Re:I worked with Monte in a previous life. (Score 1)

Monte is a great guy! I worked with him for over 10 years and it was a pleasure (most of the time, he did have this problem that he just happens to be almost always right on technical issues :-) and I learned a lot from him. I consider my friendship with Monte to be one of the great treasures of my life.

He has a great attitude about life and his place in history. He is not bitter or sad in any way. He is fun to be around and I immensely enjoy talking with him. We still talk and exchange email on a daily basis.

I don't know who the "checker player" was who started this thread, but I can verify all that he said. I, too, once engaged Monte in a contest and won! It was back in the early days of the "obscure company" when I was young and strong. I was having a debate with Monte, some technical issue that I no longer remember. We went back and forth, coming to no conclusion, but neither side would give in. It was a stalemate, but it had to be broken for us to continue on with our work. Just as a lark, I challanged him to an arm wrestle to decide who's idea should be adopted! As was previously mentioned, Monte was into Karate, in fact he did attain the coveted Black Belt status and was even learning to be an instructor, and he was quite fit. However, you might describe me as a quite large man and I was confident I could win. The ruckus about all of this grew quite loud in the hallway and we attracted an audience. Monte accepted the challenge and we proceeded to the cafetaria with a trail of spectators following quickly. We sat at the table, locked arms, enlisted a referee to monitor the event, and wait for GO! Monte was quite strong! I was initially surprised and waivered a bit. But I put all I had into it and resolved not to lose! Slowly, ever so slowly, I felt his arm move, just a little at first, then a little more, then I felt more and more confident and finally - it was done, I had won! We all laughed, Monte graciously accepted the outcome, and my solution - whatever it was? - was adopted.

BTW, Monte does have a new Honda now and it is in quite good shape. :-)