Photographers Digital Assistant

So today I had this idea about a PDA app (Photographers Digital Assistant) that would allow me to see what was going on in the various arenas. The easy way to do this would be a small web based app that would work on a cell phone that has web access.

Over the past few years, I've run around the horse show snapping photos for the final night videos we put together. But in addition to this, I've been asked from time to time to take some photos here or there. The only problem is knowing what class is going on and what the order of go they are on for a particular arena. That is where I thought a cool little app could help me out.

Tracy already had some stuff like this going for the video stream and I asked if he could make a scaled down version for a mobile phone. He played with it today and its almost exactly what I was expecting, but I think its more of an issue with my phone and web pages, but it is still a lot closer to what I envisioned. I wasn't able to switch between arenas just yet... phone issue I think again.

But so far a little idea I had looks like it could really work and with the right tools (phone) to access, I can see where this and a few other things could be really handy to the mobile staff photographer out on the show grounds.

Riding tall in the Saddle

I'm still at the horse show, but today I came in late to work having decided to take Freya for her second session out of six lessons. She had a blast and her eyes lit up when she heard they were going to go ride in the park for today.

The instructors are really pleased with her and think she's a great listener. I couldn't help but notice how well she looked while riding. Year after year I watch exhibitors compete and see how they ride and I can see tiny bits of them in what Freya is learning to do and is such a short time.

I had a rather busy morning... having the digital camera with me, I figured I would snap a few shots. I had no idea I would get a small morning walk in the Park to snap a few more pics.

Well next Saturday marks the third lesson and will be the final day of the APHA World Championship Paint Horse Show. I'll miss taking her to her lesson, but I'll look forward to the following weeks and the rest of her riding lessons.

I'll also look forward to regular hours and being back with the whole family again. It's a lot of work and hard being away for so long. I know the family will be glad I'm back and Edith will enjoy a real break once again.

Early night for once, really

Wow I'm home and its nice to get here at a decent hour for a change. Tonight it was rumored that we would go until 1am. Thankfully that all changed and we ended early. Not to mention the last class of the evening was Solid-bred Paint Horse Trail and with only two exhibitors.

Could you imagine waiting until 1am for a class of only two. Here's the thing, APHA is working to help grow this area of competition for Solid-bred Paint Horses. In most cases a class has to have at least 6 to make, but all of the Solid-bred Paint Horse classes will take place no matter what it seems.

Kudos to the exhibitors for showing off the talents of their Solid-bred Paint Horses. They might not be loud and proud like most Paints, but they are still Paint horses just the same. I say they have color on the inside.

Well going to relax a bit and drift off to sleep. I'm going in late to the show and taking my daughter to her horseback riding lessons in the morning. Looking forward to seeing her for sure and the rest of the family.

Germany for the Win!

The Paint World Games were played today at the APHA World Championship Paint Horse Show and as much as I would love to see Team USA take the Gold, I'm really happy with Team Germany winning Gold this year.

I think its a great event for the Youth to take part in and to have seven countries all gathering together, to compete with Paint Horses is just plain awesome. The games were a nice way to bring an end to this years Youth show.

The awards nights took place as well and with a huge hiccup. For what ever reason the final video project was not played and an earlier version, a partial demo played on the big screen. A number of people said they thought it looked cool, if only they had seen the final video Tracy had worked hard on. Well hopefully they'll take a look on the web and see what was missed.

That's all for tonight, going to sleep in some for a change and go in late. Tomorrow is Trail Classes from John Justin and its expected to be a super long night tomorrow.

Excitement on many levels

Its been a busy day so far for me... running around and snapping photos where I can, trying to get more images for the Youth final night video to select from. I have to say this, just like the horse above, I'm jumping up and down too with the early version of the opening that I've seen so far. The video is going to rock big time if you ask me and I can't wait to see the final cut.

Now not all of the photos have been set and transitioned just yet, but some of them look great and fit right where they are in the song. Each year I submit a nice portion of photos and my buddy Tracy, a co-worker of mine, picks and sets them all to music for the videos. He does an incredible job year after year. Not only does he produce the videos each year, he takes great photos as well for the projects.

Well I need to get back out and shoot some more, its all about being in the right place at the right time. Sitting in front of my screen keeps me from catching those moments in time. So far I've snapped a little over 1,700 shots for the show.

Still going and going

One of my favorite shots from the day comes from Youth Working Cow Horse, a new class for the AjPHA Youth this year. They start with a Reining pattern first and then release a Cow to work in the Arena afterwards. It's pretty cool to watch and one of the things you see from time to time is someone get close enough to place a hand on the back of the cow, not something I've seen happen a lot to tell you the truth.

Today the show offered you just a little bit of everything. We had Heading, Healing, and Steer Stopping in Will Rogers from Open exhibitors for the most part. Then English events that involved some Jumping in John Justin to name a few things you could have seen today. Finishing out the night is Western Pleasure riding and its going to go long and slow. I'm trying to decide if I'll sleep in or not now, I'm scheduled to arrive at 10am and I think I'm going to follow that.

My girls love horses

That face says it all if you ask me. Tonight my daughters made it out for the Stick Horse competition and had a blast. One of the best events of the show and the kids light up when they get to run around the arena for a change.

Some of these little ones will actually move on to ride real horses and even show them perhaps. But as for tonight, its clearly their time to shine and show what they are made of. For the past 8 years, I've had the best time watching these kids on stick horses.

I'm sure this event will always be a favortie of mine and I know Miss V & Lil M have many years to perfect their stick horse riding skills. Freya will be learning to ride real horses and hopefully can share some of her stick riding skills with the little ones.

Its showtime all day long

Good morning and what a difference a little sleep can make for someone. I'm feeling really great right about now. Well day two of the warm up announcing is now in the books and I received a number of compliments from various Judges and Ring Stewards that our working our show. Felt really good to hear all of that for sure.


I've always been OK with a microphone and I do OK winging things... pretty much taking my directions from downstairs and calling out the gaits is easy. But something strange happened and I heard, STOP! come over the radio. So I said STOP!, then some people standing in as Judges said, Whoa! and I thought something might have happened and repeated the same. Of course the directions given were all wrong and I had to get them all started again. Walk your horses please, I know that one by heart.

It's hard to see what is going on right below the announcers booth and I pretty much followed the directions fed to me, I don't think STOP was suppose to go over the radio and hopefully that will be the last mistake in this regards I make (knock on wood).

Speed, baby! Its the events I love and I'm talking about Barrel Racing, Stakes Races, and Pole Bending classes. Some of the fastest riders on Paint Horses will compete today tomorrow. By the looks of the photo I snagged last night, it sure looks like they are having a blast if you ask me. Check out the APHA World Show web site and click on the Live Feed links to see some of the action.

Well this is an early post for today and this will be one of the longest days of the whole show. I'm expected to stay until about 1am and decided to post early. I want to try and post daily from the show and on events at the show this year. I hope you all enjoy my coverage and hang in there with me now. I'll see you all tomorrow, which very well could be the end of today's events.

The long and short of it

Tonight turned out to be an early night for a change. I'm home now, but the family is out an about right now. Edith is working on her training and the kids are with Grandma & Grandpa. What does all of this have to do with the title. Well its been a long day just the same.

The baby had issues sleeping and pretty much woke me up around 3am (song playing in head...) and I find it hard to get back to sleep. I had to go in early and announce the practice. Now I'm really beat and need a little rest.

So the short is getting out early I'd normally run off and pick the kids up. They are in very good hands and this is a chance for me to get at least an hour of rest if not more in. I'm up early again for another go at the annoucer spot for morning practice. Tomorrow is expected to be a super long day.

Yeah I'm out of here, check you all later, I'm not going to last much longer at all.

I say let them grow up to be cowboys

Checkin went smooth as near as I can tell. Some tiny glitches in other areas behind the scenes, but no biggie. So the Youth Show kicks off tomorrow with Team Tournament events and I go live with my first stream around 4pm CST.

I hope it all goes over smooth, at least for me that is. Monday evening is the Stick Horse event, one of the coolest things to watch as these young Cowgirls & Cowboys show off their skills with their Paint Stick Horses. My kids should come out and have a blast, its the one event that my kids can actually take part in.

It's a blast to see these kids and their Paints as they show in all the events. Speed events start early and its a little crazy with some of the Open (adults) showing during the start of what is really the Youth show. Its also a little interesting to see some Youth come back in the Open show for the Cutting. It all has to do with setting the arena up for each events in the end. Cows come later in Open is why. Well that's it for today, going to relax a bit for one last time.

This is why we do it!

Day four of setup is in the books. The horses move in tomorrow and the show kicks off on Saturday. Tomorrow is the fifth day of setup and check in.

We still have a few odds and ins to take care of, but for the most part setup is really over and its time to put on a show now. Take a look at the photo on the left. This was clearly one of my favorite shots of last years show and the reason we do this.

OK, its our job, but we all pretty much enjoy seeing some great horses compete year after year. Reining as shown on the left is a favorite class of mine to watch and photograph. Speed events are favorites too.

Tomorrow I'll spend my time looking into the video stream settings and preparing to go live on Saturday evening. I have some web edits as well oh and I'm offering my services as a warm up announcer on a few days. Means I'll be arriving early to the show and calling out the various gaits.

Well that's all for now and from the setup stand point. Today was a good day, my video edits went well and the problem PC corrected itself more or less. I got to head home early for a change and even worked in a haircut. Should feel cooler during the show now. Hope you all have enjoyed the behind the scenes of show setup now. Please check back for more on the show now.

Look ma, no wires

Well we tested the wireless feed from Will Rogers to John Justin today for this years show. Worked like a charm with out a glitch. Looked like a good picture and sound came over fine. One of the best pictures we've had wireless too.

I setup my work station and streaming machines at the show. Wouldn't you know it, one of the stream machines is acting up on me. I'm fine for the show and will look at what trouble shooting I can do and see about reformatting perhaps. Streams go live on Sunday.

Testing from all arenas looks to be ready to go as ever. We are at the mercy of the coax that is in place and do what we can. I need to look into fiber video options and see what that all takes. Love new challenges like this.

Well tomorrow I hope to just work on video edits and try and get the AjPHA video completed. I don't want to really work on that for Friday. The event is Friday evening and I would like to be done with this and not stress on trying to complete a video. Wish me luck that it all goes well tomorrow.

3 Screens later on Day 2

Well it was day two and it came with a whirl wind of activity to say the least. We actually had a small storm blow through really quick. Later in the day I would find out that this storm had blown my Antenna on Justin over. I sure hope it still works.

The first day we hung the screen in John Justin and we were suppose to hang the NCHA screen in Will Rogers. Small problems kept this from happening until today. This was a slightly harder screen to pull up in my mind, but we did and are ready now.

Where does screen three come in. Well this is a little screen we use to monitor events in our command central. Funny thing is its been hanging since last year in the same place. So we didn't have to hang it really. We did mount are special projector holder and get that all set for the show.

So two screen for public and a behind the scenes screen later and we are another day closer to the launch of this years show. Tomorrow I plan to move my PCs out, test the wireless feeds and look at my settings for this years stream. Wish me lucky and no more rain or at least no wind please.

Setup has begun for World Show

Day 1 is now in the books, as we've moved out and staked our claim to Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth. The setup for the APHA World Show is an interesting time of the year. We pretty much work over 4 to 5 days on setting up one of the largest equestrian events to take place. It's our big show of the year and we go big ever year.

The first day is setup of the Scoreboard screens and our wireless antennas to name a few things. The Scoreboard is used to display class details and results to name a few of its uses. Our Wireless Antennas are used to transmit a video feed from Will Rogers over to John Justin and in this location I distribute that live feed, along with John Justin, and Watt Arena through out the building and encode it live to stream over the Internet.

It takes a lot to put on this show every year and we spend a lot of time doing it right. This is the start of 26 straight days of work and putting on a huge show for the American Paint Horse. Its a great show and some of the best Paint Horses are on display here in Fort Worth during this time. If you can't make it to the show, then visit the web site and check out the Live Stream.

Father's Day Off

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there now. It was 39 years ago I gave my Dad his first Father's Day and it was 7 years ago my daughter gave that gift to me. I hope you all have a great day as Dads or celebrating the gift your Dads gave you.

Its my day off today. Woot! Not because I'm a Dad and it doesn't mean I don't have to do things or get to do what ever I want. Just because I'm a Dad, I don't take a pass on things. I did sleep in a little bit, not having to be anywhere early just the same.

Its still my day off and a special Day at that. This is the last free day off I'll have for 26 days. You'll learn more about that later if you don't know already. So I hope to really enjoy today with my family. I'll see them over the 26 days, but my time will be so short because of my job.

I'm looking forward to see more of the family today. We don't have any real plans and that is cool too. Nice to have a day off and just do what ever and be where ever more or less.

Happy Fathers day again and enjoy this day once again. I'm off to do just that and will see you all over the next 26 days now. Oh I smell breakfast going... yep time for me to get out of here for sure.

Support only a click away

It's the last weekend before the big APHA World Championship Paint Horse Show and I spent part of my time running around helping my father and my In-laws with PC troubles.

I should have looked at installing Log Me In down at the In-laws, but I might hold off until they get a new PC. Now on my Dad's I managed to get it working once again and he can turn it on and off when he has an issue.

The nice thing about a program like Log Me In is that one they have a free version and I can pretty much help him when I get a chance and from home. With a simple few clicks and secure login, I have a connection from point to point and can see his screen and make changes like I was right there.

It comes in handy when a fire breaks out and something needs to be looked at and quick. With the show around the corner, I'm not going to have the time to drive over and look at something. With Log Me In working again, he can grant access and I can make a quick fix and get back to what ever I was doing.

Mind you I'm talking simple things and some stuff might need a first hand look, but at least with access I might be able to poke around and see something an trouble shoot from my end and then prepare to come on site and take care of things in person.

FCC looking to back free wireless broadband

I came across this story today and wanted to pass it on to who ever pops in here. Prices are growing like crazy for all kinds of goods & services. Apple has recently introduced its new iPhone, due out in July and the thing is sweet, but its the cost for the phone service and the price to get on the net that kills you.

My thought is at some point all phones will be more like the iPhone and PDA devices and the cost to make a call or browse the web will be cheaper. What I hope is just like all phones have a camera, they'll all be more PDA/net friendly and with cost effective services. Charge extra for something new like Video Streaming with voice chat and let those who want to have that pay for that service.

Well perhaps things like this will be closer in the future after all. The FCC wants to auction of a spectrum of network to a company with the goal of providing FREE Internet on a National level and at Broadband speeds. I sure hope they can pull this off and sorry to those companies in place now and charging an arm and a leg, better offer something else to cause us to pay & stay.

Here is a press release from a California Rep who has introduced an Act along the same lines. What a world it would be to have FREE Internet where ever I go on a PDA phone or a Laptop I can take with me.

Eshoo Introduces Free Wireless Broadband Legislation
Washington, DC – Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Palo Alto) and Rep. Christopher Cannon (R- UT) introduced the Wireless Internet Nationwide for Families Act (WIN) which, if enacted, would foster the deployment of a new nation-wide wireless broadband network.

The WIN Act mandates that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) auction certain spectrum that is currently lying fallow. The winner of the auction would be required to build and complete a network within 10 years that must provide coverage to at least 95% of our country. The licensee would also be required to provide service for free to consumers and public safety users. The WIN Act also requires the licensee to deny access to obscene and indecent material on the free service tier.

"The cost of broadband service is a barrier for too many families who want broadband, with more than 100 million Americans without broadband at home," Eshoo said.

"By every measure, the U.S. is losing the international broadband race and our competitiveness as a nation is at stake. The Innovation Agenda made a commitment to spur affordable access to broadband and this bill will go a long way to providing universal broadband access."

"The results of the 700 MHz auction disappointed many of us who hoped that a new entrant would emerge. 70% of the spectrum auctioned went to only two carriers. While the auction required under this legislation is open to anyone, it is my hope that the bold conditions of requiring free, family friendly service will encourage the entry of a new kind of national broadband service provider."

Oh No! Say it Aint So McCain...

People slip up at times and this one is too funny to leave alone. I heard this heading in this morning and had to do a search for it. Poor McCain... Now I'll have to look into this more, but it sounds like he's cutting him self off and not everyone else. Perhaps a line item Veto would be best for some people in this situation. For me, I like a nice cold one as I grill in the backyard every now an then and hopefully that will never be vetoed.

He's going to the show now

Wow, he wrapped up the democratic nomination and I couldn't be happier really. Checking things out in Texas and taking part in the Democratic Caucus was a real learning experience to say the least.

So as an Obamacan, I'm happy to see he managed to get the nod from his Party. For me a vote for him was also a No Vote for Hillary. It's not that I don't feel a woman can do the job, not at all the case. I'm just not willing to back Hillary for the job.

In the end it really doesn't matter so much who gets the job. I mean they all claim they'll do something and in some cases they do and in most cases they don't. What I mean is promises are made and broken always.

I've actually voted in the past elections for the independents for the most part and that really doesn't do much. I for one wish they'd change stuff and make every vote count and do away with the electoral college all together. Sorry if your state doesn't have that many people, but the fact is you still get a vote.

It will be interesting to watch over the next few weeks and see what Obama does next. Who will he pick and what stands will he take now. He got my early nod, but he has to still earn my vote in November now. That goes for you as well McCain, that's right its not election time yet and I'm watching you too.

Obama is favored and I like a lot of what I see so far. But in the end it will be interesting to see who wins and who sticks to his words. One of the coolest things is he's not that much older than me and that is something I'm not use to seeing at all. Someone close to my age could be in charge of things! Could be cool or scary!

The Perfect Ride

It was an event for father's & daughters that I had in mind for over a year now. The YMCA Father Daughter Program (YMCA Indian Princesses) provides Dads & Daughters with various activities and Horseback riding just happens to be one of those events they suggest. So I had this idea to get all of our tribe together for a riding session and that day finally arrived today.

I had contacted Golden Gait to set up this event and we had a total of 12 riders (5 adults and 7 girls). For me it was perfect, this was the best money I could have spent on an activity for my daughter and I. To see her and even a friend of hers riding around solo like that was priceless. To top it all off, I was able to get on a horse and ride too, something I had not done in so many years.


From left to right is Katie who rode on Silver and had never been on a horse before. I rode on Pie and she was great horse to put up with me. Freya had Rosie and they made a perfect pair if you asked me. I think I could have used a slightly bigger horse and be a little smaller myself, but thats a whole other topic in itself.

It's an amazing thing to be on a horse and something I would recommend everyone try at some point. I hope this is the start of many more riding sessions for Freya and I, even the whole family at some point. If I could even swing it, I'd love to own some horses myself some day. Until that day comes, I'll jump at a chance to get back in the saddle again.

No Slumber Here

So its called a Slumber Party or a Sleep Over, but its far from that. We'll have no slumbering here or sleeping at least until we can not stand it no longer and our heads just drop to the nearest pillow.

It will be a night or morning full of giggles & stories though. Playing games and having all sorts of fun. We'll hide this behind the guise that we will be sleeping. We will at some point sleep, but not anyone else until we say its time to sleep.

I don't think this actually what goes through there heads, but its what happens at a Slumber Party or Sleep over. What it is really is some plain fun for kids. My daughter had a birthday/slumber party last night. They went to the opening night for Kung Fu Panda and then came home for some Dance Dance Revolution 2 and other gaming. They lasted to about 2am and finally dropped like rocks.

Then you have dough nuts and milk and a little more playing before your shipped back home. The real slumber was for the parents back home and comes later for those hosting the party the following night. Yes, we'll slumber good tonight, yes we will.

To Pimp my Ride or Not

Its the daily driver if I'm not on two-wheels these days. The kiddos are getting bigger and more of them have brought about the shift in vehicles. Now the older of the rides is in need of some tender love and care or an extreme make over. What should I do for the 2001 Hyundai Elantra?

I don't think putting larger tires and a lift kit is the way to go on this one. I'm not looking to make a Hot Wheels Funny car now, so I'll just have to remain low to the ground. But if I plan to keep this car going I think I should look at some repairs and clean her up some. The nice thing is she runs pretty good for a car of her age and she's paid for too.

So it might be time to take a look at those windows and tint them perhaps. On the outside a paint job could at least make her look a tad better. I can't think of a car that I've owned having paint issues like this one. So I need to paint or buy that magic rub, you know the stuff that takes those old cars and creates new paint on them... you know the commercials I'm talking about.

Other than that I just need to adjust my hours and get out on the bike more. I can say this, I like filling up the tank on the bike for $15 as opposed to getting nothing for that in a car. Well I don't want to spend an arm and a leg, perhaps just an elbow or a foot. She's got her quirks like the last ride, but at least the AC is working for now. Oh I hope I didn't jinx something now.

Lights, Camera, and Horses

Next week is my last full week at the APHA office as we are gearing up for the 2008 APHA World Championship Horse Show in Fort Worth. I'm proud to say that for the 2nd time in a row now, that I'm able to help out with the over all promotion for the show. See at the show I'm responsible for streaming the events on the internet for the most part and in addition to those duties, I also update the web with stories and post championship photos online. This is all during the course of our very long 15 day show each year.

But the promotion aspect I'm speaking of is in addition to my regular duties. See I love to take photos and during the course of the show I can be seen running around with my digital camera and snapping away at things that catch my eye. For the past few shows I've submitted these images for a wrap up slide show and those are set to music and played on the final nights of the Youth Show & Open Show. These images are also submitted for our Around The World daily news letter at the show and additional materials that are published after the show is over.

Last year I was happy to see that the 2007 Promo Poster featured a majority of images taken by myself. It's not something that I had expected and its nice to see my work published and used to help promote the breed. At our last World Show Meeting they passed this years Promo Poster around and I noticed some very familiar images and it turns out that I nailed this years Poster and I'm very proud to have provided all of this years images.

The World Show is the one part of my job I like the most. Getting out and seeing some of the people year after year and being close to the horses is something I really enjoy. Its one thing to deal with them digitally through out the year, but it brings it all home to be up close from time to time. I must like it to stick around for my 8th straight show and working the 15 hour days at times for a little over 2 weeks straight. If you happen to be in the area and like horses, then stop on by and see some of the best looking Paint Horse to gather in one location at the same time.

Volvo passes its first checkup

Well the car is back after its first checkup. Still under warranty, we took her in to have some things looked at and they even found a couple things on their own while she was there. The strange thing about this and something I'm not really use to, is it didn't cost us a dime.

That's right, the fixed all the little things we pointed out and then some and it was all covered. We didn't even have to pay for labor or to have them look at it to begin with. Service like that is just something I've missed or haven't really had with other cars we've owned.

We are working on an extended warranty next and seeing what it takes to keep some if not all of this service for the car. My wife is very happy to have her car back again. I know the girls will enjoy this car during the summer for sure. It's also nice to know that we have a place we can take the car for great customer service now as well. Warranty or No Warranty!

Putting most of my eggs in one basket

Just got a new PC for the house this past week and man is it nice to have something fast and new to play with again. I use to build all my PCs and its been well over 7 years now. I think I got my use out of the last ones that I've built. I'll have to decide what I'd like to do was those machines later. Plus its hard to beat the price on a pre built or custom built machine these days.

So what's with all of these eggs then. Well its no secret that I'm a fan & MS guy and that I use a lot of their products. Well I'm looking to start using more and more of their products it seems now. I've become a big fan of the Windows Live stuff recently and I think I'll be using the Live Mail product and online their Calendar features for one thing.

I'm looking at learning more with VS2008 and .Net programming, its nice when you score a free version of this too. I'm also looking at the Microsoft Expression Studio line of products. Wild being such a long supporter of Macromedia Dreamweaver.

Microsoft Live OneCare is the next product that has my attention now. I hate Norton that comes with PCs and most of the others I've enjoyed over the years have all raised their prices too. I came across OneCare and the price is about the same, but they allow me to cover at least another two machines for the price.

So I find myself looking at more and more at other MS products now. Well... you win some and you loose some I guess. I'm thinking about dumping MS Office actually and would need to really think about upgrading to a newer version. I'm looking at using OpenOffice more these days, I'm still a big fan of all the free stuff and some of it can be really good if you ask me. OpenOffice does all the things that Office does pretty much.

So thanks for all the good Eggs MS and I'll keep my eyes on more of your products, but I'll also look at a few others from time to time though. You have a majority of the basket and the others are just to keep you on your toes so to speak.

Phoenix Lander to touch down on Mars this evening

The Phoenix's robotic arm digs a trench in the arctic plains. (Artist conception)
Phoenix Mission, University of Arizona

Live coverage of the Phoenix Lander will take place this evening around 6pm CST and the expected landing is around close to 8pm. The lander is visiting a location no other probe has explored and unlike the Rover on Mars, this one will remain stationary and collect data from its landing location. I've already set my Tivo and will see what happens along with my daughter this evening.

Robert Muraine Pops

Its that time of year again and So You Think You Can Dance is back, for all the fans of the hit dance show. Here's the thing with the show, I've always thought with this title it should be nothing but the crazy people that think they can really dance. Not the case though, they really get some talent on the stage year after year.

Some of the stuff I enjoy the most come from the B-Boys and Poppers and I'm amazed at some of the moves performed each year. I've only seen the first show for this season and some real talent took the stage in full force. But they really saved the best for last with this one. Check out the segment on Robert Muraine and be prepared to see nothing like you've ever seen before.



Amazing and sick... but in a good way is all I can say. What remains to be seen is how these dancers will do with the other styles of dance and that being said, is why they call it, So You Think You Can Dance. On a side note, me watching this show drives my buddy Bob completely Nutz!

Solid line = WALL!

Keeping saying this over and over to yourself now. Solid line = WALL! This has bugged me for the longest time and I've thought about writing on this for sometime too. Yesterdays "fender bender" has ticked me off enough to finally let loose here today.

If you've read earlier in my blog, we just got a new car and it was officially a week old yesterday. So I needed to get the plates and a part and took it with me to work in order to do these things for my wife during lunch. In short, someone not following the rules, caused a car next to me to move over into my lane, forcing me to move over as well. Only problem is I ran out of room and didn't want to hit the on coming parked traffic. Lets just say that two cars can't take up the same amount of space for very long.

Yes the guy not following the rules pretty much caused the wreck and as you might guess, his vehicle is perfectly fine. The freaked out lady only reacted like a majority of people would have done and well we rubbed paint with our nice new car.

See the picture above, its not the same set up, but all I'm caring about is the solid lines. DON'T cross them. STOP IT, NOW! Both of the vehicles in the above picture are examples of cars I see on a daily basis and they cross over the lines. Any lane could have bumper to bumper traffic and I see people cross those lines to merge. Your not suppose to do that. STOP IT!

Yesterday the guy turning right off the Hwy was suppose to enter his own lane of travel marked by solid lines. Nope he didn't do that and moved right in towards the car next to us as we began to cross the intersection. What do you think you would do if you saw a truck about to T-Bone you?

The officer yesterday had this to say, "17 years on the force, this is the 2nd time someone has actually stopped that was the cause of a wreck and didn't actually hit one of the cars." Not only did the guy do that, he actually called the Police, only thing is he thought he hadn't done anything wrong.

It all could have been so much worse and to look at it, you might not even tell it was really in a wreck. Still really sucks and now we have to deal with all the crap of getting things fixed to look better and make sure the insurance doesn't try to raise our rates. All because someone crossed a line or failed to stay on the right side of a line. Be safe out there people and think. Oh one more thing, use those blinkers while your at it too.

To infinity, and beyond!

Or as far as my PC will take us

Microsoft Research has been working on this little project for sometime now and its finally gone live. The WorldWide Telescope (WWT) is a Web 2.0 visualization software environment that enables your computer to function as a virtual telescope—bringing together imagery from the best ground and space-based telescopes in the world for a seamless exploration of the universe.

Best of all its totally free to enjoy, learn, and explore. This is going to be a great resource tool for my oldest and I think I'll even have a blast learning about space more too. All you have to do is visit the site and download the free software. Then your off to explore space on your own or take the guided tours of others.

Visit the site and watch the clips or better yet, download the software and see for yourself first hand. If you don't like it, you can always uninstall it, but if you have kids in school, I think you'll find this to be a great resource tool and a fun way to learn more.

Date Night

This past Friday night was Date Night for my wife and I. What's that you might ask? Well a night out for the adults or at least a few hours out together. We took advantage of the fact that my oldest was at a sleepover with the girl scouts for starters. Then my wife had heard about an hourly day care facility and we dropped off the baby as a test.

Instant alone time and Date Night! Well at least it was a couple hours for just the adults in the family. No screaming and crying and a chance to relax and just be together. It was great, really a nice evening for just us to be together.

Now don't get me wrong here, I'm not saying I don't like kids. I'm far from that and adore my kids, but it helps to have at least a night ever so often for just us. Fact is lately on family dinners out, the baby has been a holy terror.

Actually my buddy Nate had told me about it and gave me the idea of Date Night. My sister-in-law has had similar issues with their baby for dinners and I've brought up the idea of trading out some baby sitter favors to help facilitate Date Nights.

Not matter how we do it, I'm going to try and see that we do a little more of these from time to time. Plus its good for the kids too and a chance to see family or meet other kids at the day care center. Sounds like a win win if you ask me.

Out with the Old and in with the New

The new ride is here at last and its something my wife has wanted for a very long time. Ok, its a used one, but it still looks almost brand new if you ask me. A little sad to see the old ride go, but it almost had 190,000 miles on it, the AC was out and numerous other quirks.

Enough about that now. The family will enjoy the 2005 XC90 for some time now. It has AC, the windows all work and a number of other cool features. Here's to another 150,000 more miles with the new ride. Well I can hope it will hold up as well as the last car we had. Wow, we had that one for right about 10 years even.

May Movies are here

What a month for movies. It's been a long time for me to have a line of movies that I want to see like this and for them all to hit in the same month. Wow! Finding the money and time to go see these on the big screen will be a challenge for sure.

Last week we had the launch of Speed Racer and as I mentioned in an earlier blog, I'm a huge Speed Racer fan and from all the clips and behind the sceen features for this title, I'm sold already on seeing this film and think I'll be pleased with how its presented.

Back to Narnia with Prince Caspian this week. I've loved these stories and they have done a good job with presenting the first movie and hopefully they will continue on the same level with the rest of the Narnia series. I think it helps that most of these stories are short and they don't have to really cut a lot of things out.

Indy is back again and lands in May next week. Harrison Ford is back to thrill Indiana Jones fans with Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and this is a must see on the big screen as well. These adventure films have been a lot of fun and I've enjoyed them all, nothing beats the first one in my book so far, but this one might surprise me and put up a good fight.

Sex In The City on the big screen. It's been a little over 7 years for Edith and I and our first exposure to Sex In The City. We've power watched through season after season on DVDs and loved every episode pretty much. It will be nice to see how they present a movie and what story unfolds. Sex In The City hits the very end of May and rounds out a very full month of movies.

Go Speed, Go!

My all time fave is now hitting the big screen at last. As a kid growing up, I'd race home from school just to watch the Speed Racer cartoon and loved it. I liked all kinds of shows, but this is the one I really loved the most growing up. So from the past to the present, we'll look and see how Speed has changed over the years. Let's kick things off with the original show intro and theme song. Star Your Engines!



Years later, that theme would be cut up and mixed into a pretty cool dance mix. It was a must by for me to say the least, being a die hard fan of the show and loving high energy Techno tunes. Plus the crowds like hearing it played at the parties too. Moving on, the show was renewed so to speak. I've never really seen the new show, but the little bit of the graphics look OK from what I can tell. Not sure about the story lines on this one and I'll have to keep my eyes open if these show up on TV sometime now. Lets take a look at the new graphics and updated theme intro as we close in on the final turn.



I don't remember what movie I was at when I first saw this trailer, but I almost jumped up when I heard that all so familiar opening theme. Then to see the filming and treatment unfold had me looking forward to this release date. I'm a huge Speed Racer fan and this is a must see flick for me for sure. You never know what someone will do to shows like this, but I feel pretty good and expect it to be great. Enjoy the trailer if you haven't seen this one already.



I hope you liked seeing a little more about Speed, for those that don't know the history at least. Look around the TV shows, I'm guessing you'll see some of these old cartoons still out there if you look hard enough.

Just not the same with out you

Well it's been about a week or more with out the Tivo remote. Not a clue as to where it has gone. Lucky thing the new remote for the TV is full of codes and one worked right off the bat.

Now we don't have the fancy Thumbs Up/Down buttons and we don't seem to have access to the guide from the remote, at least I'm not finding that out so far. We can push on the box itself and get there though.

But what we've really missed is the Rewind and Fast Forward functions. It's been a pain to watch a recorded show and sit through the commercials. Not any more... control has been restored, a little off from before, but still closer to normal than with out.

At some point I'd love to get a super remote that does it all, one click and turn stereo on to what I want, set the Satellite to what I need, pop some pop corn and bring me a beer. Ok, the last two I'll do for myself the old fashion way. But a guy can dream still, right?

Before I get the one remote to rule them all and in entertainment bind them. I need to see about moving the Dish on up to HD standards and ditch the over air access or at least some of that. I'm thinking around the summer time might be a good time to do that. But until then, we need to hold on to this remote and not let it out of our site.

Back in the Saddle again

Today was a good day to ride! That's right, ride and so I did. I took the bike out, something I hadn't done in awhile actually and put a nice 50 miles or so on her. Actually rode with a coworker and a friend to help raise some money for St. Jude research too.

This was the 2nd year to do this and we decided to change things up a bit and make a little more of a ride and not head straight on the highways to the meet up. It was suggested that we should ride around Lake Worth. Sounded like a really cool idea and I'm glad we went with it.

The ride was great, nice cruise around the lake, perfect weather, and nothing to really worry about at all. The highlight around the lake for me was seeing the Castle. That's right a Castle in Texas sits on the Southern part of Lake Worth. The Castle of Heron Bay as its called now, sits quietly overlooking the lake.

It's in sad shape these days, but its still interesting to see and I decided to look up more information on the web. Lots of history in this structure to say the least. I'd like to go back and actually stop and look at it some more.

In the end it was a great day to ride and for a good cause. Hopefully next year we can increase the number of riders and earn a lot more money for St. Jude. Between now and then though, I hope to ride a whole lot more.

Spring Cleaning Storms

Hard hitting, Spring Cleaning storms have struck the home recently. With a whirl wind of activity we have finally started throwing out junk and looking to sell some stuff in a garage sale.

Here's the kicker, the stuff was not expected to return no matter what. That's right, we had items that we are hoping would have brought us a little bit of money and help us clear up some room around the home.

Things don't always work as they are intended to though. Sadly the Garage Sale was a bust pretty much and didn't net any real profits at all. But things did clear up a bit just the same.

Now some of these items have returned to the garage, in effort to still sale them somewhere. But its not all bad, the Garage looks a lot better then it has and shows signs of improvement. Spring Cleaning is in full effect or infecting the house with luck as well. A need to reduce the clutter and get rid of things that are not really needed should continue to spread around the house.

By the time you read this, you might notice a couple minor changes here as well. For one the simple URL is now available for those of you visiting. Still in the same familiar place, just thought I'd clean up a little on the net and make it easier for those wanting to visit. I hope to make a lot more use of this as well. I also need to look back at my Podcasting, I'm sorry those have come to a screeching halt and I think it's time to mash that pedal and get those in gear again.

Wish me luck now and think about cleaning up a little in your life too, you might find a little less clutter could give you a whole new perspective on things. It helped me, I can see the floor now and that's a nice foundation to build upon.

Where does the time go

Time flys by when your having fun or no matter what in fact. So to say I haven't been busy would be an under statement. Last weekend we had a little family camping action going on. This weekend we'll be a father/daughter camping event.

I've been working on setting up a fundraiser for my wife to raise money. I'm looking to tap some friends in the gaming community to donate to this effort. It's a big effort of mine to take on, but I'm going to give it my best. Cool thing is I've lined up a pretty cool gift to offer as a raffle to those that donate. I think I can get a nice package together for this effort.

This past week the garage went through some changes and looks like we are getting a lot of junk thrown out and hopefully sold at the Garage Sale this weekend. I sure hope it all goes and makes us a little bit of money at the least. All of that money is slated to help with donations for my wife's walking event. Did I mention the fundraiser thingy I'm working on?

I've got a little one on the side that I'm working on I'll at least make a personal donation myself and be riding in the St Jude ride again this year. I'm part of the motorcycle friends that will be helping out. Would be cool to do on a horse sometime, but I'll stick to two wheels for now.

My movie script is way behind and its going to be interesting to pull this one out. Lucky for me the next weekend looks open so far and I'm going to need to try and do some serious writing over the next days and make an amazing comeback. I've been dealing with a few other things that take up time, but not needing any mention here.

Who's a Hero Now?

An awesome launch event from Microsoft for IT Developers was held today in Dallas and I was fortunate enough to attend this event. The Heroes Happen {here} event helped launch Visual Studio 2008, Windows Server 2008, and SQL Server 2008.

The Key Note given by Jon Roskill was excellent and was themed around Dynamic IT and outlined goals that all IT departments should shoot for. Best of all the latest products from Microsoft showed how easy it could be for IT departments to reach those goals. Most IT departments spend 80% on keeping things going and 20% on creating new solutions. The Dynamic methods goal is to switch those percentages around with each other and with this selection of tools, you can reach those types of goals.

Various tracks were available to showcase the latest tools and various guests were on hand to talk about how these tools are helping them in their daily workloads. The Vendor expo had a variety of sponsors on hand to showcase some of their products and the event wrapped up with a number of free goodies for all to take home and start using.

Free SWAG

• Windows Vista Ultimate
• Visual Studio 2008 Standard
• Windows Server 2008 (1yr)
• SQL Server 2008
• Windows Mobile Dev Kit
• Microsoft Forefront (trial)
• Microsoft System Center (trial)
• and more goodies

Events like this not only inspire you, but they also put a lot of the tools in your hands to start working with. If you get a chance to attend one of the events I recommend you jump all over it and fast. You can look at some of the information online and most of these products have basic versions or demos available for download as well.

It's an HD thing

Amazing about sums it all up and interesting at the same time. Sometimes you just have to stare and take it all in and I'm talking the tiny details that come from a really nice HD picture. Only thing is not all shows are broadcasting in HD and that means you see a lot of shows in SD (Standard Definition).

Now if you don't take those shows and try to stretch them out, its not so bad. I do notice things in the area of text from SD broadcasts, they just look bad in that area. Also just because a channel is in HD, doesn't mean that they are broadcasting programs in HD all the time. In fact I've even seen some HD stuff, like the Today Show for example and their cuts to stories appear as SD. In most cases that format switches auto for you and then switches back to HD, but you still notice a difference in the quality of the picture.

HDMI is pretty much the defacto connection and we are talking about 1 cable to rule them all so to speak, sending both HD video and Audio in a single neat cable. Only thing is I'm not setup with HDMI all around, so I'll have the best picture I can to my TV via HDMI and then send my all my audio out to my stereo via digital audio. We are still going to have a great experience all around, just a few more cables.

So when you start looking at upgrades to the world of HD, keep in mind HDMI and how many connections between all your devices. Over time you'll also see more and more Channels switch over from SD to HD content. DirecTV is pretty much leading the market with the number of channels available in HD, but you could still see some stuff in SD.

Gaming in HD or at 1080p is the best and I'm enjoying this a lot on the LCD tv and my Elite Xbox 360 handles it great. Games are pretty much designed for this format and you can't go wrong with this combination. PC connections are also a nice feature in some of these HD TV sets too.

Last is the area of HD DVD or I should say Blu-Ray. I'm in no hurry, I know Blu-Ray has one, but until these drives drop way down in price, the media drops and pretty much we see SD DVD leave the market, which I don't see happening, I'll be fine with normal DVD and in fact a lot of DVD players upscale to 1080i or 1080p and look great.

Lets make a movie

That's right, its time for Script Frenzy once again, having moved up to April form June. Same as last year with only 30 days to write a movie script from scratch. I had a great time last year doing this and have decided to make a sequel to my blockbuster from last year.

No it wasn't produced or anything like that, but come on now, that is what all writers want to do, make part two of their great project. So its time for me to dust things off and wake up my characters from last year and see what adventures they can get into this time.

Last year was fun and tough at the same time, I'm hoping that I'll have it easier in April and looking forward to the break afterwards leading up to NaNoWriMo. Today is the start and if you ever thought about writing a screenplay, then why not take the plunge and join in on the fun. Take a look at Script Frenzy and just write daily.

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!