tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214003462024-03-07T16:34:39.717-08:00Josh o' Trades"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." - Thomas A. EdisonJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-49201309855816055062011-02-21T11:50:00.000-08:002011-02-21T12:13:48.519-08:00Third Time's The Charm....It's that time again. Recently, a wave went out across the Cortex:<br /><br />If you've the talent (and the nerve), design the 2011 CSTS Logo.<br /><br />Once again, a few creative Browncoats - myself included - took up the call.<br /><br />Here are the 2 Options I came up with:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Option A:<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5465459437_ec0f3c9635.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5253/5465459345_3b241f24d7.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5254/5466057142_5d251066b8.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Option B:<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5052/5465459601_d7f1813341.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/5465459521_4e1518db0f.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5466057316_eea63a9c52.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br />We sent the signal out and a few of the brave and bold with their brilliant artistical skillz took up the gauntlet (and their pallets) to create this year’s promotional art.<br /><br />We sent the signal out and a few of the brave and bold with their brilliant artistical skillz took up the gauntlet (and their palettes) to create this year’s promotional art.<br /><br />We know it’s gonna be a challenge – but we need you, the good folk of the ‘Verse, to help us choose which one will become the official artwork for Can’t Stop the Serenity 2011! You can only vote once and you’ve only got until March 6 to get your voice heard and your vote counted.<br /><br />So vote and then tell your friends to spread the word and come help us choose the best of the best.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cantstoptheserenity.com/media/2011-art-entries/">View Entries</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cantstoptheserenity.com/media/2011-vote/">Vote Now</a><br /><br /><br />Voting Closes March 6, 2011 12:59 PM PST<br /><br />-Jos<br /><br />"Endurance is frequently a form of indecision." ~Elizabeth BibescoJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-25640491092670401492010-02-24T05:41:00.000-08:002010-02-24T06:13:09.241-08:00Second 'Verse, Same As The FirstIt's that time again. Recently, a wave went out across the Cortex:<br /><br />If you've the talent (and the nerve), design the 2010 CSTS Logo.<br /><br />Once again, a few creative Browncoats - myself included - took up the call.<br /><br />Here are the 3 ideas I came up with:<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4384183269_c3956baf71_o.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4384945628_5fe0d292cf_o.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4384945716_c6435a5694_o.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br />We sent the signal out and a few of the brave and bold with their brilliant artistical skillz took up the gauntlet (and their pallets) to create this year’s promotional art.<br /><br />We know it’s gonna be a challenge - but we need you, the good folk of the ‘Verse, to help us choose which one will become the official artwork for CSTS 2010. You can only vote once and you’ve only got until March 1st to get your voice heard and your vote counted.<br /><br />So vote and then tell your friends to spread the word and come help us choose the best of the best.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cantstoptheserenity.com/2010artentries/#9">View Entries</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cantstoptheserenity.com/artvote2010/">Vote Now</a><br /><br /><br />Voting Closes March 1, 2010 12:59 PM PST<br /><br />-Jos<br /><br />"Art is the only way to run away without leaving home." ~Twyla TharpJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-3231341480319983132009-11-30T05:41:00.001-08:002009-11-30T05:41:22.945-08:00The Muppets - Bohemian Rhapsody<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/cGlTzt24Izw' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/cGlTzt24Izw'/></object></p><p>Happy Monday!!<br /><br />Hope everyone had a safe and fun Thanksgiving!!<br /><br />-Jos<br /><br />"Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds." ~Theodore Roosevelt</p></div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-90908613924986194382009-10-30T08:01:00.001-07:002009-10-30T08:01:11.835-07:00Shiny!!<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/3Q3pdj9p6yI' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/3Q3pdj9p6yI'/></object></p><p>Happy Halloween, Everybody!!!<br /><br />-Jos<br /><br />Mal: Does, uh... does this seem kind of tight?<br /><br />Kaylee: Shows off your backside. Did you see the chandelier? It's hovering.<br /><br />Mal: What's the point of that, I wonder?<br /><br />Kaylee: Oh, mangos!<br /><br />Mal: I mean, I see how they did it. I just ain't gettin' the why.<br /><br />Kaylee: These girls have the most beautiful dresses. And so do I. How 'bout that?<br /><br />Mal: Yeah, well, just be careful. We cheated Badger out of good money to buy that frippery, and you're supposed to make me look respectable.<br /><br />Kaylee: Yes, sir, Cap'n Tight-Pants. </p></div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-43375649996859135882009-10-07T10:46:00.001-07:002009-10-07T10:46:16.710-07:00Thank The Maker<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/Tkg-VJ_Ja9Y' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/Tkg-VJ_Ja9Y'/></object></p><p>In what can only be an answer to a very old prayer, we're finally getting the chance to be part of the magic that first took place a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.......<br /><br />The twisted geniuses at Star war Uncut are handing over the keys of the asylum to we inmates.<br /><br />Here's our chance to film our own version of Star Wars, albeit 15 seconds at a time....<br /><br />This is too good to pass up!!!!<br /><br />Who's with me?<br /><br />-Jos<br /><br />"Dreaming is an act of pure imagination, attesting in all men a creative power, which if it were available in waking, would make every man a Dante or Shakespeare." ~H.F. Hedge</p></div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-57373772567268086752009-10-01T06:19:00.000-07:002009-10-01T06:36:22.882-07:00Two Weeks<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2559/3971091231_f4f7e5ea57_o.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br />Two weeks ago today, Babs and my world was forever turned on its head.<br /><br />Peter Alec Stratton was born September 17, 2009 at 10:45pm. Weight was 8 lbs 1oz. Length was 19 3/4 inches.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2432/3971859986_63c7b5b3dc_o.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br />Both Mom and Baby are doing well. Pete's had a bit of jaundice at first, but seems to be getting past that rather quickly. His 2 week check-up is later on today, and we'll see if he's back up to his birth weight (he was down to 7lbs 5oz when he came home).<br /><br />He is truly a blessing and Babs and I couldn't be happier!!!<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2652/3971859778_8b6580e9d8_o.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br />Thanks for all the well wishes and support these past 14 days. We look forward to seeing how Pete will change our lives for the rest of our lives.<br /><br />-Jos<br /><br />"A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on." ~Carl SandburgJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-14279570671711232412009-09-11T09:59:00.000-07:002009-09-11T10:01:40.779-07:00Never Forget....<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3504/3910197320_487bd0cb95_o.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br />"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." ~Elmer DavisJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-24676355554790418732009-08-07T08:47:00.001-07:002009-08-07T08:47:48.171-07:00John Hughes Is Gone, But Not Forgotten....<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/ZOkNIUw0c2s' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/ZOkNIUw0c2s'/></object></p><p>Sad, sad day...<br /><br />-Jos<br />"Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?"<br /><br />"Um, he's sick. My best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going with the girl who saw Ferris pass out at 31 Flavors last night. I guess it's pretty serious."</p></div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-32664075278117355942009-08-04T05:57:00.001-07:002009-08-04T05:57:18.333-07:00A More Civilized Time.....<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/y-_ZW2ChGjE' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/y-_ZW2ChGjE'/></object></p><p>-Jos<br /><br />“Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no substitute for a good blaster at your side...” - Han Solo</p></div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-9793663004032306702009-07-20T13:48:00.000-07:002009-07-20T14:03:01.824-07:00Nothing So Small.....<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2588/3740555702_ab5abff9ca_o.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br />"Houston, Tranquility Base here...." <br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2463/3740555756_471a41598d_o.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2674/3740555794_cdfac801dc_o.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/3739762465_8479a5e711_o.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/3740521624_51af78b426_o.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br />"The eagle has landed!"Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-88798462716390246152009-07-16T08:03:00.000-07:002009-07-16T08:13:52.809-07:00Mare Tranquilitatis<span style="font-style:italic;">“First, I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind, or more important in the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish.” <br />-President John F. Kennedy - May 25, 1961</span><br /><br />Forty years ago today, three men set out to fulfill the hopes and dreams of not only the 400,000+ men and women of the Apollo Program, not only the United States of America, but of all mankind. <br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2497/3726992692_831b41ae12_o.png" width="400px"><br /><br />Launching from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kennedy_Space_Center#">Kennedy Space Center</a> near Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 9:32 am local time, Apollo 11 took to the stars. Mission Commander Neil Alden Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins, and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin Eugene 'Buzz' Aldrin, Jr. would carry the weight of the world on their shoulders for the entire four and a half day voyage from the Earth to the Moon.<br /><br />NASA, working alongside the Kennedy Library & Museum, has launched <a href="http://wechoosethemoon.org/#">We Choose The Moon</a>, an interactive website that follows the events of the Apollo 11 Mission in real-time.<br /><br />Go take a look. You’ll be glad you did.<br /><br />God speed, Apollo 11!<br /><br />-Jos<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">“We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.”<br />- President John F. Kennedy</span>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-81497717737631022472009-06-23T10:24:00.001-07:002009-06-23T10:24:14.655-07:00Real Vampires Don't Sparkle<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/RZwM3GvaTRM' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/RZwM3GvaTRM'/></object></p><p>Just sayin'...<br /><br />-Jos<br />"Keep smiling - it makes people wonder what you've been up to." ~Author Unknown</p></div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-16012846222785772662009-06-06T11:06:00.000-07:002009-06-06T11:11:15.951-07:00June 6Happy Birthday, Baby!!<br /><br />Love ya!!<br /><br />-Jos<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman's birthday but never remembers her age. ~Robert Frost</span>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-7535030863938539492009-06-02T11:34:00.000-07:002009-06-02T11:38:36.138-07:00Year 2<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3353/3590027986_aa8460eca2_o.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br />Babs-<br /><br />Thanks for a wonderful two years together as man and wife. You are the very best part of me.<br /><br />I love ya, Babe!!<br /><br />-Josh<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. ~Mignon McLaughlin</span>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-32649015869934317262009-05-22T06:54:00.000-07:002009-05-22T07:15:20.024-07:00Can't Stop The Music 2009<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3637/3554289748_4be9f4e72a_b.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cantstoptheserenity.com/dallas/09_music_showcase.html">Can't Stop The Music: Women's Showcase</a><br /><br />SUNDAY, MAY 24th from 4-9 PM<br /><br /><a href="http://www.poordavidspub.com/">Poor David's Pub</a> 1313 South Lamar<br /><br />(Downtown Dallas, 2 short blocks south of the Dallas Convention Center and 1/2 block west of the Cedars Dart Station)<br /><br />Join us for a fun filled Browncoat gathering with phenomenal music, Whedonverse trivia, raffle items, and a caricature artist to create sketches too!<br /><br />Proceeds raised will be donated to Equality Now.<br /><br />This is an all ages show. 17 & unders are welcome.<br /><br />Guests include:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mariancall.com/">Marian Call</a><br /><br />Marian is a nerd extraordinaire living in Anchorage, Alaska, and touring the country as a singer-songwriter. She writes songs that appeal to all audiences, but nearly always encodes a deeper, encrypted layer of meaning for fannish friends who know what to listen for. Though new on the scene, she now plays for Browncoat and BSG events around the country. Her new album "Got to Fly" was commissioned by Quantum Mechanix, Inc., and consists entirely of songs about Firefly, Battlestar Galactica, and a life of fandom.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/innerfrequency">Inner Frequency</a><br /><br />Members: Cara Young - Vocals; Luke Carnevale - Acoustic Guitar; Barry Dyer - Electric Guitar; Brad Brock - bass; Jon Mosig - drums<br /><br />Cara and Luke connected through a musician website in 2005 and discovered a strong song-writing chemistry. Both were writing songs alone, but needed a partner to complete the picture. Some songs in the Inner Frequency catalog were written by Cara (Big Talker, Satellite, I Like You Better), others by Luke (Sometimes, Preacher Man, Luv Drug), and some were collaborative efforts (Inner Frequency, Yeah Yeah, Fairy Tale You, Exposed). “Luke and I balance each other out really well. Though we rarely sit and write a song together in the same room, our ideas always seem to complement each other,” says Cara.<br /><br />Cara’s strong, sultry voice has reminded listeners of Annie Lennox, Grace Slick, and Johnette Napolitano (Concrete Blonde). She grew up singing in church, musical theater, and pageants (yes, that makes her cringe). She sang all the way through college, but then took a few years off until she found Luke to work with.<br /><br />Today, Inner Frequency includes Brad Brock on bass and Jon Mosig on drums, and Barry Dyer - Electric Guitar. Highlights from last year included opening for Eddie Money, headlining the Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and participating in the GoGirls Musicfest.<br /><br />Inner Frequency recorded their debut EP The Lemmontree Project with Dustin Mason at Lemmontree Studios in 2005.The band plans to return to the studio this summer to finish their full-length album with Will Hunt. The tunes on Surge will be on the release, along with at least seven more tracks from their accumulating set list of originals.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.morningelephant.com/">Morning Elephant</a><br /><br />Founded by formidable Dallas musicians Manya Repnikova &Clay Pendergrass. They are often joined by the featured musicians that appear on their self titled debut album. Morning Elephant combines beats, bright compositions and effervescent guitar work to generate music overflowing with echo-coated sounds.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://cdbaby.com/cd/kristinamorland">Kristina Morland</a><br /><br />Kristina's new album, Pidgin Music, is a delightful collection of snapshot songs, seemingly plucked from a prized but recently rediscovered shoe box filled with poetry and journals.<br /><br />Instrumentation in Morland's are constant reblendings of gypsy, folk and pop music elements, with one overriding exception: Morland's vocals, which contrast soulfully, purposely against the backdrop in a classical jazz, slightly Billie Holiday sort of way.<br /><br />In a town filled beyond capacity with great talent, Kristina has an especially powerful gift, more than just rivaling her more-famous contemporaries. Her voice performances have already fetched comparisons with the likes of Feist and Joanna Newsome (who Morland admits she had to stop listening to while penning songs for Pidgin Music, in fear of sounding too much like one of her own favorite artists).<br /><br /><br />Come join us for a fun night of music and entertainment!<br /><br />Keep flying!<br />-JosJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-23804835567798955042009-03-27T07:17:00.000-07:002009-03-27T07:30:01.633-07:00AlabamaPink: 1975 – 2009I find myself today mourning the death of a young woman that I’ve never met. Had not even heard of until a few short months ago. <br /><br />Pink was a contributor on a website that I frequent and was known for her quick wit, her eloquent turn of phrase, a personification with <span style="font-style:italic;">True Romance’s</span> Alabama Whitman, and a life-long devotion to <span style="font-style:italic;">Alice In Wonderland</span>. And while I had only read a few of her diatribes, I was saddened to learn of her leukemia diagnosis. <br /><br />Back in the fall, partly to fill the time between chemotherapy and radiation treatment sessions and partly to use said time to berate fellow contributor Brian Prisco, she proposed a contest of stellar proportions, The Cannonball Read.<br /><br />The rules were simple: 1 Year – 100 Books<br /><br />1. A book is more than 200 pages.<br />2. No graphic novels. Read them anyone, because they will kill the dumb brain cells with awesomesauce, but they don't count for this.<br />3. Post your thoughts on a blog or on a website, or somewhere where others can read it to prove you've read. <br /><br />Pink never lost hope. Even when the treatments failed, she never faltered. She is/was an inspiration to everyone she met. And she leaves behind a legacy that she believed fully in.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3551/3390049336_90318b16cb_o.jpg" width="200px"><br /><br />Amanda “AlabamaPink” Amos died Wednesday, March 25, due to complications from her leukemia. She leaves behind a loving husband, a three-year-old son, and countless admirers.<br /><br />So to respect Amanda and her friends and family, I’m throwing my hat into the ring, and joining the Cannonball Read. I only stated keeping track of the books I’ve read since the 1st of January. So that’s where I’m starting. <br /><br />Be looking for book reviews to follow. Probably every Friday until I catch up.<br /><br />Good night, Sweet Maid. See you on the other side of the Looking Glass.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"In the dark here<br />I remember your loving hugs<br />Urging me on.<br />I can still see you gathered<br />Such an unlikely family<br />And I know I can find my way home."</span> <br />~Amanda “AlabamaPink” AmosJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-41013828948087252672009-03-04T14:50:00.000-08:002009-03-04T15:19:46.077-08:00Can't Stop The Serenity 2009 Poster ContestA month ago, a wave went out across the Cortex:<br /><br />If you've the talent (and the nerve), design the 2009 CSTS Poster and Tee Shirt<br /><br />A few creative Browncoats - myself included - took up the call.<br /><br />Here are 4 ideas I came up with:<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3388/3329603252_4b4f308f23_o.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3402/3329603212_2686bbb49a_o.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3334/3329603280_83c880c377_o.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/3328770015_618760aa87_o.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br />We sent the signal out and a few of the brave and bold with their brilliant artistical skillz took up the gauntlet (and their pallets) to create this year’s promotional art.<br /><br />We know it’s gonna be a challenge - but we need you, the good folk of the ‘Verse, to help us choose which one will become the official artwork for CSTS 2009. You can only vote once and you’ve only got until March 12th to get your voice heard and your vote counted.<br /><br />So vote and then tell your friends to spread the word and come help us choose the best of the best.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cantstoptheserenity.com/2009-art-contest-entries/">View Entries</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cantstoptheserenity.com/artvote2009/">Vote Now</a><br /><br /><br />Voting Closes March 12, 2009 12:59 PM PST<br /><br />-Jos<br /><br />"Drawing is putting a line round an idea." ~Henri MatisseJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-49403448640402176482008-12-17T06:29:00.001-08:002008-12-17T06:29:47.566-08:00Turner Classic Movies TCM Remembers 2008<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/QcTFsZwUAQ8' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/QcTFsZwUAQ8'/></object></p><p>"People do not die for us immediately, but remain bathed in a sort of aura of life which bears no relation to true immortality but through which they continue to occupy our thoughts in the same way as when they were alive. It is as though they were traveling abroad." ~Marcel Proust</p></div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-7285037866608093502008-12-05T09:37:00.000-08:002008-12-11T09:25:34.919-08:00Every Little Bit Helps....<span style="font-style:italic;">A Little Bit of Everything</span><br />By: Julie Pici<br /><br />“A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence.” ~Leopold Stokowski<br /><br />To <strike> completely rip-off </strike> paraphrase F. Scott Fitzgerald, “Let me tell you about the talented, they’re not like you or me.” Or something like that. Such is the case with a very dear friend of mine, <a href="http://www.juliepici.com/">Julie Pici</a>.<br /><br />To say that Julie is talented is like saying that water is wet. Or that the Great Wall may be China’s way of overcompensating for something. Or that Bill Gates got beat up every day until he was in his 20’s. It’s a given….<br /><br />No, Jules is one of those very rare individuals that can only make the rest of us look bad. Her stats are impressive: Actress, photographer, painter, dancer, writer, princess, professional mover (and shaker), and master jewelry maker. And that was just last week! What have <span style="font-style:italic;">you</span> done lately?<br /><br />However, it’s her music I’d like to take a little time to talk about right now. <br /><br />During the past 12 months - in-between the 83 moves from Texas to all 7 continents and 4 or 5 coasts along the way - Julie decided to use her powers for good and make the world just a little bit brighter because of it. She took a sampling of all her life experiences and poured them into a little CD titled: <span style="font-style:italic;">A Little Bit of Everything</span>. And it’s one of the best I’ve heard in a while.<br /><br />The album starts off strong with several praise songs, including <span style="font-style:italic;">I’m Free</span>, an energetic number complete with electric guitar and a great chorus. Did I mention that Julie recorded all the vocals and played all the instruments herself? Yeah, just to make us feel better about all those music lessons we didn’t take. This leads right into <span style="font-style:italic;">U.R.</span>, a fun little song with a steady beat and a great message. <span style="font-style:italic;">Jennifer’s Song</span> is perfect when you’re reminded that all of God’s people don’t always have all the answers. <span style="font-style:italic;">The King Is Come</span> is a wonderful telling of the Good News in just under 6 minutes.<br /><br />A couple of my favorites include <span style="font-style:italic;">My Life Is So Much Better</span>, a song dedicated to Julie’s Mom, and <span style="font-style:italic;">My Heart Is Beating For You</span>, an up-tempo number with a beat that stays with you. Seriously, I find myself humming it while I’m stuck in client meetings. Another favorite has to be <span style="font-style:italic;">It Is What It Is</span>, a humorous accounting of Julie & Ralph’s latest relocation to warmer climates. And while I’m pretty sure <span style="font-style:italic;">Might As Well</span> wasn’t written about me, there’s always a chance it was.<br /><br />The two most powerful tracks are <span style="font-style:italic;">I’m Home</span>, written for several friends fighting in the Middle East, and <span style="font-style:italic;">I’ll Remember You</span>, a haunting performance dedicated to the memory of a close friend. These 2 songs alone are worth the purchase price.<br /><br />All in all, there are 18 tracks for you to listen to and fall in love with. Please order a copy for you and a few more to give as gifts. And it’s all for a good cause. <br /><br />Not that you should need any other incentive to purchase this fantastic album produced by an amazing talent. <br /><br />But, after 12 years of married bliss, there’s still one area that Julie hasn’t mastered: Motherhood. She and Ralph are trying to raise funds to help the growing costs of adoption. Trust me, you’ll never meet more deserving people. <br /><br />If you’re able to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18119414">contribute</a>, please do. Every “little bit” helps…<br /><br />Hope everyone has a great weekend!<br />-Jos<br /><br />"The course of life is unpredictable... no one can write his autobiography in advance." ~Abraham Joshua HeschelJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-31068306056706422732008-11-21T07:33:00.001-08:002008-11-21T07:33:45.717-08:00Go Kiss A Wookie<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/lk5_OSsawz4' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/lk5_OSsawz4'/></object></p><p>Thank my wife, for getting this stuck in my head last night.<br /><br />So I'm returning the favor...to all of you.<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br />-Jos<br /><br />"Music is the art which is most nigh to tears and memory." ~Oscar Wilde</p></div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-63112190144303736402008-11-20T10:52:00.000-08:002008-11-20T11:05:59.731-08:00What A Difference A Year Makes.....So, today marks exactly one year since I walked out of TSM forever.<br /><br />And, I can truthfully say, I’ve never been happier!<br /><br />Sure, it was hard to leave my team behind, but the majority of us have been reunited in a better - if not closer - working endeavor. <br /><br />For those of you not in the know, JoT HQ has been relocated to the Grand Prairie area. Yeah, I’m about 3 or 4 blocks from the new Cowboys stadium. The traffic’s been…fun. Thanks for asking! The 40 mile commute adds up to right at 1 hour one-way. So, that’s been swell too......<br /><br />Babs is in school part time and is working full time in the corporate dining arena. She’s having a blast.<br /><br />The Apocalypse Queen and I are wrapping up a run of Annie Oakley for <a href="http://www.womproductions.com/pgView.asp?pgn=wom_productions">WOMP</a>. It’s been a great show, and if you’re in the North TX area, you should drop in and heckle us, if nothing else.<br /><br />Hope everyone is doing well and having a good week. Next week is Thanksgiving for us yanks, and Babs is making all the fixings should any outcast orphans find themselves turkey-less this year. Just give us a call and stop on by......<br /><br />Until next time-<br />Jos<br /><br />"He that will not apply new remedies must expect new evils; for time is the greatest innovator." ~Francis BaconJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-7329845237232518222008-11-19T10:42:00.001-08:002008-11-19T10:42:01.210-08:00Oh, JJ Abrams, Save Me!<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/Y2Zhoesi7cg' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/Y2Zhoesi7cg'/></object></p><p>"Why should people go out and pay money to see bad films when they can stay home and see bad television for nothing?" ~Samuel Goldwyn</p></div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-78945173017294035342008-11-14T11:24:00.000-08:002008-11-14T11:38:07.813-08:00Annie Oakley - This Weekend & Next!<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3171/3030471076_d260077729_o.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/3029636257_fe6017490d_o.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/3029657567_cb675747ac_o.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/3030492910_74b4980b92_o.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3228/3030492996_b308e60289_o.jpg" width="400px"><br /><br />Hope to see you there!<br /><br />-Jos<br /><br />"History is herstory, too." ~Author UnknownJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-16639288607767912862008-07-16T18:42:00.000-07:002008-07-16T18:49:17.120-07:00The world is a mess and I just need to rule it....Go one, go all. Captain Hammer must be stopped. AT ALL COSTS!!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.drhorrible.com/index.html">Sing Along with me now....</a><br /><br />-JosJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400346.post-6698665076240534132008-02-14T05:45:00.001-08:002008-02-14T05:45:38.967-08:00Happy Valloween!<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/VxIBk1a3qdQ' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/VxIBk1a3qdQ'/></object></p></div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14057307793372010138noreply@blogger.com2