Some of you heard about my all-expense, paid trip to San Francisco on Friday. Some of you watched me participate in GameSpot's newest game show. The show was a blast to be on. Seriously, it was a blast. It was well worth the time off of work and the $10 I spent to get to San Francisco.
Thursday night I was working on a seven-page report on ISO 14001 compliance for my Production Operation Management curriculum. It was a paper I continued to write as I took the train from work Friday afternoon into San Francisco. CalTrain is an interesting entity. I was fortunate enough to have scores of day care kids fill my particular train car. Due to practice at home, I was able to tune out the near-constant din of child-speak and make excellent progress on my report. Upon arriving in San Francisco I then raced up 2nd Street to the CNET HQ. Kevin was amused and noticeably relieved by my arrival. We chatted briefly as we wound our way through the halls of the Entertinment Division of CNET to arrive in the community room.
It was a pleasure to be back. Jody was toiling away on her computer, Bethany was undoubtedly making progress on something (while "watching" UHF on her other monitor), and Ken was patiently waiting in the corner for his chance at Internet stardom. I took up rresidence in one of the empty desks, trying to continue my writing, but Ken was hungry for conversation, and I was certainly interested inlearning more about my would-be opponent. We discussed everything from his time in the Air Force to anthropomorphic characters from television, film, fable, and Ken's convention. Craig Beers soon busted in to herald the arrival of the new Flash Video Player . . . board. After some discussion on the topic, the board was realeased for all to see and post. That's when Rich entered to claim Kevin. They both departed for the studio to rehearse. The remaining 20 minutes consisted of Jody and I recounting last year's transfer of Union authority, Ken changing out of his Dolphins jersey, last-minute eating opportunities, and the all-important trip to the bathroom.
On my way to the restroom, I passed Ryan Davis, Jeff, and stopped by Andrew Park's office to get directions to the nearest restroom. In case anybody doesn't know, Jeff has been all kinds of congested. Get better soon! I pleasantly greeted all of them when I came into contact. One inquired, "What are you doing here?" After answering the inquiry, the next wished me good luck, the last one gave very helpful directions. He, I would think, has a bright future at Google Maps if he ever departs CNET.
Ultimately, Ken and I were ushered into the studio and directed to our podiums. Ken was a direct walker, I took the long way. In this instance myuncle's motto rang true, "I always circle my prey before I land." Ryan Mac Donald applied make-up for Ken and I. Rich emerged, suit-clad and sneaker wearing. I knew this was going to be serious since Rich had dressed up. We were instructed to remove our rings (the reflection from the green light). I acknowledged and greeted Rich's parents who were the studio audience. Just before we went live, Rich unbuttoned his collar and loosened his tie. The feed commenced, and the rest was history.