Stephen Clark (sgclark.com)

Pahk Your Cah in Hahvard Yahd

2008-06-23T22:09:00.000-04:00

This is a great local NY spot by Avis, tapping into the Yankees - Red Sox rivalry. It would be great if Avis did one from the Red Sox perspective to counter this one.

Celtics World Champs!!

2008-06-18T00:01:00.008-04:00

Sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This brings me back to when I was somewhere between 12 and 15 years old, watching Larry Bird and the rest of the great Celtics teams. This is great. Congrats to KG, PP, Ray Allen and the rest of the team. An amazing turnaround, from worst to first.

Will There Be Blood?

2008-06-17T23:11:00.002-04:00

I'm not one to get on my soapbox to blog politics or the like, but I heard something today that really made me sit back and think about the state of this great nation, and how far down the tubes its been sent in the past 8 years.

What got me was an interview on the APM/NPR show Marketplace about the price of oil/gas and what could be done to deflate the oil bubble. Now I'm not one to believe everything I hear and/or read, but in this interview, Michael Greenberger from the University of Maryland Law School, basically stated that we're still paying for Enron and commodity speculators:

Kai Ryssdal: You're not really telling me that seven years on, we're still paying the price for Enron, are you?

Michael Greenberger: Well, this has been called the "Enron Loophole" and there are many legislators working very hard to close that loophole. There is tremendous concern about this on Capitol Hill and on a bipartisan basis, people are drafting legislation to try and get a handle on this and not eliminate speculation, but bring the speculation under the kind of time-tested controls that were used until Enron had its way and amended the law to escape traditional tested regulation on speculative activities.

Greenberger went on to say that he thought that we were in a "bubble" situation with the oil market because of these speculators driving up prices. And with every bubble, there is a POP. So the next question is inevitable:

Ryssdal: How long is it going to take then if we are, as you say, in a bubble, for it to work its way through and us to get back to something more realistic for the price of a barrel of oil, whether its 50 bucks or 80 bucks?

Greenberger: From my own experience as a commodity regulator, I believe that if the Bush Administration were serious about its regulation, we could begin seeing prices drop within a month. If we don't get the kind of regulation that has been done for decades and the market proceeds along the pace its proceeding, we will have to go through a very, very serious recession. The question is do you want to deflate the bubble by that kind of suffering or do you want to deflate the bubble by applying tight U.S. regulatory controls?

A month...it would take a flippin' month to bring this back to some level of relative sanity. Do I fully buy that estimate? Not really. But the point is that if the administration had a clue, they could do what is needed quickly to bring prices back to some level of normalcy in fairly short order and turn this around before things get in really serious, serious trouble. If anything, the silver lining is that the country is now being forced to think about alternate energy sources.

Is it November yet?

I step off my soapbox and will get back to more entertaining posts.

L.A. Story

2008-06-13T22:47:00.004-04:00

A lot has been made about Kobe Bryant and his drive to win a championship on his own, without the likes of Shaq at his side. And there is also his egotistical desire to elevate himself past Jordan.

Well, last night the Lakers blew a 24 point lead. And as Bill Simmons at ESPN put it:

The Kobe-MJ thing ... done. Over. Jordan never would have let that happen in the Finals. Ever. Under any circumstances. Nobody is ever allowed to bring this up again.

As it was, last night's game was one for the ages. If the Celts end up winning this thing (because as the Red Sox have proven in 2004, its not over until its over), the impact of this game will grow exponentially.

Farnsworth House

2008-06-06T13:59:00.006-04:00

This past weekend, my wife and I took the second leg of our three stop journey to see three of the most amazing post-modern architecture landmarks in the country, if not in the World, by visiting Meis van der Rohe's Farnsworth House in Plano, IL. The tour was very interesting and engaging and if you are ever in Chicago, I'd recommend you take the opportunity to drive out there and visit.

As you may recall, back in October we visited Philip Johnson's Glass House in New Caanan, CT. Later this year, we're planning on visiting Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece, out in Bear Run, PA.

The tour guide at Farnsworth House was very knowledgeable of the history of the house, including the deterioration of the relationship between Meis and Dr. Edith Farnsworth by the time the house was completed. He told of how Dr. Farnsworth wanted to decorate the space with her own furniture and curtains, while Meis had a specific vision to have the interior design and space be one with the exterior.

In terms of the property and the house itself, I felt that the house was much more of an element of its surroundings, with its proximity to the Fox River and the creeks running near by. The huge pane glass windows and the cantilevered porch drew the outside into the living space and I felt much more comfortable in the space. The way the kitchen was designed within the space was extremely interesting. But of all the elements of the house, probably the most innovative and impressive from an engineering perspective was the way Meis had all the "guts" of the house flow through one small engineering room in the middle of the structure. When I look at both buildings, Farnsworth seemed so welcoming while the Glass House, with is herringbone brick floor, its black metal structure, and a feeling that the structure itself was just dropped on the plot of land, had a pervasively cold and soulless feeling.

sgclark 2.0 - A Refresh

2008-06-04T23:26:00.006-04:00

At long last, I have finally refreshed the site a bit. Its not a full redesign. Just a refresh. As you can see, I have kept with the London Phonebooth imagery and theme and basically updated the look of the site. Why, I'm not sure. I guess I liked the quirky photo of a field with a phone booth in it...a la Dr. Who.

I have upgraded the navigation to these cool inverted tabs. I have moved to a three column layout on the main blog area of the site, which enables me to add the "Long Tail" column to the site. The "Long Tail" is where I can now post short snippets and links that I see around the internet, and thus use the main body of the blog for longer missives.

Why did I do this? I was getting bored with my old site. It was looking dated. And I wanted to widen the layout to take advantage of the 1024 screen resolution that most computers use these days. I was inspired to refresh my blog after seeing Waxy, John Battelle, and others update or refresh.

So, hope you like it. Provide feedback, comments, and any bugs you may see. I am sure there are numerous formatting issues (House blog, Resume for sure), so please bear with me.

Twitter Spam

2008-05-27T06:13:00.003-04:00

Is there a word for Twitter spam? Is it "SPIM" like in the Instant Messenger world? Over the past week or two, I've received a healthy dose of random, obviously commercial, spammers asking me to follow them on Twitter. And its getting annoying. From listening to TWIT, I know that there is a big competition in the Twitter world to get the most "followers". I'm all for legitimately building up a following for your own personal Twitter soapbox, but please, don't force it down people's throats.

You Know Its Bad When...

2008-05-12T23:12:00.001-04:00

Analog gas pumps are crashing because of the obscenely high gas prices these days.

Pinball Wizards

2008-05-04T09:04:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I drove out to Allentown, PA with my brother-in-law to go to the Pinball Wizards convention. This was heaven for gamers young and old, as for $15, you could walk into the convention hall and play any pinball game, any video game, for as long as you wanted. They had some amazing old pinball games, as well as some modern sleek versions. They also had classic stand up games like Ms. Pac Man, Frogger, and Galaga. Not only was it a place to play games, but people in the pinball trade were actually there selling parts like the lights, the bumpers, old pinball boxes that needed restoration, and everything else related to pinball games. Overall, a cool day and I'm looking forward to going again next year.

Manny Being Manny

2008-05-02T16:59:00.001-04:00

As the Red Sox' Manny Ramirez approaches the 500 HR plateau, the Boston Globe has a really interesting graphic demonstration of where Manny has hit all of his homeruns over the course of his career. When I look at this, the thing that impresses me the most and illustrates just what an amazing hitter he is, is the stunningly even distribution of his homeruns to the different parts of the field. It appears that there is a slight skew of his homers to left field, (which is logical being that he's a right handed hitter) but it is only slight. Its just Manny being Manny.

Free Sofabed Couch and Loveseat

2008-04-25T11:19:00.003-04:00

If you live in New Jersey, I have a sofabed couch and loveseat set posted on craigslist that I need to get rid of. All details are on the craigslist posting. Respond to the email on the craigslist posting if you are interested. Need to get rid of them by next weekend (May 3, 2008)

The Curse of Big Papi

2008-04-13T15:29:00.001-04:00

He almost got away with it. A construction worker on the new Yankee Stadium, who is a Red Sox fan, was snagged trying to bury a David "Big Papi" Ortiz Red Sox jersey under a service corridor within the new stadium. Somehow the jersey was found Saturday by two construction supervisors. No word yet if the body of Jimmy Hoffa was also found.

I'm Not Dead Yet

2008-04-07T12:36:00.001-04:00

I just read the Fast Company article Dead Man Walking, depicting AOL's recent troubles and missteps. With a tip of the cap to Monty Python, I wonder if a king, queen, or pauper will be riding in to pick up the dead as speculated in the article? Not a pretty picture.

Steve Nash's "Training Day"

2008-03-24T23:25:00.000-04:00

Agency Spy and several other websites have noted how Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash has created, and produced his own spot for Nike depicting a day in his life during the off season from his regular job as a guard for the Phoenix Suns and a former NBA MVP.

This past summer I was walking to work in TriBeCa and happened to see Nash cruising on his skateboard down Chambers Street, in a very similar fashion to what is depicted in his video, and just days after an article in the NY Times talked about how he spends summers in NYC playing soccer in various leagues in the city.

The Dunk

2008-02-22T22:07:00.008-05:00

I recently read a great article in this week's Sports Illustrated about the art of "The Dunk", how it has its own vernacular and culture and is still one of the most revered shots and experiences in sport. To praphrase the article, do we know another move in all of sports that can be collectively described as "boomshakalaka", "dipsy doo dunakroo", "windmill", "throw down", "360" and, the mother of all dunk descriptions, the "Chocolate-Thunder-Flying, Robinzine-Crying, Teeth-Shaking, Glass-Breaking, Rump Roasting, Bun-Toasting, Wham-Bam-Glass-Breaker-I-Am-Jam". And everyone would know what you are talking about!

Through the article, there are several seminal dunks that are described so in honor of them, here they are in all their glory:

Baron Davis dunking over Andrei Kirilenko

John Starks over Horace Grant and the Bulls

Tom Chambers over Mark Jackson

Dominique Wilkins

Henry Bekkering

Vince Carter over Fredric Weis

Dwight Howard Superman Dunk

Chocolate Thunder

Poor Sports

2008-02-14T22:55:00.001-05:00

I was reading the NY Times Sports page this morning on the way to work and I thought I was reading something out of police rap sheet. In today's Sports section were stories about circus like congressional hearings, witness tampering by a 7 time Cy Young award winner, congressmen breaking federal laws by receiving autographs in the halls of Congress, coaches making illegal recruiting calls, commissioners and congressmen talking about illegal tapings, illegal payments related to a former Heisman Trophy winner and a lawyer and a security guard showing up at the hearing "packing heat", and an amputee being told by a court that he has a competitive advantage in the arena.

At least something is right in the world: a beagle won at the Westminster Dog Show

Buffalo Doctors Do It Again

2008-02-11T22:54:00.001-05:00

Within the past six months, the city of Buffalo has born witness to two pretty horrific sports accidents. Back in September 2007, the Bills' Kevin Everett suffered a spinal cord injury sustained during a game against the Broncos. As was well documented in Sports Illustrated, Everett is making nothing short of a miraculous recovery due in no small part to the decisions and swift action of the medical team from Buffalo's Millard Filmore Gates Hospital. Then, this past week, Richard Zednik of the Florida Panthers had his neck and coratid artery cut in a freak accident on the ice during the Panthers-Sabres game this past weekend. With Zednik's injury, he was taken to Buffalo General Hospital.

Why am I bringing up these accidents? To call out the medical staffs in the city of Buffalo, NY. That's right...Buffalo, NY. Not Seattle, not Boston, not Los Angeles...Buffalo, NY. Because in both of these cases, the medical staffs at these Buffalo hospitals performed and demonstrated their skill and professionalism at beyond the highest level. The sadness and horror of these two events were countered by the sheer brilliance of these two medical staffs. Kevin Everett may never play football again but he is walking and mobile, something no one thought could happen, because of the swift action of Dr. Andrew Cappuccino. Zednik appears to be on the road to recovery, and I can only hope that to be the case, and his recovery will be in no small measure to the work of Dr. Sonya Noor.

Buffalo, NY...a hot spot for all you burgeoning med students out there.

Blizzard of 1978

2008-02-08T23:33:00.001-05:00

Here is a nice piece on Boston.com "celebrating" the 30th anniversary of the Blizzard of 1978. If you grew up or lived in the New England area around that time, you will no doubt remember that "mother of all storms". To this day, I don't think I've experienced anything like it. I vividly remember the streets and alleys of Boston having snow over my head. It was crazy. Good times, good times.

Wham-O Founder Dies

2008-01-17T15:22:00.000-05:00

Richard Knerr, a co-founder of Wham-O, has gone to the big toy box in the sky. For those who grew up in the 1980's, Wham-O left an indelible impression on your childhood. You know who you are. They brought to market some of the most wonderful, innovative, and memorable toys in history: the Super Ball, Silly String, the Frisbee, the Slip ‘N Slide, and the Hula Hoop to name a few. (via Boing Boing)

Bad Omens For the Perfect Season?

2008-01-17T08:34:00.000-05:00

OK, so I'm not one who's into curses or bad karma, but a couple of things have happened this week that have made me a little concerned for this week's game between the undefeated Patriots and the Chargers.

First, the news that broke yesterday that some desperate female "friend" of Randy Moss's is accusing him of assault and issued a restraining order to boot. Then, today, I open up my Gmail Inbox and what do I find but an email from NFL.com with an offer to "pre-order" Patriots AFC Champions attire and gear (see image). Who is the idiot who sent this out?!? Who is the fool?!? Don't they know better?!? Must be a Chargers (or a Colts) fan working at NFL.com.

People are thinking that getting the Chargers in the AFC Championship equates to a free pass for the Patriots to the Super Bowl. I agree with Bill Simmons who said that not having the Colts in the AFC Championship denies the Patriots and us fans the opportunity to go through their biggest rival on their way to history. (as the Red Sox did in 2004). The Chargers are playing a very good brand of football right now and while I'm anticipating a Patriots win, I'm starting to get a little concerned.

Beer Run

2007-11-30T22:31:00.000-05:00

Someone in Ireland drove into the Guinness factory in Dublin with a truck, and took off with a trailer loaded with 400 kegs of Guinness, Bud, and Carlsberg beer. That's an impressive beer run.

According to the article:

"This is likely to be the largest carry out of drink this Christmas" I would hope so. Hmm, who's up for 500 kegs! Anyone?!?
"Police will be on the lookout for any large quantity of stolen drink flowing through Dublin's traffic." Yeah sure...finding "large quantities of drink" in Dublin will be a breeze. There's only a bar on every corner.
"They were able to find the trailer, but all the kegs were removed" Removing 400 kegs from a trailer without being seen...that's impressive.

Obviously, the impact of the worldwide shortage of hops is starting to take its toll on the beer marketplace.

I would have left the Bud and Carlsberg kegs, but that's just me.

Blimp Advertising

2007-11-28T10:02:00.001-05:00

I've been talking about it for years. Blimp Advertising...it's such an untapped market. :-)

And finally, leave it to Presidential candidate Ron Paul to take advantage of this highly effective marketing opportunity.

As of this post, they have generated $300K towards the $350K goal to make this a reality. Lets hope that they don't go Hindenburg on us.

Holiday and Birthday Wish List

2007-11-16T08:37:00.000-05:00

In the spirit of the season, below is my Holiday/Birthday Gift list (my birthday is 12/12). I thought it would be easier to publish the list on the site in a central location rather than drafting an email and forwarding it all over the place. I am also not suggesting that I want everything on this list, but I just figured I'd put everything on the table for people to choose from.

Where possible, I've linked to the item/product that I'm interested in. In some cases, the link/reference to a product and/or retailer will be directional (meaning, this item or something like this from a similar retailer) and in those cases, I'll call that out with the notation [sic]. Whether I know you or not, gifts are always welcome

And so, without further ado, Steve's Holiday and Birthday gift list:

Clothing

Rugby shirts from L.L. Bean - XL-Tall, Atlantic Blue, Thyme and striped that includes those colors

Dress Chinos from L.L. Bean - Size 34" W x 32" Inseam, Cuffed, Natural Fit, Pleated, Dk. Khaki, Khaki, Olive, Black

Lambswool Crewneck Sweater from L.L. Bean - XL-Tall, Charcoal, Loden

Mock Turtleneck from L.L. Bean - XL Tall in black, and any other color except Navy Blue (have that already), Cream, White

Sport/Button down shirts from Brooks Brothers or their outlet line "346". Or a gift certificate. Shirt Size: XL

~~Red Sox World Series Champs 2007 T-Shirt from MLB.com or other retailer~~

Sports

~~2007 Red Sox World Series DVD Set. Its $54 at MLB.com but feel free to grab it elsewhere for less.~~

~~2004 Red Sox Playoff and World Series DVD Set. Its $80 at MLB.com . If I had to choose, I'd want this one over the 2007 because it includes the comeback against the Yanks.~~

~~Red Sox related Sports Illustrated covers. The more recent ones are of most interest. But the older one of Ted Williams is also very cool.~~

Patriots related Sports Illustrated covers. The more recent ones are of most interest.

New England Patriots Super Bowl DVD's. Various prices on NFL.com but may be available elsewhere.

Panoramic stadium photo from New England Patriots Super Bowls or Gillette Stadium

Bigger Golf Ball Display case [sic]

Books and Paper Products

Bulletproof Web Design by Dan Cederholm

Trancending CSS by Andy Clarke

What Sticks by Rex Briggs and Greg Stuart

Start with No... by Jim Camp

Moleskine Notebook - Either the large hardcover black (plain paper), or the large cahier 3-pack soft cover black (plain paper).

Home Electronics and Computer

~~Roughly 42" Flat Panel HDTV, preferrably Samsung. [sic] (This is a dream and I'm half joking here.)~~

Video Camcorder - I'd prefer the Direct to Hard drive type model but they are expensive, so Direct to DVD will work too. Sony, Samsung, JVC are good brands.

GPS Navigation System for Car - Not sure exactly which one to get. Garmin is a good line. I like the Bluetooth feature, but reasonably, get the most features for the best price. [sic]

Nintendo Wii

A smartphone like the Blackberry Pearl or Curve or the iPhone, although I am not to enthralled about the bad press surrounding AT&T network. I can get a new phone from Verizon in Feb. and I'm eyeing the Blackberry.

External Hard Drive - 500GB [sic]

Gift certificates from iTunes

House and Home

Storage Units for the Garage [sic]

A Storage Shed for the outside to house bigger items

Gift certificates from Home Depot or Lowe's

Miscellaneous

A reading from James Kelleher

That's it for now. If I have updates, I'll add it to the list.

Depression Bread Line

2007-11-12T21:17:00.001-05:00

George Segal, Depression Bread Line (1999), Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton, NJ

Gas Prices, Oil Prices, And Now This?!?!?

2007-11-08T13:16:00.000-05:00

A worldwide shortage of hops will mean higher beer prices worldwide for the foreseeable future. This definitely provides more leverage to repeal the beer tax but weakens this argument.