For Boston, For Boston

This horrible day – by the late Andreas Raab.

This post by Squeak guru Andreas Raab had a profound impact on my thinking post-9/11. It also led towards the theme I used for this blog. The name of this blog is "Because we believe another world is possible".

I have always felt through verisimilitude, we get better, and the good triumphs evil. My hope is that at the heart of political and technological decisions the betterment of society ultimately prevails. In this great modern world at the heart of the megalopolis of the Boston Massachusetts area, these words must be repeated especially amidst such tragedy:

The second issue, which is actually far more important, is that we are in fact working here for a better future - a future in which such horrible incidents don't happen - a future in which our children will live and learn in peace. Computers - and the Internet - can help to understand other cultures better, can help to understand problems of regions far away better, can help to raise our attention to both, tragedies and threats from parts of this world seemingly far away.

Andreas Raab Wed Sep 12 06:09:23 UTC 2001

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Sonnet 51

Thus can my love excuse the slow offence
Of my dull bearer when from thee I speed:
From where thou art why should I haste me thence?
Till I return, of posting is no need.
O! what excuse will my poor beast then find,
When swift extremity can seem but slow?
Then should I spur, though mounted on the wind,
In winged speed no motion shall I know,
Then can no horse with my desire keep pace.
Therefore desire, (of perfect'st love being made)
Shall neigh, no dull flesh, in his fiery race;
But love, for love, thus shall excuse my jade-
   Since from thee going, he went wilful-slow,
   Towards thee I'll run, and give him leave to go.

Shakespeare

One thing you know about persistence runners; long distance runners. They are tenacious. They overcome sickness, injury, social barriers, and virtually any obstacle you can face in our civilization. On the other end of the tunnel they come out into the light and provide inspiration and set the example that mind truly can conquer matter. A great message to take from running is that success is shared by all the people, even those on the couch watching on television. It's the most raw, basic form of exercise of the will and we all participate in it. It's just a visceral feeling we all can relate to: working hard, crossing the finish, and then doing it all over again next year.

Still Running Against the Wind:

Chocolat Bar - Langham Hotel - Boston

For 1^st year anniversary I took my wife to the Chocolate Bar. She jokes about my alcohol tolerance being higher than hers. We discover her chocolate tolerance is much higher than mine. I could hardly move after the 2 hour gorge on all things chocolate:

• chocolate croissant bread pudding
  
• chocolate filled pretzel
  
• pumkpin dark chocolate torte
  
• home-made vanilla ice cream with gummi bear mixins
  
• triple chocolate tarts
  
• hand rolled dark, milk, and white chocolate truffles
  
• raspberry filled beignets
  
• penny candy
  
• cotton candy
  
• chocolate fountain with pine-apple, strawberry, marshmallow, and pretzel dippers
  
• espresso soaked opera cake
  
• a ton of cups of liquid chocolate filled stuff that I can't remember the name of
  
• chocolate mixed berry tarts
  
• made to order crepes with much fruit, chocolate, and varieties of alcohol
  
• boston creme filled donut things covered in chocolate
  
• vegan chocolate muffins
  
• key lime pie
  
• apple cider
  

Something I'd say everyone should do once, and chocolate lovers would want to do annually. It can't be healthy to attempt more frequently than that. I've had enough dessert to last many moons now. The chocolate euphoria really was akin to a mild inebriation. I could eat the chocolate bread pudding every day!

Offseason ↔ Preseason

Summer is gone, leaves are falling, and school is probably heading towards midterms in full force. So it's the best time to go on vacation because travel is cheap and all the hotels are empty! And it's unlikely to have families with screaming babies on your flight—but certainly is possible and did happen to me Sunday.

It's also time for NBA Preseason. Celtics of course are at our lovely Newport! And with my homer KG Jersey on, our paths crossed last night. The last they want, I am sure, is to be harassed during their team building exercises. But there's no harm in contributing to the scene, showing your support, and chilling within the vicinity of some dudes you been following on the sports page for many years; you with me?

newport daily blog I posted about my encounter here.

Celtics.com Training Camp Notebook

projo article

glory days

Kevin Garnett - Finals G6 Postgame Interview (June 17, 2008)
A hyped-up and emotional Kevin Garnett is interviewed by Michele Tafoya just moments after beating the Lakers in Game 6 to win the 2008 NBA Championship and Boston's 17^th trophy.


John Thompson Interview - October 2007

Fitzy Finals Preview

Big green gunnin for bannah numba 17 and kobe can...