I first saw the band on Saturday Night Live more than forty-six years ago. It has been a long wait, but finally after all these years I got to see them in person. They were fantastic and it was just like the good old times rocking out with them.

Of course no one did this. Looking through the questions ahead of time like this would only be a waste of time and cause unnecessary delay. Everyone was too eager to be the first to finish the quiz and win the much cherished prize. We did not want to want to compromise any chances at the starting line.

So about ten minutes later, upon reaching the last question, we discovered the trap that was waiting to ensnare us. The very last question was very clear: Do not answer any questions, and instead turn in the quiz immediately with only your name written at the top right corner.

I guess I didn't learn that lesson very well...

The American Discount Book Center on the Kalverstraat in the 1980s.

There I am standing exactly in the center of the group surrounded by happy friends. Me with my hands in my pocket gazing off into the distance wondering what life will bring me next. Back then I was in my early twenties with a whole lifetime ahead of me. A fleeting snapshot of time forever etched into the annals of world history.

I remain eager to enjoy the wonderful world of lazy retirement, but I still prize my intellectual capacity high enough, that I will continue to enjoy working with a team and solving mental challenges just a little bit longer.

I feel honored and privileged to have this opportunity, and it makes me feel special having them appreciate my work and skills.

I decided to pursue yet another new challenge in life. Something fun and interesting to keep the old brain gears oiled and running smoothly.

'Like every other man, at least once in his life, I too have been carried up by Satan to the highest mountain on earth. Once there, he showed me the whole world and, as he did to Christ, said to me: "Now, Son of Man, what do you want if you are to worship me?" So I thought for a long time, because in reality a terrible ambition had long been devouring my soul. Then I answered him: "Listen, I have always heard speak of Providence, yet I have never seen her or anything that resembles her, which makes me think that she does not exist. I want to be Providence, because the thing which I know to be the finest, greatest and most sublime in the world is to reward and punish." But Satan bowed his head and sighed. "You are wrong," he said. "Providence does exist, but you cannot see her, because, as the daughter of God, she is invisible like her father. You have seen nothing that resembles her because she proceeds by hidden means and walks down dark paths. All that I can do for you is to make you one of the agents of this Providence." The deal was concluded. I shall perhaps lose my soul,' Monte Cristo continued. 'But what matter? If the deal had to be struck over again, I should do it.'

--- The Count of Monte Cristo, Alexander Dumas, Chapter XLVIII Idealogy.

Still going strong after all these years (my mind still seems to be pretty sharp), digging around endlessly with my machete mind in the deep jungle of tangled vegetation (spaghetti code) ...

It was later, that I came out of my bewilderment. I looked about dazedly. Thus, I saw so extraordinary a sight that, for a while, I could scarcely believe I was not still wrapped in the visionary tumult of my own thoughts. Out of the reigning green had grown a boundless river of softly shimmering globes, each one enfolded in a wondrous fleece of pure cloud. They reached, both above and below me, to an unknown distance; and, not only hid the shining of the Green Sun; but supplied, in place thereof, a tender glow of light, that suffused itself around me, like unto nothing I had ever seen, before or since.

In a little, I noticed that there was about these spheres, a sort of transparency, almost as though they were formed of clouded crystal, within which burned a radiance, gentle and subdued. They moved on, past me, continually, floating onward at no great speed, but rather as though they had eternity before them. A great while I watched, and could perceive no end to them. At times, I seemed to distinguish faces, amid the cloudiness; but strangely indistinct, as though partly real, and partly formed of the mistiness through which they showed.

--- The House on the Borderland, William Hope Hodgson, Chapter XX The Celestial Globes

Actually, since I am eight plus years older that this range, I more than likely belong to a sliver of a sliver, probably ten percent of ten percent of this one percent.

Maybe I am even the last remaining sole and am the oldest of the old on the whole planet. Just call me a die hard from the long lost era when developers were real heroes.

In celebration of retirement, we have decided to pursue a life long dream by booking a 27-day fly and drive road trip to the far away country of New Zealand.

November 1st is still a long way off, but before we realize it we will be enjoying the rugged and beautiful scenery of this exotic place half way round the world.

Total acceptance is what it is all about and peace cannot be acquired until this has opened your heart.

That was the turning point for me, no more alcohol for me ever again, and I have been completely sober ever since (13 years).