Ahh...for want of a stamp. Another one for the "Stupid Crook File", or in this case, "Stupid Con File"...

Man's Plans for Alibi Foiled by Mail

So, not only is it a recall election, but also a fair wagering opportunity!

CA Recall Race -- The Odds

Saw a troubling story on the web today. Seems a judge has ok'd a set of lawsuits to go forward regarding the 9/11 attacks. The lawsuits allege that the airlines and the NY/NJ Port Authority were negligent in not preventing the attacks. (see Story: Judge Allows 9/11 Suits Against Airlines

As far as I can make out, the basis of the claim is that the airlines and the Port Authority should have been able to foresee and prevent an attack by 20 hijackers on different airlines from different airports with unknown targets. Somehow, they should have been able to stop a plane from flying into the WTC.

I understand grief, and the desire for restitution of some kind, but this is not the way to go. The airlines have already been hit hard, now the lawsuits threaten to damage them further. The Port Authority lost good men and women trying to save lives, and they're going to be sued for not being clairvoyant.

To me, this smacks heavily of lawyers. But even so, it just doesn't make sense. They want money for some type of compensation? The average payout from the 911 federal victims compensation fund is $1.5 million. So if they're suing for more, it's because they think they'll get it.

I'm all for folks getting help because of the loss of a loved one. But it hurts me to see that someone thinks they should punish the airlines and the Port Authority for this tragedy.

OK, I'm not positive this story is true, but it did come from AP. The victim's first name says it all...

Excite News - Cambodian Dies After Attack on Testicles

OK, things seem to be working a bit weird. So I'll use that to explain the lengthy hiatus. What, you're not buying it? That's OK, it was only a cover anyway.

This have been busy - really busy - and getting busier. On the one had, there's the aforementioned bambino (See my other blog for details). It's also the beginning of trade show season for me. Chicago three weeks ago, Indianapolis next week, Phoenix and Vegas two weeks later.

But otherwise, things are good. Maybe I'll find more time to blog when I'm on the road.

Well, the second offer came in. And it is a good one.

I feel badly for the folks who made the first offer. They worked hard, and it was a good offer. But the move thing just wasn't setting well. The new offer involves working from home. No commute, other than about 14 steps from my bed to my desk.

I'm really looking forward to this. It's a new chapter (see....finally used a cliche) and it's a lot of responsibility. I like to think I'm a risk taker, but I guess in reality, I'm a calculated risk taker. I pretty much take the gamble only if I have a reasonably good chance of winning. No longshots.

Now if I could only apply that theory to the blackjack tables, I'd be set....

Got the first real offer today. It's not a killer offer, but it's decent. Trouble is, it'll likely require a move. Again.

Life has an interesting way of making sure you learn a lesson. Today's lesson "Never - No such thing!"

When we moved to Boston, we were so happy with New England, with our friends there, with the job, etc., that when people asked us if we'd ever move back, we said - "Never".

So when I got that phenomenal job offer, the one with the six figure salary, guess where it was...Back in California. So much for never. But did I learn? Nope.

When we decided we were going to be in California for an indefinite period, we decided to settle down and buy a house. We looked for the house we could call our own for a long time. Why? We would "Never" be moving. So we put in a pool, and landscaping, and started building custom furniture in the nursery. After all, we were "Never" going to move.

*THUD*

Life beats me over the head with the proverbial 2x4 and lets me know that "Never" doesn't exist. I lose the big-salary job, and have to start looking. The best offer so far will require a move. (Saw it coming, didn't ya?)

So, will I learn the lesson this time? Hmm.. not sure. Probably not. I'm still a relatively incurable optimist about general life issues, and I still want to fell like something will have some security and stability.

Did I just hear a *THUD*?