Sunday, February 06, 2011
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Two Great Fiction Choices
Recently I read two great novels, The Confession by John Grisham and Freedom by Jonathan Franzen. I highly recommend The Confession for anyone looking for a consummate John Grisham story about justice, the legal system and government corruption. The story involves the death penalty and is quite different from The Chamber. With The Confession, Grisham shows in part how the world works.
Freedom is a more ambitious work where the narrative is sprawling and not so action driven. Characters have identities that go beyond what they do for a living because Franzen's emphasis is on them, their lives and inner thoughts rather than their role in an overall plot. They aren't used to move the story along. They are the story.
On reading Franzen, one can tell he likes to experiment with words. He prefers obscure terms I never knew were in the English language. I didn't look most of them up because that would amount to work, but I did write them down to revisit later. It seems to me that some of the words Franzen uses are best applied in literary works like Freedom, because such words have little practical value beyond that. I don't think I could remember all of those words, even after having looked up a few in a dictionary.
Freedom is a more ambitious work where the narrative is sprawling and not so action driven. Characters have identities that go beyond what they do for a living because Franzen's emphasis is on them, their lives and inner thoughts rather than their role in an overall plot. They aren't used to move the story along. They are the story.
On reading Franzen, one can tell he likes to experiment with words. He prefers obscure terms I never knew were in the English language. I didn't look most of them up because that would amount to work, but I did write them down to revisit later. It seems to me that some of the words Franzen uses are best applied in literary works like Freedom, because such words have little practical value beyond that. I don't think I could remember all of those words, even after having looked up a few in a dictionary.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The Walking Dead Delivers
It's kind of tough for the horror genre to scare anymore. The best effect it can achieve these days is plain old grostesque. Even gore is getting to be old hat. Regardless of the limitations of a dated premise, AMC's The Walking Dead does a fine job of entertaining. The hour-long zombie drama is violent and messy and interesting to watch. That is quite a feat to pull off.
The show is shot in a 16 mm format, which I will call a brilliant creative decision. With everyone going digital, someone has the guts to buck trends and revisit a technique that still works. That's just smart, especially if you want the world to notice what you're doing. The zombies aren't much different than those seen in Thriller. The main difference is AMC's zombies don't dance way better than the average person.
Internet articles say ratings for The Walking Dead are unprecedented for AMC, so that bodes well for the short term. It remains to be seen though if the show's writers can keep the story arcs fresh and interesting. With a committment to only six initial episodes, it looks like AMC executives wonder the same thing. Mork and Mindy and Heroes serve as good lessons about stellar first seasons. Hopefully, The Walking Dead can demonstrate more staying power like Mad Men has. (What a phenomenon John Hamm et al have turn out to be.)
I have noticed that the writers have created a lot of characters to play with. It wouldn't surprise me if some of the supporting folks with lesser impact begin to get way more interesting. Someone may have an interesting secret. Someone may commit an incredible gaffe. If The Walking Dead is to survive for a while, that may have to happen. The sky is the limit. For now, I am a fan of the show despite its gore and violence. I sat through several seasons of ER (where the writers did horrible things to their characters), so I believe I can handle whatever AMC throws at me for six Sunday nights.
The show is shot in a 16 mm format, which I will call a brilliant creative decision. With everyone going digital, someone has the guts to buck trends and revisit a technique that still works. That's just smart, especially if you want the world to notice what you're doing. The zombies aren't much different than those seen in Thriller. The main difference is AMC's zombies don't dance way better than the average person.
Internet articles say ratings for The Walking Dead are unprecedented for AMC, so that bodes well for the short term. It remains to be seen though if the show's writers can keep the story arcs fresh and interesting. With a committment to only six initial episodes, it looks like AMC executives wonder the same thing. Mork and Mindy and Heroes serve as good lessons about stellar first seasons. Hopefully, The Walking Dead can demonstrate more staying power like Mad Men has. (What a phenomenon John Hamm et al have turn out to be.)
I have noticed that the writers have created a lot of characters to play with. It wouldn't surprise me if some of the supporting folks with lesser impact begin to get way more interesting. Someone may have an interesting secret. Someone may commit an incredible gaffe. If The Walking Dead is to survive for a while, that may have to happen. The sky is the limit. For now, I am a fan of the show despite its gore and violence. I sat through several seasons of ER (where the writers did horrible things to their characters), so I believe I can handle whatever AMC throws at me for six Sunday nights.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Halloween Debut for Cable TV Series
It's Halloween. This year I am intrigued by a new television series about zombies. The show is called Walking Dead. It appears on AMC. I want to see if AMC can do a zombie show that makes me care about the characters and their lives on a weekly basis. Yeah. We'll see. That is one tall order.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
War Dec On
Impersonations of U.S. Presidents.
I'm declaring war on comedians doing impersonations of U.S. presidents. They're a cheezy cliche and generally unentertaining. Unless the demands of a Saturday Night Live skit need to be met, I don't want to see anyone try to impersonate a president ever again.
I'm declaring war on comedians doing impersonations of U.S. presidents. They're a cheezy cliche and generally unentertaining. Unless the demands of a Saturday Night Live skit need to be met, I don't want to see anyone try to impersonate a president ever again.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Running Wilde on Fox
I enjoy watching Running Wilde, the Fox sitcom starring Will Arnett and Keri Russell. It feels fresh, and the humor is quite clever. Arnett and Russell have great chemistry, and the neighbor Fa'ad played by Peter Serafinowicz is a goofy ball of genius.
And, like with Mad Men, I like to check the #runningwilde hashtag on Twitter as the show is in progress to see what people are saying and reacting to. Twitter is so good for that. It adds to the experience of watching an event live as opposed to the following day on the Internet. All of the Running Wilde episodes are posted on the Internet the day after their first run, which is nice. This saves DVR space for all involved. Right?
Running Wilde favors Arrested Development, so it is not for everyone. You either appreciate the jokes or you throw your hands in the air and say, "I don't get it". There are other parellels like the casting of David Cross whom played Tobias on Arrested Development and now portrays Andy Weeks, the fiance to Russell's character, Emmy. Cross is pretty good as Andy, although his appearances are limited so far.
Plus there is the daughter to Emmy. Her name is Puddle. Puddle narrates the show, so everything is from her point of view. She seems to be the most grounded character, which is ironic considering that she is surrounded by adults.
Mr. Lunt the butler and Migo the chauffeur add to the zaniness. They serve as enablers to Arnett's character, Steven. They serve as splendid plot devices because without them, Steven couldn't get in as much trouble with Emmy, and the plotline would suffer. So, we have to have healthy doses of Mr. Lunt and Migo to keep the pot stirred every week.
Anyway, I really like Running Wilde. It has a cozy, nichey appeal to it free of pomp and pretense. It's charming.
And, like with Mad Men, I like to check the #runningwilde hashtag on Twitter as the show is in progress to see what people are saying and reacting to. Twitter is so good for that. It adds to the experience of watching an event live as opposed to the following day on the Internet. All of the Running Wilde episodes are posted on the Internet the day after their first run, which is nice. This saves DVR space for all involved. Right?
Running Wilde favors Arrested Development, so it is not for everyone. You either appreciate the jokes or you throw your hands in the air and say, "I don't get it". There are other parellels like the casting of David Cross whom played Tobias on Arrested Development and now portrays Andy Weeks, the fiance to Russell's character, Emmy. Cross is pretty good as Andy, although his appearances are limited so far.
Plus there is the daughter to Emmy. Her name is Puddle. Puddle narrates the show, so everything is from her point of view. She seems to be the most grounded character, which is ironic considering that she is surrounded by adults.
Mr. Lunt the butler and Migo the chauffeur add to the zaniness. They serve as enablers to Arnett's character, Steven. They serve as splendid plot devices because without them, Steven couldn't get in as much trouble with Emmy, and the plotline would suffer. So, we have to have healthy doses of Mr. Lunt and Migo to keep the pot stirred every week.
Anyway, I really like Running Wilde. It has a cozy, nichey appeal to it free of pomp and pretense. It's charming.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Team USA Does It at Worlds
Team USA got the job done in Turkey, running away with the FIBA World Championship. Kevin Durant practically carried the U.S. to victory, scoring at will against foreign defenders and coaches with no real inkling as to how to stop him.
It is great to see USA Basketball assert American dominance in the game as opposed to settling for a knowing wink and a nod regarding the fact that we could win. And winning Worlds wasn't so much about winning Worlds as it was maintaining the status America already owns as the premier power in the game of basketball.
While other countries dream of winning a FIBA World Championship and become giddy at the thought of coming close, I see an American victory at Worlds as an equivalent to rearranging furniture and tidying up a house in mild disarray. The FIBA World Championship is a pesky detail we as Americans haven't managed well in the past. We're starting to take it more seriously, having achieved reigning supremacy in every FIBA age bracket available. The United States holds all of the current golds in men's play. We should continue that kind of excellence for decades to come, at every level. I cannot foresee a day when that is not the case.
It is great to see USA Basketball assert American dominance in the game as opposed to settling for a knowing wink and a nod regarding the fact that we could win. And winning Worlds wasn't so much about winning Worlds as it was maintaining the status America already owns as the premier power in the game of basketball.
While other countries dream of winning a FIBA World Championship and become giddy at the thought of coming close, I see an American victory at Worlds as an equivalent to rearranging furniture and tidying up a house in mild disarray. The FIBA World Championship is a pesky detail we as Americans haven't managed well in the past. We're starting to take it more seriously, having achieved reigning supremacy in every FIBA age bracket available. The United States holds all of the current golds in men's play. We should continue that kind of excellence for decades to come, at every level. I cannot foresee a day when that is not the case.
Friday, August 20, 2010
The Return of Football
The networks are broadcasting preseason NFL games. Folks are talking about college rankings for the first time since January. Hey, we've reached the cusp of a new football season. I for one look forward to it. In the past, the football bug didn't hit me until mid-September, but it's mid-August and I'm looking forward to it earlier than usual.
I truly enjoy watching the sport. When I don't, it makes for good atmosphere just having a game on the television as I walk by.
We already have intrigue, too. What's great about this season is the unpredictabity. The landscape seems wide open. Anything can happen.
After what has become an annual soap opera, Brett Favre decided to play one more NFL season with the Minnesota Vikings. If I can see a game like last year's NFC Championship between Farve's Vikes and the New Orleans Saints, I have no problem with Favre returning to try it again. That game was so exciting. Let's hope for a deep playoff run for Brett Favre. It will make the NFL postseason a little more intersting I think. Plus, it will justify Favre's decision to come back. Heck, last season's success justifies it.
I truly enjoy watching the sport. When I don't, it makes for good atmosphere just having a game on the television as I walk by.
We already have intrigue, too. What's great about this season is the unpredictabity. The landscape seems wide open. Anything can happen.
After what has become an annual soap opera, Brett Favre decided to play one more NFL season with the Minnesota Vikings. If I can see a game like last year's NFC Championship between Farve's Vikes and the New Orleans Saints, I have no problem with Favre returning to try it again. That game was so exciting. Let's hope for a deep playoff run for Brett Favre. It will make the NFL postseason a little more intersting I think. Plus, it will justify Favre's decision to come back. Heck, last season's success justifies it.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Basketball Worlds Coming
July has come and gone. The most notable sporting event for this blogger was the Tour de France. In late August and early September, we have the FIBA World Championship. That should prove interesting.
Too bad it is scheduled during the start of NCAA football. Worlds should be under way now to avoid a conflict. Leave it to FIBA to be that out of touch. I am of the mind that Americans should run FIBA. After all, basketball is our game. Shouldn't we organize the world championship? I think so.
Too bad it is scheduled during the start of NCAA football. Worlds should be under way now to avoid a conflict. Leave it to FIBA to be that out of touch. I am of the mind that Americans should run FIBA. After all, basketball is our game. Shouldn't we organize the world championship? I think so.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
TdF: The General Classification is Decided
What an interesting Tour de France we've had this year. Barring something unprecedented, Alberto Contador will win. Contador solidified his hold on the maillot jaune by outpacing rival Andy Schleck in the final time trial before Paris. Things looked a little dicey for Contador after the first time check. Down eight seconds in general classification, Schleck gained six seconds back on the time trial's first leg. I thought Schleck would win the Tour after seeing that. Contador pressed on though. Schleck faded a bit, losing his gains and 31 seconds overall.
Still, it was an impressive improvement for Schleck. I strongly believe one day, perhaps next year, he will win the Tour de France. He is too strong of an overall rider to fail. Plus, at 24 years of age, he has plenty of rides left in him.
Still, it was an impressive improvement for Schleck. I strongly believe one day, perhaps next year, he will win the Tour de France. He is too strong of an overall rider to fail. Plus, at 24 years of age, he has plenty of rides left in him.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Tour de France Stage 17
Today's stage went up the Col du Tourmalet a second time. Gapped by :08 to Alberto Contador, Andy Schleck needed to attack. He tried, but his effort wasn't enough. I for one was underwhelmed.
The atmosphere though was electric. It may have saved my viewing experience. There was mist and sheep., honking team cars and wild fans crowding the road. The race commentators said they had not seen an atmosphere quite like it before, and they have seen a lot of Tours. The stage finished on the Tourmalet, which enhanced the moment. However, I wished Andy Schleck had more in the tank to pressure Contador. The white jersey of Schleck never made a time gain on the maillot jaune. That would have made Stage 17 a whole lot more interesting I think.
The atmosphere though was electric. It may have saved my viewing experience. There was mist and sheep., honking team cars and wild fans crowding the road. The race commentators said they had not seen an atmosphere quite like it before, and they have seen a lot of Tours. The stage finished on the Tourmalet, which enhanced the moment. However, I wished Andy Schleck had more in the tank to pressure Contador. The white jersey of Schleck never made a time gain on the maillot jaune. That would have made Stage 17 a whole lot more interesting I think.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
"Mad Men"
I love to watch Mad Men. It is an incredibly clever show. The premise is original. The execution is flawless. I am sure the show will garner more award nominations.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The Tour de France So Far
Alas, it looks like this 2010 edition of the Tour de France is close to decided in terms of the overall winner. Andy Schleck holds a 41-second time advantage over Alberto Contador going into Stage 10, a 111-mile ride from Chambery to Gap.
Contador is the better time trialer of the two and is likely to overcome 41 seconds. He looks like the favorite heading into Paris and the Champs Elysees.
I had hoped for a big shakeout in general classification in the Pyrenees. That would extend the race's drama into the third week. However, fast pacing in the Alps blew up the field. Only Schleck and Contador are left to contend for the top podium spot at the end.
Helping set this table is the fact that Cadel Evans, once in the maillot jaune by 20 seconds over Schleck, cracked on Stage 9 mountain climbs. Evans was so distraught that he cried on the shoulders of another rider after finishing the stage.
Levi Leipheimer and Bradley Wiggens wilted on climbs, too. Carlos Sastre, Dennis Menchov and Ivan Basso never got on form.
Another factor, the biggest one of all, was Lance Armstrong's bad luck. Armstrong suffered a punctured tire on cobblestones and several crashes. None of these events proved conducive to winning an eighth Tour. The timing of these events were particularly harmful.
Armstrong says he will never ride the Tour de France again after this one. He will not win in Paris ever again. That is too bad. It would have been fun to see. Fortunately, there are seven other Tour rides he and his fans can savor.
Contador is the better time trialer of the two and is likely to overcome 41 seconds. He looks like the favorite heading into Paris and the Champs Elysees.
I had hoped for a big shakeout in general classification in the Pyrenees. That would extend the race's drama into the third week. However, fast pacing in the Alps blew up the field. Only Schleck and Contador are left to contend for the top podium spot at the end.
Helping set this table is the fact that Cadel Evans, once in the maillot jaune by 20 seconds over Schleck, cracked on Stage 9 mountain climbs. Evans was so distraught that he cried on the shoulders of another rider after finishing the stage.
Levi Leipheimer and Bradley Wiggens wilted on climbs, too. Carlos Sastre, Dennis Menchov and Ivan Basso never got on form.
Another factor, the biggest one of all, was Lance Armstrong's bad luck. Armstrong suffered a punctured tire on cobblestones and several crashes. None of these events proved conducive to winning an eighth Tour. The timing of these events were particularly harmful.
Armstrong says he will never ride the Tour de France again after this one. He will not win in Paris ever again. That is too bad. It would have been fun to see. Fortunately, there are seven other Tour rides he and his fans can savor.
Friday, July 09, 2010
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The 2010 Tour de France is Coming
Alas, this 2010 edition of the Tour de France marks Lance Armstrong's last. Armstrong announced his intentions on Twitter, writing, "And yes, this will be [my] final Tour de France. It's been a great ride. Looking forward to 3 great weeks."
Whatever happens with Armstrong and the race as a whole, it will be interesting.
Whatever happens with Armstrong and the race as a whole, it will be interesting.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Thoughts on "Theodore Boone"
I am halfway through reading Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer. With simple, clear prose, John Grisham has pieced together a coherent, multifaceted story about a thirteen-year-old boy on the periphery of a sensational murder trial. As the story progresses, the thirteen-year-old, Theodore Boone naturally, is drawn into the case and finds himself in position to affect the verdict.
This story is a really good read. I imagine it may challenge the intended younger demographic. For the average adult, the story seems like a light, enjoyable diversion from more intense literary works. I recommend Theodore Boone to adults even though Grisham aims for kids.
This story is a really good read. I imagine it may challenge the intended younger demographic. For the average adult, the story seems like a light, enjoyable diversion from more intense literary works. I recommend Theodore Boone to adults even though Grisham aims for kids.
Stephenie Meyer Novella
Stephenie Meyer's The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner is in stores now. Presented as a novella, this story gives an account of the vampire war waged against the Cullen coven from the viewpoint of Bree Tanner, a newborn vampire. Bree appeared briefly near the end of Eclipse, Meyer's third installment in her Twilight series.
I for one haven't even started on Breaking Dawn. I bought the Bree Tanner story anyway so I could say I bought it the day it came out, but I will wait to read it when I finish Breaking Dawn.
I didn't catch on to the Twilight phenomenon until Breaking Dawn hit stores. I noticed a hoopla and couldn't figure out what it was all about. Now I know. Meyer writes really good vampire romances if you're into that sort of thing. Going into Twilight I wouldn't have thought I would be, but a female coworker talked me into trying it out. Twilight turned out to be a delightful read. I would recommend it to any reader that wants to take on something new and unusual.
I for one haven't even started on Breaking Dawn. I bought the Bree Tanner story anyway so I could say I bought it the day it came out, but I will wait to read it when I finish Breaking Dawn.
I didn't catch on to the Twilight phenomenon until Breaking Dawn hit stores. I noticed a hoopla and couldn't figure out what it was all about. Now I know. Meyer writes really good vampire romances if you're into that sort of thing. Going into Twilight I wouldn't have thought I would be, but a female coworker talked me into trying it out. Twilight turned out to be a delightful read. I would recommend it to any reader that wants to take on something new and unusual.
Apple Announces iPhone 4
Apple unveiled a new cellular phone, the iPhone 4, at the company's annual Worldwide Developers Conference.
I have an iPhone and wouldn't mind having a new one. This sounds exciting. The casing is more angular than on previous models, making the phone stand out against other iPhones. Yep. This looks like fun.
I have an iPhone and wouldn't mind having a new one. This sounds exciting. The casing is more angular than on previous models, making the phone stand out against other iPhones. Yep. This looks like fun.
Because They Facilitate Productivity
These days every writer should have a laptop computer. One opinion.
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Michael Jordan x NBA 2K11
Michael Jordan will grace the cover for NBA 2K11.
For those of you that aren't aware, 2K11 is a basketball video game made by 2K Sports. I do not play video games anymore. I prefer to read. But for some reason, this development with Jordan sounds exciting to me. The cover of a video game is an honor for any athlete. However, the usual big-name athlete's presence does not make video game covers prominent in pop culture. There is no sizzle for a casual bystander like me. When Jordan is featured though, that ratchets up the cachet of video game covers. It does not work the other way around.
This marketing decision, or editorial decision perhaps, sends a positive message about 2K Sports. The company's decision to go to the trouble to feature Jordan tells the public that they are trying to do something that transcends gaming. The company wants to do something memorable. It is not just about the game anymore.
This particular game cover business might wind up as one of those noteworthy times: the time when Michael Jordan made the cover of 2K11. We will know for sure if the public remembers this down the road years later. It might turn out similar to the time when Jordan made four consecutive Sports Illustrated covers during a playoff run. NBA 2K11 is not the equivalent of an SI cover, but it is still significant. For one, Jordan's involvement is unexpected. This was a complete surprise to me when I heard about it. To this point, gaming companies were not using deactivated athletes to sell product. Now they are.
Jordan's presence on 2K11 lends useable credibility to video game covers and the sports video game industry as a whole. Yes. Jordan's involvement is that pervasive. If 2K11 depicted a lesser player, anyone else basically, there wouldn't be the same buzz for the game. The rest of the sports gaming industry will benefit, too. It just received a jolt of heightened credibility.
For those of you that aren't aware, 2K11 is a basketball video game made by 2K Sports. I do not play video games anymore. I prefer to read. But for some reason, this development with Jordan sounds exciting to me. The cover of a video game is an honor for any athlete. However, the usual big-name athlete's presence does not make video game covers prominent in pop culture. There is no sizzle for a casual bystander like me. When Jordan is featured though, that ratchets up the cachet of video game covers. It does not work the other way around.
This marketing decision, or editorial decision perhaps, sends a positive message about 2K Sports. The company's decision to go to the trouble to feature Jordan tells the public that they are trying to do something that transcends gaming. The company wants to do something memorable. It is not just about the game anymore.
This particular game cover business might wind up as one of those noteworthy times: the time when Michael Jordan made the cover of 2K11. We will know for sure if the public remembers this down the road years later. It might turn out similar to the time when Jordan made four consecutive Sports Illustrated covers during a playoff run. NBA 2K11 is not the equivalent of an SI cover, but it is still significant. For one, Jordan's involvement is unexpected. This was a complete surprise to me when I heard about it. To this point, gaming companies were not using deactivated athletes to sell product. Now they are.
Jordan's presence on 2K11 lends useable credibility to video game covers and the sports video game industry as a whole. Yes. Jordan's involvement is that pervasive. If 2K11 depicted a lesser player, anyone else basically, there wouldn't be the same buzz for the game. The rest of the sports gaming industry will benefit, too. It just received a jolt of heightened credibility.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Travels to Foreign Lands
I have my own copy of Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer, but I leave it at home when I hit up my local Barnes & Noble for tea. Since the staff has removed the book from its prominent display near the front doors, I have to hunt for a copy to look at. I hoped to find one with the rest of John Grisham's dramas, but since the target demographic for Theodore Boone is eight to 12, I had to divert to the store's kids' section.
The mere fact that the kids' section's predominant color is color and lots of it tells me, "You don't belong here." The cute animal decor is another non-verbal cue to stay out. They're like those X-shaped markers in Planet of the Apes signifying the Forbidden Zone. Those are to be heeded and comprehended, not ignored or discarded.
I went in anyway, because I like defiance.
There on a rack lied several copies of Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer. Moving quickly, I snatched one and walked all the way over to the store's other side to read and sip my tea. Retrieving a book from a bookstore's children's section is awkward when the sole purpose is to read it without paying for it. And walking all the way across the store only enhances the vibe. It makes it better that a purchased copy is at home, but people in the store don't know that. Putting it back is just as weird. I need to hurry through reading this story so I don't have to repeat that trip too much.
When I start reading Stephenie Meyers' Breaking Dawn, similar trips will be made to the section with all of the teen books.
The mere fact that the kids' section's predominant color is color and lots of it tells me, "You don't belong here." The cute animal decor is another non-verbal cue to stay out. They're like those X-shaped markers in Planet of the Apes signifying the Forbidden Zone. Those are to be heeded and comprehended, not ignored or discarded.
I went in anyway, because I like defiance.
There on a rack lied several copies of Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer. Moving quickly, I snatched one and walked all the way over to the store's other side to read and sip my tea. Retrieving a book from a bookstore's children's section is awkward when the sole purpose is to read it without paying for it. And walking all the way across the store only enhances the vibe. It makes it better that a purchased copy is at home, but people in the store don't know that. Putting it back is just as weird. I need to hurry through reading this story so I don't have to repeat that trip too much.
When I start reading Stephenie Meyers' Breaking Dawn, similar trips will be made to the section with all of the teen books.
Monday, May 31, 2010
"Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer"
John Grisham is one of my favorite writers. He is Southern by default, which is always a plus, and he knows how to spin a good yarn. Few do it as well as he. This past week, Grisham released his first children's novel entitled Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer. Per his reputation as a king of the light read, Grisham delivers a standard courtroom drama that is easy to digest.
Grisham's new protagonist, Theodore Boone, is a 13-year-old aspiring lawyer. Theo's parents are lawyers, and he expects to be one, too. Grisham portrays Theo as bright, grounded and interested in the kind of courtroom law that makes for great legal dramas. Since Grisham intends to make a book series out of Theo, it wouldn't make sense to portray the boy as one with a passion for tax law. Tax lawyers don't see a lot conflict. Naturally, Theo wants to be a warrior of the courtroom, a litigator. Of course, he gravitates to a sensational murder trial under way in his home town.
As of this writing, I'm about a third of the way through Theodore Boone's first adventure. If I weren't so busy with other things, I'd have had it finished by now. With easy language appropriate for an eight-year-old demographic, Grisham weaves an efficient yet detailed account of Theodore's involvement in a murder case involving a married couple. Even though the story was written for children, I have enjoyed reading it, and I recommend it to anyone wanting quick, accessible literary entertainment.
Grisham's new protagonist, Theodore Boone, is a 13-year-old aspiring lawyer. Theo's parents are lawyers, and he expects to be one, too. Grisham portrays Theo as bright, grounded and interested in the kind of courtroom law that makes for great legal dramas. Since Grisham intends to make a book series out of Theo, it wouldn't make sense to portray the boy as one with a passion for tax law. Tax lawyers don't see a lot conflict. Naturally, Theo wants to be a warrior of the courtroom, a litigator. Of course, he gravitates to a sensational murder trial under way in his home town.
As of this writing, I'm about a third of the way through Theodore Boone's first adventure. If I weren't so busy with other things, I'd have had it finished by now. With easy language appropriate for an eight-year-old demographic, Grisham weaves an efficient yet detailed account of Theodore's involvement in a murder case involving a married couple. Even though the story was written for children, I have enjoyed reading it, and I recommend it to anyone wanting quick, accessible literary entertainment.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Writing Competition Entered
I entered a writing competition. One rule for entrance was a word cap set at 2,000. I wrote a little over 1,600. This is quite easy to do, so I managed it no problem.
Other hurdles included a $10 reading fee, U.S. funds only of course. Manuscripts had to be typed on 8 1/2 x 11" paper. No staples please. Submit original works only.
Yeah, the rules aren't exactly tough to follow. I have no delusions of grandeur about winning, so after the contest is judged and the winners are announced, I may or may not publish my story here. Haven't made a concrete editorial decision yet, but I would like to post some of my fiction here on The Blogadier General. Fiction is a good way to spice up a blog, especially when it comes from the blog's publisher. In the future, some of my fiction will appear on this little plot of electronic acreage. I just have to write it first.
Other hurdles included a $10 reading fee, U.S. funds only of course. Manuscripts had to be typed on 8 1/2 x 11" paper. No staples please. Submit original works only.
Yeah, the rules aren't exactly tough to follow. I have no delusions of grandeur about winning, so after the contest is judged and the winners are announced, I may or may not publish my story here. Haven't made a concrete editorial decision yet, but I would like to post some of my fiction here on The Blogadier General. Fiction is a good way to spice up a blog, especially when it comes from the blog's publisher. In the future, some of my fiction will appear on this little plot of electronic acreage. I just have to write it first.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Submission Time
Aie yai yai. I need to get my short story submitted. (I'm entering a writing competition.)
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Considering a Literary Bent
For a while now I have struggled to figure out a direction for this publication. I may move in the direction of a literary blog. That is not a bad idea. Hmm.
Mother's Day Observation
Today is Mother's Day, which makes me wonder. Shouldn't Mother's Day be spelled "Mothers' Day"? There's more than one mother being honored. Just a thought to ponder.
Saturday, May 08, 2010
This Blog Needs a Camera
I have threatened it for a long time. One day I will buy a quality camera and post pictures to this publication.
I need to get on that. Yeah. One day. Maybe I should rename this blog The Blogadier Procrastinator. The procrastination here could almost pass as overachievement.
I need to get on that. Yeah. One day. Maybe I should rename this blog The Blogadier Procrastinator. The procrastination here could almost pass as overachievement.
Over Four Years and Counting
I haven't kept up, but after a consult of records, I realized The Blogadier General is over four years old.
Didn't know that.
Didn't know that.
Writing Fiction
I have topped 70,000 words on a fiction project I am working on. The aim is 100,000 words, and I am sure I will run over. I feel only halfway done.
Finishing a novel is tough. I know I can do it though because I have completed at least three drafts of a previous novel. I will be relieved when I complete my latest.
Finishing a novel is tough. I know I can do it though because I have completed at least three drafts of a previous novel. I will be relieved when I complete my latest.
Friday, May 07, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Springtime
Spring has arrived. It may be my favorite season. Aside from the pollen, I like warmer weather and walking outside without a jacket. I especially like going to the gym in shorts and slides without having to fool around with pesky sweats.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Another Novel
I have writen one science-fiction novel, and I am writing another. Novel writing is quite difficult. It requires a lot of time. But I have 49,000 words and I need another 51,000 to reach my 100,000-word goal. Then and only then will I have a usable first draft. Then I have to rewrite that. Like I said. Novel writing requires a lot of time. I hope this one will be better than my first. I think in some ways it will be.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Olympic Figure Skating
As of this writing, the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver are under way. Kim Yu-Na of South Korea won the gold medal in the women's figure skating competition. The 19-year-old's performance went beyond expectations. Her execution had a mystique that is awe-inspiring.
Watching Kim Yu-Na skate is like watching Usain Bolt run. I had no idea anyone could be that good.
Watching Kim Yu-Na skate is like watching Usain Bolt run. I had no idea anyone could be that good.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Blog Returns
I reopened The Blogadier General to the public at a friend's request. He wanted to read it. Here it is, Steve. Too bad I don't have a review of The Lost Symbol for you to sift through. Maybe I should post one.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Tired of the Fatigue
I am so tired tonight ... just exhausted. Maybe I will have more energy tomorrow.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Cool Box
Air Jordans bring me a lot of joy in life. For the most part, I like their design, and even the shoe boxes look good.
This example may or may not see retail. Who really knows right now? I know I don't. Anyway, the Air Jordan 2010 is due out in 2010, February to be more precise, coinciding with NBA All-Star Weekend like usual. I think the 2010 shoe box resembles a computer tower. Below lies a link to more pictures. Thanks to jumpmankicks.com for passing along the images.
http://jumpmankicks.com/news-12-06-09-air-jordan-2010-packaging.htm
This example may or may not see retail. Who really knows right now? I know I don't. Anyway, the Air Jordan 2010 is due out in 2010, February to be more precise, coinciding with NBA All-Star Weekend like usual. I think the 2010 shoe box resembles a computer tower. Below lies a link to more pictures. Thanks to jumpmankicks.com for passing along the images.
http://jumpmankicks.com/news-12-06-09-air-jordan-2010-packaging.htm
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
The New Moon Movie
Finally, I saw the New Moon movie adaptation.
My thoughts? Comments? Reaction? Okay. Here goes.
I liked it.
Yes, I thought it was well done. Of course, I thought the Twilight adaptation was good under the circumstances. Adapting novels into feature-length motion pictures is alway a challenge because of the amount of story compression involved.
The thing that bothered me most about the Twilight movie was the absense of the meadow, the place where Edward reveals his skin's reaction to sunlight. Of course, Edward's skin sparkles in the sun, but this scene wasn't portrayed accurately in Hollywood's Twilight. I didn't understand why this scene was altered since it played a noticeable role in New Moon. Were I directing, the meadow certainly would have been included in Twilight.
This issue was resolved well in New Moon, and I liked the way it made up for the omission. As an adaptation, I found New Moon to be more accurate than Twilight, and I liked the pacing better. Still though, parts seemed rushed, and if I hadn't read the novel, I am not sure I could have kept up with what was going on.
Changing directors from Catherine Hardwicke to Chris Weitz seemed like a good move because Weitz seemed to include more core elements from Stephenie Meyers' original vision. Still, like Twilight, New Moon fails somewhat in that the inspiration for the title is omitted by adaptation. Twilight is the safest time for vampires. This isn't mentioned in the film version. And the dark sky and new moon isn't addressed when Edward leaves Bella in the second installment. I thought these elements should have been included. They lend to the stories' titles. They are significant.
Oh well. I am a stickler for detail. I appreciate authenticity. I look forward happily to Eclipse when it arrives in theaters for summer 2010.
Monday, November 30, 2009
New Story Ideas
I've been reading Ford County, John Grisham's short story collection. Grisham presents so many great scenarios in this publication. His storytelling ideas have inspired me a make up some of my own, which I can't wait to flesh out.
For instance, I want to write a story about a blue collar laborer that suddenly wins a lottery jackpot. Lottery stories are always intriguing. The payout is huge, and the laborer has never dealt with so much money before. After a series of considerable gaffes, he learns the hard way that money management requires a bit of experience. He also learns a lot about himself and the people that surround him.
For instance, I want to write a story about a blue collar laborer that suddenly wins a lottery jackpot. Lottery stories are always intriguing. The payout is huge, and the laborer has never dealt with so much money before. After a series of considerable gaffes, he learns the hard way that money management requires a bit of experience. He also learns a lot about himself and the people that surround him.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Publishing Hiatus to End Soon?
I really haven't published anything on here in a while. Do I care? Not really. (Ha!)
I think I may write more for this publication in 2010, but only as long as it's fun.
The reason I stopped posting is because the posts became redundant. Then I discovered Twitter. And I needed to finish my novel. Then I wrote a short story, which I considered publishing here.
I also took up training for a marathon before sucumbing to injuries. It remains to be seen what I can salvage from that effort. I have also read many books this year, including: A Time to Kill and The Associate, both by John Grisham; Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer; and Angels & Demons and The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. All of these stories were good. All of the authors are incredibly talented.
Currently, I am reading Under the Dome by Stephen King and Grisham's Ford County, a collection of short stories the author felt couldn't be stretched into novels. Perhaps in the future I will try to tackle William Faulkner and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin. Pride and Prejudice is one of the most revered American novels ever written. I want to read it solely for that reason.
Anyway, I have been fairly busy in 2009. I hope to be just as busy in 2010.
I think I may write more for this publication in 2010, but only as long as it's fun.
The reason I stopped posting is because the posts became redundant. Then I discovered Twitter. And I needed to finish my novel. Then I wrote a short story, which I considered publishing here.
I also took up training for a marathon before sucumbing to injuries. It remains to be seen what I can salvage from that effort. I have also read many books this year, including: A Time to Kill and The Associate, both by John Grisham; Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer; and Angels & Demons and The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. All of these stories were good. All of the authors are incredibly talented.
Currently, I am reading Under the Dome by Stephen King and Grisham's Ford County, a collection of short stories the author felt couldn't be stretched into novels. Perhaps in the future I will try to tackle William Faulkner and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin. Pride and Prejudice is one of the most revered American novels ever written. I want to read it solely for that reason.
Anyway, I have been fairly busy in 2009. I hope to be just as busy in 2010.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Air Jordan 2009 - One Pair Isn't Enough?
I own and wear the white and black version of the Air Jordan 2009. I really love these shoes. I love them so much that I want another pair.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Sore Feet Need New Shoes
Why do my feet have to be so dang sore? I need to toss my casual running shoes and buy a new pair.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tour de France 2009
I think it is a shame that Alberto Contador won the Tour de France over Lance Armstrong.
With the dynamic the way it was, team politics, Tour politics, I do not believe Armstrong gave Contador or the race his best effort. Expect an angry, more defiant Armstrong in '10. I feel sorry for Alberto Contador. He will have to work much harder to win next year.
With the dynamic the way it was, team politics, Tour politics, I do not believe Armstrong gave Contador or the race his best effort. Expect an angry, more defiant Armstrong in '10. I feel sorry for Alberto Contador. He will have to work much harder to win next year.
Dan Brown's New Novel
September is not one of my favorite months, and that is okay. One thing that makes September 2009 memorable is the slated release of Dan Brown's new novel, The Lost Symbol. Surely most everyone that has read The DaVinci Code has waited patiently for its sequel. Said sequel is nearly upon us. I wonder what kind of things Mr. Brown will reveal this time about his symbology teaching protagonist Robert Langdon.
Langdon is an excellent swimmer, incredible water polo player, and he is claustophobic. He wears a Mickey Mouse watch. He has published books on the subject of symbology.
Is there anything else to this character? Does he have any more dark personal secrets? Hopefully The Lost Symbol will show us.
Langdon is an excellent swimmer, incredible water polo player, and he is claustophobic. He wears a Mickey Mouse watch. He has published books on the subject of symbology.
Is there anything else to this character? Does he have any more dark personal secrets? Hopefully The Lost Symbol will show us.
Lunar Trainer Pic To Come?
I think I might publish a picture of my Lunar Trainers.
Wow.
Now I'm getting wild.
Wow.
Now I'm getting wild.
No Regrets About Suspension
I haven't blogged regularly in a long time. I suspended publication of this blog once, and I don't regret that decision. Keeping an updated, timely blog is hard work. And most bloggers don't earn money.
One reason I suspended publication of The Blogadier General was because I felt it was too topical, too vitrolic, and it seemed like I was publishing the same type of material over and over. Basically I didn't feel that my blog was as interesting as other blogs, the kind that feature great photography and interesting people.
My Minima layout bores me, but I don't want to change it. The Blogadier General is supposed to have a staid, conservative appearance like The Wall Street Journal. Nothing wrong with good old black and white when you're striving for credibility. However, I really love the arty blogs with the great visuals. Maybe I'll try to publish a blog like that. That would be really cool.
One reason I suspended publication of The Blogadier General was because I felt it was too topical, too vitrolic, and it seemed like I was publishing the same type of material over and over. Basically I didn't feel that my blog was as interesting as other blogs, the kind that feature great photography and interesting people.
My Minima layout bores me, but I don't want to change it. The Blogadier General is supposed to have a staid, conservative appearance like The Wall Street Journal. Nothing wrong with good old black and white when you're striving for credibility. However, I really love the arty blogs with the great visuals. Maybe I'll try to publish a blog like that. That would be really cool.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Saturday, July 04, 2009
A New Workout Tradition
I ran in a yellow T-shirt today to commemorate the Tour de France. I will conduct workouts in yellow tees throughout the race. This is a new tradition I will carry out for years to come.
Yet Another Lunar Trainer Post
Again, as stated before, I love my Nike Lunar Trainers. They serve their purpose, and today I put three more miles on them. What a wonderful running shoe.
Three miles is the most I have ran in a while since cutting back millage toward the end of 2008. If I didn't have the flexible schedule afforded by the Fourth of July, I think I would have stuck to two ten-minute miles and called it a workout. Since I do not consider myself a serious runner, I think three miles is a pretty good effort.
This is a good Independence Day.
Three miles is the most I have ran in a while since cutting back millage toward the end of 2008. If I didn't have the flexible schedule afforded by the Fourth of July, I think I would have stuck to two ten-minute miles and called it a workout. Since I do not consider myself a serious runner, I think three miles is a pretty good effort.
This is a good Independence Day.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
My Nike Lunar Trainers
I own a pair of Lunar Trainers, and they are awesome. I love running in them and have thoroughly enjoyed owning them.
The Star Trek Reboot
Let's draw a line in the sand and get some clarity here. I do not approve of J.J. Abram's rehash of Star Trek.
Media Obsesses Over Blocked iPhone Apps
Okay, I'm tired of seeing Internet headlines about offensive iPhone apps blocked by Apple. It's like the same story over and over.
Blue Sneaker Stains
I want blue jeans with dye that stains my sneakers. Why? Blue sneaker stains look interesting to me. I predict that this will become a trend one day.
Angels & Demons This Weekend
Robert Langdon returns this weekend in Angels & Demons. I expect a good movie, and I look forward to seeing it.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Hogs Beat No. 4 Oklahoma
(Penultimate Post)
The Arkansas Razorbacks beat the fourth-ranked Oklahoma Sooners 96-88 at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville. What a win for the Hogs.
The Arkansas Razorbacks beat the fourth-ranked Oklahoma Sooners 96-88 at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville. What a win for the Hogs.
Friday, December 26, 2008
The Blogadier General Leaving the Web
This blog will cease publication at the end of the year. That's in a few days. The reason is simple: not enough readers. I want to devote my time to something more productive. I thought blogging was productive, but it isn't as productive as I wanted it to be. I like to write, and blogging is writing, so it makes sense to blog if you want to write.
One downside to blogging though is that it keeps you on the Internet way too long. One 2009 resolution for me will be to spend less time on the Internet and focus more on the real world. Facebook, Myspace, Blogger, ESPN and CNN can monopolize a lot of spare time, too much in my case. And that doesn't include the sneaker websites!
I may start a new blog in the future, but not anytime soon, or I may bring this one back if I choose. The Blogadier General has been fun to publish, but daily posts prove to be a grind. (It's like actual work!) Anyone who posts daily knows what I am talking about. Anyway, thanks for reading!
One downside to blogging though is that it keeps you on the Internet way too long. One 2009 resolution for me will be to spend less time on the Internet and focus more on the real world. Facebook, Myspace, Blogger, ESPN and CNN can monopolize a lot of spare time, too much in my case. And that doesn't include the sneaker websites!
I may start a new blog in the future, but not anytime soon, or I may bring this one back if I choose. The Blogadier General has been fun to publish, but daily posts prove to be a grind. (It's like actual work!) Anyone who posts daily knows what I am talking about. Anyway, thanks for reading!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Blagojevich Not Conceding
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/19/blagojevich.speaks/index.html
I'm going down in a blaze of glory ...
Remember when Jon Bon Jovi went solo? Remember the ending to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid? Remember Bonnie and Clyde?
Well, America has Rod Blagojevich now.
Blagojevich may or may not have conspired to sell Barack Obama's senate seat, but he isn't backing down from the people claiming he did.
And he is defending himself so well.
In the CNN article linked above, Blagojevich said, "I will fight, I will fight, I will fight until I take my last breath. I have done nothing wrong. I'm not going to quit a job that people have hired me to do."
If that isn't a slap in the face of federal law enforcement then what is? And it is so great how Blagojevich said he was "dying" to show his innocence but that he would do it in the appropriate forum, meaning a courtroom. Blagojevich's response could be used as a case study in the art of defiance. He executed it perfectly.
Readers of this blog may disagree, but I think he made the most of his press conference.
I'm going down in a blaze of glory ...
Remember when Jon Bon Jovi went solo? Remember the ending to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid? Remember Bonnie and Clyde?
Well, America has Rod Blagojevich now.
Blagojevich may or may not have conspired to sell Barack Obama's senate seat, but he isn't backing down from the people claiming he did.
And he is defending himself so well.
In the CNN article linked above, Blagojevich said, "I will fight, I will fight, I will fight until I take my last breath. I have done nothing wrong. I'm not going to quit a job that people have hired me to do."
If that isn't a slap in the face of federal law enforcement then what is? And it is so great how Blagojevich said he was "dying" to show his innocence but that he would do it in the appropriate forum, meaning a courtroom. Blagojevich's response could be used as a case study in the art of defiance. He executed it perfectly.
Readers of this blog may disagree, but I think he made the most of his press conference.
Clinton Still Owes for Campaign
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/21/clinton.debt/index.html
How would you like to owe $6.4 million? That is how much Hillary Clinton owes creditors as a result of her presidential campaign. She said she hopes to pay the debt off before her potential confirmation as Secretary of State.
I would so like to know how she will pay it off.
How would you like to owe $6.4 million? That is how much Hillary Clinton owes creditors as a result of her presidential campaign. She said she hopes to pay the debt off before her potential confirmation as Secretary of State.
I would so like to know how she will pay it off.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
New Balance's 993
Image source: Niketalk.com
Here are the New Balance 993s. NB's 992s are a thing of the past now. Probably to avoid consumer confusion, New Balance likes to discontinue a popular model in favor of its latest gold standard, which is so similar to its predecessor.
The 991s stayed in the marketplace for years before the 992 rolled out. Now we're already looking at the 993. This seems like a rather quick turnaround for New Balance.
The 993 is a hybrid, featuring design cues from both the 991 and the 992. This makes for a familiar-looking product that also happens to be new and fresh. The 993 looks like a successful and logical progression for New Balance.
Somewhere some hardcore New Balance aficionado is already rocking these before everyone else. You go hardcore New Balance aficionado. You go.
If stability shoes didn't hurt my lower back, I would probably buy a pair of 993s even though I prefer Nikes to everything else. The only knock about these types of shoes, 991 though 993, is that New Balance only offers them as a stability runner. Why NB doesn't put the same upper on a neutral sole perplexes to this day. It doesn't make sense. This is one reason why I have never owned a New Balance shoe. Plus, historically, I am not a New Balance guy. During the 1980s, I couldn't figure out why anyone would wear a shoe with a large, awkward letter of the alphabet on the side. New Balance's branding didn't take with me. Then New Balance updated its branding, italicing its N logo, making it smaller and more discreet. The makeover made New Balance products appear smarter and modern.
The 993 comes in widths just like the 991s and the 992s. Another thing about the 993, New Balance offers them in two different shades of grey, which I think is a great idea. Both shades can be found at Finishline.com. I assume the variances pay tribute to the earlier models the 993 is based on. They also come in black.
Face Transplant
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/12/17/face.transplant/index.html
Big news about a new face. Didn't know this was possible.
Big news about a new face. Didn't know this was possible.
Time Picks Obama
President-elect Barack Obama is Time's Person of the Year. Obama sounds so much better than past picks, including "You," as in everybody, and Vladamir Putin.
Putin was just a bad choice, and You was too conceptual. Obama survived a long presidential campaign and emerged as the perferred candidate of change, making Americans feel optimistic again in the wake of $4 gas and a historic financial crunch. Obama as Person of the Year makes perfect sense. Time nailed the obvious. Regardless of the man's politics, winning is winning.
If Hillary Clinton had won the presidency, she could have easily been Person of the Year. John McCain or Mike Huckabee could have, too. But they had to win to do it. They didn't. Obama did. Now he gets to enjoy the spoils.
Putin was just a bad choice, and You was too conceptual. Obama survived a long presidential campaign and emerged as the perferred candidate of change, making Americans feel optimistic again in the wake of $4 gas and a historic financial crunch. Obama as Person of the Year makes perfect sense. Time nailed the obvious. Regardless of the man's politics, winning is winning.
If Hillary Clinton had won the presidency, she could have easily been Person of the Year. John McCain or Mike Huckabee could have, too. But they had to win to do it. They didn't. Obama did. Now he gets to enjoy the spoils.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Nike Wins Accolades for Design
http://creativity-online.com/?action=news:article&newsId=133277§ionName=special_report
It seems like The Blogadier General has commented ad infinitum about Nike. One topic of preference is the company's stellar design initiative. Creativity is a publication that covers and comments on such initiative. More can be found at http://creativity-online.com/ as well as a print edition.
Creativity has named Nike the "2008 Design Company of the Year." The publication's accompanying feature is linked at the top. The article addresses themes this blog's publisher finds rather interesting. A bit of smart, modern design never hurt anyone. There is something positive to learn from Nike and the employees that challenge the parameters of the status quo.
It seems like The Blogadier General has commented ad infinitum about Nike. One topic of preference is the company's stellar design initiative. Creativity is a publication that covers and comments on such initiative. More can be found at http://creativity-online.com/ as well as a print edition.
Creativity has named Nike the "2008 Design Company of the Year." The publication's accompanying feature is linked at the top. The article addresses themes this blog's publisher finds rather interesting. A bit of smart, modern design never hurt anyone. There is something positive to learn from Nike and the employees that challenge the parameters of the status quo.
An Adam Walsh Suspect?
Shut up. I thought this case would never get solved.
This is what law enforcement is for.
Image source: CNN.com
Monday, December 15, 2008
Shoe Throwers, Protesters
If these people in the Middle East don't have rocks to throw, they improvise by throwing their shoes. Absolutely amazing how they act over there.
Obviously, this post is about the Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President Bush. The journalist was arrested, which sets up the kicker in this oddball saga. People in Baghdad's Sadr City feel the need to protest the arrest.
Again, absolutely amazing. It is absolutely amazing how out of touch people in the Middle East are with civilized society.
Obviously, this post is about the Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President Bush. The journalist was arrested, which sets up the kicker in this oddball saga. People in Baghdad's Sadr City feel the need to protest the arrest.
Again, absolutely amazing. It is absolutely amazing how out of touch people in the Middle East are with civilized society.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
On Ugg Boots
Cutting-edge fashion mavens may not like Ugg boots, but that doesn't mean Uggs don't look good. Enjoying strong Black Friday sales, Uggs are moderately expensive with some retailing around $200. By comparison, a pair of Air Jordan XX3s costs $185. One could say that Ugg boots are like Air Jordans for women, except that Ugg boots are a whole lot more practical and a whole lot more popular.
Yeah. Ugg boots are like Air Jordans for women.
Yeah. Ugg boots are like Air Jordans for women.
New England Ice Storms
Ice Storms Pose Major Problems When They Hit
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/12/14/massachusetts.emergency/index.html
Nearly one million people are without power in America's upper northeast after an ice storm swept through. President Bush declared states of emergency for New Hampshire and Massachusetts, authorizing federal aid for both.
A massive ice storm hit Arkansas back in 2001, and it was serious inclement weather. This ice storm up north seems to resemble the Arkansas ice storm a lot. Icy tree limbs have roads blocked. Nobody has electricity. People in rural areas are likely taking the hardest hit.
Whenever the Northeast has bad weather, it has bad weather times ten. Nor'easters blanket that region all of the time. A heavy snowfall there could break records in Little Rock. Now there is this ice storm to read about. Weather in the Northeast is so hard! States like Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas have tornadoes. California is known for earthquakes. The Northeast has what it has. Thoughts of Miami seem rather sublime at the moment.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/12/14/massachusetts.emergency/index.html
Nearly one million people are without power in America's upper northeast after an ice storm swept through. President Bush declared states of emergency for New Hampshire and Massachusetts, authorizing federal aid for both.
A massive ice storm hit Arkansas back in 2001, and it was serious inclement weather. This ice storm up north seems to resemble the Arkansas ice storm a lot. Icy tree limbs have roads blocked. Nobody has electricity. People in rural areas are likely taking the hardest hit.
Whenever the Northeast has bad weather, it has bad weather times ten. Nor'easters blanket that region all of the time. A heavy snowfall there could break records in Little Rock. Now there is this ice storm to read about. Weather in the Northeast is so hard! States like Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas have tornadoes. California is known for earthquakes. The Northeast has what it has. Thoughts of Miami seem rather sublime at the moment.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
The Latest John Grisham Novel
Hopefully, John Grisham's new novel, The Associate, will measure up well against his past legal thrillers. When The Associate hits bookstores next January, this Grisham fan plans to be all over it.
Paramount Pictures will shoot a movie adaptation with Shia LeBeouf playing the lead role. How exciting! A movie project to look forward to!
Paramount Pictures will shoot a movie adaptation with Shia LeBeouf playing the lead role. How exciting! A movie project to look forward to!
Friday, December 12, 2008
The Caylee Anthony Case
Since Florida authorities have remains believed to be of missing toddler Caylee Anthony, they can move forward with a stronger prosecution against the child's mother, Casey Anthony. This case is moving towards some semblance of closure, which is good.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Nike's Kobe IV Not So New and Unusual
Read the article linked below and I will tell you what is wrong with it.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3761462&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab6pos2
Thank goodness I am here to right the wrongs in this story. Contrary to what Nike is saying, or what ESPN is saying, the Kobe IV is not a low-top shoe. The pictures show clearly that the shoe is a mid-cut, which I like to refer to as a quarter-top. It is three-fourths of the height of a typical high-top. The upper on the Kobe IV simply extends too high to be considered a true low-top basketball shoe.
The Air Jordan XI LE is a true low-top basketball shoe. http://www.kicksonfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/air-jordan-11-xi-original-og-low-black-dark-grey-true-red-1.jpg
This is the shoe Michael Jordan rolled his ankle in during a playoff game. He had to abandon them for a high-top XI for the rest of the season. The XI LE was a disaster. The shoe had little to no ankle support and was the most structurally unsound, misdesigned Nike basketball shoe that I have ever used. I rolled my ankle in a pair during a pickup game. This happened a week or so before Jordan did his. All I was doing was setting up on defense. I took a step and my ankle buckled and rolled. I couldn't believe it. I have fairly strong ankles. My foot shouldn't have rolled like that. I swapped the shoes with a guy who wanted to get rid of a pair of brand new Air Max Uptempos. I went from a disappointing shoe that was suited better for running than basketball to the best basketball shoe I had ever worn in my life to that point.
Anyway, the Jordan XI LE was closer to a true low-top shoe than the Kobe IV, and it was a problem. I like that the Kobe IV has a higher cut than the LE. This shoe looks like it should work as a basketball shoe. But will it sell? That's tough to know right now. Basketball players are understandably skeptical of low-cut shoes, and Nike is marketing the Kobe IV as a low-top. I do not believe it is wise to refer to it as a low-top. It really isn't one.
Still, with a little tape around the ankles, Kobe Bryant should be fine. The only problem I see with his latest sig shoe is if he lands on another player's foot. He needs to be judicious about where he lands. That is the only problem I see with the Kobe IV. Of course, one could make the same mistake in a high top shoe and still roll an ankle. Understandably, Bryant says practically the same thing in the article.
If Bryant wants to play in a lower-cut shoe, then fine. Since he already plays in a Hyperdunk, he won't concede much when he switches to the Kobe IV. The Hyperdunk provides less ankle support compared to other basketball shoes.
I just wish folks would understand, contrary to what one ESPN article says, that this has been done before. Nike invented the quarter-top shoe years ago. One of Nike's first quarter-top shoes was called the Sky Force. Later, in 1986, Nike launched the Big Nike. The Big Nike came in three varieties, low-top, high-top and quarter-top. The quarter-top Big Nike was the least popular version of the three. It was a relatively obsolete sneaker since it was so similar to the high-top. Nike should reissue Big Nikes. It has reissued nearly everything else.
The Air Jordan III was the first quarter-top sneaker with visible Max Air. Do you catch the implication here? Michael Jordan competed in a quarter-top sig when Bryant was a young boy. The III had the same bottom as the high-top Air Revolution and was every bit as comfortable. In many ways, the Air Jordan III could have been considered the best basketball sneaker on the market in 1987. There was competition from the Revolution and the Air Force II. All three were great basketball shoes in their heyday.
Anyway, back to the article. It weighs the trade off of performance versus risk of injury. Is a lower-cut shoe safe? I played basketball in a low to mid Nike cross trainer once and was surprised at how well it performed. It was designed to accommodate lateral movement and it worked on the basketball court just fine. My foot was locked into the shoe. It felt very light and responsive. It moved with my foot just fine. Plus I felt safe.
The Kobe IV should work the same way. The engineering knowhow has existed for over a decade. But remember, nothing revolutionary is happening here.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3761462&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab6pos2
Thank goodness I am here to right the wrongs in this story. Contrary to what Nike is saying, or what ESPN is saying, the Kobe IV is not a low-top shoe. The pictures show clearly that the shoe is a mid-cut, which I like to refer to as a quarter-top. It is three-fourths of the height of a typical high-top. The upper on the Kobe IV simply extends too high to be considered a true low-top basketball shoe.
The Air Jordan XI LE is a true low-top basketball shoe. http://www.kicksonfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/air-jordan-11-xi-original-og-low-black-dark-grey-true-red-1.jpg
This is the shoe Michael Jordan rolled his ankle in during a playoff game. He had to abandon them for a high-top XI for the rest of the season. The XI LE was a disaster. The shoe had little to no ankle support and was the most structurally unsound, misdesigned Nike basketball shoe that I have ever used. I rolled my ankle in a pair during a pickup game. This happened a week or so before Jordan did his. All I was doing was setting up on defense. I took a step and my ankle buckled and rolled. I couldn't believe it. I have fairly strong ankles. My foot shouldn't have rolled like that. I swapped the shoes with a guy who wanted to get rid of a pair of brand new Air Max Uptempos. I went from a disappointing shoe that was suited better for running than basketball to the best basketball shoe I had ever worn in my life to that point.
Anyway, the Jordan XI LE was closer to a true low-top shoe than the Kobe IV, and it was a problem. I like that the Kobe IV has a higher cut than the LE. This shoe looks like it should work as a basketball shoe. But will it sell? That's tough to know right now. Basketball players are understandably skeptical of low-cut shoes, and Nike is marketing the Kobe IV as a low-top. I do not believe it is wise to refer to it as a low-top. It really isn't one.
Still, with a little tape around the ankles, Kobe Bryant should be fine. The only problem I see with his latest sig shoe is if he lands on another player's foot. He needs to be judicious about where he lands. That is the only problem I see with the Kobe IV. Of course, one could make the same mistake in a high top shoe and still roll an ankle. Understandably, Bryant says practically the same thing in the article.
If Bryant wants to play in a lower-cut shoe, then fine. Since he already plays in a Hyperdunk, he won't concede much when he switches to the Kobe IV. The Hyperdunk provides less ankle support compared to other basketball shoes.
I just wish folks would understand, contrary to what one ESPN article says, that this has been done before. Nike invented the quarter-top shoe years ago. One of Nike's first quarter-top shoes was called the Sky Force. Later, in 1986, Nike launched the Big Nike. The Big Nike came in three varieties, low-top, high-top and quarter-top. The quarter-top Big Nike was the least popular version of the three. It was a relatively obsolete sneaker since it was so similar to the high-top. Nike should reissue Big Nikes. It has reissued nearly everything else.
The Air Jordan III was the first quarter-top sneaker with visible Max Air. Do you catch the implication here? Michael Jordan competed in a quarter-top sig when Bryant was a young boy. The III had the same bottom as the high-top Air Revolution and was every bit as comfortable. In many ways, the Air Jordan III could have been considered the best basketball sneaker on the market in 1987. There was competition from the Revolution and the Air Force II. All three were great basketball shoes in their heyday.
Anyway, back to the article. It weighs the trade off of performance versus risk of injury. Is a lower-cut shoe safe? I played basketball in a low to mid Nike cross trainer once and was surprised at how well it performed. It was designed to accommodate lateral movement and it worked on the basketball court just fine. My foot was locked into the shoe. It felt very light and responsive. It moved with my foot just fine. Plus I felt safe.
The Kobe IV should work the same way. The engineering knowhow has existed for over a decade. But remember, nothing revolutionary is happening here.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
LeBron James' Dunking Style
Why does LeBron James keep his arm locked straight at the elbow when he dunks?
It doesn't look good.
It doesn't look good.
The Media Inspects Obama's Illinois Ties
Since the Blagojevich scandal, the media has begun speculating about Pres.-elect Barack Obama's political ties in Illinois. The insinuation is that Obama may be associated with shady people in Illinois politics.
Yeah. (Yawn.) Whatever.
Shouldn't the media have investigated Obama's political ties by now? It had around two years to do it. It investigated Obama's ties to Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Wright turned out to be a problem, but the majority of Americans still didn't care.
What if Obama does have shady connections in Illinois? Will anyone care about that? Probably not. What is the point of a media investigation other than to fill airtime on cable? This is a fairly lame topic for the media to bring up. The reasons for bringing it up are superficial at best.
Yeah. (Yawn.) Whatever.
Shouldn't the media have investigated Obama's political ties by now? It had around two years to do it. It investigated Obama's ties to Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Wright turned out to be a problem, but the majority of Americans still didn't care.
What if Obama does have shady connections in Illinois? Will anyone care about that? Probably not. What is the point of a media investigation other than to fill airtime on cable? This is a fairly lame topic for the media to bring up. The reasons for bringing it up are superficial at best.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Capt. Kirk Wears Air Jordans
These screengrabs come from the new Star Trek movie trailer. The J.J. Abrams' project hits theaters May 8. The shots are part of a car chase scene involving one James Tiberius Kirk, in his younger days before he assumed the captaincy of the U.S.S. Enterprise. The shoes on his feet, Air Jordan XX3s. What an interesting twist this is! I
like this element.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich
Whoa! Are you kidding me? Illinois' governor tried to sell a senate seat? Please FBI, tell me this isn't true!
If true, how amazing. This is not how our government should work.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/09/illinois.governor/index.html
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2008/12/09/report-illinois-governor-taken-federal-custody/
Who appoints Pres.-elect Obama's vacant senate seat now? Illinois' lieutenant governor? Interesting legal detail.
If true, how amazing. This is not how our government should work.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/09/illinois.governor/index.html
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2008/12/09/report-illinois-governor-taken-federal-custody/
Who appoints Pres.-elect Obama's vacant senate seat now? Illinois' lieutenant governor? Interesting legal detail.
McHale to Coach
Kevin McHale has stepped up to coach the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Good for him. This should be interesting.
Good for him. This should be interesting.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Blackwater Memorabilia
Did you know that Blackwater has its own pro shop?
http://proshop.blackwaterusa.com/
If those five Blackwater guards get convicted of manslaughter, would it be politically correct to own items from the pro shop?
http://proshop.blackwaterusa.com/
If those five Blackwater guards get convicted of manslaughter, would it be politically correct to own items from the pro shop?
No More Polaroid Film
Polaroid will not produce its instant film after February. What a shame. An end to an era edges closer. I still like film.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/12/08/polaroid.farewell/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/12/08/polaroid.farewell/index.html
Iphones For Cooking
Cookbooks are a thing of the past. Time says they take up too much counter space in the kitchen. Use an iPhone instead, or a Nintendo DS.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1864437,00.html?cnn=yes
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1864437,00.html?cnn=yes
Keri Russell
Felicity Star Making Bad Decisions, Losing Her Cachet
I would love to meet the loser, or group of losers, that talked Keri Russell into this pathetic photo shoot for Details.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/04/keri-russell-get-grungy-w_n_148531.html
If this is all Details can do for Russell, then who would want to be in Details in the future? This poor old junk isn't helping Russell. It is hindering her. You're supposed to be wiser and smarter in your thirties, not dumber. Isn't she supposed to be a mother? Act like one. Don't pose in demented, suggestive photographs when you do not have to. Strive to be like Doris Day. Respect is always more important than fame.
I would love to meet the loser, or group of losers, that talked Keri Russell into this pathetic photo shoot for Details.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/04/keri-russell-get-grungy-w_n_148531.html
If this is all Details can do for Russell, then who would want to be in Details in the future? This poor old junk isn't helping Russell. It is hindering her. You're supposed to be wiser and smarter in your thirties, not dumber. Isn't she supposed to be a mother? Act like one. Don't pose in demented, suggestive photographs when you do not have to. Strive to be like Doris Day. Respect is always more important than fame.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Blackwater Guards To Surrender
Yeah. It probably wasn't a good idea to shoot up that Iraqi intersection.
CNN.com
http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/12/06/iraq.blackwater.indictment/index.html
The Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-blackwater7-2008dec07,0,7669066.story
The Associated Press has brief bios on each of the Blackwater guards under indictment.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hkq0Lm5tQTbBACLDqF6hcELpX5AQD94TCP5O0
CNN.com
http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/12/06/iraq.blackwater.indictment/index.html
The Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-blackwater7-2008dec07,0,7669066.story
The Associated Press has brief bios on each of the Blackwater guards under indictment.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hkq0Lm5tQTbBACLDqF6hcELpX5AQD94TCP5O0
Madonna x Louis Vuitton
Madonna's latest print campaign for Louis Vuitton is why I like her.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedishrag/2008/12/madonnas-new-lo.html
The following post explains some things I do not like about her.
http://blogadiergeneral.blogspot.com/2008/10/sad-pathetic-demise-of-madonna.html
My attitude about Madonna remains mixed. She needs to fix her life. She is beginning to resemble Britney Spears as opposed to the other way around. Like Madonna, Spears is very brilliant, yet very self-destructive.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedishrag/2008/12/madonnas-new-lo.html
The following post explains some things I do not like about her.
http://blogadiergeneral.blogspot.com/2008/10/sad-pathetic-demise-of-madonna.html
My attitude about Madonna remains mixed. She needs to fix her life. She is beginning to resemble Britney Spears as opposed to the other way around. Like Madonna, Spears is very brilliant, yet very self-destructive.
The Air Jordan 2009
Alleged pictures of the Air Jordan 2009 have leaked to several Internet websites.
http://solesirius.com/2008/11/26/air-jordan-2009-first-look/
http://www.simplysneakers.com/air-jordan-2009-2k9-white-black-detailed-pics/
http://solesirius.com/2008/12/02/air-jordan-2009-blackgold/
It is impossible to know now if the shoes in these pics will be the actual '09 Js, but I hope that they are.
Many Air Jordan fans are likely asking, "Why Nike?" This shoe certainly seems out in left field for more than one reason. I know the feeling. Past Air Jordans have perplexed me and even persuaded me to keep my money parked at the bank. At least, and here is one upside, at least the '09 doesn't look like this:
http://sneakernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/air-jordan-15-black-red-01.jpg
Oh yeah. The link above references the dreaded Air Jordan XV. Perhaps the most atrocious, ridiculous Air Jordan ever. The XV was about as good of an idea as it's namesake's willingness to routinely drain fluid from a knee in order to play games for the Washington Wizards.
The reason I like the prototype shoes is because they look like an Air Jordan. The forefoot has a sculpted outrigger that reminds me of the XX3s and the XXs. I like the angles. I like the leather. Like a lot of Air Jordans, this shoe looks rather stiff, but I realize if I want flexibility I can always look to a Nike Free model for that. Another thing I like about this alleged 2009 edition is its resemblance to the Air Jordan XIV. I have never had a XIV, but I have always appreciated the aesthetics of that particular model.
Bring on the Air Jordan 2009. My outlook on this edition is decidedly bullish. I am actually of the mindset to acquire a pair on drop day and treat the experience like a big fun deal. I haven't done that in years.
http://solesirius.com/2008/11/26/air-jordan-2009-first-look/
http://www.simplysneakers.com/air-jordan-2009-2k9-white-black-detailed-pics/
http://solesirius.com/2008/12/02/air-jordan-2009-blackgold/
It is impossible to know now if the shoes in these pics will be the actual '09 Js, but I hope that they are.
Many Air Jordan fans are likely asking, "Why Nike?" This shoe certainly seems out in left field for more than one reason. I know the feeling. Past Air Jordans have perplexed me and even persuaded me to keep my money parked at the bank. At least, and here is one upside, at least the '09 doesn't look like this:
http://sneakernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/air-jordan-15-black-red-01.jpg
Oh yeah. The link above references the dreaded Air Jordan XV. Perhaps the most atrocious, ridiculous Air Jordan ever. The XV was about as good of an idea as it's namesake's willingness to routinely drain fluid from a knee in order to play games for the Washington Wizards.
The reason I like the prototype shoes is because they look like an Air Jordan. The forefoot has a sculpted outrigger that reminds me of the XX3s and the XXs. I like the angles. I like the leather. Like a lot of Air Jordans, this shoe looks rather stiff, but I realize if I want flexibility I can always look to a Nike Free model for that. Another thing I like about this alleged 2009 edition is its resemblance to the Air Jordan XIV. I have never had a XIV, but I have always appreciated the aesthetics of that particular model.
Bring on the Air Jordan 2009. My outlook on this edition is decidedly bullish. I am actually of the mindset to acquire a pair on drop day and treat the experience like a big fun deal. I haven't done that in years.
Friday, December 05, 2008
On O.J. Simpson's Robbery Trial
O.J. Simpson, the NFL Hall-of-Famer, was sentenced today in his robbery trial.
Fred Goldman was at the sentencing hearing and at other hearings. Now that O.J. knows his fate, I'm asking myself why Goldman was allowed to attend the trial or the sentencing hearing. He should not have been allowed to be in court for Simpson's robbery trial because of his ties to Simpson's murder trial. Goldman's presence cast a prejudicial pall over the robbery proceedings.
If Simpson tried to appeal based on Goldman's prejudicial presence, he probably wouldn't get anywhere. Still though, Goldman's presence only reminded everyone of Simpson's checkered past with the law. The Las Vegas court should have banned Goldman and the rest of his family from attending the robbery trial.
Below is a related Associated Press story.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iUNgbOr-2bnpFUX0MiII6je2CkRAD94TGPG80
This next one is from The Washington Post.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/06/AR2008120600214.html
Fred Goldman was at the sentencing hearing and at other hearings. Now that O.J. knows his fate, I'm asking myself why Goldman was allowed to attend the trial or the sentencing hearing. He should not have been allowed to be in court for Simpson's robbery trial because of his ties to Simpson's murder trial. Goldman's presence cast a prejudicial pall over the robbery proceedings.
If Simpson tried to appeal based on Goldman's prejudicial presence, he probably wouldn't get anywhere. Still though, Goldman's presence only reminded everyone of Simpson's checkered past with the law. The Las Vegas court should have banned Goldman and the rest of his family from attending the robbery trial.
Below is a related Associated Press story.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iUNgbOr-2bnpFUX0MiII6je2CkRAD94TGPG80
This next one is from The Washington Post.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/06/AR2008120600214.html
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Re: The Auto Bailout
What U.S. Carmakers Really Need? New Ideas
The Big Three automakers don't deserve a bailout package. If they want to turn their companies around, then they need to get creative. Our economy, our democracy, is based on the ability of businesses to innovate in order to stay competitive and viable. GM, Ford and Chrysler are doing nothing creative to justify a bailout.
Look at Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart is thriving despite a global recession. How is it thriving? The specifics elude me, but I can generalize. Wal-Mart is thriving because it is successful at being creative. The executives running the Bentonville retailer are simply adapting to the financial climate better than anyone else.
Another great example of a creative company is Nike. I love Nike. Just when you think there is nothing else left to do with an athletic shoe, Nike makes up a new tweak. Just two years ago, Nike rolled out it's Air Max 360 line of running shoes. These shoes were the first athletic shoes without foam as the main cushioning element. That is simply amazing.
This year, Nike released shoes with Lunar foam. Lunar foam is a NASA invention. It is a lightweight foam used in seat cushions on space craft. Highly degradable when in contact with every day elements like air and water, Lunar foam challenged Nike to reinvent ways to make a running shoe. Nike had to invent a way to isolate the foam to prevent it from degrading when applying it to a shoe. After a lot of hard work, determination and innovation, Nike prevailed. What a great story.
Now, Apple Inc. is making iPods that change songs when users shake the iPod. That is great innovation. Apple has shown a lot of initiative with the iPod, iTunes and the iPhone. The music marketplace has changed forever all because of Apple. Cellular telephones have changed for the better, too. Apple's iPhone, now the gold standard for telephones, can be attributed to that.
American automakers aren't showing any of the creative juice needed to improve their standing. American cars seem rather stale. There hasn't been a noteworthy new car in the marketplace since Ford's latest Mustang. Ford's latest Mustang debuted in 2004. How many American cars have made headlines like the Mustang did four years ago? Zero. The Big Three need to roll out products like the Mustang every 18 months at least.
If American automakers want to improve their profits, they need to get more creative and make cars the public can get excited about. New ideas and creativity are the key to their future. A bailout package is a waste of resources.
The Big Three automakers don't deserve a bailout package. If they want to turn their companies around, then they need to get creative. Our economy, our democracy, is based on the ability of businesses to innovate in order to stay competitive and viable. GM, Ford and Chrysler are doing nothing creative to justify a bailout.
Look at Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart is thriving despite a global recession. How is it thriving? The specifics elude me, but I can generalize. Wal-Mart is thriving because it is successful at being creative. The executives running the Bentonville retailer are simply adapting to the financial climate better than anyone else.
Another great example of a creative company is Nike. I love Nike. Just when you think there is nothing else left to do with an athletic shoe, Nike makes up a new tweak. Just two years ago, Nike rolled out it's Air Max 360 line of running shoes. These shoes were the first athletic shoes without foam as the main cushioning element. That is simply amazing.
This year, Nike released shoes with Lunar foam. Lunar foam is a NASA invention. It is a lightweight foam used in seat cushions on space craft. Highly degradable when in contact with every day elements like air and water, Lunar foam challenged Nike to reinvent ways to make a running shoe. Nike had to invent a way to isolate the foam to prevent it from degrading when applying it to a shoe. After a lot of hard work, determination and innovation, Nike prevailed. What a great story.
Now, Apple Inc. is making iPods that change songs when users shake the iPod. That is great innovation. Apple has shown a lot of initiative with the iPod, iTunes and the iPhone. The music marketplace has changed forever all because of Apple. Cellular telephones have changed for the better, too. Apple's iPhone, now the gold standard for telephones, can be attributed to that.
American automakers aren't showing any of the creative juice needed to improve their standing. American cars seem rather stale. There hasn't been a noteworthy new car in the marketplace since Ford's latest Mustang. Ford's latest Mustang debuted in 2004. How many American cars have made headlines like the Mustang did four years ago? Zero. The Big Three need to roll out products like the Mustang every 18 months at least.
If American automakers want to improve their profits, they need to get more creative and make cars the public can get excited about. New ideas and creativity are the key to their future. A bailout package is a waste of resources.
Sickly
I am sick today. A sore throat and muscle fatigue is no joke. It could certainly be worse though.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Obama Nominates Richardson to Cabinet
Barack Obama wants Bill Richardson to be the Secretary of Commerce and nominated him as such.
It will be interesting to see how Richardson's loyalty to Obama plays out after Obama's presidency.
It will be interesting to see how Richardson's loyalty to Obama plays out after Obama's presidency.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Plexico Burress, a Mayor and a Gun
I overheard some of the soap opera that is Plexico Burress and the Case of the Unregistered Gun. ESPN's Sal Palantonio is all over it. Palantonio reported about Burress arriving at a New York Giants practice facility for routine treatment for an injury. He reported about gun charges and police officers arresting Burress. Then, and this is the part that kills me, then Palantonio talked about NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sending a letter to New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, explaining what the NFL is doing about Burress and whatever.
Here is a really good question. Why is Goodell even speaking to Bloomberg about any of this? Isn't Michael Bloomberg New York City's mayor? As in like just the mayor?
He's a mayor. As mayor Bloomberg is supposed to do ribbon cuttings and attend high-profile fund raisers and what not. His role is strictly ceremonial. He is just a mayor and only a mayor. Bloomberg needs to step out of the way, stop meddling and let New York City's prosecutors and policemen do their jobs. He needs to stop communicating with Goodell and anyone else in the NFL. In turn, Goodell needs to stop communicating with Bloomberg. Goodell owes Bloomberg nothing in terms of explanations or anything else regarding Plexico Burress. How the NFL handles Plexico Burress and this gun situation is none of Bloomberg's business. Bloomberg is just a mayor. He's not the attorney general for the State of New York. He is not a prosecutor. He is not a sheriff. He is just the mayor.
Here is a really good question. Why is Goodell even speaking to Bloomberg about any of this? Isn't Michael Bloomberg New York City's mayor? As in like just the mayor?
He's a mayor. As mayor Bloomberg is supposed to do ribbon cuttings and attend high-profile fund raisers and what not. His role is strictly ceremonial. He is just a mayor and only a mayor. Bloomberg needs to step out of the way, stop meddling and let New York City's prosecutors and policemen do their jobs. He needs to stop communicating with Goodell and anyone else in the NFL. In turn, Goodell needs to stop communicating with Bloomberg. Goodell owes Bloomberg nothing in terms of explanations or anything else regarding Plexico Burress. How the NFL handles Plexico Burress and this gun situation is none of Bloomberg's business. Bloomberg is just a mayor. He's not the attorney general for the State of New York. He is not a prosecutor. He is not a sheriff. He is just the mayor.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Union Throws Stones at Wal-Mart
Some union, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, the largest grocery worker's union in the state of New York, said the Black Friday trampling death of a Wal-Mart worker was preventable.
I agree. Those people shouldn't have knocked that door down on top of the guy. All of them should be charged with something.
The union says Wal-Mart is at fault, which is typical. Any rational person knows the shoppers are to blame.
Meanwhile, elsewhere on Black Friday, two men were shot to death at a Toys "R" Us. I guess the union blames Wal-Mart for that, too.
Union antics slay me. They would blame Wal-Mart for the Great Depression, Pearl Harbor and the sinking of the Titanic if they could get away with it.
I agree. Those people shouldn't have knocked that door down on top of the guy. All of them should be charged with something.
The union says Wal-Mart is at fault, which is typical. Any rational person knows the shoppers are to blame.
Meanwhile, elsewhere on Black Friday, two men were shot to death at a Toys "R" Us. I guess the union blames Wal-Mart for that, too.
Union antics slay me. They would blame Wal-Mart for the Great Depression, Pearl Harbor and the sinking of the Titanic if they could get away with it.
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