An American student who set out to determine how to help turtles
cross the road ended up getting a glimpse into the dark souls of some
humans.
Clemson University student Nathan Weaver put a realistic rubber
turtle in the middle of a lane on a busy road near campus. Then he got
out of the way and watched over the next hour as seven drivers swerved
and deliberately ran over the animal. Several more apparently tried to
hit it but missed.
"I've heard of people and from friends who knew people that ran over
turtles. But to see it out here like this was a bit shocking," said
Weaver, a 22-year-old student at Clemson's School of Agricultural,
Forest and Environmental Sciences.
To seasoned researchers, the practice wasn't surprising.
The number of box turtles is in slow decline, and one big reason is
that many wind up as roadkill while crossing the asphalt, a
slow-and-steady trip that can take several minutes.
Sometimes humans feel a need to prove they are the dominant species
on this planet by taking a two-tonne metal vehicle and squishing a
defenceless creature under the tires, said Hal Herzog, a Western
Carolina University psychology professor.
"They aren't thinking, really. It is not something people think
about. It just seems fun at the time," Herzog said. "It is the dark side of human nature."
Monday, December 31, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
preparing a will
Benjamin Franklin once said, “Certainty? In this world nothing is
certain but death and taxes.” No one wants to think about death, but a
little planning can ensure your assets are divided smoothly after you
are gone.
Make a plan.
A will dictates where your assets go when you die. Without it, you will not have a say, and someone else will determine how to allocate your assets. Given that you have worked hard for what you own, it is important where, what, how much and to whom you want it to go is clear. Wills are especially important if you have a business or children from a previous marriage and want to prevent any potential family disputes.
List what you own.
Make a list of all your assets, no matter the value, and determine who should receive them. Make sure you include investment accounts and life insurance policies. It may even be helpful to ask your beneficiaries what they want. Some may have a preference on a particular item that others may not care for. This can help prevent any future ill will or disagreements. No matter how much you have, a will is important, especially if you have young children. You can decide who can step in as their guardian and what should happen to their assets.
Choose the executor.
The executor is the person responsible for making sure what you decide on the will is carried out. This person will oversee the transfer of your assets to the beneficiaries. Make sure it is someone you trust. If you are married, you can name your spouse. It is helpful to have an alternate executor named as well.
Talk to a professional.
Emotions can be high in writing up a will. Depending on how much you have, planning can be quite complicated and stressful. It may be a good idea to consult an expert who can help you navigate through this process. They can provide objective advice with knowledge on the most up-to-date estate laws. You will want to choose somebody who respects your wishes.
Leave instructions.
A letter of personal instruction can add to what is not covered in a will. This can include account numbers, passwords, burial arrangements and the location of important documents. The note can contain personal wishes of how you want people to remember you and the legacy that you would like to leave behind!
Make a plan.
A will dictates where your assets go when you die. Without it, you will not have a say, and someone else will determine how to allocate your assets. Given that you have worked hard for what you own, it is important where, what, how much and to whom you want it to go is clear. Wills are especially important if you have a business or children from a previous marriage and want to prevent any potential family disputes.
List what you own.
Make a list of all your assets, no matter the value, and determine who should receive them. Make sure you include investment accounts and life insurance policies. It may even be helpful to ask your beneficiaries what they want. Some may have a preference on a particular item that others may not care for. This can help prevent any future ill will or disagreements. No matter how much you have, a will is important, especially if you have young children. You can decide who can step in as their guardian and what should happen to their assets.
Choose the executor.
The executor is the person responsible for making sure what you decide on the will is carried out. This person will oversee the transfer of your assets to the beneficiaries. Make sure it is someone you trust. If you are married, you can name your spouse. It is helpful to have an alternate executor named as well.
Talk to a professional.
Emotions can be high in writing up a will. Depending on how much you have, planning can be quite complicated and stressful. It may be a good idea to consult an expert who can help you navigate through this process. They can provide objective advice with knowledge on the most up-to-date estate laws. You will want to choose somebody who respects your wishes.
Leave instructions.
A letter of personal instruction can add to what is not covered in a will. This can include account numbers, passwords, burial arrangements and the location of important documents. The note can contain personal wishes of how you want people to remember you and the legacy that you would like to leave behind!
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Jack Klugman
Jack Klugman, who played the sports-loving, slobby-living Oscar Madison
on television and stage in “The Odd Couple” across from his close friend
Tony Randall, has died. He was 90.
Klugman, a resident of Malibu, Calif., died Monday in Los Angeles, The Associated Press reported, citing his son Adam. He had surgery for throat cancer in 1989, then worked to rehabilitate his acting voice.
Raised in a rough Philadelphia neighborhood, Klugman carried a no-nonsense persona into roles as an agonized juror in the movie “12 Angry Men,” as a headstrong medical examiner in the TV series “Quincy, M.E.” and, most famously, as half of “The Odd Couple,” which ran on ABC from 1970 to 1975.
Klugman played the divorced, cigar-chomping, laundry-tossing sports columnist who, in a moment of charity, opened his apartment to his precise, finicky, hypochondriac photographer friend, Felix Unger, who needs a home after being expelled by his wife. They clashed — over women and money, food and furniture, habits and style — through five seasons and 114 episodes.
Klugman said the fact that he and Randall resembled their characters in real life helped the show succeed, as did their training as stage actors. Many of the show’s funniest scenes were improvised.
“Tony and I never saw the show as merely a frolic, but rather as a portrait of friendship,” Klugman wrote in his 2005 memoir, “Tony and Me.”
Randall’s death in 2004, ending a 35-year friendship and collaboration, prompted Klugman to write his book. He credited Randall with helping him survive throat cancer in 1989 and in making him a more open person and a better father.
For each of the five seasons of “The Odd Couple,” Klugman and Randall both received Emmy nominations for best leading actor. Klugman won in 1973 and 1971. Randall won in 1975.
Klugman, a resident of Malibu, Calif., died Monday in Los Angeles, The Associated Press reported, citing his son Adam. He had surgery for throat cancer in 1989, then worked to rehabilitate his acting voice.
Raised in a rough Philadelphia neighborhood, Klugman carried a no-nonsense persona into roles as an agonized juror in the movie “12 Angry Men,” as a headstrong medical examiner in the TV series “Quincy, M.E.” and, most famously, as half of “The Odd Couple,” which ran on ABC from 1970 to 1975.
Klugman played the divorced, cigar-chomping, laundry-tossing sports columnist who, in a moment of charity, opened his apartment to his precise, finicky, hypochondriac photographer friend, Felix Unger, who needs a home after being expelled by his wife. They clashed — over women and money, food and furniture, habits and style — through five seasons and 114 episodes.
Klugman said the fact that he and Randall resembled their characters in real life helped the show succeed, as did their training as stage actors. Many of the show’s funniest scenes were improvised.
“Tony and I never saw the show as merely a frolic, but rather as a portrait of friendship,” Klugman wrote in his 2005 memoir, “Tony and Me.”
Randall’s death in 2004, ending a 35-year friendship and collaboration, prompted Klugman to write his book. He credited Randall with helping him survive throat cancer in 1989 and in making him a more open person and a better father.
For each of the five seasons of “The Odd Couple,” Klugman and Randall both received Emmy nominations for best leading actor. Klugman won in 1973 and 1971. Randall won in 1975.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
self-help books
While playing with my new Digix tablet, I tried looking for stuff to read on it. And noticed some "classic" self-help books (apparently) free on the internet.
Here's a few to get started. And they even have some on youtube too.
As A Man Thinketh by James Allen (youtube)
Law of Success (1928) by Napoleon Hill (youtube)
Think and Grow Rich (1937) by Napoleon Hill (youtube)
How To Stop Worrying and Start Living (1948) by Dale Carnegie (youtube: the whole 9+ hours, part 1)
The Ten Scrolls from the Greatest Salesman in the World (1968) by Og Mandino
***
And here's a youtube playlist titled Success Secrets featuring Tony Robbins, Jack Canfield, Napoleon Hill, John Assaraf, Brian Tracy, and others
Here's a few to get started. And they even have some on youtube too.
As A Man Thinketh by James Allen (youtube)
Law of Success (1928) by Napoleon Hill (youtube)
Think and Grow Rich (1937) by Napoleon Hill (youtube)
The Ten Scrolls from the Greatest Salesman in the World (1968) by Og Mandino
***
And here's a youtube playlist titled Success Secrets featuring Tony Robbins, Jack Canfield, Napoleon Hill, John Assaraf, Brian Tracy, and others
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
The Big Religion Chart
The ReligionFacts "Big Religion Chart"
is an attempt to summarize all the complexities of religions and
belief systems into tiny little boxes on a single, quick-reference comparison chart. Yes, of course this is impossible. Our comparison
charts are not a substitute for reading about religions, talking with
religious adherents, etc. But this chart can (hopefully) be a useful
way to compare basic beliefs and practices of the world's religions and
belief systems. Currently, 43 belief systems are listed.
-- via Roy
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Larry Hagman
J.R. Ewing was a business cheat,
faithless husband and bottomless well of corruption. Yet with his
sparkling grin, Larry Hagman masterfully created the charmingly
loathsome oil baron — and coaxed forth a Texas-size gusher of ratings —
on television's long-running and hugely successful nighttime soap,
"Dallas."
Although he first gained fame as
nice guy Major Tony Nelson on the fluffy 1965-70 NBC comedy "I Dream of
Jeannie," Hagman earned his greatest stardom with J.R. The CBS serial
drama about the Ewing family and those in their orbit aired from April
1978 to May 1991, and broke viewing records with its "Who shot J.R.?"
1980 cliffhanger that left unclear if Hagman's character was dead.
The actor, who returned as J.R.
in a new edition of "Dallas" this year, had a long history of health
problems and died Friday due to complications from his battle with
cancer, his family said.
Friday, November 23, 2012
borrowadvd
I was thinking that it would be neat if friends had a pool of DVDs from which they could borrow. Friends would list their DVDs into the pool and other friends could see what's available to borrow.
Apparently there was a site called lendaround which did just that, but then apparently it went away due to lack of interest (or funding).
Further searching brought up borrowadvd. It's currently in development but allows you to put in your inventory of DVDs for now.
Searching for borrowadvd failed to bring up the site, but led to MoviesatWork.co.uk which seems to be operational.
Talk about limited functionaly at borrowadvd. I can't even figure out how to add a movie..
Apparently there was a site called lendaround which did just that, but then apparently it went away due to lack of interest (or funding).
Further searching brought up borrowadvd. It's currently in development but allows you to put in your inventory of DVDs for now.
Searching for borrowadvd failed to bring up the site, but led to MoviesatWork.co.uk which seems to be operational.
Talk about limited functionaly at borrowadvd. I can't even figure out how to add a movie..
Saturday, November 17, 2012
is health insurance a bad bet?
In general, any insurance is a bad bet (because the insurance company is taking their cut).
And in the case of health insurance, it's even more of a bad bet if you're healthy.
Of course, the risk is that you'll lose all your money.
The best bet in either case: try to stay healthy!
Monday, November 05, 2012
Hawaiian music
Hey youtube is the new thatsitethateverybodyusedtopiratemusicfrom (napster)
Here's the start of the Hawaiian music playlist
Brown Eyed Girl (Ka'au Crater Boys)
I'm Yours (Ten Feet, Sungha Jung, Jason Mraz)
Islands in the Stream (Ten Feet)
Honey Baby (Three Plus) [grooveshark]
Cool Operator (Three Plus)
Two Person Party (Three Plus)
Undercover Lover (Three Plus)
Stuck on You (Ekolu)
Honestly (Ekolu)
Fish and Poi (Sean Na'auao Trio, solo, studio) / [Hungry Guy, Hungry Girl]
Here's the start of the Hawaiian music playlist
Brown Eyed Girl (Ka'au Crater Boys)
I'm Yours (Ten Feet, Sungha Jung, Jason Mraz)
Islands in the Stream (Ten Feet)
Honey Baby (Three Plus) [grooveshark]
Cool Operator (Three Plus)
Two Person Party (Three Plus)
Undercover Lover (Three Plus)
Honestly (Ekolu)
Fish and Poi (Sean Na'auao Trio, solo, studio) / [Hungry Guy, Hungry Girl]
Inspiration: Take 1
Inspiration was William Hung's debut album. But believe it or not, other people sang those songs too. Here's some that I found (in progress)
She Bangs (Dario, Sindikatos, Patrick J Reyes, Ricky Martin, William Hung)
Hotel California (Loy, Bim, Joe, Eagles, William Hung)
Can You Feel Love Tonight (The Four Quarters, MA'capella, Vocal Folds 4, Biola King's Men, Landry Cantrell and Brianne Brieno, KiKeCeRv, OfficialRoflcopterz, sebi2205, Helene Fischer, Elton John, William Hung)
***
[2/11/16] William Hung got married
She Bangs (Dario, Sindikatos, Patrick J Reyes, Ricky Martin, William Hung)
Hotel California (Loy, Bim, Joe, Eagles, William Hung)
Can You Feel Love Tonight (The Four Quarters, MA'capella, Vocal Folds 4, Biola King's Men, Landry Cantrell and Brianne Brieno, KiKeCeRv, OfficialRoflcopterz, sebi2205, Helene Fischer, Elton John, William Hung)
***
[2/11/16] William Hung got married
The Eagles: the alternate Common Thread
And while on the music subject, one of my favorite albums is Common Thread which are Eagles covers by noted country artists
Some of the tracks are youtube
Take It Easy (Travis Tritt)
Peaceful Easy Feeling (Little Texas)
Desperado (Clint Black)
Heartache Tonight
Tequila Sunrise (Alan Jackson)
Take It to the Limit (Suzy Boguss)
I Can't Tell You Why (Vince Gill)
Lyin' Eyes
New Kid in Town (Trisha Yearwood)
Saturday Night
Already Gone (Tanya Tucker)
Best of My Love
The Sad Cafe (Lorrie Morgan)
And here's an alternate Common Thread from youtube (in progess):
Take It Easy (Big River Band, Bluegrasspicker32, Tequila Sunrise, mosnick)
Peaceful Easy Feeling (roccoscirocco, DejaVuAcoustic, Jackson Browne)
Desperado (sjkcmusic, demenche, Steve Jackson, Lisa Mei, Carrie Underwood, Guitar Sensation)
Heartache Tonight (Tofta Sisters, 69SouthBand, Desert Highway)
Tequila Sunrise (TMSampson, HomePicking, beppemignemi, glimmertwins4, Music Family)
Take It to the Limit (asdisciple18, BRONZE8020, LeLive)
I Can't Tell You Why (Maxi, ropor, Ana Free)
Lyin' Eyes (rickytic3, tjgaghan, SteveYeager65, Moyse, f7jaybird, Scott Seiter, GennaAcoustic)
New Kid in Town (spettacolare, SeldomL8, Loy, Bim, Joe, tonybpr31, JD Souther)
Saturday Night (sof2jack, eciovdriht)
Already Gone (jamala22, boozelele)
Best of My Love (mocchicone, JD Souther, John Hall, Guitar Sensation)
The Sad Cafe (TheStevensCat, ilcvthesniper1989, JD Souther)
And here it is: the Common Thread alternate universe edition) playlist (take 1)
And the originals
Surprisingly, these hits were not on the album:
One of these Nights
Hotel California (Loy, Bim, Joe, David Wayne, Naudo, Reggae Remake, Calliman, William Hung, Eagles)
Seven Bridges Road (this one didn't make the cut, but I like the little white dog)
Some of the tracks are youtube
Take It Easy (Travis Tritt)
Peaceful Easy Feeling (Little Texas)
Desperado (Clint Black)
Heartache Tonight
Tequila Sunrise (Alan Jackson)
Take It to the Limit (Suzy Boguss)
I Can't Tell You Why (Vince Gill)
Lyin' Eyes
New Kid in Town (Trisha Yearwood)
Saturday Night
Already Gone (Tanya Tucker)
Best of My Love
The Sad Cafe (Lorrie Morgan)
And here's an alternate Common Thread from youtube (in progess):
Take It Easy (Big River Band, Bluegrasspicker32, Tequila Sunrise, mosnick)
Peaceful Easy Feeling (roccoscirocco, DejaVuAcoustic, Jackson Browne)
Desperado (sjkcmusic, demenche, Steve Jackson, Lisa Mei, Carrie Underwood, Guitar Sensation)
Heartache Tonight (Tofta Sisters, 69SouthBand, Desert Highway)
Tequila Sunrise (TMSampson, HomePicking, beppemignemi, glimmertwins4, Music Family)
Take It to the Limit (asdisciple18, BRONZE8020, LeLive)
I Can't Tell You Why (Maxi, ropor, Ana Free)
Lyin' Eyes (rickytic3, tjgaghan, SteveYeager65, Moyse, f7jaybird, Scott Seiter, GennaAcoustic)
New Kid in Town (spettacolare, SeldomL8, Loy, Bim, Joe, tonybpr31, JD Souther)
Saturday Night (sof2jack, eciovdriht)
Already Gone (jamala22, boozelele)
Best of My Love (mocchicone, JD Souther, John Hall, Guitar Sensation)
The Sad Cafe (TheStevensCat, ilcvthesniper1989, JD Souther)
And here it is: the Common Thread alternate universe edition) playlist (take 1)
And the originals
Take It Easy
Peaceful Easy Feeling
Desperado (Clint Black)
Heartache Tonight
Tequila Sunrise
Take It to the Limit
I Can't Tell You Why
Lyin' Eyes
New Kid in Town
Saturday Night
Already Gone
Best of My Love
The Sad Cafe
Peaceful Easy Feeling
Desperado (Clint Black)
Heartache Tonight
Tequila Sunrise
Take It to the Limit
I Can't Tell You Why
Lyin' Eyes
New Kid in Town
Saturday Night
Already Gone
Best of My Love
The Sad Cafe
Surprisingly, these hits were not on the album:
One of these Nights
Hotel California (Loy, Bim, Joe, David Wayne, Naudo, Reggae Remake, Calliman, William Hung, Eagles)
Seven Bridges Road (this one didn't make the cut, but I like the little white dog)
Sunday, November 04, 2012
do not disturb
One of the most exciting features of Apple's Worldwide Developers
Conference last week was Do Not Disturb, the new iPhone feature designed
to get you off your iPhone altogether.
Do Not Disturb is just one among a growing crop of like-minded apps that are tapping into the benefits of unplugging and recharging -- a source of wisdom that many of our most creative minds have long recognized. Bill Gates, who realized that good ideas come when we shut out distractions, used to take "Think Weeks" -- a week off once or twice a year in a secluded cabin, in order to read and think. Steve Jobs told Walter Isaacson that Zen meditation was important for him so he could still his restless mind and listen, as he put it, to more subtle things, and "that's when your intuition starts to blossom." John Steinbeck put it this way: "a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the committee of sleep has worked on it."
Do Not Disturb is just one among a growing crop of like-minded apps that are tapping into the benefits of unplugging and recharging -- a source of wisdom that many of our most creative minds have long recognized. Bill Gates, who realized that good ideas come when we shut out distractions, used to take "Think Weeks" -- a week off once or twice a year in a secluded cabin, in order to read and think. Steve Jobs told Walter Isaacson that Zen meditation was important for him so he could still his restless mind and listen, as he put it, to more subtle things, and "that's when your intuition starts to blossom." John Steinbeck put it this way: "a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the committee of sleep has worked on it."
Raul Malo / Roy Orbison
I wasn't familiar with Raul Malo, but when I searching for the Johnny Cash TNT special, I came to his site which had information and links to videos (see Johnny Cash in the blog).
It turnes out Raul Malo was the lead singer of The Mavericks, I listened to this video (Born to Be Blue) and it kind of reminded me of Roy Orbison. (I'm trying to figure out what song they're ripping off -- it's L-O-V-E.)
It turns out they're a fan of Orbison having released a Covers album.
And I see on youtube Malo singing a few Orbison classics
Crying
In Dreams
Dream Baby
Raul as Roy doing Puff The Magic Dragon
***
And here's Roy Oribson himself
Crying
In Dreams
Dream Baby
***
Raul does Elvis too
Can't Help Falling In Love With You
Love Me
A Fool Such As I
***
You're Only Lonely was by J.D. Souther but would have fit Orbison too. Raul Malo's version (a bit slower than Souther's version). Digging through youtube's results: also done by Schuyler Fisk, Giovy Jiminez, Caitlin Strnadica.
Hey, J.D. Souther does covers too.
Best of My Love (Eagles)
New Kid in Town
It turnes out Raul Malo was the lead singer of The Mavericks, I listened to this video (Born to Be Blue) and it kind of reminded me of Roy Orbison. (I'm trying to figure out what song they're ripping off -- it's L-O-V-E.)
It turns out they're a fan of Orbison having released a Covers album.
And I see on youtube Malo singing a few Orbison classics
Crying
In Dreams
Dream Baby
Raul as Roy doing Puff The Magic Dragon
***
And here's Roy Oribson himself
Crying
In Dreams
Dream Baby
***
Raul does Elvis too
Can't Help Falling In Love With You
Love Me
A Fool Such As I
***
You're Only Lonely was by J.D. Souther but would have fit Orbison too. Raul Malo's version (a bit slower than Souther's version). Digging through youtube's results: also done by Schuyler Fisk, Giovy Jiminez, Caitlin Strnadica.
Hey, J.D. Souther does covers too.
Best of My Love (Eagles)
New Kid in Town
Friday, November 02, 2012
Live at the Troubadour
Carole King and James Taylor (concert)
I wouldn't think this would last this long, but it's been up since 2/27/11.
I wouldn't think this would last this long, but it's been up since 2/27/11.
oldies collections
I bit on the Dick Clark's Rock and Roll Era informercial.
But another one was/is Malt Shop Memories (partially available on grooveshark)
The current one is Teen Years.
But actually I think I probably enjoy the informercial better than the actual music
Couldn't find the full informercial of other two but here's Teen Years (starring Neil Sedaka)
But another one was/is Malt Shop Memories (partially available on grooveshark)
The current one is Teen Years.
But actually I think I probably enjoy the informercial better than the actual music
Couldn't find the full informercial of other two but here's Teen Years (starring Neil Sedaka)
Thursday, November 01, 2012
Bossa music
[11/1/12] I've written about Bossa music on previous posts (for example, Bossa Beatles in the previous post - for more search this blog for Bossa). But I figure I'll make a new post devoted just to it. It seems the singer on these albums (or at least some of them) is Rita Lee.
Well I'll just cut and paste here..
Fly Me to the Moon (saxophone)
Fly Me to the Moon (Olivia Ong)
Fly Me to the Moon (Astrud Gilberto)
The Girl From Ipanema (Astrud Gilberto)
My favorite Bossa album is Bossa N' Chicago. Anyway, here's some tracks from youtube. I guess I should one day make a playlist.
If You Leave Me Now
Will You Still Me Love Me?
Happy Man
shucks, I thought I could find more. [I might have downloaded it on my other computer.]
Hey, I see the tracks available for streaming on grooveshark. I'll write them down before they disappear (since they're being sued for copyright violations by all the major music companies).
Just You N' Me
Will You Still Love Me? (youtube)
If You Leave Me Now (takko27)
Colour My World
You're the Inspiration
Hard Habit To Break
Glory Of Love
Here in my Heart
Hard to say I'm Sorry
After The Love Has Gone
I Don't Wanna Live Without Your Love
Happy Man (nestormena3000)
The Next Time I Fall
Take Me Back To Chicago
[12/8/16] Found this note in the divider, they're the Bossa N' Chicago Tracks, but in a different order. Maybe this was the order on my custom playlist? I dunno. But here it is..
If you leave me now (bal27rck)
you're the inspiration (bal27rck)
will you still love me (bal27rck)
glory of love (bal27rck)
happy man (bal27rck)
hard habit to break (bal27rck)
hard to say I'm sorry (bal27rck)
I don't want to live without your love (bal27rck)
just you n' me (bal27rck)
after the love is gone (bal27rck)
colour my world (bal27rck)
next time I fall (bal27rck)
here in my heart (bal27rck)
take me back to chicago (bal27rck)
Looking at the youtube links, I see the first one (Will You Still Love Me) no longer works, but I found a couple more attributed to Sitti [actually got 'em all!]. I'll link them above. And before they're gone, I'll download them too (using keepvid). Tried downloading the mp3 with keepvid and I couldn't get it working, so I used listentoyoutube.com. Funny the mp3 is bigger than the mp4 file.
Hmm. Now I see the scribbled list was (the bulk of) my playlist labelled Bossa's and that I looked at those videos almost four years ago - see 3/17/13 post below. One video is missing from the playist (which is will you still love me). I'll add it back. I also notice some deleted videos from the playlist: top of the world and you got a ....
OK, here's a replacement for Top of the World (by Taryn Szpilman). Actually I like this one (uploaded by Harris Syach) better. As for You got a friend, I like this one by Susan Wong. And this one by Lisa Ono. OK, I'll add the second and third to the list to replace the deleted ones.
So here's the current playlist (the first 14 are from Bossa N' Chicago)
If You Leave Me Now (takko27)
Happy man (nestormena3000)
You're the inspiration (bal27rck)
Will you still love me
Glory of love
Hard habit to break
Hard to say I'm sorry
I don't wanna live without your love
Just you n' me
After the love has gone
Colour my world
The next time I fall
Here in my heart
Take me back to Chicago
Fly to me the moon (Sinval Fonseca)
Can't buy me love (mony0728)
Hey Jude (TATIMELMONO)
Let It Be (mitodrumR)
Here Comes the Sun (mitodrumR)
Beat It (TATIMELMONO)
Top of the World (Harris Syach)
I won't last a day without you (alcatraz0700915)
You've got a friend (evosound)
Killing Me Softly (rizos5224)
More than words (Breeze BossaNova)
Just the way you are (Breeze BossaNova)
Can't Help Falling in Love (BRUTALTECHNOCORE)
[3/17/13 - I see that bal27rck has uploaded the tracks to youtube between 12/1/12 and 12/3/12 and attributes the singer as sitti. Looking up sitti, I see she is Sitti Navarro and is credited with the Cafe Bossa and My Bossa Nova albums (on which she sings If You Leave Me Now). They're pretty good, but to me sounds different from the singer on the Bossa N' Chicago which I still believe to Rita Lee.]
I like Bossa n' Marley too.
Is This Love?
Waiting in Vain
I Shot The Sheriff
Redemption Song
No Woman No Cry
Buffalo Soldier
[Hey, I see this album on megazip.]
I guess I'll just listen on grooveshark while I can.
[1/23/14] Hey rdio is streaming free. Lisa Ono - Soul & Bossa caught my ear (while trying to listen to songs from Slim Whitman Country Classics). And here's a reggae version of Send Me The Pillow.
[12/5/15] Listening to Bossa n' Essentials on spotify. Love it.
Well I'll just cut and paste here..
Fly Me to the Moon (saxophone)
Fly Me to the Moon (Olivia Ong)
Fly Me to the Moon (Astrud Gilberto)
The Girl From Ipanema (Astrud Gilberto)
My favorite Bossa album is Bossa N' Chicago. Anyway, here's some tracks from youtube. I guess I should one day make a playlist.
If You Leave Me Now
Will You Still Me Love Me?
Happy Man
shucks, I thought I could find more. [I might have downloaded it on my other computer.]
Hey, I see the tracks available for streaming on grooveshark. I'll write them down before they disappear (since they're being sued for copyright violations by all the major music companies).
Just You N' Me
Will You Still Love Me? (youtube)
If You Leave Me Now (takko27)
Colour My World
You're the Inspiration
Hard Habit To Break
Glory Of Love
Here in my Heart
Hard to say I'm Sorry
After The Love Has Gone
I Don't Wanna Live Without Your Love
Happy Man (nestormena3000)
The Next Time I Fall
Take Me Back To Chicago
[12/8/16] Found this note in the divider, they're the Bossa N' Chicago Tracks, but in a different order. Maybe this was the order on my custom playlist? I dunno. But here it is..
If you leave me now (bal27rck)
you're the inspiration (bal27rck)
will you still love me (bal27rck)
glory of love (bal27rck)
happy man (bal27rck)
hard habit to break (bal27rck)
hard to say I'm sorry (bal27rck)
I don't want to live without your love (bal27rck)
just you n' me (bal27rck)
after the love is gone (bal27rck)
colour my world (bal27rck)
next time I fall (bal27rck)
here in my heart (bal27rck)
take me back to chicago (bal27rck)
Looking at the youtube links, I see the first one (Will You Still Love Me) no longer works, but I found a couple more attributed to Sitti [actually got 'em all!]. I'll link them above. And before they're gone, I'll download them too (using keepvid). Tried downloading the mp3 with keepvid and I couldn't get it working, so I used listentoyoutube.com. Funny the mp3 is bigger than the mp4 file.
Hmm. Now I see the scribbled list was (the bulk of) my playlist labelled Bossa's and that I looked at those videos almost four years ago - see 3/17/13 post below. One video is missing from the playist (which is will you still love me). I'll add it back. I also notice some deleted videos from the playlist: top of the world and you got a ....
OK, here's a replacement for Top of the World (by Taryn Szpilman). Actually I like this one (uploaded by Harris Syach) better. As for You got a friend, I like this one by Susan Wong. And this one by Lisa Ono. OK, I'll add the second and third to the list to replace the deleted ones.
So here's the current playlist (the first 14 are from Bossa N' Chicago)
If You Leave Me Now (takko27)
Happy man (nestormena3000)
You're the inspiration (bal27rck)
Will you still love me
Glory of love
Hard habit to break
Hard to say I'm sorry
I don't wanna live without your love
Just you n' me
After the love has gone
Colour my world
The next time I fall
Here in my heart
Take me back to Chicago
Fly to me the moon (Sinval Fonseca)
Can't buy me love (mony0728)
Hey Jude (TATIMELMONO)
Let It Be (mitodrumR)
Here Comes the Sun (mitodrumR)
Beat It (TATIMELMONO)
Top of the World (Harris Syach)
I won't last a day without you (alcatraz0700915)
You've got a friend (evosound)
Killing Me Softly (rizos5224)
More than words (Breeze BossaNova)
Just the way you are (Breeze BossaNova)
Can't Help Falling in Love (BRUTALTECHNOCORE)
[3/17/13 - I see that bal27rck has uploaded the tracks to youtube between 12/1/12 and 12/3/12 and attributes the singer as sitti. Looking up sitti, I see she is Sitti Navarro and is credited with the Cafe Bossa and My Bossa Nova albums (on which she sings If You Leave Me Now). They're pretty good, but to me sounds different from the singer on the Bossa N' Chicago which I still believe to Rita Lee.]
I like Bossa n' Marley too.
Is This Love?
Waiting in Vain
I Shot The Sheriff
Redemption Song
No Woman No Cry
Buffalo Soldier
[Hey, I see this album on megazip.]
I guess I'll just listen on grooveshark while I can.
[1/23/14] Hey rdio is streaming free. Lisa Ono - Soul & Bossa caught my ear (while trying to listen to songs from Slim Whitman Country Classics). And here's a reggae version of Send Me The Pillow.
[12/5/15] Listening to Bossa n' Essentials on spotify. Love it.
[5/14/22] The Boss N Chicago songs from bal27rck have gone private. But I see a new playlist "provided to YouTube by Warner Music Phillipines". So this kind of looks official. The songs are dated 9/26/14, but the playlist was last updated 4/11/22.
Beatles covers
I love Beatles music, but since I've heard it played over and over by the Beatles, I've kind of collected a bunch of Beatles cover music (over the like the last 20 years or so).
But now I see I can get some on youtube. Here's some I found.
I'm Looking Through You (ukelele)
Blackbird (Cameron Mitchell)
Blackbird (Kenny Rankin)
While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Jake Shimabukuro)
While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Sungha Jung)
While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Eric Clapton, Concert for George)
My Sweet Lord (Billy Preston, Concert for George)
Here Comes The Sun (Paul Simon, David Crosby, Graham Nash)
Here Comes The Sun (James Taylor with John Williams)
Here Comes the Sun (Yuna - via roy)
Here Comes the Sun (Landon Austin)
Something (reggae cover)
Imagine (Bruddah Waltah)
Don't Let Me Down (Bruddah Waltah)
[11/5/12] Here's my play list (so far).
Let It Be (Bossa 'n Beatles)
Til There Was You (Barbara Williams)
Top 10 best Beatles covers
***
Top Tracks for the Beatles (100)
[11/4/12] the covers project shows just how many people have covered Beatles music
The Complete Beatles 1 album
But now I see I can get some on youtube. Here's some I found.
I'm Looking Through You (ukelele)
Blackbird (Cameron Mitchell)
Blackbird (Kenny Rankin)
While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Jake Shimabukuro)
While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Sungha Jung)
While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Eric Clapton, Concert for George)
My Sweet Lord (Billy Preston, Concert for George)
Here Comes The Sun (Paul Simon, David Crosby, Graham Nash)
Here Comes The Sun (James Taylor with John Williams)
Here Comes the Sun (Yuna - via roy)
Here Comes the Sun (Landon Austin)
Something (reggae cover)
Imagine (Bruddah Waltah)
Don't Let Me Down (Bruddah Waltah)
[11/5/12] Here's my play list (so far).
Fool on the Hill (Sergio Mendes & Brazil 66)
Daytripper (Sergio Mendes & Brazil 66)
Can't Buy Me Love (in Bossa)
A Hard Day's Night (Rita Lee)
She Loves You (Rita Lee)
All My Loving (Bossa N' Beatles)
With A Little Help From My Friends (Rita Lee)
In My Life (Rita Lee)
Here, There, Everywhere (Rita Lee)
If I Fell (Rita Lee)
Michelle (Rita Lee)
Hey Jude (Cool Songs in Bossa)
Let It Be (Bossa 'n Beatles)
Til There Was You (Barbara Williams)
Top 10 best Beatles covers
***
Top Tracks for the Beatles (100)
[11/4/12] the covers project shows just how many people have covered Beatles music
The Complete Beatles 1 album
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Star Wars VII
The Force is strong with this merger. Disney announced on Tuesday that it had purchased Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion in cash and stock shares. In conjunction with the news, Disney also revealed that plans for a seventh "Star Wars" film, "Star Wars: Episode VII," are in motion with eyes on theatrical release in 2015.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
TV shows watched by liberals and conservatives
A new survey reveals political partisans are divided when they
reach for the TV remote, too. And not just between Fox News and MSNBC.
Larry the Cable Guy and Jon Stewart appear to split conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats as surely as President Barack Obama's health reform law.
Republicans prefer competitive reality TV and shows about hard work, while Democrats are looking for sarcastic humor and complex characters.
Larry the Cable Guy and Jon Stewart appear to split conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats as surely as President Barack Obama's health reform law.
Republicans prefer competitive reality TV and shows about hard work, while Democrats are looking for sarcastic humor and complex characters.
Paul Shaffer leaving Letterman?
He has remained his loyal and steadfast companion over three decades of national TV.
But now it appears that David Letterman’s musical director Paul Shaffer may be about to quit the show - and his $5m a year contract.
The 62-year-old said that 30 years with the talk show host could be enough because he is worn out.
He suggested that the late nights could be getting to him and that he would love to spend his evenings napping rather than on camera.
But now it appears that David Letterman’s musical director Paul Shaffer may be about to quit the show - and his $5m a year contract.
The 62-year-old said that 30 years with the talk show host could be enough because he is worn out.
He suggested that the late nights could be getting to him and that he would love to spend his evenings napping rather than on camera.
Were Letterman to lose Shaffer it would mean the end of an era for the two men who have built a close relationship based a strong and enduring loyalty to each other.
***
It looks like Paul Shaffer isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
The longtime Late Show bandleader gave an interview to TV Guide Canada over the weekend in which he seemed to suggest he might step down as David Letterman's sidekick once his contract is up in 2014.
"We've been on 30 years so now we've got another two years...I'm going to be certainly ready to lie down after that, take a nap," he said.
However, on Monday, Shaffer was quick to clarify that he didn't mean to imply he was quitting his day, er, night job.
"In an interview with a reporter, I made two unrelated points which, joined together, seem to say something that isn't true," the 62-year-old musical director said in a statement. "It's true that the show was recently extended for two years, and yes, someday when it's all over, I will most likely take a nap. But I hope that day never comes. As long as the show goes on, I will be there for as long as Dave wants me on it."
***
It looks like Paul Shaffer isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
The longtime Late Show bandleader gave an interview to TV Guide Canada over the weekend in which he seemed to suggest he might step down as David Letterman's sidekick once his contract is up in 2014.
"We've been on 30 years so now we've got another two years...I'm going to be certainly ready to lie down after that, take a nap," he said.
However, on Monday, Shaffer was quick to clarify that he didn't mean to imply he was quitting his day, er, night job.
"In an interview with a reporter, I made two unrelated points which, joined together, seem to say something that isn't true," the 62-year-old musical director said in a statement. "It's true that the show was recently extended for two years, and yes, someday when it's all over, I will most likely take a nap. But I hope that day never comes. As long as the show goes on, I will be there for as long as Dave wants me on it."
Cafe Paris (or whatever)
I thought I wrote about it here, but can't find it.
Some years ago, WalMart used to sell this CD called Paris Cafe or French Cafe (or none of the above), that featured accordion music.
I wish I had bought it because it would have been kind of funky to play it for dinner. But now I can't find it. And the memorial.
I think it was french accordion music.
Like
La Vie En Rose
or Smoke Get In Your Eyes
or whatever this is
or Enchanted Rendezvous (I don't know the title obviously, the one Paul Shaffer plays when Dave encounters a pretty girl)
or was it Speak Softly Love
or something like that
maybe one day I'll find it. But I'm getting my fill of accordion music for now..
Some years ago, WalMart used to sell this CD called Paris Cafe or French Cafe (or none of the above), that featured accordion music.
I wish I had bought it because it would have been kind of funky to play it for dinner. But now I can't find it. And the memorial.
I think it was french accordion music.
Like
La Vie En Rose
or Smoke Get In Your Eyes
or whatever this is
or Enchanted Rendezvous (I don't know the title obviously, the one Paul Shaffer plays when Dave encounters a pretty girl)
or was it Speak Softly Love
or something like that
maybe one day I'll find it. But I'm getting my fill of accordion music for now..
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
left-wing (and right-wing) news
There's zillions of right wing news sites on the internet (not even counting FoxNews). For example, NewsMax which keeps popping up on the sidebars of various web sites.
But to counter that, there's a bunch of left wing news sites too (not even counting MS-NBC).
Here's a couple I came across while googling medicare voucher. I didn't know they were left-wing at first, but after glancing at their headlines for a split-second...
Think Progress
MediaMatters For America
I don't want to look much further, as it gets too depressing..
And back to Medicare, here's wikipedia on The Path to Prosperity which was the Republican budget proposal for 2012.
But to counter that, there's a bunch of left wing news sites too (not even counting MS-NBC).
Here's a couple I came across while googling medicare voucher. I didn't know they were left-wing at first, but after glancing at their headlines for a split-second...
Think Progress
MediaMatters For America
I don't want to look much further, as it gets too depressing..
And back to Medicare, here's wikipedia on The Path to Prosperity which was the Republican budget proposal for 2012.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
dishwashing spirit
I guess it's just me, but when I start up my dishwasher it sounds like the beginning of Spirit In The Sky.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Sunday, October 07, 2012
saving water
One bathroom fact you might not be aware of is that the biggest water user in the home is the toilet. Toilets account for about 30% of an average home's indoor water consumption according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - even more for older toilets.
-- Costco Connection, February 2010
-- Costco Connection, February 2010
Friday, October 05, 2012
James Bond
The James Bond film franchise turns 50 today, so we're celebrating something called Global James Bond Day. And if you don't, the studio bosses will evaporate the world's oceans with lasers from space.
Really and clearly, Global James Bond Day is all about promoting the 23rd 007 film, which opens next month.
To help you assess the looming threat of Global James Bond Day, we present our list of 22 the previous Bond films, ranked from worst to best.
***
I saw Costco was selling the entire James Bond collection in Blu-Ray. Amazon too.
***
The Best of Bond.
Really and clearly, Global James Bond Day is all about promoting the 23rd 007 film, which opens next month.
To help you assess the looming threat of Global James Bond Day, we present our list of 22 the previous Bond films, ranked from worst to best.
***
I saw Costco was selling the entire James Bond collection in Blu-Ray. Amazon too.
***
The Best of Bond.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Hungry Guy
I keep seeing the Burger King commercials with a guy singing Hungry Guy and a girl singing Hungry Girl.
Looking it up..
The girl is Kimie. Here's the blurb from her website:
I recently filmed a commercial for Burger King Hawaii to air state wide on July 30, 2012. I recorded the "Hungry Girl" song to the melody of Sean Na'auao's famous "Fish and Poi".
[Ah, I knew the song sounded familiar.]
Much mahalo go out to the team at Harris Agency, Cottage by the Sea for the beautiful yellow and gray dress, Hooked Up Hawaii for the beautiful sunrise earrings and seashell jewelry, Bridgette at The Hair Box, Debbie Nishimoto for styling, Sean Na'auao, Malia Chung and Lauren Fonseca.
And here's her commercial.
The guy is Duncan Osorio. And here's his commercial. And a MidWeek story. He's Jon Osorio's son (of Jon & Randy fame).
Looking it up..
The girl is Kimie. Here's the blurb from her website:
I recently filmed a commercial for Burger King Hawaii to air state wide on July 30, 2012. I recorded the "Hungry Girl" song to the melody of Sean Na'auao's famous "Fish and Poi".
[Ah, I knew the song sounded familiar.]
Much mahalo go out to the team at Harris Agency, Cottage by the Sea for the beautiful yellow and gray dress, Hooked Up Hawaii for the beautiful sunrise earrings and seashell jewelry, Bridgette at The Hair Box, Debbie Nishimoto for styling, Sean Na'auao, Malia Chung and Lauren Fonseca.
And here's her commercial.
The guy is Duncan Osorio. And here's his commercial. And a MidWeek story. He's Jon Osorio's son (of Jon & Randy fame).
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Andy Williams
Andy Williams, the affable, boyishly handsome crooner who defined both
easy listening and wholesome, easygoing charm for many American pop
music fans in the 1960s, most notably with his signature song, “Moon
River,” died on Tuesday night at his home in Branson, Mo. He was 84 and
also had a home in La Quinta, Calif.
The cause was cancer, his publicist, Paul Shefrin, said. Mr. Williams, who had continued to perform until last year, announced in November that he had bladder cancer.
“Moon River” was written by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer, and Audrey
Hepburn introduced it in the 1961 film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” but it
was Mr. Williams who made the song indisputably his own when he sang it
at the 1962 Academy Awards ceremony and titled a subsequent album after
it. When he built a theater in Branson, he named it the Andy Williams
Moon River Theater.
“Moon River” became the theme song for his musical-variety television
series “The Andy Williams Show,” which, along with his family-oriented
Christmas TV specials, made him a household name.
“The Andy Williams Show” ran on NBC from 1962 to 1971 and won three Emmy
Awards for outstanding variety series. But its run also coincided with
the social and cultural upheavals of the 1960s, and with a lineup of
well-scrubbed acts like the Osmond Brothers (whom Mr. Williams
introduced to national television) and established performers like Judy
Garland and Bobby Darin, the show, at least to many members of a
younger, more rebellious generation, was hopelessly square — the sort of
entertainment their parents would watch.
Despite that image, “The Andy Williams Show” was not oblivious to the
cultural moment. Its guests also included rising rock acts like Elton
John and the Mamas and the Papas, and its offbeat comedy skits,
featuring characters like the relentless Cookie Bear and the Walking
Suitcase, predated similar absurdism on David Letterman’s and Conan
O’Brien’s talk shows by decades.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
best TV shows of all time
More than 60 years after it premiered, the iconic television sitcom "I
Love Lucy" nabbed top honors with TV fans in a survey conducted by ABC
News and People Magazine for "Best in TV," a special edition of "20/20"
that aired Tuesday night.
"Lucy" was voted the best show of all time, beating out finalists "Seinfeld," "M*A*S*H," "All in the Family" and "Cheers." All five finalists were comedies.
"We were not surprised Americans chose comedies as their favorites of all time," said ABC News' Barbara Walters, who hosted the special. "We all like to laugh and these shows still make us laugh today."
"Lucy" was voted the best show of all time, beating out finalists "Seinfeld," "M*A*S*H," "All in the Family" and "Cheers." All five finalists were comedies.
"We were not surprised Americans chose comedies as their favorites of all time," said ABC News' Barbara Walters, who hosted the special. "We all like to laugh and these shows still make us laugh today."
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
how to tell a democrat from a republican
Many of you have expressed great confusion,
in these troubled times, in trying to tell a Republican from a
Democrat. Sure, we know what they say they are; most of them have well
displayed nameplates. But could you tell one from the other in a blind
test? That is, without prior knowledge and access to his/her nameplate,
could you determine which was which simply by his/her actions? Probably
not. The purpose of this essay is to assist you in making such an
identification. In the following paragraphs, I will list the major
issues of our times and clearly identify the differences between the
Republican and Democrat approaches to these issues.
[note: as this article is sure to rile up both sides, the author is Leon Felkins, not me]
[note: as this article is sure to rile up both sides, the author is Leon Felkins, not me]
Friday, September 14, 2012
eat fish, not fish oil
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish such as sardines and salmon
and once touted as a way of staving off heart disease and stroke, don't help after all, according to a Greek study.
Based on a review and analysis of previous clinical trials including more than 68,000 participants, Greek researchers whose report appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association said the fatty acids have no impact on overall death rates, deaths from heart disease, or strokes and heart attacks.
This was true whether they were obtained from supplements such as pills, or from fish in the diet, said the researchers, led by Mosef Elisef at the University Hospital of Ioannina.
A decade ago, medical evidence suggested that boosting omega-3s, including the acids known as EPA and DHA, with food or supplements had a strong protective effect even though the mechanism wasn't understood.
Scientists cited improvements in levels of triglycerides - a type of fat in the blood - as well as blood pressure levels and heart rhythm disturbances.
But since then, the picture has grown clouded. Earlier this year, a group of Korean researchers found that omega-3 supplements had no effect on heart disease or death based on 20,000 participants in previous trials.
Because people who eat a lot of fish have been found to have less heart disease, researchers figured that perhaps putting the supposed "active ingredients" in a pill could provide similar benefits, said Alice Lichtenstein, director of the Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory at Tufts University in Boston.
"What we have learned over the years is you can't think about individual nutrients in isolation," she added.
People who eat fish often may be replacing things like steak, hamburgers or quiche, making for a healthier diet.
Instead of supplements, Lichtenstein recommended eating fish at least twice a week, having a diet rich in whole grains and vegetables, getting lots of physical activity, and not smoking.
***
The medical world long ago noted that societies in which diets were high in fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and others had lower rates of heart disease. A large 1989 study found that men who had already had a heart attack and changed their diets to include more fatty fish rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid were 29% less likely to die in the next two years. Because of these and other findings, many medical groups suggest that people at risk for heart disease either increase their fatty fish intake or take omega-3 supplements.
However, subsequent studies that looked at omega-3 fatty acid supplements derived from fish were less clear. Some supported and some refuted the findings, though overall the connection between supplements and lowered heart disease has been elusive. The study released today attempts to pull together all the current research.
The message Americans may not want to hear is that eating healthy foods, not taking pills, is what helps heart health, says Richard Karas, director of the preventive cardiology center at Tufts Medical Center in Boston.
Time and time again research shows that a diet rich in a certain vitamin or nutrient is beneficial. But then people think "if you take a pill containing that ingredient, you'll be healthier," Karas says. It doesn't work that way.
He now tells his cardiac patients to eat fatty fish in at least two meals a week.
Based on a review and analysis of previous clinical trials including more than 68,000 participants, Greek researchers whose report appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association said the fatty acids have no impact on overall death rates, deaths from heart disease, or strokes and heart attacks.
This was true whether they were obtained from supplements such as pills, or from fish in the diet, said the researchers, led by Mosef Elisef at the University Hospital of Ioannina.
A decade ago, medical evidence suggested that boosting omega-3s, including the acids known as EPA and DHA, with food or supplements had a strong protective effect even though the mechanism wasn't understood.
Scientists cited improvements in levels of triglycerides - a type of fat in the blood - as well as blood pressure levels and heart rhythm disturbances.
But since then, the picture has grown clouded. Earlier this year, a group of Korean researchers found that omega-3 supplements had no effect on heart disease or death based on 20,000 participants in previous trials.
Because people who eat a lot of fish have been found to have less heart disease, researchers figured that perhaps putting the supposed "active ingredients" in a pill could provide similar benefits, said Alice Lichtenstein, director of the Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory at Tufts University in Boston.
"What we have learned over the years is you can't think about individual nutrients in isolation," she added.
People who eat fish often may be replacing things like steak, hamburgers or quiche, making for a healthier diet.
Instead of supplements, Lichtenstein recommended eating fish at least twice a week, having a diet rich in whole grains and vegetables, getting lots of physical activity, and not smoking.
***
The medical world long ago noted that societies in which diets were high in fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and others had lower rates of heart disease. A large 1989 study found that men who had already had a heart attack and changed their diets to include more fatty fish rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid were 29% less likely to die in the next two years. Because of these and other findings, many medical groups suggest that people at risk for heart disease either increase their fatty fish intake or take omega-3 supplements.
However, subsequent studies that looked at omega-3 fatty acid supplements derived from fish were less clear. Some supported and some refuted the findings, though overall the connection between supplements and lowered heart disease has been elusive. The study released today attempts to pull together all the current research.
The message Americans may not want to hear is that eating healthy foods, not taking pills, is what helps heart health, says Richard Karas, director of the preventive cardiology center at Tufts Medical Center in Boston.
Time and time again research shows that a diet rich in a certain vitamin or nutrient is beneficial. But then people think "if you take a pill containing that ingredient, you'll be healthier," Karas says. It doesn't work that way.
He now tells his cardiac patients to eat fatty fish in at least two meals a week.
Thursday, September 06, 2012
mindfulness decluttering
Cleaning and decluttering, for me, are mindfulness practices. They are
not chores that I dread, nor ways to strive for a perfect living
environment, but ways to practice living in the present moment. As such,
they are some of my favorite things to do.
As I wipe the counter, I notice the crumbs and dried spilled liquid. I feel the rag going over the bumpy surface of the counter, and gradually feel the surface smoothing out. I feel the tension in my shoulders and jaw, and relax them. I become aware of my breath as it comes in and goes out. I rinse the rag out carefully, cleaning it and watching the dirty water run down the drain.
This is practice for a mindful life. It is also life, already, not practice but the actual event. Wiping things down, mindfully, is just as full of wonder as any other moment in my life.
As I wipe the counter, I notice the crumbs and dried spilled liquid. I feel the rag going over the bumpy surface of the counter, and gradually feel the surface smoothing out. I feel the tension in my shoulders and jaw, and relax them. I become aware of my breath as it comes in and goes out. I rinse the rag out carefully, cleaning it and watching the dirty water run down the drain.
This is practice for a mindful life. It is also life, already, not practice but the actual event. Wiping things down, mindfully, is just as full of wonder as any other moment in my life.
Monday, September 03, 2012
Michael Clarke Duncan
Michael Clarke Duncan, nominated for an Academy Award for his role in
the 1999 film "The Green Mile," died Monday morning at age 54,
according to a representative for his family.
Duncan "suffered a myocardial infarction on July 13 and never fully recovered," a written statement from Joy Fehily said.
Clarke died at a Los Angeles hospital where he had been since having the heart attack more than seven weeks ago.
In his 20s, he worked
digging ditches for Peoples Gas during the day and as a bouncer at
night. He told CNN in 1999 that his coworkers at the gas company called
him "Hollywood" because he'd often talk about becoming a movie star.
"I'd be digging a ditch
and they'd say, 'Hey, man, Bruce Willis wants to talk to you about a
movie.' And they'd just crack up laughing," he said while doing press
for 'The Green Mile.'
"Those coworkers had no way of knowing how that joke would turn on them."
In 1990, he decided to
measure up his nickname and he moved to Los Angeles. He worked as a
bodyguard then got a part in a commercial as a drill sergeant.
More roles followed --
often ones that depended more on his 315-pound frame than his acting
ability. He was a guard in "Back in Business," a bouncer in "A Night at
the Roxbury," a bouncer for 2 Live Crew in "The Players Club," and a
bouncer at a bar in the Warren Beatty film "Bulworth."
In 1998, he landed his
first significant movie part, playing Bear in the film "Armageddon,"
where a crew of drillers from an oil rig save the Earth from an
asteroid.
"Armageddon" was the
beginning of his friendship with Bruce Willis. They appeared in four
films together. And it was Willis who called 'The Green Mile' director
Frank Darabont to put in a good word for Duncan.
"I am terribly saddened at the loss of Big Mike," The Green Mile costar Tom Hanks said in a statement. "He was the treasure we all discovered on the set of The Green Mile. He was magic. He was a big love of man and his passing leaves us stunned."
***
I have at least three of his movies on DVD, Armageddon, The Scorpion King, The Whole Nine Yards. Looking at imdb, Kung Fu Panda, The Last Mimzy too. He also played The Kingpin in Daredevil.
***
I have at least three of his movies on DVD, Armageddon, The Scorpion King, The Whole Nine Yards. Looking at imdb, Kung Fu Panda, The Last Mimzy too. He also played The Kingpin in Daredevil.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
pretending works!
CAMBRIDGE, MA—A study released Thursday by researchers at Harvard
University's Department of Psychology has found that the simple act of
pretending one's life is not a complete shambles threatening to collapse
at any moment works.
"Even when everything is coming apart at the seams and disaster is almost certainly imminent, putting up a good front for friends and loved ones makes everything better," said Professor Christine Wanamaker, who explained that smiling a lot and evasive answers were usually enough to get by. "Tell everyone that things are fine, and they will be fine. Just don't over-think it."
When asked about her study's methodology, Wanamaker said the research was rock-solid, had been looked over by a bunch of scientists, and definitely wasn't anything to worry about.
***
Or maybe you don't have to pretend..
There's a theory in behavioral psychology called the fading affect bias. In simple terms, it states that negative emotions leave our memories much faster than positive ones -- a sort of natural aversion to unpleasant thoughts.
In 1948, psychologist Sam Waldfogel gave a group of participants 85 minutes to write down every event they could remember from the first eight years of their life, and rank them as pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral. Logically, events should have been spread evenly between the three. But they weren't. Pleasant memories outweighed negative ones by almost twofold. People had a distinct positive bias when recalling their past.
So, what's this mean for your investments? People worry and the economy slows down. Then they get over it and it recovers. Same story again and again. John Maynard Keynes called these shifts animal spirits -- "a spontaneous urge to action rather than inaction." The important thing is that they happen consistently and predictably. You get to choose whether you want to stop worrying before the crowd, or wait and follow the crowd. It's the epitome of being fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful. And it may be the single largest factor in determining whether you'll be a successful investor or not.
"Even when everything is coming apart at the seams and disaster is almost certainly imminent, putting up a good front for friends and loved ones makes everything better," said Professor Christine Wanamaker, who explained that smiling a lot and evasive answers were usually enough to get by. "Tell everyone that things are fine, and they will be fine. Just don't over-think it."
When asked about her study's methodology, Wanamaker said the research was rock-solid, had been looked over by a bunch of scientists, and definitely wasn't anything to worry about.
***
Or maybe you don't have to pretend..
There's a theory in behavioral psychology called the fading affect bias. In simple terms, it states that negative emotions leave our memories much faster than positive ones -- a sort of natural aversion to unpleasant thoughts.
In 1948, psychologist Sam Waldfogel gave a group of participants 85 minutes to write down every event they could remember from the first eight years of their life, and rank them as pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral. Logically, events should have been spread evenly between the three. But they weren't. Pleasant memories outweighed negative ones by almost twofold. People had a distinct positive bias when recalling their past.
So, what's this mean for your investments? People worry and the economy slows down. Then they get over it and it recovers. Same story again and again. John Maynard Keynes called these shifts animal spirits -- "a spontaneous urge to action rather than inaction." The important thing is that they happen consistently and predictably. You get to choose whether you want to stop worrying before the crowd, or wait and follow the crowd. It's the epitome of being fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful. And it may be the single largest factor in determining whether you'll be a successful investor or not.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Phyllis Diller
Phyllis Diller, the zany housewife-turned-stand-up comic with the electrified hairdo,
outlandish wardrobe and a barrage of self-deprecating jokes punctuated
by her trademark laugh, has died. She was 95.
Diller, whose career in comedy clubs spanned nearly 50 years, died in her sleep Monday at her longtime home in Brentwood, said her agent, Fred Wostbrock.
As a professional comedian, Diller was a late bloomer: The Ohio native was an Alameda, Calif., mother of five when she made her nightclub debut at the Purple Onion in San Francisco in 1955 — at age 37.
Jack Paar once described her as looking "like someone you avoid at the supermarket." Bob Hope called her "a Warhol mobile of spare parts picked up along a freeway."
But Diller was always the first to address her colorfully eccentric stage persona, describing herself as "The Elizabeth Taylor of'The Twilight Zone'" and a woman who once worked "as a lampshade in a whorehouse."
During her long career, she was in more than two dozen movies, including three with Hope, with whom she also appeared on numerous TV specials and traveled with to Vietnam to entertain U.S. troops.
But the outlandish Diller always shined best in nightclubs, showrooms and concert halls, where one of her favorite targets was her domestic life, including her fictional husband "Fang."
"I don't like to cook; I can make a TV dinner taste like radio," she'd say.
"Fang's idea of a seven-course dinner is a six-pack and a bologna sandwich. The last time I said let's eat out, we ate in the garage."
"I put on a peekaboo blouse. He took a peek and booed."
Diller, whose career in comedy clubs spanned nearly 50 years, died in her sleep Monday at her longtime home in Brentwood, said her agent, Fred Wostbrock.
As a professional comedian, Diller was a late bloomer: The Ohio native was an Alameda, Calif., mother of five when she made her nightclub debut at the Purple Onion in San Francisco in 1955 — at age 37.
Jack Paar once described her as looking "like someone you avoid at the supermarket." Bob Hope called her "a Warhol mobile of spare parts picked up along a freeway."
But Diller was always the first to address her colorfully eccentric stage persona, describing herself as "The Elizabeth Taylor of'The Twilight Zone'" and a woman who once worked "as a lampshade in a whorehouse."
During her long career, she was in more than two dozen movies, including three with Hope, with whom she also appeared on numerous TV specials and traveled with to Vietnam to entertain U.S. troops.
But the outlandish Diller always shined best in nightclubs, showrooms and concert halls, where one of her favorite targets was her domestic life, including her fictional husband "Fang."
"I don't like to cook; I can make a TV dinner taste like radio," she'd say.
"Fang's idea of a seven-course dinner is a six-pack and a bologna sandwich. The last time I said let's eat out, we ate in the garage."
"I put on a peekaboo blouse. He took a peek and booed."
Friday, August 17, 2012
my sink is clogged again :(
After having the bathroom sink clogged a few weeks ago, now it's the kitchen sink.
Last time I used Drano. The half a bottle didn't work, so I poured in the whole bottle. After two or three hours the sink finally drained. Happiness.
I had been having trouble lately with the water backing up, but running the disposal for several seconds got the water drained. This time it drained, then came right back up :(
This time I'm using Liquid Plumber. Poured in a half a bottle. The water was still there standing 45 minutes later. So poured in the whole bottle.
About four hours later, the water is still there. Now about six hours later, the water level is slightly down.
What to do? (Besides calling a plumber. Last time I called Glenn and he wound up having the cut the large pipe from under where I'm sitting - outside the kitchen - and snaking the pipe under the lawn toward the manhole. But I think the heavy duty Drano I dumped into the pipe might have eventually worked.)
The easiest solution (for me) would be to pour some more chemicals down the sink. Maybe Drano in addition to the Liquid Plumber. Drano recommends Drano Max Gel -- it pours through water straight to the clog.
Then there's the baking soda and vinegar proponents. [But maybe I shouldn't try it after using the Liquid Plumber]
1) Dump 1/2 box of baking soda down both sides of your two sided sink (I don't know why two sides in my case since the side seems to be draining fine. Looking under the house I see each side going down separate pipes then merging into a big pipe. Evidently the clog is above the merge.
2) Follow with a chaser of 1/2 cup of vinegar
3) Let sit for 10 minutes
4) Boil water and send down both drains
5) Halfway fill both basins with hot water
6) Stop up the non-disposal basin
7) Plunge the disposal side for 5 to 10 minutes
***
OK, now I see the water finally drained. But running the faucet and now there's new water in there. At least it's not completely clogged now.
***
Here's more steps to try.
Try the plunger (w/o the baking soda)
Clean the P-trap
Snake the line
Hopefully it won't come to the snake.
***
OK tried plunging a few times. Seems to have clogged the sink even more.
WTH, turn on the disposal. Sink drains. But when I turn it off, the water fills up again. Now the thing is stuck again.
Thinking about it, I've got a suspicion that it's leftover pie crust that's clogging up the sink.
***
OK went down to Longs, bought the Drano Max Gel (as well some some vinegar from Times for possible future use), and poured half the bottle in. I didn't see anything happening for about five minutes so I poured the rest of the bubble. I saw a little bubbling coming out of the sink hole (whatever you call it), so that was encouraging. But now I see nothing.
OK guess I'll have to wait.
***
When this thing gets unstuck, I'll try not to throw the pie crust down there next time. And/or maybe use that Drano Build-Up Remover.
***
Left overnight and hope for the best
Hey wake up and see the sink has been drained.
Run water. Doesn't back up.
Thank you Drano! Happy :)
Last time I used Drano. The half a bottle didn't work, so I poured in the whole bottle. After two or three hours the sink finally drained. Happiness.
I had been having trouble lately with the water backing up, but running the disposal for several seconds got the water drained. This time it drained, then came right back up :(
This time I'm using Liquid Plumber. Poured in a half a bottle. The water was still there standing 45 minutes later. So poured in the whole bottle.
About four hours later, the water is still there. Now about six hours later, the water level is slightly down.
What to do? (Besides calling a plumber. Last time I called Glenn and he wound up having the cut the large pipe from under where I'm sitting - outside the kitchen - and snaking the pipe under the lawn toward the manhole. But I think the heavy duty Drano I dumped into the pipe might have eventually worked.)
The easiest solution (for me) would be to pour some more chemicals down the sink. Maybe Drano in addition to the Liquid Plumber. Drano recommends Drano Max Gel -- it pours through water straight to the clog.
Then there's the baking soda and vinegar proponents. [But maybe I shouldn't try it after using the Liquid Plumber]
1) Dump 1/2 box of baking soda down both sides of your two sided sink (I don't know why two sides in my case since the side seems to be draining fine. Looking under the house I see each side going down separate pipes then merging into a big pipe. Evidently the clog is above the merge.
2) Follow with a chaser of 1/2 cup of vinegar
3) Let sit for 10 minutes
4) Boil water and send down both drains
5) Halfway fill both basins with hot water
6) Stop up the non-disposal basin
7) Plunge the disposal side for 5 to 10 minutes
***
OK, now I see the water finally drained. But running the faucet and now there's new water in there. At least it's not completely clogged now.
***
Here's more steps to try.
Try the plunger (w/o the baking soda)
Clean the P-trap
Snake the line
Hopefully it won't come to the snake.
***
OK tried plunging a few times. Seems to have clogged the sink even more.
WTH, turn on the disposal. Sink drains. But when I turn it off, the water fills up again. Now the thing is stuck again.
Thinking about it, I've got a suspicion that it's leftover pie crust that's clogging up the sink.
***
OK went down to Longs, bought the Drano Max Gel (as well some some vinegar from Times for possible future use), and poured half the bottle in. I didn't see anything happening for about five minutes so I poured the rest of the bubble. I saw a little bubbling coming out of the sink hole (whatever you call it), so that was encouraging. But now I see nothing.
OK guess I'll have to wait.
***
When this thing gets unstuck, I'll try not to throw the pie crust down there next time. And/or maybe use that Drano Build-Up Remover.
***
Left overnight and hope for the best
Hey wake up and see the sink has been drained.
Run water. Doesn't back up.
Thank you Drano! Happy :)
Thursday, August 16, 2012
The 60s (Sixties)
-- from a chain mail (not to be confused with the PBS documentary)
Friday, August 10, 2012
J. Akuhead Pupule
Hal Lewis, better known as J.
Akuhead Pupule, was the top deejay in the islands from 1947 until his
death 29 years ago on July 21, 1983.
Aku was one of the highest paid
deejays in the nation at the time, earning an estimated $500,000 a year.
He was born April 14, 1917, as Herschel Laib Hohenstein.
By the time he came to Hawaii as
a violinist on the Matsonia, he had changed it to Hal Lewis. KPOA (now
KORL) gave him his first radio job.
"Aku had a perfect voice for AM
radio," says KSSK's Michael W. Perry. "He just had the right timbre and
register. He was a musician. He understood sound and how music and
voice fit together."
Aku was one of the first to take
phone calls on the air. "Hello dere," he would say. Listeners would ask
about current events or tell him jokes. He took calls from
President Richard Nixon, Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra. He had an
array of bells, whistles, buzzers and sound effects to provide
color.
When the rock 'n' roll era
washed over the radio waves, Aku stuck with classical and big-band
music. His 100,000 daily listeners stuck with him.
Lewis was given the nickname
"Akuhead" by an irate listener when he gave the wrong time on air,
sending her running to the office an hour early.
*** 11/13/20
‘A Day in the Life of a Fish-head’
Wednesday, August 01, 2012
calcium and vitamin D
I was looking up vitamin D (or something) and read somewhere that over 500 Mg of calcium is ineffective and that it was better to take them in separate doses. So I started giving mom her calcium pill at night.
But now I can't find a reference.
And now I read that post-menopausal women should NOT take vitamin D and calcium according to a "government advistory panel". WTH.
But now I can't find a reference.
And now I read that post-menopausal women should NOT take vitamin D and calcium according to a "government advistory panel". WTH.
For years, experts have been touting the health
benefits of these nutrients. Both calcium and vitamin D are key
nutrients for bone health.
The Institute of Medicine,
which provides independent advice on health, recommends that people
daily get 600-800 IUs (international units) of vitamin D and 700-1,300
milligrams of calcium, depending on their age.
The task force's draft recommendation looked at doses up to 400 IUs
(international units) of vitamin D and 1,000 milligrams of calcium for
fracture prevention, and recommended against taking them, saying the
nutrients slightly increase the risk for kidney stones. The authors add
that there is insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about taking
larger doses to prevent fractures.
Taylor Wallace, senior director of scientific and
regulatory affairs for the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a trade
group that represents supplement makers, says research shows that
supplementation with calcium and vitamin D is beneficial for bone
health, particularly in post-menopausal women and the elderly. "You want
try to your best to get your calcium and vitamin D from food, but most
Americans do not, so when there is a gap, they can fill that gap with
supplements."
He points out that last month
this same government task force said supplementation with vitamin D was
beneficial in preventing incidences of falls among adults ages 65 and
older. "Since falls commonly result in fractures, it's common sense for
the elderly to consider supplementing with vitamin D and calcium."
***
Well, here's one link. According to Dr. Bill Salt
Since most of us cannot absorb more than 600 milligrams of calcium at a time, it is best to divide the daily dose in two and take it twice a day.
And here's one from the Mayo Clinic
Calcium is absorbed most efficiently when it's taken in amounts of 500 or 600 milligrams (mg) or less at one time. If you take 1,000 mg of calcium a day, split it into two or more doses over the course of the day.
And here's another one
It is also important not to consume too much calcium at one time. For the most efficient calcium absorption, it is best to consume calcium (from food and/or supplements) in amounts of 600mg or less at one time. Your body uses calcium best when it is spread out through the day.
And from wikipedia
Most experts recommend that supplements be taken with food and that no more than 600 mg should be taken at a time because the percent of calcium absorbed decreases as the amount of calcium in the supplement increases.
***
Well, here's one link. According to Dr. Bill Salt
Since most of us cannot absorb more than 600 milligrams of calcium at a time, it is best to divide the daily dose in two and take it twice a day.
And here's one from the Mayo Clinic
Calcium is absorbed most efficiently when it's taken in amounts of 500 or 600 milligrams (mg) or less at one time. If you take 1,000 mg of calcium a day, split it into two or more doses over the course of the day.
And here's another one
It is also important not to consume too much calcium at one time. For the most efficient calcium absorption, it is best to consume calcium (from food and/or supplements) in amounts of 600mg or less at one time. Your body uses calcium best when it is spread out through the day.
And from wikipedia
Most experts recommend that supplements be taken with food and that no more than 600 mg should be taken at a time because the percent of calcium absorbed decreases as the amount of calcium in the supplement increases.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Toyota key won't turn
I've been having this problem for a number of months. The key won't turn in the ignition. I found that I had to jiggle the key back and forth and kind of shove it in. And if that didn't work, turn the key upside down. Eventually it worked.
But now a new problem. The key wouldn't insert all the way in.
Had to try pushing it in and out a number of times and eventually it worked.
I went home and sprayed it with some silicon spray.
And now the key goes in easier. But when I tried the old (less used key) it wouldn't turn. And only the more worn out key works putting it in one way. Though even that doesn't work sometimes on the first crack.
Google. Sounds like it's the lock cylinder.
I think I'll take it to B&A and see what they say.
[8/20/12] Took it to B&A and they said there's nothing they could do, but that the keys looked worn out.
So I went to City Mill and made a duplicate of the key that was in mom's closet. That seems to work better. But now that the lubricant has settled in, I can put the old key in and turn it after jiggling a couple times. The other old key still doesn't work though. I'm keeping the new duplicate key on my keychain but trying not to use it so I don't wear it out. I'm also keeping the other old key on my keychain too. I can still use it to unlock the door.
[8/20/12] Took it to B&A and they said there's nothing they could do, but that the keys looked worn out.
So I went to City Mill and made a duplicate of the key that was in mom's closet. That seems to work better. But now that the lubricant has settled in, I can put the old key in and turn it after jiggling a couple times. The other old key still doesn't work though. I'm keeping the new duplicate key on my keychain but trying not to use it so I don't wear it out. I'm also keeping the other old key on my keychain too. I can still use it to unlock the door.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Charmed
After finally having bought all the Charmed DVD sets for Christie (not that I know that she knows where all of them are), I see some Charmed episodes have been uploaded on youtube.
1.0 - Unaired Pilot (just uploaded today, an older upload)
1.1 - Something Wicca This Way Comes
etc.
1.0 - Unaired Pilot (just uploaded today, an older upload)
1.1 - Something Wicca This Way Comes
etc.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Amazon sales tax
The free ride is ending..
Attention Amazon shoppers: Be prepared to pay more when you purchase goods, depending on where you live.
The online retail giant will start charging sales tax in eight additional states in coming years, starting with California and Pennsylvania in September, as it puts down physical roots in more places. Amazon already collects sales tax in six states.
Attention Amazon shoppers: Be prepared to pay more when you purchase goods, depending on where you live.
The online retail giant will start charging sales tax in eight additional states in coming years, starting with California and Pennsylvania in September, as it puts down physical roots in more places. Amazon already collects sales tax in six states.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Tyler and JLo leaving American Idol
LOS ANGELES >> Jennifer Lopez is the second judge in two days to say she's leaving "American Idol."
Her representative, Mark Young, said today that Lopez is ending her time on television's most popular show after two years. Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler said the same thing on Thursday.
Lopez broke the news to "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest on his radio show.
"I really was dreading this phone call with you," she told him. "I honestly feel like the time has come that I have to get back to doing the other things that I do that I've put kind of on hold because I love 'Idol' so much."
That means the show's judging panel is down to one, Randy Jackson, and there are reports that he may take a different role on the program moving forward.
[9/1/12] The dawg days are over at "American Idol" ... TMZ has learned Randy Jackson is officially LEAVING the judge's table ... but will still remain a part of the show as a "mentor."
Sources connected to "Idol" tell us ... there's some concern among the brass that Jackson is not well-suited for the mentor role ... but they feel they need him because he's the glue that helps keep the show together.
As for his replacement ... sources tell us Nicki Minaj's deal is 99% done ... but still not a sure thing just yet.
Her representative, Mark Young, said today that Lopez is ending her time on television's most popular show after two years. Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler said the same thing on Thursday.
Lopez broke the news to "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest on his radio show.
"I really was dreading this phone call with you," she told him. "I honestly feel like the time has come that I have to get back to doing the other things that I do that I've put kind of on hold because I love 'Idol' so much."
That means the show's judging panel is down to one, Randy Jackson, and there are reports that he may take a different role on the program moving forward.
[9/1/12] The dawg days are over at "American Idol" ... TMZ has learned Randy Jackson is officially LEAVING the judge's table ... but will still remain a part of the show as a "mentor."
Sources connected to "Idol" tell us ... there's some concern among the brass that Jackson is not well-suited for the mentor role ... but they feel they need him because he's the glue that helps keep the show together.
As for his replacement ... sources tell us Nicki Minaj's deal is 99% done ... but still not a sure thing just yet.
American Idol may be ready for a major makeover. Last year's season
finale, with Jessica Sanchez vs. Phil Phillips, had the smallest
audience of any American Idol finale; even smaller than the first
American Idol finale which aired in the slower summer months. Season
11's finale got just 21.5 million viewers. The biggest viewership for an
American Idol finale was 38.1 million in 2003.
American Idol remains a cash cow for Fox. It pulls in about $500,000 for
a 30-second commercial, and it remains one of the biggest draws on TV,
despite a decline in audience in recent years. But few blame the cast of
judges as responsible for the decline. Most observers say the ebb is a
result of a combination of audience atigue and the rise of copy cat
competition, especially, the arrival of Simon Cowell's "X-Factor" and
NBC's "The Voice."
[9/16/12] The "American Idol" judges' panel is now complete with the naming of singer-rapper Nicki Minaj and country crooner Keith Urban.
[9/16/12] The "American Idol" judges' panel is now complete with the naming of singer-rapper Nicki Minaj and country crooner Keith Urban.
The Fox
network officially tapped the pair with an announcement today,
confirming rumors surrounding them both just hours before the first
round of auditions for next season was due to begin in New York.
The
announcement also settled the status of Randy Jackson. He will stay put
as the sole remaining original "Idol" judge, scotching rumors he might
assume a different role on the popular talent competition.
This trio will join pop star Mariah Carey at a judges' panel now expanded to four members from its previous three.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
KITV blacked out
Wow, this gotta be front page news in Hawaii.
KITV, the local ABC affiliate is no longer being carried by Oceanic (the Time Warner cable channel which is probably used by 90% of Hawaii's TV audience).
And not only in Hawaii, but cities like Boston, Kansas City, Lincoln NE, Louisville (CBS), Cincinnati, Pittsburgh.
Score one for Direct TV.
Amazingly, I see nothing of this in the Star Advertiser. Well, wait for Hawaii to wake up to that message!
We'll see how many days this lasts.
***
OK, here's the Star-Advertiser story.
*** [7/20/12]
KITV is back on Oceanic!
KITV, the local ABC affiliate is no longer being carried by Oceanic (the Time Warner cable channel which is probably used by 90% of Hawaii's TV audience).
And not only in Hawaii, but cities like Boston, Kansas City, Lincoln NE, Louisville (CBS), Cincinnati, Pittsburgh.
Score one for Direct TV.
Amazingly, I see nothing of this in the Star Advertiser. Well, wait for Hawaii to wake up to that message!
We'll see how many days this lasts.
***
OK, here's the Star-Advertiser story.
*** [7/20/12]
KITV is back on Oceanic!
Sunday, July 08, 2012
Ernest Borgnine
Ernest Borgnine, the beefy screen
star known for blustery, often villainous roles, but who won the
best-actor Oscar for playing against type as a lovesick butcher in
"Marty" in 1955, died Sunday. He was 95.
His longtime spokesman, Harry
Flynn, told The Associated Press that Borgnine died of renal failure at
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center with his wife and children at his side.
Borgnine, who endeared himself
to a generation of Baby Boomers with the 1960s TV comedy "McHale's
Navy," first attracted notice in the early 1950s in villain roles,
notably as the vicious Fatso Judson, who beat Frank Sinatra to death in
"From Here to Eternity."
Then came "Marty," a low-budget
film based on a Paddy Chayefsky television play that starred Rod
Steiger. Borgnine played a 34-year-old who fears he is so unattractive
he will never find romance. Then, at a dance, he meets a girl with the
same fear.
"Sooner or later, there comes a
point in a man's life when he's gotta face some facts," Marty movingly
tells his mother at one point in the film. "And one fact I gotta face is
that, whatever it is that women like, I ain't got it. I chased after
enough girls in my life. I-I went to enough dances. I got hurt enough. I
don't wanna get hurt no more."
The realism of Chayefsky's prose
and Delbert Mann's sensitive direction astonished audiences accustomed
to happy Hollywood formulas. Borgnine won the Oscar and awards from the
Cannes Film Festival, New York Critics and National Board of Review.
"The Oscar made me a star, and
I'm grateful," Borgnine told an interviewer in 1966. "But I feel had I
not won the Oscar I wouldn't have gotten into the messes I did in my
personal life."
Those messes included four failed marriages, including one in 1964 to singer Ethel Merman that lasted less than six weeks.
But Borgnine's fifth marriage,
in 1973 to Norwegian-born Tova Traesnaes, endured and brought with it an
interesting business partnership. She manufactured and sold her own
beauty products under the name of Tova and used her husband's
rejuvenated face in her ads.
During a 2007 interview with The
Associated Press, Borgnine expressed delight that their union had
reached 34 years. "That's longer than the total of my four other
marriages," he commented, laughing heartily.
Although still not a marquee star until after "Marty," the roles of
heavies started coming regularly after "From Here to Eternity." Among
the films: "Bad Day at Black Rock," ''Johnny Guitar," ''Demetrius and
the Gladiators," ''Vera Cruz."
Then he successfully made the transition to TV comedy.
From 1962 to 1966, Borgnine a
Navy vet himself starred in "McHale's Navy" as the commander of a World
War II PT boat with a crew of misfits and malcontents. Obviously
patterned after Phil Silvers' popular Sgt. Bilko, McHale was a con
artist forever tricking his superior, Capt. Binghamton, played by the
late Joe Flynn.
The cast took the show to the big screen in 1964 with a "McHale's Navy" movie.
Borgnine's later films included
"Ice Station Zebra," ''The Adventurers," ''Willard," ''The Poseidon
Adventure," ''The Greatest" (as Muhammad Ali's manager), "Convoy,"
''Ravagers," ''Escape from New York," ''Moving Target" and "Mistress."
More recently, Borgnine had a
recurring role as the apartment house doorman-cum-chef in the NBC sitcom
"The Single Guy." He had a small role in the unsuccessful 1997 movie
version of "McHale's Navy." And he was the voice of Mermaid Man on
"SpongeBob SquarePants" and Carface on "All Dogs Go to Heaven 2."
On Jan. 24, 2007, Borgnine
celebrated his 90th birthday with a party for friends and family at a
West Hollywood bistro. He seemed little changed from his years as a
lusty villain or sympathetic hero on the screen. His only concession to
age had come at 88 when he gave up driving the bus he would take around
the country, stopping to talk with local folks along the way.
During an interview at the time,
Borgnine complained that he wanted to continue acting but most studio
executives kept asking, "Is he still alive?"
"I just want to do more work,"
he said. "Every time I step in front of a camera I feel young again. I
really do. It keeps your mind active and it keeps you going."
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