JANUARY 2003

FRIDAY, JAN 17, 2003 - The City that Loves You Back

The City of Brotherly Love is unique carrying all the identity of a Northeastern urban center. Just a pinch of the South is present; flavor wafting northward from Baltimore and DC, which are less than two hours away.

It's claimed that Philadephians will treat you as you treat them, and I found that to be quite true. Even in a bustling market, people found the kindness to say "please", "thank you", and "excuse me"; jarring if you're not used to it. It's been a long time since a stranger held the door for me as a neighborly gesture.

Accompanied by Brent, my brief three hour visit to Philadelphia was well spent. He gave me the ultra condensed tour of the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Reading Terminal Market, culminating in none other than a cheese steak sandwich that I would have gladly killed you for.

With gooey onion stink on my clothes, I made my trek towards New York City, glad to get to be on the road before I95 was teaming with Eagles fans ready for blood.

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Rick's Philly Steaks - Located in the Reading Terminal Market, Rick's is a Philly institution visited by locals and tourists alike. Order the classic cheese steak with provone and onions. It's so good it'll make you slap your mama.

WEDNESDAY, JAN 8, 2003 - Southern Mid-Atlantic Tour de Force

When your home base is your home office, even the most mundane details have to be handled on your own. Here's how I jumped my first hurdle: How to emulate the Out of Office Assistant for the non-corporate Outlook user.

I'm off to Philadelphia, PA; Ocean City, NJ; and Long Island, NY through the weekend. I'll do my best to leave the big hair, acrylic nails, and IROC Z behind before I return. Plenty of that up here