Courageous Ideas - Pigeon Impossible!

Pigeon Impossible is the brain-child of writer/director Lucas Martell. It's the end result of nearly 5 years of hard work, coordination, and creative genius. In essence, it's about a rookie secret agent - Walter Beckett - who is faced with a problem seldom covered in basic training: what to do when a curious pigeon gets trapped inside your multi-million dollar, government-issued nuclear briefcase.


Here, take a look:





The animation is good and the story is simple, creative, and mildly addictive. It continues to rack up views on YouTube (approaching 3 million views) and is collecting all sorts of awards around the globe. If you enjoyed the video and want to learn more about the creators and process, check out: Pigeonimpossible.com. There is also a blog at: Blog.pigeonimpossible.com and a very informative collection of podcast at: Pigeonimpossible.com/podcasts.


So be careful out there, the next time pigeon poop lands on your head, it might be contaminated with radioactive waste.

Three Wise Monkeys - Sydney Australia

Remember the Three Wise Monkeys?

"Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil, See No Evil!"

It's widely thought that the original philosophy of the Three Wise Monkeys came from a Tendai-Buddhist legend, which originated in China in the 8th century (Nara Period) but he pictorial maxim was popularized by a 17th century carving over a door of the famous Tōshō-gū shrine in Nikkō, Japan.

Mizaru, covering his eyes, who sees no evil; Kikazaru, covering his ears, who hears no evil; and Iwazaru, covering his mouth, who speaks no evil.



As I was strolling around Sydney the other day, I was reminded of this maxim as I passed by 555 George Street.

That's the current home of the 3 Wise Monkeys Pub. The location has a long history and attachment to the banking industry. The Bank of Australia's 'Southern Branch' was established on this site during 1879 in rented premises. In 1886 the existing building was constructed under the supervision of Architects Wardell & Vernon. The property was owned by the Estate of James Powell and was sold to the Bank of Australasia in 1902 for 10,000 pounds. The property operated as a bank, changing affiliations several times, until 1998.



In September 2000, 3 Wise Monkeys opened their doors as a Pub, just in time for the Sydney Olympics.



There are three unique bar areas and there is free live music offered 7 nights a week! If you stop by, you'll be tempted to make a monkey of yourself. So just for the record, I should remind you that as the legend goes, there was a fourth monkey - Shizaru. This last monkey is sometimes shown covering his abdomen or genital area. He symbolizes the principle of "Do No Evil."

Have fun out there but be careful......

Happy New Year! Auld Lang Syne!

It's hard for me to believe - January 01, 2010. 01/01/10.......

Happy New Year!

Christmas in Sydney - A Reflection!

It's different for me to spend time in Australia or any other country in the southern hemisphere during the Christmas season. Frankly, it's a tad bit odd to walk around during the onset of summer with all of the spark and energy that is characteristic of that warm season and know Christmas is knocking at my door back in the U.S. Somehow, the warm and tropical weather makes me feel like something other than Christmas is going on .... Yeah, I know I'm merely a product of my environment. I'm frequently reminded by friends and family members that Jesus, the religious epicenter of this holiday, was born in Bethlehem, and it seldom snows in that part of the world. That usually brings up the whole St. Nick story and the commercial discussion..... you know the rest of that story.

Never less, having spent most of my life living in cool to colder climates, I suppose I just grew to equate Christmas with snow and colder temperatures. The whole Los Angeles thing hasn't really resonated with me either. It's a bit warm here in the winter time. But at least it cools down at night and we get the occasional rain during the season making it a bit more wintry. (Can I admit that seeing all of the photos at Dickster's and Bowie Mike's blogs has made me a bit homesick?)

I'm sure I've been a victim of all of the commercialization as well. Years of television and media influences have convinced me that -

Christmas = Icicles, snow, and cold!

Not so in Sydney, Australia.

Christmas = shorts, tank tops, sandals, and swimming pools. It's the beginning of summer.

A Christmas tree in Darling Harbor. The center of social activity and a great place to stroll and people watch.

It was 75 degrees F.


But if it's Christmas, there's shopping to be done. And one of the big destinations for shoppers in Sydney is Paddy's Markets.

Lots of retail items for sale by a variety of vendors.


So many T-shirts for sale. I couldn't force myself to buy one. I need another T-shirt like I need another bear market. I'm guessing none of my friends or family members are longing for a shirt that says Sydney either. But I could be wrong.

Another shopping destination is the Queen Victoria Building. AKA, the QVB. The QVB is a late nineteenth century building designed by the architect George McRae and constructed in the central business district of Sydney, Australia.




A photo of the southern side of the QVB which opens to Bicentennial Plaza facing Sydney Town Hall.

The inside of the QVB.
In addition to retail shops, there are eateries and coffee shops.

Note the summer attire.

So the bottom line is this: Many people live in the Southern Hemisphere or in warm and tropical climates. For those that celebrate Christmas, it's quite normal for it to be nice and warm during the Holiday season.

But for me, I'll keep dreaming of a White Christmas and hoping for snow!

Merry Christmas - 2009

Here's Wishing you Joy, Peace, and Happiness!

Merry Christmas!

Here's a clip from the movie Elf starring Will Ferrell, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, and

Zoey Deschanel.

If you're looking for a silly and fun movie to watch during this Holiday season, take a break and watch Elf. I think you'll find it entertaining.

Cheers!

Christmas at the Grove

Ten years ago, in 1999, the real estate firm Caruso Affiliated broke ground on a great undertaking. Their goal was to create a 575,000 sq ft. retail and entertainment center directly in the heart of Los Angeles. In 2002, their dream was realized when The Grove opened it's doors.
Featuring an animated water fountain and a trolley in addition to great restaurants and shopping venues, The Grove has become a popular destination for just about everyone. I seem to stop by every other month or so to eat, catch a movie, or just unwind. The Grove's many restaurants include Maggiano's Little Italy, Wood Ranch BBQ and Grill, Morels French Steakhouse, The Whisper Lounge, The Farm of Beverly Hills, La Piazza and The Cheesecake Factory...... just to name a few.

In 2003, I went to the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony which featured Kenny G, BeBe Winans, Kirk Whalum, Norman Brown and Joe Lawrence. The show also featured live snow and culminated with Santa arriving in his sleigh. It was a nice touch and a great opportunity to share the Holiday spirit!

Since then, I try to pop by at least once during the Christmas Season. Here are a few shots from my visit this year:

Lots of lights and lots of people. It was an enjoyable night!

Continue to enjoy the Season where ever you are!

Christmas Time is Here! Prep and Landing!

A Charlie Brown Christmas on Blue Ray.... Isn't that exactly what you want in your stocking?

Don't get me started on the whole Blu Ray thing... but I am a big fan of " A Charlie Brown Christmas." I usually try to catch it every Christmas season.

It's special in it's own way.

I've been slowly catching up on my Christmas specials, including Charlie Brown, and tonight, I watched a new Christmas special - Prep & Landing.

Prep & Landing is a 30 minute animated story based on an idea by Chris Williams at Walt Disney Animation Studios and developed by Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers-Skelton. It first aired December 8, 2009 on ABC. I missed it then but I recorded it and just got around to watching it tonight. It was cute. It's about an elite unit of elves, Prep and Landing, who ensure that homes around the world are properly prepared to be visited by Santa. You can catch it again Thursday December 24, 2009 on ABC.

Enjoy!

Creative Minds strike again! Elin Woods goes a clubbin'

When a picture is worth 1000 words.

Or several hundred million dollars in endorsements!

Okay, some of you got it right away. Yet, some of you really had to think about it and look at the photo over and over before it made sense. You probably asked yourself: Why is that lady chasing that mascot with a sand wedge? "Oh, wait a second! I get it!" Then the laugh......

So is that what you'll say the next time you see a Gillette Ad, or Nike commercial without Tiger Woods in it? - "Now I Get It" - Will you stop drinking Gatorade because Tiger endorsed it and now he seems to be out of public favor? What about you Buick drivers? Will you turn your car in for a different make?

I find this whole Tiger Woods event fascinating. Frankly, it's kinda been background noise in my life for the past few weeks. I've been so preoccupied (once again) with the trivial happenings in my life that I haven't really thought much about it. Sure, I've had the occasional laugh and joke, but today, I actually took a minute or two and reflected on his situation. I know it was over a minute because I looked down at my watch and noticed the second hand sweeping along the black background through at least two rotations. Don't be alarmed, I don't plan to delve deeply into the psychological or social implications of the event but I'll briefly share my thoughts with you.

I'm not sure I've ever purchased or used a product just because Tiger Woods endorsed it per se. Partial exception - I think Nike makes some cool stuff, and I'll concede that Tiger has helped to perpetuate and universalize the brand. I won't discount his effect on the branding of Nike and my subsequent purchase of Nike products. You can bet that I'll keep wearing and buying Nike stuff as long as it looks good and plays well. I am certain, however, that I've never relied on Tiger Woods to calibrate my moral compass. My successes and failures, like most people, have been independent of Tiger. I've viewed him as a Guy who takes no prisoners on the golf course. He's passionate about the game of golf and he's great at it. He wins and he does it in an exciting and convincing fashion. He takes a pretty boring spectator sport and infuses it with excitement. It was a bonus that he seemed to be socially conscious and a good role model. It's tragic that Tiger and Elin will now have to deal with issues of trust in order for their relationship to survive. Elin will have to believe that Tiger will no longer be unfaithful, and Tiger will have to believe that Elin won't club him to death while he's sleeping. Both difficult issues to overcome.

All this aside and at the end of the day, If Tiger comes back and kicks butt on the golf course, people will watch him and pull for him. Sure, he'll lose a couple of fans here and there because of his infidelity. But sports fans care about winning! People will look elsewhere for moral guidance and role models. Tiger has fallen off of that pedestal and will be viewed primarily as a sports figure. Should he get his head together and win some big tournaments again, the endorsements will follow!

As for me, I'm keeping my Tag Heuer Watch. Not because Tiger endorsed it or wears one. But because it's a great watch and it looks good!

That's just the way it is!

Free Christmas music Downloads! -Free Holiday Music Sampler!

That's right, you heard it here! Free Christmas Music Downloads. In fact, it's an entire sampler album.



In keeping with the spirit of the season, and hoping to perpetuate the belief that it is "Better To Give Than to Receive," I'm hoping to give everyone an early Holiday present!


Read below:


In keeping with the season’s theme of spreading goodwill and holiday cheer, Apple is offering an ITunes album packed with 20 Yuletide tunes performed by various artists, all for free!






The iTunes Holiday Sampler includes renditions of such holiday classics as We Wish You a Merry Christmas, performed by Weezer, and The First Noel, sung by David Archuleta, as well as original Christmas songs by comedian Stephen Colbert and Glasgow band Glasvegas. The album also comes with iTunes LP, so you can check out lyrics, view photos and read more about the artists associated with the album. Here’s the complete roster of tracks in the sampler:

1.O Come All Ye Faithful by Amy Grant
2.The First Noel by David Archuleta
3.Silent Night by Sarah McLachlan
4.Carol of the Bells / Jingle Bells by Barry Manilow
5.It Snowed by Meaghan Smith
6.Above the Northern Lights by Mannheim Steamroller7.Baby, It’s Cold Outside by Lady Antebellum
8.We Three Kings by Toby Keith
9.God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Rascal Flatts
10.Silent Night by Wynonna
11.Twelve Days of Christmas by Mexicani Marimba Band
12.We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Weezer
13.A Snowflake Fell (And It Felt Like a Kiss) by Glasvegas
14.Another Christmas Song by Stephen Colbert
15.Greensleeves by Vince Guaraldi Trio
16.Dream a Dream by Charlotte Church
17.The Nutcracker, Op 71, Act 2: Character Dances (Divertissement) by Kirov Orchestra & Valery Gergiev
18.Angels We Have Heard on High by Aretha Franklin
19.O Holy Night by Musiq Soulchild
20.Auld Lang Syne by The Lonesome Travelers

You can download the free album here Itunes free Holiday Sampler:

Note that this offer is valid until December 17, 2009 and is available from the US ITunes Store only.

You will need to have Itunes installed on your computer with an active Itunes account to enjoy the album.




Good Luck....


And pass this link on. Keep in mind the expiration date.

Creative Ads - Beer Goggles!

This one is short and cute!

Beer goggles" is a slang term for a phenomenon in which consumption of alcohol lowers sexual inhibitions to the point that very little or no discretion is used when approaching or choosing sexual partners.

Boys will be boys!

Tiger Woods Photo! Ooouch!

See it here first. Tiger Woods in post-accident photos!

Okay, that was a cheap shot.... Someone clearly got creative with photoshop software and manipulated a photo of Tiger and his wife Elin. I received this in an email. (I'm not mentioning any names) It just goes to show you that people love you when you're winning and on top, but as soon as you stumble - they kick you a few times and pull out their photoshop software and make fun of you.

Once again..... Life isn't fair!

Black Friday! Bright and Sunny for Max Martini - A Little Shady for Tiger Woods!

Millions of American shoppers hit the pavement today and juiced up the economy a bit.


Did you Survive Black Friday?




In recent years, you really needed to have your game face on to mix it up with the crowds. In some cases, having the face wasn't enough. Pads and protective equipment were necessary to avoid injury or death.

This year, I hit the bricks for a few hours but mostly just to run a few errands. The shopping I did today was mostly coincidental and by accident. I walked into a local sporting store to buy one item that was advertised in the newspaper for half price. I walked out of the store with two big bags filled with 5 items and a big smile on my face.

Contrary to what you might be thinking, I wasn't really smiling at the savings - It was more of a smile to embrace and welcome "the spirit of man." In my 35 minute shopping spree, I was fortunate enough to share a wonderful moment with actor Max Martini. Those of you who know me are aware that I was/am a huge fan of "The Unit"

You may recall my outrage when I learned that the show had been cancelled! In my humble opinion, the show was just starting to reach its' stride. The actors were starting to gel and the landscape was opening up.

One of the characters in "The Unit" who was particularly starting to find his way into the hearts of the viewers was "Mack 'Dirt Diver' Gerhardt." His character was shrouded in a bit of mystery initially and traveled between fighter, soldier, father, husband, and friend. But ultimately, as the episodes flowed - you had to fall in love with him.

Today as I chatted with him briefly, I learned that his charisma and charm are sincere. He's "For Real" folks! He took time out of his day to chat with a fan (me) and by doing so, I became a bigger fan. I passed on that I loved the show, hated to see it get cancelled, and admired his work as an actor.

I'm certainly pulling for a re-birth of "The Unit" in some capacity but failing that - I'll be sure to catch Max Martini's future projects and hope you guys will too.


Be sure to catch Trooper - (official trailer) and Unearthed when they hit the screen.



On a shadier note,


According to (CNN) -- Golfer Tiger Woods was treated and released after suffering minor injuries in a car accident early Friday in his central Florida neighborhood.

It seems Tiger, who is 33 and just about a month shy of a birthday, was in a minor accident outside his home. The details of the accident are a bit sketchy but it appears he is in good condition with a few cuts and abrasions to his face.

The single-vehicle accident occurred about 2:25 a.m. in Windermere, a suburb of Orlando, according to police. Woods pulled out of his driveway in a 2009 Cadillac SUV and struck a fire hydrant and then a tree. (Yep, Tiger is having another tough day driving! He's in the trees again! - You know the jokes are coming! figured I'd get mine in quick)








Police Chief Daniel Saylor said two Windermere police officers were the first to arrive on the scene.

"There was Tiger Woods laying on the ground in front of the vehicle, with his wife over him rendering first aid," he said.

"He was in and out of consciousness with lacerations to his upper and lower lip," Saylor said. "He was mumbling but didn't say anything coherent."


Woods' wife, Elin Nordegren, told police she was inside the house when she heard the accident. She went outside and used a golf club to break out the rear window of the vehicle, then pulled him from the SUV.


Hang in there Tiger.... here's to a speedy recovery!

Happy Thanksgiving! A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving - Watch It Here

When I was a kid, I couldn't wait for the Thanksgiving Holiday to arrive. Not because I was looking forward to giving thanks or eating myself into some ridiculous transcendental gluttonous state, but because I knew that when Thanksgiving arrived - Christmas was officially right around the corner!

One of the true hallmarks of Thanksgiving in our home was watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. It pretty much set the mood for a laid back and fun-loving Holiday Season.



A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is the tenth prime-time animated TV special based upon the popular comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz. It was originally aired on the CBS network in 1973, and won an Emmy Award the following year. The special was directed by Bill Melendez and Phil Roman. In the special, Peppermint Patty invites herself and her friends over to Charlie Brown's for Thanksgiving. Never deterred, "Good ole Chuck" with Linus, Snoopy, and Woodstock, attempts to throw together a Thanksgiving dinner.

I'd love to invite you all over to my blog for some Turkey, hospitality, and more.... But since I havn't figured out how to upload pumpkin pie, I figured it's not too realistic; Therefore, feel free to stop on by to check out A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. I'm streaming the entire episode (compliments of Hulu.com) below.

I hope you'll enjoy it and have a wonderful Thanksgiving where ever you may be!



Here's Wishing You A Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Reliable Crane and Rigging? Maybe Not! Accidents Do Happen!

Talk about a bad day at the office!

Fortunately, no one was injured in this accident but it's clear to me that the "Numbers" didn't quite add up.

Crane Smashes House

Let's see.... How does that equation go again?

(Total Weight of tree) x (Moment Arm) < (Total weight of cab) x (Moment Arm)

Ah, forget it.... I can't remember that stuff anymore

It's been a few years since I've had to make these computations but I guess there really is a practical application to all of the engineering mechanics I studied in college. I hate to see the effects of miscalculations when it results in bent metal, splintered wood, or injuries and casualties.

I'm relieved that no one was harmed when the crane smashed through this house in Santa Rosa, California and it's a little bit easier to giggle at it all and laugh it off knowing it's not my house and not my company that owned the crane, and no one got hurt. But I wonder how it's all going to get cleaned up. I'm sure the owners of the home will get their home repaired and all their furnishings will be replaced or fixed. That's what insurance is for right?

I'm a tad bit curious about the mistake that was made to allow this accident to happen. Clearly, someone decided it was okay to try to lift the tree over the house with the crane. I'm not completely sure what went wrong to allow the crane to tip over and smash the home but I'm sure it will be fully investigated and someone will be held accountable.

Here are a few details about the accident:

The accident happened at about 2:20 p.m. last Monday at a home on Molly Court, a small cul-de-sac in west Santa Rosa, according to fire Battalion Chief Andy Pforsich.

Apparently, they were using a crane to remove a tree from the back yard of the home. The weight of the tree was more than the crane could handle and the crane tipped backward and crashed into (through) the home. The cab portion of the crane remained suspended in the air Tuesday morning.

Dennis Olson, a neighbor who lives nearby on Nightingale Drive, said he was near the crane and saw it fall into the home.

"My first reaction was to get out of the way, and I ran to get clear in case it tipped sideways," Olson said. "Then I thought, Why didn't I hit the video button on my camera?"

Yep Mr Olson, it would have been nice to see the crash first hand. And I'm sure some network would have paid you big bucks for the rights to the video as well. But luckily you're safe. I read that Kevin and Michelle McCarthy, who had just moved in to the home in August, had gotten into a car accident earlier Monday, and the couple was in Marin County dealing with the crash when they got the call about their house. Sad news about their car accident .... but at least it kept them away from their house and away from danger.

Here's the news story: