So this month marks quite a few anniversaries of sorts, highs and lows ... but proof that life just has those highs and lows and it's all about taking them as they come and moving forward.
Ten years ago this week, Chris Hebert and I launched Firehouse.com from the friendly confines of my little spare bedroom on Indian Lane in College Park. The Firehouse Magazine people were not thrilled. Hate is perhaps too a strong word, but they sure as hell didn't want a bunch of punk kids in their early 20's taking their brand and doing who knows what with it online. Luckily for us (and the Firehouse brand), the leadership of parent company Cygnus (at the time) was comprised of two dynamic former Turner executives in Gerry Hogan… Continue Reading This Post ...
No matter how well John McCain does (or doesn't) do in debates, no matter what level of intelligence (or not) his running mate has, no matter how much respect you can show to a true War hero who gave it all for his country and then some. No matter what his position on the issues, the economy and education. One singular incident will prevent me from voting for John McCain.
It was in 2007, on the escalator at the Capital Hilton (actual escalator NOT pictured, right), that changed my view on Senator John McCain.
As some background, I've seen McCain many times over the years including several speeches at the annual Congressional Fire Services dinner in Washington, I knew his personal… Continue Reading This Post ...
I enjoyed the 10 minute opener of Saturday Night Live a lot better than I enjoyed the 90 minute debate. Check it out below if you're not a late night eagle like myself.
On the actual debate itself, what the heck is up with CNN and this ridiculous real-time opinion meter?
Why the heck do we care what a few dozen undecided in Ohio think during the debate? The thing took up like 20% of the screen and can't we have our own opinion as we watch without having to "think" about what others are thinking at the same time we think what we're thinking is the right thing to think? Continue Reading This Post ...
Just announced live, O.J. Simpson and his co-conspirator were found guilty on all charges in connection to the sports memorabilia 'take back' incident in Las Vegas. His smiles of joy after being found not guilty 13 years earlier (literally) quickly turned to tears.
There are an intriguing number of ironies here surrounding the number 13.
Tonight's verdict was on October 3rd (Pacific Time). Exactly 13 years to the day of the Not Guilty verdict in Los Angeles in the deaths of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson.
October 3rd is 10/3. 10+3=13
CNN reports that the jury deliberated for 13 hours
In the 1995 case, the verdict was read at about 10 a.m. after three hours of deliberating. 13.
A few weeks ago, our bud Matt Kovalakides (aka Matt Koval on YouTube) did an online short entitled "The Baloney Train" (also embedded below) about a trip he took several years ago cross country on Amtrak. His friends told him that all these hot European women would be on the train, ya know ... because everyone travels by train in Europe. Sadly, this is America and well, watch the video and you'll hear Matt's sad tale of 3,000 miles in Amtrak coach.
So it just so happened I was coordinating Matt's travel to come do some video work at the 2008 FOLIO: Show in Chicago, which takes place this week from Monday through Wednesday. (For the record, It's the cool hip conference for magazine and publishing industry professionals who want to learn, share and be inspired). Needless to say Matt wasn't about to take the train a second time. His flight arrives Sunday night.
At the same time, I was preparing my own travel plans to the show. After years of flying somewhere on at times a weekly basis it seemed, the last year and a half has been a pleasure. I've managed to have to fly only twice as all of my travel to Red 7 Media's offices has been via Amtrak. BWI to Stamford. A relaxed ride, internet the entire way ... uber productive. And I'm earning some serious rail miles.
So I figured, what the heck. I'll take the train to Chicago. That's right. The train. Washington, D.C. to Chicago on the Capital Limited. A journey through the scenery of Pennsylvania, Ohio and on into Illinois. Granted, most of that travel will be in utter darkness since departure is at 4 p.m. Sunday and arrival sometime around 8 a.m Monday.
Why would I do such a thing you may ask? Read On ...
Is ready for a more enthusiastic energetic start to the new year after a blah start so far....2009 starts today...:) -- 3 hours ago
has $12 donation tickets to the Baltimore Comedy Factory...benefits the HVFD. Message me to get them, buy lots! Save $5 on admission..laugh. -- 8 hours ago
was amused to see Matt Lesko (the free gov't money guy) at the movies wearing a question mark-filled jacked as well as one on his butt. Odd. -- January 04, 2009 19:06:39
It was in 2007, on the escalator at the Capital Hilton (actual escalator NOT pictured, right), that changed my view on Senator John McCain.
As some background, I've seen McCain many times over the years including several speeches at the annual Congressional Fire Services dinner in Washington, I knew his personal… 
Why the heck do we care what a few dozen undecided in Ohio think during the debate? The thing took up like 20% of the screen and can't we have our own opinion as we watch without having to "think" about what others are thinking at the same time we think what we're thinking is the right thing to think? 
There are an intriguing number of ironies here surrounding the number 13.
So it just so happened I was coordinating Matt's travel to come do some video work at the 
