Damn that traffic jam

Posted on April 17, 2015 by bvanrysdam

I had to do a double take when I spotted The Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce marketing hand-out touting why “Cy-Fair is a Great Place to Live”.

What caught my eye was that piece used a photo that shows rows and rows of cars with brake lights. There is also a nice table showing traffic counts for various intersections.

The back side of the marketing piece says “Life in Cy-Fair” and Live…Work…Play.

While that might be nice for a business considering to locate in Cy-Fair, I really don’t think it would induce someone to move there. Hard to believe that someone thought the image of cars stuck in traffic would shine a favorable light to promote its community.

Flying the friendly skies

Posted on April 15, 2015 by bvanrysdam

For the last several years, airline passengers have been asking themselves, “am I getting larger, or is my seat getting smaller.” It’s been no secret that the airlines have been shrinking the size of personal space on airplanes. After years of losing lots of money and flirting with bankruptcies, the airline companies have turned the corner and have become profitable again, thanks in large part to adding the number of seats on plane along with those little add-on fees like charging for baggage, or extra leg room.

In a wait, say that again moment, Southwest Airlines has announced they will begin to use larger seats in their 737-800s passenger jets beginning in mid-2016 and in the new 737 MAX in 2017. The seats are 0.7 inches wider than those currently used and offers more leg room. They also weigh less resulting in having to use less fuel.

While passengers may be grateful Southwest is expanding their space instead of shrinking it, their motivation may be more than just customer satisfaction. A consumer advisory group set up by the Department of Transportation is worried that shrinking space might be dangerous for passenger’s health and safety.

There is serious concern about the increased danger passengers won’t be able to evacuate fast enough in an emergency situation. One official on the committee ironically noted that the government sets standards for the condition of dogs who fly as cargo, but doesn’t have minimum space standards for us humans.

Another worry is passengers suffering from deep vein thrombosis during long flights which could lead to a blood clot forming. It was noted during a recent hearing that passengers who sit by the window have twice the risk of getting deep vein thrombosis than those sitting in the aisle seats.

So what happens if airlines are forced to add more space for their passengers? The likely scenario is passengers paying more in fares to cover the loss.

Heaven just got a little funner

Posted on April 8, 2015 by bvanrysdam

The world is a little less funny today. Stan Freberg passed away yesterday at the age of 88. It is almost impossible to put into the words the profound effect he had on the world of media.

Freberg was known as a recording artist, animation voice actor, comedian, radio personality, puppeteer, author and arguable, one of the greatest advertising minds of all time.

Freberg was hired by Warner Brothers in 1944. In his autobiography, It Only Hurts When I Laugh,” he wrote about getting on a bus and asking the driver to let him off in Hollywood. There he found a sign advertising a talent agency, walked in and promptly started working for Warner Brother cartoons after an audition.

Later, Freberg started to release comedy albums on Capitol records. In one bit, Freberg spoofed Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel”; having the echo effect go wacky leading Elvis to eventually rip his jeans during the performance.

Following the success of his albums, Freberg landed his own radio show. Known for his biting satire and parody, Freberg was also know for standing up for his principles, refusing to accept alcohol and tobacco companies as sponsors, which killed his radio career after taking over for Jack Benny on CBS Radio.

Doing movies, radio and cartoons would be enough for any person, but his role in reshaping advertising revolutionized the industry. Freberg brought satire to advertising agencies, introducing humor to previously dull and unimaginative commercials. Freberg ended up winning 21 Clio awards for his work.

One of his classic moments involved proving radio was a better than television to advertise on by masterfully using sound effects to create the illusion of draining Lake Michigan and refilling it with hot chocolate, a mountain of whipped cream and dropping a giant maraschino cherry like a bomb by the Royal Canadian Air Force to the cheers of 25,000 extras viewing from the shoreline.

Rand Paul gets schooled

Posted on April 8, 2015 by bvanrysdam

There is much talk among educators on the importance of education, but it appears they should stand to do a little homework of their own.

Senator Rand Paul, who yesterday announced his candidacy for president, posted a “Stand with Rand: Kentucky” video on YouTube. The problem is the video violated copyright law.

YouTube’s Content ID system flagged a John Rich song in the video which the Warner Music Group, which owns the copyright yanked the campaign piece.

A big deal? Probably not, but does demonstrate the adage “the devil’s in the details” and how politicians and their campaigns need to pay attention to the little details, so the big messages does not get lost.

Charming Lisbon

Posted on March 23, 2015 by bvanrysdam

You’ll find magnificent views in many areas of Lisbon.

Sitting on Europe’s western shore, the city of Lisbon blends panoramic views, a storied history and wonderful food with an unpretentious charm that welcomes even the most cantankerous traveler. You won’t find a Big Ben or Eiffel Tower, but you will discover a city that finds itself quite content with who they are.

It can be a little daunting to figure out where to start, but a good jumping off point would be jumping on the Number 28 Tram. The tram transports one back in time, traveling into a bygone era. You might expect to find the classic Remodelado trams in a museum, but instead it’s used to travel through many of Lisbon’s finest districts including Baixa, Graca, Alfama and Estrela.

Tram 28 adds to the charm of Lisbon while carrying passengers through its winding streets.

Tickets can be purchased on board the tram, but smart travelers purchase a 24 hour metro pass which can be used on all the tram lines, the metro, buses, funiculars and a very funky street elevator. Tram 28 can get crowded during peak travel times, so it’s best to board near the beginning of the line.

Many visitors also use Tram 28 to climb the steep hill into the Alfama district, visit the Castelo de São Jorge and then take a leisurely stroll back down into the city center which allows one to duck into the shops and cafes which litter the area. One stop worth making on the way down is Gelato Therapy where one can enjoy a tasty treat of inventive flavors that are sure to revitalize and delight.

Azulegos tiles decorate everything from the walls of churches and monasteries to ordinary homes.

Another treat of walking back into the city center is that it allows you to enjoy the numerous beautiful tiles (called azulegos) which decorate everything from the walls of churches and monasteries to ordinary homes. The tiles can feature geometrical shapes on building facades or portray scenes from the history of the country.

Once back down into the city center, make your way over to the Elevador de Santa Justa, a neo-Gothic elevator which may just be, the most unusual means of public transportation anywhere in the world. The elevator was designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, an apprentice of Gustave Eiffel and was built to help connect the Baixa with the Largo do Carmo neighborhood. You can use your metro pass on the lift and once at the top, be sure to plunk down the small fee to snake your way up a narrow staircase and experience a breathtaking 360 degree view of the city.

The Elevador de Santa Justa may just be the most unusual means of public transportation anywhere in the world.

Portugal is a country steeped with a deep history and it is well worth checking out. A quick tram ride to Belém will lead you to the Tower of Belém, the Monument to the Discoveries and the spectacular Jerónimos Monastery which is a classic example of the Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style of architecture. And, no trip to Belém would be complete without a quick stop at the famous pastry shop Fábrica de Pasteis de Belém, known for a special Portuguese confectionery treat called pastel de Belém, an egg tart made with flaky pastry.

The delightfully quirky Pena National Palace provides a glimpse into how the monarchs of Portugal lived during the 18th-19th century.

Any trip to Lisbon has to include a day trip to Sintra. Here you can visit many intriguing architectural wonders including the wonderfully whimsical Pena National Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which served as a summer residence of the monarchs of Portugal during the 18th-19th century. There is also a Castle of the Moors nestled into the top of the mountain, the Sintra national Palace which faces the central square of São Martinho and the Quinta da Regaleira palace where you can find the Initiation Wells that resemble underground towers lined with stairs.

Like most European cities, there is no shortage of good places to eat in Lisbon. You can find a wide variety of dishes, but its fish that is the main staple of Portuguese cuisine. You’ll find cod served in a variety of styles at many restaurants including shredded and sautéed in a pan with of onions and straw fried potatoes, or oven-cooked salted cod fillet with hot olive oil and baked potatoes.

Mercado Da Ribeira offers the freshest fish and vegetables of the day and is a great place to go if you’re looking for a quick bite to eat.

Mercado Da Ribeira, Lisbon’s main food market filled with stalls offering the freshest fish and vegetables of the day is a great place to go if you’re looking for a quick bite to eat. Here you’ll find everything from seafood to steak sandwiches, burgers and of course, Vinho Verde, a light and fresh Portuguese wine that goes well with just about everything.

If you’re looking to step out of the ordinary for a different kind of culinary experience, check out Minibar, a restaurant from award winning Chief Jose Avillez, where diners are offered an incredible gastronomic experience that merge flavors in with a whimsical attitude at very reasonable prices.

The 25 de Abril Bridge with the Christo Reo statue at sunset.

Visiting Lisbon with its hilly terrains, spectacular vistas, trams that whisk people around in Old World charm and the 25 de Abril Bridge that is a dead ringer for the Golden Gate Bridge, you might think it’s a lot like San Francisco, but don’t be fooled, Lisbon’s charm puts it in a class all its own.

Saying goodbye

Posted on December 12, 2014 by bvanrysdam

“Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” – Confucius

The start of the New Year gives us a moment to pause and look back to the events of 2014. Sadly, we are reminded of the loss of many wonderful artists who gave us pleasure by sharing their very special talents. As in years past, this list is in no way meant to be all-encompassing, but simply a quick snapshot of musician’s whose sound will live on.

Jack Bruce

May 14, 1943 – Oct. 25, 2014
A versatile and widely admired bass player, Bruce made up a third of the one of the early rock n roll super groups Cream. Bruce co-wrote most of Cream’s single releases with lyricist Pete Brown, including their biggest hits Sunshine of Your Love, White Room and I Feel Free. Prior to joining Cream, Bruce had his first commercial success as a member of Manfred Mann in 1966, including “Pretty Flamingo” which reached number one in the UK singles chart. Bruce found limited commercial success in his later career but, as Roger Waters said, Bruce probably was the most musically gifted bass player who’s ever been.

Paul Revere

Jan. 7, 1938 – Oct. 4, 2014

The frontman for Paul Revere & the Raiders, Revere lead a band that saw considerable U.S. mainstream success in the second half of the 1960s and early 1970s. With three gold records to their name in the mid-60s, the Raiders were Columbia Records top-selling rock group. Among their biggest hits were Kicks, Hungry, Him or Me – What’s It Gonna Be? and their mega #1 hit single Indian Reservation. Born Paul Revere Dick, he led the band which often wore three-cornered hats and other American Revolution-era clothing during performances.

Paco de Lucia

Dec. 21, 1947 – Feb. 25, 2014,

Described as a “titanic” figure in the world of flamenco guitar by Eric Clapton and Richard Chapman, Paco de Lucia was a renowned guitarist, composer and producer. de Lucia was a trailblazer of the “New Flamenco” style, helping legitimize among the establishment in Spain. de Lucia was also one of the first to be successful in crossing into other styles music including jazz and classical.

Tommy Ramone

Jan. 29, 1949 – July 11, 2014

Tommy Ramone played drums for The Ramones from 1974 to 1978 before moving on to handle the bands management and co-producing, Road to Ruin. He then returned as producer for the eighth album, Too Tough to Die. Tommy Ramone wrote I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend and the majority of Blitzkrieg Bop (bassist Dee Dee suggested the title).Joined by Ed Stasium, he also played all the guitar solos on the albums he produced. Heavily influenced by 1970s hard-rock band the New York Dolls, Lou Reed and pop-art legend Andy Warhol Ramone said, “The scene that developed at CBGB wasn’t [for] a teenage or garage band; there was an intellectual element and that’s the way it was for The Ramones.

Johnny Winter

Feb. 23, 1944 – July 16, 2014

Born just up the road in Beaumont, Texas, John Dawson Winter III (aka Johnny Winter) was an Iconic blues guitarist who also performed on multi-instruments, sang and produced. While he was best known for his high-energy blues-rock albums and live performances in the late 1960s and 1970s, Winter also produced three Grammy Award-winning albums for blues singer and guitarist Muddy Waters. After his time with Waters, Winter recorded several Grammy-nominated blues albums. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him 63^rd in their list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time in 2003.

Gerry Goffin

Feb. 11, 1939 – June 19, 2014

He might not have performed them, but the songs he helped to write are a parade of number one smash hits. Writing at first with his wife Carole King, Goffen penned such classics as Will You Love Me Tomorrow, Take Good Care of My Baby, The Loco-Motion, Go Away Little Girl, I’m into Something Good, Don’t Bring Me Down, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman and Pleasant Valley Sunday. After his divorce with King, Goffen went on to collobrate with Barry Goldberg and Michael Masser with whom he wrote Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To) and Saving All My Love for You, which also topped the charts at No.1. Overall, Goffin penned over 50 US Top 40 hits, including eight chart-toppers, and 21 UK Top 40 hits.

Bobby Womack

March 4, 1944 – June 27, 2014

Starting his career as the lead singer of his family musical group the Valentinos and as Sam Cooke’s backing guitarist, Womack’s career spanned more than 50 years landing him into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Able to perform a wide range of styles including soul, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, gospel, and country, he was known for such hits as Lookin’ For a Love, That’s The Way I Feel About Cha and If You Think You’re Lonely Now. Womack also wrote and recorded the Rolling Stones first UK No. 1 hit, It’s All Over Now.

Jessie Winchester

May 17, 1944 – April 11, 2014

Primarily known as a songwriter due to his status as a draft resister and being unable to tour in the United States, Winchester wrote a slew of songs that were covered by the likes of George Strait, Patti Page, Elvis Costello, Joan Baez, Jimmy Buffett and many others. Winchester received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers in 2007.

Frankie Knuckles

Jan. 18, 1955 – March 31, 2014

Often referred to as “The Godfather of House Music” (a style of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago in the early 1980s and continued to work as a remixer through the 1990s reworking tracks from Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Diana Ross, Eternal and Toni Braxton. Knuckles took home the Grammy Award for Remixer of the Year, Non-Classical in 1997. His song Your Love appeared in the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

Bob Casale

July 14, 1952 – February 17, 2014

A founding member of the band Devo, Casale was also known for his music engineering and production skills working for television and movies, including Four Rooms, Happy Gilmore, Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums and Rugrats Go Wild. But he will be best remembered for his playing lead/rhythm guitar and keyboards along with singing backup vocals for the band that took devolution to a new standard.

Pete Seeger

May 3, 1919 – Jan. 27, 2014

It would be impossible to list all of Pete Seeger’s accomplishments in this little blurb. His impact on the world of music and of the world may never be matched. Seeger had a slew of hit records during the early 1950s as a member of the Weavers including Goodnight, Irene, which topped the charts in 1950 for 13 weeks. After being blacklisted in the late 50’s, Seeger returned as a prominent singer of protest music, supporting a variety of causes. His songs include Where Have All the Flowers Gone?, If I Had a Hammer,” and Turn! Turn! Turn! which were later recorded by many artists throughout the world. Seeger was also one of the folksingers responsible for popularizing We Shall Overcome” which became the acknowledged anthem of the 1960s American Civil Rights Movement.

Jimmy Ruffin

May 7, 1936 – Nov. 17, 2014

A soul singer and elder brother of David Ruffin of The Temptations, Ruffin had several hit records between the 1960s and 1980s. In a funny twist of fate, he heard a song about unanswered love written for The Spinners. Ruffin convinced the writers that he should record it himself and his recording of What Becomes of the Brokenhearted became a major success, reaching #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on the rhytm and blues Chart. While unable to capture magic in a bottle twice, Ruffin was able to chart several more songs.

Phil Everly

Jan. 19, 1939 – Jan. 3, 2014

As one-half of the Everly Brothers, Phil Everly helped create a new sound that has influenced artists to this day. Catching the attention of Chet Atkins, The Everly Brothers went on to record such number one hits as Wake Up Little Susie, All I Have to do is Dream and Bye-Bye Love (which charted number one on the country charts and number two on the pop charts). The duo was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.

Casey Kasem

April 27, 1932 – June 15, 2014

The person who taught America to count to 40 backwards did not sing or play an instrument, yet his impact on the world of music cannot be overstated. Also known as the voice of Shaggy in the Scooby Doo cartoons, Kasem helped cofound the American Top 40 franchise which played hits based on the Billboard Top 100 hits chart and provided background information on the songs and artists played. The first #1 song? Three Dog Night’s Momma Told me not to Come back July 4, 1970.

All the news that’s fit to opine

Posted on November 3, 2014 by bvanrysdam

So where do you go for news? CNN, Fox, the Houston Chronicle or maybe Facebook and Twitter?

The Pew Research Center recently released a study that showed “Liberals and conservatives turn to and trust strikingly different news sources. And across-the-board liberals and conservatives are more likely than others to interact with like-minded individuals” which is kinda like determining eating too much will make you obese.

What did catch my attention in the study was the different types of news sources cited. You have the obvious main news channels like Fox News and CNN, but people also mentioned they use Glen Beck, The Daily Show, The Rush Limbaugh Program and The Ed Schultz Show as a source for news about government and politics.

While all these shows cover what is in the news, respondents used them as a source for their news even though much, if not almost of the content relies on providing an opinion, and not factual reporting.

Responding via email, Jocelyn Kiley, associate director, research, Pew Research Center said, “to create our list of sources, we took into account audience numbers from past Pew Research Center media consumption surveys and other audience data. Before fielding the survey, we also ran a pilot test to determine if our final list matched where people said they were receiving their news about government and politics.”

While the study listed many different opinion shows, it did not have the O’Reilly Factor or Anderson Cooper 360 listed. Kiley said they were included as part of their overall respective networks and not on their own. That might make sense from a research standpoint, but I think they missed an opportunity to further differentiate between the two types of journalism we see today. Do more people feel they get their news from the O’Reilly Factor, or Anderson Cooper 360 over the regular news programming on Fox and CNN?

Political candidates are starting to catch on to this. Vincent Harris, Dan Patrick’s digital consultant for the Lt. Governor election said by using social media sites such as Facebook, Patrick could communicate with voters more directly and quicker. Harris told the Houston Chronicle “he can do it without needing to go through the media as a filter.”

So again the question is raised, does it matter if people’s primary news source was from a show that’s based more on opinion than the traditional, factual style of reporting? The line between what constitutes so-called traditional journalism versus spin journalism is growing increasingly blurred. Both provide audiences with news and information, but programs such as The Daily Show and Sean Hannity take that news and pass it through a sieve of ideology, humor and beliefs.

I remember once speaking with a crusty, “old-school” news director who told me he never voted because that would require him to make up his mind and have to decide who makes the better candidate. Making that decision could influence the way his news department would cover an election. I wonder if that type of journalist still exists today.