I enjoy your writing very much, but this was exceptional. It reminded me of how much and why I love playing my trumpet and performing, even though it's a hobby not my job. For 10 years I was in a professional group that played mostly county fairs, yet it was so amazing! When we were on stage it was magical. Only 30 minute sets but no one left and the audience got bigger and bigger. And they laughed, they smiled, it was so much fun, so cool, as I said, so magical! Thanks for a great review, and for reminding me of how much fun it is to do something you truly love. :)

I've been there, had the sudden boughts of tears, that empty feeling in my stomach, the loss of a very close friend. If I were there I would simply walk up to you and give you a big, long hug and a should to let it out on. Then go buy you a beer where would toast our friends gone.

I never understood why people hated Wesley. I've known lots of kids who were really smart. When I was starting my programming career, I picked up things fast, had lots of free time to learn (meaning no gf), and was constantly answering questions my older colleagues couldn't. I wasn't trying to be a jerk, I just had the time to learn the stuff really well and was answering a question or coming up with ideas for solutions (some were bad but some were good). Why should people get upset at me for that? That's how I saw Wesley. He was smart. His brain was always working. He liked learning things and solving problems. Why should people hate him for that? Again, he wasn't being a jerk, just doing things he liked to do, just being himself. And what did people think Picard and Kirk were like as kids? Picard was at the top of his class, one of the brightest ever. Kirk reprogrammed a simulation so he could win it. I'm sure they were a lot like Wesley. I just never got the Wesley haters. Glad you're able to put it all in perspective, have a great painting and an even greater friend. And remember, some of us never hated Wesley at all. :)

Many years ago while working at Egghead Software, this guy came into the store and was looking at music software for the Mac. Being a musician myself I chatted with him, explaining the various programs, asking what he wanted to do and helping him decide on what to get. Later while working the register (we all took turns), he brings up the program we talked about and hands me his credit card. I looked at it and froze with my jaw on the floor. His card said, "Thomas Dolby Robertson". I was like, "Um, is this, I mean, um, really?" He said, "Yes, that's really me." I smacked my head with my hand laughing as I said, "And here I was telling YOU about computer music software!" He was cool about it and even gave me two free tickets to the show. That night he was EXTRA cool when he saw me sitting close to the stage and said, "Hi Rich! Glad you could make it."

Great photo! That's awesome, as are the rest of his! I've been playing with HDR photos and decided to see how this would look as an HDR: http://www.flickr.com/photos/richtpt/2380562965/ Not bad, though I'm not happy with how the clouds turned out. Oh well, that's what I get for being quick. ;)

I saw more info on this from Milblogs, a great blog site btw. http://www.mudvillegazette.com/milblogs/archives/2007/10/10/#009482 From what they are saying it appears the leak might not have been from our government at all, but from SITE.

Not to say the administration is good and all, but from what I read in your post (and the link), it didn't say WHO leaked the info. It could have been some underling trying to do what they thought was right, or someone trying make brownie points with someone, or some higher up person patting their buddy on the back, "Here, this is for you but you have to promise not to show it yet." Or just someone who feels the people have a right to know about this regardless of the consequences. Whatever happened, it is sad, but not surprising anymore. I could go on, but that'll just bring me down and I'd to be in a good mood today. ;)

Here in Portland, Oregon, Summer never really came, Autumn is quickly passing and Winter arrived last week on Mt. Hood leaving large amounts of snow. It's already beginning to be gray and gloomy; I miss the Summer that never arrived.

I enjoyed your Wesley character a lot. I never thought he was a smartass know-it-all kid. What do people think Picard or Kirk were like when they were young? Probably a lot the same way, always thinking, learning, coming up with unique solutions to problems. I'll bet people would have called them smartass know-it-all kids too. I call them those few who have that special something to become the best starship captains. Anyhow, love the blog and your photos you share, I check them out as part of my morning routine (along with reading UserFriendly.org). Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work!

Happy Birthday! I've been a fan since I first saw you on STNG - I mean what do people thing Picard was like as a kid? Great blog, always enjoy reading it. Best of luck in Poker! Have a great bday!!!