Where there's smoke...

Transition to Movable Type

2006-02-19T12:23:00.000-05:00

Viewers: I'm leaving the Blogger format and moving over to MovableType. To follow the blog moving forward, use this link: http://blakehamm.com/blog/

An Ode to Missing Friends

2006-02-19T11:14:00.000-05:00

Today is another day, what shall it hold?

In the picture: Tasha, Jenna, Blake, Emma, Ben, Carlos. We were having dinner in South Beach, Miami, at "A Fish Called Avalon". I highly recommended it. As I understand it, it's still the busy season in Miami, so get down there to get out of this ridiculous winter weather (read 16°F outside) in the NorthEast and enjoy the sunshine and fresh seafood there.

I didn't make it to Roxanne's last night, but might get by there today (somehow I figure I still need that AmEx). I'll give them a call with the "new" number I found for them. I wondered why no one would answer the first one I found, but could be that it's because it wasn't their number at all.

As for the afternoon/evening, there's a NL Texas Hold 'Em game at Pat/Mikey/Laura's that I'm heading to in a few hours. Between now and then it's probably going to be an effort in moving this blog from Blogger (though easy and cheap) to the MovableType format (also cheap but more flexible). You can judge for yourself how the effort works. From there, I want to figure out how Ishu got more than 8 friends on her MySpace Top 8 list.
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"Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather is one of those things that give value to survival."
- C. S. Lewis

2006-02-18T19:42:00.000-05:00

I figured it's about time for a posting. Not too much going on lately. I'm recently back from a weekend in Miami (see picture) and now it's freezing cold outside. I'm about to head into DC, 1) to see some friends who are in town for the weekend, and 2) to retrieve my AmEx from Roxanne's- the latter being a by-product of hopping around from place to place last weekend.

As for other items of interest, I've started a new project with the company. For the next few months I"ll be working out of the Reston Town Center. From there it's anyone's guess, but I'm looking forward to the experience.

Next week the Mardi Gras festivities begin to build some steam, and in keeping with the celebration I'm heading down to New Orleans to partake in Carnival myself. I'll keep you posted with what sacrifices Lent brings. Look for more photos soon!

Break out yer snowshoes!

2006-02-11T14:52:00.000-05:00

That's right...snow's a blowing! According to the weather report, areas around DC could be looking at up to 12 inches over the weekend! Madness....I'll try to post new pics if any of it decides to stick around here in NOVA.

101 Dumbest Moments

2006-02-11T14:47:00.000-05:00

Follow the image here for Business 2.0's articles on the 101 Dumbest Moments in Business for 2005. My personal favorite is way down the list at number 87. BBC sent an email to the Bob Marley foundation requesting an interview and stating that their schedule was "flexible". Let's hope they were counting on his being as well, since he died in '81!

2006-02-10T17:46:00.000-05:00

From the Virginia Coalition (VACO) show @ the HOB in downtown Chicago. These guys are excellent live. Don't miss them when they come to your town..."I walked to work cuz my car broke down..."

2006-02-09T18:41:00.000-05:00

A little reunion of people I worked with while in the UK. From left to right: Raj, Alan, Em (down front), Jen, Tash, Yours Truly.

2006-02-09T17:48:00.000-05:00

I realize the quality of this pic is shoddy, but I didn't care to retype it! Enjoy, and I hope to see you there!

Scary!!!

2006-01-30T12:13:00.000-05:00

Story worth posting (thanks Kevin!)

2006-01-24T23:45:00.000-05:00

The Mexican Fisherman

A boat docked in a tiny Mexican village. An American tourist complimented the Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them.

"Not very long," answered the Mexican.

"But then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" asked the American.

The Mexican explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.

The American asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"

"I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar, and sing a few songs . . I have a full life."

The American interrupted, "I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat."

And after that?" asked the Mexican.

With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to Mexico City, Los Angeles, or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge new enterprise."

"How long would that take?" asked the Mexican.

"Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years," replied the American.

"And after that?"

"Afterwards? Well my Friend, That's when it gets really interesting," answered the American, laughing. "When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!"

"Millions? Really? And after that?" said the Mexican.

"After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying your friends."

--------------------

And the moral is: Know where you're going in life... you may already be there.

Nagin Tribute

2006-01-23T11:21:00.000-05:00

2006-01-22T17:52:00.000-05:00

Pictures from the wedding weekend

Breck' Weekend '06

2006-01-17T13:44:00.000-05:00

At the Peak 9 Restaurant with Kevin (Saturday), Breckenridge, CO. Click on the photo to see the collection from the weekend.

2006-01-13T19:53:00.000-05:00

Just about to hit the slopes

2006-01-13T19:52:00.000-05:00

From the mountain this morning at Breckenridge...it's beautiful out here!

2006-01-11T11:58:00.000-05:00

Read in Business 2.0 how someone is making $150,000 in hard cash in virtual real-estate. With the "approaching" bubble in real-real estate, this might not be a bad move.

2006-01-11T10:44:00.000-05:00

In case you missed the National Christmas Tree, here's how my phone saw it :-)

2006-01-11T10:43:00.000-05:00

A newer pic of my nephew Gunnar (at 6 months!). I'm heading home in a few days so I should have some more recent pics to post up.

Emily's Christmas Post

2005-12-24T23:01:00.000-05:00

2005-12-21T15:48:00.000-05:00

Sometimes we forget just how important this lady is, but here's my very brief tribute to that wonderful statue - which just happens to be much smaller in person that you would imagine ;-)

2005-12-21T15:47:00.000-05:00

Looks like the reindeer decided to take this year off. Either that or Santa's planning on raiding the Bronx Zoo on Christmas Eve Eve.

2005-12-18T13:42:00.001-05:00

Just as an aside, for any of you who fancy yourself handy with computer artwork, check out what one guy put together in MS Paint. That's right...Paint.

2005-12-18T13:42:00.000-05:00

Ice skating with Rach in Bryant Park (nYc). According to Rachel, Christmas came early, as I fell about 15 minutes into the event.

2005-12-18T13:38:00.000-05:00

How cool that on Tuesday, while in nYc, Rachel and I go to Serendipity 3 to have lunch and we end up eating at the same exact table that Kate and John do in the movie Serendipity. True to the term?...absolutely

Amy Marslender - Found

2005-12-17T19:57:00.000-05:00

I've linked my friend Amy's picture links to a download of her song "Found". Hopefully you'll enjoy the song and my return to posting. I've been searching for something lately to post up and I think Amy's music is fitting. Happy Holidays! -Blake

From her MySpace profile:
Growing up in a musically inclined family, music quickly became Amy’s passion. It developed into a means of expression, a way to reveal her personality to others, and a form of relaxation and comfort. “Music is more than just a sound. It expresses the inner most being of the musician.”-Amy

Her sophomore year in high school, Amy started writing lyrics. Whether she was having her heart broken, falling deep in love, or struggling with the everyday ups and downs of life, Amy was able to express her emotions in the form of song. Once she began playing guitar her senior year in high school, Amy put her heart and soul into composing songs that spoke from deep inside. “Music will always be my passion. It will always inspire me, heal me, and complete who I am.”-Amy

Amy's MySpace site

My London Leaving Do

2005-11-21T09:17:00.000-05:00

Here are the pictures from my going away party...Enjoy!

Fainting Goats

2005-11-17T07:19:00.000-05:00

Word is this video made the rounds months ago, but I've just received it here in the UK. Enjoy.

Athens pictures have arrived....well, some of them

2005-11-16T14:35:00.000-05:00

Quick shot of the Parthenon....Many more to come, this just all I have time for at the moment...between Chelsea's loss to Man. U., my fantasy football team's current losing streak, and the fact that I've got to start packing to leave the UK, I've got way too much weighing on my mind!

Some additional pictures from Edinburgh - Athlete Weekend

2005-11-16T08:13:00.000-05:00

Pictures from the Edinburgh Zoo

2005-11-16T06:51:00.000-05:00

2005-11-16T05:37:00.000-05:00

Read up about the board-guys on London's West End

My pictures from Edinburgh

2005-11-14T13:27:00.000-05:00

Alex Douglas-Jones photos from Edinburgh

2005-11-14T12:10:00.000-05:00

Jackie's pictures from Edinburgh Weekend

2005-11-14T05:09:00.000-05:00

Lucy's pictures from Edinburgh Weekend

2005-11-14T05:02:00.000-05:00

2005-11-09T18:48:00.000-05:00

US Ship: Please divert your course 0.5 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.

CND reply: Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the South to avoid a collision.

US Ship: This is the Captain of a US Navy Ship. I say again, divert your course.

CND reply: No. I say again, you divert YOUR course!

US Ship: THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS CORAL SEA*, WE ARE A LARGE WARSHIP OF THE US NAVY. DIVERT YOUR COURSE NOW!!

CND reply: This is a lighthouse. Your call.

2005-11-09T13:17:00.000-05:00

Has communism returned to take a foothold in Congress? I understand that yes, it might seem frustrating that oil companies operate at a profit when the government spends billions more than it take in, but why punish a company for being successful? What's next? I'm hoping that Microsoft, Wal-Mart, Cisco and a fleet of other companies are coming in front of the Senate soon to explain why they have chosen to be profitable...

2005-11-09T11:36:00.000-05:00

Southern Miss comes out on Top!!!

I don't think it's Juan Valdez

2005-11-07T08:03:00.000-05:00

Doctors have concluded that if you find the man in the coffee beans in 3 seconds, your right half of your brain is better developed than most people.

If you find the man between 3 seconds and 1 minute, your right half of the brain is developed normally.

If you find the man between 1 minute and 3 minutes, then the right half of your brain is functioning slowly and you need to eat more protein.

If you have not found the man after 3 minutes, the advice is to look for more of this type of exercise to make that part of the brain stronger.

And, yes, the man is really there.

2005-10-31T06:17:00.000-05:00

Patricia, Diana, myself and Walt at the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh - Athlete in concert

Pictures from the Halloween party @ Ray's

2005-10-31T05:21:00.000-05:00

Follow link on picture to see the album

Athlete in Concert

2005-10-30T14:28:00.000-05:00

Athlete front-man Joel Pott rocks out at the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh this weekend. Awesome concert - make sure you catch them when they tour near you. It appears as though they've finished the US round of this tour, but pick up the "Vehicles & Animals" album and buy tickets when they annouce the next tour. Click the picture for more photos of the concert and aprés-concert activities.

You've gotta ask yourself -

2005-10-27T12:16:00.000-05:00

what was he thinking?

TheStreet.com's Funny Money

2005-10-27T06:20:00.000-05:00

I'm posting an outtake from this excellent article, which appears weekly on TheStreet.com - Jim Cramer's brainchild. This article is satire, but oftentimes is right on the money (pun intended)

----------------------

Delphi (DPH:Nasdaq - commentary - research - Cramer's Take), the auto-parts supplier, was accused in a lawsuit of engaging in a series of sham sales. Hey, at least they were selling something. The company has threatened to file for bankruptcy unless GM (GM:NYSE - commentary - research - Cramer's Take) and the UAW agree to a buyout. GM is considering it because, Delphi is losing money, and that really fits into their core competency.

Case in point: GM announced a sale of its stake in Fuji at a significant loss. Fuji owns Subaru, which is a profitable, efficient-car company. Said a fictitious GM spokesman: "That's just not what we do."
--------------------
Sorry...after reading a bit more, I had to include this bit as well. Although Bush has now named Greenspan's replacement, this humor is quality.

Speaking of eternal optimists, President Bush announced that he might look outside the traditional candidates to succeed Alan Greenspan at the Federal Reserve. Considering the experience and qualifications of former FEMA head Michael Brown (among other recent Presidential appointees), expect the list of replacements to include his pet fish, the Cookie Monster and John Bolton.

Avian (Bird) Flu strikes Paris

2005-10-27T06:07:00.000-05:00

It was only a matter of time...Thanks for the pic Le Chris!

The View from Work

2005-10-26T07:17:00.000-05:00

From the 7th floor here at Plantation Place (Accenture office in the City of London). I've just stepped out onto the deck to do what appears to be some awkward type of pushup. That's Lloyd's of London and the Gherkin Building behind us.

Napoleon sound clip

2005-10-25T16:38:00.000-05:00

"Last week, Japanese scientists explaced-- placed explosive detonators at the bottom of Lake Loch Ness to blow Nessie out of the water. Sir Curt Godfrey of the Nessie Alliance summoned the help of Scotland's local wizards to cast a protective spell over the lake and i's local residents and all those who seek for the peaceful existence of our underwater ally."

Thanks for the clip Rach!

Raising Caine...

2005-10-25T15:58:00.000-05:00

Horatio is quite possibly the coolest character on tv at the moment. I'm sure another resolute persona will arise in years to come to return strength to the ever-fading meaning of manhood, but it's nice to have David Caruso out there toting the banner.

By the way, if anyone can explain why CSI: Miami can be so good and CSI: New York can suck so badly, I'm all open to reason.

Beachside @ Brighton

2005-10-24T12:26:00.000-05:00

I took a quick trip out to Brighton on Sunday. The weather was more agreeable by the early evening. This is a photo of the Royal Pavilion - Prince Regeant's palace by the seashore.

National Driver's License Search

2005-10-24T06:38:00.000-05:00

I'd heard this was about to come online, but somehow I thought the government would prevent this madness. Unbelievable! Thanks Kevin

Idiotic Quote of the Day

2005-10-23T05:14:00.000-05:00

"They're targeting my generation -- the hip-hop generation," Iverson said in a television interview. He added, "You can put a murderer in a suit and he's still a murderer." Iverson, along with Denver's Marcus Camby, asked if the NBA would provide players with a clothing stipend to conform to the dress code.
-------------
You've got to be kidding me! Iverson's salary was $14.63 million last season . If's that's not enough discretionary money to go toward's business casual wear, I don't understand why I even go to work. This guy's attitude is ridiculous. Just another bit of reason behind the NBA's decline.

Friday Night Lights

2005-10-22T07:42:00.000-05:00

USM prevails over another conference team! The Liberty Bowl is still in sight...3-1 in Conf-USA... Blake Hamm

Willllllllmmmmmmaaaaaaaa...

2005-10-21T06:42:00.000-05:00

Read the description on this eBay auction (click picture)

2005-10-20T10:46:00.000-05:00

Thanks Shuaiby!

Happy Birthday Neil!

2005-10-20T08:31:00.000-05:00

The big 27. This is his tribute to "all guns blazing on a Puerto Rican Christmas"

2005-10-20T08:28:00.000-05:00

Take that PETA!

2005-10-20T05:30:00.000-05:00

Wilma is on her way...unfortunately

New Experiement Regarding Women's True Nature

2005-10-20T03:45:00.000-05:00

The FBI had an opening for an assassin. After all the background checks, interviews, and testing were done there were 3 finalists. Two men and a woman. For the final test, the FBI agents took one of the men to a large metal door and handed him a gun. "We must know that you will follow your instructions no matter what the circumstances. Inside the room you will find your wife sitting in a chair. Kill Her! The man said, "You can't be serious, I could never shoot my wife." The agent said, "Then you're not the right man for this job. Take your wife and go home." The second man was given the same instructions. He took the gun and went into the room. All was quiet for about 5 minutes. The man came out with tears in his eyes, "I tried, but I can't kill my wife."The agent said, "You don't have what it takes. Take your wife and go home."

Finally, it was the woman's turn. She was given the same instructions, to kill her husband. She took the gun and went into the room. Shots were heard, one after another. They heard screaming, crashing, banging on the walls. After a few minutes, all was quiet. The door opened slowly and there stood the woman. She wiped the sweat from her brow. "This gun is loaded with blanks" she said. "I had to beat him to death with the chair."

MORAL: Women are evil. Don't mess with them.

-Thanks Jackie...

Where are those people on Lost? 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42

2005-10-19T17:01:00.000-05:00

2005-10-18T10:18:00.000-05:00

Pictures from Southern Miss' Homecoming 2005

Shirt of the week...

2005-10-11T13:50:00.000-05:00

Judging by the post-season performance, so do the Yankees...but Red Sox were out first, so they suck more. Thanks to Jeff and Ishu for the picture

Blake's Wish List

2005-10-11T08:02:00.000-05:00

Just when I thought I had everything I needed...

-"The Rock" Stadium Framed Picture
-Golf Shoes

Haley Babour Interview in WashingtonPost

2005-10-10T15:24:00.000-05:00

I've never been one of Haley's most outspoken supporters. However, I do believe he's handled the aftermath of Katrina especially well. Here's an excellent WashingtonPost article that points to some reasons why.

Sunday trip to Canterbury and Dover

2005-10-10T15:06:00.000-05:00

Here is a link to my photos from Canterbury and Dover over the weekend. To add an interesting bit of trivia - British soldiers would sing the tune "There'll be bluebirds over, the white cliffs of Dover, tomorrow just you wait and see" to cheer themselves as they returned to England aboard fighting vessels. This is because the first thing soldiers would see on their way home from France would be the white cliffs of Dover. (per Tasha)

Way more than "Double Dribble"

2005-10-10T05:35:00.000-05:00

Wow....Watch this guy dribble a football (well, soccer ball) on the streets in Amsterdam

Howie doing?

2005-10-01T15:14:00.000-05:00

I'm assuming you're fine. While you're looking for that new album to pickup, give Howie Day's latest a spin - Stop All the World Now.

2005-10-01T14:31:00.000-05:00

AHHHHH! I hate electric stovetops. From uneven heating to the fact they don't adjust temperature quickly, I don't think there's a more antiquated kitchen appliance. Personally, I think they should be outlawed, but that would put too much of a burden on the already overworked disposal business. With the rising price of natural gas I don't have much on my side. At the end of the day however, the centrepiece (yes, I spelled that correctly) of my home will be a gas range.

2005-09-28T17:05:00.000-05:00

Third, and last of "Pictures you don't see everyday" series. Photoshopped? Maybe...

2005-09-28T17:04:00.000-05:00

Second of "Pictures you don't see everyday" series. All I can say is "Wow"

2005-09-28T17:03:00.000-05:00

First of "Pictures you don't see everyday" series

A few translations...

2005-09-26T15:09:00.000-05:00

Though I don't necessarily endorse the site, the powerpoint i've linked has some hilarious signs. Check them out.

Promotion Drinks @ Industry

2005-09-26T14:55:00.000-05:00

Weekend in Barcelona

2005-09-26T14:54:00.000-05:00

Walt and I took off on EasyJet to checkout the crown jewel of Catalonia.

2005-09-13T16:04:00.000-05:00

Pictures from Paris a couple of weekends ago

Bricklane Festival

2005-09-13T14:22:00.000-05:00

Jackie (the boss) and I outside Vibe Bar at the 2005 Bricklane Festival (read "lots of curry").

2005-09-01T14:53:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately, there is no end in sight to the destruction that's hit the gulf coast of MS, LA and AL. If time heals all wounds, we will need a century, if not more.

2005-08-31T15:10:00.000-05:00

A difficult path lies ahead for those residents of New Orleans, South Mississippi and Alabama and others affected by Hurricane Katrina. Thankfully I've heard that all my loved ones are ok (thank you for text messages!), but everyone is aware of the tough road ahead to replace the material things we so depend on...

2005-08-30T13:35:00.000-05:00

Campus at Southern Miss

2005-08-30T10:45:00.000-05:00

Downtown New Orleans, with the Superdome just right of center, is seen Tuesday morning, most of it under water. (Courtesy of MSNBC)

2005-08-30T10:43:00.000-05:00

Rescue workers take residents to a ramp on Interstate 10 after a tidal surge from Hurricane Katrina overwhelmed a levee Monday, Aug. 29, 2005, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/St. Petersburg Times, Douglas R. Clifford)

2005-08-29T09:15:00.000-05:00

Oh my..this looks to be a rough one for MS. Let's hope for everyone's sake the tsunami comparison some have made is simply a wild-overstatement of the situation...

Shake those haters off Lance...

2005-08-23T14:09:00.000-05:00

A tribute to our troops and their families...

2005-08-21T13:48:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Dave for passing this along. I had to share.

The time has come...

2005-08-19T12:19:00.000-05:00

A little something to celebrate my promotion to consultant here at Accenture. Hard to believe almost two years have passed since I moved to Washington, DC, to kick off my career, but sure enough, time has flown...I've got about three months left in London, and yes, I'll be heading back to the Capital in search of my little peace of Heaven in the Mid-Atlantic.

Two new sports in a week!

2005-08-17T18:23:00.000-05:00

Played tennis for the first time this week as well. I was told my backhand could use some practice, but otherwise looked good. We will see how fast I move up the Assembly Test rankings - I'm at least ahead of Henry at the moment.

Played my first...

2005-08-17T18:21:00.000-05:00

game of cricket this past weekend. Had a blast out in Regent's Park with lots of folks from work. Look forward to doing it again, though I've been told my bowling is a bit unorthodox. I'll have to put some work into it, but Shane Warne's got nothing on me in a few weeks...

Did someone say breakdance fighting???

2005-08-17T15:45:00.000-05:00

Too bad there wasn't much competition, but heck of a video...

Check out these illusions...Click for full effect!

2005-08-16T12:24:00.000-05:00

Mr. T says "Treat your mother right!"

2005-08-10T11:32:00.000-05:00

Might have trouble in IE (Try w/ Firefox)

Walking in Denver (Don't Go)

2005-08-09T08:01:00.000-05:00

My tribute to the new song from Marc Cohn...

2005-08-08T07:18:00.000-05:00

Did someone say they were looking for evidence for the handgun debate?

2005-08-08T05:15:00.000-05:00

Take that IBM...

A couple of funny pics to start the day...

2005-08-05T06:32:00.000-05:00

Thanks Rach!

Preseason Southern Miss News

2005-08-02T08:11:00.000-05:00

(Preseason) Southern Miss picked to play for 1st Official C-USA Championship title

Pictures from Friday night at Agenda...

2005-08-01T12:06:00.000-05:00

For your desktop?

2005-08-01T07:53:00.000-05:00

I've just ordered broadband for my flat, so in honor of stepping up the bandwidth, I'm providing this background courtesy of digitalblasphemy.com - Click on the link for the full image, then right-click and "Set as Desktop Background"

2005-07-29T08:40:00.000-05:00

This guy might have something to say about George's possible replacement...

Someone tinkering with Google?

2005-07-29T08:38:00.000-05:00

Enter "failure" into Google and check out the first result...

New Pics: Guess who's new in town!

2005-07-29T08:01:00.000-05:00

My brother's new baby, Russell Gunnar Hamm (5lbs 7 oz and 18 1/2 inches) was born at FGH in Hattiesburg around 4:45 pm (CST..US)

London Fights Back

2005-07-28T11:05:00.000-05:00

She cannot be stopped! She will not be stopped!