The Ranting Beaver

So, a little disappointed in the Mets. Not fully and completely disappointed, but they are pushing it. They have the Wild Card, but after last year's self-destruct, you would think they would've taken the added measures to make sure they don't repeat. They have the talent -- I guess it is just a mental game at this point.

Two things are for sure, the Rockies proved well what a fluke last year was (c'mon Kaz couldn't have made THAT much of a difference ...) and the Yankees are no where near the playoffs. Sad for the Rox, not so much for the Yankees. Part of being a Mets fan is being happy that the Yankees are not doing well. LOL.

In other NY related stuff, I'm going to NY twice next month - just booked both trips. The late one may be interesting as I am traveling with my boss and I will be coming back on Halloween. We shall see. I hope the Mets are still playing, at least while I am there for one of the trips (hopefully both). Well, either way, it'll be nice to go back again.

Greetings from the green isle of Ireland. City #2, in three days.

The Europe trip is going well - much has been accomplished as intended. Trainings and client meetings and such.

Some highlights:
- got to see London for the first time, it's pretty busy around town and you can get lost easily as there is no rhyme or reason to the streets
- got a MAJOR upgrade on the hotel room in London, cuz the early check-in wasn't handled properly (penthouse suite for the same rate as my original room - woo hoo!)
- traveling with a couple of really cool ladies
- made it to Dublin (easily one of my favorite places) in time to have a nice dinner and a pint of Guinness before it was too late at night
- most everyone I've met was excited to finally meet me (including someone I originally worked with over 4 years ago, when I first started at DC)
- some European clients that are excited about the new interface we have been working on for months and want to be part of the testing
- the room in Dublin is pretty nice too (hope the karma gods keep smiling)
- glad I didn't bring the film camera after all (that's it, I am officially going digital for real)
- going pub crawling with a couple of close co-workers tonight!

Some lowlights:
- haven't taken many pictures as I wanted since I have been working most of the time
- having to hustle to catch every damn plane since Denver (my outgoing flight needs to be better ...)
- the oddest flight attendant I have ever seen (a 6'6", 250+ lbs. male flight attendant with a definitely female haircut/do)
- my coworker getting stopped in security in Heathrow (while we are cutting it close for the flight anyway) because of a webcam that we have been using to record sessions with people
- looks like I missed a few co-workers by getting in late last night (ah well)

I will be home soon and as much fun as I have had, I can't wait. From the sound of it though, I may be back this way again soon. We will see.

- Ken

Chicago this week, NY next week. Damn. Hot and muggy both ways.

Will post some more fun stuff later, but wanted to pop in and say 'howdy' to the Beaver crew. Rico - call me immature, but you and your splashing cracks me up and no, I won't grow up already. Heh heh.

I hope to get a chance to shoot some pictures while here, but that all depends on others unfortunately. Ah well. I have some reason to come back to Chi-town now, my dad is here, so that works too.

See you guys when I get back. We need to work on that day off thing we talked about.

Ken