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In: Automotive, Events & Travel
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I finally have something to talk about that is automotive-related. It started out as the best F1 USGP weekend I’d had. I’ve attended all of the previous races but this was the first year I took advantages of the activities surrounding the race. The police-escorted drive sponsored by Porsche Club of America through downtown was blissful. The drive to the track was effortless. The concourse parking on the unused back straightway of the track was not only convenient but also a display of some of the best road-going sports cars ever produced. The walk to our seats though the winding golf course was pleasant. ThenRead More →

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In: Concerts
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A new album and re-found energy. Dave Matthews Band seems refreshed. As always, Grey Street was fantastic. Smooth Rider was a bit boring. You Might Die Trying is an awesome live song that sounds similar to live version some under-appreciated songs from the Everyday album. Louisiana Bayou sounds like one of the few songs from the new album that has long-term live show/fan appreciation potential; Robert Randolph owned this song. All Along the Watchtower as the finale – classic Dave Matthews Band closer. Setlist: Dave Matthews Band June 13, 2005 Verizon Wireless Music Center, Noblesville, IN American Baby G1 The Stone G1 Best of What’sRead More →

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In: Life Reflections
With: 2 Comments

I thought my wife Nicole was dead. It was one of the scariest moments of my life. It was late on a Saturday night and she was taking a bath before going to bed. I walked into the bathroom and found her motionless with her head tilted forward, with both her mouth and nose under water. I ran over to her, lifted her head, and shouted her name very loudly several times and she did not respond. My mind started flying through the scenario. I knew she could not have been in the tub for more than 5 minutes and that I needed to startRead More →

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In: MBA China Trip
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Most of the team was back together again last night at a gathering at the house of Dr. Lyles. Li was the only one unable to attend and I wished she were there. All of the previous China Trip participants were invited because Faye was making her first trip to the US after being unable to get a passport after so many attempts in the past. Because there were some many people there, some of whom may be going on the trip this next summer, our group wasn’t able to talk with one another all that much and it just make me miss them evenRead More →

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In: Events & Travel, MBA China Trip
With: 1 Comment

During my recent trip to China, I was surprised at how the internet kept me in such close touch with the US. In both hotels in which I stayed, broadband internet was available. Neither was close to being as fast as the cable connection I have at home, but I was able to check e-mail, post blog entries, and make and receive telephone calls. The Vonage softphone allowed me to call my wife Nicole about every day; she was able to dial a local Indianapolis phone number and talk to me when she wanted. It really cut down on the long distance costs. Unfortunately, theRead More →

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In: MBA China Trip
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I’m now back at work, starting to settle into my routine again, but I’m not ready to be in this routine again! I’ve had a few days to relax and adjust to being back in the US and that was exactly what I and Nicole needed; last weekend was the most time the two of us had spent together in months. All I wanted to do was relax, watch movies, and play video games. Unfortunately, the work week has now begun. I’ve received e-mails from everyone else who was on the trip. I’m anxious to reply but I know it will take a while toRead More →

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In: MBA China Trip
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My alarm went off at 5:40 am and I quickly prepared to leave the hotel. Garrett and I met with Professor Lyles, who was very kind to awaken so early to see us off. We had a very quick breakfast, gave her a hug goodbye, and climbed into the taxi. On the way to the airport, Garrett looked toward me with puzzled expression. I quickly began to understand why. A roar from the left rear tire grew louder and the driver turned on the emergency flashers and pulled off to the shoulder. Garrett and I were both worried about making it to the airport onRead More →

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In: MBA China Trip
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Doug and I got up early to see Li off. It was so sad having the first team member depart because we’d grown so close over the past few days. Just before she got into the cab, she gave Doug and I a hug. It was an extra long hug, which made it more endearing. Everyone in the group missed her during the day – and not just because she was such a great interpreter. We had meetings with the Indiana Department of Commerce, Bakers and Daniels, Pacific World Trade, Visa, and Alison Transmission. Baker and Daniels impressed me the most and Alison impressed meRead More →

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In: MBA China Trip
With: 3 Comments

We were tourists for the day. We awakened early, loaded into our van, and headed to the great wall. Sally from Grayline Tours (formerly Panda Tours) was our guide and was very professional and informative. The ride to the wall took about an hour; we visited the Ba Da Ling section. There were two sections, one that was flat and crowded and one that was steep and less traveled. We chose the last one and had a fairly decent workout getting to the top. The scenic views were amazing. The “independent merchants” were absolutely annoying. I didn’t buy anything but everyone else did. The localsRead More →

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In: MBA China Trip
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Everyone was up at 6:00 to check-out and leave for the airport. I got about 5 hours sleep and I think that was the most of anyone in the group. We arrived in Beijing without incident. It was such a relief to get into the Traders Hotel. Unlike the 21st century, which is “pending 4-star approval” (a.k.a. 3-star), Traders truly earns the ranking. The air conditioning works well and everything is spotless. All of use decided to pay the extra $30 per night for the upgraded rooms, which brought the cost / night to roughly 3 times that of the 21st Century but you definitelyRead More →