According to Webster:
Retire - to take out of circulation
Retired - withdrawn from business or active life
Retirement - a place of privacy or seclusion
I don't think so!!!

As usual John, you will break the mold and do it your own way. You have always been an individual and an incredibly valuable asset to IBM.

I thought of you recently when I carried my backpack into NYC to my first meeting with the outsourcing folks and immediately received a wisecrack from the Sales Director. At that point, I had in my mind an image of you on your Harley and walking into IBM with a beard and a backpack. I haven't bought a Harley or grown a beard, but I'm still carrying the backpack!

You've had a great career and I am proud that I was part of the Internet run - from John "Paul Revere" Patrick shouting "the Internet is coming, the Internet is coming" - to the Olympics and WebAhead. I consider myself lucky and I appreciate all your support over the years.

I know you'll be as busy as ever with the book and all the new things you will dream up. The NGi 7 dreams were just the beginning of a new chapter. I'm looking forward to the chapters that will follow.

Best of luck!