Chapter 56.1: Morons in Marketing

What idiot decided that placing faux pipe bombs in several U.S. cities was a good idea? Placing fears of terrorism aside -- if you can -- how could anyone think this was a good idea? Is there no sense anymore? Was there anyone in that marketing department who spoke up and said, "You know, it's obvious to you and me in the office that these are fake, but place this blinky thing under a bridge in Boston, where it's cold and people aren't going to look too closely for the cartoon image, and we might have a problem. I mean, people are told to run away from bombs, not peek at them to determine whether it's related to a cable TV show."

I hope the next meeting for that marketing department is in a holding cell -- or better yet, prison. Fire the person who was responsible for this! Fire them all!

Chapter 56: A Short Story Writer

I just saw that Daniel Stern has died. I won't lie; I didn't know him. His was a name that I'd seen -- perhaps I've read a short story by him, but I'm not really sure. But in reading the obituary (and especially the final grafs), I find that I must pick up one of his collections. The characters sound intriguing and the wit behind the stories sounds inspiring. Or maybe it's just that the winter has turned cold and I want to be in motion.

Chapter 55.9: Cliff Notes

Cliff Floyd has gone home to play with the Chicago Cubs. I enjoyed his efforts with the Mets, particularly his strong season in 2005. It's too bad his injuries got in the way of him playing much (or well) this past season. Good luck to you, Cliff. And if the Mets don't win the World Series, I hope you help lead the Cubbies to their first championship since 1908.