A month and half into the season, yeah, but thanks to rainouts, only three games in. The Sultans of Dot split a doubleheader Monday night, moving to 3-2 on the year. Playing security-guarded neighbor SAIC in both games, we won the first in the 9th — our first extra-inning game in five years of play — and got killed in the second. I was happy about the wins but happier we still had a field, given we supposedly sold the land two years ago. Went 1-2 in the first game and 0-1 in the second, platooning, but made good contact after figuring out a new swing at the batting cages. Misplayed one ball in the field, played another well. Hoped the games would help sleep — not so much. Bring on furlough.
In July 2002, AOL's larger brains begin to leave. Corner offices are suddenly rejiggered into Time Warnered offices.
By September 2002, the self-styled visionary with icy eyes, Steve Case, had the world on his case. Was it all his fault? Does anyone care?
By the end of 2002, the talk is of revamping. This isn't even couples therapy. This is separate beds, woolen pajamas, and no cocoa.
As I lick my finger to turn the page again, I fear tears may soon form in my eyes. We are now in March 2003 and the operative word is "shambles." Some blame a bursting Internet bubble. Others suggest there is little room for long-term thinking in the short-term environment of a public company. A few suggest only fools go after fool's gold.
In the same month, Time Warner tries to pinch AOL into life by giving it exclusive content. But in April 2003, it appears that people aren't in love with AOL. Which means advertisers won't be either.
You know the joint is due. First, Obama and Biden went to Ray's Hell Burger. Then the first lady went to Good Stuff and Five Guys. Then, on Friday, Obama went to Five Guys (The Oval, AP via Google News and my brother). We can hope all of this burger action pushes Elevation to speed up expansion. The chain's site says D.C. is getting a location in 2010, and Northern Virginia is picking up two more in winter 2009. But a press release casts doubt on whether the Wilson Boulevard cooridor would get a spot (even though headquarters are on the street, sadly near me and burger-less), and I could see the president going to the National Harbor location when it opens this summer. I'm clearly going to need to get famous and attract an Elevation Burger on my own.
Five months after reaching Inbox Zero, I'm again back to zero, and it feels good. The inbox hasn't been more than a few dozen e-mails deep during this stretch, and long reply times have only reached weeks and not months. There's also been no sense this time of a zero fear. After reaching zero once, you know the e-mails continue. Zero is not empty. If you're aiming for zero — and I know several of you are — and need support, know I'm here for you. Let me be your inbox Tommy Lasorda.
