I have been a performer, writer and speaker for years. This is the TV commercial I am most well known for.
(Click on the link below, not the photo.)
I have authored 4 books, all available on amazon.com. I have been a key note speaker for varied groups such as the March of Dimes, Sutter Health, Corban University and Valley Springs Presbyterian Church. I am a media professional with seven years as a TV producer and reporter. I have also been a college professor in the field of Communications. Reach me for keynote, breakout and all types of speaking or writing gigs at 916-296-4647 or rich_seiber@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
ALLIES, ALIENS AND ARRIVALS
The Arrival is a 1996 science fiction film that pairs the fears over global warming with the possibilities of an alien invasion. The movies asks and answers the age old question, are we alone in the universe?
Charlie Sheen stars as brilliant yet paranoid radio astronomer Zane Zaminsky. Zane's driving force is to prove that other intelligent life exists somewhere out there. His efforts lead to late nights and long work hours which makes him unpopular with his beautiful girlfriend, Char, played by Teri Polo.
While Zane and Char fight through much of the film, Zane must also fight off those who don't want him to make a big discovery. Actor Ron Silver stars as Zane's boss, who turns out to be his nemesis. He portrays the NASA administrator who fires Zane and thwart's his research mission.
Zane gets a replacement job as a satellite technician and begins rigging everyone's dishes to benefit his scientific mission. Aided by the neighbor boy Kiki, a street smart youngster visiting his grandma, Zane confirms that someone or something is out there and they are trying to communicate.
Zane's findings lead him to Central Mexico where he encounters a climate scientist, Dr. Green, played by Lindsay Crouse. The climatologist tries to hit on Zane but he can't stop thinking about Char. Dr. Green can't stop thinking about a troubling increase in global temperatures. It turns out Zane's extraterrestrial discovery and the rising temperatures are related. The aliens, who can disguise themselves by taking on human form, want to disrupt our climate and conquer the planet.
But first they will have to conquer Zane. While on the run from the aliens near the end of the film, Zane and Char are reunited and their fighting continues. But they do manage to fight off the aliens as well. In the sci-fi film's climactic scene Zane is betrayed by one character he thought was an ally.
From allies to aliens this is one film adventure that is out of this world. If you'd like me to speak to your organization on media matters, call me at 916-296-4647.
Charlie Sheen stars as brilliant yet paranoid radio astronomer Zane Zaminsky. Zane's driving force is to prove that other intelligent life exists somewhere out there. His efforts lead to late nights and long work hours which makes him unpopular with his beautiful girlfriend, Char, played by Teri Polo.
While Zane and Char fight through much of the film, Zane must also fight off those who don't want him to make a big discovery. Actor Ron Silver stars as Zane's boss, who turns out to be his nemesis. He portrays the NASA administrator who fires Zane and thwart's his research mission.
Zane gets a replacement job as a satellite technician and begins rigging everyone's dishes to benefit his scientific mission. Aided by the neighbor boy Kiki, a street smart youngster visiting his grandma, Zane confirms that someone or something is out there and they are trying to communicate.
Zane's findings lead him to Central Mexico where he encounters a climate scientist, Dr. Green, played by Lindsay Crouse. The climatologist tries to hit on Zane but he can't stop thinking about Char. Dr. Green can't stop thinking about a troubling increase in global temperatures. It turns out Zane's extraterrestrial discovery and the rising temperatures are related. The aliens, who can disguise themselves by taking on human form, want to disrupt our climate and conquer the planet.
But first they will have to conquer Zane. While on the run from the aliens near the end of the film, Zane and Char are reunited and their fighting continues. But they do manage to fight off the aliens as well. In the sci-fi film's climactic scene Zane is betrayed by one character he thought was an ally.
From allies to aliens this is one film adventure that is out of this world. If you'd like me to speak to your organization on media matters, call me at 916-296-4647.
Monday, July 29, 2019
ACTIVE SHOOTER SAFETY TIPS
These tips may save your life some day. Below are my personal notes from attending an active shooter preparedness training in 2016.
Emergency
Preparedness Training Opportunity:
Active
Shooter Demonstration
By
Sgt. Matt Young, Sacramento Police Department
-Prepare
in advance so that you are emotionally and mentally equipped to survive an
active shooter incident.
-Think
in advance of how you could escape, where you might hide, what you could use as
a makeshift weapon.
-60% of all active shooter situations are resolved
before the police arrive on the scene. So in most cases, you are on your own.
-If
police do arrive, do as they say and keep your hands up so they know you do not
have a weapon and are not the shooter.
-Report suspicious activity. Don’t let fear of
stereotyping someone or political correctness keep you from reporting
suspicious activity.
-See
Something, Say Something, Do Something.
-There has been a 150% increase in Active Shooter
events from 2006-2013. So these types of incidents are likely to continue to
occur.
-32% of Active Shooter incidents are ended by
bystanders/victims. So you do potentially have an important role to play.
-If you find yourself in an Active Shooter situation,
quickly determine what is the most reasonable way to protect your own life.
-In the medical community
we are often taught and believe that the patient’s needs must always come
first. In an Active Shooter situation, your first priority should be your own
safety. If you do not survive this incident, you will not be around to care for
this patient or future patients.
-In an active shooter situation, you have 3 options:
1)
RUN: get out/evacuate. Call 911 from a safe location and provide as much
information to law enforcement as you can.
-Again,
spend some time thinking about how you would escape if an active shooter event
happened at your workplace, at your mall, at the movie theater, etc.
2)
HIDE: Once hidden, if possible, prevent the shooter from being able to enter
your location by barricading the doors. Silence your cell phone. Remain quiet.
-Again,
prepare in advance by thinking of places at work where you could hide. When you
are out in public, observe places that could serve as good hiding spots.
3)
FIGHT: Have a plan of attack. Involve
everyone who is hiding with you. The more people involved the easier it may be
to stop the shooter. Attempt to incapacitate or overwhelm the shooter. Use
aggression. Commit to your actions. Improvise weapons. Don’t stop until the
shooter is dead.
-Remember,
the shooter’s goal is violence. He or she wants you dead, so don’t stop until
the shooter is dead.
Sunday, July 28, 2019
UNITED BY UNITED 93
I saw a profound film recently. United 93 is compelling and disturbing. I had a hard time watching
it, sitting still for it because it was so intense. And of course, I knew how
it ended. The sadness hit me at the very end and I left the theater with tears
strolling down both cheeks. It is a mixture of drama and documentary. There are
no big name stars in the film, so you focus on the events and not the famous
faces. I would highly recommend that all Americans see this film. This flick
paints the patrons of United 93 as the heroes they are. And the terrorists as
the evildoers they are. It reminds us that we're all in this global war on
terror together. It is important that this film be widely viewed. So go buy the
DVD and consider it an act of patriotism you can enjoy with popcorn.
Saturday, July 27, 2019
SILLY SHOPPER
From Parker's Story: Essays on Autism and Awesometism, available on Amazon.com.
KEY VERSE:
I
praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are
wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14
ESSAY:
Dear
older gentleman shopping at Home Depot this morning: While in the store I
acquired a super power that let me read your mind. Thus I can answer the
question you didn’t ask. Yes, my son is different. He has autism. Yes, he does
walk around the entire store excitedly talking to himself. Yes, if it suits
him, he and I will walk up and down the lumber or lawn and garden tool aisles
30 times in a row. When he jumps up and down and flaps his arms that means he
is happy, having fun and feels safe. My Bible assures me that he is just as
fearfully and wonderfully made as the rest of us. So relax, because with your
staring, gawking and disapproving glances, you are the one who looks silly.
APPLICATION:
If
you are the parent of a special needs child, or know someone who has a
disability, chances are they are going to be stared at or made fun of at some
point in their life. Pray for Jesus’ protection and encouragement to be with
them during those times. If you witness someone with a disability being teased
or bullied, practice right now how you would respond to that situation,
speaking the truth in love to defend that disabled individual.
Friday, July 26, 2019
THRILL OF A RIDE
My best friend Andy's movie was released on
DVD. The film is a sensational thriller. Dean Cain plays a man on the run who
keeps getting Lost.
The Mrs. and I both enjoyed it immensely. Look for my friend Andy, who plays
the part of the pilot in the film, as well as successfully produces it. You can
currently rent the DVD or even better, buy it on Amazon.com. See a great movie and support a God-fearing,
pro-military, America-loving man and his family at the same time. You can't go
wrong with that.
Thursday, July 25, 2019
ENCOURAGEMENT EXPERT
If you'd like me to share my presentation on becoming an Encouragement Expert to your church, class or club, please contact me at 916-296-4647.
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
DRIVE-IN DATES
The Mrs. and I have been enjoying some recent trips
to the local Drive-In Theater. Yes, they still have those (only one in the
entire Sacramento area, though). It's been a great outlet for entertainment
because 1) it's cheaper than paying $10 to visit your local multiplex, 2) you
can bring your own goodies so you don't have to get a bank loan to buy popcorn
and 3) we can bring our son Parker and he falls asleep in the back seat.
One film we saw at the drive-in was Invincible, the Disney underdog sports movie. Disney has dominated this genre of movie over the years with strong films such as "The Rookie," "Remember the Titans" and "Miracle." "Invincible" is a solid film, starring Mark Wahlberg as a 30 year old bartender who decides to try out for the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles. Greg Kinnear portrays Eagles head coach Dick Vermeil. It's based on the true story of Vince Papale who played three years for the Eagles in the late 1970s. Both of us enjoyed the film. It's Disney-clean, perfect for the whole family. And Vince's success gives you goose bumps and helps you realize the impossible really is possible sometimes. I am hoping Disney continues to mine this underdog sports hero theme because it keeps working for them.
One film we saw at the drive-in was Invincible, the Disney underdog sports movie. Disney has dominated this genre of movie over the years with strong films such as "The Rookie," "Remember the Titans" and "Miracle." "Invincible" is a solid film, starring Mark Wahlberg as a 30 year old bartender who decides to try out for the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles. Greg Kinnear portrays Eagles head coach Dick Vermeil. It's based on the true story of Vince Papale who played three years for the Eagles in the late 1970s. Both of us enjoyed the film. It's Disney-clean, perfect for the whole family. And Vince's success gives you goose bumps and helps you realize the impossible really is possible sometimes. I am hoping Disney continues to mine this underdog sports hero theme because it keeps working for them.
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
PARKER'S STORY PRESS RELEASE
Press Release
“Parker’s Story: Essays on Autism and
Awesometism”
Available on Amazon
by Rich Seiber
Parker's
Story is full of humorous and uplifting anecdotes. Written in a
devotional style it features key Bible verses and application steps on how to
apply the lessons learned to your own life.
With more than 25 years of experience in the media industry,
Rich Seiber is a savvy and entertaining communicator. For seven years he served
as a PBS television reporter for national and statewide programming. In
addition to his TV reporting Rich has starred in almost a dozen television
commercials and delighted audiences as a radio disc jockey for stations such as
KFIR and KFOX. Along with Parker’s Story:
Essays on Autism and Awesometism, his writing about his son and family has
been featured in national publications and Web sites such as Yahoo, Football Nation, Mysterious
Ways and Life Support. Elements
of Parker’s Story were highlighted on
numerous broadcast programs such as Good
Day Sacramento, The Andrea Shea King
Show, Real Christianity, 103.9 The Fish “Encouraging Story of the Day,” and
106.5 The End “Public Affairs. “ Rich has been a featured speaker for many
notable organizations such as the Sacramento
March of Dimes, City of Sweet Home’s Day of Prayer and the Sutter Health Office of the General Counsel.
Rich has also written two novels, The
Homeless Informant and Box Office
Betrayal. He has Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts Degrees in
Communication. He is active in his home congregation, Bayside Church and has
been a volunteer for their Serve Day and Trunk or Treat ministries. For five
years he served on the Board of Directors and was elected Board Secretary for a
pro-life ministry, Pregnancy Support Group. Rich has a steadfast faith in God and loves to
write about his faith and family. He is a devoted husband and father of one
very awesome special needs son.
Available at Amazon as an
ebook and in paperback:
or contact the author
directly, rich_seiber@yahoo.com,
916-296-4647
Monday, July 22, 2019
AND THE WINNER FOR BEST ACTREESE IS...
I saw the best movie yesterday. It is the biopic of the
late, great Johnny Cash, Walk the Line. I hoped that both Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon would win Oscars and Golden Globes for their performances. This film
is a great story, a great love story. Full of great music, and I've never even
been familiar with Cash's songs before. There are some strong supporting
performances too -- from Robert Patrick as Cash's stubborn, unforgiving father
and from Ginnifer Goodwin as his first and forgotten wife Vivian Cash. The film
touches on issues of redemption and it shows you how wonderful life can be when
the love of a good woman comes in and changes you. It's a powerful film and I
highly recommend it.
For the most part, I did not watch the 2006 Oscars even though, as I noted above, I was rooting for both Phoenix and Witherspoon to win Academy Awards.
That was new for me. I am usually way into stuff like that. But that year,
all of the liberal, loony movies that I have no desire to see kept me away. I
did watch one small version of the telecast. I caught the part where Reese
Witherspoon won Best Actress. I am so pleased she won. This was such a great film. And Reese's performance was top-notch, from the singing, to the accent,
to the emotion. She played June Carter Cash with such dignity. The biopic
treated this woman and her faith and her struggles in life with realism and
respect. If you haven't seen it yet, you need to Walk the Line.If you'd like me to speak on media matters to your group or gathering, contact me at 916-296-4647.
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Saturday, July 20, 2019
THANK HEAVEN FOR EVAN ALMIGHTY
The Mrs. and I saw Evan Almighty recently. It was a cute film, full of chuckles if not so much belly laughs. What I liked most about it was the charming way it respected God and the people who listen to Him. We need more movies with a message like that. It is appropriate for the whole family, wholesome and fun to the end.
If you'd like me to speak on media matters at your church or school, please contact me at 916-296-4647.
Friday, July 19, 2019
UNFORGETTABLE FORGETFULNESS
I used to write professional movie
reviews. I found one I wrote several years back.
50 First Dates is an unforgettable love story, even though one of the main characters keeps forgetting. Lucy, played by actress Drew Barrymore, suffers from short term memory loss due to a horrific car crash. Each night when she falls asleep her ability to remember recent details of her life is wiped clean. With the help and protection of her family, including Sean Astin who plays her brother, she lives the same day over and over. She eats the same food, reads the same book and wears the same clothes. On a chance encounter Lucy meets Dr. Henry Roth, portrayed by comedic actor Adam Sandler. Henry is a notorious lothario with a fear of commitment. He spends his time and energy hitting on beautiful female tourists visiting his home state of Hawaii. Things begin to change for Henry when he realizes he has romantic feelings for Lucy. But even though the two have had a fun and flirty first date at the local café, Lucy still cannot remember him. Because of her brain injury, she has no recollection of their date. Yet Henry is smitten so he decides he must take her out on their first date again and again. In this 2004 romantic comedy Henry has to start from scratch every day and find new ways to woo Lucy. With the help of his friend, played by Rob Schneider, and the lush locales of his Hawaiian paradise, Henry devises new way to meet and reintroduce himself to the love of his life. One day he pretends his car has broken down and his battery needs a jump start. The next day he makes it look like someone is beating him up on the side of the road and he needs to be rescued. While Lucy never recovers her memory, Henry does convince her to trust him. That trust turns into romance and eventually love, making this movie about forgetfulness an enjoyable film that you won't forget.
Rated PG-13 for foul language and sexually suggestive content.
If you'd like me to speak on media matters to your church or small group, please contact me at 916-296-4647.50 First Dates is an unforgettable love story, even though one of the main characters keeps forgetting. Lucy, played by actress Drew Barrymore, suffers from short term memory loss due to a horrific car crash. Each night when she falls asleep her ability to remember recent details of her life is wiped clean. With the help and protection of her family, including Sean Astin who plays her brother, she lives the same day over and over. She eats the same food, reads the same book and wears the same clothes. On a chance encounter Lucy meets Dr. Henry Roth, portrayed by comedic actor Adam Sandler. Henry is a notorious lothario with a fear of commitment. He spends his time and energy hitting on beautiful female tourists visiting his home state of Hawaii. Things begin to change for Henry when he realizes he has romantic feelings for Lucy. But even though the two have had a fun and flirty first date at the local café, Lucy still cannot remember him. Because of her brain injury, she has no recollection of their date. Yet Henry is smitten so he decides he must take her out on their first date again and again. In this 2004 romantic comedy Henry has to start from scratch every day and find new ways to woo Lucy. With the help of his friend, played by Rob Schneider, and the lush locales of his Hawaiian paradise, Henry devises new way to meet and reintroduce himself to the love of his life. One day he pretends his car has broken down and his battery needs a jump start. The next day he makes it look like someone is beating him up on the side of the road and he needs to be rescued. While Lucy never recovers her memory, Henry does convince her to trust him. That trust turns into romance and eventually love, making this movie about forgetfulness an enjoyable film that you won't forget.
Rated PG-13 for foul language and sexually suggestive content.
Thursday, July 18, 2019
JOURNEYS WITH GEORGE
It seems fitting in the month of our Independence Day holiday to
recommend to everyone a fantastic documentary about our former President, George W.
Bush. Journeys with George was shot during the 2000 Presidential campaign. The
filmmaker, believe it or not, is a Democrat. Alexandra Pelosi, daughter of
House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and a Producer for NBC News was assigned to
the Bush campaign during the election. Pelosi shot much of the footage herself.
The film has low key effects but high impact personality. Dubya shines with his
humor, compassion and friendliness. I have always admired George W. and after
this film, I liked him even more. Check it out for yourself. After 8 years of
the Clintons, it was nice to have a President again that you (we) can be proud
of.
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
SKY HIGH HIT
I saw the Disney flick Sky High with my best friend and
his family. It is a cheesy but fun family film. It's good to see Kurt Russell back in some Disney pictures on a regular basis.
I remember him from my youth as a Disney star in shows like The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes. His
previous Disney movie, Miracle,
was top-notch entertainment. On a side note, except for my son, I
think my best friends' kids may be the cutest on the planet.
If you'd like me to speak on media matters to your church or group, please contact me at 916-296-4647.
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
PARKER'S PRAYERS
I love the opportunity to share portions of Parker's Story: Essays on Autism and Awesometism via YouTube video. Here is the video version of the essay "Parker's prayers" (click here, not on the photo).
If you'd like me to share more of my son's miraculous and inspirational story with your church or charity, contact me at 916-296-4647.
If you'd like me to share more of my son's miraculous and inspirational story with your church or charity, contact me at 916-296-4647.
Monday, July 15, 2019
JUST DEPENDS
When I kill a spider for my wife she is
very proud of me. That pride lasts until the next time we go to the movies. I
have an annoying movie habit that drives her crazy. I guzzle my soda really
fast. Little known fact, 7-11 named the Big Gulp after me. I will go to the
concession stand and buy a large Diet Coke. Who needs to pay the mortgage this
month anyway? Once we sit down I begin guzzling right away and my large Diet
Coke is usually gone before the movie starts. There are still 2 movie previews and that cheesy announcement
about not using your cell phone that no one abides by anyway still to go. Let
me tell you getting old is hard. How do I know this? My bladder reminds me
every time we go to the movies. So after guzzling a large diet coke, 20 minutes
into the movie I have to Pee. When I was younger my bladder would have said
“Gee, Rich, the next time you have the opportunity to go to the bathroom you
might want to think about doing it. No rush, though, bro.” Not anymore. Now it
screams at me. “YOU HAVE TO PEE NOW!” It screams louder than Carrot Top’s hair.
My wife always has to sit in the back row of the theater, smack dab in the
middle. That means 20 minutes into the movie I have to crawl over everyone in
the dark, hoping I don’t pee on them, fighting for the exit. I barely make it in
time and of course I miss the key scene from the movie: either the great auto
crash pile-up of the action flick or the essential dramatic scene that ties
everything together at the end of the film. Of course my wife won’t tell me
about it because she’ll say “you wouldn’t have missed it if you drank your Diet
Coke like a normal person.” All of this means we have to be really choosy about
what movies we go to. I don’t want to fork out $11 to miss the key scene of
just any old movie. I have to ask myself what decides whether or not we go to
this movie or that movie. Is it the uber cool action sequence? Is it the
Academy Award winning performance? Is it the sci-fi special effects? Just
depends.
Ask me to speak on media matters to your school or social group. Contact me at 916-296-4647.
Sunday, July 14, 2019
CHICK FLICK CONDITION
I am a guy. The husband of fellow blogger, Mrs. Media Matters. But even though it has been established that I am a guy, I have the "chick flick" gene. I am not sure how. I just do. And I am willing to admit it. I like
a good action flick or comedy, too. But movies where the main characters are female seem to appeal to me as well. I finally figured out why. Chick flicks are the best at examining the human condition. Though they usually leave God out of the equation, which
is unfortunate, they nevertheless are the best at showing how relationships can help to heal our hurts and restore our lives. Take for example, the movie I watched recently, "The Holiday." Total chick flick. Kate Winslett and Cameron Diaz star as women who
are losers in love and need to escape their scene for the Christmas season. So they swap houses and Winslett moves into Diaz' estate in Los Angeles while Diaz inhabits Winslett's cottage in England. I doubt this sort of plot point ever happens in real life, but somehow
the movie made it believable. And through the course of the movie, Winslett meets some men who help her get some gumption. While Diaz meets a man and they grieve together over the love they have lost in their life. Of course, it's a love story so the two women
fall in love with the men they meet. There's a lot of romance and tears and emotional baggage. Yet I felt connected to the healing these characters experienced. It moved me. It made me want to help other people, real people, find healing in their lives through
relationships. Not that I necessarily know how to do that at this point, but maybe a few more chick movies and that will become more obvious as well. Or maybe my writing and speaking shed lights in ways that help others. I hope so.
If you'd like me to speak on media matters at your church or school, please contact me at 916-296-4647.
If you'd like me to speak on media matters at your church or school, please contact me at 916-296-4647.
Saturday, July 13, 2019
NBC MY SON
Our NBC affiliate did a great feature on
Friday, July 12, 2019
MYSTERIOUS WAYS
This love story, my love story, is a God thing. Check out the story I wrote for a Guideposts publication about how I met my wife.
A Shot At Love
If you'd like me to share this God story at your church, contact me at 916-296-4647.
A Shot At Love
If you'd like me to share this God story at your church, contact me at 916-296-4647.
Thursday, July 11, 2019
CHRISTMAS CAMP
I'm so excited. And I just can't hide it. You know my love for Hallmark movies. Well, tonight there's a new Christmas movie on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. That's right, a new Christmas movie. It is part of their Christmas in July marathon to promote the new Hallmark Christmas Keepsake ornaments. Starring Lily Anne Harrison and Bobby Campo, Christmas Camp features a social media expert who is trying to land a big toy company account during the holiday season. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to go back to Camp.
Christmas Camp
Christmas Camp
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
ENGLISH CLASSROOM EXPOSURE
Yours truly and three of my books were recently featured on English Classroom. I am grateful for the profile.
Tuesday, July 09, 2019
PSALM 31:24
Enjoy a video devotional from my book Parker's Story: Essays on Autism and Awesometism.
Psalm 31:24 (click here to watch).
Psalm 31:24 (click here to watch).
Monday, July 08, 2019
GUYS NIGHT OUT
How Guys Night Out got started in my world:
My best friend and I went to see the new James Bond film, Casino Royale a while back. It was a Guys' Night Out. I am convinced that men need other men in their lives, as friends, confidantes, a support group. If more men had solid male friendships, I think there would be less divorce and broken families in this country. Maybe that's why the military is such an appealing career choice for many because it provides a healthy atmosphere for camaraderie and male bonding. It took me a number of years to learn this lesson, but now that I have, my friendships with my two best male friends are of the utmost importance to me. So I would highly recommend the Guys Night Out ritual. We enjoyed the movie. It is completely anti-Bond, in that it is like no other James Bond movie I have ever seen. There are really no gadgets, very few babes, and a different, "behind the scenes" storyline. The story is supposed to be how Bond became Bond and his first mission. So there's M, but no Q and no womanizing. But there were some good stunts, especially in the exciting opening sequence. The director did a great job of putting the audience in the stunts, as if we were jumping and climbing with the actors. Daniel Craig, in his first outing as 007, was a decent Bond. I think he will grow in the role. I look forward to the next Bond blockbuster.
My best friend and I went to see the new James Bond film, Casino Royale a while back. It was a Guys' Night Out. I am convinced that men need other men in their lives, as friends, confidantes, a support group. If more men had solid male friendships, I think there would be less divorce and broken families in this country. Maybe that's why the military is such an appealing career choice for many because it provides a healthy atmosphere for camaraderie and male bonding. It took me a number of years to learn this lesson, but now that I have, my friendships with my two best male friends are of the utmost importance to me. So I would highly recommend the Guys Night Out ritual. We enjoyed the movie. It is completely anti-Bond, in that it is like no other James Bond movie I have ever seen. There are really no gadgets, very few babes, and a different, "behind the scenes" storyline. The story is supposed to be how Bond became Bond and his first mission. So there's M, but no Q and no womanizing. But there were some good stunts, especially in the exciting opening sequence. The director did a great job of putting the audience in the stunts, as if we were jumping and climbing with the actors. Daniel Craig, in his first outing as 007, was a decent Bond. I think he will grow in the role. I look forward to the next Bond blockbuster.
Saturday, July 06, 2019
RELIGIOUS ROCKY
I really enjoyed the sixth film in Sylvester Stallone's Rocky franchise. Sure, parts of Rocky Balboa are cheesy and predictable, but you still come away rooting for the Italian Stallion. And I grew up on Rocky films and have enjoyed each one of them. And the sixth, and presumably last, in the series is better than you would expect,
better than Rocky IV or Rocky V were. One thing that caught me pleasantly by surpris: the use of religion to add to the inspirational tone of the film. In one montage scene, Rocky does the sign of the cross. A featured character in the movie, Rocky's old boxing
nemesis, Spider Rico, quotes Scripture in the film and is portrayed as wanting to please Jesus with his life. And the evolving love story between Rocky and Marie is very simple and chaste. The film makes it clear the unmarried couple share nothing beyond a
kiss. I don't remember these distinctly Christian elements in the earlier Rocky films. But they helped make this one even more memorable for me. It's a fun flick and I highly recommend it.
Thursday, July 04, 2019
THE WRATH OF THE PATH
Safety Message Presentation
for nonprofit organization
July 2019
The Wrath of the Path
For many we enjoy a break in our day.
Venture out from our desk and just get away.
Thinking exercise we head to the path.
But are we prepared to endure its wrath?
There is a sign that warns us of harm.
But do we read? Do we heed the alarm?
Instead walking and texting appear to be key.
The dangers ahead we do not see.
We’re out on a walk, nothing to lose.
‘Til we slip, trip or fall and gain us a bruise.
Please hear my candor.
Do not aimlessly meander.
Jiving to the music’s beat
Could get you broken feet.
With friends you can talk.
Just watch where you walk.
If the conversation distracts her,
She may get a fracture.
What is the moral of this poem you ask?
Take
care when walking, avoid the wrath of the path.
The
Wrath of the Path is my fun little way of introducing the topic of distracted
walking. Distracted walking is not just on the path, but on the stairs, the sidewalk,
in parking lots and busy intersections. It is a fairly new phenomenon and has
recently been added to the lexicon of such organizations as the National Safety
Council and the Governors Highway Safety Administration. As of 2015 both agencies
now record statistics for distracted walking incidents and the concept has even
coined a new term – pedextrian. A pedextrian is, you guessed it, a pedestrian
who texts while walking.
Pedestrian
deaths are on the rise, up 4% from 2017 and based on 6 months of reporting they
anticipate another 4% increase in 2018.
And it is at least partly attributable to pedextrianism. Governors
Highway Safety Administration spokesperson Maureen Vogel told National Public
Radio, “Scores of pedestrians crossing the busy intersections, one thing many
have in common is that their eyes are down, staring at their phones.”
A
recent study in Seattle showed that 1/3 of all pedestrians approaching
intersections were either talking or texting on their phone or listening to
music. We have become a society of distracted walkers.
Deaths
up 4% and 1/3 of all walkers – you do the math.
Don’t
walk while distracted and avoid the wrath of the path.
Wednesday, July 03, 2019
AND THE NUMBER ONE QUOTE IS...
“If
at first you don’t succeed, skydiving is not for you.” – Bill Murray
As I mentioned in an earlier article, I don’t usually
post humorous quotes. I tend to focus on friendship, encouragement and the
like. As a result, the quotes are almost always serious in nature.
But the one time I decided to go for a funny
sentiment, people responded in a big way. This quote from Groundhog Day and Stripes star
Bill Murray made people laugh. And they responded by letting me know they
appreciated the humor. It comes in at #1 and was the most popular quote
attached to my email signature line for 2018.
Tuesday, July 02, 2019
FIRST LADY IN SECOND
“Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of your
success will be how you treat other people – your family, friends, and
coworkers, and even strangers you meet along the way.”
– First Lady Barbara Bush
On April 17, 2018 An American
political icon passed away at the age of 92. The nation grieved the death of
former First Lady Barbara Bush, longtime wife of the 41st US
President, George Herbert Walker Bush. She was a popular First Lady amongst
Americans of all political beliefs, as she endeared herself to the public with
her wit, wisdom and self-deprecating humor. She spoke the blunt truth and
didn’t stress over her gray-haired and frumpy appearance. She was ordinary and
straight-talking yet also a loving, positive grandmotherly type.
In honor of her passing, people
remembered and were drawn to her words of wisdom over the years. And this
quote, as America mourned her passing, rose to number two on the list of the
most popular quotes in my email signature line for 2018.
Monday, July 01, 2019
POWER OF PRAYER
“And just because we say the word,
"Amen,”
it doesn't mean this conversation needs to end.
it doesn't mean this conversation needs to end.
Let us pray, let us
pray, everywhere in every way.
Every moment of the day, it is the right time.
Let us pray without end and when we finish start again.
Like breathing out and breathing in, let us pray.” –
Every moment of the day, it is the right time.
Let us pray without end and when we finish start again.
Like breathing out and breathing in, let us pray.” –
Let Us Pray sung by Steven Curtis Chapman
Song lyrics make for memorable
quotes. At least they do on this list of my top 20 most popular email signature
line quotes of 2018. Nine different songs are featured on the quote countdown, three
of them Christian tunes, including the one above from contemporary Christian
musician Steven Curtis Chapman. In these trying times, people look to music to
inspire and uplift them.
People responded to this song lyric
because it was a positive reminder that there was something they could be doing
throughout their day to encourage and improve their day. And if you know the
song, it is a very catchy tune to hum or sing all day long as a reminder to
pray as well. In a sense, the power of prayer took this quote all the way to #3
on the countdown of the most popular quotes of 2018.
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