This is the second time. The good news is I believe THIS TIME we have a trustworthy, skillful, knowledgeable plumber. I say THIS TIME because the man cited three reasons why we will have to replace the wooden floor in the powder room AGAIN, i.e.: it wasn't repaired correctly the first time.
I won't detail the issues since I don't know the names of the parts involved. Just know that every flush was sending a spurt of water through a hole into the floor.
If you've never seen YOUR wooden floors ripped up due to water damage, let me tell you it's quite the deal - although when done properly, there's no permanent damage - just to your wallet!
First you have the toilet removed.
Then the floor removed.
Then you be sure it's bone dry.
Then the floor guy puts in a new floor.
Then the plumber reinstalls the toilet.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
UH OH! COMPUTER MAKING NEW NOISES
It sounds like a whirling, louder than ever. I think it's the fan, or worse, the hard drive. The fan has been cleaned relatively recently. The hard drive is not the original one, but a replacement somewhere along the lifeline of the box, as the original one became corrupt like a politician. At least it issued no denials.
If you are a friend and you lose track of me for a few days or weeks, the box did die and the replacement will bring with it many issues to resolve. I THINK I have saved on an outboard drive my email addresses but I can't be sure they will import into a new box when and if.
The other day my computer just shut DOWN in the middle of my typing... odd thing is that locally someone cut through a cable which took down all phone and internet for a while. And Terri's computer also died at work, another 'never before' thing.
Viruses are constantly checked on my computer... so I doubt that's an issue.
Just - stay in touch if I go away... I'll be back.
If you are a friend and you lose track of me for a few days or weeks, the box did die and the replacement will bring with it many issues to resolve. I THINK I have saved on an outboard drive my email addresses but I can't be sure they will import into a new box when and if.
The other day my computer just shut DOWN in the middle of my typing... odd thing is that locally someone cut through a cable which took down all phone and internet for a while. And Terri's computer also died at work, another 'never before' thing.
Viruses are constantly checked on my computer... so I doubt that's an issue.
Just - stay in touch if I go away... I'll be back.
Monday, March 22, 2010
BLUE ROCK ARTIST RANCH
Great name, huh? The place is a secluded recording facility outside of Wimberly, Texas, about 35 miles down the road from our house.
As a past attendee at one of their in-house concerts, I was invited to their 4th birthday party.
The day included performances (which are also recorded and shot on HD video, with feeds around the house. Ranch. Sorry.
Ruth Moody
Natalia Zuckerman
The Legendary Rupert Neve
Virtually every artist has recorded through his equipment which is in great studios all over the world!
The piano room (setup to record ensembles and groups)
The recording part of it all.
As a past attendee at one of their in-house concerts, I was invited to their 4th birthday party.
The day included performances (which are also recorded and shot on HD video, with feeds around the house. Ranch. Sorry.
Natalia Zuckerman
The Legendary Rupert Neve
Virtually every artist has recorded through his equipment which is in great studios all over the world!
The piano room (setup to record ensembles and groups)
The recording part of it all.
Friday, March 19, 2010
DAVY CROCKETT
I don't remember having a coon-skin hat as a kid. But I had the 45rpm record... "Born on a mountaintop in Tennessee... Kilt him a ba'ar when he was only three..." I probably thought I was Davy once in a while, roaming the wilds of the neighborhood which weren't wild at all - you had to go into the 'woods' (no relation) to find 'wilderness.' The woods were really the grounds of Haverford College, which had trees of many species all through its square-mile campus, just two blocks from my house.
I didn't realize how much I missed Davy, until I saw the news story last night which included some clips from way back then, as they stirred some soul-memory long forgotten. That was a time of clear right versus clear wrong. Things were fresh, probably due to my age and the innocence of inexperience. And simpler. I remember that right always won.
Last night they showed Fess Parker - Davy - and also later, Daniel - at 85. He had done real well. Bought land and had an award winning winery on 2200 acres. Even at that age he looked like a real man and a guy who'd treat you right.
He starred in Old Yeller, the first movie I cried at. Didn't expect to, either. Just LOST it.
Whatever reality is, when I looked at Davy, or Fess, I saw a purity (real or imagined) which is long gone in the days of Tiger, Jesse James, John Edwards, partisanship, Enron, Madoff, steroided athletes.
Rest in Peace, King Of The Wild Frontier.
Who would quailfy as a Real Man today?
I didn't realize how much I missed Davy, until I saw the news story last night which included some clips from way back then, as they stirred some soul-memory long forgotten. That was a time of clear right versus clear wrong. Things were fresh, probably due to my age and the innocence of inexperience. And simpler. I remember that right always won.
Last night they showed Fess Parker - Davy - and also later, Daniel - at 85. He had done real well. Bought land and had an award winning winery on 2200 acres. Even at that age he looked like a real man and a guy who'd treat you right.
He starred in Old Yeller, the first movie I cried at. Didn't expect to, either. Just LOST it.
Whatever reality is, when I looked at Davy, or Fess, I saw a purity (real or imagined) which is long gone in the days of Tiger, Jesse James, John Edwards, partisanship, Enron, Madoff, steroided athletes.
Rest in Peace, King Of The Wild Frontier.
Who would quailfy as a Real Man today?
Friday, March 12, 2010
SXSW
This is a BIG deal - SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST - coming to town in various incarnations - Film, Interactive, Music. The city will be full of gigs (last year over 1000 bands showed up from all over the world!) and parties. Celebs say this town is a cool place to be - that the folks don't rush to get an autograph or picture. That's a good thing. Likely true.
From SXSW.com: "The music event has grown from 700 registrants in 1987 to nearly 12,000 registrants. As Austin has grown and diversified, film companies and high-tech companies have played a major role in the Austin and the Texas economies. In 1994, SXSW added a film and interactive component to accommodate these growth industries. SXSW Film and SXSW Interactive events attract approximately 17,000 registrants to Austin every March.
SXSW's original goal was to create an event that would act as a tool for creative people and the companies they work with to develop their careers, to bring together people from a wide area to meet and share ideas. That continues to be the goal today whether it is music, film or the internet. And Austin continues to be the perfect location."
The Goody Bag thing:
One of the neat things about Austin is the shared pride people have ABOUT Austin - sure, some oldtimers complain about what was lost while the city expanded, but the cool vibe is still here.
A friend who was recently on a job interview in Dallas commented about how much more cosmopolitan Dallas is, compared to Austin. So true.
Austin is friendly, accepting, and music-centric.
For us, the perfect choice!
From SXSW.com: "The music event has grown from 700 registrants in 1987 to nearly 12,000 registrants. As Austin has grown and diversified, film companies and high-tech companies have played a major role in the Austin and the Texas economies. In 1994, SXSW added a film and interactive component to accommodate these growth industries. SXSW Film and SXSW Interactive events attract approximately 17,000 registrants to Austin every March.
SXSW's original goal was to create an event that would act as a tool for creative people and the companies they work with to develop their careers, to bring together people from a wide area to meet and share ideas. That continues to be the goal today whether it is music, film or the internet. And Austin continues to be the perfect location."
One of the neat things about Austin is the shared pride people have ABOUT Austin - sure, some oldtimers complain about what was lost while the city expanded, but the cool vibe is still here.
A friend who was recently on a job interview in Dallas commented about how much more cosmopolitan Dallas is, compared to Austin. So true.
Austin is friendly, accepting, and music-centric.
For us, the perfect choice!
Monday, March 08, 2010
EVEN MORE TV: THE ACADEMY AWARDS SHOW
I didn't care who won. Watched because it's more or less a tradition. Wondered if they could ever get the show into a format worth watching. Spoiler alert: NO!
HOWEVER, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin were VERY VERY funny - or their lines were and they delivered most of them wonderfully. Something like this: Alec: "...a writer, musician, author, a Grammy and Oscar winner... STEVE MARTIN." Steve: (after applause, "And Alec Baldwin." Banter which was Best I Can Remember.
But the rest of the 'show' and the pacing were HORRIBLE.
They'd bring a group of people on stage then shoot them from a distant side angle. Huh? Rehearsals? In fact, immediately after a needless N.P. Harris song and dance that fizzle-opened, there were a few moments where the production seemed to go off the rails entirely, as the cameras didn't seem to know where to go or what to do and there was a major pause - this while you might be trying to snag 'sampling' viewers. Rehearsals?
THANK GOD for TiVo, although we kept catching up to real time via bypassing the dancing and many many boring awards and speeches from people who we don't care to see. What an ordeal!
I could go on and on but you get the idea. MOSTLY boring. Steve and Alec great.
Addendum: Just read local paper review. He came down hard on Alec and Steve. I don't agree. At all. Isn't that what makes horserace betting?
HOWEVER, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin were VERY VERY funny - or their lines were and they delivered most of them wonderfully. Something like this: Alec: "...a writer, musician, author, a Grammy and Oscar winner... STEVE MARTIN." Steve: (after applause, "And Alec Baldwin." Banter which was Best I Can Remember.
But the rest of the 'show' and the pacing were HORRIBLE.
They'd bring a group of people on stage then shoot them from a distant side angle. Huh? Rehearsals? In fact, immediately after a needless N.P. Harris song and dance that fizzle-opened, there were a few moments where the production seemed to go off the rails entirely, as the cameras didn't seem to know where to go or what to do and there was a major pause - this while you might be trying to snag 'sampling' viewers. Rehearsals?
THANK GOD for TiVo, although we kept catching up to real time via bypassing the dancing and many many boring awards and speeches from people who we don't care to see. What an ordeal!
I could go on and on but you get the idea. MOSTLY boring. Steve and Alec great.
Addendum: Just read local paper review. He came down hard on Alec and Steve. I don't agree. At all. Isn't that what makes horserace betting?
Sunday, March 07, 2010
AND MORE TV: WEEDS
Last night Terri and I watched the start of disc two of season 5 (episodes 8 and 9, I think.) After each one, we gave each other a look of "was that as good as I think it was?" It WAS.
Certainly this show will offend some conservatives. Yes it will. It's sometimes racy - language is real but also blue. This ain't no basic cable. And there's weed - smoking! And sales. And 'adult-situations' like sex and talk of sex. Actually a lot of that, though not graphic. Some nudity.
Again, the writing is great, the situations mostly great, the acting outstanding. It's funny, touching, sweet, tart, all at once. And Mary Louise Parker is incredible.
Friday, March 05, 2010
TV TALK
Terri has pretty much checked out of LOST. I am hanging in hopefully, but so far, I feel unrewarded.
Watched the first LENO back at 10:35. I don't like him but he was obviously humping hard and it served him well to show that much energy and crispness.
I am WAY into THE GOOD WIFE. Again, Terri's not raving, but it is a terrific drama with good writing, great acting - maybe the classiest show on TV.
Returning some interest into Grey's Anatomy which surprises me. I could become numb at any time, but not so far.
The new show with Timothy Olyphant, looks GREAT and as soon as TiVo decides we are close enough, I will instruct the recorder to grab it for me.
DAMAGES is still fun, but I miss Danson - he was a great Villain. And HEY - there was Tony Soprano's uncle!!!
We have been binging on (the show) WEEDS and continue to be entranced by Mary Louise Parker. I strongly believe no other actress could hold that role!
HOUSE had some of it's best-ever episodes before the break. I hope they come back at that level.
FRINGE should decide what it wants to be. Bring on the Matrix stuff then. Enough worms-for-arms freaks. Zero chemistry from the two leads, though...
unlike CASTLE which brings forth a charm school run by Nathan Fillion. The banter reminds me of Bruce Willis and Cybil Shepherd on Moonlighting, back in the days of innocence and incense.
Checked out CBS and ABC news under Katy C and Diane Sawyer. I tend to watch NBC and prefer it and its team. But both CBS and ABC seemed good too, and the anchors pro.
Olympics - several of the announce staff seem long in the tooth and the NBC side seemed to lack - what - spirit? NICE produced pieces, though. Work to be proud of.
Loved the arena announcer at the large venue. Great voice. Great "read" and perfect for PA system - ie: great midrange - very clear - and enthusiastic! He had great personality without ever saying anything other than names.
Almost forgot IDOL. Weak. They have enough goodness for finals though. The 'panel' has been giving conflicting advice: "change a song and make it your way" - "just sing a song simply..." I don't think Ellen is adding the spark they hoped for - she COULD but must feel held back. Kara is trying hard to do the touchy-feely stuff with Simon, who I have to say I pretty much agree with so far. Randy should come back as a dawg. He'll lick you if he likes ya, but he won't go far if he doesn't. In other words - the panel o' judges need more personality other than that of the Next-year-I'm-GONE Simon C.
Watched the first LENO back at 10:35. I don't like him but he was obviously humping hard and it served him well to show that much energy and crispness.
I am WAY into THE GOOD WIFE. Again, Terri's not raving, but it is a terrific drama with good writing, great acting - maybe the classiest show on TV.
Returning some interest into Grey's Anatomy which surprises me. I could become numb at any time, but not so far.
The new show with Timothy Olyphant, looks GREAT and as soon as TiVo decides we are close enough, I will instruct the recorder to grab it for me.
DAMAGES is still fun, but I miss Danson - he was a great Villain. And HEY - there was Tony Soprano's uncle!!!
We have been binging on (the show) WEEDS and continue to be entranced by Mary Louise Parker. I strongly believe no other actress could hold that role!
HOUSE had some of it's best-ever episodes before the break. I hope they come back at that level.
FRINGE should decide what it wants to be. Bring on the Matrix stuff then. Enough worms-for-arms freaks. Zero chemistry from the two leads, though...
unlike CASTLE which brings forth a charm school run by Nathan Fillion. The banter reminds me of Bruce Willis and Cybil Shepherd on Moonlighting, back in the days of innocence and incense.
Checked out CBS and ABC news under Katy C and Diane Sawyer. I tend to watch NBC and prefer it and its team. But both CBS and ABC seemed good too, and the anchors pro.
Olympics - several of the announce staff seem long in the tooth and the NBC side seemed to lack - what - spirit? NICE produced pieces, though. Work to be proud of.
Loved the arena announcer at the large venue. Great voice. Great "read" and perfect for PA system - ie: great midrange - very clear - and enthusiastic! He had great personality without ever saying anything other than names.
Almost forgot IDOL. Weak. They have enough goodness for finals though. The 'panel' has been giving conflicting advice: "change a song and make it your way" - "just sing a song simply..." I don't think Ellen is adding the spark they hoped for - she COULD but must feel held back. Kara is trying hard to do the touchy-feely stuff with Simon, who I have to say I pretty much agree with so far. Randy should come back as a dawg. He'll lick you if he likes ya, but he won't go far if he doesn't. In other words - the panel o' judges need more personality other than that of the Next-year-I'm-GONE Simon C.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
ANNUAL WEED WAR
We've had a rainy winter. And cool. This is because some people off the coast of San Diego swim around in circles, which causes weather here.
It's actually hot in the sun today, so that will tell out-of-towners what it's doing here. I think our last cool day is gone as the sun is hot and the breeze, even when cool, has a hard time keeping things mild.
Weeds have birthed a week or weeks ahead of the grass. I read about the green way to kill weeds, vinegar and liquid soap, Dutifully I bought a new sprayer, lots of Aunt-Sally's-Vinegar-By-The-Gallon, and went to war.
Trouble is, the weeds have a big army. On an acre and a half that's a LOT of vinegar! I am pretty sure that zombie versions of the original kills are rising from their tombs, sewing seed, shooting runners, and wreaking havoc otherwise.
Even the rabbits cannot keep up. Nor the deer. We have an acre of rabbit and deer poop for sale (see the sign down by the road - bring your own container) but all those hungry tick carriers can't keep up with the damn dandelions!
I've tried pulling them. I tried, one year, the wholly holistic way, spreading compost all over everything ("a healthy lawn will take care of itself" "weeds signal something is wrong and you need to buy something.")
Bottom line: nothing works. As Terri says, at least they're green.
It's actually hot in the sun today, so that will tell out-of-towners what it's doing here. I think our last cool day is gone as the sun is hot and the breeze, even when cool, has a hard time keeping things mild.
Weeds have birthed a week or weeks ahead of the grass. I read about the green way to kill weeds, vinegar and liquid soap, Dutifully I bought a new sprayer, lots of Aunt-Sally's-Vinegar-By-The-Gallon, and went to war.
Trouble is, the weeds have a big army. On an acre and a half that's a LOT of vinegar! I am pretty sure that zombie versions of the original kills are rising from their tombs, sewing seed, shooting runners, and wreaking havoc otherwise.
Even the rabbits cannot keep up. Nor the deer. We have an acre of rabbit and deer poop for sale (see the sign down by the road - bring your own container) but all those hungry tick carriers can't keep up with the damn dandelions!
I've tried pulling them. I tried, one year, the wholly holistic way, spreading compost all over everything ("a healthy lawn will take care of itself" "weeds signal something is wrong and you need to buy something.")
Bottom line: nothing works. As Terri says, at least they're green.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
WHEN RADIO WAS FUN
I was there.
I've found and put up for you to hear some of the fun that was the creed at BOB 100 FM in Minneapolis 1993-1997 or so.
Back then there was more opportunity to build what some called a "Stationality" - the personality of the station.
I was hired to get this brand new station on the air. When I began there was no staff, no studio - nothing - and this was no cookie cutter, though we did have the counsel of wise people like Jaye Albright and even, originally, Randy Michaels.
We did it right. We did it right on the air and we did it right with really good marketing and contesting. We had the world's Best Ever slogan: TURN YOUR KNOB TO BOB. Soon after we launched, if you said BOB somebody might well answer, "Turn your knob to BOB." We ran really good TV.
We had only the best billboards and they were all what you'd call "lit supers."
The Billboard said Turn Your Knob To Bob
Anyway, this might make you smile. CLICK HERE!
I've found and put up for you to hear some of the fun that was the creed at BOB 100 FM in Minneapolis 1993-1997 or so.
Back then there was more opportunity to build what some called a "Stationality" - the personality of the station.
I was hired to get this brand new station on the air. When I began there was no staff, no studio - nothing - and this was no cookie cutter, though we did have the counsel of wise people like Jaye Albright and even, originally, Randy Michaels.
We did it right. We did it right on the air and we did it right with really good marketing and contesting. We had the world's Best Ever slogan: TURN YOUR KNOB TO BOB. Soon after we launched, if you said BOB somebody might well answer, "Turn your knob to BOB." We ran really good TV.
We had only the best billboards and they were all what you'd call "lit supers."
The Billboard said Turn Your Knob To Bob
Anyway, this might make you smile. CLICK HERE!
SNOWJOB
Yesterday we had snow. Big flakes. Second-highest accumulation in 19 years. AN INCH.
The local TV stations had people out reporting on wet roads. Oooooo. TEAM COVERAGE of wet roads since there was nothing to talk about. IT MELTED.
All they could do is point to freezing overnight and wring their reporter-hands.
Today it's 50+, there's a refugee patch of snow hiding in the mulch, fighting its genetic predisposition to wet itself.
The local TV stations had people out reporting on wet roads. Oooooo. TEAM COVERAGE of wet roads since there was nothing to talk about. IT MELTED.
All they could do is point to freezing overnight and wring their reporter-hands.
Today it's 50+, there's a refugee patch of snow hiding in the mulch, fighting its genetic predisposition to wet itself.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
AUSTIN: LIVE MUSIC CAPITAL
How cool to sit about 40 feet away from multi-grammy award winner Ray Benson in a local bar (owned by Willie Nelson's former now-deceased road manager) and enjoy the music and friendliness. We asked a woman if she was saving the whole table she and her guy were sitting at and she graciously welcomed us to sit with them.
We'll be back.
LOVE AUSTIN!
Photo via phone.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
TIGER WOODS (NO RELATION)
I suppose he had to say what he did. Cynics and critics are saying 'it was all staged.' Well, yeah. What did you expect?
What interests me is how little I care. I wonder why? I admit a general interest to see how these "Mea Culpa" moments are "handled." Even with that professional curiousity, I just cannot crank much enthusiasm for Tiger - I simply don't care.
I sure don't know about these things personally, but, after seeing the photos of his mistresses, with maybe two exceptions, I would have thought he could do much better.
Mom, trying to be supportive, said 'he didn't do anything illegal...' well, nice, Mrs. Woods, but just sit down please.
Anybody see any similarities between M. Jackson and Tiger? (Controlling parent, major talent, lost youth...?)
What interests me is how little I care. I wonder why? I admit a general interest to see how these "Mea Culpa" moments are "handled." Even with that professional curiousity, I just cannot crank much enthusiasm for Tiger - I simply don't care.
I sure don't know about these things personally, but, after seeing the photos of his mistresses, with maybe two exceptions, I would have thought he could do much better.
Mom, trying to be supportive, said 'he didn't do anything illegal...' well, nice, Mrs. Woods, but just sit down please.
Anybody see any similarities between M. Jackson and Tiger? (Controlling parent, major talent, lost youth...?)
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
5 YEARS IN, WHEN WARRANTIES EXPIRE
Or maybe they go away sooner - whatever the case, we seem to have hit the timeline when our house is requiring attention to appliances and minor this or thats which must be fixed for us to live a sane life. Example: one of the three zone heaters has begun to groan.
Today is a double whammy - I will be trapped in the office by the cleaning crew who have been absent a month, due to their cycle and our vacation timing.
And the appliance guy is scheduled to be back. I can write here that I think he's a talky know-it-all. He authorized a replacement under warranty for the refrigerator compressor without even knowing that was the problem (and we since found out, it wasn't.)
Whining?
Yes, I am.
This guy, in my non-professional opinion, has issues. And he's the boss of the repair service. Today he will 'repair' the dish washer and the outdoor grill. I feel compelled to keep a close eye on him as I don't entirely trust him. That means I must endure his boasts. Successful repairs or not, we won't be calling on him again. You might well ask WHY we let him back this time - simple - he's got the parts we need and we don't want to go through the process from the start again.
Update ++++
The guy wasn't quite as unsufferable as I expected, but still... example - I brought out the vaccuum cleaner 'Do yourself a favor and get rid of that right away...'
The outdoor grille, which he complained about and complained about (poorly made, bad angles for installing burners, etc. - was actually a quick and easy fix.
The dishwasher is luder than ever (and the issue was noise.)
The refrigerator is marginally noisier.
I seriously doubt either of these could be fixed beyond what has happened. Might have to replace the dishwasher eventually as it's annoying.
Meanwhile, the igniter on the built-in stove has gone out on one side ('need a new module,' and it's in the back, and due to the ducting, piping, etc, estimated at about $400-500!!!
Today is a double whammy - I will be trapped in the office by the cleaning crew who have been absent a month, due to their cycle and our vacation timing.
And the appliance guy is scheduled to be back. I can write here that I think he's a talky know-it-all. He authorized a replacement under warranty for the refrigerator compressor without even knowing that was the problem (and we since found out, it wasn't.)
Whining?
Yes, I am.
This guy, in my non-professional opinion, has issues. And he's the boss of the repair service. Today he will 'repair' the dish washer and the outdoor grill. I feel compelled to keep a close eye on him as I don't entirely trust him. That means I must endure his boasts. Successful repairs or not, we won't be calling on him again. You might well ask WHY we let him back this time - simple - he's got the parts we need and we don't want to go through the process from the start again.
Update ++++
The guy wasn't quite as unsufferable as I expected, but still... example - I brought out the vaccuum cleaner 'Do yourself a favor and get rid of that right away...'
The outdoor grille, which he complained about and complained about (poorly made, bad angles for installing burners, etc. - was actually a quick and easy fix.
The dishwasher is luder than ever (and the issue was noise.)
The refrigerator is marginally noisier.
I seriously doubt either of these could be fixed beyond what has happened. Might have to replace the dishwasher eventually as it's annoying.
Meanwhile, the igniter on the built-in stove has gone out on one side ('need a new module,' and it's in the back, and due to the ducting, piping, etc, estimated at about $400-500!!!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
BACK TO... winter?
Don't know what the temperatures were last week in the Dutch West Indies, other than 'perfect.'
Back home now, it's another El Nino day - wet and cool... hovering around 41 degrees (average at this time of the year is a high of 64.)
We have shivered while watching the snow in the north and northeast. Thankyewverymuch but our dues are PAID IN FULL. Our two years in Syracuse topped all with yearly record totals of 176 and 192 inches. Add in Minneapolis, Buffalo, Montreal, etc., we are done with snow.
Back home now, it's another El Nino day - wet and cool... hovering around 41 degrees (average at this time of the year is a high of 64.)
We have shivered while watching the snow in the north and northeast. Thankyewverymuch but our dues are PAID IN FULL. Our two years in Syracuse topped all with yearly record totals of 176 and 192 inches. Add in Minneapolis, Buffalo, Montreal, etc., we are done with snow.
Monday, February 08, 2010
SUPERBOWL ADS
After the jet lag works off - still feel it today - I thought I'd post some details of our trip to St. Martin, But for now - the highly anticipated Superbowl ads, reviewed by our panel of me.
I loved the Doritos ad where the dog slips his anti-bark collar on the guy who was teasing him, then barks. It was simple, cleanly executed, and very funny.
The Google ad was extremely clever and creative, telling a story through searches. Well done. Again, clear, and all this in a complete demonstration of how the service works. A+
Letterman and Leno with Oprah: wonderful. Taking full advantage of the buzz surrounding both L and L, the ad could have been for any of the three. Again, simple, clever and funny.
Of course there were many which were clever, though some lost their message in the intricacy or the gag.
Motorola's Megan Fox (bathtub) was very funny, though I thought it lost a little PRODUCT focus. But funny. I loved the guy up the ladder asking his buddy if he was stabilizing the bottom all the while the bud was watching the phone video, and the ladder goes down.
COKE's sleepwalker was great.
Hyundai's TEN YEARS ad with Brett Farve - great!
Hotel Hell was ok. The LONG VERSION (about 14 minutes.) The :30 renewed our love for the Griswolds, but not much else. Little sponsor memorability.
I've never liked the hint of porn on the GoDaddy spots (though they probably DO drive countless geeks to the website which is the point.) They just seem cheesy, not even sexy.
TruTV (groundhog) - honorable mention.
And there was one more I loved, but cannot remember it today which disqualifies it. I remember saying "this is VERY well done." But gone today. Hey, what's a couple million dollars wasted?
I loved the Doritos ad where the dog slips his anti-bark collar on the guy who was teasing him, then barks. It was simple, cleanly executed, and very funny.
The Google ad was extremely clever and creative, telling a story through searches. Well done. Again, clear, and all this in a complete demonstration of how the service works. A+
Letterman and Leno with Oprah: wonderful. Taking full advantage of the buzz surrounding both L and L, the ad could have been for any of the three. Again, simple, clever and funny.
Of course there were many which were clever, though some lost their message in the intricacy or the gag.
Motorola's Megan Fox (bathtub) was very funny, though I thought it lost a little PRODUCT focus. But funny. I loved the guy up the ladder asking his buddy if he was stabilizing the bottom all the while the bud was watching the phone video, and the ladder goes down.
COKE's sleepwalker was great.
Hyundai's TEN YEARS ad with Brett Farve - great!
Hotel Hell was ok. The LONG VERSION (about 14 minutes.) The :30 renewed our love for the Griswolds, but not much else. Little sponsor memorability.
I've never liked the hint of porn on the GoDaddy spots (though they probably DO drive countless geeks to the website which is the point.) They just seem cheesy, not even sexy.
TruTV (groundhog) - honorable mention.
And there was one more I loved, but cannot remember it today which disqualifies it. I remember saying "this is VERY well done." But gone today. Hey, what's a couple million dollars wasted?
Friday, January 29, 2010
LEAVIN... ON A JET PLANE
St. Martin, the patron saint of... ?
Join us, if you are looking for a quick escape:
This is SO cool a place it's got two dictatorships, I mean municipal principals. Half is St. Martin, and the other half St. Maarten. One side wears no underwear. The other favors hats and bow ties.
Here's the landing from the beach. WORTHY!!"
Didn't you enjoy those 32 seconds? You did. Absolutely.
So you see that tomorrow we'll sand blast some sun worshippers who go for a little peace and quiet, a little getaway, AT THE END OF A RUNWAY.
We go directly to the boat, a 45-50 foot catamaran. It doesn't expand, it's I'm not sure how long it is. Pretty much a fait acomplii by now anyway.
We learn that in addition to the captain and cook, there will be a couple from Italy and a couple from Canada. They will be the palest.
There ARE sunny and warm areas of Canada, but they are in Florida.
I think we spend nite one in the harbor or mooring, since we board only an hour and a half or so before sunset. Sailboats sail. They are not fast. To get somewhere, maybe, but we'll see, and after travel for pretty much 12 hours, it won't matter.
I will take many pictures and should get into flickr or some place, so I can broaden it from the several I'd post here, huh?
I'm a computer guy but not to taking one along, so that's it for now.
Join us, if you are looking for a quick escape:
This is SO cool a place it's got two dictatorships, I mean municipal principals. Half is St. Martin, and the other half St. Maarten. One side wears no underwear. The other favors hats and bow ties.
Here's the landing from the beach. WORTHY!!"
Didn't you enjoy those 32 seconds? You did. Absolutely.
So you see that tomorrow we'll sand blast some sun worshippers who go for a little peace and quiet, a little getaway, AT THE END OF A RUNWAY.
We go directly to the boat, a 45-50 foot catamaran. It doesn't expand, it's I'm not sure how long it is. Pretty much a fait acomplii by now anyway.
We learn that in addition to the captain and cook, there will be a couple from Italy and a couple from Canada. They will be the palest.
There ARE sunny and warm areas of Canada, but they are in Florida.
I think we spend nite one in the harbor or mooring, since we board only an hour and a half or so before sunset. Sailboats sail. They are not fast. To get somewhere, maybe, but we'll see, and after travel for pretty much 12 hours, it won't matter.
I will take many pictures and should get into flickr or some place, so I can broaden it from the several I'd post here, huh?
I'm a computer guy but not to taking one along, so that's it for now.
Monday, January 25, 2010
SHOOTING GULLS
More photography. Went to Lake Buchanen Saturday to meetup with the photo group I belong to... it turned out to be windy and eventually rainy, and the promoted eagles were nesting elsewhere. We did have some gulls follow the boat and believe me, it's not easy to get a good shot of a moving bird while on a moving boat.
Next week we'll be somewhere warm, on another moving boat...
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
PHOTOGRAPHER BOB WOOD
I am enjoying the creative freedom photography has brought back to me as I believe that there's no bad thing as a bad photo if it resonates with you.
As a young official photoguy for our family (comprised of my mother, my father, and me) I travelled all over Europe, snapping pictures/slides from the top of the Eiffel Tower, to Picadilly Circus, to the Collesium. Venice, the alps. Really good pictures. My mother threw them out without telling me when she moved to Florida.
The DSLR experience is so cheap, easy, and rewarding. I write those words in that order because without the cheap and easy, I'd not go for the freedom it takes to take a lot of pictures, even of the same thing - each expanding my knowledge of what works. Being able to shoot free means your own subjective opinion will always be right for that picture, for you.
I've got pictures I have saved just to think about, to try to figure out what I really like - what is vibrating for me?
Usually I like it when a picture tells a story. There's an action captured, leading to an outcome (the diver is about to kiss the water/ the child is about to get the ice cream/ or an attitude (I am eating this ice cream and don't care how much gets on me/ love/ fun. The vitality of the characters photographed fuels the picture.
I shot 35mm for years, then 110 black and white in a twin-lens relex as a teen on the yearbook staff, back to 35mm, then video in virtually every format up until HDTV. I shot tons I HAVE NEVER SEEN. And don't really want to. Got back into semi-pro 35MM, then DSLR.
But good pictures really do hold up, grabbing powerful memories or emotions, right out of thin air.
I have a picture I took of our small cruise ship in Tahiti, docked so simply and peacefully. It has innocense about it. Two weeks later, the ship caught fire and was scuttled. This was a print and if I get a satifactory scan of it, will post below. I love how it feels.
I feel compelled to point to the right side top of the blog here with a link to more photos.
As a young official photoguy for our family (comprised of my mother, my father, and me) I travelled all over Europe, snapping pictures/slides from the top of the Eiffel Tower, to Picadilly Circus, to the Collesium. Venice, the alps. Really good pictures. My mother threw them out without telling me when she moved to Florida.
The DSLR experience is so cheap, easy, and rewarding. I write those words in that order because without the cheap and easy, I'd not go for the freedom it takes to take a lot of pictures, even of the same thing - each expanding my knowledge of what works. Being able to shoot free means your own subjective opinion will always be right for that picture, for you.
I've got pictures I have saved just to think about, to try to figure out what I really like - what is vibrating for me?
Usually I like it when a picture tells a story. There's an action captured, leading to an outcome (the diver is about to kiss the water/ the child is about to get the ice cream/ or an attitude (I am eating this ice cream and don't care how much gets on me/ love/ fun. The vitality of the characters photographed fuels the picture.
I shot 35mm for years, then 110 black and white in a twin-lens relex as a teen on the yearbook staff, back to 35mm, then video in virtually every format up until HDTV. I shot tons I HAVE NEVER SEEN. And don't really want to. Got back into semi-pro 35MM, then DSLR.
But good pictures really do hold up, grabbing powerful memories or emotions, right out of thin air.
I have a picture I took of our small cruise ship in Tahiti, docked so simply and peacefully. It has innocense about it. Two weeks later, the ship caught fire and was scuttled. This was a print and if I get a satifactory scan of it, will post below. I love how it feels.
I feel compelled to point to the right side top of the blog here with a link to more photos.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
CONAN IS BEING SCREWED!
It seems wrong, wrong, wrong to me that NBC wants to put LENO back following the 11P E/10P C news and have CONAN's THE TONIGHT SHOW after it at 12:05AM. Apparently CONAN isn't ready to go along.
If you think that - "Well, with all HIS money, how tough is life?" that's just not the point. It takes tremendous drive and talent to get as far as CONAN has - and while he might not be everyone's favorite, cutting him off at the knees is just wrong. It should take time to build his audience.
I blame NBC for being stupid. I blame Jay Leno for his eagerness to shuffle out of the cesspool of his current show and back to a later time slot, no matter what that does to his 'successor.'. Time to step out, Jay. Drive your cars. Do standup. You had your shot. It's over.
Same with Dick Clark, but a totally different story: time to step away.
If you think that - "Well, with all HIS money, how tough is life?" that's just not the point. It takes tremendous drive and talent to get as far as CONAN has - and while he might not be everyone's favorite, cutting him off at the knees is just wrong. It should take time to build his audience.
I blame NBC for being stupid. I blame Jay Leno for his eagerness to shuffle out of the cesspool of his current show and back to a later time slot, no matter what that does to his 'successor.'. Time to step out, Jay. Drive your cars. Do standup. You had your shot. It's over.
Same with Dick Clark, but a totally different story: time to step away.
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