HOA Talent Showcase

EMMY Award Winner!

I won an Emmy this year! The category was "Photographer, within 24 hours". I entered a compilation of videos.

Modeling Shoot

Check out these pics of Marissa and her friend Kaela.  Kaelas' mom, Debra, took the pictures of the girls and they're fantastic!  She is a professional photographer and has her own studio located in Lee's Summit.  If you want a family photo, have a wedding coming up, have a kid getting ready to graduate or just want some great photos taken, I highly recommend her.  She takes all kinds of photographs.  Check out her website at:   http://www.abundantmoments.com/home.html 

The Future of Television Displays

________________________________________________

The future of Digital Technology 

OLED (organic Light-emitting diodes) 

_____________________________________________

Imagine a cardboard thin TV screen.  Now imagine rolling up your TV screen and storing it in a closet or putting it in your briefcase and taking it with you.  This will soon be a reality through OLEDs or organic light-emitting diodes.  OLED technology exist today and can be seen in its use of some mobile phones, MP3 players, car radios and even in some digital cameras.  But on October 1st, 2007, Sony became the first company to announce an OLED television.  The XEL-1 11" OLED digital television sells for around $2500 in Canada as of April 24, 2008 (although it was really more of a prototype).  You can't roll this television up just yet.  But manufactures hope that possibility isn't too far away.     

This new display technology promises to deliver thin, power efficient and bright displays.  The biggest difference between the traditional liquid crystal displays, LCDs and OLEDs is OLEDs don't require a backlight to function.  Since there is no need for a backlight, it allows OLEDs to be much, much thinner than a LCD panel.  Another advantage of the OLED is that they use up far less power.   OLED technology is based on light-emitting diodes made from polymers as well as from semiconductors with a series of organic thin films between two conductors.  When an electrical current between the layers is added it will emit a very bright light.  This is called electro phosphorescence.  The polymer materials are applied in rows and columns onto a flat carrier (glass, plastic or even fabric) by a simple, yet precision ink jet printing process. The resulting matrix of pixels can emit light of different colors.  Using this technology, pixels of red, green, and blue material are applied. 

Since the manufacturing process of this the new technology is simple, requiring a very limited number of process steps compared to other television manufacturing processes while using fewer materials, it can be manufactured at a much lower cost.  The whole display can be built on one sheet of glass or plastic.  This technology will enable the production of full-color displays less than 1 mm thick, combined with a large viewing angle, high brightness and contrast and full video capability.   

The drastically different manufacturing process of OLEDs lends itself to many advantages over flat-panel displays made with LCD technology. Since OLEDs can be printed onto any suitable base material using an inkjet printer or even screen printing technologies, new applications such as roll-up displays and displays embedded in fabrics or clothing are now a real possibility.

These systems are ideal for use in not only televisions screens but also laptops, stereo displays, car navigation systems (which is seen today) and even billboards and roar signs.  The possibilities are literally endless.  OLEDs can also be used for a general light source for space illumination and large-area light-emitting elements. OLEDs typically emit less light per area than inorganic solid-state based LEDs which are usually designed for use as point-light sources. There are a few drawbacks to the new technology.  

The biggest problem for OLEDs is the organic materials do have a limited lifetime.  For example, blue OLEDs traditionally have a lifespan of around 14,000 hours.  Broken-down that is roughly 5 years at 8 hours a day.  The typical lifespan of the LCD is around 60,000 hours.  Another issue is that the slightest amount of water can destroy the organic materials so the sealing process are important for practical manufacturing.     

OLED pixel colors appear correct and unshifted, even if one was to view the display from a 90 degree angle.  Since OLED pixels directly emit light, it enables a greater range of colors, brightness, and viewing angle as compared to LCDs.  While LCDs use a backlight and cannot show true black, an "off" OLED element produces no light and consumes no power.  LCDs also waste more power than OLEDs because they require polarizerís which filter out about half of the light emitted by the backlight.  

The possibilities are endless with OLED technology.  Reports show that by 2009 people may start to see this technology begin to pop-up on a consumer level.  10 to 14 inch laptop screens are expected to be among the first round of  consumer based ìdisplayî products open for the publics consumption with more commercial products hitting shelves by 2011.   

____________________________________________________________________

Bibliography 

http://www.oledinfo.com/oledTV

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/oled.htm

http://ces.cnet.com/8301-1_1-9842035-67.html

http://www.wave-report.com/tutorials/oled.htm

Night Time Lightning Strikes!!!

Again June 3, 2008 and as the title suggests, these are lightning strikes during the night. Awesome stuff here!  Watch the whole thing, towards the end I slo-mo the best strikes.  

Lightning Strikes

Nothing too great but not too bad either.  Just a few lightning strikes from June 3, 2008 storm.

June 3, 2008 Storm Clouds

June 3, 2008 storm that rolled through Lee's Summit, MO.  Cloud formations, sped up to 500%.

Anchor vs. Reporter

This is an oldie but a goodie.  Wow...I can't believe this really happened.  Only in New York.

Glen is finished with High School!

This is some video and pics I shot during my nephews graduation.

David Cook Wins!!! Part 2

This is random video shot throughout the night at KC Power & Light, leading up to the announcement that David Cook won.

David Cook Wins!!!

This is video shot from the KC Power & Light District on 5-21-8 when American Idol announces David Cook the 2008 Idol WINNER!  Very exciting atmosphere.  Kim and I took Marissa & one of her friends to the watch party.  I think it's safe to say they had a great time.  

David Cook in KC "Behind the scenes" Part 2

Don & da dogs...

This is pretty funny stuff.  The Morning weather guy at Fox 4 loses it after viewing....well...you just have to watch.

Behind the scenes with David Cook

This is some b-roll from 5-09-08 when David Cook was in KC.  The video was taken at WDAF Fox 4.  

David Cook in KC Part 2

This is David Cook singing his second of 2 songs at the Power & Light District.  

Newton and the vacuum

Have you ever seen something like this?  He actually likes this.  He's 15 and as you can see, very well fed.

Marissa & the violin

Ladies and gentlemen.... Marissa Sue plays the violin.  

She did it! She earned her MBA!

My wife, Kimberly Sue Hess, has done it!  She graduated on May 10th, 2008 with an MBA from Avila University.  We are all so very, very proud of her accomplishments.  She is truly an incredible woman, mother, wife and friend.  CONGRATULATIONS!!!  

David Cook in KC

David Cook sings at the Power & Light District on 05-09-08.

Scary Movie Trailer

This is a movie we shot over the weekend.  My wife's friend has a few boys that wanted to "Shoot a scary movie trailer".  So we did... Hope you enjoy.  No one was harmed in the filming of this trailer.  teehee.  

Rot Feaht!

ROT FEAHT! ROT FEAHT! ROT FEAHT!

Hula Hoopin' Queen!

Marissa loves to hula hoop!

Foosball...

Here is an old video some friends and I did for a broadcasting class during my undergrad. I was going through some old tapes and came across this one. Funny stuff... Chuck Coleman, Pete Soby, Pete Mac and Pete Thompson, I think you'll all get a chuckle out of this one.

The Effects of Television Violence in Mass Media

 

Effects of Television Violence 

In Mass Media

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Robert L. Hess II

Effects of Mass Communication

April 16, 2008

Effects of Television Violence in Mass Media

      Since its inception, television has no doubt cast a very powerful influence over its audiences.  Unlike radio television presented pictures like no one had ever seen before.  People were able to travel thousands of miles to see places they might not otherwise thought existed, all from the comfort of their own home.  A television, once considered a luxury appliance, was quickly becoming a necessity in the home.  Television became a huge factor in people’s lives and it was argued that it could actually affect how people see the world around them.  As television programs evolved, producers searched for new ways to hold on to its audiences by choosing material that would draw viewers “in”.  This type of selection often lead to choosing the spectacular and sensational over the ordinary since this type of content is more likely to capture the attention of an audience.  

This new medium generated innovative research in the study of television and its effects on viewers by searching for links between watching violence on television and actual  "Violence" violent behaviors in real life.  

Social learning theory has been used in many of the studies that surround the effects of violence on television.  Social learning theory states that people learn by process of modeling.  Although most social scientists believe there are links, some argue that there are methodological and theoretical problems that limit the interpretation of many research findings.  There are many factors that effect aggressive and violent behavior such as poor parenting, mental illness, video games, music, the Internet, movies and television, just to name a few.  Some experts believe genetics also play a large role in aggressive and violent behavior.  Although we know there are several factors that contribute to aggressive attitudes and behavior, television is the largest and most popular means of mass communication therefore having the most powerful and most dangerous effects.   

Nielsen Ratings

To understand television effects on its audiences, it is important to understand not only who and what Nielsen ratings are but also how it figures into the effects process.  The primary source of measuring audience size and composition of television programming is Nielsen ratings.  Nielsen ratings show statistical information on viewer’s habits.  Since television, as a business, makes money by selling audiences to advertisers, the Nielsen television ratings are an important element in the determination of advertising rates, schedules, and program content (Allen, 2004). 

It has been calculated that on average, Americans watch 1,550 hours of television a year (Eastman, 2002).  Estimates have been done on the loss of ratings points.  One estimate stated that of loss of a single ratings point had reached 2 million dollars in a large market (Ehrlich, 1995). 

Viewership is rated 4 times a year during February, May, July and November.  This is often called the “sweeps” period (Ehrlich, 1995).  In short, this is when viewers record their viewing habits and advertising rates are determined from total viewership of all programs.  Television networks along with other programmers go through unusual efforts to attract more viewers during these times.  Programs during these times are typically hyped up and the content usually contains controversial and unexpected plots or twists.  These “sweeps” periods have been criticized on a national level for not representing “typical” programming and encouraging an increase in violent content in order to attract more viewers.       

 Local news programs are not immune to these types of tricks either.  News programs during these times also produce the non-typical controversial stories, titillating investigative reports and promotions. Since local news is profitable, there is a push to produce more entertaining newscasts, making it a difficult to distinguish television journalism and show business (Dominick, Wurtzel, & Lometti, 1975).  Some critics say television news over dramatizes real worlds events by showing the visual rather than explaining the analytical (Smith, 1988).  It becomes more and more clear why the study of effects of violence in mass media is so important.   

The Sixties, A Violent Time in America

It is also important to understand the sixties as a starting point for violence portrayed in the media.  Some experts consider the sixties a focal point for mass communication studies in the area of television violence.  The sixties were plagued with violence.  Several high profile assassinations occurred during the sixties including John F. Kennedy, his brother Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.  Skyjackings were happening on a monthly basis and riots broke out in record numbers in almost every state in the U.S.  These types of violent acts were effective in drawing the attention of the news media.  Even though these acts of violence accounted for a small part in the nations overall violent crime, they attracted a great deal of media attention and generated a considerable amount of public concern.   

Developing technology.  Technology was developing at lightning fast speeds.  The inventions of lightweight cameras and videotape changed television-news as Americans knew it forever.  The old method of shooting film and waiting hours to have it developed were no longer an issue.  New camera equipment coupled with new satellite technology allowed television news crews to shoot video and send it back to the newsroom in a matter of seconds, all from the “live” location (Powers, 1993).  People were able to watch the Vietnam War unfold on the nightly news and view other countless acts of violence that stemmed anywhere from campus protests and the anti-war movement to civil rights.

With all of this violence in the media there became a growing concern about the possible effects television violence might have on the viewing public. 

Today we know the effects of television violence stretch far and there are many different theories as to what those effects are.  Fear, aggression, and desensitization are areas that are most commonly addressed not only in television news programs but television programs in general.  Television is a main source for news for millions of Americans everyday.  Crime and violent world events seem to be the most frequently covered topics.  Local news has often been found to overemphasize crime and rely heavily on sensational reports of violence.  Because of this it becomes clear as to why the studies of its effects are so hotly debated.  The government got involved in the late sixties and formed a commission to study the effects of television violence.

Violence and the Media: A Landmark Study

In 1969 the National Commission on the Causes & Prevention of Violence issued a 15-volume series of reports called “To Establish Justice, To Ensure Domestic Tranquility”.  This commission was formed a year and a half earlier in 1968 by The President of the United States to examine the causes and prevention of lawless acts of violence, the causes of disrespect for law and order, the causes of disrespect of public officials and the causes of violent disruptions of public order by individuals and groups (Lowery & DeFleur, 1995).  

Within this 15-volume series of reports was a study called Violence and the Media.  Violence and the Media was a massive work, with more than 600 pages, 19 substantive chapters, and 18 technical appendices.  This was a landmark study in mass communication and was indicative of the growing concern that the public had about the relationship between violence portrayed in the media and violence in everyday life (Lowery & DeFleur,1995).  The study was two-fold.  This media task force-sponsored study sought to study not only how violence is portrayed in television but also how Americans experience the world of violence.  

The commission contracted Professor George Gerbner & his staff at Annenberg School of Communication to conduct a content analysis.  Gerbner is a well-known expert in the research technique of content analysis and also in the study of violence itself.  Louis Harris and associates were contracted to examine the “real world” of violence and conduct the National survey for the study.  Harris & associates is a well-known public opinion firm. The purpose of their National survey was to investigate the world of violence as Americans experience it.

Major findings.  From this study they were able to conclude from the comparison of television violence & real life experience with violence that there was a high level of overlap between preferences for violent media content & real life violent experience.  This finding suggested that:

“the television world of violence has the capacity to reinforce the violence in the beliefs and actions of the real world.”(Lowery & DeFleur,1995). 

This study also cautioned that long-term exposure to the patterned world of TV violence could affect the norms and behavior of “normal” individuals, there would be an increase in the likelihood of their acceptance of violence and a higher probability that these “normal” individuals would use violence themselves.  In short, the study found that watching TV violence could reinforce violent behavior and cause it.  

Although “Violence and the Media” raised more question than answers it was a landmark study that helped pave the way for new research.  Although other forms of media were also deemed guilty of promoting violence, it was argued that since television was (and still is) the most popular medium, it had the most powerful and dangerous effects.  It should be noted that this study also acknowledged that all media must share the responsibility for helping to make American society a more violent one.  

Short and long term Effects.  This study concluded that there were short-term and long-term effects on viewers from violence on television.  One of the short term effects of television violence were that audiences that were exposed to mass media portrayals of violence would learn how to perform these violent acts.  Also, audience members were more likely to exhibit that learning if they expected to be rewarded for violent behavior and/or encounter a situation similar to that portrayed (Lowery & DeFleur,1995).

The long-term effects had many new insights and helped pave the way for future research.  This study concluded that one of the long-term effects of violence on television was that exposure to mass media portrayals of violence over long periods of time socializes audiences into the norms, attitudes and values for violence contained in those portrayals (Lowery & DeFleur,1995).  The probability of this socialization increased as the age of the viewer decreased.  Probability also increased as the number of alternative or competitive sources of socialization into violence decreased.  Another long-term effect was mass media portrayals of violence could make members of the audience insensitive or emotionally neutral to real acts of violence. 

The research found that young audiences are likely to develop and maintain psychological rigidity and that inaccurate portrayals of class, ethnic, racial, and occupational groups in mass media could also be damaging to communication between groups and lead to hatred, fear or other emotions creating more intergroup conflict and violence.  Another finding to the long-term effects was that violence on television created a view of the world as totally violent.  This worldview tends to promote widespread tolerance of violence.

This landmark study of “Violence and the media” set the tone for how new and more innovative studies in mass communication would be conducted.

Television Violence and it’s Effects on Children

Ever since the 1969 study of “Violence and the Media” was conducted, several more questions have arisen about television violence and it’s effects on children.  Do violent acts that are viewed on television by children cause them to commit crime later in their lives?  Are there any more short or long-term effects to viewing television violence?  There is no debate over whether or not television is a powerful influence in children’s lives.  Rather, measuring the effects it has on people’s lives, mainly children, can better sum the debate.  There are many theories that try to explain this phenomenon.  The Cultivation Theory states that watching television can induce a mindset in the viewer.  In a nutshell, this means that if a viewer watches violent television, the viewer will develop a violent attitude (Lett, DiPietro & Johnson, 2004). Gerbner and his colleagues believe heavy television viewing has a "significant influence on the attitudes, beliefs and judgments of viewers concerning the social world.” (Chandler, 1995)  Imitation is a human element that ranks high among children.  The average child in America will have watched 100,000 acts of televised violence, including 8000 depictions of murder, by the time they finish the sixth grade (Eastman, 2002).  These statistics alone leave little doubt of the short and long-term effects television violence can leave on children.  On average, children will be exposed to a thousand murders, rapes, and assaults per year through television.  Some experts warn that early exposure to television violence has been a significant predictor of later aggression (Eastman, 2002).

No one can argue that many television programs today are violent.  Many studies have found that children can become more aggressive due to the violent acts they view on television programs.  A study by George Gerbner (1988) showed that children's television shows contain about 20 violent acts each hour.  Children often behave differently after they've been watching violent programs on television. In a study conducted in 1956,(Siegel, 1956) 24 children were observed before and after watching television. Some of the children watched cartoons that had many aggressive and violent acts; others watched shows that had no acts of violence. The researchers noted differences between the children who watched the violent shows and those who watched non-violent shows.  The researchers found that children who watched the violent shows were more likely to hit playmates, argue, disobey and they were less willing to wait for things than children who watched non-violent programs.  Viewing these violent acts can lead to gradually accepting violence as a way to solve problems by mimicking the violence they see on television programs.

 The world viewed as a hostile place.  Studies have also shown that children who watch a lot of television are more likely to think that the world is a mean and dangerous place.  Just as it has been found for fictional violence, news presentations that are skewed toward violence could encourage people to believe that the world is a hostile place.  Children could get the impression that violence is a justified means to protect oneself or to resolve conflict.  Frequent viewing of real-life violence in news programs could also make children less sensitive to other people’s distress and more accepting of violent behavior.  

Aggressiveness.  Extensive viewing of television violence by children causes greater aggressiveness. Sometimes, watching a single violent program can increase aggressiveness. Children who view shows in which violence is very realistic, frequently repeated or left unpunished, are more likely to imitate what they see. The impact of TV violence may be immediately evident in a child’s behavior or may surface years later.  Young people can even be affected when the family atmosphere shows no tendency toward violence. However, this does not mean that violence on television is the only source for aggressive or violent behavior, but it is a significant contributor.

  

Television as a scapegoat.  It is easy to label television as the scapegoat and place the blame on it for children becoming violent later in life. In many families, television has become a sort of electronic baby-sitter.  Television has been a replacement for quality time with parents.  Children who spend their after school time alone because parents work, often find themselves learning behaviors not from their parents, but from television.  

Television news.  Television news programs can be a powerful influence in children’s lives.  Although most television news programs are not intended for children, the increase of television channels and internet websites that broadcast news around the clock and with the growing practice of interrupting television programming to report on "breaking news stories”, children of all ages can be regularly confronted with violent acts of murders, tragic accidents, war, and other violent stories.   Studies have shown that realistic portrayals of violence on television can raise levels of aggression, immediate fright reactions, cause children to fear the world as a scary place, and cause desensitization, particularly in older, school-aged children, who are able to distinguish the real from the unreal on television (Paik & Comstock, 1994).  Short-term aggressive behavior, which is fostered by the arousal process and imitation of violence, could be encouraged by violent news portrayals, especially when news programs show sensational images of weapons and actually occurring violence.  Frequent viewing of news programs that overemphasize crime, terror, and war could enhance long-term observational learning of violent schemas.

Conclusion

Many studies researching violence on television seem to come up with the same conclusions.  Although television violence can’t be attributed to all cases of aggression, desensitization or fear of the world as a scary place, it cannot be argued that it doesn’t have an overwhelming influence, especially in children.  Even though it’s true that some people are more likely to be affected by television violence than others, some experts have said that those who are affected by television the most already had the potential to be more aggressive anyway.  

There is still much room for studying and understanding violence on television.  As many new forms of viewings video come about, there will no-doubt be more studies conducted on the effects of violence portrayed in the media and real life violence.  

References

Paik H, Comstock G. The effects of television violence on antisocial behavior: a meta-analysis. Commun Res.1994; 21:516 –546.

Chandler, 1995 http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/short/cultiv.html

Ehrlich, M. C. (1995). The ethical dilemma of television news sweeps. Journal of Mass Media Ethics. 10(1), 37-47.

Allen, C. (2004, December).  Discovering “Joe six pack” content in television news: The hidden history of audience research, news consultants, and the Warner class model.  Journal of broadcasting & Electronic Media.  49(4), 363-382.

Powers, A. (1993).  Competition, conduct and ratings in local television news:  Applying the industrial organization model.  Journal of Media Economics.  6(2), 37-44.

Dominick J. R., Wurtzel A., & Lometti G. (1975). Television journalism vs. show business: a content analysis of eyewitness news. Journalism Quarterly.  52(1), 213-218.

Smith, C. (1988).  News critics, newsworkers and local television news.  Journalism Quarterly.  65(2/3), 341-346.

Eastman, W. (2004). Beginnings and beyond: The relationship between television violence and neurodevelopment of young children. College Quarterly 7(2).

Lett, M.D., DiPietro A.L., Johnson, D.I., (2004). Examining effects of television news violence on college students through cultivation theory.  Communication research reports. 21(1), 39-46.

Siegel, A.E. (1956). Film-mediated fantasy aggression and strength of aggressive drive. Child Development, 27, 365-378.

Lowery, S.A., DeFleur M.L. (1995). Milestones in mass communication research/media effects (3^rd ed.).  New York: Longman    

 

Everyone Loves to dance...

This is a story Tess and I did last year. I really liked it. So, here it is.

Focus Follow for AM Image Spot

This is on location of our latest image spot.  If you are wondering what I'm doing, I'm focusing the for the steadicam.  It's wireless.  I'll take pics of tomorrows shoot, to try and explain it better.  I'll also post more pics.   

Glenn Danzig Grocery Shopping List-You Tube

This is one of the funniest you tube videos I've ever seen.  Maybe it's because I was a Danzig fan back in the day...I'm not sure but it's so funny every time I think of it I start cracking up.  You might think it's funny too or maybe not.  But you have to watch this thing.  

THREE LITER BOTTLE OF MOUNTAIN DEUH!!!

When can you expect to get your Tax Relief Check?

Below is a schedule for the issuance of the Tax Relief Checks this summer.

Week Last 2 digits of your SSN Receive your check by week of 1 00 - 09 July 23 2 10 - 19 July 30 3 20 - 29 August 6 4 30 - 39 August 13 5 40 - 49 August 20 6 50 - 59 August 27 7 60 - 69 Sept. 3 8 70 - 79 Sept. 10 9 80 - 89 Sept. 17 10 90 - 99 Sept. 24 For married taxpayers who filed a joint return, the first Social Security Number on the return determines the mailing date. Source: Internal Revenue Service

Here's the breakdown, according to MSNBC:

If you made less than $75,000 in 2007, you get $600.

A couple earning less than $150,000 gets $1,200 back, plus an additional $300 per child.

If you made at least $3,000 but paid no taxes, you still get $300.

But here's where it gets tricky.

The rebate is technically an "advance credit" for your 2008 taxes, leading some to believe the extra money

will come out of your refund for next year.

"No," said Rudoy. "It's a one-time stimulus to the economy, and it won't affect anything that anybody has for next year."

The IRS gave Call 4 Action the same assurance.

Plus, it said you can get another $300 next year on top of the rebate check if you have a child in 2008.

And unlike years past, it won't make you pay taxes on that rebate money.

But many of you who are elderly or low-income, living off Social Security or veterans benefits,

could miss out altogether. To get the rebate check, you must file a tax form for 2007, even if you're not required to do so.

Otherwise, you're passing up what's essentially free money.

 

The Drive Home...A Short Film...

The ball never touches the GROUND!

The Ball Never Touches the ground until he decides.  

I'm not sure if this video is for real or not...but this is awesome editing or just plain awesome ball control.

You have to watch the whole video to see what I'm talking about.

These guys are off amazing!

Lemon anyone?

This might make you think twice about asking for that lemon for your water.

Weather Image Shoot 08'

          

This is on the set of our latest shoot.  It's for a weather image spot.  We used a Fisher Dolly 10, with track and a Trovato Arm for the camera shots.  This was shot in full HD with a green screen back drop.    

Bob Hess Sr. Lead Story at 9pm...Sort of...

CLICK THE PICTURE TO WATCH THE STORY KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The USDA says more than 140 million pounds of recalled beef won't make you sick to your stomach, but hearing about how the cows were treated at a California plant is making plenty of Metro shoppers feel ill. You may not like to think about where your steak comes from - maybe you don't mind it. But shoppers say video of how the Westland-Hallmark meat plant treated their cows before they were slaughtered is deplorable. "I wonder what else they may be doing to them," Darren Brown, shopper, says when he think about the animals. The situation makes people think twice about what they're picking up for dinner. "I didn't buy any [meat] today," Nicole Rolofson, shopper, said. "In fact, I bought the Boca meat, the vegetarian crumbles, so we didn't buy any ground meat today." Though there was only one offender in this recall, the entire meat industry will likely feel a sales backlash. "It's pretty appalling, pretty appalling to know something like that could happen with all the controls and provisions we have in place to prevent that," Bob Hess, retired USDA beef inspector, said of the recall. Hess spent his career supervising beef production in Kansas and Missouri. He says the mistreatment of animals offends him after he spent years working to safeguard not only the product, but the cows themselves. "Each of those animals, as they go through the process, there are strategic points that inspectors will examine during that process" But he understands how it could have happened. "It becomes an inanimate object to them. They just want to get them moving, and sometimes it's hard to do," Hess said. "It does not make it right. "To find out where your grocery store or favorite restaurant gets its beef, call the USDA hotline at 1-888-MP-HOTLINE or you can visit the USDA Web site.

Other Family Members

     

                                

This is Newton.  He's 13 years old.  He's a great cat, but old and lazy.  He's earned it.  Ever since Lucy has come along, he has been harassed by this young and hyper dog.  Lucy is going on 1 year this July, I think.  They are great pets and both demand attention.  It's been a tough transition for Newton who has been used to getting 100% of our attention at any given time.  Now he is forced to split that time equally and I don't think he likes it much.  Lucy is full of energy and always wants to "play" with Newt.  But Newt is years past the playing stage and has grown into a more suitable role as a true retiree.  He wants to be fed and left alone.  That is all.  Anyhow, they have made great additions to the family.  

The eye

This is a picture of my eye.  I did very little enhancement in photoshop.  I added a matte, sharpened the image and put a blur around the edges.  The eye is fascinating.  You can tell a lot about a person just by their eyes.  So many parts and functions. So much we take for granted with the eye. The iris is crazy with so many designs and colors.  I kept the image large (12 mega pixels) so you can click on the pic to see a larger view.  

RATS!

These are the newest edition to the family.  Alea and Abigail.  Yes...they are rats.  RATS!  Marissa got two "fancy rats" with all the fixin's.  Cage, ball thing they play in, toys, treats, rat carrier (I can't believe they even make one) and everything else you can think of.  Lucy, our dog, is OBSESSED!  Every chance she gets she tries to get in their room.  She even sleeps outside the door on some nights, which we leave shut since she won't leave them alone.  I must admit, they are kinda cute.  Alea is really friendly, she likes to climb on you and play.  They other one, which we don't have pictures yet because she doesn't like to play, is much more shy.   At any rate we welcome these two rodents into our home and family, for now.

The I Mac

We did it.  We bought an I Mac and I love it!  24 inch screen. It's a monster.  I'll write more about this later.  It's almost 1 am and I need to get to bed.  I've been playing with the new computer for way too long tonight.

Marissa's first commercial

Introducing the ipod touch!

Alright, it’s been awhile since my last post. The holidays are now over and I can devote a little bit more time to this. Speaking of holidays, I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and here is wishing everyone a happy new year. I’m really excited about my new gadget Kim bought me for Christmas, the ipod touch. It is awesome. It’s basically the i-phone without the phone and camera. Wicked cool. This thing is an ipod and so much more. It’s 8gig so it can hold up to 10 hours of video. Large and in charge. It also holds massive amounts of music but what makes this so awesome is that it will connect to any and all wi-fi connections (as long as you don’t need a password). It’s a touch screen interface so it eliminates almost all buttons. You just touch the screen. Unreal. It also will replace your PDA, as the ipod touch can do everything your old PDA can do, calendar, contacts, reminders, ect…As you can see I’ve included a few web-sites to check it out. Above are a few pics. OUT!