Will You Give Your Support?

Dear Family and Friends,

This year, Edith will be participating in a very special event called the Breast Cancer 3-Day walk.

She will walk a total of 60 miles over the course of three days with thousands of other women and men. The net proceeds will support breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment through Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.

She has agreed to raise at least $2,200 in donations and has set a personal goal of $3,000. So she needs your help. Would you please consider making a donation? Keep in mind how far she will be walking - and how hard she will need to train. You can donate online at http://www.edithowens.com/3daywalk/ or call 800.996.3DAY to donate over the phone.

According to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, more than 200,000 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and nearly 40,000 will die from the disease. That's why she is walking so far. To do something bold about breast cancer. I hope that you'll share this incredible adventure with her by supporting her in her fundraising efforts.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Sincerely,

Robert Owens

P.S. Ask your employer if they will double your donation through a matching gift program.

14 days til fade in...

Well my NaNoEdMo is not going well at all. Just didn't get into it like I thought I would and I think with Script Frenzy coming up fast and furious I've just held back in that respect.

I'm planning on coming back for my 2nd Script Frenzy event and I'll be using Celtx once again to do this. The product is great and I don't think I could have managed it with out the free download editor.

I pretty much could just run with it and it helped manage things for me. I've already looked at the updated version and I'm ready to create a new movie script.

After this is over, then I'll look back at editing my first NaNoWriMo over the rest of the year. Maybe I'll try NaNoEdMo next year, just depends on how things fall schedule wise. Well if you ever thought about writing a movie, then nows your chance. Next month for 30 days is Script Frenzy, its not to late and it doesn't have to be perfect, you just have to give it a try and hit the goal.

A Night at the Caucus

Well the title says it all... yes I voted as a Democrat in the 2008 Democratic Primary on March 4th in Texas. I became an Obamacan for the night & the time being and hung out with Texas Democrats. The truth be known and for the past few elections, I've pretty much voted as an Independent in a lot of the races in Texas and that doesn’t do much really around here.

Texas for the longest time has been nothing more than a Republican state, until now or at least on appearances after this Primary. Here's the situation for the Republican party and based in Texas. John McCain has wrapped up the GOP and is the guy. That being said, Republicans stayed home and didn't vote as a majority. You not going to see them come out until the actual election in Texas. So they have an attitude of its time to sit and wait.

On the other hand, the Democratic Party had huge turnouts and unlike anything in previous years. We are talking a flood of voters like you would not believe and if this was the actual election, then Texas falls to the Democrats and becomes a real shocker around these parts.

Truth be known I've been following results for sometime and listening to what is being said and watching how the candidates respond and go about campaigning. I pretty much like what I've seen in Obama and don't with Hillary, so if I can at least have a say in that and exercise my right to vote between those two, why not take that shot?

This is where its crazy, you go and actually vote and make your choice. Then you go and caucus and pretty much vote again. Yes you get to vote twice, crazy if you ask me, but you get to vote twice. After all of that is said an done, they total up votes and then decide on who get how many delegates from your precinct.

Now I'm not sure if the overwhelming turnout was solid Democrats for once and how many other Republicans came out and tried to have a say and who would go up against McCain, but it was interesting to see the whole process and be apart, as crazy as it seems. The funniest thing I heard that night was an official yelling out to everyone, "If you’re a Republican, your not suppose to be in here and need to leave!" I did see at least one person leave at that time.

The Democrats are fighting tooth and nail and will continue that. The Republicans are sitting back and waiting to see what happens. Hillary won Texas in the end, but at least I helped Obama get some Delegate votes and keep his lead in that area. I've got a lot of time between now and the actual election and it should be entertaining and educational as well.

The WorldWide Telescope

I just finished watching GBTV #0320 with Cali Lewis and she mentioned a project called the WorldWide Telescope and I was amazed at what I saw. The exciting news is this project developed by Microsoft Research will become available as a free download for Spring 2008.

Much like the features of Google Maps or Google Earth, your going to be able to travel virtually around and see some of the best images threaded together and made available from telescopes all around the world.

This is going to be a great resource tool to help educate kids of all ages, allowing them to learn more about Space and see just how small we truly are in the Universe we live in. Best of all, you can take guided tours from leading Astronomers or create your own. In addition you can take part and click on areas to access tools to provide you more resources to information on the places you visit.

To learn more take a look at the TED presentation and watch the WorldWide Telescope web site for more information as it becomes available.

Tony n' Tina's Wedding

It's always fun to see family and friends get married. Having gone to a fair share of weddings, I can say I've seen a lot of things and even photographed a lot of things. So when our cousin Tony from New York invited us to attend his wedding here in Texas, we jumped at the chance.

Truth be known, Tony n Tina have been doing this just about every night for the past 20 years, being the longest running Off Broadway hit running. The best way to describe this is My Cousin Vinny meets the Wedding Singer with a Rocky Horror Picture Show twist.

So the service was held at the Sara Ellen and Samuel Weisfeld Center in Dallas, a beautiful Church and the perfect location for a Crazy Wedding to take place. With a heavy New York wise guy feel and funny antics, your drawn in and a part of the Wedding, never knowing who all is a real guest or who might be an actor or actress.

Live 105.3, Jagger in the Mornings, Jagger Mafia made the event all possible with specially priced $10.53 tickets. After the wedding Ceremony concluded, we moved downstairs for the reception and enjoyed Pasta, Salad, Bread, Cake, Champagne, and the Cash Bar.

The family(cast) made its way around to visit everyone and party. You know how some parties can quickly get out of hand and this event had its fair share of crazy moments. Funny and a real hoot with a real wedding feel, as crazy of a wedding you can imagine. I'd recommend you being a part of this event if your ever invited and the nice part is you don't have to bring a gift and go home happy.

Here's to Tony n' Tina, may you have another wonderful 20 years of getting hitched.

First look at a working title

Well I actually went back to the last day of November 2007 and cracked open my novel. The novel that I wrote for the 2007 NaNoWriMo contest. My first time at writing something so large and creative. Actually earlier in 2007 I wrote a movie script at a total of 20,000 words, but the Novel was my primary objective for the year and reaching the 50,000 words goal.

So I began to read my story, the one I kicked around in my head and finally let out on paper, well the screen at least. I have to say I'm pleased for the most part, its not a best seller, but I'm actually liking my idea and looking forward to editing and rewrites over the next few months.

Actually I get started in about a week and get to review my first draft and make any and all changes. My end result is to polish it up more over this year and would like to actually have it printed. A very limited run of say, one copy at least.

So wish me luck and where is that red pen now. Oh my... my, inner editor, I can't remember if I even let it back out from last year. I hope its not mad at me... I'd like some help with next months NaNoEdMo.

The Spiderwick Chronicles trailer review

I guess it was this past Summer when I first saw the movie posters for the Spiderwick Chronicles and decided I wanted to read Holly Black and Tony Diterlizzi's bestselling children's book series first. In fact I had seen the titles in my Library for some time and this gave me the nudge to pick up the five books. After finishing the first book I was hooked and had to continue reading them and it’s the complete set that tells the whole story, so I absorbed them with ease and really enjoyed the story.

The Spiderwick Chronicles is now slated for a February 14th, 2008 Theatrical release and stars Freddie Highmore as twins Jared & Simon Grace. The last thing I saw Freddie in was the 2005 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and I loved his performance of Charlie, even though I'm a bigger fan of the original movie. I missed out on seeing the Golden Compass where he does voice work for the Character Pantalaimon, but I still have that book to read and will more and likely pick up the movie on DVD when it comes out. So I'm looking forward to seeing how well he pulls off the lead role of Jared and then performs double duty as his twin brother Simon.

So last night a Preview screening was held in Dallas and I had passes to attend the event. As much as I would love to tell you what I thought of the movie at this time, I can't. Due to some crazy internet promotions, people were allowed to print out their own passes and gained access well before those of us with Official Preview Passes. So after a 45 minute drive to the northern parts of Dallas, we were left out in the lobby with our Jaws opened in shock. Out of all the free screenings I've been invited too, I had never been denied access.

So the only review I can give you at this time is from two trailers and a movie clip showing Thimbletack the house brownie, who when angered becomes a boggart and very mischievous. The longer trailer with voice over is my favorite and revealed a lot more of the movie and story. The shorter trailer is the one you see more of in promotions and gives you a general feel of the movie and story. I really loved the clip with Thimbletack and feel they did a great job in bringing the character to life for the screen. So as much as the internet defeated me in seeing the preview last night, it at least showed me a little more of the movie today.

Well, that's all I can tell you about the movie and story and it looks like I'm waiting with the rest of the fans now. Give the books a read and then go out and see the movie. Trust me, You have plenty of time to absorb these books and then take a journey into the fantasy world of the Spiderwick Chronicles.

A Giant Defeat in the end

Turn out the lights the party is over baby! Dreams do come true for those who believe. I said it early on when the Patriots were picked to go to the Super Bowl this year.

The Patriots were caught video taping deffensive signals from the Jets coaches. In the end it was more of a slap on the wrist and a fine. I hate cheaters and felt they should have paid more. I actually thought it should have been drastic and they should be out for the season. Yes I can be really hard in that area.

Not the case and so I felt they should have been forced to tell the other team every play they were about to make then. But that wouldn't fly as well and the way to make someone pay is to fine the coach, fine the team, and dock the team a first round draft pick. Whoop Di Doo!

So the Pat's keep playing and run an perfect season and don't loose a single game. They are at the end of the season and face the Wild Card team New York Giants. What a game, Pats are winning most of it, but look bad to me and then the Giants pull it off with only 35 seconds left for the Patriots to try and get it back. Sorry, justice is served at last. You get to think about how you beat everyone, were caught cheating and then denied the glory of winning the Super Bowl. LOL

Thank you New York Giants, I didn't want you to beat my Cowboys, but who better to crash the dreams than a Giant. Way to go and congrats to a great season!

Super Bowl Ads
If you missed the Ads, well head on over to MySpace.Com/Superbowlads and see what you missed. I enjoyed quite a few of these and tomorrow will be the talk around the water cooler on which Ad was a favorite. Just give some praise to the Giants while your at it.

Double Shot for your ears

Playing catch up for the podshows brings you shows number 3 & 4 for your pleasure. Number 3,
What's on my Tivo and the Boob Tube lately, I take a look at some shows I'm watching and love and have a few thoughts on them.

Number 4 is from the headlines and my thoughts on Arlington restricting adult businesses. The result is over half of them have closed up shop now. Come on fellas, you can find other things to do with your money now. Sit back and listen, from Tivo to Legs, its two for one and thanks for coming back to the Robowerks podcasts.

RSS: http://www.podshow.com/feeds/robowerks.xml

Check back for show number 5 on Lost & Cloverfield.

Time to Edit draws near

Wow, January has come an gone now and its time to start looking towards NaNoEdMo. In today's e-mail was an announcement from NaNoEdMo about the site coming online and that the forums are opening up. That gives me less than a month to work more on my World Building and prep for editing last years 50,000 word Novel I wrote.

But wait, its doesn't stop there, we are talking back to back events with the 2nd Script Frenzy kicking things off in April. The nice thing is that gives me the summer free more or less and time to look towards the 2008 NaNoWriMo event.

If all goes well and I finish NaNoEdMo, I'd like to think I'm steps closer to printing my first Novel. I'd really like to see it in a Printed state before the start of the next NaNoWriMo. So wish me well and if you ever thought about writing yourself, stop thinking about it. Do It!

Writing for a larger audience

Sounds like a dream of writing for a larger audience might come true after all for me. It's still a bit early, but a chance to write for an online community has presented itself and I'm looking to throw my hat into the ring and give it a go.

Fact is I've wanted to do something like this for sometime and no I don't plan to quit my 9 to 5 job. For starters, the new gig is not really a paying gig anyway. So I can't very well do something like that and I've never thought about making a switch in careers anyway.

No, I have a passion for writing and reading and well the only way to solve the writing itch is to just write. So I blog about various things from time to time and I'm even podcasting now. Speaking of which I'm way off schedule on the podcasts and need to get back on with some shows and quick.

Well if all goes well I'll start writing for this online community and hopefully do more along those lines. Keep checking back here for updates and my podcasts, my goal is to get three shows for each of my blogs out this week. Wow a huge 6 shows to record this week, thankfully they are short shows right now. Thank you for checking into my blogs & podcasts and being patient.

Grand Opening for Neighborhood Marketplace

ARLINGTON, Texas, Jan. 16, 2008 – The new market-style grocery store offers fresh produce, favorite brands and familiar values to our local neighborhood. Located at 5401 Park Springs Blvd. and the intersection of Green Oaks Blvd is the much needed Grocery store. As part of Wal-Mart’s commitment to the community, the store is also announcing $34,000 in grants to local organizations, schools, the new public library, and public safety agencies.

Pictured above is a very similar looking Neighborhood Marketplace and what the insides look like. It's really nice to have a store in such a close location and keeps us from driving farther and dealing with crazy traffic. The previous store was not the best of stores and we were very happy to hear that Wal-Mart had purchased the property and have waited for long time. The wait is finally over and its nice to know we can do our grocery shopping here in the neighborhood, even if its just for a quick item we are needing. Thank you Wal-Mart.

Gmail hickup for IE7 users

You've got Gmail! but you can't see it... Argghhhhh!!! What gives with this, well it appears to be some issue with Gmail and IE7 users. They are working on this and hopefully they'll have it fixed soon. Great, so what can I do until that time comes? Here is where the work around comes into the mix. One recommends that you set your browser to delete Cache every time you exit. Another asks you to switch back to the classic version of Gmail. The last is a new link and the one I decided to try first. Click the following link if you have a Gmail account and your an IE7 user.

http://mail.google.com/mail/?hist=0

In other news, it seems that Gmail has released some new features for iPhone users. Hmmm, I'm not an iPhone user... wonder if any of that could have broke my Gmail. I'm sure they'll get this sorta really quick, I'm just glad I found answer with a quick search on none other than Google.

Show number 2

It's been a week and I'm back with show number 2. It had its ups & downs and I'm hanging in there. So this week I had some minor tech problems and played Hammerlock from the Podsafe Music Network.

http://www.podshow.com/feeds/robowerks.xml

I'm not sure why, but I have tiny box on the right hand side that is suppose to display my new shpws. I'm not seeing it yet, so click the link above and paste that in your browser or Podcacher. Hang in there with me... Hopefully things will get better.

Fort Worth Stockshow

I finally made it to the Stockshow! That's right I'm 39 and I've never been... at least to the best of my knowledge. I actually work out at Will Rogers Equestrian Center for the APHA World Show ever year and I'm familiar with the grounds, but I've never made it out for the Stockshow until now.

This year I'm helping out with a Judging Contest that APHA puts on during the show. We help with about 3 contest during the duration of the show. That is what I'll be working on tomorrow.

So today I took the family out and I have to say, I'm impressed with the size of the show and how some things are done. For starters they have vendors selling food all over the place and I'm talking some pretty good smelling stuff and its not like the show I'm used to. Wow the food available! It also have a mini State Fair look and feel with all of the rides and games available. We use those areas for parking... not fun and games.

The highlight of the day was taking my girls to ride the ponies. The smiles and giggles was priceless and worth every penny I spent. So if your local and never been to the Fort Worth Stock Show, then you shouldn't wait any longer. The show has just kicked off and there is plenty to see and do.

Two out of three aint bad

Well week one is a wrap more or less. I recorded two shows today one for this site and the other is on my TXPaladin on Live site for the Xbox 360. Its fun and will take some getting use to and building a rhythm more or less to these shows.

Right now the shows are short and sweet, if you want to call them that. They come in at 10 minutes each and will remain that way until I decide to upgrade the software. I think I'll keep them always under a 30 minute show time.

I'm using a program called Cast Blaster to do the shows and for the most part these are straight and live. So I hit record and if I flub up, then that's what it would sound like live. I'm not spending time with edits and producing a bunch of stuff. I plan to gather my things and roll with it.

You can find shows listed on the right side under the robowerks heading. If you like, feel free to subscribe to the show with your Podcatcher software using the following link.

http://www.podshow.com/feeds/robowerks.xml

This weeks show features the Austin, Texas band White Trash Cowboys. I found them on the Podsafe Music Network and really liked the sound and that they were from Austin, Texas.

Looking Back at 2007

A couple of the things I'm really proud of from 2007 come in the area of my writing. The creative side in me and the desire to write more was put to the test this past year and I'm happy to say I had a blast taking part in two writing contests this past year. The first was a 20,000 word Movie Screen Play. I used ScriptFrenzy as a warm up towards my final goal of writing a 50,000 word Novel for NaNoWriMo. I'm proud to say I stuck with my goals and refused to give up.

I had a number of other goals outlined, some I met and some will have to show back up on my list of things for 2008. Continuing my writing will be on my list, as its a new passion I've released and I want to continue learning and improving in that area. One goal for sure is to polish my first novel and have it printed in a book form, so I'll spend a good portion of 2008 in edits and rewrites, my goal is to try and have the book finished and printed before the 2008 NaNoWriMo contest kicks off.

April will mark the start of the 2008 ScriptFrenzy, I'm glad this was pushed back, it was really tough to do this with my World Show duties this past summer. I don't really plan to send my scripts into anything at this stage, its more of an exercise to keep me writing and on task. Its the goals that help in this process of writing.

More on my goals for 2008 will come later in my blogs or my new podcasts that I plan to start this year. Till then I hope everyone has a Happy New Year and if you set some goals, reach for them and stick to them, it feels good when you reach them.

Listen Up!

Well it looks like I'm going... Sorry, sounds like I'm going to start podcasting shows next year. Just another adventure I keep telling myself in being apart of this huge thing called the Internet.

I've been blogging for a few years know and writing about what ever comes to mind. In fact I've got two blogs, the one hear and then my Gaming/Techie style blog. Yup, I'll actually attempt two Podcasts, one for each of the blogs.

How will it go, I have no clue really, but I plan to jump right in and just go with it. I don't want to really write out a bunch of stuff or script the shows so much, but I'll try to at least put some notes together for each show and then wing it live more or less. Disaster about to happen? Perhaps, you'll need to tune in a listen.

I hope to try and do one a week. Wow, 104 shows in 2008... I must be crazy. I actually plan on keeping them short for now. Really short... short shows at about 10 minutes only to start with. Why so short? I want to make sure I can fill that time for starters. I'd like it to be an addition to my blogs only. Plus I haven't paid for the full version of the software and I'm limited to only 10 minute shows for now. Later in the year I'll see about extending them to a full 30 minute show. Yes after I can afford the full price on the software.

There you have it... I've blogged about it and now I have to do it. I need to be careful about the things I write about and say I'm going to do. Somebody stop me if I say I'm going to go Bungie Jumping... Please somebody stop me if I ever do that. See you all later and yes, you will hear more from me soon.

Once you go Digital, You'll never go Back

There is nothing wrong with your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling the transmission. If we wish to make it louder, we will bring up the volume. If we wish to make it softer, we will tune it to a whisper. We will control the horizontal. We will control the vertical. We can roll the image; make it flutter. We can change the focus to a soft blur or sharpen it to crystal clarity. For the next hour Starting on February 17, 2009, sit quietly and we will control all that you see and hear. We repeat: there is nothing wrong with your television set. You are about to participate in a great adventure. You are about to experience the awe and mystery which reaches from the inner mind TV Networks to the Outer Limits your homes.

The count down has begun alright and our analog, over the air, TV signals are going away, only to be replaced by digital signals. To learn more about making the switch over you can visit DTVAnswers.Com and find out what is involved. But my first question was, do we need to buy a new TV and like the theme from outer limits says, "There is nothing wrong with your television set."

Actually if you have a Cable provider or Satellite service, you'll be fine and they will send the digital signals to you. The boxes you have in place should already convert the signals for what your needing. Now if you have a new HDtv, then your more and likely going to need an upgrade to get HD signals. But the fact is, you don't have to upgrade to an HDtv, if you don't want to.

Now if you get some programs using an antenna or rabbit ears as some like to call them, then your going to be in trouble and will need a converter box. The boxes are going to cost about $50 to $70 to convert the signal over to your existing TV. Ouch you say? Check out the web address above, they have links on getting a coupon for $40 off, up to two TVs, to help with the cost of making the switch. So if you shop around, then you'll be out about $10, but once again, most of us are on Cable or Satellite and fine.

Now if you want to use this as a reason to go to HDtv... well sorry, its not an option and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I'd like an HDtv in the future and its nice to know that I can get one on my terms and that I'm not forced into. They might control the signals, but I control what I'm going to buy in the end and when I buy.

Merry Techmas

Wow, talk about the ultimate in Xmas gifts this year. So I love tech toys and electronic thingies and anyone that really knows me, knows about my past as a DJ and my love of LPs. What's an LP? Do a search on wikipedia and you should find it right away. Back to my story... a cool item found this year was a USB turntable, one that allows you to hook it up to a regular stereo if you like or use the USB plug to connect it to a computer and capture the music and save as an MP3.

This is what I thought I was about to receive, when I peaked inside the box. I should have known though, I mean why would this item not be in its original box. Then I noticed the words on the turntable... Technics 1200... the top of the line in turntables, used by DJ's worldwide and it was the ultra cool black model. I was speechless and never thought I'd own one of these. My wife and my mother & father in-law gave me an awesome gift and it was only the beginning of things to come.

Actually you could say that my Zune30 really started things off. An awesome gift for my anniversary and a real surprise too, my wife is full of surprises. So I set the turntable up and pull out the old dance albums and its great to hear that music again and it feels like forever since I've played them. I've got a lot of tunes to catch up on, with three huge crates of LPs to pick through. But all of those will have to wait, it's time to head to my side of the family for Techmas.

Ever had one of those Christmases that take you totally by surprise? That is what I felt when I opened the gift from my Dad. The UB802, 8 Channel mixer was a pleasant surprise and something I had on my list as a cool item for making Podcasts with my daughter. I really wasn't expecting this at all. So I tell my Dad thanks and said, "I guess you decided to purchase something off the Internet at last?"

"Something?" was his reply, "Have you opened the big box yet?" Not only did he get me the cool mixer, but the really cool MXL 990 microphone as well. I have the perfect setup for a mini podcast studio now. Granted the turntable is huge and not something I'll carry around as easy, but the rest is perfect and I look forward to learning more about Podcasts and doing some shows with my daughter next year.

It was truly a Merry Techmas for me this year. Check back in 2008 when I launch my various Podshows and we'll see how cool the new toys perform. Til then, Happy New Year to you all.