I couldn’t even imagine how many I’ve had over the years. Hundreds, possibly. Those who know me wouldn’t disagree with the thought that I pretty much always wear a ball cap of some kind. Rarely do I ever leave the house without a cap on my head, or on the ready. I just love the feel of a well fitted ball cap with the brim of the hat having just right amount of curvature to it. And, I’m overly boasting myself a bit, but I’m a skilled craftsman when it comes to getting the perfect curvature for a ball cap. Back at NAU I knew someone that would steal my caps because of my ability to get the perfect curvature for the brim.

There was a time in our history, long before I was born, when a gentleman would wear a hat that wasn’t a ball cap as it was a social norm, and possibly expected. Of course, back when a gentleman would also take off the hat while indoors, or at the dinner table. However, somewhere between the “Rat Pack” and the “Brat Pack” the norm was no longer. So, I went old school and found an old-timer and asked him? Old School as in before the printing press the only way to learn of the past was handed down generation to generation, it’s what they call an oral history. And, this was his thoughts.

Damn you ball cap, damn you? So now its become just a fashion statement and appearing as some kind of hipster doofus is inevitably. It’s kinda a bummer to be honest. If a guy or dude wants to show a bit personal style, or try represent himself as a gentlemanly is a bit more challenging. So, a guy either takes the chance at looking as if trying to make a fashion statement or hipster is a bit annoying.

For myself, I am nothing short of an incompetent putz when it comes to fashion. I were two types of pants. Cargo in a dark brown color, and light brown color. I pretty much only were t-shirts these days. And, even those are boring. As, with my previous post about guys and their t-shirts, these days I’ve accumulated a collection of blank tee’s as it’s been sometime since I’ve done anything. I do have a ew polo style shirts, which I could wear. but, I just wore those for work. I got a dozen, or so, but since I don’t have a job I rarely break those out. Which leaves me with only cap to show any sense of style or persona. So, the way I figure it is I can accept that I’m a hipster doofus, or just stick with the ball caps. Either way, I don”t go far without headwear. As, I have always lived life in the sun. And, as hopefully things improve I’d like to be back living in the sun again, come this summer. At the end of the day; a gentleman I ain’t.

So, I’ll just leave you with this;

As this concludes my broadcast day!

I may not know much, but the one thing I know If I didn’t have my coffee shop I couldn’t get my zen. Man, I love my coffee shop. Lite Chit-Chat, Coffee Beans, and me. I wouldn’t know what I would do if I didn’t have it.

As This concludes my broadcast day

Using Good Ole’ Maslow and his hierarchy of needs for guidance I do have a number of different needs in life. First on the list would be to get financially caught up. Getting back to a home of my own, unfortunately I need some kind of income, or can’t move back to my place. Currently lawyer fee’s prevent that, which is entirely different issue at the moment. Also, on the Maslow’s needs list would be feeling better physically, I’ve said this before, but it really seems as things are still getting better. I don’t know why, the pain issue seems to continue to get better, and then spike with an overall improvement month-over-month. So, I’m not sure how much better it’ll get, but the ups and downs have been hard on me as much physically as mentally. So, I work on what I can, when I can. If things continue to improve with the pain issue the further and farther I will be able I go in 2012, and definitely an on-going issue with me. Pretty much everything in the “Safety” Arena is something I need to work towards in 2012. In the “Physiological” arena I still struggle with my sleep, however, it is far better than a year ago. There was another issue I had related to Physiological level, fortunately things seemed to have made a complete right turn and at the moment not something I’m worried about, and hopefully it stays that way. So, in 2012 I am definitely working on a whole list things in Maslow’s level 2 of life. As, I work on that list of needs in my life my in 2012, there are some things that not related to Maslow that I would like. As, I’m boy that likes his toys. And, sadly I do have a list short list of things I’d like to get at some point in the future. Ah, lists….you never can too many lists!!!!!!!???????

As, we all have our lists in life. The grocery list, to do list, honey-do list, Bucket list, my story list, Christmas lists, List of DOs and Don’ts, `work related lists, and so on. And there is the endless top whatnots lists created by media and information outlets. Not to forget the Letterman Top Ten lists and my own versions. And, now I’m adding one more list, to the list of lists? This would be a poser list. Poser coming from the once used term to define a “wannabe”. This list is a “wannahave” list. As, the items on this list fall under the want category, and no sense of need. Luxury items, if you will. And, if I can get past the financial problem these are things that I’d like to get for myself. If an one of my ideas’s actually pans out it would allow me to get one or two the the below items. So, without further delay here are the needless wants of my life. The things you day-dream about after buy a lottery ticket. You get the point?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
POSER LIST 1.0 – In No Particular Order
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
1] IPHONE; Thanks to the bro this one is already full-filled. Thanks Bro, and family.

2] A MACBOOK PRO. My current one works fine, but she been run hard the past few years. Ideally, the uber-super fast one with all the bells and whistles. also, I would actually need an upgrade if my most realistic idea in 2012 does pan out. I brought it up with my Vocational Rehab person thru my LTD and I got a positive response. As, things move forward and if it does get some traction I will definitely update you on that. I’m actually pretty excited about it. I don’t wanna jinx it, so you’ll going to have to wait for further details. I think it would be something that would be good not only for me, but other’s as well.

3] A LASHER 29′ER; The picture speaks for it’s self.

Lasher's Handcycle with 29 inch rims.

4] BIG BUCK HUNTER; I’ve never been a video game guy, but I saw an television advertisement for a home version of the game. I freaking love that game. That was a huge reason I would to go to the Trailhead in Fort Fun while attending CSU. If I ever win the lottery, I’m getting the arcade version.

5] OAKLEY JAWBONE SUNGLASSES WITH A SET OF PRESCRIPTION LENSES; Ok, first this one has huge and needless tangent, whoops. I could have gotten a pair with my AmEx rewards, but they were a liveStrong version, and I just couldn’t do it. I don’t want take take anything away from what he as done for cancer research, but Greg Lemond is my cycling hero. I grew up with cycling as big part of my life and long before Lance started to win in France. I’ll just leave it at that for the moment. Plus, they would match my merse, hee hee. OK, first my merse. Please notice the strap for carrying. The key component to a merse. It’s actually a perfect bag for carrying my laptop, drawing notebook, and things I need when I go to my coffee shop. Besides, I hear accessorizing is important??? And, lastly my sunglasses are the one item I take care of in life, and the only so investing in a nice pair of sunglasses is reasonable. I still have a pair from when I was in Texas four years ago.

Now this would be a merse, or man-purse...dangn't..

I'd definitely get the black one's

6] KODAK PLAYSPORT VIDEO CAMERA; As it is yoeler proof. And, possibly for another reason. I’ll leave it at that. In the unlikely event it does become relevant I will let you know, but for the moment isn’t.

7] COMMERCIAL LEVEL VIDEO CAMERA; This is truly not needed, but it allow me to take my video’s to a whole new level, and then some. I figure if I’m going to put together a list of things I want I might as well commit to it.

8} RC HELICOPTER WITH MD FUSELAGE; They are truly a lot of fun. It this would bring a smile to my face!!! This one is near the top as far a possible and level of want.

9] A FLYING MACHINE FOR GETTING VIDEO; This would be cool, as I could really get some cool shots. And, this would literally take any video I do to a whole new level.

10] A RIG; As good as the Element has been for me I still would like to have a rig, or what most people call a truck. It goes back to that dude thing. This one is near the top of the list, but for the moment a bit out of reach. Dangn’t

11] A Denver Gold Hoodie, and T-shirts; Denver Gold was a AFL team. What can you say…I like it “Old School”.

I figure that should be enough for the moment. And, since we didn’t win the Powerball this week I’m going have to wait a bit longer. So, there you go. The wanted in my life!!!

As this concludes my broadcast day!!

For myself, I really don’t feel that writing down your thanks on a piece of paper, licking the envelope, putting a stamp on it, and then finally putting it in the mailbox isn’t really necessary. For me, just a simple thanks is more than sufficient, and ideally they are actually appreciative for whatever I’ve done in which a thank you note would be “needed”. The task of an old school Thank You Note does take a lot of time out of our already busy lives. For myself it’s all day event/spectacle. As, it typically takes several attempts to make it not only readable, but coherent as well. My thank you note writing habits are nothing short of hellacious, and that’s an understatement. Moving on……

Jess, my sister-n-law, is about as old school as it gets in regards thank you writing habits. It’s amazing to me how on top of thank you notes she is, it’s re-duck-ilious!!! It’s really and truly impressive to say the least. Not only are her words true and well thought out, but very timely as well. She makes me look like an absolute and total “richard” when it comes to writing thank you notes. I tend to think that she does enjoy writing and receiving thank you notes, but not certain. I’ve also been watching that Fallon guy on the internet and he even takes time out his very busy week to express his thanks. I’m not sure, but (add sarcastic tone here) I think it’s intended to be a humorous bit of some kind? I’m not entirely sure? Someone may have to explain it to me….(end sarcastic tone, here)?

And, in an attempt to keep things interesting I’ve added a poll to ask; what are your Thank You Note preferences? If you have an opinion I’d be curious to know, really I would? And, I don’t think I am the only one that is a bit confused about the “Thank You Note” protocol is these days? So, I am taking a poll to find out. If you have a preference please vote, trust me….it won’t bite!
Take Our Poll

So, heading into the New Year getting better and making a better effort in the Thank You Note department is on my agenda. Additionally, actually working to improve not only the words I use, but also my penmanship that goes with writing a thank you note.

To wrap things up (pun kinda, but really intended)…I will leave you with Little Jimmy Fallon writing his thank you notes.

Have a very merry Christmas ya’ll!!!!!

As this concludes my broadcast day!

All Rights, Yada-Yada!!!

With our buddies at the bar, a tailgate, a hunting trip, or sporting event, and anything else we do that comes with stories of the old times. We like the dumb things we do, and not ashamed to admit them. It’s cool to sit around and tell “lies” and enjoy a nice tall frosty, or a glass of your favorite spirits. Tell lame jokes, and make sure to share a story that reminds us of the dumb things we’ve done. It’s what us guys do. And, just as our buddies and stories are who we are our, t-shirts are very much the same. As, most women know yet don’t understand why we have so many _____ t-hirts. It’s a guy thing, wanna ya gonna do?

So, as I was getting my winter gear out and stashing away the summer whatnots for the upcoming winter. Since I’ve had to move back in with ma I have all my cloths in a couple of bags. It wasn’t long before I found my t-shirt stash. That’s right, my t-shirt stash. Those t-shirts that I’ve had for a decade or longer. Those shirts that although haven’t been worn in years, or now in retirement can’t be tossed in the trash or used as rags. That would be flat out wrong. A man just can’t throw away his t-shirts. I don’t know why exactly why us guys don’t toss our shirts. But, it ain’t happening. For most guys we have lots of t-shirts, and most go un-worn.

Much like guys don’t understand the shoe thing with most gals, most women don’t understand a man’s need for his t-shirts. Some are mementos, or souvenirs of some sorts. My oldest is a Cal Berkeley shirt from my first visit to the bay area in the late 1990′s. And, all the way up to a Crater Lake shirt I got at an REI for my trip there in ’09. I wanted to get one when I was there, but I would have had to back tracked a bit too far. So, I had to get the one I found on the REI clearance rack. Many of my coolest, awesomest, and most triumphant experiences in my adult life has a shirt from that time. Stitches in time are our t-shirts. They are a way to show our own style or persona. Our triumphs and successes. Our t-shirts are who we are as guys. I’m also adding hoodies to this. As, hoodies have become popular and are much like the t-shirts we collect. I have my hoodies just like my t-shirts that I wear, or kinda wear, or are in retirement. I can’t live with out ‘em. You gals might not understand, but it’s what we do. Comes with being a guy.

So, I’ll make this one short and leave you with a photo gallery of my t-shirts, and hoodies.

As this concludes my broadcast day.

So, enjoy my collection.

As, with the first “life-list” I intentionally ignored some realities and fell into the wishful thinking category. I do view my list and the bucket-list way different. The greatest different between a bucket-list and a “Life-List” are those experiences that are needs vs. wants. For myself, if I never go to South America or bike thru wine country that I don’t feel it would be any kind of “regret” or whatnot. There are plenty of experiences that I would love to do, but if I were on my death bed I wouldn’t be thinking I had wished I had done this or that. Many of the added experiences to this list are experiences that would seem to be really, really be fun and not much more. If I were terminal ill, to be overly honest, I suspect that list would look different. As there would be those things that would provide some sorts of closure with my or one’s life, which is more of a need than a want. My list are more of wants and not entirely in the need category.

Which leads me to “My Story List”, which better represents a different meaning than the bucket-list. As these experiences are those experiences or events that are the chapters that make us who we are. Everyone has their own story in life, and those adventures, experiences, and the things we do that becomes your/my story. They are the stories you share later around the kitchen table. At the local coffee shop, tavern/pub/bar, or at parties, and so on. Things we do that make us who we are. So, with all that here are some adventures that will one day hopefully will become a part of the story of my life. So here is; “My Story List”, not a freaking bucket-list.

1] BIKE THRU WINE COUNTRY; This one is hold-over from the original.

2] THE CANYON; These days with my propensity for skin issues I’m not even sure about this one. It was on the original so I just kept it for that reason. Definitely an experience I don’t feel the need t do. But, who knows that what may return. So, it remains on the list.

3] THE EASTERN BLOCK; As with floating the Grand Canyon merely just a thought. I’m not entirely sure about making the trip. With Air travel these days I could miss out on this one and like the Canyon it remains.

4] VISIT A GLACIER; As with the previous 3 included in the original list, and remains. Maybe with my next one in mind I’d make the trip via the railroad. I would tend to think this one is one of the most plausible and more of a matter of when?

5] RIDE THE RAILS; It’s been sometime since I have travelled anywhere and with the “nightmare” that has become air travel I’d like to take a trip via the railroad. Chillin’ Like villain in the dining car, sounds kinda like unique experience. Additionally, instead of racing the destination take a bit of extra time, and time is definitely something I have plenty of these days, and enjoy the ride as well as the destination.

6] BALTIC SEA CRUISE; I found the NAU Alumni Association website, via Facebook, where I found an NAU alumni association event that is a cruise thru the Baltic Sea. It is this summer, So I am “on the clock” with this one.

7] DC ROADSHOW; A road-trip to DC, via Highway 50, to Washington DC and spend two weeks just touring the museums, historical sites, and any tourists attractions that I might be forgetting.

8] COLLEGE REUNION; Thinking about some sorts of College/Lumberjack friends 10 years reunion of sorts. I chatted with Little Yessie the other day and that thought kinda came to mind and as I missed a wedding this fall that many of my college friends were at and would definitely like to catch up and spend a weekend going a bit old school, aka Flagstaff Style. The 10 year reunion concept is just an excuse of getting everyone together.

9] BECOME A SPACEMAN; As the space race as evolved from a race between countries to a race between captains of Industries going to space will at some point be plausible. When that time comes I’d definitely like to go.

10] AIR SPACE; I’ve mentioned this one before. But, if I do have to fly at some point I would rather fly in a new Boeing 787, and possibly might make flying again worth the hassle.

11] Big Bass Player; I was at a Bass Pro Shops recently and I found out that they offer a wide range of outdoor related trips and resorts around the country. they are reasonable affordable and a couple of them sound rather pleasurable and fun. Could also be associated with Riding The Rails. I don’t have one specifically in mind at this point. But, I’m sure if it’s something I had to make a choice I could do that.

outdoortravelervacations.com

12] Create my first Photo-journalist story. I have actually started this one. I just need to finish it. I currently have plans this week for this one. So, stay tuned. Just for the curious; Benny the Show is the subject of the story.

13] Home; I would like to get back my home.

A nice baker’s dozen. These are some chapters that I would like to add to “My Story”

As, this concludes my broadcast day.

So, with that in mind I was in REI looking for a belt, finally, to assist in keeping my pants up. I was always nervous about skin issues before. I did find a belt that was pretty elastic and stretches quite well, so I’m not overly worried about skin issues and this belt. However, in my search for a belt I stumbled across a Timbuk2 bag-thingy. It is much smaller and has has three sections, with a little loop for a pen. It really fits all my swag and dude needs.

I realize that redifining the term for a male-purse may be difficult. And, identifying the difference between the two be a bit semantic, but there are two clear differences between the a purse and a merse. It has taken some serious consideration to find that key difference between what is purse and what I have. And, that is a purse pretty much always has a strap of some kind to assist in carrying a purse. Pretty much every purse I have ever seen has had a strap. Some are long and hang low. Some are short, but just long enough to carry under over the shoulder and under the arm. And, some have really short straps that can hand of the wrist for the smallest of purses. And, that strap is the key to my argument. With my first “merse” , which had to be retired, and my newest one no strap for carrying purposes. the original was just a bag with a zipper at the top and nothing more. The new one does have a strap, but that strap is sole purpose is for keeping the bag closed and secure as to ensure nothing falls out. So, I would say that is one clear difference between the two.

I would also say that purses don’t always fit any occasions. Quite often a woman will change purses as either it doesn’t fit with the occasion or attire. What I have will always be and never create a fashion faux pas. It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t make what I am wearing and can be used for all occasions, and that can’t be said for a purse. From sweatpants to formal attire it will be just fine as is. All occasions are applicable.

With that I have something different from a purse or merse. So, I was going with the term; satchel for a short time. However, that just didn’t flow. It is a bit awkward to say and hear. That term was short lived. After that, I used the term ruck-sack for awhile. It seemed to fit well. But, the the sack part didn’t seem to fit. I did stick with it for awhile as it was still better than merse. But, I was still unsure. Till that past week.

I finally found the term, or terms that seems to fit and sounds like it fits right. And, as a proud Lumberjack and resident of Flagstaff, AZ it hit me. With that I found Swag Bag, or Swag for short. As, my swag bag allows me to keep all the items/swag I might need during my day. Not many items, and far from those things that could be found in a purse.

Below are those things any dude needs in a day.

First, yes I use photoshop and removed the surrounds, just to simplify the image. As you can see the all my necessities.

Included in a Swag Bag are;
the obvious things like money, debit/credit cards.
Drivers Licence
National Parks Pass
Coffee Shop Card, so if I don’t have cash I just put $$$ on the card. Makes things easier, faster.
My just barely usable phone
A small nice knife blade, always handy and always a needed
A pocket watch, that just for old school sakes and a cool groomsmen gift
An “Executive Pocket Pal” to measure things, which also can give you angles and give you decimal equivalents. Used more than you would think.
My I-shuffle for well, listening to music if I want to.
A Space Pen, that right a space pen. I really didn’t need that, but fits perfectly in the Swag.
A small notebook for writing things down that I don’t want to forget or info That I may need for a later date.
A flash drive, for transferring data on the fly. Included in the Flash drive are pictures of my retina’s, resume`, cover letter, a copy of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and related case law. And, a few other documents. Being that I was born in 1977 and not 1947 I understand the concept of a paperless society and don’t feel the need to have an actually paper copy. A soft copy works just fine. Eventually a copy of the peace treaty signed by Japan on the USS Missouri on Sept. 2nd, 1945. Courtesy of Benny the Big Show, or Benny the Shue. As he was on the Missouri that day. Take you pick on that one. Stay tuned for more of Benny the Show.
MY RETINA’S


I know, I’m nuts. But, Swag Bag just sounds so much cooler and is a far better descriptor. I refuse to use merse. I’m just a dude, and always have been. I did allow my life change to define me. But, I remember, and I may have lost my way somewhere along the way, however, I was a dude and still am dude, and proud dude. I forgot that and it took too long for me to remember that. I shouldn’t have let that happen. I’m not sure how one may define what a dude is, but I know, I am one.

Once a dude, always a dude. And, Swag Bag is what I have. It’s who I am and proud to be such. And, dudes like me…carry a Swag Bag. I can’t totally wrong, can I?

As the concluded my broadcast day.

Which leads me to where I going. That being the huge societal change that coffee shops have become. I mean, it’s fun to go to a coffee shop that has a nice ambiance with friendly barista’s. The barista’s at my coffee shop are by far the the most awesomeness. I’ve been going to the same one for a long time now. I mean I go there so much that I do consider them my friends, seriously I do. As silly as that might be I still would tend to think that having my barista as my friends is better than hundreds of social networking friends. I mean I know so much of them and they know so much of me that I go back time and time again to see them as much as anything else.

Since my return to my daily coffee shop time I saw one that I hadn’t seen in sometime as I wasn’t going much over past two months. And, one was actually rather upset I wasn’t around, seriously. I had a talkin’ too about my absence. I did explain I was being a bad coffee shop friend, but I will be back again. I was fortunately forgiven for my lack of presence. Life does have it’s surprises, and this something I’ve said countless times, but if I would have been told five years ago my barista’s would be a friend I would have said your nuts. But, they are. And, far better friends from the World Wide Web. either way, I’m very happy to have them as friends. Even though they do think I’m nuts, and I am. And, always have been.

And, who do I have to thank for those friends…Howard Shultz. Yeah, that’s right, I said it. Say what you will about Starbucks, and no I don’t get Starbuck’s Coffee as it’s just too _____ hot. I literally burn my mouth, and it’s burns easy. But, he did bring the coffee shop to America. Soon after the Nisqually earthquake I recall a few cheers that the Starbuck’s office in South Seattle incurred some damage, and that’s a whole other story. At that time I wasn’t the coffee addict that I am today. That didn’t come till my time in Portland, the 4:50am alarm drove me right over the coffee addiction cliff. But, that would be yet another story.

Without the modern day coffee shop where did people go to socialize? I mean the obvious option was a bar, pub, or tavern. I can’t think of another place in our modern day that has that social environment. I guess for many years there were places like the Elks Club, and other different but similar type places. But, most of those type of places are more a part of our history these days. In some cases the modern day coffee shop has replaced those types of clubs, and whatnots. It’s a very social place. Everyone hopped up on caffeine and legally buzzed. Quite often I see a few different people there as often I as I am there. And, every so often you meet someone that has something interesting to add to your day. Our coffee shops are our current day social clubs. And, I am a proud card carrying member. And, by Howard Shultz bringing Starbuck’s to us he also brought our the modern day social club. And, yeah Starbuck’s went a little crazy there for a while. But, in the end they have done far more good, than bad.

And as I finish my last bit of dark roast I’ll leave you with this.

As someone once said, “The coffee bean is proof that God wants us to be happy”.

As, this concludes my broadcast day.

Vegas was a mere oasis in the mojave desert between somewhere and no where. My first time thru Vegas I was just a kid. A family road trip to Disneyland and Vegas as a stop over. I still remember making the turn as you peak over the hill which gives you your first look down into Vegas coming from the Hoover Dam. Just a small island of lights in a dark desolate desert. It was the Rivera where we stayed for a night. No mega-hotels, casinos, and resorts as there are today. What now is referred to as Old Town Vegas was still considered a part of the strip. Ah, the bright lights. That would be far from the last time in Vegas.

Some fifteen years later I found myself at Northern Arizona U. Just about an 4 hour drive away. There were a brave few that would party in Flag till closing, then head out into the night to for gambling and a few more cocktails in the AM in Las Vegas. That was not something I had the cahoots for that non-sense, but my hats of those who did. That’s not to say I didn’t go….By that time the small oasis had grown into a big city. Henderson had grown into a suburb, one of a few of them surrounding the strip. And, by this time the growth of the new strip had become to be. Old Vegas, was at that point just that.

Now, there is the City Center and a few other mega-resorts. Over they years it went from a town for a the select few and run by mobsters, to a corporate “family Friendly” haven that thanks to the ripping 90′s worked out. Some attempt at an adult disneyland that you could bring the kids along. However, as the economy changes so does Las Vegas, but always a place for sinners and a few saints.

I can’t speak for everyone, but after my last visit in September of 2009 I must say I enjoyed the old town, but I certainly wasn’t in a situation that I had lots to spend. The new strip has so much and does require lots of walking, but a bit of gambler I’ll take old town. I have been a sinner quite enough. And, that is what Las Vegas is for, the rest is just a distraction from the the true Las Vegas. If I were to win the power-ball I would love to go back and take full advantage of all Vegas has to offer. Which is about everything. And, now the city has gone back to it’s roots as an adult playground with plenty of temptations. Somewhere that even the honest, and pure can get a bit wicked and sinful. As that is the true essences of Las Vegas.

My subsequent video was from my trip to Boston in May of ’07, which feels like that was a million years ago at this point, included music from my good cuz’ Paul, and The Grownup Noise. I admit I did not get written request for the use of his material, whoops. I guess if I was infringing on his copyright’s for the song he would have said so at this point. Even at that it I didn’t include the full song, on some of it. Perhaps I should get that written request from him?

When I got the handcycle that summer I added “Roll Me Away” by Bob Seger. There was another song I wanted to include, in that video. It was Chris Isaak’s Gone Ridin’, however, youtube muted the audio on that one so I added another Bob Seger instead. Must have had a CD laying around. Most of the subsequent video’s were just me doing something for the first time in this new life. As, the very first one was of me sitting up for the first time, to my first set of stairs, kayaking on a lake, a Transfer from a Dodge Ram, and Denver Bronco Cheerleaders.

It was my 2007 revisited did I add a song from Collective Soul and at first and the audio wasn’t muted, however, since it has been muted. I followed up with a short video of my first tattoo. Then I put together my trip to Kansas City which was originally muted and since the audio has been un-muted. That summer I made a video of me waterskiing and for a while was left to be, but then later muted. By the time I was making my video’s more than just firsts and short kinda boring video’s of this or that I didn’t like to have ‘em muted by youtube. I needed to make a change in how I put them together.

So, with my “Condo Sweet Condo” project I tried to shorten the music I would add the the video’s. I wasn’t sure, but if my time at NAU was right I thought I recalled a “40 second rule of thumb” for copyrighted content. In that video I included several songs in the video. The concept being that I didn’t use enough content to impact the owner’s pocketbook. I’m not sure how many different songs I used for that video, but being it was a four minute video I would say a lot. It was after that did I really begin to use content that wasn’t mine. But, always keeping in mind that as long as I don’t use too much it falls under “fair use” rules with intellectual rights. And, have continued since. The exception would be Crater Lake, fortunately the owner’s didn’t have a problem with that. But, by then youtube and the music industry finally found a way to allow the full use. As, now if you do you a full song a link to purchase the song is found right below the video screen.

Many of my Sept. of ’09 trip video’s I tried to keep within the fair use rules. On a couple of occasions I did make an appeal with youtube that any material I used that wasn’t mine, however, was within the fair use rules, and a couple of the video’s audio was then un-muted, and a couple were not. I’m not sure how they judge fair use, but youtube has been a guide post with my video’s. Which always hasn’t been consistent. But, it is what it is. As I am sure every artist and record company approaches the use of their content differently. As, the intent of intellectual property is to protect their financial rights. As, I suspect that the more exposure of one’s music is a good thing. And, now that you have that option to buy a song that is added to a youtube video can be purchased and has the ability increase sales? I very well could be wrong. but, all video’s since “Condo Sweet Condo” I tried to stay within the fair use rules.

This past year I have begun to add video from others to develop my video’s. I always try to make something new or different from the original content, or expand the content as well, which is a part of fair use. I fully admit my BreakingPointe Fabrication with the footage of the Grand Canyon is a bit suspect? It was produced by a man named; Dan Carter. I’ve attempted to find him and that very video, however, I have been unable to find him or any content from him. I probably would contact Mr. Carter, and request his perrmission if I could find him, but I been unable to find him. And unfortunately, I haven’t had much of a chance to create my own content. As, I would prefer to do that instead. I would much prefer using my own, but thanks to the World Wide Web I “borrow” a few frames and audio to help me find the thoughts I may be attempt to share.

Over the past 5 years of videos some has been muted, then un-muted. left to be, then muted. Any time I use content from others I find it hard to believe that I am impacting the owner’s financial rights. I would say as we move further and further into the information age that by the help of professionals and their work helps those who can’t communicate their message effectively might have have a better chance with fair use. I would tend to believe they should embrace this new digital world and not run from it.

I know as I move forward with a thought of using youtube as a means to create an income I would love other to use some of my material, with fair use, for their work. As, it would only increase exposure to my full content. As, one thing I learned while my time in marketing work of mouth marketing is by far the best. All I know, any of my video’s that I have put together which included other’s content does fall under fair use rules. And, with a new bill going through congress I only hope that those learn from the music industry back in the 90′s and find ways to embrace this new digital environment and not try and go too far. And, find ways that all parties win.

All I know, my video’s….well seems Fair Use from here. And, any content of other has helped me communicate my messages better and a bit of exposure for the owner. but, what do I know?

I’ll leave you with my Kansas City video that was muted for a long time and now is un-muted. This video is the only video I made an attempt to narrate my own video? I was actually ok with that at first, but watching all these years later, perhaps it was a bit better than previous thought. And, any current video that is muted I do want to re-mix to allow for both video and audio.

As this concludes my broadcast day.