Gainesville

So Many Boxes…

Posted . ~1min read.

We’re packing away… although “we” is mostly just Yeni; who is packing like a woman possessed. We’re heading out on Wednesday and looking forward to a change of view. »

Next stop: Thanksgiving 2010

Posted . ~2min read.

[Curb Appeal? Not so much.][1]
Curb Appeal? Not so much.

Thanksgiving 2009 involved family, a road trip, and lots of yard work. Although Yeni and I made yet another trip to Florida, we sadly did not get the opportunity to visit all our friends and family “on the list.”

While traveling to sunny Fort Lauderdale, we took a pit-stop in Gainesville and checked out the house. The condition shocked us. It looked absolutely horrible and had what could only be described as negative curb appeal. We headed down to SoFla and knew we had to return and get down to business on some serious yardwork.

Borrowing a chainsaw from the old man, we quickly got to work on the thickest of foliage decorating the house.

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Bernie Machen Donates Some Bonus Money to UF

Posted . ~2min read.

Back in 2007, I was floored by the University of Florida’s President (Bernie Machen) accepting more than $200,000 in bonuses. I was so floored, I sent him a letter (below) and asked him to decline the bonus. After all, he already receives in base salary more than 10 times the annual income for a Florida family sending their child to the University of Florida.

As expected, I did not receive a response and there was no mention of donations, declines, or anything else from Bernie Machen.

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Still in Florida

Posted . ~1min read.

I’m still in Florida, but headed back to Michigan on Wednesday. I’ve been enjoying the warm weather, although it was 98 degrees yesterday in North Florida… much, much higher than Ann Arbor. »

GPD Chief Announces Retirement

Posted . ~4min read.

Update June 11, 2009: The Chief is now leaving in early July – 4 months earlier than he had advised.

Norman Botsford, the current Police Chief of Gainesville, Florida, announced that he would be retiring from his position. Although the following Gainesville Sun article highlights his history, they don’t mention how in recent years he has helmed a department who’s morale has dropped faster than, well insert your metaphor here… it’s way low.

This is a good thing.

Here’s what the Gainesville Sun said:

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Benjamin Franklin, Motorcycles, and Ann Arbor Parking

Posted . ~3min read.

We’re not playing the Pyramid here, but wouldn’t that be great? Man, I miss good 70’s game shows. Give me the Pyramid and Match Game and I’m happy as can be. Anyway…

Benjamin Franklin

I’ve always liked Mr. Franklin. Some think he’s the only non-president on money… but those people probably think Mr. Hamilton was once a president. Anyway, Benjamin Franklin is perhaps my favorite American in history. I love his quotes and many of his thoughts can guide us still today.

Today’s the following Benjamin Franklin quote comes to mind:

It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority.

Which brings us to…

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My information is everywhere…

Posted . ~1min read.

I ranted today about YET ANOTHER security breach at the University of Florida (Go Gators). It’s a decent rant: http://www.voiptechchat.com/tech/245/university-of-florida-security-strikes-out/ I like ranting now and then 🙂 »

Forrest's Anniversary

Posted . ~2min read.

[][1]That little spec in the center is the duck. And in the bottom right corner is the one mom threw in. So today (December 20th) marks the 2nd Anniversary of Forrest’s passing. »

Wednesday Schmendsday

Posted . ~1min read.

No much to report on a very busy mid-week. We received a big snowfall last night, which found myself prepping Yeni’s car for work this morning. »

Note to self

Posted . ~1min read.

When you leave Gainesville at 4:30 you hit Atlanta in time for rush hour. »