Marching

Marching
Originally uploaded by banj.

I'm very proud of this bunch of kids. They placed with a "1" in area competition. This Saturday they are in Bedford. If they place there, they will go on to San Antonio to state. They look so "big" compared to the other 2A schools. From uniforms to the regiment to musicianship, they look first class. Go Dogs!!

New Face of Entertainment

Do you watch a lot of television? More and more people ARE NOT. The dissension of viewers from traditional television should be attributed to other sources of entertainment and information that seem to grow every week. Apple's new ipod is one of those gadgets that is leading the techno march towards the demise of traditional television and radio broadcasting. This device not only plays thousands of your favored songs, but also carries enough brain power to hold your digital pictures and hours upon hours of mpeg 4 video files. itunes now features hundreds of music videos and even a few television episodes of some of the most favored (and easiest to contract) television series. Apple computer has also released a new iMac that is designed to be used as a complete home entertainment center, storing all of your music files, video and able to display internet pages at the touch of a remote control. All of this hooked into a central television or large entertainment monitor.

Another newly released handheld called PocketDish allows the user to transfer any files recorded on your DVR to it's hard drive for later viewing. 150 hours of video is almost a weeks worth viewing, and it's all in the palm of your hand on a 7.5 inch hi res color screen.

Something else to consider is that more and more people are spending time watching digital cable (i.e. Discovery, TLC, A&E, etc.) or satellite signals, making traditional broadcaster work harder for every viewer.

I don't believe that tradional television will survive unless it changes it's focus. Small market stations have days where 1A school bond election and dog pound issues are headlines. That's not news, that's filler. As the viewer/surfer becomes more and more sophisticated, that type of content will not suffice.

It's interesting to watch this transistion. Especially if you keep your head out of the sand and realize that this major change in delivery is immanent. That's the way I see it, and I'm right.

Senior Recognition

My daughter will be recognized at her last home high school football game this Friday night. Ms. and I will walk her past the stands from the field. The high school does the recognition for all senior band members at the last home game each year. I'm kind of nervous for myself, but so proud to "show her off." She's an amazing little girl with smarts, looks, and a good personality that will go very far. They will read the profile she's written about her accomplishments and goals. It's hefty.

Our band placed a "1" in area competition in Mesquite yesterday. For a 2A school they look very polished and regimented. I'm very proud of them and even more proud of my little girl, as she makes them shine.

Guitar Show

So, I did the Arlington guitar show. I had friends and band members there with a booth. They seemed to do good as they moved about 30 pieces (instruments). It seems that is a good number.

So I played a Collings D2 with a german top. WOW! What a hog. A g chord will vibrate to your spine! Only $3k (cough!), but it's my goal.

I couldn't find any banjos that were worth the wonder. They were rare this year. Overall it was a good time and I got the t shirt.

Stars Lose...that's two

Dallas Stars were defeated by the Vancouver Canucks last night 5-2. They had a number of penalites and were on a 5-3 penalty kill twice. Turco was very good but the killer whales proved too much with too many shots to keep them out of the net. Dallas is now 4-2. It's way too early to start worrying about any record in the NHL, but they've proved they've got it, if they can just use it. Next game, Thursday, against the Kings at the AAC.

Stars Win.....again

arnott366
Originally uploaded by banj.

So looks to me as though we have a team. Stars win last night in OT with Modano having three assists for the night. Looks as though he's back as well! The three game Canadian trip is usually tough on the team, but they look very committed this year, I will be an interesting triangle.

Ticket prices are down to an affordable level. If you've not been to a Dallas Stars game, you should make it happen. Many a fan became that way after attending only one game. Faster than football, much more finesse, and the plays last more than 5-8 seconds!

New AKUS Vid

AKUS Poster
Originally uploaded by banj.

Anyone watch music vids? The new one from Alison Krauss and the boys is great work. No story line, no special effects, just great visuals of the band. They didn't spend alot on this one, but the song carries it along so well. Alison looks healthy and may have finally gained a little weight. The video ends up with the band all gathering at a crossroads that looks to be the one featured on "Oh Brother Where Art Thou?" Catch video or even the song. Alison once again shows what an angelical voice she has, and that it sets her so far apart from anything else promoted by mainstream Nashville.

The Cadillac Ranch

cadillac ranch efx
Originally uploaded by banj.

I love this image. It was taken where else but Amarillo in July. It was so hot and windy and dusty! I caught it at just the right time. It's so interesting to see the contrast in the subjects reactions. It's one I can stare at over and over. I thought I'd share.

NHL OPENS TONIGHT!

Alright!! Let's get it on! Tonights the opening night of the new NHL season as the Stars take on L.A. I went for the NHL Center Ice package from Direct TV, so I'm getting 40 games per week now! No, I won't watch that much, but I can get what I want as the season progresses. The rules have changed this season as there is a no interference rule, which meas the hooking and holding that the refs allowed is no more. Also a two line pass is now allowed. This is supposed to make the game much faster. The rules have changed for the netminders as well, but I'm not clear on that one yet. I've been waiting on this one for over a year and am more than ready! GAME ON!!

The Travelers

2005 Antlers Deer Festval
Originally uploaded by banj.

This shot taken Saturday 10/1 at the Deer Festival. Don't I look like a bubba? My cap, un my hikin boots, un muh t shirt...yuk yuk!
These folks were actually a pretty good traditional band with a singer that has a ton of potential. We also had a few other acts including myself. The festival was a great success, it went almost eerily smooth. I enjoyed it very much and was invited to coordinate and promote it next year. I'm with it!