Jabofi

Category : Irony

I thought this was so funny, and so strange, I just had to share.  
 
We had made an online purchase of a few items.  I received an email informing me that our items had shipped.   With a link to the UPS tracking information.  Wooho.  So of course, I immediately clicked on the link to see when our package would arrive.  Here's what I saw:



So, as you can see, although today is only 4/4/2008, the package has already been delivered!  On 4/13/2008.  Wow, now that's service.  Of course, it was (will be) delivered to Media, PA, wherever the heck that is, and was (will be) delivered to someone else's front door.  I hope they do (will) enjoy it!

Posted by Terri Sciolla-Lynch At 10:16 AM Location Hookstown | Permalink | Comments (2) |      

Category : Apple Stuff

I've been drooling over the new Macbook Air since MacWorld.  And we've also been eyeing Apple TV, which seemed like it would be a very good fit for us.  After playing with the idea for awhile, I decided to go online and start an order, just to see how much all of this cool stuff would run me.  I put everything in a shopping cart and saved it to think it over.

In the meantime, I thought that maybe I should be a bit more practical and buy something like the DR Trimmer/Mower instead.  We've got about 7 acres of land here and can really, really use it.  Let's see, practical or fun, practical or fun?

Coincidently, I was online at the DR site checking out the DR Trimmer when I received a phone call from Erica at Apple.  She received my saved shopping cart info and wanted to know if she could help in anyway.  I explained that I was trying to be practical and she mentioned financing.  Well, that's not an issue for us (being DINKS and all).  Then she started asking me some questions, where I work, etc.  Long story short, Erica was able to give me a fantastic discount on everything!  So, I went for the MacBook Air, Apple TV, Time Capsule, and assorted and various other sundry pieces and parts.

So, if anyone is interested in getting fantastic service and a great discount with Apple, let me know.  Erica has said that she would give anyone I forward on to her the same great discount.  And don't worry, I'm not getting anything out of the deal.  Just want to pass on my good fortune....

Next up, my new Macbook Air!!!!

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Posted by Terri Sciolla-Lynch At 10:48 AM Location Traveling | Permalink | Comments (0) |      

Category : Tribute

It is with a heavy heart today that I sit here and write about the passing of a beloved Pittsburgh legend, Myron Cope.  For anyone who hasn't heard of this wonderful man, I'll try to explain.

Myron Cope was the color commentator for the Steelers for decades, on radio and TV.  The man had passion for his team.  He would shout and scream and yell during the game, and it was a blast to hear.  He started during the glory years in the '70s and continued until he retired in 2005.  I am not the only person in Pittsburgh, or the world for that matter (just ask Dec) that would watch the game on TV with the sound turned down and turn up the radio just to listen to Myron.  One of the greatest things to me about the invention of the internet was having the ability to listen to Myron on a Pittsburgh radio station via the internet for Steelers football no matter where in the world I was living.  He always, always made me smile.

Myron did a lot of the corniest, cheesiest commercials you have EVER seen on television.  They were too funny to watch, and what made them so great was you could tell Mryon was having a ball doing them.  He sang, he danced, did stunts.  Hysterical!  Do a google search for him.  You won't be disappointed.  There are also some great tributes on youtube.

Do you know the terrible towel?  That yellow towel (black and gold) that Steeler fans wave around?  The one you either love or hate?  Yep, that was created by Mryon Cope.  He was smart enough to patent the idea and all proceeds for the sales goes to the Allegheny Valley School for children and adults with mental retardation.   So, he gave a lot to the community.  Myron also coined the name for the Immaculate Reception.  Anyone who has followed football for a few years knows what that is.  He was honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame by winnng the 2005 Rozelle award.  His article on Howard Cosell was included in Sport's Illustrated 50th anniversary magazine as one of the 50 best articles written.  His article on Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) won him the E.P. Dutton prize for "Best Magazine Sportswriting in the Nation".  He was the only American football commentor to be inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.

Myron was a real character.  If you heard him speak just once you would have thought that his voice was the most irritating thing you ever heard.  High-pitched, screechy, so "Pittsburgh" he was almost non-understandable.  But my, if you listened to him after awhile you grew to love him.  He created lots of terms that you won't hear around the country.  Yoi, double-yoi, hum-hah, okel-dokel, garganzola, Cleve Brownies, Cinci Bungles.  He gave the Bus his name.  Slash too.

And sadly, I went to CNN online just to see if he was mentioned.  I thought, passing of a legend, etc., he would get some sort of reference.  Instead, in the sports section they have "Watch a swimsuit model get her body painted".  Myron would have laughed his ass off on that one....

Mryon, the Terrible Towel is waving at half-mast for you today.  You'll be missed.

Posted by Terri Sciolla-Lynch At 6:56 PM Location Hookstown | Permalink | Comments (0) |      

Category : Eclipse and Technology

We are demonstrating the utlimate in technology and partnership tonight.  Right now, the lunar eclipse is starting.  It's very cold out.  16 degrees F.  About 3 inches of snow on the ground.  And Dec is standing outside in the freezing cold taking lots of lovely pictures on his good camera (on the tripod) and instantly uploading them to Flickr via Eye-Fi.  And I am sitting inside where it's nice and warm.  Hitting refresh on Flickr.  Watching the eclipse from the comfort of my couch.  With the dogs.  Poor Dec....

Update, Dec got his remote for his camera out so he can keep his hands in his pockets and still take pictures.  If any of you out there are friends or family you'll be able to view these at his Flickr account here.

Ok, I'm feeling guilty.  Time to go brave the elements....

8:55 pm eastern.  Crap, got out there just in time to have the camera battery die.  Not to worry.  Put another battery in.  Oh, double crap!  That battery lasted long enough to take one picture.  All batteries dead.  Groan.  We're doing a quick charge and hopefully we'll get more pictures in half an hour or so.  I'm going to go back out and watch.  It is so beautiful out there....

9:30 pm eastern.  Well, got a few more shots off before the freshly charged (kinda) battery died.  Time to switch batteries again and warm up.

10:03 pm eastern.  14 degrees F.  The eclipse is total.  Wow, a truly awesome sight.  Dec has got some great pictures out there.  The night is crystal clear.  The snow on the ground and in the trees is making everything glow.  And the moon is this orange-red color and just a fantastic sight to see.

Oh gods, I can't feel my fingers.  I need to go back out in a bit and watch it move.  Note to self:  buy a good telescope before 2010...

10:20 pm eastern.  Still 14 degrees F.  Still f*cking cold.  Ok, when the camera freezes and you can't change settings it's time to call it a night.  But what beautiful pictures.
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Posted by Terri Sciolla-Lynch At 8:56 PM Location Hookstown, PA | Permalink | Comments (2) |      

Category : Restaurant Reviews

I've decided that Houston is a great place to visit, but if I stayed here I would gain a whole lot of weight, very fast.  Oh my, so much good food, so little time.....

Today for lunch I took a couple of folks from where I've been working these past couple of weeks to celebrate one of the guys birthdays.  Happy Birthday Justin!  Anyhow, we are working in downtown area where there is  tunnel system running all around under the city.   6 miles worth of tunnels.  Good thing I had a couple of tour guys or I would have definitely gotten lost quickly.  There are many many choices for lunch here, most of the choices some version of a fast food place.  I asked them where the best place to go would be and they both said Treebeards.  Specifically, The Tunnel Treebeards.  Which is quite close and meant we did not have to go outside in the torrential downpour that we got here today.  (Not that I'm complaining.  Poor Dec has to deal with at least 7 inches of snow and freezing rain on top of that.)

Treebeards is an interesting place.  It's like a cafeteria.  You walk around the counter and point at food and they slap it on a plate for you.  Oh, but what food they have.  I decided on the chicken-fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, and a jalepeno cornbread.  Low calorie choice as you can see....oh, but so good.  The chicken was lovely.  Mashed potatoes, ymmm.  Definitely a thumbs up for someone who is not interested in the weight, arteries, or blood pressure!
 
I like Houston.....

Posted by Terri Sciolla-Lynch At 9:35 PM Location Houston, TX | Permalink | Comments (0) |      

Category : Travel

Isn't technology grand?  I've just checked into my Continental flight.  I was able to have my boarding pass sent to my PDA.  No more printing boarding passes.  Just show the security drones my crackberry, they scan the boarding pass on my screen, scan my ID, and I'm ready to go!  Talk about nice and easy.  I wish more airlines offered this service.

Also, I've got to say, this is the absolute easiest time I've had going through security in years.  Terminal B TSA guys at IAH, you guys have your act together.  Plus you are very nice.  Which is quite unusual with TSA folks anymore.  There was a nice little old lady in front of me that had absolutely no idea what to do.  A TSA guy came out and walked her through the process, and last I saw them he was personally escorting her to her gate to make sure she made it ok.  Now that sort of thing I have not seen since TSA got involved with the whole security debacle we've all come to know and love.  Way to go Houston TSA!

So, I'm sitting at my gate now at what appears to be a run down bus station.  Somehow I've managed to get a direct flight from Houston to Pittsburgh on one of those teeny tiny regional jets.  It's going to be a long, uncomfortable flight, even for a short one like me.  I am riding in one of those small ERJs that has rows with 2 seats on one side, 1 on the other.  I've got an "A" seat, meaning I'm sitting by myself.  Woohoo!  No sitting beside a GEBS guy this flight!  Which is good, cause it's been a long week and my temper is a little short right now.  Sitting for 4 hours fighting for my spot on the armrest would not make Terri a happy camper.....

I can't wait to get home, but it is quite beautiful out today in Houston, sunny and 74 degrees (F).  And I just checked weather.com and the weather at home is currenlty 37 degrees and cloudy with a chance of snow.  Brrr.  Oh well, I'll be back here next week so I'll have plenty of time to enjoy some warm sunny days again.  

Oh, and I'm so happy.  I'm going to hook up with Libby next week (I hope).  That will be fantastic.  Gee, I'll get spoiled seeing her again after just getting to see her at Lotusphere.  Any other Notes folks in town?  We can make it a mini Lotusphere celebration.

Now, if only my flight takes off on time........

Posted by Terri Sciolla-Lynch At 4:17 PM Location Houston | Permalink | Comments (0) |      

Category : Restaurant Reviews

February 6, 2008

I decided to do something fun tonight.  I read about an entertainment complex with an aquarium with a restaurant that is supposed to be good.  I decided to check it out.  Wow.  Another excellent choice!  This place is definitely a tourist trap, but so very cool.  It's an aquarium that has a restaurant beside (inside?).  There are floor to ceiling aquariums throughout with an incredible amount of fish of all shapes and sizes.  Some really big monster fish.  I think they're groupers (?).  The walls and ceiling are made to look like rocks and coral and sand.  A wonderful atmosphere.  And there is soothing jazzy music playing at just the right volume.  There's a smaller tank that has a whole mess of seahorses.  They are so fun to watch.  Is it my imagination, or do they all really look like they're smiling?

I've been placed at a super table front and center of a huge wall-to-wall floor-to-ceiling aquarium.  That's a whole lot of fish.  I wonder if that's where they get their dinner specials?  What's a flounder look like before it's cooked?  And that is the BIGGEST catfish I've seen in my life.  I swear he's 5 feet long.

Ambesh is my waiter tonight.  Nice boy, and I have only been here for 5 minutes and I already know his life story - too funny.  His mother and brother are vegetarians, but they love going to steak houses.  Go figure.  Oh, and he's just finishing up college and has interviewed for a company in Dublin.  Of course, I told him about my better half.

First up, some Captain's Punch.  Yummy.  Oh oh, I hope it won't be a repeat of last night's magarita fiasco...  Oh wow.  This drink is great!  Captain Morgan, some other unknown alchohols and tropical fruit juices.  Umm, Ambesh, may I have another?

Sourdough bread.  Nice and fresh and warm with SOFT butter.  Don't you just hate when they bring butter out that you have to chip out with an ice pick?

Ok, starting to get paranoid here.  There are 2 sharks just hovering in front of me, staring.  Oh god, now there are 3!  Ok boys, don't look at me like that.  I ordered the chicken....Next week I am bringing the camera.  I swear the sharks are looking at me like I am on their menu.

Main course, Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Aquariam Rice.  Excuse me while I stop and eat.

Hey, I found Nemo!

The Jamican Jerk Chicken is great.  A very nice taste with a good after bite.  It's cooked perfectly for me (well done but not dry) and has a wonderful mango sauce. The rice is perfect with some bits of onions and peppers.  The veggies are so-so.  Just brocolli and zucchinni steamed with some mushrooms.  Ok, but nothing to miss dessert over....and speaking of desserts......

Oh wow again.  I just viewed the dessert menu.  The menu itself is great fun.  It's shaped like a clam shell and has more pages then I could count.  (That was a great Captain's Punch.)  I've decided to be bad and have a capuccino and this wonderful dessert thing that has a cheesecake base with raspberry sorbet and a chocolate shell with a shark shaped sugar cookie on top, drizzled with raspberry and chocolate sauces.  Oh god, I am in heaven.

Cool, Ambesh just brought me a bowl of capuccino.  And I do mean bowl.  Anyone who knows me knows how much I love my coffee.  Hmm, coffee is good but not fantastic.  Let's see how good the cheesecake is.  Ok, the diet starts tomorrow....  

There are a bunch of folks here for a conference.  Didn't ask for what.  They were so taken with the way my dessert looked they asked if they could take a picture.  It's that pretty.  I should have asked them to email me a copy.

Oh, it's a damn shame leaving this dessert behind but I am ready to burst.  Note to self, just get dessert next time.

Definiely on my list of places to visit again.  Next time I need to bring Dec.

One of the joys of traveling is trying to find a place that a woman travelling alone can feel comfortable in.  A place that treats me well and doesn' try to stick me beside the kitchen or bathroom.  So far this trip I'm 2 for 2.

Tomorrow night, Indian food....

Posted by Terri Sciolla-Lynch At 11:19 PM Location Houston, TX | Permalink | Comments (0) |      

Category : Restaurant Reviews

February 5, 2008

"A Houston Tradition Since 1966" located at 309 West Gray, Houston, TX

I was looking for a good TexMex place, since I am in Houston (of course TexMex!).  The guys I am working with this week all agreed that this place is the best.  And when I got back to my hotel I started to ask how to get to this great Mexican place I heard about and didn't even finish asking when the hotel attendent instantly said "Cyclone".  Well, that was a great sign.  (BTW, I'm staying at the Doubletree Downtown Houston.  Highly recommend this as a great place to stay.  The staff members are fantastic)

The hostess at Cyclone Anaya's is nice and friendly.  She sat me at a great table outside so I can people-watch without feeling like I was onstage.  I was brought chips and salsa.  Oh that salsa is hot and good.  Nice and tasty.  I feel my synuses clearing...I can't believe it's February 5 and I am sitting outside.  I like Houston alot.  There are cicadas chirping away in a bush beside me.  Am I lucky or what?  I could be someplace with lots of snow, but instead I'm outside relaxing.  Now, if only Dec were here....

I love this place - flames on poles (really, really big torches - gas torches - really, they have gas lights, that add a nice touch).  However the tables are just a bit too close to the road for outdoor dining.  It's a little noisy with the traffice going by, but a great place to people watch.  Cool metal disks on the metal canopy overhead - wish I had a my camera with me.  Next trip, promise.  And there are lots of people going buy walking their dogs, which is always too much fun for words.

I decided to order a nice big frozen Magarita - good choice.  Lots of salt on the rim and VERY potent.

My waiter is  Alex.  He's  excellent - very friendly and has been back twice to make sure is all good.  Back 4 times to check on me and just stayed to chat - even though he's pretty busy.  Oh nice, he just saw I was busy blogging so he left me alone this time.  Did I mention how nice the magarita is?

I decided to order the Soft Tacos.  One of each, chicken and beef.  They come with rice and beans.  The rice is only so-so.  The soft tacos - yumm.  The chicken is really really good, the beef good too.  Both very cheesy with lots of fresh lettuce and tomatoes.  The chicken taco has sour cream but beef doesn't.  I wonder why?  Beans are wonderful too.

 End of the meal.  Chicken taco gone, beef taco gone, beans gone, still have lots of rice left over.  Did I mention how good the magarita is?  Ooh, the water sucks!  It tastes like it's drained from a swimming pool.  That first graders have been swimming in.  I need coffe.

Ok, Alex just got a really big tip.  After he removed the plates he asked me if I wanted an expresso.   He must have a sixth sense about these things.  Or maybe he was watching me type?  He brought the expresso back and wanted me to try it first cause he did not think the girl who made it did it correctly.  I tried it and it was great.  

Add this one to the list of places to come back to.  Great food, atmosphere, and customer service!  Did I mention how good the magarita was?

Posted by Terri Sciolla-Lynch At 8:31 PM Location Houston, TX | Permalink | Comments (0) |      

Category : None Travel
This is my life. Sitting on a plane in Newark on a Saturday waiting for them to remove fuel because they put too much in and now we are too heavy. Of course, I was supposed to be on a 3:17 pm flight yesterday. Which was cancelled. And so was the next flight. Till now....

Posted by Terri Sciolla-Lynch At 9:13 AM Location Lotusphere 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) |      

Category :

Well, we made the mad dash over to the Yacht to see Paul's Die Hard session.  Got there just a bit late and it was standing room only.  And then a whole bus load of people came into the room.  
We were on the floor, up the walls, standing, sitting (and in one case laying) on the floor.  Lotus room monitors, you needed to get an overflow room!  Paul, sorry we didn't stay.  It looked fantastic.  I guess I'll read your slides and then bug you if I have any questions

Posted by Terri Sciolla-Lynch At 4:25 PM Location Lotusphere 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) |