Christmas was a cacophony of foods, sounds and sights. However, most of it is based on traditional elements, ham, turkey, greens, pies, etc. When I married my wife I was introduced to a new tradition, chili on Christmas Eve.  Therefore, today's recipe is my version of Texas Chili  as it has evolved over the last twenty plus years. I follow this pretty much with the exception of cubing the beef before browning. I usually brown it as a slab and then dice. That's a trick learned from Graham Kerr, the Galloping Gourmet, many years ago. Now we do have to discuss the choices. First is bean or no beans. Personal taste but I do add the beans. Next is the meat. Sorry, I do not add poultry. I do respect the substitutions or additions of ground beef, lamb, buffalo, kangaroo or the ever elusive Texas rattlesnake.  Enjoy!

Choice...

Recently, Verizon decided to offer VoIP over their FIOS cable system. It was a move that was unexpected at this time. In general, ITSPs, such as Broadvox, know there will be a critical point in time when the ILECs offer VoIP and SIP Trunking as a matter of course. As more businesses and residential users understand that IP communications voice quality rivals that of TDM networks while costing far less, the conversion rate will increase. The rate will ultimately reach a point where the ILECs see profits shrink and a response is required. This first step by Verizon is ultimately a head fake. They are offering VoIP but not reducing the price of the service. It will cost the same as a user's existing service. This becomes an interesting definition of choice. However, it does represent the first acknowledgement of the impact and growth of IP communications.

Hang on to your hats, 2009 should be very interesting!