Sherwood Schwartz passed away this week. For those of you outside the Baby-Boomer bubble, Schwartz was the person who produced the iconic 60's television shows "The Brady Bunch" and "Gilligan's Island".
I heard an interview Schwartz did with NPR from a few years ago. In it, he told the story of how television executives were concerned viewers would not get how the castaways ended up on Gilligan's Island (I always wondered why some of the passengers packed 3 months of wardrobe for a 3 hour tour, but I digress).
His solution was to tell the story in the show's opening song. Harry Bellefonte and calypso were very popular in those days, and Schwartz wrote a very memorable theme song for Gilligan's Island that I can still sing word for word to this day.
The interview got me thinking about today's televisions shows. Were their opening theme songs as memorable? I never miss "Modern Family", but I couldn't hum the music they use to open the show. Does the C.S.I. franchise (which uses songs from The Who) and Hawaii 5-O (which kept its roots by using the original theme) count?
So what changed? Are TV themes less relevant today, or have I turned into an old curmudgeon who waxes nostalgically starting sentences with "Back in my day" and "Kids today have no sense of"?
My guess is a little of both. There are fewer "shared experiences" today. One person is in the living room watching "American Pickers" while another is in the bedroom watching "Dancing with the Stars". We didn't have that many choices (or number of TV's) back then, so we watched shows like "Gilligan's Island" together.
Still, I wouldn't mind sitting on the couch with my Ovaltine and humming along with a TV show telling anyone who will listen to my back in the day stories one more time.
The Lizard of New York
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
I took this photo of a lizard in my backyard a while ago. I knew I wanted to something with it, but wasn't sure what so I started to play around with it and came up with "The Lizard of New York". I thought it came out pretty good and liked the effect of the background being out of focus.
What's in Your Easter Basket?
Tuesday, April 20, 2011
I have been producing more videos for the Houston SPCA. I was really pleased with the way this one came out. While watching "This Week" on ABC, I noticed they rotated their watermark, so I thought I would try that and see how it looked. I don't know if anyone really noticed, but I do think it helps the watermark to stand out.
Some Special Cats
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Some cast members from the broadway musical "Cats" stopped by the Houston SPCA to help promote the show and the importance of pet adoption. They were a lot of fun to photograph and I was very happy with the way the pictures came out.
More Photos
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The Houston SPCA recently helped in the rescue of many animals from a ranch in central Texas.You can learn more about this on the Houston SPCA Web Site. I have to admit, I never thought I would be taking pictures of these types of animals for a living. And in case you were wondering, I was not in the cage with the Tiger, but I took the shot between the bars. I would like to thank the Tiger for being a good "kitty" and not rushing the cage.
Horse Photo
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
One of the fun things about my job is getting to take photos of the animals here at the Houston SPCA shelter. I was back by the barn when "Bud" caught my eye. I started to snap some photos and Bud started going into various poses. I swear he knew I was taking his picture. I built a
Houston SPCA eCard using this picture. The eCards are free and something I developed using the Houston SPCA's web site.
Happy New Year!
(I know I'm late!)
Friday, January 7, 2011
First, let me wish you a very belated Happy New Year! I know I'm late, but as they say, better late than never. I've been busy making more and more videos for the Houston SPCA. They have been a lot of fun to produce and we're seeing some positive feedback.
I saw a Double Rainbow driving home the other day. The weather was terrible and storming, but then this appeared.
In case you were wondering, I did not say OMG over and over again.
Cheryl China Trip Interview
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
My wife recently had the good fortune to visit China through a grant from "Fund for Teachers". She learned about Chinese art and culture. She also got to experience lots of Chinese cuisine as well. She was interviewed about her trip on the local access channel. You can see the video here.
Squish The Fish!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
It's always a good day when Buffalo beats the Miami Dolphins. It's even better when they knock them out of the play-off picture. (and yes, I know a Dolphin is really a mammal and not a fish)
I'm not sure what this cartoon has to do with that, but it did make me think of my family and friends who have to deal with that "Lake Effect" snow every winter.
Sinter Klaas Day
Monday, December 6, 2010
Cheryl and I made our annual trip to "Old Town Spring" to pick up supplies (Bitterballen, Bami mix, Droste {75% coco!!} and other goodies). While there, we saw Sinterklass (but no Zwarte Piet). Lot's of little kids with their Oma were waiting in line to meet him. It brought back some nice memories of Dad.
We do have some bad news. They no longer sell Zoute Drop in rolls. They told us they stopped making those, but I am not quite sure if that meant everywhere, or just the ones being imported. They did have them in bags and of course we bought some of those.
Race For The Cure
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
I ran in the Susan B. Komen "Race for the Cure" about a month ago, and I finally got some photos to post. The weather was great and there were around 30,000 running that day! It was very well organized and I had a lot of fun running in the 5k event. Best of all, I did not finish last!
I am a Lucky Guy!!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Travel Time to Dallas...3.5 Hours Sabres/Stars Tickets...$160 Wife wearing her Vanek shirt...Priceless!
My New Home Entertainment Center
Monday, November 15, 2010
No matter how many times I'm in the video truck, I'm still amazed at all the gear. Had a blast working the University of Houston/Tulsa football game last Saturday. I worked with Roger Twibell and Mike Leach, both really good guys to spot for.
Fun w/ Photoshop
Friday, November 12, 2010
Traveling thru a wormhole!
U of H vs. Tulsa
Thursday, November 11, 2010
I'm looking forward to being a Talent Spotter for Roger Twibell and Mike Leach at this weekends Cougers/Golden Hurricanes game (Cougs favored by 2 1/2 in case you were wondering). I worked with both guys at the University of Houston/Mississippi State game a few weeks ago. While the game was a dud, it was great to be back in the booth and working a football game. The game will be on the CBS College Sports Channel (check your local guide for times and channel numbers).
Happy Halloween!!
Friday, October 29, 2010
2010 Bayou Bucket
Saturday, October 16, 2010
What a perfect day. Tapas in Rice Village and then the Owls/Cougars playing in the Bayou Bucket. Game was fun, the M.O.B. (Marching Owl Band) hit it out of the park with their spoof of the Old Spice guy!
Could Not Have Said It Better
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
"We monitor Social Media because it provides unsolicited and unbiased consumer opinions about our products and brands in real time. If a brand, message or product is identified by bloggers, we can fix the problem quickly before it gets too wide spread. Also, positive comments help us understand early on if something is working particularly well." -- Christine Stasiw Lazarchuk, Ford Motor Company
The Joys of Social Media
Monday, September 13, 2010
I thought this was just brilliant!
Advice for Journalism Students
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
I came across this article from The On-Line Journalism Review. It takes a look at the changing face of journalism, and what students should be thinking about as they pursue their studies. Very thought provoking and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did.
545 vs. 300,000,000
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
I found this piece to be very thought provoking and thought you might enjoy it as well. It was written by Charlie Reese, who used to write for the Orlando Sentinel.
=====================================================================
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.
Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?
Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?
You and I don't propose a federal budget. The President does.
You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.
You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.
You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.
You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.
One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.
I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.
I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.
Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.
What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits..... The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.
The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? Nancy Pelosi. She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.
It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million can not replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.
If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.
If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red .
If the Army & Marines are in IRAQ , it's because they want them in IRAQ.
If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.
There are no insoluble government problems.
Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.
Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.
They, and they alone, have the power.
They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses.
Provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees.
We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!
What you do with this article now that you have read it........ Is up to you.
This might be funny if it weren't so darned true.
Be sure to read all the way to the end:
Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table,
At which he's fed.
Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.
Tax his work,
Tax his pay,
He works for peanuts
Anyway!
Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.
Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.
Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think.
Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries
Tax his tears.
Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his assets.
Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won't be done
Till he has no dough.
When he screams and hollers;
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He's good and sore.
Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he's laid.
Put these words
Upon his tomb,
Taxes drove me
to my doom...'
When he's gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax..
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
Sales Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax
STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY? Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, & our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
What in the world happened? Can you spell 'politicians?'
The Future of the Press Release
Monday, August 16, 2010
I came across a great article on The Future of The Press Release. The writer does a wondeful job of explaining why a press release can still be relevant in today's world of e-mail, bloggers and social media as long as the message is tailored to fit their exact needs.
I really liked the part about developing a relationship in which the company/organization works with the media to get the word out. This is a must read for anyone in public relations.
Changing Lanes on the Information Super Highway?
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
The debate over "Net Neutrality" took an interesting turn on the old information super highway yesterday when two industry behemoths, Google and Verizon, announced they agreed to seven principles to abide by. They stressed this was in no way a formal agreement, but rather a "joint policy proposal".
What has internet surfers worried is that the proposal applies only to wired networks, leaving wireless networks and smart phone devices fair game for companies to decide who gets a fast pass.
Think of it like waiting in line to ride Space Mountain at Disney World. You're standing at the 45 minutes from here sign, when you see people walking past you in the "Fast Pass" line. That's what could happen next time you try to access your AOL mail using a Google/Verizon phone. It might decide you will wait, so another person can access their Gmail ahead of you.
Now to be fair, the companies also agreed that ISPs and carriers must "disclose accurate and relevant information in plain language" about what their networks are capable of, how they're managing them, and what their plans are.
For example; say Verizon wants to block a site like BitTorrent. They will have to let its customers know. Of course good luck getting out of your contract with them if they decide to block a site you like.
Not a big deal? Maybe, but consider that the policy proposal is being initiated by the business sector and not by the Federal Communications Commission. One section of the proposal says conflicts would be decided using "non-governmental dispute resolution processes" which would take precedence over the FCC.
It's kinda like letting Wall Street make their own rules and hope for the best and we all remember how that turned out.
Facebook vs. Google
Monday, August 9, 2010
It appears that Facebook is not discounting the threat posed by Google's supposed plans to launch a social network, according to a new report. The social networking giant appears to have gone into a "lockdown" mode in response.
Anthony Ha reported, "W have heard from a source close to Facebook's plans that the social network is working hard to fend off Google. Specifically, chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has declared that the company is on 'lockdown' for the next 60 days, with the office open on weekends as the company tries to revamp Photos, Groups, and Events in advance of the Google launch."
Then Ha added, "We hear Zuckerberg even has a neon sign saying 'Lockdown' on his office door."
It sounds like the guys at Facebook aren't too worried; most people wouldn't order neon signs under those circumstances, but than again Facebook has been accused of a high level of arrogance from time to time.
Still, if the stories are true, it could be a signal that Facebook at least feels a reworking of the site is needed if Facebook is to stay dominant. And if an earlier report that Facebook has Google's social product plans in its possession is accurate, that may mean Google has something very interesting on the way.
Google still hasn't shared any details with the public about what it's planning, but a little competition is a good thing and lot of competition could be even better.
What Is Up w/ This Site?
Tuesday, August 2, 2010
You may have noticed some changes. I'm updating/refreshing the look of the site, so please "excuse our dust" (for just a little while).
Thoughts & Prayers
Thursday, July 1, 2010
My heart goes out the people of Carbanera, Mexico. I have not heard any updates, but it appears that Hurricane Alex went right over the tiny fishing village.
I was lucky enough to help build a home for someone there last year, and it pains me to think what they went through. I went through Hurricane Ike and the time it took to fully recover seemed like forever. I can't imagine what it will take to get Carbanera back on it's feet.
I'm Still Alive and Well!
Friday, June 25, 2010
If it seems like forever since I posted something, it's because it has been forever! There is a good reason. I have been hired by The Houston SPCA to be their E-Communications Manager. I've been there about a month now, and have been busy producing videos, writing stories and maintaining their Social Media through Facebook, via Twitter and on YouTube.
All this has left little time to keep this site updated with fresh content, but a guy needs to eat right? Still, I do miss working on my website, so I will attempt to be better at updating what's going on.
Things I Don't Understand
Thursday, May 20, 2010
*Why it is ok to call something labeled a "Cheese Product"; cheese?
*President Obama doesn't want the state of Arizona to ask people for proper documentation, but turns away an invivted guest to a state dinner because she doesn't have the proper documentation?
*Every car insurance ad suggests they can save you an average of $600 by switching your auto insurance? Does that mean they are all over-charging you to begin with?
*How the Houston Chronicle can print a 1/2 page of news, yet count it as a full page?
*The appeal of Lindsey Lohan?
*Why we park on a driveway, but drive on a parkway? (I admit that's an old one).
*The people who thought getting rid of Paula Abdul would help American Idol?
*Radio stations that promote they play the most music ad nausea. Why not just play more music?
*Folks that feel the need to update their every movement on Facebook. "Going to take a shower than heat up a TV Dinner!" Good times!!
*We can send a man to the moon, but we can't build a TV that keeps commercials at the same audio level as the TV show we were watching?
*Spending an inordinate amount of time arguing over what to put in Texas school books while watching a record number of kids dropping out of school?
*The love affair with LeBron James? Did I miss him leading a team to a championship (outside of high school)?
*When did I turn into my Dad by walking through the house turning off the lights in empty rooms?
*The TV show; "Lost".
A Father's Voice
Monday, May 10, 2010
On May 10th, 1940 the German Army launched an all out assault and invaded the Netherlands. My parents were teenagers living in Holland at the time the invasion occurred and while not Jewish, they were witness to many of the atrocities of World War II.
My father was forced into hiding during the war. He would go in a "dive hole" to avoid being taken to work in a German work camp. The hiding place was made by digging a hole in the garden, then placing a roof with soil and plants over it. The hole had 4 chairs and a bathroom that consisted of an old can. Whenever German soldiers came down the street, my father and uncle dove into the hole until it was safe for them to come out.
A fake pass my Dad used to avoid being sent to a Nazi work camp
My mother once rode a bike with solid rubber tires for 2 and 1/2 days on a "hunger safari". That was what they called it when young girls were sent to get food to bring back to her family. My mom ended up bringing back nearly 200 pounds of beans, wheat and other staples to eat and trade for other items all using her bike. To this day, my mom gets nervous when she hears a plane flying low over the house.
My parent's stories, like everyone who faced occupation during the war, are full of scary moments, small triumphs, tremendous hunger, and the fear of not knowing who your friends were and who was a Nazi sympathizer.
You might wonder why I'm sharing this story 70 years later. I was running some errands the other day which included stopping by the Post Office to drop off some bills. As I drove through the line, I noticed some supporters of Lyndon LaRouche displaying photos of President Obama with a Hitler mustache.
My father passed away several years ago. At the funeral my brother told the story of my dad driving him to baseball practice. While at a red light, some bikers wearing Nazi helmets pulled up alongside the car. My dad rolled down his window and yelled at them, asking if they knew what those helmets symbolized. My brother sank low into his seat in the car, but dad kept it up.
I don't have a problem with anyone criticizing Obama (Lord knows I don't agree with everything he does), but when you compare him to Hitler, you show your ignorance. You also do a tremendous disservice to the thousands of brave service men and women that died in that war so that my parents and millions of others could be free. Really, do you want to go there?
Go ahead; voice your concerns, criticisms, bitches, etc. Scream if you want to. I'm just as worried as you are about the bulging deficits; terrorism and finding ways to put people back to work. But, when you draw comparisons that are not only insulting, but hurtful, you lose me.
Driving through the line at the Post Office reminded me of my brother's story about my Dad and how I wish I had my Father's courage to stand up and remind people what real evil looks like.
Who Should Control The Internet; Big Business or Big Government?
Friday, May 7, 2010
Is the government trying to take over the Internet? The Federal Communications Commission is looking at a plan that among other things; would enact a policy of "Net Neutrality", where companies that provide access to the Internet would not be allowed to block certain sites or direct you to sites of their choosing.
As www.Culturemap.com first reported back in April; A U.S. Court of Appeals ruled the FCC "overstepped" its authority when it ruled against Comcast. Now the FCC is offering a compromise on how it regulates high-speed internet access for broadband companies. The new regulations will only apply to broadband companies in an attempt to not appear "heavy handed".
Companies like Google and Skype say the rules are needed to prevent broadband providers from becoming on-line gate keepers. The proposed plan is expected to be challenged by the big phone and cable companies and is already facing opposition from Republicans at the FCC and in Congress.
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said the new regulations will allow the FCC to move forward and "support policies that advance our global competitiveness and preserve the Internet as a powerful platform for innovations." John Boehner, The House Republican leader from Ohio said the FCC's proposal amounts to "a government takeover of the Internet".
It reminds me of the days of the old west when ranchers started using barbed wire to protect their property, but also blocked access to cattlemen trying to get their herds to market. The days of the open range were changed forever and the Internet could face the same fate if the broadband companies win.
The issue is likely headed back to the courts with the broadband companies complaining that restrictions on what they do could discourage them from investing in their lines. The FCC will soon seek public comment on the proposal, and it will be very interesting to see who joins sides with the FCC and who doesn't.
Great moments In Philly Sports History
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
You gotta admit; Philly fan has to be the most insane devotee to their teams ever. During last night's Phillies/Cardinals game, a 17 year old ran onto the field in what I'm guessing was an attempt to join the legions of notable patrons of Philadelphia sports.
He succeeded --- just not in the way he expected. Meet Taser Baseball Boy.
An officer used a Taser to subdue the enthusiast who went down in a heap. Several Phillies placed gloves over their faces and appeared to be stifling laughter at the wild scene. The best part is that a police spokesperson, said Commissioner Charles Ramsey reviewed the tape and felt the officer had acted within the department's guidelines, which allow officers to use Tasers to arrest fleeing suspects.
This of course is not the first time an athletic supporter (sorry, but I could not resist) from the city of Brotherly Love has made the news. Remember this is the city that felt the need to install a criminal courthouse and jail at the old Veterans Stadium to deal with rowdies at Eagles games.
Philly fan is also known for cheering as Dallas Cowboy Michael Irvin lay unconscious on the field after a brutal hit which ended his career. Or the time they booed a person dressed as Santa Claus who was part of a halftime ceremony. Now that's class!
This passion is nothing new either, in 1949; the Phillies were forced to forfeit a game with Giants after fans unleash a 15-minute barrage of glass-bottle throwing. They were upset by a call against Phillies' center fielder Rich Ashburn.
My personal favorite Philly moment involved leaving the old "Vet" after a Texans/Eagles game. The Texans team bus was leaving the stadium as fans were heading to the parking lot. A dad and his young son turned towards the bus and both shot the finger at the Texans.
Yes, they learn at an early age what it takes to be a fan in Philadelphia.
We Live Within A Fragile Circle
Monday, May 3, 2010
We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached.
Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality. Never fully understanding the necessary plan.
Separate Lifetime--"The Once Again Prince" by Irving Townsend
Jake
Why I Love The NHL Play-offs!
Monday, April 26, 2010
The NHL play-offs are underway and I'm in hockey heaven. Now I'm not going to be one of those people that try to convince you hockey play-offs are the greatest sporting event ever (although it is).
The Olympics provided some great hockey this summer, but the Olympics can't hold a flame (sorry, bad pun) to what takes place during the NHL play-offs every year. So with that mind; here's a little hockey 101 for those of you who still think hockey is a Canadian plot to introduce socialism to America.
45 stitches? No Problem Coach
Nashville Predator Jordin Tootoo needed 45 stitches and help from a plastic surgeon after being struck by a puck shot by his own teammate. Tootoo told his coach he was fine and was in the line-up for the Predators very next game. And you thought football players were tough?
Great Vocabulary
What other sport can you use terms like "Putting the puck where Grandma hides the Jack Daniels" (scoring by getting the puck into the top part of the net), "Butt Ending" (jamming the butt of your stick into your opponent) or "Getting Squared" (wishing you had never been born).
Shaking hands at the end of a series
Imagine playing your heart out, sometimes dropping the stick and gloves to fight an opponent and when it's all said and done; forming a line to shake hands with the other team? It's one of the great traditions in sports. Can you imagine the NBA trying to get its players to stay on the floor to shake hands after getting bounced out? I can't either.
The Stanley Cup Trophy
Here's a little factoid for you. The Stanley Cup is the oldest trophy that's played for in North America. It was first awarded in 1892 and unlike the other trophies awarded by the NFL, NBA and MLB, a new one is not made each year; Cup winners get to keep it until a new champion is crowned. It is unusual among trophies, in that it has the name of the winning players, coaches, management, and club staff engraved on it.
Penalties
Other sports penalize players by awarding fouls, or moving the placement of the ball. Boring. Hockey makes the player sit in the "Sin Bin" (penalty box) for a minimum of 2 minutes allowing the other team a man advantage. Picture MLB making a team play with only two outfielders during an at-bat as punishment. Might make baseball a little more interesting don't you think?
Play-off Beards
This is another great hockey tradition. Players in play-offs stop shaving till they're eliminated. Some guys don't look half bad, while others end up looking like Grizzly Adams. Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks can't grow a beard, so he chooses to wear a mullet which is also acceptable.
The Hubble Is Still Out Of This World!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
It was 20 years ago today that NASA launched the Hubble Telescope. After some early technical problems, the telescope has recorded some amazing images including the most recent, a photo of the Carina Nebula, a massive cloud (over 3 lights year tall!) of cool Hydrogen and dust that is expected to spawn several new stars.
Since its launch, the Hubble Telescope, named after the trailblazing astronomer Edwin P. Hubble, has observed over 30,000 different objects and recorded an astounding half million photos of various celestial items. Some of the photos are so spectacular; you have to wonder if NASA hired Lucas Productions to create them.
And it's not just good at snapping photos. The Hubble Telescope has helped scientists discover proof of dark matter, spotting more than 400 previously unknown planets and recording the deepest images of the universe ever glimpsed. Pretty good stuff for a piece of technology celebrating its 20th birthday.
While politicians can argue the merits of space exploration, there is no denying that looking at photos taken by the Hubble Telescope can have you travel in your imagination to a galaxy far, far away. And that's pretty cool stuff.
The King of Pain?
Monday, April 19, 2010
What would you think about a mega pop star performing a concert for a well known dictator? Now what would you say if I told you that artist was the frontman for the Police; Sting?
It seems Sting must be hurting for money these days. How else can you justify playing at a so called arts festival last fall put on by the daughter of Uzbekistan's nasty dictator, Islam Karimov. Karimov keeps getting "elected" due to the fact his opponents conveniently keep disappearing.
Sting, who is scheduled to play a slightly less controversial show at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion this June admitted that Karimov is a bad guy but explains that "I have come to believe that cultural boycotts are not only pointless gestures, they are counter-productive, where proscribed states are further robbed of the open commerce of ideas and art and as a result become even more closed, paranoid and insular."
The tickets for the show reportedly cost fans $1,000 to $2,000 per ducket. That's 45 times more than the average Uzbek's monthly income so you have to wonder who exactly was robbed of the open commerce of ideas and art?
How bad is Uzbekistan? Consider that even the Bush State Department called the country "an authoritarian state with limited civil rights" and complained that they allegedly tortured and killed terror suspects "by immersion in boiling water." Makes you wonder if Kim Jong II of North Korea opened for Sting. (I mean hey, if it's not a big deal)
Now having rock stars perform at private affairs for people with less than stellar reputations is nothing new. H-Town's own Beyonce performed for Moammar Qaddafi's son at a celebrated New Year's Eve this past year and Celine Dion put on a show for the Sultan of Brunei (whose regime is not real big regarding hospitality towards women, or possessing a basic understanding of human rights).
Still, it's kinda hard to understand what compels someone to rationalize performing a show under those circumstances. I guess Sting was right when he sang; "When the world is running down, you make the best of what's still around".
Deja Vu All Over Again
Friday, April 16, 2010
It's a familiar scene. Hundreds, sometimes thousands of Americans coming together to protest against the government and its polices. Some display the flag in various forms and fashion; others carry signs denouncing the president with comparisons to war criminals. Speeches are given, rallies are formed and people take to the streets.
The rhetoric on both sides often times gets heated to the point where of threats of violence appear. One has to wonder how we got here and can America survive. If you think I'm talking about the Tea Party, think again. I'm actually having a flashback to the 60's and the anti-war movement.
I feel I'm living in Bizarro World. Back then it was young, Democrats denouncing the government, while Republican conservatives shouted back; "America...Love it or leave it!" Today, it's the Republicans fed up with what's going on. The similarities are uncanny. The only thing that's changed is who is doing the yelling.
Who would have ever dreamed we would have come to this?
Back then, demonstrators did not automatically fall into a specific party, but after the election of President Nixon, it soon turned into an "Us vs. Them" debate. The same can be said for today's Tea Party. The election of President Obama has been the catalyst for those unhappy with the direction of the country.
People of the Tea Party don't particularly like the comparison. They point out that movement back in the 60's was comprised of students, out of work hippies, or people who wanted to destroy the country. Fair? Others point out members of the Tea Party threatening to secede to form a new republic and the need to develop their own militia.
But one cannot deny that the energy of today's movement to reshape the Republican party looks much like the movement by others to reshape the Democratic party in what now seems a lifetime ago. Makes me wonder if the Tea Party will have the same effect.
And the Pulitzer Prize for Investigate Journalism is awarded to the National Enquirer?
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Sound farfetched? Yes the National Enquirer is known for reporting various abductions by aliens, or assorted Elvis Presley sightings, but as the saying goes; "sometimes a blind squirrel finds the nut".
The coveted Pulitzer Prize for Investigative reporting went to The Philadelphia Daily News for their work on uncovering a rouge Philadelphia Police Squad and to a reporter at the Propublica reporting service who wrote about the anguished decision by doctors to let desperately ill patients die at a hospital in the wake of Hurricane Katrina that was printed in the New York Times Magazine.
Both were outstanding examples of journalism, so why are some media pundits scratching their heads? Because it appears that reputation can diminish what ended up being an example of excellent reporting and investigating by reporters of the National Enquirer.
If not for the tireless work of the National Enquirer, the scandal surrounding John Edwards may have never have come to light. The Enquirer kept writing reports which led to forcing Edwards to finally admit paternity, and also led to a federal investigation into whether Edwards' campaign broke any laws by continuing to pay Hunter after she stopped working for the campaign.
Pretty strong stuff for any news organization, so were the judges biased against the gossipy tabloid? Not at all said one of the jurors who participated in the voting. They explained to James Rainy of the L.A. Times "The fact that the main revelations had happened in a prior year was one factor against them." The jurist also explained that "There is a difference between a scoop or a 'get' and a great investigation with a high degree of difficulty."
Maybe so, but ponder this; had it not been for the National Enquirer's efforts to uncover and report the John Edwards scandal, it's possible Edwards could be in a key position in the government, whether vice president or in Obama's Cabinet. It really could have affected the future of the government, so the next time you're standing in line at the supermarket check-out, you might want to take a second look at the magazine that features the Headline; "I ate my foot while trapped in a refrigerator" and give it just a little more respect.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Where Are You Johnny Cash?
America needs a new Johnny Cash. Cash, who passed away in 2003, was the one American to me that transcended party politics and spoke out on a myriad of issues, regardless of whether it was on the left, the right or right down the middle. Born of the south with conservative roots that ran as deep as the black dirt farm he grew up on, Cash was also a tireless fighter for the poor and downtrodden.
We all remember those famous shows at San Quentin and Folsom Prison, but Cash also garnered relationships with the Reverend Billy Graham and numerous Presidents. Cash was the quintessential everyday man who was often torn by issues that were complex and daunting.
Cash was invited to sing at the White House in 1972 and Richard Nixon requested he play "Okie from Muskogee" (a satirical song about a group of people who hated the young drug users and war protesters of the time) and "Welfare Cadillac" (a Guy Drake song which denies the integrity of welfare recipients).
Cash declined to play either song and instead selected songs, including "The Ballad of Ira Hayes" (about a heroic Native-American World War II veteran who was mistreated when he came home) and his own compositions, "What is Truth?" and "Man in Black".
Cash said the reasons for denying the song choices were not knowing them and having a short notice to rehearse them, rather than any political reason. Cash added, even if Nixon's office had given him enough time to learn them, their choice of pieces that conveyed sentiments might have backfired.
That was Cash; full of class and still a man who stuck to his principles. What can you say about a person that publically supported the right of an American to burn the flag, as long as he had the right to possess a gun to make sure that no one burned his flag.
We often talk about heroes, yet we don't often know who they are till they're gone. I remember seeing the Highwaymen (the group that featured Waylon Jennings, Kris kristofferson, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash) perform at the Houston Live Stock Show and Rodeo in the old Astrodome. I thought the roof was going to come off the building when the "Man in Black" walked up to the microphone and announced; "Hello...I'm Johnny Cash".
We cheered for the music, but now I'm wondering if the cheers were for something more.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Will The World Wide Web Slow Down?
Tired of slow internet connections and downloads? Get ready for another potential roadblock on the information highway after a federal court ruling which could to lead to slower downloads or even blocking access to Web sites altogether. The U.S. Court Appeals in the District of Columbia ruled that the Federal Communications Commission "over-stepped" its authority when it censured Comcast Corporation in 2008.
The FCC ruled against Comcast after it blocked users from Bit-Torrent, an online service that offers people the opportunity to share movies, music and other large digital files. Comcast blocked the access in an attempt to alleviate network congestion.
Tuesday's ruling from the court pits proponents of "Net Neutrality" against telecom companies who complain that any government intrusion would discourage investments and complicate the justifiable need to manage traffic, spam and malware.
Net neutrality is the principle that the Web should remain an open range where Internet access providers don't encumber or encourage particular devices, applications or content on their network.
The ruling by the court could also challenge the FCC's ability to carry out the recently released National Broadband Plan, which would provide the agency the right to expand regulations for Internet service providers.
The FCC said that it remained "firmly committed to promoting an open Internet". The statement went on to say that "while the court decision invalidated its current approach to that goal, the court in no way disagreed with the importance of providing a free and open Internet, nor did it close the door to other methods for achieving this important end."
Thursday, April 1, 2010
News & Notes
No new articles to post and I don't have a good April Fools day joke to play, so here is a quick note to let you know about some new content that I recently added. Check out some videos and photos of a recent trip to Madrid and Barcelona. Wonderful cities with great muesums and food. You can find the videos and photos at Vacation Pictures Page on this web site.
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Lost Art of Civility
What has happened to civility? It seems that commodity is in very short supply these days. Both Republicans and Democrats have been fighting it out over health care, immigration, the economy and who will win on "Dancing with the Stars" (OK, I made that last one up to see if you were paying attention).
Lack of manners is nothing new in Washington. Back in 1856, Preston Brooks, a member of the House of Representatives from South Carolina, confronted Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts saying "You have libeled my state and slandered my relation. And I feel it to be my duty to punish you."
Brooks then went on and struck the seated Sumner across the head with his heavy cane. He continued to deliver blows on Sumner with the cane, who tried to fend them off with his arms. Sumner finally was able to break free and ran down the aisle of the Senate. Brooks followed him, breaking the cane over Sumner's head.
Makes today's rhetoric seem tame doesn't it? Here's the thing I don't understand. 32.9% of Americans now say they are not affiliated with either party, but consider themselves independent. (35.1% say they are Democrats while 32.1% identify themselves as Republican according to a recent survey conducted by Rasmussen Reports.)
So who exactly are the parties trying to reach? There are many disenfranchised voters in the middle that are watching and listening to the rhetoric, but where will their votes go? That's an important question for Democrats and Republicans as they continue to fight in the political sandbox known as Washington.
One thing is for sure; neither party seems to be making in-roads with endless bickering, threats and backroom deals. The number of independents continues to grow and the lack of civility cannot be discounted.
Politicians from both sides of the aisle can take a lesson from the movie "Harvey" in which Jimmy Stewart plays a delusional Elwood P. Dowd whose best friend is an imaginary 6 foot rabbit.
In the film, Dowd quips; "Years ago my mother used to say to me, she'd say, "In this world, Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant." Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. You may quote me".
And I do.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
The Greatest F-Bombs Of All Time
Vice President Joe Biden was certainly not at a loss for words yesterday when he described the passing of the hotly contested health care reform bill as a "Big F-ing" deal. President Obama looked slightly pained by the description and the comment has generated conversation among media pundits and around the proverbial water coolers at work.
While noteworthy, it certainly was not the first time that magic word has been the center of attention. Here are some of the more notable uses of the F-word (which we will substitute with the word "Fudge" for our more delicate readers).
*The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger featured an early use of "Fudge" in print. First published in the United States in 1951, the novel remains controversial to this day due to its use of the word, standing at number 13 for the most banned books from 1990-2000 according to the American Library Association.
*Kenneth Tynan, a British drama critic was the first man ever to drop an "F-Bomb" on live TV in 1965 when he asks, "What exactly is wrong with the word 'fudge'"?
*Robert Altman's movie M*A*S*H released in 1970 was the first major Hollywood film to use the F-word even though it was never in the original script.
*Paul Shaffer was supposed to say "floggin" during a sketch about a medieval band rehearsing a song on a Saturday Night Live episode in 1980, but it didn't come out that way. The incident went largely unnoticed.
*In 1983, the film Scarface uses the F-word a whopping 206 times. It got so bad that in one scene, Tony Montana's girlfriend asks him, "Can't you stop saying "fudge" all the time?"
*Not to be outdone, Martin Scorsese set a new record in 1995 when his film Casino utters the F-word 442 times, which comes out to an astounding 2.4 times per minute.
*U-2's Bono drops an F-bomb at the 2003 Golden Globe Awards. Rolling Stone magazine reports that eleven Republicans then sponsored a resolution to have the FCC revoke the licenses of television stations that repeatedly air indecent material.
*In 2004, Vice President Dick Cheney told Democratic senator Patrick Leahy to "fudge yourself". Ironically, Cheney's outburst occurred on the same day that the Defense of Decency Act was passed in the Senate.
*At the Live8 concert in London in 2005, rapper Snoop Dogg asks the crowd to put their "Mother Fudging" hands in the air before an estimated audience of 3.5 billion people.
Monday, March 20, 2010
The Quest For The Ultimate Hot Chocolate
What was I doing riding the Metro Red Line #2 Metro in Madrid, Spain? Could it be to see brilliant works by El Greco, Goya or Velazquez at the Museo Nacional Del Prado? Or maybe I was there to explore the Palacio Real, the splendid royal place that was home to Spain's royal family for centuries?
I would like to admit my journey that morning was to immerse myself in the amazing arts housed in Spain's capitol city, but sadly I was in search of the perfect cup of hot chocolate and that means a trip to San Gines Choclateria. Nestled down a small alley behind the San Gines Cathedral, this mecca of chocolate boasts Madrid's epicenter of the national breakfast known as "Chocolate con Churros".
Churros in Spain are a national treasure and San Gines has been dishing them up since 1894. Unlike the churros you may be familiar with; these tasty morsels are lightly fried pieces of dough with nothing else added. Sound plain? Wait till you dunk a piece of churros into the cup of hot chocolate that is so thick, a spoon will rest gently on the top of the chocolate mixture which resembles pudding more than milk.
It was as if I was stepping through a gateway in time when I entered San Gines Choclateria. Waiters in white serve cups of thick, sweet chocolate at the marble bar or at small tables amid the green wood paneling and mirrors of the 19th Century cafe. The churros arrive through a kitchen portal as long spirals of extruded and quickly-fried dough that are cut to length with scissors before serving.
Talk about the ultimate finger food. All one has to do is take a small piece of the churros and dip it into the syrupy concoction of the most amazing chocolate you can dream of. And don't worry; there are no calorie counters on the menu to make you feel guilty. And good luck trying to finish the cup of chocolate. On both of my visits to San Gines Choclateria (yes I went back for more), I could not finish all the chocolate in the cup. That's ok, I did manage to empty the plate of Churros and that's what matters.
If you ever get the chance to visit Madrid, Spain, be sure you visit the outstanding collection of museums, plazas and churches. Just make sure to start your day with an order of "Chocolate con Churros" at San Gines Choclateria. That way, you'll the get all the energy food needed to do all that walking.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Talking Out Of Both Sides Of Your Mouth
Courtsey of the Houston Chronicle
There's an interesting affliction affecting politicians lately. It's called "talking out of both sides of your mouth". And while once mostly relegated to our elected officials, it's now appears to be spreading to the public at large.
Let's begin with our elected officials and consider the recent primary election between Rick Perry and Kay Bailey Hutchinson. Perry put the "Washington Insider" label on her and it stuck. Ad after ad told us how Washington is broke, and we don't need them to tell us how to run our state. Senator Hutchinson is a "Fat-Cat" that wastes millions of taxpayer dollars on pork barrel projects, so how can we trust her to run the state?
Have you ever tried to date someone by telling them they're a mess and broken? Good luck getting anywhere with that. Look at what happened when the army decided to take away a contract from a B.A.E., a local Texas company, to build vehicles and awarded it to a company in Wisconsin instead. Texas politicians from both sides of the aisle were furiously pointing their finger at anyone who might have dropped the ball.
I would hate to think Rick Perry is happy that Washington took their money elsewhere because Texas doesn't need them, but what's going to happen to the people of Butler County that relied on that work? B.A.E. has recently announced it having to lay off 100 workers. The cliche "beauty (or pork barrel) is in the eye of the beholder" seems very apropos at the moment.
The list doesn't end there. When Obama reveled major cuts in spending for NASA, many Texans became worried (and rightly so) about losing jobs in the Clear Lake area. Maybe someone can explain to me why it's a good thing to keep Washington out of messing up Texas.
Before you think I'm just picking on Republicans, let me say I'm not sure I understand how cutting funding for NASA is in line with Obama's promise to create jobs, unless you think the private sector is going to take over outer space and not move those jobs over-seas someplace.
Or consider New York Democratic Governor David Patterson who was known to fight tooth and nail to protect women's rights only to try and have an alleged victim of abuse stay silent to protect a colleague. No, sadly talking out of both sides of one's mouth is truly a bi-partisan issue.
It doesn't stop with politicians. More and more citizens are assembling on television news programs screaming about "Big Government" and how we need to "take back our country". Unless of course you're thinking about cutting back on Medicare or Social Security. For some reason; those entitlements do not seem to fall under the umbrella of "Big Government" programs.
I admit there are times I agree with some of what anti-big government people say. I'm very concerned about the deficit and believe we need to find a way to control spending, especially when we are still trying to get our economic legs back in shape.
I just wish everyone would tone down the rhetoric a little bit. I get nervous thinking about people getting so angry at the government that they fly airplanes into IRS office buildings or shoot officers outside the Pentagon building all while being called heroes by some. I'm not saying there is direct correlation between the people screaming for less government and the people who act out in horrible ways, but I can't help but worry some of the outcry is fanning the flames of extremism.
I guess what I'm asking here is can we tone it down a little and think before we speak out of both sides of our mouth? America has been, and will be a country of compromise. It's not perfect, but let's not lose site of the fact it's still the best thing out there. We're not always going to get our way, but hopefully we can find that elusive middle ground somewhere. After all; what do you call a child that always gets their way? I believe the word is spoiled and that's not good for anyone.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Lamest Facebook Groups
OK, I admit that I probably look at Facebook way too much (I really need to find gainful employment). I enjoy seeing what my family and friends are doing up to a certain point. Some people (and you know who you are) feel the need to update us with your status every ten minutes by posting such compelling tidbits such as "Just got home, going to take a shower", or "My cat just hacked up a huge hairball. Gross!!!!". Yes, it is gross, and thanks for sharing that bit of information with me.
What really gets me is the variety of groups you can join on Facebook. Old Sigmund Freud would have a field day trying to figure out what would compel someone to join "Laughing with your best friend till you can't breathe" group which has over 500,000 members or "I Can't Believe I Have Braces in College" group which has mere 3 members. (Guess it's not cool to have braces when you're in college).
So without further ado, allow me to present my Top 5 list of the lamest Facebook groups...
#5
"I bet I can find a million people that hate Tokio Hotel"
(110,567 members)
There are a ton of groups willing to offer wagers on getting people to join. What I don't understand is what happens when they lose. My suggestion is they are removed from Facebook for a minimum of one year and are given a lifetime ban from starting new groups.
#4
Join if you ever said I'm not drinking again"
(101,640 members)
The great thing about Facebook is seeing groups from other countries. This one comes courtesy of our friends across the pond in the United Kingdom (are we really surprised at that?). The biggest disappointment to me about this group is that not a single one of my friends are members.
#3
That Waldo is a tricky son of a bitch
(79,579 members)
You might think this was started by some middle school student, but it was actually founded by someone attending Wichita State University. While it might be hard for someone under the age of 8 to find Waldo (after all; he is a "tricky son of a bitch"), I suggest we just let Waldo keep hiding and maybe he and this group will both go away.
#2
"I have a tendency to laugh at inappropriate times
(86,930 members)
Do you laugh when someone gets severely injured? How about when someone was talking about a death in their family? If you laugh at inappropriate times; this group is for you. The group page offers photos posted by its members including a picture of a little boy crying in front of a tombstone with Santa Claus's name on it. Hilarious! I laughed out loud so I guess I need to join.
#1
I used to make potions out of shampoo as a kid"
(133,133 members)
The group site claims "As a child, many of us used to concoct fun mixtures out of our moms' shampoo, face wash, soap, etc. You know you loved it." I guess these are the same people that went on to graduate with an advanced degree in Chemistry at Visible Changes University.
Do you have a Facebook group you love to hate? Let me know; I'd love to join (LMAO!!!)
It's been a rough winter for much of the Northeast. New York City has received nearly 21 inches of the white stuff in the month of February alone. We've heard forecasters and news media throw around terms like "snowmagadon" and "snowpocalypes" so what's wrong with "snowicane"?
National Weather Service meteorologist Craig Evanego told the Associated Press It's "almost inciting the public, inciting panic". Roy Miller, a colleague put it even more brusquely; "It's not responsible to be putting out things like this". Not to be outdone, the A.P. reported The Weather Channel called the use of the H-Word an example of "bad meteorology". Really? Now we have to call it the "H-word"?
So why all the hubbub? Accu-Weather and The Weather Channel are for-profit forecasters that offer services to broadcast media and private business so you can understand why there is a rivalry between them, but why is the National Weather Service getting into this skirmish? They're an official government agency whose primary concern is not to confuse and cause panic among its citizens with made-up words like "Snowicane" or "Bi-partisanship".
Bruce Rose, vice president and principal scientist at The Weather Channel was quoted as saying "It's not an apt analogy to compare this winter storm, which is really all about cold air and jet stream, with a hurricane, which is all about heat and...things of tropical origin". Evan Myers, chief operations officer of Accu-Weather, defended the choice of words but said his firm wasn't trying to panic anyone.
Personally, I don't care what catchy names they come up with to call storms. I'm more interested in them getting it right. With all the color graphics and really cool looking maps the biggest challenge still facing meteorologists; "is it going to rain, and how much"?
Thursday, February 25, 2010
I'm Lost!
I'm lost, but unlike most males, I'm not afraid to ask for directions. No, I'm not talking about navigating Houston streets; I'm talking about the eccentric/peculiar ABC television show "Lost".
Now before you get all excited about me revealing a brilliant theory on why everyone is trapped on the island, what is behind the smoke monster, or who Jacob really is; I have some bad news, I don't have a clue. I confess that I watch the show every week, but I always end up scratching my head thinking "what just happened"? That's why I rely on the Internet and Social Media web sites.
"Lost" is the perfect show for today's world of Social Media. There are tons of Blogs, Internet Sites, You Tube Videos, Facebook groups and other ways for fans to keep up with what's going on, and there is a lot to thrash out. Consider that on Facebook alone, "Lost" has 1,802,974 fans that have joined its group and that number grows every day. The nature of the show makes it perfect for people who enjoy conspiracies and story lines that offer multiple explanations that have not been seen on network TV since "Twin Peaks".
Think about it. How often do you hear people try to figure out what's going on with Barney on "How I Meet Your Mother"? (In case you're wondering, they have a mere 10,400 fans on Facebook.) "Lost" is rich with quirky characters, plot twists and "what the hell just happened" moments that keeps fans guessing. They repeat the previous week's episode with "Pop-Up" notes and other info to help us slower folks keep up. That to me is just a different form of Social Media, albeit an older one. I have even heard of people who go to work early on Thursday morning just to meet up with co-workers and go over theories from last night's show.
"Lost" is in its final season and the producers promise to answer most questions. I've heard/read lots of theories. The best one so far is that Jacob and MIB (Man In Black) are staging some kind of moral contest to determine whether man is inherently good or evil. They introduce participants to their game which include the Dharma Initiative, plane crashes and ship wrecks to help them resolve who is right. It sorta reminds me of the story of Job. I wonder if we'll see a biblical reference anytime soon?
If you've never seen an episode, forget trying to follow any of this. It won't make any sense, but if you are a fan; here's some links that will give you some additional insight into what others are saying. I would love to know what you think. Send me an e-mail with your thoughts on what's behind all the unexplained appeal of "Lost".
When did party politics replace working in the best interest of the people you represent? I speak of course about Scott Brown the newly elected Senator from Massachusetts. He is under siege for going against party lines on a recent jobs bill. His Facebook page is being bombard with comments such as "you turned on us like every other RINO" (Republican-In-Name-Only) and "enjoy your one term as Senator".
Brown's not the only politician that is feeling the heat from constituents. Evan Bayh, the Democratic Senator from Indiana is so frustrated by party politics; he announced that he was not going to seek another term. I understand the need of having political parties. They've been with us since the start, and help identify a candidate's position on numerous issues, but lately it feels like its more important to serve the party and not the people.
There are times when I side with a Republican point of view and there are times when I go with the Democratic point of view. And, I'm not alone. 45% of ballots cast in Texas in 2006 were along party lines. That means 55% of the population made their decision based on the candidate and not which party they affiliated themselves with. Remember the silent majority?
There is an unseemly "Us versus Them" mentality that has taken over and not just in Washington, but local politics as well. Consider the race for Texas Governor that is taking place. Who is more Republican? Governor Rick Perry, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, or Debra Medina? And even stranger, who is less of a politician? Watching the candidates advertisements suggests that the less of politician you are, the better Governor you'll be.
I have to wonder what the late Ted Kennedy thinks of all this. After his death, a colleague in the Senate said Kennedy would fight tooth and nail for what he believed in. He didn't always get all he wanted, but took what he could and then had a drink and a laugh with his peers from both sides of the aisle afterwards.
Maybe we're looking at this all wrong. Maybe what we need are more real politicians. People who know how to get things done for the people and not just their political party. They may not win every battle, but nothing about life in America is ever black and white. It's grey with a "middle of the road" mentality that America needs to find again.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Space Noise
I thought I would share a short video I just produced which I call "Space Noise". I wrote the music for this piece. If I don't find a job soon, I might have to move to Berlin and become a Techno-Pop musician! The pictures are courtesy of NASA and The Hubble Telescope. Hope you enjoy.
Speaking of video, check out something I found on You Tube in "Bill's Video of the Day" section at the bottom of my home page. It's from an advertising campaign for NewsRadio 740 KTRH that I helped with called "Urban Survival". It was a lot of fun shooting and editing that spot. The best part was flying around in a helicopter filming aerial shots of H-Town.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The Changing Face of Radio
If video killed the radio star, the internet may end up killing radio as we know it. Consider that when Baby Boomers like yours truly were growing up, there were two choices; AM and FM (life was so much simpler back than). Then stereo came along to the FM dial (anyone remember when KLOL broadcast in Quadraphonic, or 4.0 stereo?). Today there are even more choices with XM/Sirius, H-D Radio and of course, Internet Radio.
While there are many complaints about today’s corporate radio (how many times can one station play "Sweet Home Alabama" in a day?) and what its done to listening habits, one thing is certain; there is a growing trend to spend less time with traditional radio and more time with internet radio.
Meet Pandora.com. Pandora currently has 40 million registered users and 15 million monthly visitors. That compares to CBS Radio which has about 9 million listeners who stream its programming monthly and Clear Channel which has 8 million listeners tune in online. Why do so many people choose to listen to Pandora? A big concern for traditional radio is Pandora's model, which allows users to customize music to their own liking. Simply type the name of artist you like and Pandora will build a custom radio station just for you.
It has been estimated that nearly one-third of Pandora's daily users listen to Pandora on mobile phones and the news gets even better for Pandora. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Pioneer will debut a new navigation and entertainment device in March, allowing Pandora users using Apple iPhone & iPod touch devices easy access to Pandora in their cars. Once connected, the user will see their Pandora settings on the unit's navigation screen.
Pandora co-founder Tim Westergren was quoted in the Journal saying, "Maybe a year ago people would have said Pandora is a computer thing...they're beginning to realize that Internet radio is an anytime, anywhere thing."
So what does all this mean for listeners of radio? It means you now have even more control and choices on what you choose to listen to. Nothing lasts forever (remember how cool 8-tracks were?). Even Compact Discs have become less relevant with people purchasing music on-line. As Albert Einstein once said; "Technological change is like an axe in the hands of a pathological criminal." Pandora may not kill radio, but it will rearrange the face of it.
Check out a special video of the day at the bottom of the home page for a nostalgic look back at the future and the answer to the trivia question; "What was the 1st video ever played on MTV"?
Monday, February 15, 2010
Why I Love The Olympics
The 2009 Winter Olympics are underway and I love every minute of it.
This is the only time of the year I'll watch events such as Luge, Nordic Biathlon and Mogul skiing. It's not the events that capture my attention, but rather the human stories that emerege. The Luger from India who doesn't have a chance to medal, but still gets wild cheers after every run. The "Orange Nation" (yes, I'm prejudced), a rowdy collection of Dutch Speed skating fans with an obsessed passion for a sport that most Americans don't even know exists.
There are also sad stories that remind me that the human experience is something shared by all people. These games will be remembered by the tragic death of the Luger from Georgia, and I don't understand how they allowed the atheletes so exposed to such danger. It seems to me they could have done a better job of making that track safer.
There are so many great stories to tell, NBC will have their hands full trying to get them all on the air. I have to admit, I'm getting tired of hearing that no Canadian has won a gold medal during an Olympics held in Canada (until last night) and some other stories that are being repeated to death. I hope NBC keeps it moving by adding more stories into the mix.
Check out the Video of the Day at the bottom of the Home Page and for Team Orange and in honor of my dad;
Hup Holland Hup!!!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Best Love Song Of All Time?
My vote would have to be "Something" by the Beatles. This is the only song written by George Harrison that was released as the "A-Side" of a single by the group. It quickly became the most covered song by the Beatles outside of "Yesterday". Frank Sinatra said it was "the greatest love song ever written", and that's a pretty good endorsement from someone who knows a thing or two about torch songs.
Harrison used his wife, Patty Boyd as inspiration for the song.
Boyd will go down in history as the face that "launched the greatest love songs of all time". In addition to "Something", she was also the inspiration behind Eric Clapton's "Bell Bottom Blues", "Layla" and "Wonderful Tonight".
So in honor of Valentine's Day; check out "Bill's Video of the Day" below for a rare Beatle promo video of "Something".
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Best Music Show on TV You've Never Heard Of
Forget MTV, CMT & VH1. The best music show on TV today is "Spectacle: Elvis Costello with...". What makes the show so good? It starts with a host whose love of music quickly becomes contagious. Trying to list Elvis's musical accomplishments here would take up too much space, so let's get to the heart of what makes this program such a must see; Elvis is able to cut through the clutter and get the biggest names in music show business to share their most intimate details. They willingly talk about their beginnings and influences, how they write their music, and what moves them both musically and emotionally.
Elvis comes across as a music historian, deftly prepared with questions, observations and opinions that even the most die-hard fan would have trouble coming up with.
His guest line-up is a who's who. U-2, Bruce Springsteen, Tony Bennett, Lyle Lovett and Sir Elton John (one of the show's creators) are just a few of the artists that have appeared on the program, but I think it's his "thematic" episodes that make the show brilliant. Picture Kris Kristofferson, Rosanne Cash, Norah Jones and John Cougar Melloncamp in a classic "guitar pull" all while sharing stories about their songs (check out "Bill's Video of the day" at the bottom of the page). One hour is simply not enough!!
The show is not afraid to take chances either. Elvis is as comfortable with the likes of Rene Fleming (American Opera Soprano), Bill Clinton (Yes, that Bill Clinton) and Rufus Wainwright (son of Loudon Wainwright III) as he is with the Police, Lou Reed and James Taylor. I would never have thought I could listen to a "diva" talking about the business of opera, but Elvis finds a way to make it interesting and keep me watching.
It should be illegal to see Elvis and his guests have the fun they have. The piece de resistance for me personally is when Elvis joins his guest(s) for a quick song or two at the end of the show. The Sundance Channel does not have plans to release a CD at the moment, but that's a missed opportunity that must be corrected (who's ready to start an on-line petition?).
Actress/music journalist Mary Louis Parker called Elvis "the coolest person" she knows and it's hard to argue with her. Sure I'm biased. I still own a 45 of Elvis performing Allison live at Hollywood High , cheered when I learned that he was banished from Saturday Night Live in 1977 for playing a song that made fun of the media, and partnered with legendary Burt Bacharach, but what's most comforting is knowing that a person with the talent and love of music that he has can still have such passion for his craft even after all these years.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
There's a new buzz in town
As if keeping up with FaceBook, My Space, Twitter, You Tube, Flicker, LinkedIn and others wasn't enough, there's a new place in Cyber-Space to see what your friends and business colleagues are up to. Meet internet behemoth Google's newest foray into the social media landscape; "Google Buzz".
Google Buzz allows users of Gmail to share updates, pictures and videos just like FaceBook. What gives Google some hope for success is their Gmail service, which has 176 million users. Gmail will provide Google Buzz with a built-in circle of friends creating a group that is automatically selected by Google based on the people that a user communicates with most frequently in Gmail and on Google's chat service.
Why the need for another social media site? "The stream of messages has become a torrent," Bradley Horowitz, vice president for product development at Google, said in an interview. "We think this has become a Google-scale problem."
Google Buzz is looking to take a large slice out of FaceBook which recently celebrated its 6th anniversary . FaceBook has 400 million users with each person spending around 55 minutes a day visiting the site. Those are very powerful numbers so it makes sense that Google wants a part of that, but do we really need another place to check in with friends?
I'm a regular user of FaceBook and the last thing I need in my life is another social networking site. I don't want to have to go between sites to catch up on what's going on, and I have to believe most people agree. Send me an e-mail and let me know what you think. Who knows, if enough of you say you're going to use Google Buzz, I just might have to add another bookmark! And, be sure to check Bill's Video of the Day; 25 things I hate about FaceBook.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Where Have You Been All My Life?
I've lived in Houston since 1981 and thought I had heard and been to every major musical venue in town (remember Cardies?). So imagine my surprise when I was invited by some friends to see Ken Gaines and Wayne Wilkerson perform at a club called Anderson Fair in the heart of the Montrose.
Anderson Fair started back in 1969 as a coffee house/cafe where poetry was read, but quickly became known for its music. And not just any kind music, but the pure, organic kind played in a near perfect atmosphere. The club is hidden behind the Texas Art Supply building on Montrose Boulevard and walking in was like stepping through a time portal. There is an amazing history to the building that houses Anderson Fair. The smells of something old, yet comforting greeted me as I walked in the door; it felt like being in my grandmother's house.
Once inside, a man collected my money (there's no need for a hand stamp because they'll remember you paid) and I walked up to a counter where beverages and "munchies" are offered. Looking at the prices, I really did feel like I was back in time ($4 for a bottle of beer; really?).
I found a table in the back, sat down sipping a cold Shiner Bock and waited for the show to begin. Looking around absorbing the atmosphere, I saw a small and intimate stage in the corner of the room that could barely support two musicians. There was perhaps seating for 50 people at most with church pews along the walls for those poor souls not lucky enough to secure a table. If full, one can always find a good book and sit in a reading room that's located on the other side of the club.
Soon, the host stepped up to a microphone and introduced the musical entertainment for that evening. I won't attempt to write a full review of the show Ken Gaines and Wayne Wilkerson did that evening. They told us they were recording a live album and soon filled the venue with the sounds of music that can only be described as timeless. Both musicians complemented each other as if they had played together for years (which they have). One, a song writing troubadour from days gone by, the other providing magical licks that had me on the edge of my seat. One particular song from that evening summed up my Anderson Fair experience perfectly...
"Some sell themselves for money Some sell themselves for love Some give their lives to pleasure, or some power from above If my grandchildren wonder what I did with my life. Say I sold it for a song. "For A Song" --Ken Gaines
Keep your eyes open for a movie that's in the works called "For The Sake of The Song; The Story of Anderson Fair". It features Robert Earl Keene, Lyle Lovett, and Lucinda Williams among others and will tell the story of how some fairy tales come true; others don't. Check out a performance by Ken Gaines on "Bill's Video Of the Day at the bottom of this page.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Who Dat? Saints Dat!
In honor of the Saints victory in last nights Super Bowl, today's "Video of the Day" is for them. The game was great, but the commercials were somewhat disappointing. There were a few good ones. The promo for The Letterman show with Leno and Oprah was funny.
But, other than that, there was no "wow" moment for me.
On another note (pardon the pun), I went to a venue that I never heard of before called Anderson Fair. It's a small club that features folk music. It's been around since 1969 and I was very impressed by the vibe, and the talent featured there. I highly recommend it and will write more about it tomorrow.
Friday, February 5, 2010
I added a little home made music on the Bill's Resume Page . I call it "Kraftwork Revisited. It's something I made using some cool software I bought a while ago. In honor of the Super Game (I don't won't to get in trouble with the No Fun League) this Sunday, I posted the infamous ad that introduced the Mac Computer. Hard to believe that aired in 1984. That was the commercial that started it all and set the bar for all other Super Bowl (Damn, hope I don't get in trouble for that!) ads. Should be a fun game. All that's left to say is..."WHO DAT"?
Thursday, February 4, 2010
I posted a new video of band called Project Trio, a group of musicans that are "Blurring the lines of Classical Music". It features two cello players and a flutiest that feature passionate, high energy chamber music. Blending their classical training with an eclectic taste in musical styles, it's really fun stuff and I hope you check it out at the bottom of this page. I read a report today that younger people are not "Tweeting" as much as thought. Makes sense to me. I think that Twitter is better used for news/commerce updates, and not what the status of your friends is. Face book does a much better job of "Social Networking" between friends. You can share much more info like pics, videos, links and one on one communciation. Send me an e-mail if you agree, or if you disagree.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
I added a new feature to the web site. It's "Bill's Video of the Day" and features a video clip of something that peaked my interest. You can find it by scrolling down on the home page. Today's clip is a rundown of the Academy Award nominations. I recently saw "Up in the Air" and thought it was a brilliant movie. I also thought "500 Days of Summer" should have gotten more love from the voters. Great writing, acting and everything a movie should be.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
You might have noticed a change in the lay-out of the home page. I added some tables for a cleaner look. I also added another example of an E-Blast I built using Photo Shop. It was for the Jim Rome "Smack-off" and looks very sharp (if I do say so myself). You can find it on Bill's Resume Page . Don't forget you will need a User Name and Password to access that stuff.
Culturemap.com posted another article that I wrote. The story was about my adventures in learning the sport/art of Yoga. I had a great time writing this one. It's full of personality and gives you a sense of how I can write in different styles.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
I found a great article on the "Internet of Tomorrow". It shares some interesting numbers on Social Networking usage and also speculates that soon most web browsing will take place on handheld devices and not your traditional desktop/laptop computer. Check it out and tell what you think
Monday, January 25, 2010
I have posted some great new materials on the Bill's Resume Page. You will need a log-in name and password to access the materials. I added some more examples of my work including a great screen shot from a Google search on an recent article I wrote. I also added an easy way to reach me on Linkedin . Send me an e-mail if you want access to my Resume Page.
Friday, January 22, 2010
You can check out another article I wrote forCulture Map.com.It's about Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin and what the future might bode for them. I also added a "Motivation Quote" of the day widget to the home page.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
I wrote a second article for culturemap.com. It's about Pandora.com and how it's starting to give "traditional radio" a run for its money. Don't get me wrong, I love radio and all it offers (some of it can be done better), but things change and it's important to keep up with that change.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
I wrote an article about tonight's game between the Longhorns and the Crimson Tide. You can read it at culturemap.com. It's a great web site that covers a lot of cool things happening in H-Town. Let me know if you think I'm right!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Still hard to type 2010. Wanted to let you know you that I have added a "Share This" widget on the "Home Made Music" page. It's a great way to share stuff you like with your friends via many social networking platforms. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Snow is falling in Houston! Crazy, but true. Added a link to Facebook for people that want to follow me there. Also added an animated gif on the "Home Made Music" page for fun.
Tuesday, December 2, 2009
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday. Lot's of good food and good football at the Van Rysdam casa. You can check out some photos of a mission trip I took to Honduras back in 2005 on the Mission Trips Page. I had to scan the photos before I could upload them which is why it took a while to post. I could not help but think of the people of Honduras and how they are doing during the recent coup that took place. I really hope everyone is ok and things will get back to normal very soon. Thanks to everyone who's helping me look for work. I know a bunch of good people in the same situation, and can't help but think "It's got to get better in a little while" (tip of the hat to Derek & the Dominios!)
Friday, November 20, 2009
Added some more features. Below on the home page you'll find a helpful "Countdown To Christmas" clock. The picture is from a painting by Jan Steen called "The Feast of Saint Nicholas". On the right, you see a crying boy. He was bad, so Saint Nick did not leave him a present! Something to remember as the holiday draws near. Mouse over the "Countdown to Christmas" text for a neat little effect. I hope the alert message box that pops up when you open the home page is not too annoying, but part of the reason for this site is to demonstrate different features I can add to your site!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Mixed emotions today. The Saints played great, but the Bills were terrible! Oh well, the Sabres are playing well. Looking forward to a great week. We'll be posting some new music on the Home Made Music Page to check out! Keep coming back for more great content!
Monday, November 9, 2009
I'm back from participating on a Mission Trip to Carbonera, Mexico. We did contruction and medical work while we were there. Our 2 Doctors saw over 300 patients in two days! The construction crew began building a home for a family in need. Check out the latest pictures and video!
Monday, November 3, 2009
Come back next week for updated photos of a Mission Trip to La Carbonera!
Friday, October 30, 2009,
We updated the Vacation Pictures Page and added more Home Made Music for you to enjoy! We always welcome your feedback. Feel free to e-mail me with any comments, gripes, suggestions you have. You can reach me by sending an e-mail to bill@vanrysdam.com. My contact info can also be found on the "Other Stuff" page.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Welcome to Bill's Web Site! This site was built to help you keep up with everything yours truely. I am currently look for work. If you know of someone that is looking for a person who can create compelling content across all platforms, I hope you pass along my information, or share the opening with me. You can contact me by clicking on the box at the bottom of the "Other Stuff" page. Thanks!
