February 1997 Publisher's Note

Does anyone remember Stretch Armstrong?
February 1997 Publisher’s Note

I have to admit, when my wife woke me up at 5:30am to get ready for the Wake Up to Small Business breakfast hosted by the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, I never expected to have the fun I did. As a matter of fact, for all those smiling face that were also there, pick yourself out of the MODE@LARGE pictures on page 23. Thank you everyone, I look forward to the next one.

Now, I need some help. I was burned by my insurance company this month, but I vowed not to slam them in the paper, so I won’t. What I will tell you is to be careful when discussing what portions of computer hardware and software will be covered under your policy. I was explicit about my needs and concerns when I chose our insurance, and when something finally did happen, (I blew up a motherboard) the insurance agent plainly said: "Oh, that’s not covered". Who me, pissed? So, in any event, if you’re one of those insurance types, and you know your stuff about computer coverage, and you don’t mind dealing with a small potato like me, give me a call, I’m more than ready to switch companies. Restore my faith in the insurance industry, will ya!

If you do anything this month, would you do me a favor and take a stab at our first-ever Reader Fax-Back Opinion Poll, on page 9. It’s a few questions that will tell us about you, our readers, and in exchange we’re giving away 10 free MODE tee-shirts, and Dinner for Two at a prominent local restaurant, to one lucky winner, (with very neat handwriting.) We’re even going to publish the winners names, (if they like) with the results next month. If the poll is successful, we’ll do one each quarter. Sound good?

Also, we’ve received enough requests to finally start a subscription service. So, if you want MODE delivered directly to your home or office, safe and sound in a sealed plastic bag, fill out the subscription form on page 19 and send it along. It’s $18 a year, and that about covers 1st class postage and the nifty (waterproof) mailing pouches. Nothing but the best for our readers. Remember, MODE runs from the 5th to the 5th, so you’ll see it around the 6th or 7th. Thanks for all the interest, we’re glad to oblige.

In this month’s One Tank Getaway to Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, there is a photograph of a tree featured with the article. Please note that the black and white newsprint rendition of this photo does not accurately reflect that there are thousands of geese, ducks and other assorted fowl milling about on the lake surface in the background. I’ll post the color picture on the web site, or e-mail to anyone that may be interested.

Finally, there are two pretty cool events that MODE is involved with this month, and they warrant mentioning. The first, is that Gloria and I were invited to be Celebrity Bartenders at J.C. Dunphy’s on Thursday, February 27th starting at 6:30pm. If you’re any fan of MODE, please come out and enjoy a cold one for our charity. We’d love to meet you, and promise not to mix the drinks too strong, (wink, wink). The other event promises to be a real blast, and if you’re single, you better plan on being there. It’s the American Lung Association’s "Breathless" Singles Night and Auction. See the ad on the inside front cover. MODE is a sponsor, and we’ll be taking pictures for future MODE@LARGE pages so look you best!

Phew! That was a lot to share. Time for a nap. Thanks for reading.

Oodgay Yebay.

Scot Giambalvo, Publisher