maybe I know more than some of the other fans and am less tolerant of excuses. I don’t like think so, but maybe that’s it.
Cohen also said specifically that Olesz and Kreps are on target to have long-term deals signed in the off-season. He also said Jay Bouwmeester is on the target list and later, when pressed, confirmed they have spoken to his agent. Cohen repeatedly reiterated that he believes in working with what we have. He believes we have the core players. This would allow consistency. He also said he’s a hands-off owner and the hockey people ultimately decide this. He said he had to get involved in the Olli thing and only because he felt it could turn into another Luongo fiasco, and he claimed he learned from that mistake. I tend to agree he had to get involved. I tend not to agree when he said he learned from that mistake.
He related the entire Keenan story to us. He admits it was a mistake. I could relate the whole story, but I’ll sum it up quickly. He brought in Keenan and Dudley and he ended up going with Dudley the first time and told him “If you believe we can win with the talent we have, here are the keys: do it!” And Dudley didn’t do it, so he was axed and Iron Mike, The Demon-Spawn From Hell, returned much to the chagrin of almost everyone.
He also discounted one fan who said we needed stars. Cohen said the team needs to get credit for spending money to retain talent and it’s not just about getting new talent. I agree wholeheartedly. The same fan – who bragged about his seats on the glass -- said we needed more star power and advocated bringing Eddie Belfour back over Tomas Vokoun. I can only assume the fan was intoxicated. The crowd greeted his comments with stunned silence and then disbelieving laughter. Cohen just didn’t know what to say but just said “no” and continued sipping on his energy drink – which I must point out was not the one that sponsors the team.
Cohen doesn’t realize our farm system is a mess and the ramifications of it and this should scare you. He thinks it’s basically okay. He says Jacques Martin was working in Rochester that very night working on fixing that situation. But Cohen doesn’t believe splitting our farm system is a bad idea. The smart hockey fans vehemently disagreed. Those may be the dumbest words that came out of Cohen’s mouth all night. Most people in the room didn’t get that part because they don’t realize how essential a farm system is to building your future. If you don’t have control over it, you have catastrophe and this is one area we have repeatedly failed. It’s sad or scary, but I’m not sure which. Just because we have a few great players, such as Matthias, doesn't mean our system is good.
In referring to the team Cohen vehemently said, “We’re built. It’s just a matter of someone driving the damn thing.” And he also said “The road to winning isn’t through me.” Both statements are true because that’s the coach's and General Manager's job but it is disturbing as an attitude. The speaker at the microphone called him on it, but I didn’t catch his reply. It’s hard for me to detail this part in context because at this point everyone in the audience was talking amongst themselves.
One speaker tried to blame Olli Jokinen, but Cohen defended Olli saying “I don’t want to blame Olli.” Good for Cohen. He didn’t prevaricate on that for even an instant and received applause for that. Sure, Olli did have some bad games – especially when they counted -- but he had an overall good season. We cannot and must not forget he’s currently the best player on our team.
In referring to Jacques Martin’s performance as coach, “…record last three years as coach. I can’t accept that.” It was blunt and damning. However he repeatedly refused to specifically say whether or not Martin was going to be coach next year. He said that he hadn't yet decided, something I know find hard to believe was true when he said it.
Again Cohen continued to humour speakers who rambled, made no point, and even asked no question. Goldstein interrupted those speakers repeatedly to remind people to get to the question – these interruptions grew increasingly more frequent as did random interruptions by rude sots in the audience. And the questions were the same over and over and over. I don’t understand why if he’s already answered your question for someone else, why you need to ask it again? Keep beating the dead horse? Oh, joy.
Cohen’s spending his time to talk to us, and all anyone wanted to do was speak about Martin. I guess I was one of the few with a back-up question list. Again, I wish I had known that sort of behaviour would have been tolerated. I had more questions and would have loved to ask them. My friend Evan who also attended, never got in line to ask his question and left early out of frustration.
One fan told Cohen he should meddle. Cohen disagreed and said he was very laissez-faire. Thank God he’s got some common sense. I am not sure I agree with him that he is laissez-faire, but good for him.
There were humorous moments scattered throughout such as the speaker who called Goldie a homer to much laughter. We all know it’s true and that’s great: I think we all love Goldie. But it was all to get to a point when the speaker wanted to know if they would have shown those last games on television. Goldie said if we were in the playoff hunt, they would have got them on television even if they had to do it themselves.
One shout out from the audience asked if the team was staying. Cohen replied. “The Panthers are not going anywhere. I promise you.” He then went on to detail the US$7 billion complex he wants to build and use shared revenue to help support the team and guarantee they stay here in perpetuity. I’d like to see the financial plan before I begin to believe him -- I don't believe $7 billion and I don't believe the numbers behind the plan. I remain an ardent skeptic on this point.
Another speaker railed about the lack of "locked-in" prices even though they were. As soon as he said it, a loud, collective "yes, they were!" came from the audience and also from the staff up front when Cohen looked to them in confusion. They guy, I kid you not, pressed on.
As an aside, Cohen was dressed casually in jeans and a black t-shirt, and very relaxed and patient throughout – though he clearly was getting frustrated with the lack of diversity of questions and lack of courtesy near the end. I liked the guy despite my preconceptions going in. Good for Cohen, he won me over so far. It takes a strong guy to take the abuse, put up with the mix of dumb and smart questions. He didn’t have to do this, and he did. That much, at least, is worthy of respect.
Cohen needs to pick a full-time General Manager – that’s his main job. “I failed in that job,” he admitted. He didn’t elaborate. As it turns out, that would come later that evening.
One of the last speakers up said the coaches behind the bench lack passion. Everyone applauded wildly. Even Cohen nodded affirmatively in agreement though he did not verbally agree with the statement. The speaker identified himself as Ron Kxxxx and retired from the USA Hockey coaching staff and formerly working with Mike Ilitch, the owner of the Red Wings. I wish I had got his name but he spoke softly. He obviously knew what he was talking about and knew names both new and old and had facts, not fan-crap backing him up. The guy went off and he knew his stuff. He was, by far the best speaker of the night. Whether or not I totally agreed is irrelevant.
I spoke to Erin on the way home and shared some salient points. I was dog-tired and went to bed when I got home, so missed the big news. I woke up and what do I see on the front page of the Daily Fishwrapper (aka The Miami Herald)? “Jacques Martin Fired As Coach!” – Glory, glory, hallelujah! Wait just a damned minute! There are two scenarios:
1. Cohen lied to us.
2. Cohen told us the truth and the decision hadn’t been made meaning the story wasn’t true
3. Worse, he listened to us and fired Jacques Martin because of what we said. No guilt on that, mind you, but if an owner lets the fans run the team then there is no saving us at all.
I don’t honestly believe number two. I can’t say I honestly believe number three. That leaves number one. So I guess my “sincerity” was only perceived. I don’t expect him to share secrets with us. However any good businessman or politician can dance around a question easily and with skill. He clearly said “I haven’t decided yet.” Only he quite clearly had. I cannot reconcile this contradiction in "facts" and invite an explanation.
I find it interesting the Herald said after the meeting he decided that Jacques Martin wasn’t going to be coach. The Herald clearly states that he was cornered after the meeting and asked. I want to give Cohen the benefit of the doubt, because the Herald’s article seemed pretty qualified in what they said. I also understand one should never believe what one reads in the media, so I do give Mr. Cohen the benefit of the doubt.
Today's press release also says that Jacques Martin hasn't accepted the General Manager's job. Honestly, at this point I hope he doesn't. That press release also failed to mention the resignation of Joe Nieuwendyk, a fan favourite.
This is a way too long blog post, but I had a lot to say. I should say it on my message board but this one ranks as blog-worthy so my loyal readers can read it. (And we’re closing in on 200,000 hits. Damn.)
Thanks for reading, everyone.
Eric
Although my blog does accept comments, I would prefer commenting in this thread on the message board so all fans may interact with your comments. This post, like all posts on this blog, is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in whole, or in part. You are free to link to it.
I made an original post on my message board from my unedited notes. You may find them interesting. Those notes were written more or less in order with my few thoughts inserted as they came up. They were unedited and lack complete sentences, complete thoughts: just typing from my notes and not checking spelling, grammar, or anything. What you’re reading here is far more polished and includes conclusions and such reached after the fact.
The event started on time on 10 April 2008 at about 705pm and ended at around 910pm. I didn’t check my watch but was in my car at 914pm so that’s a pretty close approximation. The meeting was held in the Chairman’s Club. All the ticket representatives seemed to be there -- and a shout out to my rep, Mario, who is awesome. Also there were Randy Moller, Bill Lindsay, Michael Yormark, Steve Goldstein, and of course Alan Cohen. In the crowd were a number of people from my message board (the best and the ORIGINAL one), more from the “official” message board (some great folks, but it's still quantity over quality), and the Booster Club, of course. And of course Cowbell King Van Murphy was there –wearing a sports-jacket and tie so I almost didn’t recognize him -- who didn’t get in the question line, much to my disappointment.
Let me start by saying that it wasn’t what I expected. There were about 150 people of the 250 or so who sent an RSVP. I’ve never met Cohen, never heard him speak, and knew nothing about him except what I heard second and third hand. I formed an opinion of him based on that, and that opinion is apparently wrong.
I will start by saying that at the end, I left thinking that Cohen seemed very sincere. And I have to say he was brave to take some of the hardball questions lobbed in with the softball questions. It takes real cajones to face the music, especially when you know what must be coming.
A few people expected shills to be planted. Others expected questions to be screened. It was, however, open microphone. If you wanted to ask a question, you got to line up at the microphone and ask it. A nice and simple plan – if they’d have stuck to it. I was 4th in line. About 20 people, all told, got in line before they closed off the line due to time constraints.
At the beginning, it was requested by Steve Goldstein to please have one question only and go no more than one minute. He also asked people to stick to topics that were in the scope of Cohen’s job. Because of the requested limit, I only asked one question. Had I known other people after me would steal the floor and rant for a long time without ever making a point, I’d have spent more time asking some additional pointed questions. Enough said about that.
First, there were no shills apparent – though they would have been preferable to some of the speakers (which is the term I will use to refer to the person asking the question). A few people were rude, some long-winded, and several never did get to a point causing Steve Goldstein to jump in and ask if they’d please get to one. Even that admonishment didn’t deter some of them.
Cohen gave long, long, often detailed answers – and I mean that in a good way because he explained why he did what he did -- and though he rambled a little, it was interesting for the most part. I will say he actually seems to give a shit about the team. I can’t say what he thought about us, the fans. But it’s apparent he’s disappointed in what the organization delivered on-ice and this was his way of offering partial redress.
The first question was about, of course, Jacques Martin, and was more of a statement that we need a new coach and General Manager. There was a huge but not unanimous applause. Cohen agreed something needed to change and said he was talking with Jacques Martin to give him time to decide. He also said the Coach and General Manager job would be separated for next season. It sounded like Jacques Martin was going to keep one of his two jobs. Cohen took a hand vote to see who wanted to jettison Jacques Martin entirely and who wanted to keep him in some capacity. The crowd was about 66% for a total jettison and about 33% for a partial capacity. Cohen repeatedly said he doesn’t know hockey, and some fans apparently took him literally and not in the sense he meant, which was that he leaves running the hockey to the hockey people. He’s a long-time fan so he knows hockey. I don’t know why I have to explain this to people.
In response to the next question about Luongo -- I wish people would get over this already -- he said Luongo’s demands on who the team could and couldn’t hire and who they had to get rid of are what ultimately led to Luongo’s trade and nothing else. This corroborates many media reports after the fact. Cohen also said Mrs. Luongo really wanted Roberto to stay and he had several conversations with her as well. I could make some very rude comment here about the calibre of Mr. Luongo’s character, but I shan’t do that.
Cohen did not sound very positive on Olli Jokinen’s leadership abilities but he deferred that to whomever the next General Manager or Coach may be. In fact, he repeatedly deferred these types of question to the Coach and/or General Manager. I think this is the proper answer to such questions. He claims to be a hands-off owner, and moreso since the Keenan/Luongo debacle. I am not sure if I believe him entirely, or if he even realizes what constitutes a hands-off owner. This isn’t a critical statement but an observation.
My question – and I had my choice of two back-up questions since my Jacques Martin question was rendered moot by the people in front of me, was about the advertising. I introduced myself (and got some applause which surprised me ::smile::) and asked if he felt we were selling the soul of our team to the highest bidding advertiser. There was a smattering of applause in response to my question. His response was that ticket sales were US$16 million and advertising revenue was US$19 million – will the IRS please confirm this -- but he did think maybe the ad-laden urinal cakes were a bit over the line.
Then, Yormark chipped in that at least I noticed there was a sponsor. To that, I replied “but I don’t know who the sponsor is” That wasn’t an answer to my question. I will report that Yormark has a sense of humour, and that surprised me as he always comes across as very dour. My opinion of him is still very much coloured by the infamous New Times article (scroll down to Body Slamming Alice) about him where he fired an usher for telling him not to cuss in front of kids while screaming "don't you know who I am?" Um, we don't care who you are, sir. The rules are for everyone, especially those who should lead by example. Two years on, I am still waiting for the story where he apologizes to her.
As I finished, I threw in a quick comment about settling for mediocrity being completely unacceptable and told him he doesn’t settle for it in his business and he shouldn’t settle for it with the Panthers either, thanked him, and sat down.
Next up was the speaker from Hell. And it had nothing to do with what he said. It was the fact he said nothing. He ranted, he raved, and went on and on and on and never got to a point. He took forever. He went 19 minutes before Goldstein interrupted and told him to get to his point. It didn’t faze the speaker at all. He kept going and going and going – like the Energizer Bunny -- never getting to his point, before the audience finally got sick of him and began shouting him down.
Cohen was overly indulgent of the windbag – I suppose trying to be a nice guy even though it wasn’t warranted. And this is where things became less civil, much like when a referree loses control of the game. People began shouting comments, talking amongst themselves, and so forth. I felt bad for Cohen.
Next up was a kid, Brian I think, of about 12 who got a standing ovation with his question “What, given free-agency, would you do to make the Panthers a play-off team?” Cohen gave a half-answer touching on a number of things. He also stated, again, that Jacques Martin is doing a good job as General Manager to a muted applause. I tend to concur that though Martin does make mistakes here too, he’s not horrible. If you’re going to keep him around, at least he can do some good here.
In response to another question, he deferred again to the Coach, who was obviously not there. But he did come up with an answer. He said he’d answer from a fan’s standpoint. “Olli needs to be motivated,” said Cohen. “It’s wanting it.” The implication being Jokinen didn’t want it anymore. I am not an Olli-hater nor am I an Olli-lover. I’ve said this on my message board repeatedly: I don’t think he’s the right captain for this team, but I also think stripping him of his “C” may ruin him. A fan trotted out the Zednik excuse, and Cohen agreed. This doesn’t sit well with me because Zednik was in good shape after a few days, and Jokinen should have recovered and he didn’t. Olli's a professional and it’s an excuse, and not a good one. This team has way too many excuses.
Cohen also trotted out the injury excuse – used every year – and that also didn’t sit well with me. I’m tired of excuses. But then again, I’ve sat through the entire run of the Panthers organization since day one. I’ve also worked for an ECHL team so maybe I know more than some of the other fans and am less tolerant of excuses. I don’t like think so, but maybe that’s it.
Cohen also said specifically that Olesz and Kreps are on target to have long-term deals signed in the off-season. He also said Jay Bouwmeester is on the target list and later, when pressed, confirmed they have spoken to his agent. Cohen repeatedly reiterated that he believes in working with what we have. He believes we have the core players. This would allow consistency. He also said he’s a hands-off owner and the hockey people ultimately decide this. He said he had to get involved in the Olli thing and only because he felt it could turn into another Luongo fiasco, and he claimed he learned from that mistake. I tend to agree he had to get involved. I tend not to agree when he said he learned from that mistake.
He related the entire Keenan story to us. He admits it was a mistake. I could relate the whole story, but I’ll sum it up quickly. He brought in Keenan and Dudley and he ended up going with Dudley the first time and told him “If you believe we can win with the talent we have, here are the keys: do it!” And Dudley didn’t do it, so he was axed and Iron Mike, The Demon-Spawn From Hell, returned much to the chagrin of almost everyone.
He also discounted one fan who said we needed stars. Cohen said the team needs to get credit for spending money to retain talent and it’s not just about getting new talent. I agree wholeheartedly. The same fan – who bragged about his seats on the glass -- said we needed more star power and advocated bringing Eddie Belfour back over Tomas Vokoun. I can only assume the fan was intoxicated. The crowd greeted his comments with stunned silence and then disbelieving laughter. Cohen just didn’t know what to say but just said “no” and continued sipping on his energy drink – which I must point out was not the one that sponsors the team.
Cohen doesn’t realize our farm system is a mess and the ramifications of it and this should scare you. He thinks it’s basically okay. He says Jacques Martin was working in Rochester that very night working on fixing that situation. But Cohen doesn’t believe splitting our farm system is a bad idea. The smart hockey fans vehemently disagreed. Those may be the dumbest words that came out of Cohen’s mouth all night. Most people in the room didn’t get that part because they don’t realize how essential a farm system is to building your future. If you don’t have control over it, you have catastrophe and this is one area we have repeatedly failed. It’s sad or scary, but I’m not sure which. Just because we have a few great players, such as Matthias, doesn't mean our system is good.
In referring to the team Cohen vehemently said, “We’re built. It’s just a matter of someone driving the damn thing.” And he also said “The road to winning isn’t through me.” Both statements are true because that’s the coach's and General Manager's job but it is disturbing as an attitude. The speaker at the microphone called him on it, but I didn’t catch his reply. It’s hard for me to detail this part in context because at this point everyone in the audience was talking amongst themselves.
One speaker tried to blame Olli Jokinen, but Cohen defended Olli saying “I don’t want to blame Olli.” Good for Cohen. He didn’t prevaricate on that for even an instant and received applause for that. Sure, Olli did have some bad games – especially when they counted -- but he had an overall good season. We cannot and must not forget he’s currently the best player on our team.
In referring to Jacques Martin’s performance as coach, “…record last three years as coach. I can’t accept that.” It was blunt and damning. However he repeatedly refused to specifically say whether or not Martin was going to be coach next year. He said that he hadn't yet decided, something I know find hard to believe was true when he said it.
Again Cohen continued to humour speakers who rambled, made no point, and even asked no question. Goldstein interrupted those speakers repeatedly to remind people to get to the question – these interruptions grew increasingly more frequent as did random interruptions by rude sots in the audience. And the questions were the same over and over and over. I don’t understand why if he’s already answered your question for someone else, why you need to ask it again? Keep beating the dead horse? Oh, joy.
Cohen’s spending his time to talk to us, and all anyone wanted to do was speak about Martin. I guess I was one of the few with a back-up question list. Again, I wish I had known that sort of behaviour would have been tolerated. I had more questions and would have loved to ask them. My friend Evan who also attended, never got in line to ask his question and left early out of frustration.
One fan told Cohen he should meddle. Cohen disagreed and said he was very laissez-faire. Thank God he’s got some common sense. I am not sure I agree with him that he is laissez-faire, but good for him.
There were humorous moments scattered throughout such as the speaker who called Goldie a homer to much laughter. We all know it’s true and that’s great: I think we all love Goldie. But it was all to get to a point when the speaker wanted to know if they would have shown those last games on television. Goldie said if we were in the playoff hunt, they would have got them on television even if they had to do it themselves.
One shout out from the audience asked if the team was staying. Cohen replied. “The Panthers are not going anywhere. I promise you.” He then went on to detail the US$7 billion complex he wants to build and use shared revenue to help support the team and guarantee they stay here in perpetuity. I’d like to see the financial plan before I begin to believe him -- I don't believe $7 billion and I don't believe the numbers behind the plan. I remain an ardent skeptic on this point.
Another speaker railed about the lack of "locked-in" prices even though they were. As soon as he said it, a loud, collective "yes, they were!" came from the audience and also from the staff up front when Cohen looked to them in confusion. They guy, I kid you not, pressed on.
As an aside, Cohen was dressed casually in jeans and a black t-shirt, and very relaxed and patient throughout – though he clearly was getting frustrated with the lack of diversity of questions and lack of courtesy near the end. I liked the guy despite my preconceptions going in. Good for Cohen, he won me over so far. It takes a strong guy to take the abuse, put up with the mix of dumb and smart questions. He didn’t have to do this, and he did. That much, at least, is worthy of respect.
Cohen needs to pick a full-time General Manager – that’s his main job. “I failed in that job,” he admitted. He didn’t elaborate. As it turns out, that would come later that evening.
One of the last speakers up said the coaches behind the bench lack passion. Everyone applauded wildly. Even Cohen nodded affirmatively in agreement though he did not verbally agree with the statement. The speaker identified himself as Ron Kxxxx and retired from the USA Hockey coaching staff and formerly working with Mike Ilitch, the owner of the Red Wings. I wish I had got his name but he spoke softly. He obviously knew what he was talking about and knew names both new and old and had facts, not fan-crap backing him up. The guy went off and he knew his stuff. He was, by far the best speaker of the night. Whether or not I totally agreed is irrelevant.
(END OF MEETING – NOT END OF THE STORY)
I spoke to Erin on the way home and shared some salient points. I was dog-tired and went to bed when I got home, so missed the big news. I woke up and what do I see on the front page of the Daily Fishwrapper (aka The Miami Herald)? “Jacques Martin Fired As Coach!” – Glory, glory, hallelujah! Wait just a damned minute! There are two scenarios:
1. Cohen lied to us.
2. Cohen told us the truth and the decision hadn’t been made meaning the story wasn’t true
3. Worse, he listened to us and fired Jacques Martin because of what we said. No guilt on that, mind you, but if an owner lets the fans run the team then there is no saving us at all.
I don’t honestly believe number two. I can’t say I honestly believe number three. That leaves number one. So I guess my “sincerity” was only perceived. I don’t expect him to share secrets with us. However any good businessman or politician can dance around a question easily and with skill. He clearly said “I haven’t decided yet.” Only he quite clearly had. I cannot reconcile this contradiction in "facts" and invite an explanation.
I find it interesting the Herald said after the meeting he decided that Jacques Martin wasn’t going to be coach. The Herald clearly states that he was cornered after the meeting and asked. I want to give Cohen the benefit of the doubt, because the Herald’s article seemed pretty qualified in what they said. I also understand one should never believe what one reads in the media, so I do give Mr. Cohen the benefit of the doubt.
Today's press release also says that Jacques Martin hasn't accepted the General Manager's job. Honestly, at this point I hope he doesn't. That press release also failed to mention the resignation of Joe Nieuwendyk, a fan favourite.
This is a way too long blog post, but I had a lot to say. I should say it on my message board but this one ranks as blog-worthy so my loyal readers can read it. (And we’re closing in on 200,000 hits. Damn.)
Thanks for reading, everyone.
Eric
Although my blog does accept comments, I would prefer commenting in this thread on the message board so all fans may interact with your comments. This post, like all posts on this blog, is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in whole, or in part. You are free to link to it.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Funniest Commercial Involving Petty Crooks
Sometimes I just must embed a video despite my better judgement.
This video almost made me wet my pants. It's a commercial It's in Thai but it has subtitles. Very funny. I suggest you watch whilst eating Yogurt (Yoghurt). Just stick with it. There is a payoff.
The spoiler is here, but you'll have to highlight it to see it:
White Text / Highlight To See (START)
Yeah, these guys are breaking into a bank. They find the safe, open it, and find out there's no money. In fact, it's a freezer. All this takes place whilst security watches them on the surveillance camera. They look at it, and decide it's Yoghurt, and figure they might as well eat it which they do. Pan out to security guards doing a spit take, and further pan out to name of building which is "Sperm Bank"
White Text / Highlight To See (END)
This video almost made me wet my pants. It's a commercial It's in Thai but it has subtitles. Very funny. I suggest you watch whilst eating Yogurt (Yoghurt). Just stick with it. There is a payoff.
The spoiler is here, but you'll have to highlight it to see it:
White Text / Highlight To See (START)
Yeah, these guys are breaking into a bank. They find the safe, open it, and find out there's no money. In fact, it's a freezer. All this takes place whilst security watches them on the surveillance camera. They look at it, and decide it's Yoghurt, and figure they might as well eat it which they do. Pan out to security guards doing a spit take, and further pan out to name of building which is "Sperm Bank"
White Text / Highlight To See (END)
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Lunt The Cunt
What a horrid title for a blog entry, but you see, it's really not my fault. I refer you to the original article if you want, but I shall summarize this here. It's a riot.Anyway, the city of Lunt is having a problem with graffiti artists changing it to the city of Cunt. The charge is being led by, I kid you not, Mister Ball. Ball and Cunt work well together, I'd imagine.
Residents in the graffiti-plagued village of Lunt are being asked to change its name to beat vandals. But the proposal, designed to combat yobs who repeatedly change the L to a C, has been met with fury by some locals in the rural community in Sefton, Merseyside.
Retired police officer Martyn Ball, a prospective Conservative councillor, is canvassing residents for their support for the change. Dr Ball, now a law lecturer, says he is fed up with the offensive graffiti which greets visitors to the village. He said: "We are all painfully aware of the repeated times our village sign is defaced by mindless yobs who change the L to a C.
"Drive in every day and you see a very offensive word."
According to the New Oxford Dictionary of English, the offending word is Middle English, of Germanic origin, and is offensive slang for female genitalia or an unpleasant or stupid person.
* * * * * * *
In other news, amusing and way less offensive, we have the first automated restaurant ever. It's in Germany, of course, a model of efficiency. The clickable URL will take you to the full BBC story with video. I realize the AutoMat was first, but the food was pre-packaged and not cooked to order -- AutoMat wasn't really a restaurant. The short video is worth a look. I'd eat there.
* * * * * * *
Mom's recovering from food poisoning so GET WELL MOM :) I'd tell you all to call her on her mobile phone, but that would lead to a different story. For $20 I'll tell you....
Sunday, April 6, 2008
In This Weekend's News
I am disgusted with the Panthers. I am disgusted with the Panthers Management, for they are most of the reason I am disgusted with the Panthers. I won't bore you gentle readers with such a diatribe here, but it's posted over at my Panthers Hockey Message Board if you want to read it, though posting does require membership. Related to that, I've been invited to a NO TIME LIMIT meeting with the owner Alan Cohen (along with other season seatholders). I must assume my invitation was an error, but I've RSVP'd and am going. They have no idea what they're in for. I will be polite, professional, and brutally scathing. They shall wither before my causticity. May God have mercy on their souls because I shan't.
I have begun the slow process of selling my random computer items on E-bay. I've started with some low-end, cross-platform software. All bids start at a buck (99 cents) and have no reserve. The list of what will slowly appear there is at my website and if you see something, contact me directly. We can work something out before it goes on e-bay. Friends and family get items free or at embarrassingly low prices. A friend has already claimed my G5 so that's not listed; I'm shipping it off Monday. I took considerably less than I'd have gotten off E-bay but it's going to a good home, and that's more important to me than the extra money.
Yesterday I hung out with Timmy for the first time in awhile. He's still the same. Take that as you will.
I saw Adrian today and we had breakfast and went skating. The movie bit was cancelled because he had work to do. I had also seen him Thursday when he came and got the old TV in the guest room. My guest room now has HDTV -- see my previous post, item number six :)
We did stop, on the way back to his house, at the newly-reopened CompUSA (now a division of Tiger Direct). I gotta remember to let Tom know just for his amusement.
I cleaned Scooter's ears yesterday. I went to the grocery store, spent $50 and noticed I don't have anything to eat. Sucks to be me. The final four doesn't interest me this year, nor does the current NHL playoff picture though that may change. I am doing laundry, and I was going to go to the mall to kill time but I'm just not motivated. So I am blogging instead. Lame? Probably.
I have begun the slow process of selling my random computer items on E-bay. I've started with some low-end, cross-platform software. All bids start at a buck (99 cents) and have no reserve. The list of what will slowly appear there is at my website and if you see something, contact me directly. We can work something out before it goes on e-bay. Friends and family get items free or at embarrassingly low prices. A friend has already claimed my G5 so that's not listed; I'm shipping it off Monday. I took considerably less than I'd have gotten off E-bay but it's going to a good home, and that's more important to me than the extra money.
Yesterday I hung out with Timmy for the first time in awhile. He's still the same. Take that as you will.
I saw Adrian today and we had breakfast and went skating. The movie bit was cancelled because he had work to do. I had also seen him Thursday when he came and got the old TV in the guest room. My guest room now has HDTV -- see my previous post, item number six :)
We did stop, on the way back to his house, at the newly-reopened CompUSA (now a division of Tiger Direct). I gotta remember to let Tom know just for his amusement.
I cleaned Scooter's ears yesterday. I went to the grocery store, spent $50 and noticed I don't have anything to eat. Sucks to be me. The final four doesn't interest me this year, nor does the current NHL playoff picture though that may change. I am doing laundry, and I was going to go to the mall to kill time but I'm just not motivated. So I am blogging instead. Lame? Probably.
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