Is the movie you're most likely to see this Valentine's Day weekend

A) Endless Love

B) Robocop

C) Winter's Tale

Now, which one would you most like to be seeing that weekend?

My choice?

That should be obvious.


Really, what says Valentine's Day more than Robocop?

On the road again: Austin, day 5

I'm home.  That makes me very happy, because I've been on the road for most of January.

The entire day went to travel and work during travel.

The biggest excitement of the day was sitting on the floor in DFW for 75 minutes while a maintenance crew worked to replace a major part of the plane's console.  Though many people all around me were complaining, I was quite happy for the plane's mechanics to take as long as they needed to install that new part absolutely correctly.

For no good reason, I feel the need for a little Steve Perry and Journey.  If you do, too, enjoy this.

On the road again: Austin, day 4

Today's weather was the nicest of the trip so far, and tomorrow's looks to be even better, so of course I'm flying home tomorrow.  No complaints, though; it was a good trip.

Nothing I can discuss, of course, except to say that it's always great to get to meet with our clients.

Dinner tonight was at a fun local place with an emphasis on local-sourcing, Jack Allen's Kitchen.  Sean had said the pimento cheese was world-class, and it was yummy indeed.  All our dishes were good.

Though I've had a good time, I am really looking forward to getting home and staying there for the week and a half before my next trip.

On the road again: Austin, day 3

The sky was clear here today, the weather brisk but only seasonably so.  Meanwhile, back home, snow fell and left many people stuck in their homes.

Our meetings were interesting, but of course I cannot discuss them.

Dinner was a delightful meal at a new Austin stand-out, Qui.  The first time I tried to go there, the wait time was unbearable.  Now, Qui accepts some reservations, so I was able to be sure I had a seat.  The food was light and delightful, with lots of flavors from many different types of cuisines.  I recommend it highly. 

Now, back to work.

On the road again: Austin, day 2

The morning shows on local TV stations were all weather all the time.  Ice had coated cars and many streets, and accidents abounded.  As a result, we lost a few of our scheduled meetings, but I can't blame anyone for being sensible and staying home in the morning.

By about noon, though, the roads were generally fine, so we had a couple of good meetings.

Dinner was with clients who are friends/friends who are clients at Congress, one of my favorite Austin fine-dining restaurants.

Work filled all the holes in the day and the after-dinner hours.

Tomorrow is packed and begins quite early, so I'm outta here.

On the road again: Austin, day 1

Lots of flying, no upgrades, and rough landings made for a typical winter travel day.  Didn't love it, didn't hate it, just did it.

Working whenever possible filled most of the trip.

The early evening went to my usual first-night-in-Austin ritual:  dinner at County Line by the Lake, and ice cream at Amy's.  Both were delicious, as usual.

The rest of the evening belonged to work.  A playlist of my own creation is rolling on my soundmatters portable speakers, I'm in the flow, and I could work all night.  Instead, soon, I hope, I'll stop and get some sleep. 

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

is a perfectly serviceable thriller that I enjoyed as long as I didn't let myself think about the plot or the ludicrous computer tech.  It moves along, maintains suspense, and does a decent job of keeping us from thinking.

All the lead actors are also completely serviceable, if in no case breaking any new personal acting ground.  Chris Pine keeps his smirk percentage in the low teens, and he's a decent action hero once there's action.  Keira Knightley remains in desperate need of a sandwich--could they not afford catering trucks on this set?--and you can almost hear someone say, "Give us the cute look!" as she turns on that trademark twinkle.  Kevin Costner looks happy to have work.  Kenneth Branagh brings his usual pursed-lip intensity to his Russian bad guy. 

Okay, I'll stop with the snark. 

Seriously, I had a good time watching it, and if you're in the mood for a little mindless action, you will, too.