Good Monday Morning Offerings…
A note about “connectivity” and a few quick stories about the wonderful and strange world we live in!
Note: The Dictionary defines “Connectivity” as “the quality or condition of being connected or connective.” But let me tell you what it REALLY means in today’s hi-tech hustle and bustle… It was just before 6:30am this morning and I had just cleared the security line at Reagan National Airport to fly up to NY for a hit on Martha MacCallum’s “Live Desk” today at 1pm when I realized that I LEFT MY BLACKBERRY AT HOME!!
The first wave of anxiety hit like the unexpectedness of a car accident. It was the panicked feeling of that dream where you’ve bizarrely wandered into the world one day without pants on… that kind of panic. (And NO, I didn’t actually look down to see if I had forgotten to wear pants today!)
Then as I collected myself and began to mentally prepare for the worst (unanswered emails until I could make it into the office by 8a in NY), I remembered that there was a time long ago when we actually lived without blackberries, iPhones and yes, folks, even CELL PHONES.
But as much as Henry David Thoreau would have been appalled at my “Personal Episode Meltdown” at the airport, it’s the new brave world – so get “connected” or get left behind!
Happy Monday Stories…
#1 Take Your Baby to Work?!
USA Today cover story today is about a Texas PR firm that ENCOURAGES their employees to bring their newborn babies to WORK! This story perplexes me beyond all pontification… Of all the jobs I have had in my life, taking care of a newborn takes the cake BY A LONG MILE!! So how this new office environment model is anything short of CHAOS is beyond me.
#2 Hunters & Gathers… and Women!
Also from USA Today, an article that highlights the enormous increase in female HUNTERS – especially that of young girls under age 14! This is quite fascinating, as it would sort of challenge the centuries old gender role of young women and “animal harvesters!”
#3 You’re Never TOO Old
A WSJ cover article about Japan’s “Oldie Idol” – Hirosho Hoketsu. Mr. Hoketsu, who competed in the 1964 Equestrian Olympics, will at 67 years old once again compete in Beijing (Hong Kong) this year in the “Dressage” category (aka Horse Ballet.)
Further evidence that you’re never too old to realize your dreams!
(Sorry I can’t link this one – you’ll have to go pick up a copy of the WSJ!)
Monday, March 31, 2008
Are YOU Connected?
Monday, March 24, 2008
MAN v. Machine
I'm a laid back surfer guy. I rarely get really bent out of shape for no reason. But I recently discovered - thanks to my brother - that I have some sort of odd gene that is less than forgiving of consumer products that BETRAY us. Somehow it appears that this gene causes us mild-mannered folks to form some sort of human bond with these products. And when these said products forsake us in the worse way, then they leave us no other choice than revenge... and sometimes it just comes to this...
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
5 Years Ago Today
Five years ago today, I embedded in Operation Iraqi Freedom as Col. Oliver North's cameraman. That night we encountered some of the war's first American and British casualties. Here is Col. North's reflection on that day...
Don't miss War Stories' Fifth Year reflection on FOX News Channel this Sunday evening at 8pm ET.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Feelin' the Pinch?
With gas prices soaring again, I thought I'd ask the guy next to me (who was filling up this morning on the way to work) what he thought about it! Are you feelin' the Pinch?
Monday, March 10, 2008
Don't MESS with the Pope!
Remember the Seven Deadly Sins: Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy and Pride?
Well, you’d better not LITTER, ABUSE DRUGS, MANIPULATE GENETICS or MAKE A TON OF DOUGH because there are Seven NEW ones now according to the Vatican – and these have more of a “social” dimension to them. (Note: that makes 14 ways to screw up - it does NOT replace the old seven!)
The Vatican’s Chief Bishop of Sins, Gianfranco Girotti, head of the Apostolic Penitentiary, told the Vatican’s official newspaper (L’Osservatore Romano) of the new transgressions.
“You offend God not only by stealing, taking the Lord’s name in vain or coveting your neighbor’s wife, but also by wrecking the environment, carrying out morally debatable scientific experiments or allowing genetic manipulations that alter DNA or harm embryos,” Girotti said.
You can read more about it here.
And on a serious note, it gives us all a lot to contemplate. That said, if the Vatican steals a page from the Texas anti-littering campaign, then I’m buying the first bumper sticker: DON’T MESS WITH THE POPE.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Banning Danny Boy
It’s only the most famous Irish song known to man. Every musical legend from Sinatra to Elvis has sung it. Yet an Englishman wrote it who never even set foot on Irish soil.
But that’s not stopping Shaun Clancy, owner of Foley’s Irish Pub in NYC, from BANNING the singing of that great classic “Danny Boy” for the entire month of March!
That’s right – Clancy says it’s overplayed and too depressing – and he suggests it’s more fit for a funeral than a St. Paddy’s Day Party!
And here’s the best part: Clancy says he’ll be giving a FREE GUINNESS to patrons who come in and sing ANY OTHER traditional Irish tune.
So ladies and gentlefolk, wish this poor tone-deaf Welsh kid from Memphis luck… I am headed down to Foley’s – cameraman in tow – to belt out my best version of “Whiskey in the Jar” and “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling!”
Stay tuned to FOX News Channel Sunday afternoon between 4-6pET.
Monday, March 3, 2008
True OPTIMISM
Hat Tip to my colleague, Ayse Wieting, who pointed out this unusual Wanted/Personals Ad from Sunday's NYT:
UNEMPLOYED AND POOR
White bearded, twice married 74yr old German-born Jew in NYC. Furnished room seeks savior (55-65). I only have love and warmth to give. Please call. I might just surprise you.
Well, I'm not sure that she's gonna call - or anyone will call for that matter (Note: he wants a YOUNGER woman). But you do have to give the guy credit for having BLIND optimism in light of bringing nothing to the table for the woman of his dreams!
Moral of the story: NEVER give up!
