Don Herche 1954-2008

This past Monday, Don Herche passed away. Don was the owner of Public Opinion Research and my boss for 10 years. Don was the uncle of a good high school friend, Eric Crews, and it was through Eric that I first met Don and eventually came to work for him.

I know that I learned a lot from Don. Yes, I learned specific things about survey research or computer programming, but also much bigger lessons. I recently realized that it was because of Don that I learned how to teach myself how to learn new software. It was also because of Don that I learned how to work independently and how to solve problems on my own. These weren't easy lessons to learn and I know that, at the time, I was not happy in the situations where I needed to learn them to succeed. But, they have definitely paid off over time.

Don was a unique person. This was very much evident at the memorial service in his honor that we attended today. He affected many people in his life, all for the best.

I didn't have any contact with Don after I left POR. I regret that I didn't contact him occasionally and catch up. I had finally gotten to the point where I recognized that I should contact him, when I learned that he had been stricken with cancer again and was dying.

So, Don, I didn't get a chance to tell you this in person, but, thanks. I learned a lot from you. I have a lot of good memories from my days as your employee and I know now that not many people would say that about their former boss. I realized that all those times that were so frustrating to me were usually because I needed to learn something new or learn how to get along with someone who had a different way of doing things than I did.

Just in case

Just in case you've never seen any of these. Here's a bunch of Talking Heads videos. So much more than just an advertisement for the band.

Talking Heads |MTV Music

Talking Heads |MTV Music

Talking Heads |MTV Music

Talking Heads |MTV Music

see more at www.mtvmusic.com

More like this, please.

Found this video on mtvmusic.com

Nancy Sinatra |MTV Music

Planning a comeback

This blog is not dead. I will start posting again. Just been busy and lacking inspiration. Please check back soon!

A Political Moment

This won't probably change anyone's opinion, but I thought this was a good endorsement by Powell and worth watching.



Of course he still has to answer for that pile of horseshit that he presented at the UN in 2003....

Just Funny

This picture is just funny.

A wild one

The Catonsville Stars defeated the Elicott City Patriots yesterday, 26-24, in a wild game in Elkridge. This was one of the most exciting games we've been to so far. The first half was pretty listless, with neither team getting very far. However, some individual efforts put the Stars up 12 to 0 at half time. The second half was a completely different story. The Patriots returned to the field determined to score and by the fourth quarter were ahead of the Stars 14 to 12. Then, in the fourth quarter, everything went nuts. The Stars really turned it on and started blocking and playing hard. The Patriots scored again, putting them further ahead 22 to 12. Then, on the kick-off one of the Stars ran it back for the touchdown, bringing them closer, 19 to 22. The Patriots were able to kick a field goal (only 2 points in little league) making their lead 24 to 19. But, the Stars got the ball back and in the final seconds of the game, scored another touchdown and extra point, to get the win, 26-24.

Like I said, this was one of the best games so far. The parents were going wild and they boys were having a great time. This is when kids' sports is so much more fun and meaningful than watching NFL on TV.

Lacey and I watched Forgetting Sarah Marshall this weekend. It was pretty good. Not completely hilarious like 40 Year Old Virgin or Knocked Up, but it was enjoyable. Worth a look.