Where I am at

Well, it’s been a long time in one place. Some might say too long. Others have told me not long enough. This is the longest I’ve been in any one place, including my formative years growing up in Syracuse, New York. I spent almost 20 years there before being drafted and shipped overseas. As the TV production world spins, turns, changes, and evolves with new technology appearing on the horizon everyday there are times when we have to orbit on our own. No, I'm not producing a Reality TV show on the World of TV Production. And no, I am not retiring! After 30 plus years I’m leaving South Coast Film & Video. In my time here I’ve seen and done some pretty amazing things and for that, I am truly grateful. Being a journalism major, weaned on the Watergate Scandal and a political junkie, I’ll be saddened that I won’t be doing those up close and personal interviews with the likes of Richard Nixon, John Connally, George H.W. and George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Ann Richards or Dick Cheney. I truly enjoyed being part of the crew that got to follow Dr. Ron Paul on his many congressional campaigns here in Texas, his one attempt as the Libertarian Presidential candidate and several attempts as a dark horse Republican primary contender. Or to step into the ring with the likes of George Foreman, Mike Tyson or Evander Holyfield for a round or two. Cover the fabulous movie junket interviews with: Roy Scheider, John Travolta, Paul Hogan, Tom Cruise, Cameron Crowe, Larry the Cable Guy, Jim Carey, Michael J. Fox, Orlando Jones, Nicholas Sparks, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Lopez or Antonio Banderas. As well as listening to the everyday struggles of some of the most renowned physicians, surgeons and scientists such as: Michael DeBakey, Denton Cooley or Paul Chu. It has been a long, strange trip. However, at some point in your life you have to do what you would like to do. Combine your education, passions, your art, your research, and your career. Especially the ability to educate, collaborate, consult, share, and give back to your family, friends, community, and others. I’ll be passing up the multiple exotic locations, twelve hour plus days, waiting patiently at the airport for the next flight out or that last piece of much needed gear for that out of town producer, the 4:00am fast food drive through breakfasts or the 1:00 am “wolfed" down burger, to fight off the low blood sugar shakes from not eating for the last 12 hours, the comradery and friendship of my talented production co-workers, South Coast's extensive list of clients and freelancers. I will also miss the people who make things happen day after day at every location we’ve ever filmed. You know, “the little people!” As I often remarked on several shoots, when the clients eventually express a desire to get into this business, “All this excitement and the chance and opportunity to make hundreds of dollars a year. Why would I give it up?” Good rewrite here!!!! I would be remiss if I didn’t give a huge shout-out of thanks to all those who helped me along the way. There were several and they know who they are! I enjoyed every minute of my time with them, whether it was taking their class, filming a car dealer spot, an industrial safety video, a corporate sales presentation, a breaking news story, or an international webcast. They've helped me through bad times, bad relationships, vices, addictions, rehab, countless hours of script changes, audio and video recording/editing sessions. Not to mention their assistance in those long treks cross-country in vans and planes packed with all kinds of gear and just enough money for coffee, gas, and beer. With just barely enough time to get from here to there. I will still be working in video production. My new position as the Senior Video Producer at Rice University’s Center for Digital Learning and Scholarship starts this Monday, October 27th. http://rdls.rice.edu/ Yes, I’ll be going into education to assist a growing movement that is shaping the future of online learning for students and teachers across all grade levels. And although I’ve worked with some pretty influential people in the past at South Coast, I can definitely say that I am looking forward to working with some of the premiere educators in this country and around the globe. It's a new department and a new landscape, a new world! I’m still on Social Media; Google+, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Tumblr, FourSquare. So keep your eyes and ears tuned in and watch for my posts. There won’t be many from those exotic locations, crack-of-dawn treks or after-red-carpet-interview-parties with some A list celebrities. But I will be posting my photos, musings, and thoughts along the way. Stay tuned.

Genealogy's Star: Genealogy is not as easy as some would like it to ...

Genealogy's Star: Genealogy is not as easy as some would like it to ...: I got the following comment to a recent blog post: Thank you for a thoughtful and insightful column. I am a DAR registrar and lineage rese...

Tracking the family. Genealogy sleuthing my ancestors through nineteenth century Rochester, NY

Nik Wallenda completes tightrope walk across Niagara Falls

Nik Wallenda completes tightrope walk across Niagara Falls

The Hog is in the Tunnel!

Finally, some really good front line political reporting;
http://news.yahoo.com/missed-while-not-watching-iowa-gop-debate-083602735.html

Rapture talk prompts 'confessions' – This Just In - CNN.com Blogs

Rapture talk prompts 'confessions' – This Just In - CNN.com Blogs

Niftee 50ees Classic Drive-In