"It is a luxury to be understood."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Liberty = Terror
Sunday, November 9, 2003
10:55 p.m.
Arguably, the state of Israel is under a greater threat from terrorism than is the U. S. Yet, listen to the way Israel’s highest court responded when, in 1999, it was asked to balance due process rights against dire threats to the security of its people:

“This is the destiny of democracy, as not all means are acceptable to it, and not all practices employed by its enemies are open before it. Although a democracy must often fight with one hand tied behind its back, it nonetheless has the upper hand. Preserving the Rule of Law and recognition of an individual’s liberty constitutes an important component in its understanding of security. At the end of the day they (add to) its strength.”

The preceeding quote and the following are from President Elect Gore's speech in Washington today...

I want to challenge the Bush Administration’s implicit assumption that we have to give up many of our traditional freedoms in order to be safe from terrorists.

Because it is simply not true.

In fact, in my opinion, it makes no more sense to launch an assault on our civil liberties as the best way to get at terrorists than it did to launch an invasion of Iraq as the best way to get at Osama Bin Laden.

In both cases, the Administration has attacked the wrong target.

In both cases they have recklessly put our country in grave and unnecessary danger, while avoiding and neglecting obvious and much more important challenges that would actually help to protect the country.

The entire prepared text can be seen by clicking on the title of this entry

Equal time for ign'ance!
Saturday, November 8, 2003
12:20 a.m.

Newsman Chokes on Ipecac
Tuesday, November 4, 2003
01:54 p.m.
CNN anchor, Miles O'Brien was reading along on the teleprompter, yesterday when suddenly he paused, stammered, made a couple of stabs at it, then finally got the pronunciation from someone off camera and launched into his story about new recomendations* on the use of syrup of Ipecac for 1st aid in accidental poisoning. He said he'd never heard of it! He must not have children. I think most of us keep a bottle to induce vomitting in case our kids ever ingest any of the poisons common in modern households.

It reminded me of a time last year when CNN anchor, Carol Lin was interviewing a medical researcher about a new drug. I don't remember what the intended use of the drug was (it was not a contraceptive). The researcher mentioned that in addition to treatment, the compound could be used prophylactically, too. Ms. Lin responded, "Oh, it can be used for birth control?"

*Btw, it is now recommended NOT to use Syrup of Ipecac!

Feed the DJ!
Sunday, November 2, 2003
01:47 p.m.
I tried something new this weekend, mobile DJing. I was a radio DJ throughout most of the '70s & '80s and have DJed a few dances & functions at work. This was my first time 'before the public', however.

I was to DJ/MC a wedding reception at 5pm. I had no idea when it was to end (it ended up going to about 9:30). The reception featured a buffet so I figured I didn't have to worry about eating beforehand or bringing something to snack on. I was to play some light music as the guests arrived until the bride and groom were finished with pictures and would make their entrance. The buffet was setup beforehand and guests lined up as they arrived. Before the line evaporated, the newly wedded couple arrived and we were into the featured dances. By the time I looked up, the buffet had been removed. It didn't bother me at the time but a couple of hours later I was getting shakey. I had not eaten since lunch, 7-8 hrs earlier. I finally was given a piece of cake and made it to the end of the evening.

In retrospect I should have gone through the buffet line before any of the guests arrived. At the time, this didn't seem proper and I thought surely someone would be bringing me a plate of food.

For future reference, if you are hosting such an affair, be aware:
The songs that the DJ plays average about 3 minutes in length,
it takes at least a minute to change CDs (2-3 minutes if you are trying to decide what would work best next or looking for a request).
This leaves little to no time to go through a buffet line.
Hence the subject of this entry - Feed the DJ!

Of course, in the future I'll know to provide for my own needs. This was a first for me and I was not prepared.

Oh, other than dealing with low blood sugar and a growling stomach, the gig went really well. I got plenty of compliments and several inquires of my availibility for future engagements!

Gentleman from Nacogdoches
Sunday, October 26, 2003
09:45 p.m.
I think most Public Radio affiliates were in Pledge Week(s) last weekend. Our local station is part of The Red River Radio Network which covers southern Arkansas, northern and central Louisiana and eastern Texas. The main studio is in Shreveport, LA. I volunteered to answer phones and take pledges last Sunday. I underestimated the drive time and was a little late in getting to the studio. About 10 minutes after I was scheduled to arrive, I heard one of the announcers say something about having no volunteers to answer the phones that day. I thought they figured I'd stiffed them but it turned out my name had not been placed on the schedule and they were not expecting me (or anyone).

On Monday, I heard them talking about all the support they get during the fund drives and mention "the Gentleman from Nacogdoches" who drove all the way over to answer phones on Sunday. I didn't tell them not to mention my name and they didn't ask if they could either but it seems strange to be referred to as, the Gentleman from Nacogdoches. Sounds like a character on "The West Wing"!

Baseball playoffs broadcast notes:
Sunday, October 5, 2003
10:40 p.m.
ESPNs K-zone pitch location tracking system is a plus. It shows (in re-play) graphically where the previous pitch was in relation to the strike zone.

Speaking of re-plays, that sound effect FOX is using in & out of its re-plays is annoying. If it were not annoying it would just be inappropriate as it resembles a race car sound. Race Car - baseball, I don't get it?

On the subject of transitions. The transition with sound ESPN uses (judiciously) is one of a baseball breaking glass to reveal the next shot - appropriate!

It looks like FOX was able to delay the start of game 5 between the Cubs & Braves until it could conclude its football telecast. Good for FOX and we viewers!

The green rectangle behind homeplate that sometimes contains advertising and sometimes does not should be consistant. It should not be blank in any shot, that's annoying! Use it consistantly or don't use it at all.

Oh, and Shaq, "Who's in charge of spellin'?" Who's in charge of pronouncin'?

Profound Experiences
Sunday, October 5, 2003
12:34 p.m.
You'll see no entries in "The Ronin Blog" for the month of September, 2003. I've not been sick, just VERY busy (mostly with work). I've participated in our monthly musical performance, produced a video on August's Bream Busters event, attended a day long Defensive Driving class, acquired supplies and created 80 name tags for our Music Festival, bought cover stock, designed and printed 200 covers for the Music Festival Programs and designed and mocked up the programs. I also called and chaired my first regional TPEA meeting for which we had to travel to Jasper one evening after work. I produced a 114 image digital 'slide show' for use in a presentation to our 'Governing Body' which met at the same time we were hosting the State Schools' Music Festival. For the Music Festival, I produced & projected slides of the festival logo at the competition venue, set up and operated a sound system (mics, CD playback and stage monitoring) there and seperate set-ups for Opening Ceremonies and the Awards Banquet in the gymnasium as well as videotaping all the events.

I don't mention all this just to brag on my accomplishments. These accomplishments have brought me to a realization: I CAN STILL GET 'THE JOB' DONE!

In my 50s, routine duties at work significanty reduced and looking for another job so I can retire and draw two incomes, I've been concerned that I didn't have a lot to offer a potential employeer. My accomplishments this past month have boosted my confidence. I'm feeling much better about seeking another job, now!


"I complained that I had no shoes," wrote the 13 century, Persian, Sa'adi, "until I met a man who had no legs."

This past week at our Music Festival, I met a man who had no legs, just one arm and only four fingers. Not only was he not complaining but at one point he was out of his wheelchair, down on the gym floor and DANCING to the rock & roll band with a great big smile on his face. I hope to remember this inspiring sight for years to come! (I have it on video - that should help)