I was worried that this past weekend would be less than relaxing. But I was wrong. We drove to Charleston SC on Saturday and met Travis and his girlfriend Kristen at her place. She is a marketing person for Jim Beam and used to work for Jack Daniels. Her place was crammed with awesome JD memoribilia, including photographs of famous people that she met at various concerts and functions. She also had about 4 Jack Daniels guitars signed by a shitload of artists, my personal favorite of which was a Hank 3 guitar and skateboard.

We went out that night, after sampling the whiskey, and ate dinner at a place called High Cotton. They served the best espresso martinis I’ve ever had. We ate an awesome meal. I had the roast duck, with the mango salsa (no salsa, but it was funny every time i said it). We finished up by having dessert at the Peninsula Grill, which was located on the bottom floor of a fancy hotel called the Planter’s Inn.

The next day we drove about an hour south to Green Pond SC. Travis’s place was a cabin right on the marsh. I don’t have any pictures (Meghan has the camera) but it was very rustic. The key ingredient was a fireplace. We had an oyster cookout that day and a bunch of Travis’s friends were there. It was great. That night we had venison and grits (charleston style of course) and drank wine by the fire. I’m pretty fucking relaxed.

Now i’m in Raleigh at the Marriott getting ready for tomorrow’s work.

I’ve signed up for my 3rd CCIE Voice lab exam attempt.  The test will be on February 20th.  I intend for this to be the last time I have to take this exam, so for the next three weeks, I’ll be executing my winning strategy.  Starting on Monday   This weekend I’m going to Charleston with Meggie to see our friend Travis.  So very little work will be getting done.  But after that it’s on.

The Steelers have finally sorted out their coaching search. I spent the last three days being utterly confused by all the conflicting news reports. Sports Illustrated said it was Mike Tomlin. ESPN said “no decision”. The Post-Gazette reported that Dan Rooney said “bite me”.

End result: Dr. Eric Foreman from House MD is the new coach of the Steelers!

Seriously, it’s Mike Tomlin. But he is a dead ringer for Omar Epps.

Anyone know of any good podcasts that I should subscribe to?  I’m a new iPod owner so bear that in mind.  My interests are technology and bicycling, but I’ll listen to any recommended podcasts.  I like learning about all types of shit.

The thing to take away from this link is that Scott Adams, author of Dilbert, drives an M3.

In the next few weeks I’ll be visiting Charleston SC and Raleigh NC.  Anyone have any suggestions on fun shit to do in either place?  Oh and I’ll be going to Dothan too, but don’t bother suggesting anything for that city.  There’s nothing.

Steve Jobs unveils the new iPhone. Suddenly my cell phone is looking old and busted. This is the new hotness.

Now it’s on Apple’s page.  Check it here.

The Atlanta Falcons job is off the table, now that Bobby Petrino has signed on.  That was the job that Ken Whisenhunt was rumored to be after.  The only reason I can see for him not taking it is if he’s going to take the Steelers job.  This would be for the best I think.

Check out this story about a genetically mutated 2 Headed calf.  Gross.

Coach Cowher is resigning from the Steelers after a very successful career.  I’m sad about this.  Watching the Steelers was one of the good things about living in Erie, and I will miss seeing him on the sidelines.  Wonder who they are going to get to replace him?  The Steelers tend to stick with a guy for a long long time so hopefully we can find a good one.

Apparently Brian Dupree, the builder who went to jail for perpetrating the massive mortgage fraud in my neighborhood, went to jail over the New Year’s holiday for failure to pay child support.  My heart bleeds for him.

When are they going to put him on trial?!  I’m getting impatient.