Independence Day 2009

For several years in these pages I have greeted the Fourth of July and other patriotic holidays with versions of the Gettysburg Address or the Declaration of Independence or other memories that I thought were appropriate for the day. This year, it is time to remind all of us that Freedom is not Free. We – as our fathers before us and our children who come after us - must pay the heavy cost of Freedon – over and over again in each generation to protect what has been achieved for the citizens of the United States.

It is my experience that when politics drives decisions of national security, that young men and women of this Country die. I am watching the withdrawal of American forces from front line assignments in the major population centers of Iraq. It is a first and perhaps necessary step in transferring the responsibility for Iraq’s security to the Iraqi people and their government. But I hope we are not going to lose the momentum and progress for a safe and secure Iraq and a safer and more secure world that our military forces paid dearly for for the past seven years.

When I watch the current administration and the Congress waffle in the face of history and follow foreign and domestic policies that, in my view, may not protect our personal and national interests, I hope that President Obama understands the terrible weight that he carries on his shoulders for our future and that of the world. This is not a masters thesis or academic exercise. This is the real world.

On June 28, 1966, I entered the US Army for there years of military service. A year later, on the same date, my closest friend died in an unremarkable rice paddy in a remote and, to many, unimportant country called Viet Nam that school kids today can’t even find on a map. HIs name is recorded on a granite wall in Washington DC (Panel 22E Line 076) He was loved by his family and friends and is still remembered in vibrant living colors by those who knew him . I hope we remember our obligation to all of the fallen heroes that have paid with their lives to keep us (and US) free to live in this remarkable country. It is truly said that those who do not remember history and learn from it are likely to repeat it.

This is a music clip that I have featured previously. The story line is simple and powerful. The images are from World War II, Korea, Viet Nam and present day and are familiar to me. Our flag flies high over our Country – particularly on the Fourth of July. Do not forget how we got here and the price that has been paid by others on our behalf.

I have seen several versions of this video. This one is my favorite. The musical artist is John Ondrasik, the song is Freedom Never Cries.

For this Fourth of July and many more to come – May God bless America.

(video is 4 min 23 sec – its worth it)

My source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzmmQ74LzjU

Michael Jackson 1958-2009

It was a day with an active news cycle with serious events around the world and the usual political conflict in Washington. 

But the world stopped for a great many people with the afternoon announcement that Michael Jackson was dead at the age of 50.

In the US, Michael’s star had dimmed somewhat with scandal and endless news coverage of personal charges which were never proven.  But in the late 70’s and 80’s there was no bigger presence in the music world than Michael Jackson.  And the rest of the world still revered Michael as the “King of Pop” music.

As a child star from the age of 3 through decades of song and dance, there was only one Michael Jackson.  One of the last concerts that I attended personally was a Michael Jackson concert in Jacksonville, Florida.  It would be hard to describe the connection Michael had with the stadium crowd.  It was an amazing experience. 

Michael Jackson was a innovative and creative force in Pop Music.  Others tried to copy his style, but he was the original.  He was a great singer and entertainer – but an amazing dancer.  Nobody moved like Michael Jackson.  His costumes, the Glove, the Moonwalk and the 13 minute Thriller video are milestones in pop culture around the world.

I gave some thought of which Michael Jackson video to feature as a tribute to his genius – Billie Jean, Beat it, Thriller or a host of others.  No.  Will You be There fits the occasion.  The theme was used for the Free Willie movie but this clip of the song, I believe, catches the universal appeal that was Michael Jackson and is my choice to remember Michael and to send him Home. (just over 6 min)

My Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvYygjcMDdQ

 

 

Africa (the song) performed by a Remarkable Jazz Choir

The internet is full of fun and unexpected treasures to be discovered from time to time. This one comes to me from the Kim Komando site. Kim is a computer advisor with her own nationally syndicated radio program and a series of web sites and email newsletters filled with uncommonly good advice.

Kim also features a Video of the Day in one of her newsletters. Today she included a you-tube clip of an enchanting remake of “Africa” originally sung by the 1980’s rock band ToTo. The original song was nearly left out of the Toto IV album because the band had become almost tired of it in rehearsals and it was very different from the normal sound of the band with unusual instrumental and percussion tracks. But the song hit #1 on the Billboard charts in February 1983 and became the most recognizable song from the band and was featured in all the bands tours until their eventual break up in 2008.

This video version is performed by Perpetuum Jazille – a Slovenian a cappella jazz choir (?!!) with 40– 50 members. The video opens with the band recreating an African rain storm with their hands (and occasional thunder from their feet). You will enjoy the show. (approx 6 min 17 sec). A group since 1983, Perpetuum Jazille is the only Slovenian jazz choir. (Slovenia is located between Austria and Croatia in Eastern Europe). They have four albums (none available on Amazon – I am working on a European order). They have several of their songs streaming on their MySpace page. No instruments here – all effects and percussion are voice.

Enjoy

My source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05ip-N0H1Ig

And now a word from our Sponsor

I am interested in this post both in the content of the message and also in the medium chosen to present the message.

Many of my readers know that I have an interest in the electrolized water processing systems by Enagic USA which produce Kangen Water (a trademark of Enagic).  The systems produce various waters with multiple purposes with variable pH levels from 2.5 (strong acidic) to 11.5 (strong alkaline) with drinking waters form 8.5 to 9.5 pH readings.  The three potential health benefits of the drinking water include alkaline pH level, strong antioxident, and micro clustering of the water – all the result of the filtering and processing by electrolysis. I have described the system in our Age Management Group here on www.ActiveRain.com/groups/agemanagement.

I created a video today for the Kangen Water systems to be used in  video email messages to prospects via talk Fusion and also on Facebook and Twitter.  Although I use www.RealEstateShows.com for real estate property tours, this application needed something a bit more hip and faster paced.  So I turned to www.animoto.com to produce the following clip.  You will see why if you view the video.  (less than two minutes) 

The purpose of this clip is to attract the attention of the prospect to get him or her to come to a product demonstration meeting.  It was important to present an image of health benefits without giving too much information about the product so as to stimulate the prospects interest – without giving enough information that he would decline to attend the meeting.  So it is not a problem if the viewer cannot read everything in the fast paced clip – it may cause him to look at the clip again (all to the good).  More specific information and opportunity for questions comes at the full presentation meeting.

So while I am always talking about the benefits of Kangen Water, here my point is that we have different tools and technologies available to us to present our message and sometimes the choice of which tool to use helps us deliver our message to our prospects. 

Enjoy (1 min 47 sec)

My source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCizQN4Ckxs

 

Newt and the Road Ahead

Those who have read my posts in the past know that I am an unabashed fan of Republicans like Dick Cheney and Newt Gingrich.  My position was never more clear than in the recent juxtaposition of President Obama’s speech on national security with the same day speech on the same topic by Vice-President Cheney.

More recently we have a major policy address by Newt Gingrich at the 2009 GOP Congressional Dinner. 

Newt begins his presentation with the simple declaration that he is not a citizen of the world – placing him in sharp contract with President Obama.  He then presents a 56 minute (clip below) road map to American economic recovery and Republican victories in 2010 and 2012.  He draws on Lincoln as the first Republican President and Ronald Reagan and others as he presents his typical 12 step solutions. 

Newt asserts that national security is the primary goal, but states that the economy and education are, at their heart, national security issues.  Politically, Newt claims that the Democrat objective is not national security – it is power and paying off their political allies.  And Republican resurgence is necessary in 2010 and 2012.  But more important is the basic truth that America must be able to compete in the global economy with India and China if we are to maintain our position of leadership in the world.  To Newt, competing with India and China is a greater challenge than our Cold War struggle with the Soviet Union. 

It is no small task.  We must reform litigation, regulation, taxation, education, health, energy and infrastructure in order to accomplish economic recovery and pre-eminence in the world economy.

Below is the Gingrich speech in its entirety.  It is a 56 minute clip, but important to hear.  A transcript of the entire speech is available <here>. Newt remains one of the finest strategic thinkers in the Country and in the Republican Party.  And he commands a room when he speaks as well as anyone I have seen.

Enjoy.

My source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1XaQ7tz8uM