A Whole Nother Thing

A New Flag for Oregon

2012-01-30T21:13:00.000-08:00

If you know me, you know that I am a bit quirky about some quirky things.

One of my prevailing interests is flags. I'm a member of the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA), the dominant organization concerning flags in these environs. I've done my share of designing flags and symbols. I guess I'm just prone to lean toward the visual media.

That said, I've come up (again) with a design for a state flag for Oregon-- one that I'm embracing very enthusiastically. In fact, I'm actually launching a campaign surrounding this proposal.

Please check it out here: http://neworegonflag.org, then feel free to join the cause! I encourage feedback; and even more, I encourage your support!

Thanks.

Go Sox!

2012-01-04T23:22:00.000-08:00

As I was navigating my shopping cart down the aisle of the local Fred Meyer today, she snagged me.

"The best team, huh?" she said.

It took only a few seconds for me to realize what she meant. I touched the "B" logo on my cap and smiled. "Yes, Boston?"

She smiled back. She had a warmth, a calm, a sense of serenity. She looked deep into my eyes, as if she could see everything. She said something about the Red Sox, that I, as a secondary fan, didn't quite capture.

"Yes," I responded, trying to be friendly, even though I didn't get what she said.

"That's my team," she smiled, "I'm originally from Boston."

"My son lived in Boston for a few years, so I became a fan of the Sox," I said.

She held her place in the aisle, smiling, and looking deeply into me.

We began a conversation that lasted more than just a few minutes. I was captivated by her gaze, and her friendliness. We discussed my sons, and their legal careers. She was impressed. She had lived near Boston College, where Keaton got his law degree.

She asked me what I thought of Boston.

I said I liked the city.

She liked that, and then we talked a little about Portland.

It was a special encounter. One of those random meetings that... that are really cool.

Can't think of a better way...

2011-11-21T22:23:00.001-08:00

...to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Got the chance to babysit my one-year-old granddaughter, Claire, for a few hours.

She basically spent almost the entire time in this position (right). She is a snuggled, that's for sure. She's fighting a cold, so that made her need some extra sleep.

Believe me, Pappy didn't mind.

2011-11-05T11:46:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I visited my son and his girlfriend down in the Bay Area.

Had a blast.

We biked across the Golden Gate Bridge, but it almost didn't happen.

I almost didn't make it onto the bridge, let alone across.

Acrophobia kicked in. There's a 10 inch opening at the bottom of the railing and I had to stop. Bikes use the west side of the bridge; peds the Bay side, so going north, we were on the inside, next to car traffic. That's the only thing that saved me. I memorized my son's bicycle seat because I couldn't look at anything else.

When we got to the north side of the bridge I told 'em we'd have to find another way back cuz there was no way in Hades I could go back on the outside.

We rode into Sausalito and took a ferry back.

Flags on the Fremont Bridge

2011-09-09T19:55:00.000-07:00

Okay, right off the bat, I'll admit I'm a tad anal about some things.

Flags-- I love flags. I've designed my own, actually. Yeah, I'm a true vexillologist. A card-carrying member of NAVA, actually.

Anyway, below please find the text of an email I sent to the poo-bah of the Portland NAVA chapter.

You may find it... interesting:

This is cool!

I drive downtown every day, and without exception, my gaze always finds its way to the top of the Fremont Bridge (I-405) to look at the US flag and the State of Oregon flag.

For quite awhile, it seemed to me that the Oregon flag was flying just a bit lower than the US flag-- it wasn't hoisted all the way up the staff. Perhaps I'm just a bit anal about this, but it kind of irritated me. I didn't know if it was just my perception, or if it was real. After an indeterminate amount of time (months... years?) I came to the conclusion that it wasn't just me; the Oregon flag was never hoisted quite all the way to the top of its staff.

I suspected that someone at ODOT (the agency responsible for Interstate freeways in Oregon, and thus, the Fremont Bridge) was under the mistaken idea that no flag can fly at the same height of the US flag. Finally, I couldn't take it any longer. It just didn't seem right that the Oregon flag was not properly displayed at the top of the bridge.

I went to the ODOT website and filled out a Contact form, voicing my concern. (I don't have the text of what I said, since it wasn't an email, it was typed into the little box on the ODOT website.) I also provided a link to the wikipedia article about the US flag code:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Flag_Code#Displaying_the_flag_outdoors

Well, this week I noticed that the Oregon flag had been raised all the way to the top of the staff! And today, I received this response from a Manager at ODOT:

Matt,
Thank you for pointing out our error on placing the Oregon State flag slightly lower than the United States flag. It is my understanding that it has been incorrectly assumed that this is the proper way to do it for quite a while. With your help, we have corrected the situation, raising the Oregon State flag to fly with the United States flag.
Thank you very much. If you see other things wrong or have questions regarding ODOT facilities please do not hesitate to contact us.
Rick Garrison
Oregon Department of Transportation

Is that cool or what?! Us vexillologists can do good!

/\\ /\/

Rear Window

2011-08-27T21:03:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite movies is Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window."

And it has to be watched in the heat of the summer. Because the whole movie is set in a sweltering New York summer.

Before I had air conditioning, I used to love watching this movie on a Saturday night, sweat dripping from my forehead, as it did with Jimmy Stewart in the movie. There was something about watching this movie in the hot evening hours...

But when I got air conditioning, well, it just wasn't the same. Modern technology has taken something from the experience. Rear Window isn't quite the same if you're not sweating while you watch it.

This summer, though, I was greeted with a dead AC unit when I got home from work yesterday. The repairman won't come till Monday.

SO, I availed myself of the opportunity, and as I type these words, Jimmy and Grace are gracing my television, in that NY apartment, as they stalk Raymond Burr-- the murderous murderer who lives across the apartment complex.

Thank god for special AC outages. Very good memories, actually...

Very good.

UPS Circle of Honor

2011-08-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

Today was spectacular.

This morning I was inducted into the UPS Circle of Honor, for having achieved 25 years of safe driving.

As circumstances worked out, my oldest son Keaton happened to be in Portland this weekend, and was able to attend the celebration, along with my second son, Brant, who lives here.

The best part of today was that they were able to be here. I'm the proudest dad in the world.

2011-08-13T11:23:00.000-07:00

Camping out at Sbux. While I like it here, it's just not SBC @ Borders. The pace is more hectic, loud. Better for people-watching, but not as good for concentration.

I hope something goes into the closed Borders location, here at the Station, and I hope they open up a coffee shop where SBC used to be.

I have virtually nothing to do this weekend, which is nice for a change. Last weekend was too busy. Need to regroup.

This week, down at work, they're planning a recognition celebration for my entrance into UPS' Circle of Honor. It should be fun, but from what I'm hearing, it sounds like they're going to beatify me. Hope they don't go overboard. Need to start working on my acceptance speech, I guess.

2011-08-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

Home sick today. Damn these sinus issues!

This year, for the first time ever, I've dealt with weird nasal problems. Never had allergies like this. Gone through roll after roll of TP, and so many tissues!

I hate tissue issues!

Today, sinus headache. Yet another first for me. Usually don't have to deal with the headaches. Today it was so bad it actually hurt to open my eyes!

Feeling a tad better tonight. Must get back to work tomorrow...

Updating

2011-08-09T21:49:00.000-07:00

...re-doing my personal/professional site: mattnorquist.com . I love doing this kind of stuff.

Just a note

2011-08-08T19:09:00.000-07:00

...for historical purposes. Today the NYSE Dow/S&P etc., PLUNGED.

DJIA: – 634.76

But it'll come back up, right?

Claire

2011-07-30T21:35:00.000-07:00

I just spent some time looking over this blog, and I realized that I haven't posted any pictures of my beautiful granddaughter, Claire!

So, here's one!

This was taken a month or so ago...

Claire smiles like this continually! She genuinely seems happy to see and interact with people. Brant & Em are such great parents.

2011-07-24T15:36:00.001-07:00

Kenny Chesney. 7/23/2011 Rose Garden, Portland.

Really good concert!

I have one question...

2011-05-21T21:14:00.001-07:00

We all know now that Harold Camping was epically wrong in his “Biblical” prediction that the rapture would happen on May 21, 2011.

I stumbled upon Mr. Camping almost two years ago, as I was flipping through radio stations during my commute home from work one day. I was immediately fascinated by not only his droning, sonorous voice, but his absolute assurance about his position-- that the rapture would occur on May 21st, and that the world would totally end on October 21st. He claimed his findings were based on Biblical passages that had been heretofore un-decipherable by church-goers. But God had opened our eyes (seemed like just “his” eyes) in recent years, in order that we could know the events that would lead to the end of the world.

Mr. Camping always, continually, incessantly insisted that the May 21st date wasn’t from him at all. It wasn’t something he, personally, was “prophesying.” He always said that this chain of events was “guaranteed” by the BIBLE. It was the Bible speaking, not Harold Camping.

People would call and refute him, and in his inimitable way, he’d insist that his caller needed to read the “Whole Bible,” and not simply take individual verses out of context. He absolutelyinsisted that his findings were biblically-based and founded in the whole of Scripture.

He was, as I said before, insistent in his position-- that it wasn’t something HE conjured up, but that it was clearly, solely and definitely-- from the Bible.

Yes, it was very entertaining to listen to his broadcasts-- especially when he’d make a statement with amazing authority, and then he’d pause, and the caller would seemingly be silent (as if they had no words to refute him any longer). Then he’d say in his singular style, “But thank you for calling and sharing… and shall we take our next call please… Welcome to Open Forum.”

Then the next caller would begin.

It became apparent though, after only a few calls, that the pause when the caller was silent after his “answer” to their question-- was more likely caused by a producer cutting off the caller. But it came across as the caller being silent after such an authoritative answer to their question.

No matter what the caller brought up, Mr. Camping was unflustered, in control, and totally authoritative. He never flinched. Anyone who disagreed with him was obviously not willing to listen to the counsel of the “Whole Bible.” The caller was obviously (to Camping) caught up in the Church’s (now defunct) theology-- the Church’s very own “Salvation Program” that wasn’t biblical at all (according to Camping). After all, Camping insisted that Satan was now ruling in the Churches.

Caller after caller to his “Open Forum” program would try to refute him. Yes, many would ask questions about passages in the bible, and would ostensibly be satisfied by Camping’s answers-- but of course, many would adamantly disagree. Regardless of the outcome of the call, though, Camping would always insist that what he was teaching WASN’T from him (man) at all-- it was totally, unequivocally, singularly, without doubt, solely the BIBLE (God) that was speaking over Camping’s airwaves.

And so it went, for well over a year.

Each night, as I drove home from work, I’d pop in on Camping’s “Open Forum” show, between switches to NPR and other stations. And all the while, Camping’s prediction of May 21st as the beginning of “Judgement Day” continued to fascinate me.

Why did it fascinate me?

Well, as a man who has recently come out of the conservative, evangelical, American, Republican church, it fascinated me because Camping’s insistence that his foundational source was solely the BIBLE sounded only too familiar.

Without exception, ALL of the conservatives that I’ve heard ALWAYS claim that their positions are rooted, grounded and founded solely on the BIBLE. How many times have I heard preachers say, “Don’t take my word for it-- check it out in the BIBLE!” ?

Harold Camping was just as adamant (if not MORE) as anyone I’ve ever heard preach.

And he was wrong.

So, here’s my question: “If Camping was wrong, why shouldn’t I believe that the others are wrong?”

Misinterpretation?

Sure-- all of the other evangelical conservatives are certainly going to say that Camping woefully misinterpreted Scripture. Camping simply got it wrong.

Camping-- from my observations during those many commutes home every night for nearly two years-- CERTAINLY KNEW SCRIPTURE. He had passage after passage memorized to back up his position. He ALWAYS insisted that callers who clung to a specific verse (e.g., “No one can know the hour of His return…”) weren’t taking into account ALL of Scripture. The sceptic needed to take in the WHOLE bible-- listen to ALL of the bible.

So, how is it that Camping got it wrong? He never, ever said that we should listen to HIM-- he always said we should listen ONLY to the bible!

(Are you getting my drift here?)

So let me ask you this: “Why would God give us his “Word” (the Bible) and then let so many people misinterpret it-- especially when the correct interpretation of this book was essential to their ETERNAL EXISTENCE?

If you were in that position (God's), would YOU allow YOUR “children” whom you ostensibly love-- so much that you’d DIE on a cross for them-- to be swayed into eternal HELL by mere misinformation or misinterpretation?

An answer to 9/11

2011-05-02T18:29:00.000-07:00

For the first time...

2011-05-02T16:07:00.000-07:00

...in my life, today when I went to the doctor and they asked for an "emergency contact" person, instead of giving information on my father (other than my wife when I was married), I gave information on my son.

This village must have been beautiful

2011-03-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

Just watching this clip makes me envision how beautiful this bay and surrounding village must have been before the tsunami.

A Call to Arms

2011-03-14T19:01:00.000-07:00

The final draft is now officially the official arms (left). This is my Coat of Arms. I've also finalized my personal flag, and another symbol.

To see, check out my symbols website!

In other news...

The disaster in Japan just blows me away. Sometimes I can be a news junkie, and this horrible event has had that effect on me. I just have to turn off the news sometimes. Being on vacation this week doesn't help. Being a "connection-a-holic" doesn't help either. (In fact, that malady is one of the reasons I'm making this post-- I just can't help it!)

The pictures and video coming out of Japan after the (9.0!) earthquake and tsunami are just amazing. I just can't imagine what it would be like to go through something like that.

/\\ /\/

She's just a few weeks away!

2010-10-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

My first grandchild, Claire, is due to enter this world in just a few weeks.

I can't wait; and neither can her parents...

Constitutional Amendment

2010-09-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

Governors of 35 states have already filed suit against the Federal Government for imposing unlawful burdens upon them. It only takes 38 (of the 50) States to convene a Constitutional Convention. This will take less than thirty seconds to read. If you agree, please pass it on.

An idea whose time has come

For too long we have been too complacent about the workings of Congress. Many citizens had no idea that members of Congress could retire with the same pay after only one term, that they specifically exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed (such as being exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harassment) while ordinary citizens must live under those laws. The latest is to exempt themselves from the Healthcare Reform that is being considered... In all of its forms. Somehow, that doesn't seem logical. We do not have an elite that is above the law. I truly don't care if they are Democrat, Republican, Independent or whatever. The self-serving must stop. This is a good way to do that. It is an idea whose time has come.

Have each person contact a minimum of twenty people on their Address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.

In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message. This is one proposal that really should be passed around.

Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution "Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States."

You are one of my 20.

I forgot

2010-02-14T19:35:00.001-08:00

...how much I enjoy watching the Olympics. And I'm thinking I like Winter almost better than Summer...

Happy Holy-Daze

2009-12-10T21:52:00.000-08:00

Here is an example of the kind of people I like with which to hang out.

This is C-Web, a great buddy who is a co-UPS driver. This pic was taken at Thad & Dayna's X-Mas extravaganza and all-time Great White Elephant Exchange last Saturday. It was the social event of the season!

The place to be and be seen!

Love ya, C-Web! (Chris Weber)

You do NOT need this!

2009-08-29T19:30:00.001-07:00

http://www.airwick.us/imotion/index.html

An awesome response to outrageousness

2009-08-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

I think the release of the Lockerbie terrorist is unconscionable. This person was tried and convicted of the 1988 bombing of the PanAm 747 that fell onto Scotland after being blown to pieces.

Recently the Scottish Justice Minister decided to release the terrorist because the murderer was dying. Obviously the minister had no concept of the horror that the families of the victims of this man's heinous crime affected.

The U.S. director of the FBI sent a letter to the Scottish minister, and I applaud it:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090823/ap_on_go_ot/us_lockerbie_fbi_20

Madoff News:

2009-06-27T18:14:00.000-07:00

Ruth Madoff (Bernie's wife):

She gets to keep $2.5 million.

That's just walkin' around money...

Lost Dog?

2009-05-10T12:28:00.000-07:00

Squeeze me, but Barbur IS Hwy 99.

Perhaps it's not the dog who's lost...

She Flies With Her Own Wings

2009-05-07T19:24:00.001-07:00

I love this song, and the pictures add a lot to it. As a native Oregonian, I have to say this song really "hits home" with me. And the title, "Give Me Wings," is especially cool since Oregon's official motto is: "She Flies With Her Own Wings."

Again, What did I say? WHAT DID I SAY?

2009-05-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

If people would only read (& heed) my blog, this world would be so much better. Now the Secretary of Homeland Security herself, Janet Napolitano, says exactly what I have said all along! Me thinks, perhaps, that she must read this blog! (If she doesn't, she should-- and then she'd be so much more informed!)

The swine flu is simply a media event-- something that the media latched on to, and ran with-- I know, because I used to be a writer for my high school newspaper. It was brutal, but I earned my stripes on the gritty, dirty beat.

And now I share that wealth of knowledge wif you.

What Day is Cinco de Mayo this year?

2009-05-03T19:42:00.000-07:00

Oh, yeah... it's May 5th.

I've found that Corona (light) sometimes tastes better without the lime. I'm just sayin'...

What did I say?

2009-05-01T21:03:00.000-07:00

Once again, I, the purveyor of truth in a world that is inundated with media hype, have predicted that the popular media have gone overboard. And here is the first glimpse at the truth I purport to offer (I proffer that there will be much more):

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090502/ap_on_he_me/med_swine_flu

Yeah. I hate to say it, but I told you so. I so tire of the media. So, so tire...

Remember These Numbers

2009-04-29T18:36:00.001-07:00

With about 36,000 deaths in the United States EVERY YEAR from the REGULAR flu, I'm wondering if this Swine Flu (H1N1) is just a media event gone overboard. (Click on the title of this blog entry to see statistics.)

It'll be interesting to see how many people die from the Swine Flu, compared to the regular flu...

The LIVE link to a reporter

2009-04-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

I love it, how when there's a LIVE feed on a newscast, the reporter gives his/her report and then says the obligatory "...back to you..." at the end.

But then, after the reporter is supposedly "done" with the story, the Anchor in the studio has ONE MORE question for the reporter-- just to make it all thorough and professional-looking. Like the anchor has this spontaneous inspiration to ask this really informative question...

But, if the anchor has that question (as they almost ALWAYS DO), doesn't that infer that the reporter didn't do a thorough job?

Swine Flu

2009-04-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

What's the deal with this Mexican Swine Flu? When the bird flu was happening a number of years ago, it took weeks before people got serious about it. And now, it's been only a few days and they're already talking about evacuating the PLANET for goodness sake (seemingly so, anyway).

Capital One Ad

2009-04-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

As a person who should know, I would like to state that the Capital One ads that feature the idea that the most important issue in obtaining a Credit Card is what the card LOOKS LIKE (i.e., what kind of picture is on it) are simply and totally OFFENSIVE.

WAKE UP PEOPLE! If you're in debt to the credit card companies, it DOESN'T MATTER who's picture is on the card!

Please, please: Twenty-ten, NOT two-thousand-ten

2009-04-19T18:29:00.000-07:00

2010.

I need to get started now, because we're already way into using these dates even though we aren't there yet. But PLEASE, next year is 2010; 20-10; TWENTY-TEN.

It is NOT Two-thousand ten (and it certainly is NOT, as the British love to put it, "Two-thousand-and-ten").

Twenty-ten is less syllables and it's much easier to say. It's also consistent with how we've all been raised, to say 1986 (for example). Say that date out loud, and then be consistent when you say, "2010."

President Obama: One of US?

2009-04-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

President Obama released his 2008 tax returns today. In 2008 the Obamas made some $2.7 MILLION. In 2007, they made $4.2 MILLION.

Contrast THAT with what President Bush made in 2007: Under $800,000!

Yeah, Obama is one of us... he's a President of the people...

Such hypocrisy. Such total hypocrisy.

The Blind Guy is Voted Off

2009-04-08T21:45:00.000-07:00

RE: Tonight's American Idol results:

I do not believe that having a handicap excuses one from the requirements of any given position; in this case, talent.

Scott McIntire is voted off.

Call me crazy...

And at the end of the show, Ryan asks him what he thought of his performance this week. His answer?: "I really won't know until I see the tape of the show."

Until I see the tape of the show? I thought he was blind! Maybe this little slip-up was a telling sign that this whole thing was a ruse!

UPS 30 (heavy)

2009-04-04T18:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday (4/3/2009) was my 30th anniversary as an employee of UPS.

Still looking for steady work, though... :)

Speaking of UPS, etc., the Mt. Redoubt eruption in Alaska has caused problems at the Anchorage airport and thus, some of UPS's planes coming from Asia have been diverted to PDX. I've found a cool site (http://www.liveatc.net) that lets you listen to air traffic control in various cities, including Portland. It's fun to hear a 747 coming in, contacting the Portland Tower, "UPS 68 Heavy, clear for landing on runway 28 Left."

Wake Up America!

2009-03-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

Our "total government debt obligation in the next several years is approaching the Gross Domestic Product of the ENTIRE WORLD!"

Send a TEA BAG to your non-representative representative in Washington!

Okay, I just don't get it...

2009-03-16T19:18:00.000-07:00

The nominees to President Obama's cabinet... Once they find out they're nominated, it's only then that they decide that they need to pay-- say-- $10,000 in back taxes. That's all been harangued, and everything. But my question is this: How in the world do these guys go for years owing back taxes?

If I were the one owing the IRS that much money in back taxes, you can be sure that they'd be after me!

I will NOT watch KPTV Channel 12 News

2009-02-25T20:27:00.000-08:00

Their teasers are misleading. Their "news" is dubiously sensational. Their journalism is questionable. This has been been confirmed to me time after time.

Fifty approaches...

2009-02-07T20:40:00.001-08:00

...and today I received in the mail my AARP application.

Hey there

2009-01-24T22:27:00.000-08:00

Just sitting in front of the TV, watching "Sleepless in Seattle," enjoying my Saturday night. Loving having a laptop on the top of my lap.

/\\ /\/

I can't remember...

2009-01-18T21:41:00.000-08:00

ever witnessing such a collective media orgasm as the one they're having over Obama's inauguration. Just an amazing display of the left-wing media.

And yet...

2008-10-29T19:52:00.001-07:00

I just love Oregon in autumn...

Yeah, I was wrong

2008-10-12T15:56:00.001-07:00

Okay, Obama didn't choose Hillary as his running mate, as history will now show.

On the eve of Obama's Veep announcement

2008-08-22T21:13:00.000-07:00

Let it be known here and now that I believe that the media are willingly playing dumb by barely mentioning Hillary as a possible VP running mate for Obama. He's supposed to announce his choice sometime tomorrow, and the media are only running stories about possible running mates other than Hillary, when we all know it will be her.

But if they act surprised tomorrow, then the "wow" factor is even greater-- something the media wants.

Finally found some others who agree with me

2008-08-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

Seems there are others out there who agree with me that the NBC "Live" coverage of the Olympics is something less than honest.

http://blog.oregonlive.com/idiotbox/2008/08/when_is_live_actually_dead_and.html

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3id0839a35f93f4784a6d6fef182f43a3e

Not to mention the fancy GCI effects that were used in the Opening Ceremonies, and the less-than-forthcoming explanation by Costas and Lauer regarding them. I remember them saying what they said during the ceremony, but I never got the impression that some of the "fireworks" weren't actually fireworks.

But the "Live" issue is the big one to me. NBC says it's enough to put a time stamp on the screen twice an hour (and that time stamp doesn't really explain anything unless you're sitting there doing the math while you are watching) while leaving the word "LIVE" up on the screen the other 59 minutes of the hour. Why can't they just remove the "LIVE"? At the least, they should supplant it with "Recorded Earlier" for the duration that "LIVE" is up there.

Like the articles linked-to above say, it really does make it seem more exciting if you think you are watching something live...

Take a look at my pix

2008-08-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

I've started a pictorial blog. Click on the title of this post and you'll be there.

The not "Live" Olympics

2008-08-11T15:16:00.000-07:00

I have lodged the following complaint with the FCC:

NBC and it's affiliate, KGW TV in Portland OR, claim falsely that they are broadcasting the Olympics "Live." However, there is no live broadcast of the Olympics on the West Coast. They advertise and promote that "LIVE" coverage will be seen at "8PM/7 Central." This is not possible, because when it is 7 o'clock Central TIme it is 5 o'clock Pacific time. Thus, this claim that the broadcast will be "LIVE" is false and deceptive. It is not possible to broadcast something "LIVE" at both 7 PM Central time and 8 PM Pacific time.

Further, when Bob Costas says he is speaking "LIVE," no effort by the network or KGW is made to correct this false claim by super-imposing a notice, such as "Recorded Earlier."

I also sent an email to KGW but have not received a response yet.

Maybe since China has only one time zone, NBC thinks that's the case now for the USA? Bob Costas has said more than once something like "It's 7AM here in Beijing, so that means it's 7 PM on the East Coast, and we're live." Then I look at my watch, which is on my wrist, which is on the West Coast, and it says "7PM." Hmmm... how can it be 7PM in New York and 7 PM on the West Coast? I love it when Costas says that Michael Phelps will be swimming in an hour or so (and they're going to broadcast it LIVE) and then I look on the Internet and already see the results of the race. That's SOME Live coverage!

It's bad enough that we have no live coverage of the Olympics, but the fact that they falsely claim that it IS live is unacceptable. I hope they get fined.

Here's a picture I took of my TV screen tonight. It says "LIVE" but, no, it's not. This happened 3 hours ago.

Two OPPOSITE slants on the same information

2008-06-17T14:56:00.000-07:00

Okay, here's a real eye-opener. I ran across this story last week. It was presented by The Oregonian, and I also heard about it on KOPB radio (our local NPR station). But the thing that grabbed my attention was that The Oregonian made the whole story sound like the rules have been relaxed concerning same-day delivery of alcoholic beverages, and KOPB made it sound like the new rules were MORE RESTRICTIVE! When OPB ran the story on their stations, they led with something like, "If you run out of beer at your party and you want more delivered, you're out of luck."

Astounding!

Here are the links to the stories, first as told by The Oregonian. The headline reads "OLCC relaxes limits on same-day beer, wine deliveries to homes":

http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1213327526226630.xml&coll=7

And here's the OPB story. The headline on their website reads "State Liquor Board Approves Same-Day Delivery, With Restrictions":

http://news.opb.org/article/2326-state-liquor-board-approves-same-day-delivery-restrictions/

So, which is it? The stories present the EXACT same facts; but depending on whom you interview and how you present those facts, you can make the story sound however you want! Now, I'm not at all saying that they did anything intentional, but I think it is imperative that people understand that what they read and hear in the media needs to be taken with discernment!

"43% of all statistics are made up."

On Your Side...

2008-03-26T19:30:00.000-07:00

I guess this blog is more and more turning into a critique of local news outlets. Maybe that's because this issue is just on my mind lately. Don't know why.

Today's peeve: TV news that feels it has to go out and investigate the schemers to expose their bad ways-- and then pronounce that they are doing "consumer journalism," whatever that is. Personally, I've started to like KGW's TV news. It just seems like-- the news. No hype. No "On YOUR Side" bs. Just the news.

"Consumer journalism" might make a good 7:00 magazine show, but if the TV station has to go out and manufacture the news for their evening newscast, I just cringe.

Channel 12 News: First, Live, Loco

2008-03-06T19:03:00.000-08:00

This won't take much of an introduction. Here's an email I sent to the FOX 12 Oregon news department, and some back-and-forth responses:

I realize that television news is a business (a fact that I believe many people just don't understand), but I really have to take exception to a "teaser" you had tonight.

At the 9:53 teaser, Wayne Garcia said "Could the Trail Blazers be moving north? We'll talk the to NBA commissioner about the possibility of moving the Trail Blazers to Seattle," in his effort to get viewers to watch the Ten O'clock News. (This false teaser was repeated during the newscast as well.)

Of course, there was no story. The entire CONCEPT was fabricated just to get people to watch the news-- it was just your reporter Matt Smith's question, not something the commissioner had ventured. (Oh, and his answer to what the chances are of the Trail Blazers moving to Seattle?: "NONE. NO CHANCE WHATSOEVER.") This was not a news story, this was your slick marketing.

I resent this disingenuous and insulting attempt to gain viewers by taunting them with misrepresentations. It's not much different from asking a hypothetical question, such as, "Did Queen Elizabeth slap President Bush in the face over an insulting remark he made about her hair?" and then when it's time for the story, simply saying, "No. That never happened... (but thanks for tuning in to find out!)"

Many months ago I switched from the Ten O'clock News to watch KGW's ten o'clock news on the CW (channel 3 on Comcast) because I was tired of the flashy hype peddled by your station in place of real news. Tonight I tried you guys out again, just to see if anything had changed. It hadn't; and I won't be back until you decide to return to real, credible journalism.

This prompted a response from Channel 12:

"Many news outlets in the Seattle and Portland have been discussing the possibility of Paul Allen [who lives in the Seattle area, already owns several sports franchises in Seattle, has his venture capital firm in Seattle] moving the the Blazers to Seattle once the Sonics head out of town.

We asked the NBA commissioner whether this could happen. It is a news story. We did not fabricate anything.

We are sorry you did not like how the story was teased."

To which I wrote back:

Thanks for responding to my comment. I would venture a guess that we're not going to see eye-to-eye on this, but I would like to respond to what you said.

I took the liberty to do a web search of "Blazers moving to Seattle," and found no news stories about it-- not even a mention of it in the Seattle media (unless you count a 1990 story), as you state. What I did find were some sports forums discussing the topic (from back in 2006) and one column (not a news story) talking about the speculation, on oregonlive.com. And actually, my biggest evidence that this was not a news story is that your own web site, kptv.com said nothing about it at all. If it was news (and not just a topic for columnists and sports forums) then why wasn't this story even mentioned on your own news web site?

From my perspective the story did not qualify as news (and your web producer apparently agrees with me); it was speculation that would be more appropriate for a talk show topic. There was no news value to it at all-- its value consisted in taunting people to watch your broadcast. I still view that as disingenuous and deceptive-- certainly not qualities I look for in a news source.

The gentleman at channel 12 sent me some stories, but I did a little digging and found that most of the articles he referred to are years old. I responded with this:

Well, I don't want to beat a dead horse, but the USA Today article is not from Portland or Seattle, as you claimed, and it was written three months ago. All of the other articles you sent are from 2006 or earlier-- long before the Sonics were poised to move to Oklahoma City.

But that's not my point. Sure, the idea of moving the Blazers to Seattle is a topic of discussion and speculation; I don't dispute that. What I do disagree with is how the Ten O'clock News "teased" it. The way the rhetorical question was posed was misleading. Again, if it really was a legitimate news story, why didn't your web site post the story?

Thanks again for your time. I hope my input causes some discussion down there at channel 12. I think it's something that needs to be looked at.

I really dislike news teasers that are misleading and misrepresent the facts. That's just not good journalism.

Letter Carrier Chopping Trees

2008-02-22T22:10:00.000-08:00

Here's a "Letter to the Editor" that I emailed The Oregonian, regarding the Vancouver mail carrier (in the news) who took it upon himself to "trim" some trees that were hanging too low in the street:

It is unfortunate that the Vancouver letter carrier who whacked the low branches on trees that were encroaching on the street, didn't call the city and complain of the violations. Now the media is portraying the homeowners who were in violation of city code as hapless victims, which they are not; it isn't that simple. Of course the carrier handled the problem in the wrong way. He should be disciplined. But no one is mentioning that there are city codes that require a height limit on trees over streets and sidewalks. If branches were hitting his mail truck, they were clearly in need of trimming-- and that is the responsibility of the homeowner. The fact that the branches were nowhere near a mailbox is irrelevant. Homeowners have a duty to keep their trees trimmed so that they meet city code.

Matt

[Blogger's note: As far as I know, this letter to the editor was not published by The Oregonian.]

Dusting off my calculator

2008-01-22T20:22:00.000-08:00

The story says that the new Milwaukie line of MAX is going to cost upwards of 1.4 Billion dollars. AND here's the interesting part. Tri-Met says they expect AT BEST 12,100 new riders (those who do not currently use busses or mass transit at all) to use the new light-rail line. (It could be as low as some 8,000, according to the article.)

So, using the division button on my calculator, this translates to the government paying a whopping $115,702 PER NEW RIDER that they expect to use the new line-- AT BEST!

What I want to know is this: If I promise to ride MAX to work for the foreseeable future, can I expect Tri-Met to pay me the $115,702? I could really use the money!

The Short Bus

2008-01-17T21:54:00.001-08:00

Has anyone noticed this?

2007-11-08T17:27:00.000-08:00

I am really disappointed with the lack of architectural diversity in the South Waterfront area. It looks like the same person designed all of the buildings. They all look the same! Glass with a hint of yellow/tan accents. Too bad they had to do this.

I really hope the rest of the buildings in the South Waterfront area have some originality to their design.

Gresham Police to patrol MAX

2007-11-04T09:52:00.000-08:00

It's just another reason to love MAX. Those who question the oft' touted economic benefits of light rail might want to keep this link handy for future discussions.

As far as Mid-Multnomah County goes, particularly the Rockwood area, MAX has brought only blight. We were told, when it was built, that MAX would revitalize the area. So, where did the Rockwood Fred Meyer go? Hmmmm.

I always have to say this when I criticize MAX: I have been known to ride it. It can be very convenient. But let me also say this: I am becoming more and more reticent about using MAX. And certainly, it would have been immensely less expensive to just pave two lanes where the rail tracks are, and dedicate those two lanes to busses. (CNG busses, to boot!)

And the economic benefits of light rail are dubious at best.

Vote "Not" instead of "No"

2007-10-31T22:15:00.000-07:00

With Oregon's double majority requirement for ballot measures, you might want to know that NOT VOTING might make a bigger impact than voting "No" for a given measure. Do you understand how this works?

Oregon law requires that at least half of registered voters turn out in order to pass any given ballot measure. Consequently, the following scenario might be helpful:

Let's say, for ease of understanding, that there are 100 registered voters in Oregon. In order for any ballot measure to pass, at least 50 of those registered voters need to turn out at the polls (or, at the mail box) for a measure to pass. So, in our illustration, 50 people need to turn out at an election for a measure to pass. Let's say that only 26 people turn out to vote YES on a measure, and 23 people turn out to vote NO. That makes only 49 voters that voted, and since 100 are registered, the measure will FAIL, even though the majority of those who DID vote, voted YES. You gotta have at least 50 people turning out to vote for it to pass.

Okay, now let's say that you are vehemently opposed to the given measure and you march down to the polls on voting day (or the mail box a few days prior) and cast your NO vote. Now, the scenario has changed. Now, 26 people have voted YES and 24 people have voted NO. NOW the total turnout is 50 out of the 100 registered voters, and consequently, because YOU cast your (NO) vote, the measure will PASS precisely because YOUR vote turned the tables to make it a 50% voter turnout. Your NO vote was the swing vote in making the measure PASS.

Sounds frustrating, doesn't it.

Keep the Earth clean...

2007-10-31T19:36:00.000-07:00

...it's not Uranus.

The answer to my question

2007-10-25T20:19:00.000-07:00

A week or so ago, I rhetorically asked myself if a person has to know english in order to pass the drivers' license test. Today, my question was answered, as I had this package to deliver.

Excuse me, but...

2007-10-18T22:13:00.001-07:00

This is not news.
Channel 12 (KPTV.com) had a news story on their Ten O'Clock News tonight that told about high winds (38 mph?) that toppled trees today. If a tree falls down in the middle of a city and only a TV station notices, should anyone care?

Interesting Conversation...

2007-10-16T22:21:00.000-07:00

...going on here. Yeah, I'm taking part...

Interstate Avenue Name Change-- Portland

2007-10-05T18:46:00.001-07:00

Please let me chime in on the Interstate Avenue name change debate.

It seems that now, the Polish community has voiced their opposition to renaming the thoroughfare "Cesar Chavez Avenue" (as has been suggested by someone high up in Portland Power-- and, by the way, has been resoundingly eschewed in polls) in favor of "Lech Walesa Avenue" seeing as how they say the street was built using a lot of Polish immigrant labor (btw, were they legal or illegal immigrants? Never mind.).

Well, I would like to suggest yet another name: "Leif Erikson Boulevard."

I mean, really. The Scandinavian population in Oregon is really big. Really big. Probably second only to that of Minnesota and other northern Midwest areas. And Leif was such an icon of goodness! In fact, according to Wikipedia (which, as everyone knows is the source for accurate and timely information), in 1964 Congress authorized and requested the President to proclaim every October 9th as "Leif Erikson Day." So, yeah. You KNOW he's gotta be big.

And as a person of Scandinavian heritage, I would like to enter the fray, and cry out that Interstate Avenue's name should be changed to "Leif Erikson Boulevard." Thank you.

Oh, and btw, October 9th is next Tuesday, so I expect to see some Norse flags a-flying, okay?

I want one of those Illegal Licenses!

2007-10-04T20:04:00.000-07:00

GOV. TED, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski has come up with the great idea of issuing a special driver's license to illegal aliens. Well, he doesn’t actually put it in those terms, but that’s what the idea entails.

His reasoning baffles me. But, I guess when I stop being baffled by things like this, that’s when I’m in trouble.

According to the story @ Oregonlive.com, Governor Kulongoski has become convinced that tighter controls are needed for state-issued identification cards. “However, the governor is considering following the Utah model, which allows for the ‘driving only’ license to those who can’t prove they’re legal residents of the state.” (How, and why, in the world would a State issue official documents to those whom it can't prove are legal residents of said state?!)

According to the Governor’s spokesperson, “The issues that we’re trying to deal with are identity theft and security.” And yet, the connection between not being able to drive and identity theft (and security) were not made in this news story. Myself, I wonder how not being able to drive has anything to do with security and identity theft. Perhaps if more identity thieves had the ability to drive, we could all rest assured that our credit card purchases at Nordstrom were safe.

As a perfect example of dodging the issue and throwing in a red herring, the governor also adds, “I’m not trying to create a situation where we have all these people driving without insurance because they’re out there without a driver’s license.” What? And now, the issue is non-insured drivers? Can we please stick to your main points Mr. Governor?

The governor admits he wants to “allow driving privileges to people who can’t prove they’re in the country legally. Not doing so would create problems for workers who lack such proof and their employers,” the Oregonlive.com story said. (I am truly moved by the governor’s empathy for those employers who might suffer hardship if their illegal alien employees couldn’t drive.)

Okay, so there’s the backdrop for the story. Here’s my response:

What the ____?

And furthermore, if this non-identifiable driver’s license becomes law, I will be the first guy in line down at the DMV to get my own illegal license. I mean, heck! That way, if I ever get pulled over for speeding, DUI, etc., I’ll just present my illegal license to the officer, and my real record will remain clean! Seriously, what’s to prevent ME from getting one of these licenses? No identification will be required; no proof of address will be required (right now, I have to present the DMV worker with something that proves my residency, like an electric bill, etc.). All that’s required is that I pass the driver’s test. (Do you have to be able to read english to get a driver’s license? Prally not.) So what’s to prevent me from going down to DMV and telling them that I’m Leif Erickson, and that I refuse to present ID, so please let me take the test!? This is GREAT! What a boon this could be to chronic drunk drivers, speeders and red-light runners!

And please let me ask, in response to the governor’s red herring: What aspect of logic are you trying to assert in implying that those who are in this country ILLEGALLY would be MORE likely to buy auto insurance if they could get a driver’s license? If they know they are here illegally, what in heck would ever motivate them to buy auto insurance? A “non-ID” driver’s license? I doubt it, Mr. Governor.

If a person can’t, or refuses to hand over documentation verifying their legal residency, “Those people should still be able to have a driver’s license,” according to the governor’s spokesperson. Why?

Why?

“These people should be able to have a driver’s license.” Should? Are we making moralistic judgments here? Should? Why!

Driving is not a right; it is a privilege. You have to PROVE you are competent to handle the task. That’s why they have a test. Why should we eliminate the legal residency requirement and yet keep all the other requirements to obtain a driver’s license? Heck, let’s just throw out the driver’s test! Doesn’t this test put an undue burden on those people who can’t pass it, as well as their employers? As the governor’s spokesperson says, “These people should still be able to have a driver’s license”!

This is the most bass-ackwards idea I’ve heard in a long time.

I'm going to be a Loser

2007-09-25T13:54:00.001-07:00

Going to lose some weight. I've started a weight-loss blog, but it's going to be private, until I can show some positive results. Will make it public L8r.

I want peace...

2007-09-20T21:50:00.001-07:00

Driving down the freeway this afternoon, I was following a car that was plastered with liberal bumper stickers: "Impeach Bush." (I would ask: on what basis? You can't even get enough votes in Congress to withdraw troops from Iraq; on what basis would you impeach him?) "The most violent element in society is ignorance"; "Bring them home NOW!"... blah blah blah.

I've come up with a bumper sticker that I'm planing on marketing. If you like it, let me know. I'll find a way to print them off and I'll send them out. Here it is:

I WANT PEACE. AND I'M WILLING TO FIGHT FOR IT!

I'm just doing my job...

2007-09-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

So I'm making a delivery today-- for this one I have to stop on 49th Avenue close to PCC Sylvania and partially block the lane; I suppose my truck is there for maybe 35 seconds-- and while I'm making the delivery some Militant Bicyclist-ette, rides by and yells, "It says NO PARKING... blah blah..." (the rest is unintelligible because she's continuing on her less-than-merry way).

I have two things to say in response to this obvious statement by this unhappy rider:

1) I had my four-way flashers on, honey. If they're on, you have to GO AROUND. It's not that difficult to do. The drivers all do it without yelling at me. I think you can find it in your heart to do it too. I'm sorry I had to block your precious bike lane, but I was just doing my job.

B) Can't we all just get along?

This Militant Bicyclist-ette was obviously not a happy person; probably just looking for any mean motorist who might get in her way so she could yell at them. Breathe deep, honey. It'll be okay. Really.

My Big Push: NewOrgonFlag.org

2007-09-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

I've launched a new web site to promote a cause I think is going to be very cool. Oregon needs a new flag.The current state flag is dark and drab, and has basically the same design as over 20 other state flags.

So I've taken it upon myself to design a new one (left). Click here to go to the site, which explains the symbolism of the new design. We have about a year-and-a-half until Oregon's sesquicentennial, and right now I'm just getting the site up and sending out a few bumper stickers. In February, I'm planning on launching the campaign in earnest, getting the idea "out there" into the public arena.

Yeah, I'm a vexillographer.

Communication in the 21st Century

2007-08-22T21:47:00.000-07:00

They were sitting at a table at Starbucks. Typing. And then I realized it. They were IM-ing. To each other.

We no longer talk to each other. We sit next to each other and send each other electronic messages.

THAT's cool.

The Meaning of Life

2007-04-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

I was enjoying my usual late lunch break at the Starbucks on my route today, and a delightful elderly gentleman sat down beside me, with his daughter (I believe it was his daughter). He struck up a conversation with me. At one point he said, "I once met this Chinese man. He was 104 years old. He told me the secret to a long life."

Of course, as the old man leaned forward to me and spoke in hushed tones, I had to ask, "And you're going to tell me?"

"Yes," he smiled. "It's this: Hershey's Dark Chocolate. Two small pieces in the morning and one piece at 3:00 in the afternoon."

I grinned. Of course, the cocoa in dark chocolate is well-known for its antioxident content.

The man knew this, and said, "Whatever it is, this Chinese man was 104 years old, and as active as a two-year-old." The elderly man said he follows this regimen, and you know, the guy said he was in his 80's, and he was as sharp as a tack (and when he got up to leave, he moved like a man half his age)! Then he leaned forward again and said, "And this Chinese man also told me the meaning of life!"

Well, his first secret was pretty good, so once again I gave him the prompt he was dramatically waiting for: "And you're going to tell me?"

He smiled and said,"This is it: Time is Luck."

I have no idea what that means, but if some 104 year-old Chinese wise man said it, I figure it's probably worth pondering for awhile.

Infants in "Limbo"?

2007-04-20T23:28:00.000-07:00

I came across this link tonight and am perplexed. First the link:

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=3060955&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

Now the perplexion: If God wants us to communicate with us, why doesn't he make himself clear? I mean, he's God, isn't he? Surely he could communicate whether or not infants are "safe" or not. Why the confusion? Why does this article say there is "hope" but not "certainty" as the last paragraph on the first page of this article states:

"'We can say we have many reasons to hope that there is salvation for these babies,' the Rev. Luis Ladaria, a Jesuit who is the commission's secretary-general, told The Associated Press. He stressed that there was no certainty, just hope."

I dunno, but it seems funny to me that God is so unclear about so many things. There are so many "doctrines" that are debatable. Why?

Oops!

2007-04-06T22:23:00.000-07:00

I love typos. (Well, maybe not.) But this one was printed on a box that I delivered today. There it is, printed in full color for everyone to see. This package contained a computer. Pretty blatant example of someone not proofreading, I'd say. Sounds to me like someone adapted the wrong word to a well-known phrase, and then transferred that error to this box. Maybe we need another proofreader?

I was under the impression that Caesar "conquered" the world, not "concord" the world... (that, and the fact that "concord" sounds a little past-tense, and in this case, it should be present tense. But that's just me.)

News Teaser the doesn't deliver

2007-04-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

“The Britons are freed from Iran. But does this mean the crisis is over?” The local news anchor teased the viewing audience with this little tidbit right before going to a commercial break.

Sounds like he’s imtimating that there is something about this story you don’t know, and that when you return from the commercial break, he’s going to tell you the whole story.

Well, as a matter of fact, when he returned from the break, the newsman relayed the story to the audience, which was waiting with baited breath to find out exactly if the crisis really was over. What could this anchor know about the story that we don’t?! But guess what. When he broadcast the story, the answer to his misleading question, “does this mean the crisis is over?” was actually, “Yes.” In fact, the crisis was over, and his question was merely a tactic to keep us ignorant, curious viewers tuned in.

I really resent this kind of “journalism.”

Rose Garden National Anthem

2007-04-01T15:51:00.000-07:00

I finally hit the big time! After years and years of auditioning, last fall I was accepted to sing the National Anthem for the Portland Trail Blazers, and last night, March 31, I got my 1 minute 15 seconds of fame.

There were over 18,000 people in attendance; my biggest audience ever. It was a real rush! The crowd responded enthusiastically. Let me tell you, if you've never stood in front of 18,000 people screaming their appreciation, I highly recommend it. Quite exhilarating indeed. Click on the title of this post to see my home page which will direct you to a video clip of the movie.

Fight Global Warming

2007-03-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

Leave your fridge door open.

Throwing the Christians to the Lions

2007-03-09T20:11:00.000-08:00

I used to piously judge those Romans of history, for being such horrible people– what with their obsession over watching Christians (and others, I’m sure) being eaten alive by lions in the arena. How barbaric!

And yet, I find myself, like jillions of other “enlightened” 21st century people, falling prey to a very similar base desire. Who of us can’t resist watching the news stories, “caught on camera,” of the man being stabbed in a supermarket; or the robbery at an ATM machine… Or how many times do we gather at the TV to watch horrific car crashes caught on camera?

Sure, we’re not paying admission to the Coliseum to watch this macabre display, we can comfort ourselves that we’re not that barbaric. And yet, our attraction to this stuff isn’t that dissimilar to that of the Romans.

Makes me want to be just a tad less judgmental of others.

Time for a change?

2007-03-06T08:59:00.000-08:00

Okay, we were commanded to multiply and fill the earth. Now that that mission has been accomplished, do we need a new direction? Dunno, but maybe THESE PEOPLE have an idea who's time has come. Perhaps it's time we all eschewed fecundity.

I need a bumper sticker... :)

Quick Trip by Keek

2007-03-04T14:15:00.000-08:00

Keaton was here for one night; it was good to see him. He was in Oregon to attend a conference at U of O down in Eugene. While there, he stayed with Brant. He came up here and stayed with me last night and flew out today. Only one night, but it was good to see him again.

Eschew Teasers

2007-03-02T20:28:00.000-08:00

As the Curious Reader might be able to tell, I really have a dislike for “teasers,” those little snippets that try to entice the viewer to watch a later news broadcast. Usually they appeal to sensationalism and I have found that they almost never deliver the sensational newsworthiness they promise. Their whole purpose is not to provide news, but to increase the station’s viewership. It’s all about ratings.

They need to be eschewed. Eschew them, I tell you…

"Next" means "Next"?

2007-03-01T20:27:00.000-08:00

Our local ABC station has started an advertising campaign that says “Next means next,” which is to say that when they tell you that a certain news story is coming up “next,” (in a teaser) you won’t have to wait through interminable stories to actually hear the story they’re teasing.

Well, tonight at the end of the 20/20 show, Channel 2 came on with their teaser for the 11:00 news. “Next…” they said, and they talked about a landslide nearby that was threatening a house. And yet, the lead story was about a boy who was involved in a sex scandal.

I’m waiting for them to reply to the e-mail I sent them.

The Ten O'Clock News-- and Entertainment

2007-02-21T20:27:00.000-08:00

Our local Fox station has a news telecast at ten PM, that tonight followed the new Fox show “Are you smarter than a Fifth Grader.” So, as a “teaser” for their “news” show, right after the “Fifth Grader” program they touted that they were going to have a segment where viewers could go “head to head” to see how they can do against fifth graders. Sounds fun, but is this blatant promotion of their network actually news? I suppose to answer that question, we should check out the affiliates of other newtorks to see if they also had a segment about answering questions from the fifth grade.

I seriously doubt that this made the other non-Fox station’s news broadcasts.

While I certainly don’t object to this fun little ditty (but let me be quick to add that I don’t really like those “teasers” they use to intice you into watching their broadcasts), I do wish the station would change the name of their broadcast to “The Ten O’Clock News and Entertainment Hour.”

Oh, and yes, the “news” broadcast also included a “news” story about tonight’s “American Idol” television show. Actually, it showed two stories about “Idol,” one of which was strategically placed at the end of the broadcast, complete with– you guessed it– an inviting “teaser” to intice you into watching the whole news show. Am I the only one who doesn’t think this is news?

This is NOT news

2007-02-20T20:26:00.000-08:00

Tonight’s eleven o’clock news on our local ABC affiliate LED OFF with a story about a man who called 911 because he was not allowed to enter a night club. The upshot of the story was that the man was high on something, and he wanted the police to force the night club to let him in. A bizarre story, to be sure, but news? And lead story news?

Oh, and did I mention… this whole story took place A WEEK AGO! A full week ago! And yet– get this– it is reported by a reporter who is LIVE on the scene of the night club. A WEEK LATER, THE REPORTER IS STILL THERE AT THE NIGHT CLUB for what reason? Is there a possiblity that more news might happen there? And just maybe the reporter might be able to relay it to us LIVE? Why in the world do we need a LIVE report when the “news” (and I use that term extremely losely) happened a full week ago?

Oh, and did I mention… after they led with this “news” story (this is a news broadcast, not Entertainment Tonight, isn’t it?) they went on to report about other items– things that might possibly be construed to be real and actual news; like a fatal head-on collision on a freeway (the second in as many weeks in that same area); a man pleading not-guilty to murdering a 77 year-old woman; the indictment of a school Superintendent on allegations of criminal mistreatment of a teenager. I would suggest that any one of these stories is more newsworthy– and more worthy of being a lead story for a broadcast– than was the “story” of a stoned man calling 911 in order to get into a night club.

Can you guess why they led with this story that really wasn’t news? Here’s the honest truth they don’t want you to realize: They led with it because they had a mobile news crew available. That’s really why– so they could say “We’re LIVE on the scene…”

When is news not news?

When it’s LIVE just because they can.

How to know when the news isn't...

2007-02-18T20:26:00.000-08:00

I sometimes keep the TV tuned to CNN Headline news, with the volume turned all the way down, just to keep an eye on the world as I move around my home, doing my daily things. On CNN, in our city, they take a break occasionally, and turn it over to the local station for a “Local Edition” update. Usually this “update” isn’t actually an update, because a careful observer will see that this “update” is a recording– repeated over and over during the day. But I digress…

If you ever want to know if there’s any real news going on, here’s a clue: If the lead story from the newscast is “Elephant at zoo recovering from surgery” it’s a pretty good bet that there really is no news going on. If the lead story is something as dumb as that, I usually just turn the sound off, or change the channel, or (here’s a novel idea) turn the TV off. This was the case today as CNN turned it over to the local station.

I just wish the news outlets would have the honesty to say something like this… “There really is nothing happening right now, so we’re going to bring you this story about an elephant at the zoo, recovering from surgery…”

"The most violent element in society is ignorance."

2007-02-16T20:22:00.000-08:00

I just have to say something about the bumper sticker I occasionally see on cars that says “The most violent element in society is ignorance.” Apparently this is a quote by Emma Goldman. In my opinion, she's off her rocker, and she doesn't do a very good job of promoting her political agenda. It's stupid, and outrageous.

Let’s just take this statement apart a little, shall we?

Who are the ignorant people to which this statement refers? Well, judging from the vast number of other bumper stickers that usually accompany this one on the back of cars, the ignorant people are those people who disagree with the owner of the car. “If you don’t agree with me, you are ignorant.” [Usually, this means that conservatives are ignorant, because all of the other bumper stickers clearly communicate a liberal (”progressive”) bent.]

Next question: What do we do with violent people? Well, of course, we lock them up! Right? I mean, violent people need to be separated from society so that the general public can be safe, right? Of course we lock violent people up. At the very least, we lock them up until they are “reformed” (or so the idea goes).

So, what can we then conclude?: Ignorant people should be locked up! I mean, if ignorance equates with violence, what other conclusion could be made?

If ignorant people must be locked up (at least until they are thoroughly reformed to NOT be ignorant), then what this statement is really saying is this: “If you disagree with me, you are ignorant. And if you are thus ignorant, you should therefore be locked up. That is to say, If you disagree with me, you should be locked up.”

Think about that for a minute.

“If you disagree with me, you should be locked up.”

Ask Yourself "WHY"...

2007-02-15T20:19:00.000-08:00

When you’re watching a newscast, or reading a news story, ask yourself “Why is this important?”

Hey

2007-02-15T08:05:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I'm still here.

My trip to Boston

2006-11-17T20:46:00.000-08:00

Over Halloween, I went back east and stayed with Keaton for about 5 days. He had fallen and broken his femur, near his hip. He's up on crutches now, and is improving every day. It was so good to see him, and it was good to see him in his new home city. He loves Boston, and I learned why while I was there. It was so cool! CLICK HERE to see my web site and the pictures I took while there.

Keaton has some great friends in Boston. We went out to lunch together, and I had a great time getting to know them. I also got to accompany Keaton to one of his law classes. I really enjoyed seeing Boston College. Too bad that it was under such "medical" circumstances. Before I got there, Keaton stayed with Tami in a hotel room while he recouperated from surgery. His apartment is on the 4th floor, and there's no elevator. When I got there Keaton and I stayed in the hotel room, and then just before I returned home we moved him back into his apartment.

It was a good trip. Again, CLICK HERE to see my web site and the pictures I took while there.

Shiny new

2006-09-06T18:54:00.000-07:00

Yeah, it's me in the reflection. I meant to do that.

New Package Car

2006-08-30T15:38:00.000-07:00

I got a new UPS truck yesterday.

Post Card From my Phone

2006-08-26T17:17:00.000-07:00

This post is being typed to you on my MDA cell phone. We will see how long my thumbs can do this. For those unaware, I have always suffered from FFF disease. That stands for Fat Flat Fingers. This condition makes it very difficult to type on this mini-keyboard, among other things.

The accompanying photo was taken a few minutes ago as I walked up here to my haunt, the local Starbucks. Gresham in the summer. I have a feeling that the beautiful, warm days of summer are waning for Gresham.

But I will deal wifit.

Time to continue my afternoon constitutional.

Comments are NOT pouring in

2006-08-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, granted, the three of you readers probably have more important things to do with your time than comment on my blog. But seriously, am I going to be forced to MAKE UP comments, posing as readers? Please don't let it come to that.

Time for a Readership Drive!

2006-08-23T15:07:00.000-07:00

Yes folks, it's time to see who's really out there! It's our semi-occasional Readership Drive! Well, actually, it's not a drive, it's more of a survey. I KNOW there are more readers out there than just my niece, Jenni, and so I would like ANYONE and EVERYONE who reads this blog to post a comment RIGHT NOW.

You don't have to say anything. Just type in "Here," if you want. I just want to know if anyone reads this.

I am planning on listing this blog in some blog list thingys in order to garner more readers, but I want to know how many people are out there. Anonymous comments are fine. Just. Please. Post.

Thank you belly belly much. Without you, I'd just be typing in the wind.

Things I 8 today

2006-08-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

A cucumber, sliced and drenched in vinegar.
A plumb.
An apple.
Grape Nuts.
Milk.
Slice of bread.
Cottage Cheese.
Various other things...

Good Movie

2006-08-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

I saw the new movie "World Trade Center," staring Nicholas Cage today. It was very good. More than once I found myself wiping my eyes.

Of course, there was really no plot; I mean there was no suspense as far as knowing what was going to happen. But nevertheless, the movie kept your attention. I thought I'd have a hard time picturing Nicholas Cage as a policeman on 9/11, but actually he did such a good job, I never really looked at the actor-- only the character. The other actors were very good as well.

I would heartily recommend this movie. When the credits rolled at the end, I just sat there. It was a very somber moment. I was the last to leave the theater. Granted, it was a matinee showing, and there was hardly anyone in the theater, but nonetheless, it was hard to just get up and resume life as usual.

Low Thyroid!

2006-08-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, the time has come. I am officially OLD. How do I know? Because I have LOW THYROID! Oh man, that is so exciting! It's like the ultimate in maladies!

I mean, how many times have you been sitting at the laundromat, watching the clothes spin in the glass window of the dryer, and the overweight woman sitting beside you turns to you and says, "I have low thyroid."

"Oh really?"

"Yes. My doctor has me on thyroid pills."

"I see."

It's almost a parody of itself! It's just perfect! What a conversation starter!

Anyway, it's also a great excuse for just about anything. "I'd be happy to help you move next weekend, but... I have low thyroid." Or, "I really should balance my checkbook, but... I have low thyroid." Or, here's one that I plan on using A LOT: "I really should eat better, but my doctor says I have low thyroid."

Yep, that's me!

More Charleston, etc...

2006-08-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

I've updated my HOME PAGE with some pictures of my trip to South Carolina (and a few from Augusta, GA). Click HERE to see!

It's good to be home.

Looking forward to another week of R&R and organizationalization.

Charleston, South Carolina

2006-08-01T06:18:00.000-07:00

I'm in historic Charleston. Here's a little travel log:

Sunday Evening, I drove over the new, spectacular Ravenel Bridge (by mistake because the map didn't tell me that the route I was taking was ONLY going over the
bridge). It's cool.

Monday morning I went down to the old Market; they used to sell slaves there. Now, it's an open air marked where people sell their wares. Really cool. I walked down by the battery, too and got some pictures. It was so nice, I returned in the evening for another liesurely stroll and more pictures.

Monday night I had grits and shrimp at A.W.Schucks. It's a chain down here in the South, recommended to me by Eric's wife, Amy. Had fried green tomatoes as an appetizer. Mmmm. Awesome.

I had lunch at an open air restaurant, the Noisy Oyster. Although it was probably well over 90 degrees outside (and humid), the ceiling fans (and possibly-- air conditioning blowing on the area?) made it very comfortable-- even though the huge windows were open to the street. Delicious blackened salmon with collard greens and hush puppies. I'm making a point to have key lime pie for desert everywhere while I'm here, although if I find some pecan pie I might change that plan.

Anyway, there's been lots of shopping and strolling. Charleston is a vibrant town. Many tourists and residents taking in the sights.

More to come...

Staying Put

2006-07-31T12:23:00.000-07:00

Rumors of me moving this blog elsewhere were premature. I'm staying here. Stay tuned for a travelog entry from Charleston, South Carolina.

The Heat

2006-07-24T19:36:00.000-07:00

Now, I'm not complaining, but this heat just zaps the energy out of me when I'm working. When it's 93° outside, it's probably 20° hotter in the back of my UPS truck.

Like I said, I'm not complaining. I absolutely LOVE the summer. And I like it hot. But nevertheless, the heat does take its toll. So glad I have air conditioning @ Nine Forward.

I leave for Georgia and South Carolina on Thursday morning. Brant will be holding down the fort while I'm gone. I'm going with Eric, Amy and their daughter Abigail back east to watch Eric in a bodybuilding competition. Afterward, on Sunday, Abigail is getting baptized (Amy is from South Carolina, and her family is all back there). From there, Eric, Amy and Abigail are going to Myrtle Beach and I am renting a car and will be exploring Charleston, SC and nearby environs. I'm really excited!

I'll be back after a week or so, and then I'll still have a week and a half of vacation left before I have to return to work. Looking forward to THAT.

I'll try to post pictures of the trip, along with informative and interesting updates.