Tag: writing

April 9, 2025 – Ted Lasso

I am still looking for a Director-level role in Software and DevOps Engineering. My focus is on the Greater Houston area. Things at this level move very slowly and deliberately. I get that. I am not worried. I am studying AI and learning how to book travel for people in my spare time. I love doing both and it keeps me busy during the day.

I am also watching Ted Lasso for the eighth time. Yes, I am watching it straight through from Season 1, Episode 1 to Season 3, Episode 12. Now, some would say I am crazy. I would say that when I need a “pick-me-up” nowadays, there is no better entertainment than watching Jason Sudeikis and the cast of characters he has assembled in Ted Lasso. I read an article today in The Michigan Daily, “Do we need more Ted Lasso?” I would say yes, we do. As Ted says in the first season, when Ted and Trent Crimm are “enjoying” Indian food, “For me, it’s not about wins and losses. It’s about these men becoming the best version of themselves, both on and off the pitch.” That’s not the only time he says this, but to me, it’s certainly the most memorable.

I will not sit here and tell you what Season 4 of Ted Lasso will bring to the TL Universe. But I will say this: the world needs more Jason Sudeikis, Brett Goldstein, and Brandon Hunt. I really don’t care how you package them. But empathy and compassion will always beat violence and gore.

During this trip through the TL Universe, I paid more attention to the series’ soundtrack. “Sunday Best” by Surfaces was used ideally when Ted showed Nathan how to “strut his stuff.” When Sam and Rebecca have dinner at a restaurant, “Loving is Easy” by Rex Orange County (feat Benny Sings) shows a different way of watching two people talk to each other over a meal. It was refreshing. Many people (including myself) object to the episode about Coach Beard. I loved how they ended the episode with “Hello,” by Martin Solveig featuring Dragonette. Crazy good song!

The episode that hits you hard is when Rebecca’s father dies. I did not expect to hear “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley so many times! When she decides to use that song as a eulogy, I couldn’t stop the waterworks. Earlier in that episode, Ted uses “Easy Lover” by Philip Bailey and Phil Collins to prepare for the funeral. Earlier in the series, he reminds us that no one should take more time to get ready than it takes to listen to that song.

The timing of the series and Jason’s brilliance shine bright in Ted Lasso. In the final episode of Season Three, the assistant coaches use “Beautiful Game” by Ed Sheeran to mark the end of the season.

Many more songs in the series, but you always remember the ones that touch you the most.

Going to College

I started a thread on LinkedIn about why attending college is necessary, and I received several responses, ranging from “a cost-benefit analysis needs to make sense” to “if you don’t know what you want to do, don’t go to college.” By the way, I have not met an 18-year-old who knows the meaning of the phrase’ cost-benefit analysis.” Looking around LinkedIn, I see people with a degree in one thing, doing something completely different. Now, maybe it’s just me, but I attribute that to poor parenting.

Your parent(s) or the older person you live with has one job. They teach you moral values based on some form of faith. Getting an education should be part of those values. If they are not, your parent(s) or the older person you live with has failed you. You know they say, “You don’t have to like your parents, but you do have to respect them.” To that I say, “Respect works both ways – I will respect you today, and you need to respect me tomorrow (after I have grown up and listened to everything you said).” That last part is hard to understand when you’re 12 or 15 years old, but I understood it at that age. Because my Dad put that in my head. I respect him today. It’s been 7 years since he passed away, but now it’s my turn to teach my 22 and 19-year-old kids all that my Dad taught me.

If you are going to spend time and money doing something, you need to make sure that you will benefit from that activity, either short-term or long-term. For that to make sense, your moral compass must be strong. Knowing the difference between right and wrong is part of that. Another key aspect is understanding what will ultimately benefit you. Earning multiple college degrees has not only helped me, but it has also enabled me to stay ahead of the curve.

My rule for my kids: you will earn a Master’s or Ph.D. degree, and you will have no student loans when you complete the process. Why? Because I will pay for everything. You’ll thank me later!

As for my retirement, it’s pretty clear that living in America is not a viable option. I will need to find a low-cost country to live in. Thankfully, I already know one that accepts US Citizens into their country. India! By 2029, it is predicted that the USD to INR conversion rate will be 1:100. That is not a typo. For every $1, I will get Rs. 100. Trust me when I say $1000 goes a long way in India!