A Strong Argument for the Smart Car

Remember what I mentioned briefly about the chaotic traffic and parking situation in Greece? Let's call that "the problem". Now, let me introduce "the solution":

What I Learned in Greece

I recently spent five days in Thessaloniki, Greece working on a project for my employer. Yeah, rough job, but hey -- someone had to do it. Anyway, the trip was a success (you can read more about it here and here), and, in the process, I learned a few things about Greek culture:

1. Everything is philosophical.
   
2. Breakfast is a cup of coffee on the way to work, lunch is at 2 p.m., and dinner is no earlier than eight o'clock. One restaurant literally had to unlock the doors for us when we arrived at 8:30 p.m.
   
3. Greek food is indescribably good and served in massive quantities. There's a reason they typically pass on breakfast.
   
4. All laws are "elastic". This is especially true of their traffic laws. Suffice it to say one of our coworkers was mowed down by a motorcycle while crossing the street (don't worry, she's okay!).
   

Here are some photos:

For more pictures from the trip, check out my photo album on Picasa.

Global Warming Kills Snowman!

In the interest of full disclosure, this post has nothing to do with global warming. And it's well below freezing here, for the record. I was just looking for an excuse to share pictures of my little Austrian snowman. He lived a short but happy life.

(WARNING: some of the following images may be disturbing to small children. Parental supervision advised.)

Swap CDs for an iPod Touch

I just got my first MP3 player two months ago. Yeah, I know, I'm about 10 years behind the times. Still, before you mock me, check this: it's a 16GB 2nd generation iPod Touch...and I got it for free. (Sort of.) How did this come to pass? Glad you asked.

Allow me to introduce you to iPodmeister, a NY company that accepts a certain number of your used CDs in exchange for an iPod of your choice — finally, vindication for keeping my CDs, their original jewel cases, and album artwork in such good condition. Plus, they give you all your music back as iPod-ready MP3 files. Jealous? Dig up your old CDs, my friend, and trade 'em in.

PS — If, unlike me, you've been rocking an iPod for the last 7 years and don't want or need a new one, there's still a special little treat out there for you: the TuneUp Companion for iTunes. Go.

So, Funny Story...

See the lady being led away by law enforcement officials? The one accused of embezzling nearly half a million dollars? That's our former landlord.