This past weekend, we went, with an excited little one, to see the new Pixar-animated film "Up". Heard lots of good things about it and, for the most part, the movie lived up to its advance reviews by our friends.
One thing I made sure that we avoided was the lure of the 3-D showing. It can really be awesome and exciting and EXPENSIVE! The last time I wasn't as aware and wound up laying out twice as much cash than the regular movie. TWICE AS MUCH!!!! And you know what? You don't even get to keep the 3-D glasses. Of course, why would you want to?
Anyhow, about the cost....not only do you play about $3-4 extra for the privilege of watching 3-D but there is also $3 service charge PER TICKET!!! Since that last outlay of big money,we thought it would be better to wait for the 3-D DVD.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Goodbye To An Old, OLD FRiend!
To some of you....actually, most of you, this may not mean anything but I just have to say something about an icon in our industry closing its doors today. Our top industry magazine, Radio & Records, announced that their last printed edition will be coming out Friday and their web presence will cease today - after 36 years of operation. This, to me, is like losing an old friend.....someone who was there, when you first got into the business, to help you get started; someone who was there to help you move in that upward direction you had hoped for; someone who let the industry know your name and your talent as often as possible and, mostly, someone who kept you informed, up-to-date and entertained. I learned more from various special articles in this publication than in any time NY Times business best-seller. The writers had a passion for the business and all facets of it. Their original publisher, Bob Wilson, was just a regular guy who wanted to help the industry grow and he did. Unfortunately, Corporate America took over the publication and things began to happen - less people , less articles, less conferences and conventions. A lot of good people are out of work today because of this announcement. I guess it's another sign that a "change has come to America". My heart goes out to all of the R&R alumni. A big thank you for helping me be what I am today.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Is a World Series of Spelling next????
Being an ex-Spelling bee champ(6th grade Metro DC - 3rd place), I always have an interest in the National Spelling Bee each year. But - here's my question: Since when has Spelling become a sport?
Not only does ESPN report the winner (with highlights, of course) on Sportscenter, but ABC treats the event as if the participants were some sort of athletes complete with the height and weight of each contestant (as if that would matter when it comes to spelling a word) and what their various hobbies and interests may be.
Don't get me wrong. It's neat to see these kids participating in something that is a little more meaningful than a Little League baseball game but why must we "athleticize" the affair?
I can see it now in future years. Spelling Bee Selection Night where contestants are "seeded" in various regions which then, of course, would spawn Regional Championships. Then we have our Final 4 kids and they hype could last for a week. Appearances on numerous TV shows. Analysts discussing which part of the English language would be the weakest or strongest for that contestant. What a financial bonanza!!!!!
Once again, we have taken the fun out what was, when I participated, a pretty neat, educational event. Bring on the World Series of Spelling. I can't wait!
Not only does ESPN report the winner (with highlights, of course) on Sportscenter, but ABC treats the event as if the participants were some sort of athletes complete with the height and weight of each contestant (as if that would matter when it comes to spelling a word) and what their various hobbies and interests may be.
Don't get me wrong. It's neat to see these kids participating in something that is a little more meaningful than a Little League baseball game but why must we "athleticize" the affair?
I can see it now in future years. Spelling Bee Selection Night where contestants are "seeded" in various regions which then, of course, would spawn Regional Championships. Then we have our Final 4 kids and they hype could last for a week. Appearances on numerous TV shows. Analysts discussing which part of the English language would be the weakest or strongest for that contestant. What a financial bonanza!!!!!
Once again, we have taken the fun out what was, when I participated, a pretty neat, educational event. Bring on the World Series of Spelling. I can't wait!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
NO MORE 'FINALE'S" - THANK GOD!!!
I noticed in checking my local TV listings, that the series/season finales are over for the year. Don't have to worry about the old DVR....or sticking around to watch a 2-hour event that could have been about 30 minutes. Our family may actually have something else to do like, maybe, take a walk or ride, watch a family movie...or better yet....read something. I'm not complaining.....I get just as hooked as some of you do on this stuff. I'm just glad it's over.
Monday, May 18, 2009
HAVE YOU MISSED THE RISING PRICE OF GAS
Okay, so there are reports that our economy may actually be making a positive turn. Did you notice that since that has been reported that the price of gasoline has risen almost 50 cents a gallon? No reports of a shortage of any kind. Only thing I've heard and read is the anticipation of summer driving has driven up the price. Give me a break!!! Does the price of cranberry sauce go up when we approach Thanksgiving? No.....does it cost more to buy hot dogs and hot dog buns on July 2nd?....Again, No!
What irks me most is that we sit and take it. No complaints. We just let the oil companies do it. Through all of these reports of downsizing and lost profits, have you seen an oil company as a part of that? I challenge you to name one for me because I can't.
I wish we could all just thumb our noses at them and stop using our vehicles altogether....but, we can't.....and they know it!!! Heck, when the price was $4.99 a gallon, we paid it. How does it feel to be a slave to the oil companies?
What irks me most is that we sit and take it. No complaints. We just let the oil companies do it. Through all of these reports of downsizing and lost profits, have you seen an oil company as a part of that? I challenge you to name one for me because I can't.
I wish we could all just thumb our noses at them and stop using our vehicles altogether....but, we can't.....and they know it!!! Heck, when the price was $4.99 a gallon, we paid it. How does it feel to be a slave to the oil companies?
Monday, May 11, 2009
LET THE KIDS DO THEIR OWN THING!!
For the past two months, our 10-year old daughter has been agonizing over her MAJOR
4th grade project which entailed picking a specific deceased character from American history who, she thinks, made an impact historically and spiritually. Her selection was Helen Keller. Of course, we were impressed with the choice. She went on to do some web research, watched a version of The Miracle Worker, read a book about Helen Keller and did some library research, also. The project was to be in a presentation form as if the character were a wax figure at a museum and when someone would walk up the display, the character would come alive with a simple press of a button and deliver a one-minute soliloquy on his/her place in history. Parents and students alike were invited to this presentation. For our little one, our involvement in the project comprised of reading over her various "papers" associated with the project and purchasing a Helen Keller costume and Braille book as props. The rest we left up to her.
As my wife and I walked into the presentation, we were met with an unbelievable amount of "props" from each student. One actually had 10-foot paper mache nose to depict Mt. Rushmore. Another had a $2000 flat screen TV to show videos of the character. There were lots more. One of the teachers, jokingly, remarked to me that there should be two grades for this project - one for the students and one for the PARENTS. as I viewed each presentation, I found myself feeling bad for our little one because we didn't do enough for her. I began to wonder if we should have had a display or something else to help her but then I realized that this was HER project and HER grade and she was happy with what she presented. It conjured up memories of my days as a Little League baseball coach and how "involved" parents would get. I walked away feeling a lot better about our little one because I knew that was her work and no one else has any hand in it.
My point is that, if you are a parent, PLEASE guide your children but don't do the work for them. Give them a chance to experience failure so they can learn from it and experience their own success. It doesn't get any better than seeing the elation from a child who has failed and, then, succeeded. Maybe we'll all be better for it.
4th grade project which entailed picking a specific deceased character from American history who, she thinks, made an impact historically and spiritually. Her selection was Helen Keller. Of course, we were impressed with the choice. She went on to do some web research, watched a version of The Miracle Worker, read a book about Helen Keller and did some library research, also. The project was to be in a presentation form as if the character were a wax figure at a museum and when someone would walk up the display, the character would come alive with a simple press of a button and deliver a one-minute soliloquy on his/her place in history. Parents and students alike were invited to this presentation. For our little one, our involvement in the project comprised of reading over her various "papers" associated with the project and purchasing a Helen Keller costume and Braille book as props. The rest we left up to her.
As my wife and I walked into the presentation, we were met with an unbelievable amount of "props" from each student. One actually had 10-foot paper mache nose to depict Mt. Rushmore. Another had a $2000 flat screen TV to show videos of the character. There were lots more. One of the teachers, jokingly, remarked to me that there should be two grades for this project - one for the students and one for the PARENTS. as I viewed each presentation, I found myself feeling bad for our little one because we didn't do enough for her. I began to wonder if we should have had a display or something else to help her but then I realized that this was HER project and HER grade and she was happy with what she presented. It conjured up memories of my days as a Little League baseball coach and how "involved" parents would get. I walked away feeling a lot better about our little one because I knew that was her work and no one else has any hand in it.
My point is that, if you are a parent, PLEASE guide your children but don't do the work for them. Give them a chance to experience failure so they can learn from it and experience their own success. It doesn't get any better than seeing the elation from a child who has failed and, then, succeeded. Maybe we'll all be better for it.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Something To Think About NOT Just Today
I am writing this on the designated National Day of Prayer and playing on 97.3 The Eagle right now is Trace Adkins new song "All I Ask For Anymore". This is a day DESIGNATED for all of us to pray and I'm listening to a song that lets us know what really matters every day of our lives. Trace sings about praying every night, not for his possible accomplishments but for his wife, his children, his friends......what really matters. After this past weekend visiting my grown daughter and her family, I was, for the first time in a long time, with my entire immediate family....my wife, two daughters, son-in-law and three grandchildren. It doesn't, and will never, get any better than that. Makes me realize that EVERY DAY should be a National Day of Prayer.....not just one day a year. Maybe, if we all prayed about what really matters every day....just maybe.....we can turn this whole thing around. I am a dreamer, you know....BUT, I'm also a believer. Lets give it a shot.
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