Here is where you'll find random news, writings and thoughts that don't quite fit in the other categories. Enjoy.
Miscellaneous
Dante is walking!!
Yup, that's right... Dante has begun to walk again. He is extremely wobbly and can't walk very far but I am so happy to announce that his recovery is going extremely well. He is no longer on medication, his spirits seem really high and he is finally starting to get around a little bit. Now we just have to make sure to break his old habits of jumping up and down.
Steal my laptop!?
Here is a saga that may finally come to an end. Over a year ago, my mother sent me her laptop to be repaired. I replaced the hard drive, loaded it up with software, set everything up for her and sent it back. After about 2 weeks having not heard from her, I realized that I had sent the computer to the wrong address! Actually, I sent it to her old address. Luckily, she still owned the house and was renting it to a couple with kids. Upon asking them if any packages had arrived for her, they became a bit indignant and assured her that nothing arrived with her name on it. Nor, has she received any mail (even though she just recently moved). I checked the tracking information with UPS and discovered that it was indeed delivered about a week prior and that someone had signed for it. They signed their initials. So again, my mother went there to ask again but this time she brought the sheriff with her. She was afraid, since the last conversation didn't go very well. They tenants became very offended and did not say kind things to my mother or the sheriff. Nothing came of it. My mother and the sheriff had to leave because they didn't really have any kind of hard evidence.
Before I sent the computer back, I installed "LogMeIn" on the computer. This allows me remote access to the machine and to take control of it as if I'm sitting right in front of it. In case my mom needed any tech support, (so long as she had an internet connection), I'd be able to remote in and fix her computer. Well, now I was hoping the the thieves would use this new computer and go online. I waited and waited and nothing.
Then one day, 3 months later, I was working on a Sunday and I noticed that the computer was online! I was astonished!! I logged in and sure enough, I saw someone importing music into iTunes. I couldn't make myself known. I knew that I would have only a short amount of time to locate the computer before they took control and lock me out. They'd see me moving the mouse and could easily win control of the computer. Very quickly, I launched Safari and went to the website "whatismyip.com". This returns the user's public IP address. Quickly, I took a screen shot and saved it to my computer. I then did a reverse IP lookup and found that the address was on the COX cable network and that the location was coming from some city in North Carolina. I thought that was odd because I had shipped the computer to Virginia. But now I had the computer's serial number, MAC address and public IP address. With this information, a cop could get the proper authority (I thought) to have COX cable surrender the appropriate information. You see, only one device can have a public IP address at one time. COX cable could determine the subscribers address of the modem to which the computer is connected. With just a question from an officer of the law, I'd have the thieve's mailing address! And then, we'd have our thief! So I sent this information to my mother so that she could forward it to the police.
This stranger was still online though and hadn't thwarted my efforts for control. So I opened up a blank word processing document and began to type:
"This is a stolen computer! Please return it to its rightful owner! All activities are being monitored by the authorities!"
It was a bit of an empty threat. But one that prompted them to attempt to quit the application. Instead, I cancelled the attempt and saved the document to their desktop. Then they tried shutting down the machine. Again, I cancelled that process. Then I imagine that they simply closed the lid of the laptop because I lost connectivity all-together.
I thought that perhaps I went to far. Now they will probably never go online again. I should have played it much cooler and tried to gather more evidence over time, I thought. I tried several more times into the evening but the computer remained offline. I cursed myself for my overly anxious efforts.
The following morning, I was at work. I checked again and this time, it was online!! Quickly, I logged in again and this time, I opened up iChat as quickly as I could and there he was! With the built-in camera, I was able to see the suspect! I took a screen shot and saved it to my desktop. This was so frustrating- there he was and I couldn't to anything!! Here is the screen shot with the suspects face blurred out.
<image removed>
Oddly, he saw the video window open but he seemed very casual about the whole thing. In fact, after about 4 or 5 minutes, he simply put a sticky over the camera to block its view. He could have attempted to quit the application but he didn't. So I opened up that TextEdit document that I saved to the desktop from yesterday and continued...
"Please, this is my mom's computer! Please give it back!"
I then provided my cell-phone number and in about a minute, he called!!
As it turns out, he is the owner of a pawn shop. He sold the computer to someone yesterday and they brought it back having been interrupted by my cyber intrusion. He said that the computer came to him 3 months prior but according to law, he is not allowed to sell anything for 3 months in case it is reported stolen. The computer was reported stolen but not in North Carolina. He called the North Carolina police who then got in touch with the Virginia police and soon after that, my mom finally received her computer!
The police officer from Virginia was very annoyed with these people since their last conversation was less than civil. He thought he'd be able to nail him but there was one problem. To sell anything to a pawn shop, you must provide identification. And wouldn't you know, it was not the person who we thought it was. It was some woman who sold the computer to the pawn shop.
This is where the story gets interesting. It turns out upon just a little more investigating that the woman is his ex-wife! And now SHE is being charged with transporting stolen property across state lines and grand larceny! I was due to go down to Virginia to testify in court but because of this complication, things were postponed. With just a little pressure, she gave him up. A new court date was set and again, I was expected to appear in court (travel and stay paid for), to testify as an integral part in the recovery process of a stolen laptop. Very exciting! But they decided last minute that they didn't need me. Apparently, both sides agreed that my involvement in this case was not going to be questioned.
The case went before the judge on April 20th and he threw the book at him! He was convicted and will be arraigned in late July. He will also lose his job in military. The moral of the story is; If you steal my laptop, I will make you regret the day that UPS came to your house!
Prepare! But not in the rain...
I learned yesterday that Port Jefferson School is/was going to have an "emergency evacuation drill" this afternoon. After which, the kids will be released early. However, the drill will not take place if it rains. So, on Monday, the bulletin boards in school may read, "Emergency evacuation drill cancelled due to inclement weather."
"Irregardless, I could care less."
The other day, I was talking to someone and he said nonchalantly "Irregardless, I could care less." I let the statement go in passing because I knew what he was trying to say. But really, if you think about it... I don't think he said what he meant to say. First of all, what does "irregardless" mean? I mean, I know what regardless means and so "irregardless" should mean the opposite; meaning: Regard; to have an interest in something. Regardless; to have no interest in something or having very little to do with. So "irregardless" should mean (as in a double-negative), to NOT have very little to do with or consideration for. But this was just the beginning of his contradictory statement. It then followed that he could care less. That is, he could indeed be less interested and that this thing that he was talking about actually did matter to him despite the variables previously mentioned! So really, he meant to say, "Irrespective to any condition, this just doesn't matter to me." However, what he did say, translated accurately and logically was, "Depending on the circumstance, I could take this very seriously... but maybe not."
There really is no word "irregardless" and I believe that most people really mean that they "couldn't care less" when they say they "could care less."
Tail Tells All
Last night, Dante wagged his tail! This is great news because that means that his recovery is coming along. He still can't move his legs but small steps, or rather tail wags, will keep spirits high. I'm very excited for the little guy. :)
Dante Update
Well, today we took Dante to his physical therapy / acupuncture. He is making slow progress. Though he is starting to feel better and his pain is going away, he still has no movement in his legs. But on a high note, most of his meds are done and do not need to be replenished. We are expecting some significant progress in the next two weeks. He's got about 5 more sessions left. I will hopefully report with some better news. Hope is high and he seems happy. At least he isn't in pain anymore.
Dante
Dante is the best dog in the world. Dante came from the North Shore Animal League and he was rescued in June of 2005. My ex brought him home one day and though I was hesitant at first, I fell in love with him almost immediately. Today, we share the dog because neither one of us could bare losing him. He is part dachshund and part mini pincher. He really is a great dog- very gentle and kind and very loyal. He is a small dog with a huge personality. However, about 2 weeks ago, Dante was hurt. For those of you who have been "in the loop," you've been asking me how he has been doing and I am sorry that I haven't been keeping everyone up to date. So, here goes a blog that will keep everyone up to date automatically. Let me start from the beginning...
Dante has always been a very active and healthy dog. He enjoys mostly playing with big dogs and would seem absolutely fearless (most of the time). He'd jump on the bed and off the bed, on the couch and off the couch and he'd even jump up and down if I came home from work or if he knew he was getting a treat. As cute as I thought this was, this contributed to a condition that is common in dachshunds. About 2 weeks ago, I noticed that he stopped eating and seemed somewhat lethargic. I assumed he was sick and I kept an eye on him. The next day he seemed fine. The following night, I came home late and realized that Dante suddenly could not use his back legs. He became paralyzed. Totally distraught, I rushed him to the animal hospital first thing in the morning. It was quite clear that Dante had a ruptured disc in his back that was bruising his spinal cord. Immediate surgery was suggested because the sooner they could operate, the better chance Dante would be able to walk again. And so with very little doubt, Dante was then transported to an emergency animal hospital where there was a surgeon awaiting his arrival. They operated almost immediately. The operation was a success in that they were able to stop the bruising and fix the damaged part of the spinal cord. However, we now have to wait for him to heal to see if Dante's back legs will come to life again.
Dante is now recovering and making slow progress. His back legs still don't work but the doctor said that if his recovery continues as it has been, he may be taking some very wobbly steps in about 4 weeks. His spirits seem better too. We have to keep him from walking and must be very gentle with him as his spine heels. We are still very hopeful for him and I think he will walk again.
I do want to thank everyone for their concern. This was pretty rough for me. I never thought I'd get so attached to a dog but everyone has been very kind and compassionate. I'll update this blog as things develop. Thanks again!
The Late Guy (2006)
When I first met Guy, I was on my best behavior. I was meeting both Guy and Conky for the first time because I wanted to move in next door. Next door was right on the other side of their wall. It soon became apparent that these folks were laid back and very cool. Although, I have to admit, Guy was a bit weird. Eventually you adapt to his method of madness. You don’t expect a straight answer and whether or not he is actually kidding is totally besides the point. Let me put this in perspective.
I remember driving down the long rugged dirt driveway for the first time. As I made my way past all of the trees and shrubs, over the rocks and through the ditches, I parked in front of huge barn. It was like I left Long Island and the 20th century. I was introduced to Conky since she was the one who took care of all the business and she asked me the regular questions. But really, it seemed more as a matter of tradition. I don’t think she really cared what my last name was or where I worked. If the folks next door suggested me and I didn’t do anything to outright offend her right there, I think I was as good as in. And then she introduced me to Guy, her husband. As I extended my arm to shake his hand, I said, “Hi, how are you.” He barely accepted my handshake and got directly to the point.
“Do you play pool?”
“Umm.. yeah, I know how… I’m not very good but I like to.”
“Do you have any money?”
“Na, I’m not that good, I don’t play for money.”
He was inching towards me never taking his eyes from mine. I became a bit uncomfortable and so like I always do, I began to grin and I think that only egged him on.
“Do you have any money? Any change at all?”
Before I could say anything, he was tapping my front pockets and sure enough, he heard the jingle of change.
“A-ha!” he said with a smile.
With that, he proceeded to put his hands inside my pockets and reach for the change he heard.
“Guy! Knock it off- you’re scaring him!” Conky chimed in. I wasn’t sure what to think of the situation. It was quite a greeting! We wound up playing a game of pool. He won the game and the 50 cents in my pocket.
Guy was quite a character. You couldn’t have read about a more interesting person in a science fiction novel. To me, he was part of the farm. His quirkiness seeped from him and into the earth. His presence is now forever ingrained in the bark on the trees, the waves that lap the shore and most noticeably, the handywork around the barns. But I wouldn’t doubt that he still roams about like the others that have preceded him. Rumors and myths combine but I for one can concur that spirits here, don’t leave entirely.
Guy could easily make you laugh. And if he laughed at something I said or did, it most surely made my day. He was slow and deliberate with his method. I’ve never seen him rush. He took great care in good conversation and in being hospitable. However, this would never stop him from being blunt or blatently honest. I don’t think he ever did mean to offend but sometimes he would say the most offensive things. But most of the times, he knew exactly what he was saying and doing. One time, he learned my last name and then just plainly said, “I hate Italians. Italians are the worst!” He said it just to get under my skin- to see how I’d react. It was all an experiment to him- just a curious venture. When I agreed with him, I think he was more disappointed that there would be no exciting rebuttal. However, he also conceded that the English had little to offer.
And isn’t it true that the strangest things happen to the strangest of people.
One summer, I was waking up to the sound of gun shots. As it turns out, the barn in the back had a flock of pigeons making their home in the clocktower. So naturally, there was a competition to see who could shoot the most pigeons. These nasty ugly loud obnoxious birds caused harm to the barn and we weren’t going to sit idly by. So the end of the summer comes near and the scores are pretty high. I don’t remember what exactly they were but I’m pretty sure some people had about 20 kills, others around 30. Whatever it was, it seemed that they certainly put a good dent in the pigeon population of Thatch Meadow Farm. So I’m hanging out one Friday night and Guy comes home from painting. He comes up to me and says “You’re never going to believe what I saw.” Now, Guy could have said a lot of things and he probably would have been right- I wouldn’t have believed him. But I did believe him. He goes on,
“I’m right around the block. It’s about 6:30 in the morning and I’m reading the paper before I have to go to work like I always do, when I see this truck pull in.”
I should mention before I go on that when Guy told a story, it usually took an extraordinarily long amount of time. Every word was very delibrate and there were many pauses- partly for tension and drama, partly for thought gathering.
“I think nothing of it” Guy continues, “and I go back to reading the paper. But then the guy steps out of the truck, goes around to the back and… you know how some pickups have like a large cap on the bed of the pickup, you know, like the kind with a door that opens, like with a door knob- a real big tall cap.”
I nod.
“Well anyway, he opens the door and all of these pigeons come flying out! I’m like, ‘For Christ’s Sake! More pigeons!!’ Where the hell is he getting these pigeons and why the hell is he importing more of ‘em!”
I had to laugh. This could only have been witnessed by Guy.
And to not make mention of Guy’s Ping-Pong.. err… excuse me… Table Tennis playing, would most certainly be a mistake. During the summer nights, his screams of enthusiasm, his paddle hitting the table in anxious victory and the steady rhythm of a good volley became a most welcome noise of summer. And he was eerily good at pool too.
I am going to miss Guy. He sure made an impression on me. I will never forget him. We had a few things in common and I think we always kept good company of each other. The last time I’d seen him, we shared some pickles that he got somewhere. He wouldn’t tell me where though. He said that these were the best pickles on the island. They were really good. He said to come again soon- more frequently than I had been- and that he’d have more pickles for me. I said ok. But as it goes, I can only wish that I had taken him up on the offer.
Good ol’ Guy.
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