All views and opinions are welcome, from anywhere at any time!
Communication, current affairs, commentary, history and other material to help communication, acting and marketing students expand their investigation of and discussion of the universe around them.
Submit guest material to art.lynch@artlynch.org.
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Please check out the links provided in the right hand column.
Thank you;
-Art Lynch
This Saturday writer, SAG actor, producer Micheal Toole will premiere his latest film at the Dam Short Film Festival. It leads the 2:45 PM segment "Amusing Associates." He wrote in and stars in "Spotters". His last short film "Reeling" earned awards at international festivals from South Africa to France, Japan to Atlanta.
The Dam Short Film Festival runs Thursday to Saturday in Boulder City at the historic Boulder City Theater, owned by Desi Arnez Jr and his wife "Miss Amy". BC is just ten minutes from Henderson and a half hour from downtown Las Vegas and the Vegas strip.
Meet the cast and crew of "Spotters" and other filmmakers at the "6th Dam Year" Mixer Friday evening at 7:30 in the award winning Boulder Dam Brewing Company, Arizona and Nevada Highway.
A Las Vegas native, Toole writes obituaries and tributes for Turner Classic Movies, is a regular contributor to the "Weekly" and other publications. He has a series of travel books that feature off the wall places, bargains and more than a bit of history.
The final "live" Jay Leno prime time show will air tonight at ten. Variety reports it is expected to be business as usual, with no pomp or circumstance. Lenno returns to the Tonight Show starting March first.
Actor driven shows are slowly returning to prime time in NBC, but for now long form news features, reality and reruns are planned following non-stop Olympic coverage, which begins this Friday on NBC and many NBC owned or co-owned cable networks.
Meanwhile in Washington DC, congress is reviewing the Comcast 51% take over of NBC-Universal and how it might impact competition in the entertainment industry on both horizontal and vertical integration planes.
Photo from Las Vegas Review Journal: The sign for what will be known as Neon Boneyard Park incorporates re-created letters from signs that once graced the Desert Inn, Binion's, Caesars Palace and the Golden Nugget.
After multiple attempts by numerous organizations over the past three decades, signs once gathering dust at Young Electric will finally have a home open to the public, less then one year from now.
Alan Chaote of the Review Journal reports that "the museum is home to more than 150 neon signs from Las Vegas' past. There are huge ones, such as the Stardust sign, which is in nine pieces, or the Treasure Island skull that grins up at the sky (check it out on Google Maps). There are small ones, like the dancing shirt sign from Steiner's Cleaners or the leftover G, A, M, L and I from a "gambling hall" sign possibly dating from the 1930s."
Act like your bored and your audience will zone out.
I gave a powerpoint in Orlando just recently. Most of my slides were
images, and I was the most animated character in the room -- not what was
on the screen. I jumped, ran up and down the stage, raised my voice,
lowered my voice, made jokes (mostly about myself), and acted like I
CARED.
I am the actor. I am on stage. I am leading the troops, I am rallying
them, to DO SOMETHING.
A powerpoint presentation is secondary. It is your notes as the
presenter. It is not as interesting as you.
Get out from behind the podium, step out into the audience and stand in
front of people and ask them what they think. Ask them to explain
themselves.
Tell them what you think and personalize the information.
I was fortunate to have on the same agenda was the COL of the state police
who investigated Virginia Tech.
He was speaking of the investigation he headed up by order of the
governor. He did not jump up and down, raise his voice, or make jokes.
The subject was too serious. But the information he presented was
personalized from his point of view. he gave his opinion, he explained
the why and the how. No one questioned his opinion because of the
gravitas of the subject matter, but no one doubted that he cared.
One a clown...(me), one serious and to the point...but both caring about
the subject. Both will be remembered.
When you're searching for something sweet for that special person for Valentine's Day, why not buy union-made-in-America treats for them.
Here's a brief list of choices of candy products made by members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM); snack foods by members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW); or fruit and nuts from members of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW).
Tomorrow Morning (Tuesday) a student walk out and protest is planned by UNLV and CSN student bodies, along with a carvan to the state office buildings to protest proposed budget cuts and tutition hikes. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports "Adam Cronis, the student body president at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, said the higher ed system cannot suffer another round of cuts without seriously damaging students' educations....The goal, he said, is for the students to be heard."
"They hope that a member or two of the committee will come down and listen to what they have to say. Because the committee will be meeting to discuss issues unrelated to higher education, Cronis and others said they will not disrupt the meeting..."
"College of Southern Nevada student Justin McAffee said students hope to get the legislators to do more than listen..."We're hoping to send a message: 'Look, if you guys don't respect education, we're going to take this to the ballot and hold you accountable,"...
Nathaniel Waugh, the student president at CSN, said student government leaders there are not encouraging a walkout but are encouraging CSN students to participate in the rally at the committee meeting.
Gibbons maintains cuts are needed in “non-essential” state services including social services such as hospitals, mental health and other area he says should be provided by business, churches and the community.
He says education has to be cut. He is firmly committed to improve k to 12 stating that parents and communities should be in control and not government funds or programs.
He says, “cut the fat and let private business and parents should run schools. “He blamed unions without stating any specifics to support his claims,
He said that local school can operate on less by making better use of funds available, but no specifics.
On higher education he says it must pay it's own way.
“The problem us our system” and we must “limit government.
In what sounded more like a campaign to gain right wing Republican votes and Libertarians, he used terms like “we must expand individual responsibility”, “expect less from government”, “cut jobs and programs for the greater good”, “reduce the size of state government and the services offered”, “only provide what Nevadans need…and what we as individuals and business cannot provide.”
Meanwhile Gibbons blaming Reid and Democrats for Nevada not getting federal bailout funds or assistance. In reality he did not file for funds or ask their help on deadline, was adversarial rather then cooperative with government programs and soundly complained of strings attached, which those who did get funds gladly more then met. Gibbons refused to find required matching or partial funds required to receive the federal cash, claiming out debt kept us from doing so. Matching funds were a good faith requirement to receive the funds Gibbons claims our federal legislators did not do enough to bring to Nevada.
In the Democratic response it was pointed out that medical care, education, colleges that excel are what we nee to build a future and attract the economic development Gibbons spend much of the speech promising. We need to make painful cuts, but we cannot afford to leave things worse off. Public health, safety, education, are what government has to ensure. It is part of the role of government; not some additional frosting that can be taken off.
The rebuttal pointed out that Governor Gibbons proposals and plans are not enough to balance budget, but will set back deceased of progress in public health, safety and education while leaving us in a short fall and negative economic position.
As an example he pointed to Gibbons plan for school vouchers, a system that will shore up private business but leave public school with even less funding and with the potential loss of student it needs to meet federal standards to receive needed federal funds.
Democrats did call for a look at tax structures so that as to insure mining and business pay their fair share, for the state to more aggressively collect funds due to the state instead of cutting the state employees who are in a position to seek those funds, to voluntarily cut hours and do what is needed.
The Democratic response pointed out that Nevada already ranks near the bottom of everything that matters, including education, and that the governor’s cuts will assure we stay that way for a long time to come.
We need to build not cut.
We need to invest in economic growth and investments, not cut our resources to the bone and have nothing with which to compete.
Hasbro's 75th Anniversary Anniversary of Monopoly will be round, not squared, and will use ATM's not paper money. Go will be worth two million dollars, not two hundred dollars. Properties will be valued closer to their real value (not sure if it is before or after the recession crash) and there are other changes.
It will be interesting to see how the change goes over, however I have to note that some close to me said "what happened to the board representing streets, which are not round" and "I do not want to think in millions, regular money is hard enough" and "I like having the money and paper in front of me, it helps me think."
Children living in homes surrounded by traffic hazards are at risk of unhealthy weight gain, according to a study performed by the University of California, Berkeley. The study's findings suggest that city planners should use traffic calming methods to make it safe for children to play outside.
The study found that multi-lane roads, speeding cars and other hazards in the Los Angeles area made it unsafe for children to play outside and walk or bike to school, reducing their physical activity and, therefore, leading to weight gain.
Cities should implement several methods for slowing traffic to address the problem, including narrowing lanes, installing roundabouts and reducing speed limits, according to the study. The study will be discussed at the seventh Active Living Research (ALR) Conference in San Diego. San Diego-based ALR is a national program of the Princeton, N.J.-based Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). "Research like this can help policy-makers, local leaders and even residents craft solutions like safe sidewalks, local fitness programs and even socially cohesive neighborhoods that will make walking, biking and being healthy easier for kids," said Celeste Torio, program officer at RWJF. Download more information on Jerret's study and related studies.
The 48HFP is now looking for a new Las Vegas Producer. He or she will be responsible for getting the word out about the 48HFP; reserving theaters; running the kickoff, dropoff, and screenings; and making sure the filmmakers have a good time. Good organizational, communication, writing, Word, Excel, and email skills are essential. This is a paid position. The Las Vegas Producer cannot participate in the 48 Hour Film Project.
If you're interested, or know someone who is, please send a resume and a cover email to ben@48hourfilm.com -- and be sure to include a phone number. Please don't email questions without attaching your resume.
The Court Jester
King Arthur is looking for a Jester! The medieval themed jousting show “Tournament of Kings” performing at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino has an immediate swing position opening for the comedic role of the Jester.
Applicants must possess strong physical comedic skills, improvisational abilities and be physically fit and able to work within a dirt arena. Role preference is for a little person (4’8” or under), but all sized performers will be considered. Talents with special skills or abilities are encouraged to apply.
Please submit a head shot, resume and/or supporting promotional materials to:
Dear Friend,
Flying into Port-au-Prince on Friday for the second time since the earthquake, I was pleased to see continued signs of an expanding relief effort.
During the trip, I helped my team deliver the emergency supplies we brought with us on our plane.
Donation by donation, it's the generosity of people like you that is keeping this relief effort going. And your continued dedication is what will make sure the Haitian people have the tools and supplies they need to rebuild.
As you read this, work is underway to deliver meals, set up temporary shelters, and restore access to health services for earthquake survivors. I’m proud that on Friday we were able to deliver laptops, generators, plastic sheeting, protein bars, and 1,900 lbs of medical supplies.
And it's not going to stop there.
Long after the television crews have gone and emergency response teams have returned to their home countries, I can promise you the Clinton Foundation will remain committed to Haiti's long-term rebuilding and recovery.
We will work with reputable organizations, the Haitian government, and most importantly the people of Haiti to ensure that they are empowered to create more opportunities for jobs, education, and health care than existed the day before this tragedy occurred.
There is a Haitian proverb, "Men anpil chay pa lou," which translates as "Many hands lighten the load."
It's going to take a lot of help and a long time, but I know that together you and I can lighten the load that the Haitian people have carried on their own for far too long.
I'll continue to be in touch as our work continues here in Port-au-Prince and beyond.
Bill Clinton
PS. Only with your continued generosity will we be able to sustain these efforts. Please make a donation of any size today:
"Super Bowl XLIV is the most-watched TV program in U.S. history. Sunday's big game set a new all-time ratings high, overthrowing the 27-year-old record held by the final episode of "M*A*S*H." The New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts showdown drew 106.5 million viewers, smashing Super Bowl records and edging out 1983's "M*A*S*H" finale, which garnered 105.97 million viewers."
Of course we need to remember that there far fewer Americans back when "M*A*S*H" was king.
Then again...."M*A*S*H" viewers did not have the cable universe, TiVo and Netflix to compete.
State of the State Address is tonight at 6 PM on television and on KNPR 88.9 FM. Rally set: UNLV meet @ 9 or 10 am Tuesday February 9 for a rally, then down to the Grant Sawyer Office Building legislature office on Washington.
Date: 2/7/2010
From: Cosgrove, Sondra
Subject: Student Budget Facebook Page
CSN Capitol Club is sponsoring a Facebook page to help students keep up to date on pending budget issues; if you have a facebook page and are interested in joining the page is called;
Our current state deficit is between $880,000,000 and one billion dollars.
Yet the fat that so many people claim exists in government either no longer exists or not the things being proposed to be cut by the governor's budget or special interests groups and those who stand to gain politically by pointing fingers.
K-12 in Nevada has been rated 50 out of 51 states (only the District of Columbia scored lower) by Education Week Magazine and 39th to 47th by all other ratings and surveys, before the previous budget cuts.
What is in the minds of educators is if the governor's budget cuts ten percent, and an antcipated 22 percent cut is needed to balance the budget, in a state where balancing is mandatory, how deep will future cuts be. Governor Gibbons has refused to consider and says he will veto and new taxes or tax increases to compensate for the deficit, despite the deepest recession since the Great Depression.
The following is from this morning's Las Vegas Review Journal:
CARSON CITY -- Gov. Jim Gibbons proposes cutting the budgets of public schools and higher education by 10 percent in a list of reductions he released Wednesday to legislators and the news media.
But the cuts add up to only $418 million, according to Chief of Staff Robin Reedy, and the state needs to reduce spending by $881.4 million over the next 16 months to balance the budget.
"We are still working on it," Reedy said after she left a three-hour, closed-door meeting with legislators. "We are squeezing the bottom of the barrel."
The list calls for laying off 234 workers and eliminating 362 unfilled positions that previously were funded.
It proposes closing the 140-year-old Nevada State Prison in Carson City, closing the Summit View Youth Correctional Center in Las Vegas, reducing spending for mental health programs and care for disabled people and eliminating the Nevada Equal Rights Commission.
There are plans to scale back nuclear waste litigation.
Schools superintendent says proposed cuts would cost 2,322 to 4,000 teacher jobs
By ED VOGEL
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL CAPITAL BUREAU
CARSON CITY - Clark County schools Superintendent Walt Ruffles told legislators today he would have to lay off 2,322 teachers and increase class sizes by six students if he must cut spending by 10 percent because of declining state tax revenue.
He said his district would have to shorten its school year by 17 days if legislators and Gov. Jim Gibbons choose that option as a way to reduce some of the $881 million shortfall facing state government.
Rulffes told members of the Legislature's Interim Finance Committee that he can lay off employees on his own, but reducing the school year means cutting salaries and that needs the approval of employee unions.
Before renegotiating contracts, superintendents need the Legislature to declare a "fiscal emergency" to give them "legislative cover" in these negotiations, he said.
Such negotiations could last months and if there is an impasse an arbitrator would be chosen. There is no guarantee the arbitrator would agree with the school districts, he added.
"We are just not doing right by our kids," Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, said after Rulffes spoke.
Buckley said the superintendent's estimates were based on a 10 percent reduction when the Legislature and Gibbons must make budget reductions of more than 20 percent to balance the budget between March and June 30, 2011.
"Desperate times call for desperate measures," she said. "If your cut level is doubled, that is 4,000 teachers (laid off)."
This is the second phase of the event. If you cannot make it to UNLV campus at 10, meet us at Grant Sawyer at 11am (Washington and Las Vegas Blvd). Come join CSN and UNLV students as we protest against budget cuts.
Regardless of what happens, we need to let them know how we feel!
The Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas, a five-diamond hotel at the troubled resort community in Henderson, told its 340 employees today that the owner, Village Hospitality, has decided to close the property on May 2 because of the economic and tourism slump, said Vivian Deuschl, corporate vice president of Ritz-Carlton.
Transcontinental Corp. opened the 349-room hotel in 2003, but Deutsche Bank, which controls Village Hospitality, took over the resort community and has put Lake Las Vegas companies in Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Contact reporter John G. Edwards at jedwards@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0420
Conversations and membership Meeting with SAG President Ken Howard
It’s your chance to have a conversation with the well-established Emmy Award Winning actor who we elected to be SAG’s National President, Ken Howard. Doors open at noon on Sunday March 21st at the Tropicana Hotel, with a Screen Actors Guild Foundation Conversations beginning at 12:30. Following the Conversations will be a short mixer and our Nevada Branch Membership Meeting from 2 to 4.
Mr. Howard will discuss the industry, careers, the union and his vision of the future with members of the Nevada Branch of the Screen Actors Guild. SAG Foundation and Nevada Branch membership meetings are open only to members of the Nevada Branch Screen Actors Guild in good standing. Bring your current membership card and photo ID.
Ladies and gentlemen, Fat Knight, the movie, is proud to announce the "Fat Knight Launch Party!" Saturday, February 27th at the Stage Door Theater in Town Square!
We're kickin' off production of the film, "Fat Knight" by holding a live Q&A with the people behind the one of a kind documentary film. It is a night we get to hear from the crew who used a time machine to venture into 15th century Wales to document life in a time long forgotten. A special treat is in store when we meet several of the subject for the documentary including the squires, Lady Morgan, and Sir William Morgan (The Fat Knight, himself!)!
So come down to the Stage Door Theater on Saturday, February 27th at 1pm for a fun look into the minds of the crew and cast of Fat Knight!!!
(Fat Knight is a mocumentary short film in which documentarians from the year 2085 travel to the past and document their experiences in 15th century Wales.)
My name is John E. Carson I don't know if you remember me, I was a student of your communications class last spring.
I am in charge of this event and am also acting in and directing the short film it is based off of.
To give you a bit of insight, it's a mix between a Christopher Guest film (Best in Show.) and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It's all improvised and will be filmed here, in the Las Vegas valley.
The short film is about documentarians from the future who go to the past to document life during the times, to get what life was like from people of that time, instead of from historians who can, and have gotten it all wrong.
We follow the life of Sir William Morgan who is a knight that is a master of weaponry and has never been defeated in battle nor duel. We learn of his heroic deeds, we meet his wife, Lady Morgan, who likes her man big, and his squires, one of whom insists that the documentary crew are witches and will go to great lengths to prove it. Hilarity continues when the villainous Gabriel Comte De Montgomery of France shows up on the land of Sir Morgan to challenge the Fat Knight's title, and demolish his undefeated record of wins.
The show I am promoting is a Q&A with the filmmakers from the future as well as the Fat Knight himself, along with his lady and squires. After the show, there is also going to be a raffle for a cameo in the short film itself!
If you think this is something that would be interesting,
A man in Riverton, Wyoming who stole cough drops and a bottle of schnapps was arrested after be in chased by police and ducking into a nearby building. That building was the Riverton Police station.
96 years ago today The Little Tramp, played by Charlie Chaplin, launched Chaplin into the first superstar of the movies. In 1936, long after sound had invaded films, “Modern Times” became the last silent film to earn real money at the Box Office. Sadly in 1952 Charlie Chaplin was banned form the US due to what Senator Joseph McCarthy called anti-American activities. He returned in 1972 to accept an honorary lifetime achievement Oscar from the Academy. His son reports that at Chaplin retrospectives there was one man laughing so loud that the audience told him to “shut up”. That man was Charlie Chaplin, who was his own biggest fan.
More than two feet of snow blanketed Philadelphia, wit 29 inches of snow and a winter snowfall of 54 inches. Transportation is at a standstill, with power outages and emergency services taxed. Washington DC had its second heaviest snow in history, with most of the east under freezing and therefore hazardous conditions. The snowfall for Boston is a new record.
Thousands of pelicans are in danger after a mild winter and plenty of food disappeared overnight and they were left cold and without food. Shelters have been set up, restaurants are putting their discards out for the birds and citizens are feeding them. This could be dangerous for future public safety and health, as Pelicans may not be sanitary and are a danger to air traffic.
Superbowl, Corporate Profits, NFL Players and Sports Violence
It’s Superbowl Sunday, which means a lead on all media, including the BBC American Service, of football.
Payton Manning, born and raised in New Orleans, is going against his city’s Cinderella team on behalf of Indianapolis. He come in 4 time Most Valuable Players in a Superbowl.
Face the Nation was sucked into the CBS Superbowl Hype this morning, with the focus on the Big Game (what you have to call it in Las Vegas, as the NFL stopped casino’s and businesses from using the word “Superbowl.”).
NFL Commissioner Roger Godell faces the March contract renewal between owners and players, with the potential of the salary caps ending in sunset at the end of this month. The commissioner’s goal is a “high quality product.” The players association says that on a scale of one to ten the chance of the owners locking out the players is a “14.”
Players get 54% of revenue, owners 46%. Godell says that essentially players get 51% and as high as 76% of all actual revenue, so owners are losing on their investment, except for the larger teams.
“We are asking players to recognize the incredible costs to grow revenue..Stadiums and marketing…their salaries have doubled over the last decade.”
“We need to recognize the tremendous investments required in order to grow the game.”
On concussions, “we have been on this since the mid 90’s…we need to make sure the players wear the best possible equipment…Medical science is still trying to determine what the long term conditions are of such injuries.”
Remember the commissioner administers the business of the game on behalf of the owners, not the players or the fans.
He is the first commissioner of any professional sport who started out as an intern in the commissioner’s office. He build his career from his passion for the NFL.
CBS Sports commentator Shannon Sharpe says football has to rough. The guys have gotten bigger and faster, and fans are coming to see big guys run, pass, tackle and hit each other. Football is based on the promise of imposing your will on someone, and that’s how your win football games.
Phil Sims of CBS Sports says that there are great rule changes that will mitigate the danger and violence. The biggest thing is that the equipment is going to get better, with the helmet being revolutionized in the next few years. What has changed is the passing offense, which allows guys to build up speed and increase impacts when they happen.
CBS reporter Jim Nantz says the media has a role, with “the hit of the week” and replays encouraging collisions.
A judge in New Orleans has cleared his calendar for tomorrow, delaying a major trial due to the Super Bowl. It seems that lawyers, but not the judge, will be at the game. He is inviting 40 close friends over to his house for a Superbowl party.
In Indianapolis, most employers have delayed the start time for work tomorrow, with the bus lines on a holiday schedule until ten AM.
Super Advertising
Pepsi is, for the first time in 27 years, not buying ads for their products on the Superbowl. They are gambling on the Internet and the reality that younger viewers are more interested in the interactive experience. On the other side of this argument is that a YouTube hit may get 5 or ten million “views”, while the Superbowl hits 100 million viewers at one shot, or double that in “views” if you run two ads in the game. Television offers what has attracted mankind since the days of cavemen and campfires, story telling and imagination. Supporters say it is not as “passive” as Pepsi describes it in their rationale for not buying TV ads on the “big game.”
Great campaigns launched on Superbowls past: “the Pepsi Generation”, “Where’s the Beef”, “Apple Computer”, Budweiser frogs, and the list goes on. These are the stories that hold generations together, and in the case of Apple, the ad ran only once and is still remembered and studied by advertising students.
The advertising still has value. This year thirty seconds of national advertising will cost between 2.5 and 3 million dollars.
A few Superbowl facts. 103,000 fans will be in the stands. Over the years 3,347,608 people have been in the stands at the games, not counting today or those who were “comped” to the game. While superbowl parties at businesses are common, 90% of Americans view the game at home. During the game 173 million dollars will be consumed in the form of potatoes chips, and 17 million cases of beer consumed. Each wining player will earn $83,000, while the loser earn a paltry $42,000. And what about the half time show? Historically songs played during the Superbowl have jumped 555% in sales in the week following the game (between five and six times their average week over the three previous months).
Dangers of Sports
This Superbowl Sunday the BBC focused on the danger of sports and on how fans not only crave it, but also use the amount of money professional players make as an excuse for demanding it. The fans ignore the large number of very low paid professionals, amateur and school leagues and hobbyist who emulate the pros and thus risk serious injury. We are losing our empathy as a society and instead seeking increased thrills and using money as an excuse. The parallel on how the Roman games grew from battle training sport to people being eaten by lions and gladiators battling to the death.
Sports as we know it has grew from games designed to keep citizens ready and fit for war. Baseball is tactical, rewarding speed, accuracy and response time. America Football comes from the hand-to-hand combat of two forces rushing into each other, as was the case for thousands of years of warfare. The bloodlust of fans comes from the desire to see the best warriors win, and thus to be able to defend you when an enemy threatens.
Football became more violent when they restricted the grandstanding rules that entertained crowds in the 1920’s. To keep fans the league opened up a more aggressive ground game. It became worse when the GI’s returned from World War II. Players came with combat skills and fans were more accustomed to violence and aggression then fans prior to 1942.
While the NFL may talk about safety equipment, experts on the BBC disagree. No helmet or padding can protect against the g-force of two heads colliding at the speed and force possible with large NFL athletes. Concussions are the unknown killer, or at least debilitated of our society as we traditionally shrug off injuries we can walk away from. Players have played games not knowing the damage to their skulls and brain until well after the game.
With American football the helmets and padding only increase violence, resulting in major damage from concussions, repeat trauma, repeat injuries. Again, with the pros people seem to say, “they are paid well for it”, but what about those who are paid little or no money and emulate the pros. The rate of permanent serious injury in football is increasing, particularly at the very unpaid high school level.
Rugby injuries have increased with artificial turf, increased physical tackling and interaction, and the actions fans expect. These have occurred increasingly since Rugby went from a private club and armature game to hard core professional.
The issue of post traumatic stress syndrome applies not only to people at war, but those who play sports and, of course, those who suffer any kind of accident or trauma. Sports puts the stakes so high on winning that countless potential athletes end p with life long self perceptions based on not making that three point shot, having to remain on the bench, not making the team or not being seen as equal or as almost sub human for a lack of athletic skills or training. That is what our modern society is doing to us, as an extension of the ancient warrior training mentality, back when everyone faced potential combat.
“We need to begin seeking divine intervention again in this country.” –Sarah Palin.
If she read or did her research she would find out that church attendance is at an all time high and that America remains a religious nation. Of course she was paid to tell Tea Party enthusiast what they wanted to hear at a celebrity pep-rally event.
“We need a Commander in Chief, not a Law Professor, sitting in the White House” – Sarah Palin at the National Tea Party Convention, for which she was paid $100,000 to speak.
Is the President the chief executive officer of the nation, a football to be kicked and blamed, a figure hear, a military commander, a representative of the people?
The last one first. The president was selected by the governor's of the states, then later by men appointed by the governor's, then later men appointed by political parties and only recently based on caucus and direct vote primaries mandating delegate counts in the Electoral College. They are not, nor did the founding fathers want them to be elected directly by the people. They were intended to be removed from the views and daily demands of the people so that presidents could make the tough decisions without fear of the next election or its impact on their parties.
So what is the job of the president?
Is it warrior or civilian leader, executive or administrator, inspirational leader or nuts and bolts doer?
The answer is all, but from the view of the founding fathers Commander in Chief was in wartime only and put in only because the first president was George Washington, who led the Continental Army. The idea of a standing army was foreign to the Founding Fathers; in fact they opposed it because they felt it would lead to this country acting like the empire we broke off from. Small militia to guard against “Indians” and occasional “foreign incursions” were what was expected, under the leadership of the governors of the states. The Commander in Chief was for time of declared war only. The truth is that the Second World War was the last time the US was legally at war, since that was the last actual declaration of war by the Congress, a Congressional and not presidential power.
Wall Street Journal Report view of the economy.
Unemployment percentages are down, yet actual numbers of people without work are up. This is an odd conflict in how numbers are collected and interprited. For example Clark Country gained 7,000 jobs yet unemployment here went up.
Harvard professor Martin Feldstein of the National Bureau of Economic Research was Maria’s first Guest on The Wall Street Journal Report this weekend
Jobs are down substantially since November, with the number of unemployed now one in ten on unemployment insurance, more than one in three out of work and an estimated half of all Americans under-employed. The Wall Street Journal admitted things are getting worse, but that it is hard to tell if the tend will last or if it is a result of post-holiday seasonal adjustments to already bad numbers.
Feldstein feels that large fiscal debts are drowning major economies, in the US, Spain and other key countries. They are not avoidable, no matter how Palin and others may politicize it. Infrastructures were hit hard by the recession, decrease in property values, decreases in travel and spending, loss of jobs. There was no way for modern capitalist societies to not have seen huge deficits and deficit spending since the start of this recession.
President Bill Clinton joined Maria to talk about “what next for Haiti” where thousands are still hospitalized and millions homeless. Food, medicine, water, shelter and the lower two levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy remain the priority for most of the citizens of Haiti. There are too few sites to distribute food and it is difficult to keep the strong from dominating over the weak in grabbing supplies. There is an opportunity to reverse the ignored, abused and patronized history of Haiti. Clinton says, “These are smart, innovative people who have survived in a day to day society that many of us could not live in.”
Business News
37,000 people die each year on US highways. Only 19 have died as a result of Toyota break or acceleration problems over a ten-year period. Four of the deaths were in one crash last August. Any death is bad, tragic and needs attention, but in perspective the problem is other driver, bad driving habits, driving under the influence and the reality that we drive large, heavy equipment and treat it as an extension of ourselves instead of the dangerous machine automobiles really are.
China is getting tough on America, sanctioning American companies that do business with Taiwan (The Republic of China). China perceives the US as a nation in debt to them, financially and in terms of the world economy. Industry fled the US during the early part of the new millennium, building state of the art plants in China with US dollars. At the same time the US manufacturing lead shifted to Germany and now China followed by Germany.
China is in favor or Iran, seeking patience, while the US calls for sanctions due t this week’s clear restart of the refining of nuclear materials in Iran. China is friendly with countries that support Muslim terrorism, yet cracks down on their own dissidents, violates civil rights and forces families to move to where they are told to regardless of roots in a given town or region.
Google is finalizing arrangements with the National Security Agency to investigate practices in China, in terms of trade and national security. Global Internet terrorism and corporate espionage seems to be centralized in China, with either government involvement or the government there turning a blind eye to the problem. It came to a head with Google but has been a problem with just about every major US Corporation and many foreign governments for over a decade.
Intellectual property rights, or the still weak definition and enforcement in China remain a problem for every industry from pharmaceuticals to Hollywood, engineering to rocket science.
With more than 800 billion in US Treasury holdings, China is our largest investor.
No need to panic or start flying a red flag. Historically the US is in a strong position, as we always rebound and we tend to lead in the direction the rest of the world ends up following. We have slipped in position more than any time since the 1860’s, but on paper and in reality we remain very strong on an international level, with the ability to remain a leader and retake whatever we choose to in terms of world position. We have ample resources, despite foreign ownership and false numbers due to the international nature of the markets. We have great universities despite the rise of equal quality institutions overseas. We have a higher standard of living than all but a few very small-industrialized nations. Our poor are “wealthy by international standards. And when disaster strikes, we are the first to be there and put in the most money and manpower to help those in need. We are the richest and most generous nation on earth.
Which is another reason to doubt Sarah Palin’s painting of this as a nation on the road to immorality and socialism without a tea party revolution, is off center. And for those who agree, if you look at actual legislation, policies and practiced of Barrack Obama, really look, you will find much in common with the Republican Congressional stand in the mid 1990s and the presidential stands of Reagan, Bush Sr. and, oh yes, two Republicans named Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt.
Funny how in our attack society, no one looks at the actual words, records or history of any event, policy or philosophy. It is easier, like Sarah, to not do your homework and simply attack blindly.
Meanwhile, this morning Sarah Palin began her paying gig as a commentator on FOX news by saying Obama must become nation security focused and a strong military leader if he hopes for even a change of reelection in 2012. She referred to Obama as trying to do “hopey, changey stuff…how’s that working out for ya?”
A reason to vote for Harry Reid
Harry Reid is closing in on the final gong for Yucca Mountain, a project he has opposed on behalf of his state and one he used his leadership position and relationships with presidents Clinton and Obama to cripple and kill.
He fought, often alone and without political support from others, against Nevada, and the Las Vegas area, becoming the final resting place for all of the nuclear garbage left over from the generation of power across the nation. He managed to win despite the substantial dollars of the power industry, of special interests in plant construction, of much higher populated states with larger congressional delegations and of several US Presidents. He helped turn presidents Bill Clinton and Barrack Obama against the site. Reid kept us from being next door to and subject to water aquifer and other pollution from the nuclear waste of the nation.
Help keep a small but great short film festival alive!
I sit on the board and screening committees for this fun little short film festival, with international exposure and a high rate of films going on to success in other festivals.
We need volunteers to reach out to the film communities here, in LA and world wide.
Volunteer applications are being accepted for the festival dates.
There are for credit internships available through the College of Southern Nevada and the Art Institute.
Films go on to earn awards and distribution from other festivals or distributors.
It's a great place to show young (and even older) film makers the difference SAG talent makes.
And a fun excuse to escape Las Vegas (the Strip is 30 minutes away in a different valley in a world far far away from quiet Boulder City).
Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge lives."
-James Madison to W.T. Barry,
August 1822
“Nothing could be more irrational than to give the people power and to withhold from them information, without which power is abused. A people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives. A popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy, or perhaps both”
-James Madison
“Democracy can be an effective form of government only to the extent that the public (that rules in theory) is well-informed about national and international events and can think independently and critically about those events. If the vast majority of citizens do not recognize bias…if they cannot detect ideology, slant, and spin; if they cannot recognize propaganda…they cannot reasonably determine what messages have to be supplemented, counter balanced, or thrown out entirely. “
-How to detect media bias and propaganda by Dr, Richard Paul and Dr. Linda Elder, Center for Critical Thinking (http://www.criticalthinking.org)
Do not believe short phases, e-mail slogans or even the ethos of those you look up to. It is best to always seek out opposing views, read opposing reports and ask yourself to keep an open mind on any issue that may impact yourself, your community, your nation or your world.
Too many decisions are made based on hear say or tightly held bias beliefs that may blind the citizen to the facts they need to uncover to make key decisions in any democracy.
Understand your own prejudice, bias and stereotupes, those of your audience and of whomever you are seeking for information. All sources have bias, regardless of how they may present themselves. The very process of selecting which information to show, say, write or present involves making decisions that involve bias, often unintended.
I encourage you to always seek out views that do not fit in with your own and give them a fair hearing. In the end your decision, your thoughts and your actions are still your own.
Exhibitors and ticket buyers are being told the promoter canceled Cannapalooza, a marijuana safety, health and pot culuture convention scheduled in March at Mandalay Bay.
Variety reports "DreamsWorks will celebrate Valentine's Day in an unusual way -- hosting a nationwide casting call for the adolescent lead in Hugh Jackman starrer "Real Steel."
The daily trade publication addes "The only other time DreamWorks has done a public casting call was for the role of Effie in Bill Condon's "Dreamgirls." The part ultimately went to Jennifer Hudson, after the nationwide search turned up empty-handed."
Those interested in playing the son have two options. They can either submit a videotaped audition or attend one of two open call auditions. The first will be held Feb. 14 in Chicago. The next will be in Gotham on Feb. 20.
Disney’s Touchtone Pictures and DreamWorks’ have issued a public casting call, searching for the lead role for Shawn Levy’s futuristic robot boxing movie Real Steel.
The film, set to hit theaters on November 18th 2011, tells the story of a father and his estranged 11-year-old son who enter the world of robotic boxing. You see, in the future, human boxing has been outlawed, replaced with sports combat between human-trained 2000-pound heavy steel robots. Levy has described the story as “rousing sports movie”. Hugh Jackman will an ex-fighter who has “to reinvent himself when human boxers are replaced by robots” and finds that he has an 11-year-old son. He decides to become a promoter , but “access to sub-standard robot parts hampers his hopes for glory in Robot Boxing, until he discovers a discarded robot that always seems to win.” He bonds with his son over the robot fights.
They are searching fora 10-14 year-old boy to play the role of Max, described as “a street-smart, tough, charming kid with a hard, untrusting outer shell which hides a warm enthusiastic spirit beneath. He is a complicated, strong-willed and resourceful boy.” Full press release, which includes a link to the casting sides (a small portion of the script), after the jump.
CASTING CALL FOR LEAD ROLE IN UPCOMING “REAL STEEL” MOVIE STARRING HUGH JACKMAN DREAMWORKS STUDIOS LOOKING FOR YOUNG MALE ACTOR (AGE 10 - 14)
LOS ANGELES, CA (February 4, 2010) - DreamWorks Studios has launched a nationwide casting search to fill a lead role in its upcoming movie “Real Steel,” it was announced today by DreamWorks Studios.
Actors interested in the role have two ways to audition. Beginning immediately, individuals can submit a videotaped audition through www.realsteelcasting.com. Complete instructions are available on the website.
Infighting has divided the "tea party" movement, while there is massive disagreement of what the name means, what it stands for and who supports or should support it. That's according to a report in USA Today.
Why have to upgrade so often, or load several competing programs just to be able to watch videos, view graphics and fully enjoy the web? We do now, with competing formats from Microsoft, Adobe and other companies. Apple, and it turns out Microsoft are moving toward freeing themselves from plug ins and conflict graphics programs may contribute to. And Apple may be ahead of the curve in its decision not to support Flash on its phones and the iPad (Apple does support a version of Flash and versions of other Adobe products adapted for Apple for is OSX computer operating system).
Apple is banking on "html5", a shift in the architecture of the web itself. This format is supported by many companies, including Microsoft, as the way to make a cloud computing universe possible. "html5" works across platforms and does not require plug ins and updates to your computer, phone or personal device.
Apple has gambled before, as it was called foolish for being the first to stop building floopy drives and later zip drives into their computers. They proved to be ahead of the curve. Apple was the first to use firewire and later USB2. But does Apple have that type of influence and can all of their innovative changes come to fruition. They could be wrong.
The top games, and many web sites use Flash. Adobe was so sure of itself it announced it will be usable on all "smart phones" (Apple has not agreed to this because of conflict that Jobs says it may cause with applications and a claim that it could slow down processing speeds by increasing band width use).
As the web develops to become more smart phone and net-book friendly other video applications may either translate or replace flash applications. The application with a potential to put Adobe Flash out of business is not an application, it is a web format. "html5" makes all video and graphics compatible for all devices, from Apple's iPhone and iPad, to any operating system currently used by computers and phones. It promises to eliminate the need for most plug ins. Also, Jobs says he believes that there are properties in Flash that can cause conflicts, slowing of processing feed or preference changes interfering with aps that Apple users are now becoming dependent on.
Photos: New York Times, use links for specific photo credits and links to the stories they are sourced in. This site is educational and used by communication courses and instructors.
Steve Jobs of Apple takes chances. He take command and takes responsibility for failures, viewing them as steps toward success. He believes in form, function, quality and taste. With Apple, as with Pixar and his other endeavors, he has shown that attention to detail, quality and perfection pay dividends.
According to the Times "great products, according to Mr. Jobs, are triumphs of “taste.” And taste, he explains, is a byproduct of study, observation and being steeped in the culture of the past and present, of “trying to expose yourself to the best things humans have done and then bring those things into what you are doing.”
The story continues "“Real innovation in technology involves a leap ahead, anticipating needs that no one really knew they had and then delivering capabilities that redefine product categories,” said David B. Yoffie, a professor at the Harvard Business School. “That’s what Steve Jobs has done."
The iPad may look, feel and for now be an oversized iPod or iPhone without the phone, in the view of the casual observer, but it is really much more. Plus it has the advantage of an easy to use interface already familiar to a large number of consumers, many of whom are already loyal to or inclined to be continuing Apple customers.
Publishers have been moving in the direction of electronic books, including textbooks. Student can carry their entire library on an iPad in any briefcase or backpack. The books are capable of including interactive features, including quizzes, research links, audio, video, podcast and help instant messaging or chat boards. The Times and publishing industry experts feel that the iPad will revolunize publishing, just as it did the music industry.
The image is the best available in a screen its size, leading to an east of use for readers far greater than the competing Amazon Kindle or Sony products. The image is full color. The image quality will make watching video crisp, clean, high definition and easier to see than squinting at an iPod.
Apple is in negotiation for live streaming of television, increased video as well as film product for rental, pay per view and sales.
In addition to ample applications already designed for iPhones and iPods, new applications are being developed specific to size and capability of the iPad.
Apple has an established on-line store, including the iTunes store. The company has a growing number of Apple boutique locations, plus a network of supporting retailers. Apple Care service contracts are rated among the best in the industry.
Drawbacks do exist, and perhaps will be corrected (or explained) in future applications and product refinements.
The iPad is not a full service computer. It is not intended to compete with laptops or netbooks.
The iPad will run iWorks and Apple programs in formats designed for the divice. There is an optional stand and keyboard interface (if you do not wish to use the on-screen keyboard) to turn it into a functional very basic work computer.
Since it relies on Internet access and Apple phone aps to provide much of the processing power and programming, the iPad cannot be compared apples to oranges to laptops or netbooks. With the movement toward cloud computing this may be a deliberate calculation on the part of Jobs and Apple.
The iPad is not a true tablet computer, as there is no stylus, writing or drawing capacity. Motion sensors built into the unit may mean that Apple is working on and possibly may release this tool soon. A major problem with HP and other tablets echo problems Apple had with the Newton years ago, where errors in translating what is written caused more problems than the convenience was worth.
No ability to play Adobe Flash animations, widely used on the Web. As the web develops to become more smart phone and ne-tbook friendly other video applications may either translate or replace flash applications. The application with a potential to put Adobe Flash out of business is not an applcation, it is a web format. "html5" makes all video and graphics compatible for all devices, from Apple's iPhone and iPad, to any operating system currently use by computers and phones. It promises to eliminate the need for most plug ins. Also, Jobs says he believes that there are properties in Flash that can cause conflicts, slowing of processing feed or preference changes interfering with aps that Apple users are now becoming dependent on.
No camera, still or video. This may have been done for cost reasons, however here I am at a loss to understand why since video conferencing would be a natural to expand the market for iPads. As with an assortment of drives, perhaps Apple is relying on wifi products to provide this service for iPad owners. A thought through: the current G3 and G4 systems suffer from a shortage of bandwidth to properly handle the volume smart phones and wired PC's are putting on the systems resulting in dropped calls, slow processing and other hassles (depending on geography and time of day). People tend to blame the device instead of the unseen, and un-thought about airwaves. Maybe Apple is waiting with full knowledge of this limitation on the part of carriers (despite their advertising).
No non-Internet phone function. Of course at ten inches long, the iPad would be pretty large to be a smart phone, and I doubt Apple intended it to compete with the iPhone. In any event, if you do pay for G3, there is a microphone and could be an input to add phone functions.
No removable battery for a device that could suck a lot of power. Jobs held off on the iPad for along time, waiting for the battery life the device promises to deliver. My guess is an exterior or removable battery would have added bulk and weight to the unit that Jobs fought hard to avoid, preferring lightweight and simplicity to removable batteries or added built in functions.
No removable storage. Again, Apple may assume that wifi to exterior storage devices and storage on cloud computing systems or Apple's Mobile Me will provide this functionality.
Minimal "wow" factor. In other words in being familiar the shock and wow expected from Apple was not there at the launch.
All in all, I feel that it is a matter of time as the product grows in function and popularity, just as it took time for the iPod to become the dominant MPEG multi-function player on the market today.
Plus there is the unknown “coolness” factor. How cool will have and using an iPad be, or will it be seen as a five hundred plus dollar “toy” or “fad”?
Why will the iPad work?
Because the man behind it created Apple, led Pixar to annimation dominance, put personal digital music players on fast forward, created a top music selling entity, legitimized digital music and video, and made all them household names believes it will work.
Good enough or me.
this first item first published January 28, 2010, added select links February 4, 2010.
In The Same Boat: British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (from left) leaves Westminster Pier in 1942 with American politicians Harry Hopkins, John Winant and William Bullitt. At right is British Labor Party politician and First Lord of the Admiralty A.V. Alexander.
I recommend you check out my LinkedIn profile for my communication, journalism and marketing background and references. I take tremendous pride in being an actor and active within the Screen Actors Guild. I was a part of theater in Chicago at its creative height. I have experience and training as an actor, voice artist, as a background artist (SAG and SEG), and in aspects of the industry from producing to directing, production assistant to script supervision. In addition to being an actor I am also a college professor. My fields of expertise include communication, education and theater. For three decades I have been active in coaching actors of all ages, and am the voice of Nevada Public Radio on Sunday mornings. I work behind the scenes for such advances as gains in background zone and jurisdiction, opening a SAG office, improving communication with members and opening channels for members to be heard by their union. I proudly serve on SAG's New Technology, Background, Young Performers, Right-to-Work, and Communication committees. I have over 20 years of Guild service and proudly stand up for the union in a Right to Work State.
World Premier Saturday at Dam Short Film Festival.
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This Saturday writer, SAG actor, producer Micheal Toole will premiere his
latest film at the Dam Short Film Festival. It leads the 2:45 PM segment
"Amusin...
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This Saturday writer, SAG actor, producer Micheal Toole will premiere his latest film at the Dam Short Film Festival. It leads the 2:45 PM segment "Amusing Associates." He wrote in and stars in "Spotters". His last short film "Reeling" earned awards at international festivals from South Africa to France, Japan to Atlanta.
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