Zach – 33 Originally uploaded by wbeem. This used to be Zach, my Golden Retriever. I should’ve known then that he’d be trouble. Since chewing up this stupid toy fllp-flop (Shannon bought it, not me), he’s proceeded to destroy other things. He’s eaten holes right into the drywall in my bedroom hallway. He’s eaten the...

Nothing I write can prepare you for this historical retrospective.

Apple introduced its new MacBook today. Essentially, this is a replacement for the old iBook and the 12″ PowerMac. On first glance, the MacBook looks pretty cool. You get a choice between white or black, and I like the black better than the current aluminum shell of the MacBook Pro. The battery life for the new model is 6 hours instead of 4.5 on the Pro...

I got back into my habit of taking a Christmas trip this year. The original plan was to visit Costa Rica. Actually, the plan before that was to visit the San Francisco bay area with a friend of mine, but our plans never really came about. I talked to some people about Costa Rica and the idea kind of grew on me as a good place for some active stuff and...

Richard Pryor died today at age 65. I hate to see him go, but I’m also glad he doesn’t have to suffer with multiple sclerosis anymore. The guy was masterfully funny. Like every other kid, I hid his albums and tapes from my parents, and then snuck them out for a listen when they weren’t around. I remember taking those tapes everywhere. He was...

It’s a few days after the hurricane, and I’m astounded by the news reports. People affected by hurricanes these days have unrealistic expecations. They think the government should appear like Elfin Magic and wisk all their problems away expeditiously and instantaneously. It just doesn’t work like that. You got hit by a hurricane. It’s one...

I’ve spent my entire life in Florida, but this is the first time I can recall the need to prepare for the destructive arrival of a Flintstone. Hurricane Wilma is on the way. Wilma. That just ain’t right. For now, it seems I’m mostly outside the danger zone. I’m north of Orlando, and this sucker should hit somewhere below Tampa. Still,...