January 28, 2004
Initials

Home.  We’ve just killed a couple of weeks in Hawaii and what’s not to like?  Basking in the UV’s promised by the travel brochures could have been a problem but an SPF of 30 kept us berry brown without burning.

     What a perfect way to outlast January.  While far from home the TV kept us in touch.  NBC, CBS and ABC along with TNT and ESPN made the “mainland” close by.  For a couple of nights the kids next door had the volume cranked on MTV.  We, demonstrating our age, would have preferred VH 1 but didn’t complain as our younger neighbors claimed pumped up volume was no BFD.

     CNBC informed one and all of the DJI and NASDAQ continued strength explaining the EBITDA for most of the Fortune 500, particularly IBM and GE remained strong. Still, some people were calling on the SEC to pay closer attention to the shenanigans of CEO’s heading up failing companies.

           The TV let us know SARS was again rearing its ugly head.  Other current events found many folks concerned we have yet to find WMD in Iraq, controversy remained with the NCAA and their BCS debacle, while others were disturbed over the proposed design for WTC memorial.  President Bush continued to push his plan to increase NASA funding.

     AOL kept us in touch with home.  One message from our CPA asked us said to stop by when in town to fill out an IRS questionnaire on the family LLC.

     Speaking of home while on Maui we had dinner with friends Sal and Greg Schaefer.  Sal is the Grand Kleagle of MCEDC this year but told me the name of the organization had been changed to GJEP.  I expressed surprise but she said the change was well thought out and not as PDQ as it appeared.    

     On the return trip, once in the air the flight attendant mumbled the FAA regulations and informed us our ETA into SFO would be fifteen minutes ahead of schedule.  This made our connection to DIA easier.  The outbound trip to Hawaii found our LA flight detained by TSA and FBI but ATC did their best to expedite our take-off.  Heading home the UAL stews reminded passengers to set their watches ahead to PST.

     After landing in Denver we picked up our SUV and headed west using the HOV lanes through the TREX construction.  CDOT had posted warnings.  Indeed we were delayed on I-70 as the CSP held up traffic to clear a fender bender between a BMW and a GMC.  While idling I slipped in a CD, choosing CSN&Y over CCR, and, as sitting behind a UPS truck, caught up on Colorado happenings in the RMN.

     In the NFL, the Bronco’s were MIA after Indianapolis.  But the NBA Nuggets were still hanging tough as ‘Melo had maintained his PPG at over 18.  Meanwhile in the NHL, the Avalanche had edged the Canucks as goalie David Abeshier’s GA hovers around 2.

     In the world of MLB, spring training is at hand and the Rockies are touting Todd Helton for the MVP due to his anticipated high BA and many RBI’s but with the Rockies pitching staff’s propensity for an astronomically high ERA the Rox will most likely be DOA by the All–Star break. 

     I also noticed gear heads had turned their attention to Daytona where the NASCAR season was about to begin meaning the NHRA and IRL would soon be right behind.

     My ‘puter kept me in touch with GJ Sentinel.com.  The Maverick men are struggling in the RMAC, the editorial page was expressing concern with the DOW and BLM while letters to the editor seemed to be “logo” oriented as readers seemed a bit cranky while waiting for spring and JUCO.    

    I returned home to a bank board meeting this morning.  With no knowledge of the agenda I’m certain that IT, HR, communiqués from the FDIC and ROI will be discussed.

     Now that we’re home friends inquired as to how we enjoyed Hawaii.  My response is that initially the trip offered a lot and looking back the whole experience seemed more than OK.