Ecommerce Employment Opportunities Heating Up

I have been fortunate in my career to be on recruiters' radar screens.  Part of it has to do with how rapidly the ecommerce space is growing, part of it has to do with what I've been able to do in my career, part of it is that I've always taken recruiter calls and actively helped them to connect to potential candidates (keeping me in good stead for future opportunities) and part of it is related to actions I've taken to make myself found (e.g. LinkedIn profile design, speaking at industry events, being quoted in press releases, etc.)

At the start of the year, though, contacts from headhunters died down to nothing.  This had me worried that I had slipped off the grid somehow, and actually had me professionally concerned.

It turns out it had to be something else, as in the past month I've been solicited to for six different opportunities - all of them but one for household brands.  Every one of them cherry jobs, at least based on the job descriptions.  

I've never seen the space as active as it is right now, and it is fun to watch.

The growth in the ecommerce industry continues unabated.  It is a great place for a career - either as a starting place, or for someone like me in the middle of their career.

Woman Raped Despite 911 Call

This is absolutely sickening:



What kind of society are we becoming?  Obviously one that will need to fend for itself.  

As local budgets continue to implode and the economy continues to swirl the toilet, we've not heard the last of calls like this.  What a sick culture we've become.

Now, tell me again about the "war on women."

The lesson in all of this is that the only person that is responsible for your safety is ultimately you.  Have a plan and protect yourself, because there may be a day (perhaps sooner than you think) where there will be no one to do it for you.

Post Vacation Status

After 11 straight days at the cabin, reality set in at work.  While I worked most days while on vacation, it was not enough and I'm way behind.  I put in a 13 hour day yesterday, and since my wife works until 9 tonight, there's no reason for me to go home, so it will likely be another marathon.

The good news is that I was able to go in the first place.  If not for some key folks on my team that picked up my slack, it would have been impossible.  Hence, I'm very lucky.

So the bad news is that the to-do list is daunting.  The good news is that I'm refreshed, energized, and grateful for the time I was able to spend with my friends and family and the memories we created.  

Onward.  But first a quick look back:

Next Update on Book Cover

It needs work (and I'll be forwarding my edits to Lulu when I return from vacation), but here's the latest pass on the book's dust cover:

 

"How's Your Mom Doing?"

Being up at the lake, I can't help but to think of my Dad and all of the time that he spent up here. The memories of him are thick in the cabin, at the resort, and on the lake.

Maybe that's why I dreamt of him a couple of nights ago.  Since he died, I've had maybe five dreams about my Dad.  It is very rare, and, frankly, has left me pretty unfulfilled.

So when I saw him in my dream, I was excited.  I remember telling him how much I missed him and how often I thought of him.  He looked kind of disappointed, and ultimately spoke, "How's your Mom doing?"

And with that he turned and walked away, and in true dream fashion, went to an area where I could not reach or speak to him.   

I awoke with a vivid memory of the dream, and bothered that it was such a lousy interaction.  I wasn't sure why he said what he said, and was wondering if the Jack Daniel's the night before was just wreaking havoc with my subconscious.

But then as I was fishing I though more about it.  And I think the message Dad was trying to send was something along the lines of stop pining for a parent that is no longer here and enjoy the one you still have.

Another pretty good piece of advice from the old man.  He's still got it.

The Biggest Fish of My Life

I was given a hot tip on where the walleyes were lurking - in the shallows, and in the reeds.  I floated into a likely area, pitched out a minnow-tipped jig, and immediately reeled in a keeper walleye.  Turns out the information from Swanson's Bait was correct indeed.

On my second cast I got hung up, and on my third cast I got bit off.  I loaded up the hook and pitched into the shallows again, and immediately felt what could have been a bite, but as I pulled in the thing at the other end of the line felt like it was too big to be a fish.

I thought at first I was hung up again, but was making headway in reeling in.  Out of the shallow water appeared to be a sizable log that I was bringing up to the boat, except that the log suddenly moved its tail.

It happened to be a giant fish.

The fish gave me a good look on its first pass, and it wasn't really fighting me yet.  I noted it was a giant muskie, and also noted that my hook set was such that the monster would not be able to cut my line with its massive teeth.  I had a chance at landing this fish; I'd just need to tire her out.

About the time I got a good look at her, she got a good look at me and made her first run.  My drag screamed as she sailed out about 20 yards, and I quickly changed my reel to allow me to back reel as she made runs instead of relying on the drag.  

Back and forth we went, with me hauling her close, her getting spooked, me back reeling to try and keep the line from breaking, her easing up, and me reeling her in again.  Finally, after five or six runs, she appeared tired enough to try and net.  Since I was by myself, this was not an easy feat.  I missed badly on my first and second attempts, which led to multiple additional runs by the muskie.  However, on my third attempt I was able to get her nose buried in the bottom of the net and flip her into the boat while the back portion of her spilled over the outside of the net.

She landed with a thud on the boat floor and my jig popped out.  She thrashed about the floor, and I wanted to get a measurement on her quickly and get her back into the water.  I did not have a tape with me, so I got my size 11 feet next to her and walked off three feet plus a third - somewhere between 36" and 40".  She was far and away the biggest fish I ever caught in my life.

I snapped a quick shot of her:

I went to grab her by the back of the head to lift her and release her, but her head was too large for me to get my hand around.  Fortunately for me, she was still thrashing around, and I was on a pontoon, so I opened the front door of the boat and guided her thrashing until she thrashed herself right out the open door and into the lake.

Upon hitting the water, she was upright but stationary for a couple of seconds, but quickly came back to her full senses and swam off.

Me? I just stood there shaking.

I sent some quick texts of the photo to buddies, made a quick call, then got ready to go fishing again.  I picked up my jig, and noticed that, based on how much it had bent, I got pretty lucky that I landed the fish at all: 

I'll likely never catch another fish like that muskie ever again.  I don't fish for them, and they're renown as being "the fish of ten thousand casts."  I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.  I won the fish lotto.

It was just dumb luck, and a lot of it.  And it made for a great memory; one I clearly will never forget. 

Woman in Oklahoma Gets Second Prayer Answered

There's a lot I could say about this woman and her incredible perspective, but I'll let you discover for yourself:

 

Pauly's Fish, Part 2

Last year I told you about my buddy Pauly, and his triumphant return to Leech Lake for some walleye fishing. 

Well, he came up again this year.  Indeed, the Gang of Four were reunited, just like we had been for so many years.  We ate a bunch, drank a bunch, watched Blazing Saddles, Hunt for Red October, and Under Siege for the 48th time.  And we also fished.

Here is the team.  Given JP's grin, somebody was likely just talked about.

 

The first fish?  Well, that would be Pauly.  Again.  All told two walleyes were caught as the four of us fished.  Pauly caught both.

 Pauly came a long way to go fishing with us - literately and figuratively.  Judging by the smile, I'd say it was worth it.

So we conclude another gathering of the Gang of Four.  Nobody got hurt; permanently anyway, and hurt feelings don't count.  Hence, it was a success.  No, we didn't catch enough to have a fish fry.  But judging by Pauly's smile, we did catch enough.  We did indeed.

Golfing in the Dew

Last Saturday I couldn't sleep (thank you, dinner full of MSG) and I was up at 3:00.  After doing some work, reading, writing, and making breakfast, I got to a point where I needed to do something different.  Unfortunately, it was still 6:00.

That didn't make any difference to me.  I got my golf gear together, changed clothes, and got ready to be the first person off on the golf course.  Only one issue - the course opened at 7:00.  That meant I sat in the car and did emails for an hour, but nevertheless, I'd be the first off.

I cranked out my tee shot on #1 at exactly 7:02, and despite the misty morning (which would turn to rain by the time I hit #16, I had an awesome day.  My driving was a B+, fairway play a sold B, but my chipping was a horrible D, as I flew the green on two holes and had three chili dips.  Killer.

But my putting?  A-.  And the fun part about putting on a wet morning is that you have physical evidence of exactly what you did.  Here are some examples (click on photo for larger image):

This one was a nice 12 foot honey that kept me at bogey on the tough #1 at Thornberry

This bomb was for my second birdie of the round (and of the season) on the par 3 #8

 

This one was a 20 footer from the fringe to save par on the #1 handicap #15

So with two birdies and dropping putts left and right, you'd think I'd score, right?  Ah, but you forgot about my chipping.  I ended up sporting a 96. Yuck.

But I'll tell you one thing: there's not a much better feeling than standing over a long putt and feeling confident that not only can you get it close, but you can make it.  It sure makes the game a lot of fun.

Alas, I'm sure the feeling will be a fleeting one.  Regardless, I had a great morning as long as it lasted.  And it was nice to leave some evidence of my prowess for the foursome that followed.

Leech Lake Considering Reducing Protected Walleye Slot

Per Doug Smith's StarTribune article of May 5, the Minnesota DNR is considering decreasing the protected walleye slot on Leech Lake for the 2014 season.  Right now, any fish over 18" need to go back into the lake, and what's being considered is raising that to 20".

The rebound of the Leech Lake fishery is nothing short of miraculous, as the stocking efforts and cormorant reduction activity have conspired to create what is currently being considered.  Fifteen years ago, Leech was a walleye wasteland.  Now, it is arguably the walleye fishing jewel in Minnesota's crown.

Comments may be sent to Doug Schultz, DNR area fisheries supervisor, 07316 State Highway 371 NW, Walker, MN 56484 or emailed to doug.schultz@state.mn.us.


Here's my letter:

Dear Mr. Schultz,

Please consider this an enthusiastic letter of support for the considered decrease in protected slot for walleyes on Leech Lake to 20".  I've fished Leech for nearly 45 years now, and have seen it at its very best and worst as far as a fishery goes.  These past few years have been nothing short of spectacular, and I'm quite confident that the fishery can adequately support the reduction in slot.

Likewise, the reduced slot will encourage more traffic to the Leech Lake area, and will be a substantive boon to the local businesses.  Given the tough year that the area will have to absorb in 2013 with "the opener that never was," something positive to look forward to in the coming year will be a welcomed distraction.

Thanks much for your consideration, as well as all you do to protect one of the state's most beloved fisheries.

YDP

Front Book Cover is Completed

I paid up for Lulu.com's design work for a dust cover.  It was not cheap.  Here's what I got (it was the best of there options):

As you can tell by the photo, that's not Blitz, but my second dog.  All of my photos of Blitz were of too low of a resolution to be used, so the choice was to use stock photos of Yellow Labs, or use a photo of my current Yellow Dog.  Since my current dog looks a ton like Blitz, that's the path I opted to use.  I feel bad that it's not her, but knowing Blitz's nature, I don't think she would mind.

The cover is pretty simple, and it is hard to believe what I paid to have it done (kids, leaning Illustrator and Photoshop are good skills to have), but it is what it is.

I should have the rest of the cover within two weeks.  Then, hopefully and finally, we'll be off to print.

John Stewart Video on Obama Scandals

John Stewart, the left-leaning talk show host on Comedy Central, addresses the latest scandals.  (Warning - R rated)

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Indecision Political Humor,The Daily Show on Facebook

Commander Chris Hadfield Covers "Space Oddity" in Space

I know what you're thinking: this is going to be lame.

If it were lame, would I post it up?  Enjoy.

Duck Stamp Champion a Six Year Old Girl

Duck stamps are extremely important for those that love waterfowling and the outdoors. Not only is there a national stamp, but many states have one as well, and they serve as a federal and state revenue sources since they are required in order to hunt.  The revenues raised by stamp sales are typically earmarked for habitat and conservation initiatives; things that likely would never be funded without the earmarked revenue.

Since the first federal stamp in 1934, it has become a point of prestige for outdoor/wildlife artists to have their handiwork featured on a stamp.  In fact, it has proved to be the launching pad for a long and lucrative career for many a wildlife artist.  As years have passed, formal selection processes have evolved to contests, and the result has been evident in the quality of the artwork that has been generated.  

Recently, the US Fish and Wildlife service held a Junior Duck Stamp contest for grades 12 and under, separated into age categories, which ultimately would decide a "best in show."  And the winner this year?  Well, she was 6.

That's right.  Six years old.  Miss Madison Grimm of South Dakota.  First grade age.

Here's her art of a Canvasback drake:

There was some back and forth on the technique that the little girl used to create the image, and she was actually removed as champion for a time.  But after investigation it was clear that the little girl created the image under legal means, and was rightfully reinstated as the 2013 Junior Duck Stamp champion.

I'm in my late 40's.  I can't draw stick people.  The above is something I'd love to have hanging on my wall somewhere in my house.  What fantastic talent.

Two obvious points:

1) I'm pretty sure that world of wildlife art has not heard the last of Madison Grimm

2) Can you imagine the art her parents have hanging on the family refrigerator?   

How to Gift an iTunes Playlist

So you want to gift an iTunes playlist, as many have over the past five years or so?

Well, if you've updated to iTunes 11, you can't.  As I found out after trying to gift a playlist to my brother for this birthday, Apple no longer has that feature available.  

Taking away the ability to make it convenient for your customers to buy lots of songs is a good business idea.  Selling stuff is good, right?  Taking away something like that is, well, stupid.

I've really been feeling like Apple is on the verge of jumping the shark, and this is yet but another example.

If you're an iTunes user that happened to enjoy this feature, you can voice your displeasure to Apple by clicking here.

In the meantime, if you're looking to gift a playlist, Amazon has a fairly painless way to do so.

Apple idiots.  Stark raving idiots.

Music Mix for My Brother

Every year for my brother’s birthday I put together a mix of music that I have found over the past year that I’m appreciating for one reason or the other.  

Today’s that day – happy birthday, bro.  Hope you enjoy the mix.

Driving Toward the Daylight – Joe Bonamassa.  Joe is playing the best power blues out of anyone out there right now.  He cranks out a massive amount of work, with some of it excellent, and some just OK.  This one is hit out of the park.  Great night driving song.

Bridge Burning – Foo Fighters.  Are the Foos the last rock band standing?  Not quite, but it is close.  This is an awesome workout song, and a great one to tee up before a big hill climb on the bike.  BTW, this song is so much better when played live and the weak backing vocals on the chorus are gone.

While My Guitar Gently Weeps – Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, SteveWinwood, Dhani Harrison, Prince.  This is taken from a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concert about ten years back.  Most of the song is a very strong cover of the Beatles classic made famous by Eric Clapton’s incredible guitar work.  The real treat is the final guitar solo by Prince – about three minutes of a shredding solo.  There is no questioning Price’s musicianship, and after this performance, there should be no questioning his guitar work either.  Wow.

Call it Stormy Monday – Albert King & Stevie RayVaughn.  A classic song from two classic artists.  Stormy Monday has become a blues standard – I have five different covers of it in my iTunes library, but none of them approach the guitar work shown on this song.  It is really fun to hear the interplay between the two artists.  That would have been a hell of a show to see.

Bob Mould – Star Machine.  The Minneapolis native shows that he’s still relevant as a song writer and as a guitarist.  While his sound may hot have changed a ton since his days in Husker Du, he still has the chops to hold his own on alternative radio after all of these years.

That Wasn’t Me – Brandi Carlile.  Beautiful blue-eyed soul.  I saw her sing this live last year – just her and a piano – and you could have heard a pin drop.  It generated a very well deserved standing ovation.  She’s coming back into town this year, and I hope she does it again.  Her smoky voice just does not get old to me.

A Living Prayer - Allison Krauss & Union Station.  I actually bumped across this song via a YouTube video of an appearance on Leno.  For my money, Allison Krauss has the most pretty and pitch perfect voice out there right now.  I think that’s why she’s in such high demand for other artists.  She just sounds like an angel.

Heinrich Maneuver – Interpol.  Yeah, this one might be a little obvious.  However, I just think it is everything that I love about alternative music: guitar heavy and lyrics that can be interpreted a number of different ways.  While this is older, it has been on heavy rotation for me lately.

If Walls Could Talk – Ry Cooder.  Classic Cooder guitar work, and some spectacular background vocal work.  Cooder has been an under-appreciated ax man for nearly 30 years now.  I’ll give you that his vocals aren't sweet, but as he’s aged it makes is more forgiving.

This Ship Goes Down Deep – Black Lab.  There is so much about this song that reminds me about late ‘70s or early ‘80s rock.  I could definitely hear Eddie Money, Tom Petty, or Boston doing this song.  Maybe that’s the reason why I enjoy it so much.  It is a nice departure from a lot of the lo-fi stuff that is being put out there right now.

Gone Baby Gone – Boz Scaggs.  This guy still has the soul.  His voice has mellowed some with age, but goodness the man can still sing.  And as for still being able to hit those high notes, well just give it a listen and be prepared to be blown away.

Lucky That Way – Joe Walsh.  This is EXACTLY the song that you would expect Joe Walsh to write at this point in his life.  It is almost a cliché.  There are a lot of reasons why this guy is so well loved, and making a song like this is just one of those reasons.

Let It Be (Naked) – The Beatles.  Let it Be is my second favorite Beatles song of all time.  I have no idea how many times I've listened to it in my life, and I still get goosebumps (as I have now, listening to the song and writing this).  McCartney was never happy with how the Let It Be album came out – he felt Phil Spector and his famous “Wall of Sound” covered too much of the work up.  Hence, Paul recently went back and remixed the album without all of the Spector touches.  You’ll note that he also used an alternate vocal at the end, as well as an alternate Harrison guitar solo.  It makes for a fun rediscovery, and one that still delivers goose bumps despite all these many years and listens.

You’re Early – 2:54.  This is representative of a lot of the music that I’m into now.  It is darker, brooding, layered, and pressing.  There are a lot of bands I have in rotation that are putting this kind of stuff out (The XX, recent Bush, Katie Tucker and the Sons of Sweden)  and this song by 2:54 reflects it all very well.

Thao & The Get Down Stay Down – Holy Roller.  Quirky band, but I really love her voice and approach, especially when combined with the talented backing band. 

Seven Cities of Gold – Rush.  In honor of their recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it seems only appropriate to take one from their most recent album Clockwork Angles.  The album is a slight return to Rush’s roots, and their musicianship is still on full display for all to see.  Rock royalty; still as relevant today as they were in the 70’s.

This is What Makes Us Girls – Lana Del Ray.  I can’t put my finger on why, but holy smokes, I LOVE Lana Del Ray.  The people in her songs are not living anything close to a perfect life, and the imagery she’s able to invoke is really something.  I have no idea if she’ll be able to have a career of longevity or not, but I’m really liking what she’s doing right now.

Big Love – Lindsey Buckingham.  Rolling Stone named Buckingham the 100^th best guitarist in rock.  Listen to this song and tell me if you think they’re right.  He did this song when he toured here last year, and it is still etched firmly in my memory.  My jaw is still open.

At Transformation – The Tragically Hip.  I continue to be a huge fan of the Hip, and they continue to fail to disappoint.  They're still cranking out relevant and damn good music, despite their length in the tooth.  Canada's finest export

Blues Man - B.B. King.  Dude is 87.  I've seen him live probably five times - the first time was when I was a freshman in college thirty years ago.  I'm seeing him again on June 1.  Incredible.  I love this song as his voice and his guitar work belie his age, and given the lyrics of the song, it comes together so well.

Lake Harriet - Carrie Rodriguez.  Every time I hear this song I get homesick.  Cute little toe tapper.

Neverending Math Equation - Sun Kil Moon.  I'm really liking this band a lot.  There are tones of Son Volt, Strand of Oaks, and Bon Iver, 

Metric - The Void.  Hate their politics.  Really enjoy their music.

Cat Power - 3, 6, 9.  Like the Hip, she's been at it forever, and is still cranking out some really enjoyable music.

That's it.  Hope you have a happy birthday.  I miss you and hope to see you soon.

Happy Mother's Day

Due to conflicting schedules, I won't be seeing my Mom today.  I feel really crummy about it, as we seem to have a tougher and tougher time getting together.  I was hoping that the move to Green Bay wouldn't change too many things.  As it turns out, with my friends, my hobbies, and most importantly my family it changed a lot.  Far more than I would like.

But there's not much I can do about that now.  I'm here now and need to see the job through to the conclusion.

Looking back, I've miss a lot of Mother's Days.  It usually fell over fishing opener, and Mom always got the short straw.  There was always a call and card, but if you don't have the hug, well, it just lacks the important stuff.

So, Mom, this is for you - while not totally applicable, it's damn close:



I look forward to seeing you later this week.  Also:

The Minnesota Fishing Opener That Wasn't

Due to unprecedented weather, a massively thick sheet of ice still covers the surface of Minnesota's "big three" walleye lakes - Leech, Mille Lacs, and Winnibigoshish.  Fishing opener, nearly a religious experience for Minnesota anglers, is ostensibly closed.

In fact, in Walker, Minnesota it is currently snowing.

I've fished Leech for opener for nearly 30 years, and have never seen anything like it.   Spring has still not arrived in force in the upper Midwest, and it is a killer for sportsmen and those that make their living off of them.

Fortunately, the weather is getting significantly warmer next week, which is good because my crew and I are headed to Leech for our annual trip.  But if the projected weather will be enough to open up the lake prior to our arrival is a question still be be answered.

Global warming, my butt.

Mark Dayton Questions Vikings Release of Chris Kluwe

At a press conference last Wednesday, the esteemed Governor of Minnesota, with nothing better to do, waded in on the conspiracy theories around the Vikings release of Chris Kluwe.

According to conspiracy theorists, Kluwe was a Pro Bowl punter that was released due to his outspoken stance on LGBT rights.  Kluwe is most famous for his vulgar open letter to Emmett Burns, and gained deep endearment from the left because of it, among other things. 

Kluwe's release had nothing to do with the fact that his skills had diminished to the point of being average, yet his salary was higher than average.  It had nothing to do with the fact that the Vikings had done the EXACT same thing with Ryan Longwell (took a kicker in the draft, claimed to want "competition," had the new kicker work out at the spring rookie camp to ensure he was OK, then summarily cut the more expensive Longwell).  It had nothing to do with the Vikings looking for better performance at a significantly lower cost.

No.  According to Mark Dayton (among others - really), the Vikings instead chose to cut Kluwe under suspicious circumstances.  Yeah, that's it.  

For the first time since we moved, I'm glad I'm not a Minnesotan.  What an embarrassment. 

Audi Spock Ad

Audi has come up with a wonderful ad which pits the old Spock against the new.

While you'll need to be a Trekkie to get a number of the jokes (some of which are quite subtle),  hopefully the pay off is not lost on those with just a cursory knowledge of Star Trek.



Since it takes up such a large part of the ad, and it way off the grid unless you're a pretty strong Star Trek geek, here's the reference to Bilbo Baggins (warning - it's ugly).  

For me, there is a ton to love about this ad.  But the best part is Nimoy's profanity at not being able to fit his golf clubs into his Mercedes.

Great ad.

Happy 50th Birthday, Mrs.YDP

Last week, ahead of her 50th birthday today, my wife received the following:

When I first saw it on the counter, I laughed.  But then I quickly got angry.  That may be how the AARP sees my wife.  But how I see her is so very different.  See for yourself:

These aren't shots from years ago - they're all from this year.  I'm not sure what you see, but I see a beautiful, loving, relevant, vibrant, and sweet woman.  It is the same woman that stole my heart over 20 years ago, and is the same one that can still make my heart beat faster.  If anything, she's become more beautiful as she's aged.  I certainly know that I love her more as the years have slipped by.

So, AARP, stick it in your ear.  Go solicit for old ladies somewhere else.  The woman that lives here is nothing like what you want.  

Come on back in 20 years or so.

Happy birthday, sweetheart.  I cannot convey how very much I love you, and I can't wait to see what your second 50 years brings.

Benghazi Cover Up Beginning to Unravel. But How Far?

The mainstream American media is now, finally, asking some relevant questions about the massacre in Benghazi, and the accusations that the Obama administration left Americans to die, seemingly because it was politically expedient to do so.

Here's an exchange with CNN (yes, CNN.  Finally) and State Department Deputy Spokesman Patrick Ventrell:

VIDEO REMOVED DUE TO ANNOYING AUTO-PLAY FEATURE

Short of right leaning outlets, the media failed to cover this scandal in any kind of detail.  They blindly ran with the administration's talking points that the attack was due to a YouTube video, and there was nothing that could have been done to help the doomed embassy workers.  In fact, When Mitt Romney brought the subject up in the debate, moderator Candy Crowley lost all pretense of neutrality and actually offered up defense for the President.

Now that Obama has been dutifully reelected by the media, it appears that slowly but surely, the truth is coming to light.  And the truth in this case, based on the evidence presented by testimony of sworn witnesses, wistleblowers, and others, shows the following:

• The administration knew this was an Al-Qada operation from just about the jump
• For some reason, the administration chose to concoct the YouTube story, and told it dutifully to all who would listen
• Assets were available to help the besieged embassy, but were told to "stand down," despite the administration's claim that there was nothing that could have been done
• After being informed of the situation, Obama failed to convene any kind of response or mobilize any action.  He went to bed. 

Where this will all shake out will depend on if mainstream media like CNN continue to do their jobs, or if they continue to sweep the story under the rug for the administration.  Given how this story will impact Hillary Clinton's presidential prospects, I expect the latter.

The media got one candidate elected (and reelected) by carrying that candidate's water.  Hillary is another media favorite.  

Expect none of this to hit the mainstream.  

Fleetwood Mac Concert Review and Setlist - New Orleans Jazz Fest

Jazz Fest has been an incredible two days of music, and expect a full report in a future post.  In the meantime, the highlight of the event was Fleetwood Mac's headliner performance at the end of the second Saturday session.

The band looked and sounded great.  Mick Fleetwood still had great energy and kept things moving, with help from his rhythm section mate John McVie.  Stevie Nicks, while unable to hit some of the high notes, still had that smoldering, sexy rasp, although she could have lost the old-lady sunglasses.  But the real thrill was Lindsay Buckingham, whose masterful guitar work delighted the massive crowd.  

Last August I was able to catch Lindsay in a one man show in Green Bay.  And yesterday, I was treated to more of the same - a virtuoso performance by an under-appreciated guitarist.  He was simply on fire.  

Here is the set list for their act:

Second Hand News
The Chain 
Dreams 
Sad Angel
Rhiannon
Not that Funny
Tusk
Sisters of the Moon
Sara
Big Love
Landslide
Never Going Back Again
Without You 
Gypsy
Eyes of the World
Gold Dust Woman
I'm so Afraid
Stand Back
Go Your Own Way
World Turning
Don't Stop
Silver Springs
Say Goodbye

Some highlights:

• The new songs off of the new EP sounded amazing.  I highly suggest checking them out if you have not already
• Big Love was done solo acoustic by Lindsay, and just as he did last summer in Green Bay, he absolutely killed it
• On Rhiannon Stevie avoided the high parts, but her reworked vocal styling made it a really enjoyable treatment.  We didn't miss a thing about the old version
• I'm So Afraid was Lindsay at his finest, and brought the crowd to a boil in the extended guitar solo.  Outstanding
• Don't Stop, while not a personal favorite, had the crowd dancing and singing.  A great way to wrap up

 In all of my decades of concerts, I had never seen Fleetwood Mac.  I feared seeing them at this point in their careers.  I could not have been more wrong.  As their recent EP and their latest performance have shown, they are still dynamic, relevant, creative, and gifted.  What a fantastic show.

Incredible Gymnastic Routine

This really has to be seen - incredible:

Beautiful Interaction with Alzheimer's Patient

Alzheimer's is a horrible, horrible disease.  It renders its victims as shells of human beings.

But as this video shows, while the sufferer may be nearly entirely gone, part of them still remains, even if it is a tiny part.

It just takes an angel to pull it out...

Google Glasses - The Next Revolutionary Device?

Technical blogger Robert Scoble writes in a recent post about his experience testing Google Glasses.   If they appear to have as much utility as Scoble describes, and if Google can get the price under control, this could be the next big thing.  

If he's right, the time for buying some shares of GOOG is right about now.

So, what's the big deal?  Check it out:




Here's a cool video of how just one application of how they can be used:

LSU to Play at Lambeau Field?

According to CBS, it is being discussed.  

I can't even begin to think of how fun that would be.  

The football game would be a rout, hence the only competition would be in the famed Lambeau parking lot where two vaunted tailgating heavyweights would duke it out.  Both sides claim great drinking capacity, and great cooking, so that part may be a toss-up.  It may very well come down to the following:

• How would the Tigers do partying in weather thirty degrees cooler than what they're used to?  
• And how would Bucky fans do getting the ever-living stuffing Tiger-baited out of them?  

All I know is that it would be the party of the decade; especially if I could get a whole mess of cousins up here with me.  

Get your tiger-bait ready, boys, this might go down.

Oh, yeah.  And GEAUX TIGAHS