Rockin' like Dokken

Release of software to the lab is just a day or so to go - complete with support for all the latest feature requests. (It's certainly to be hoped that heavy metals don't affect our results, now).

Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my closeup

Well, the software summit is over. Much progress was made, and we're declaring victory over a particularly subtle bug. Seems like we're back to the hum-drum bugs, which at least are easier to find.

Also, two of our number have gotten promoted! Congrats HD and NR! We'll have to get you some new chairs!

Today is the day of the great photo-shoot. Soon our brochures will be bright with color and we'll all be famous - or at least our hands will be.

Another Software Summit

Today starts another Software Summit.

Our support staff waits patiently.

Unfortunately, she's in Hawai'i.

Vodka Tasting

This week's vodka tasting pits Grey Goose's (World's Best Tasting Vodka - Sip Responsibly) Citron against Absolut's Apeach.

Management is backing the Goose.

However,

Absolut has a history of picking winners when it comes to flavors. Virtually all Absolut flavors are the leading flavored vodkas in their respective flavors, and most achieved that market dominance within a few weeks of their release.

Even though this is comparing lemons with peaches, perhaps a winner will be adduced.

UPDATE: Well, there was a clear winner - Grey Goose won decidedly in the quality category - but in terms of sheer volume (not to mention occasional disgust) the hands-down winner was the Absolut. Ah, the verities.

Again with the quiet

QN is off to get hitched, WL, RD, JB, PM, are still in Philly. Sure is quiet around here.

Wonder why no one (other than NR) has suggested any mischief. We sure must be dedicated.

(Of course, QN will be gone a good long time)...

Quote of the Day

Today's quote of note from our lunch with QN: "He's going to pay for it the rest of his life" (So we'll pick up lunch).

Off to Philadelphia

Well, much of the management team is off to Philadelphia (or on their way) for some conference or other. Hopefully everything will go smoothly.

I'd suggest that since the cats are away, the mice might play, but the big dawg, the Chairman of the Board is busily perfecting some kind of contraption with a metal yardstick and elastics.

Good thing we don't have to hang any art this week.

The long drought is over

The long birthday drought is over.

The rainy season has begun.

Please people, pace yourselves.

I wonder win the next one will be...

Happy Birthday, QN.

Please enjoy your last birthday as a free man.

Gatekeeper Systems?

It's unconfirmed, but JU suggests that Gatekeeper Systems may well be our supplier of the shopping carts over at Hannaford.

More research is definitely needed.

UPDATE: Here are some other shopping innovations for your reading pleasure.

I was happy to find out that the inventor of the pet rock did something worthwhile:

Silicon Valley inventor George Cokely - the same guy behind the Pet Rock - has come up with a modern solution to one of the supermarket industry's oldest problems: stolen shopping carts. It's called Stop Z-Cart. The wheel of the shopping cart hold the device which contains a chip and some electronics, when the cart is rolled over a certain distance away from the store, the shopping cart owners know about it.

Bird Flu Hits Florida

Details at 11.

Laffy Taffy is back!

Laffy Taffy is back! Perfect for Children's day...

That Buddha sure was precocious!

Born in 563 BCE, the wikipedia recounts:

At that moment Siddhārtha was born out of her side. He immediately took seven steps towards each quarter of heaven, and at each step a lotus flower sprung up. He then declared he would have no more births, that this was his last body and he would pluck out by the roots sorrow caused by birth and death.

I guess it was because (the article implies) he was conceived in a novel way:

His mother dreamt one night that an elephant with six tusks and a head the colour of rubies came down from the highest heaven and entered her womb on the right side. Eight Brahmins told her husband the child would be holy and achieve perfect wisdom.

Nonetheless, the main focus of our celebration tomorrow will be Cinqo de Mayo. JT will be bringing the margaritas.

Salu!

Buddha's Birthday

This Friday we get to celebrate at least three holidays.

First, it's Buddha's birthday.

Second, it's Cinqo de Mayo.

And last but not least, it's No Pants Day! (Let's not observe this last one by the strict rules elucidated on wikipedia).

Chip Porn

NT has been at it again. Thanks to a amazing advance in in-house video technology, he's been able to capture the goods in action - and in full living color!

Drop by his office for a preview - or better stay tuned to find out when the show is opening in a meeting near you!

m'aider

Paris: April 27 - June 26, 2006 - it's the cow parade.

Help me, I can't stand it!

We must send a representative. Perhaps Bessie would like to attend - she'd be welcome there, I'll bet, if a little conservative.

UPDATE: Cow Parade is coming to Boston:

CowParade Mooves to the Hub!

Returning to its historical, and pastoral, roots in the summer of 2006, Boston’s parks, plazas and streets will be filled with life-size cows. Organized by and benefiting The Jimmy Fund, CowParade Boston will take place in the summer of 2006 when over 100 life-size, painted cows will be on display. The public display will begin during the first week of June and conclude on September 5, 2006.

Only one mooonth to go till Cow Parade Boston!