kenkd's Blog

Happy Thanksgiving Day to all. Just a reminder, Night Vision Classical and Film Soundtracks at Live365
is dedicated to easing the stress during holidays when relatives and friends gather, or while preparing Thanksgiving meals. Whatever the occasion, this online radio format is ideal for that peaceful setting (if that is what you seek). The last time I looked, the station is gaining on a top ten spot amongst Soundtrack genre stations (at 27 presently) , and has many dedicated listeners from across the globe, including those who keep us on all the time.

If you find the time, give it a listen. Sign up for the free 5-day trial to listen in CD quality stereo without commercial interruption (you can cancel if you prefer before the trial ends). Experience for yourself what some have called 'The most beautiful music on the planet'.


After all, you deserve a quiet time.

The world celebrated the new change in America as Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States Tuesday night. There were reports of victory parties in obscure little places in many parts of the globe such as Obama, Japan, which shares it’s namesake with the new President-elect. In these places, the thought of a minority heading a powerful nation was almost unheard of, and now, quite possible.

Obama’s victory is not a victory for black people. It is a victory for the average person everywhere, who struggle with their dreams of becoming what they aspire to be, not hampered by obstacles both real and imagined. The possibility appears now for the chance of an Asian-American, Hispanic, etc U.S. leader. This country is edging closer and closer to having it’s first woman-elect.

One must understand the history of this country thoroughly in order to truly appreciate what all this means. The sometimes unspoken demand from foreign nations that America live up to it’s declaration of ‘true human rights’, and supposedly propped up as an example of what those rights mean by calling itself ‘the land of the free’, has given America yet another tool in defense of it’s principles by it’s change of the face of government. The clearly racist behavior of it’s ancestors is not to be tolerated by America’s new generation, who see this as seriously damaging the image that America holds in the global view. The very foundation of so-called terrorism is based in part on that decaying image, and it is one ‘front’ that goes unguarded during the threat of terrorist activity both here and abroad. Critics of America have a little less to hold up as proof positive.

So, as one political party in America seemed to muck things up, people here look towards change in the face of government and the restructuring of it’s national and global policies. Obama is but the beginning of that change, not the cure-all. He won’t perform miracles. He will be advised by people in government who are more experienced and who will not tolerate any ‘radical’ decisions that go against the foundation of American government. He is not just a ‘black president’, but an intelligent politician who, like John McCain loves his country. Like all American presidents, he can only enact his policy decisions with the help of his governing body, who will undoubtedly scrutinize his every move. The failures of past presidents can be attributed to opposition from government entities not completely ’on-board’ with policy decisions. In America, it is still politics as usual despite the change in the face of government.

When the hopes of America can liven up the lives within a small hamlet somewhere outside the nation, it is a clear victory for all Americans. For those who see this as not being that important, it is a sign that many in this nation do , making those critics the new minority. The vision of America on the global front is heading for a change, and closer to the principles outlined in the original Constitution. One step toward resolution of some of the things that plagues the greatness of this nation.

The United States Women's Gymnastics lost by more than two points to the Chinese team, whose performance was close to flawless. USA gymnast, Alicia Sacramone fell while competing on the balance beam, and went on to make some smaller mistakes. Right away there was talk of 'possible distractions from the stadium staff' that may have caused her to falter. Then U.S. sports reporters began re-examining the implication that Chinese female gymnasts were 'not old enough to compete', even consulting so called 'experts' in the detection of maturing teen development, who concluded that their observations indicated that the Chinese team consisted of females who looked under-developed in terms of (the age requirement of 16 years or more to compete). Some U.S Olympic insiders have accused the Chinese (not openly) of 'cheating'.

The question is, are the Americans sore losers, or is the Chinese women's gymnastics team just too good for them?

Night Vision Classical Radio at Live365, hosted by Bedford's Ken Myers is now streaming 24 hours a day the very best in modern classical, poignant film soundtracks, and selected ambient works by well known and independent music artists. The format is designed for relaxation, a 'quiet time',if you will.

The new station has gathered listeners from across the globe, to works by composers E.J. Moeran, Vaughan Williams, Erik Satie, Henryk Gorecki and others. Adding to that, music from motion pictures that you don't hear on FM radio, and selected specifically for this format. Topping it all off are the works of independent artists that we correspond with, again selecting only the best for our format.

If you are a local composer who produces music in any of the afore-mentioned categories, find out how to submit your music for airplay consideration (free,of course)by visiting  the  station page and website.

 http://www.live365.com/stations/kentonkd?site=live365


You deserve a quiet time

My Live 365 Internet radio broadcast streams on Wednesdays and Sundays from 6pm-10pm, but my Mother's day show may start earlier (around 4pm) just in time for that nice, peaceful dinner with Mom, if you're so inclined. Featuring the very best in modern classical, poignant film soundtracks, ambient and acoustic music, the show promotes a very relaxing atmosphere, of which I strongly believe in (being a Tai Chi practitioner).

So if you're into this kind of music, do tune in, become a V.I.P listener and listen throughout the evening. It is a nice alternative from that Top 40 stuff on local radio . Besides, its very easy to connect to Live 365, you don't need any additional software or anything.

I love film soundtracks (scores). Having licensed my own music to independent films I have studied the works of John Williams, Thomas Newman and Danny Elfman (to name a few). My focus is on the more romantic, or otherwise emotional scores that have a profound effect on the motion picture's content. These are usually very memorable pieces that play throughout a film, or in the film's credits. This is a beautiful art of which i most admire. Sadly, these pieces are often not heard again once a person leaves the theater (unless you buy the video).


http://www.live365.com/stations/kentonkd?site=live365

Some Ohio lawmakers want to allow concealed carry on campus. Students would have permits to carry guns.

What has this country come to? The place where our children go to further educate would, if lawmakers have their way, become like the Dodge City of the past. Professors would think twice before reprimanding his students for not paying attention in class, or worse yet, students would shoot each other over a love interest. Off campus parties, or frat parties could turn deadly.

But am I being over dramatic in thinking that our youth cannot control themselves or have the discipline to carry such powerful weapons? Look at how well they handle alcohol..LOL! There are at least three states that already allow concealed carry on campus (including Virginia), and so far there has been no backlash...yet.

Some people wonder why so many students cowered in terror when the Virginia Tech killer went on rampage, stopping to reload his weapon on occasion. Some wonder if the students collectively could not overpower him during his idle time. The students weren't trained to handle such a situation, just like a police officer or a soldier would if under heavy fire. If a student has a gun will he be able to respond with the alertness and precision needed to stop the killer?

I can understand the desire to protect our young people while they pursue further education, but this is just too much.

I, along with many other folks from all walks of life once had a fairly decent income working in the Textiles and Apparel industry (yes we had one of those). Slowly these types of positions faded, the result of big business trying to do away with union influence, and most importantly, the rise of imports. The most devastating blow came when then President Clinton signed the NAFTA agreement. That is something I will never forget, or forgive..a Democratic President.

I have since moved on of course, having reinvented myself several times since 1994 in order to survive this ever-changing economic climate here in the U.S. But there are many who still haven't quite gotten back on their feet after losing their homes, automobiles, and whatever else one gains after working at a job for many years. They represent that fading middle class that Senator Hillary Clinton keeps saying she wants to help. It is true that she supported this (some have called a failure) trade agreement along with her husband. The measure was started by the Republicans and then moved along by Bill Clinton despite the possible ramifications. The Clinton's helped to create the fading , failing middle class.

Hillary Clinton does have the experience to be in the White House. She definitely knows how to work the special interests where it will benefit her. Some have accused the Clinton's (especially Hillary) of being power hungry.Maybe so, but so would anyone else seeking this level of office.

Keep in mind the first Clinton President promised a lot of things too. What we got was loss of jobs, scandalous behavior, and Bin Laden running around free to wreak havoc on the U.S. Not to say that Obama  or McCain would do any better, but who needs another Clinton White House term?

I don't normally speak about politics although I am well informed, but I felt the need to point out a couple of things here. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama's bid for the Presidency is heating up for sure and some are still undecided on their pick for the Democratic ticket. Here is what many have pointed out:

Hillary Clinton has  achieved '5 real substantive' bill passings while in the New York Senate (one being a bill to assist family caregivers in accessing affordable respite care). The rest of her deeds include numerous honors for certain individuals and appointing a 'Recognition Day'. She supported the Bush Administration in the Iraq War Resolution, then later withdrew her support when public indignation set in. She was the only First Lady to be subpoenaed (testifying before a federal grand jury for the Whitewater scandal). Her efforts toward a National Health Care Plan failed to make it pass the U.S. Congress and she apparently gave up on it altogether. Her husband, Bill is notorious for having affairs with White House interns, and theres no reason to think he would not be tempted again while his wife is busy as 'president'. Who knows? She may even get involved as well, lol.
The Clinton's share the 'soft touch' when it comes to America's threats, Bill having sent missiles with no names on them in search of Osama and hitting innocent people and buildings instead. Perhaps  Hillary would rather hold a 'shouting match' with Al Quaeda as opposed to finding and neutralizing them.

Both Democratic candidates have talked about reforming health care, but none have outlined how they would do that or better yet, how they would bring both parties together in support of such an initiative. In fact, they do what politicians are expected to do. Talk,talk,talk. Just like Bush did before he went into office. Can we expect the same unproductive work from the next President? Probably. Miracles aside, I can't envision any major 'achievements'. Perhaps I'm too pessimistic.

So if that's the kind of Democratic candidate you would like to see in the White House after the not so pleasant Bush years, then vote for Hillary. It could be an 'entertaining term' if not productive. 

Hope all are having a wonderful new year. I thought I'd write a post on a couple of things that interest me. I am a huge movie fan and am involved in several movie forums on the web. I predict  "No Country For Old Men" as this years Oscar winner for best picture. I think that "Atonement" was boring and nothing really spectacular (except the film score, which was superb), and I don't like any of the choices for best actress, best supporting,etc, except for  Javier Bardem in "No Country".

I think Summer Glau of "Terminator, The Sarah Chronicles" and "Firefly" fame has exceptional screen presence, and should not limit herself to the 'crazy girl' roles that seem to fall her way.

I really like the show "Chuck" on NBC but I cant see it lasting no more than two seasons.

I have corresponded with Showcase Productions,  the original producers of  dramatic programs in the 1950's and holders of original  kinescopes  of  memorable television presentations such as "Peter Pan" with Cyril Richards and Mary Martin among a few other great performances. They have processed a few of the old 'Producer's Showcase' drama shows into digital format and are trying out new software to enhance the picture quality more.
 There had been a request by many involved in movie forums on the net for certain shows from that series to be released on DVD, and when I inquired about any possible releases the people at Showcase were strangely surprised as to the popularity of some of those shows. Hopefully they will finally see the light so that our future generation can enjoy these timeless performances, not seen since the 50's and featuring very well known actors  who rarely did TV.

I think the press have successfully driven Britney Spears crazy.
I think Mellisa Mack is the best looking weatherperson ever.
I think Channel 19 news suck.

Happy Holidays to all as I write presumably my last post for the year. There are, for those of you who cherish documentaries there is one show coming soon I'd like to point out, and to take the time to name my favorite television shows for the new season (which is a very short list because I don't watch it much.) My thoughts on the next year's Oscar offerings, and what not to do on New Year's Eve.


First,
'THE JEWISH AMERICANS, a three-part documentary series written and directed by the Emmy Award-winning filmmaker David Grubin, examines the struggle of a tiny minority to make its way into the American mainstream. While the story of Jewish life in America is emblematic of the American immigrant story, it is also a unique story of ongoing discrimination and stereotyping coupled with some of the most remarkable accomplishments in American history, the arts, commerce, science and academia.'
An important study of American life that should not be missed.Coming to PBS in mid-January. PBS is always on my viewing schedule and this year I became a member.

I can't wait till they settle the writers strike in Hollywood so I can see my favorite shows Chuck, House and the Academy Awards. I don't know if the 'best picture of the year' has been released yet, and I have seen most of this year's fare and don't think they live up to the 'great flicks' that have won in the past.(but that's my opinion). At this point they should give the best picture Oscar to "Alien VS Predator 2", and the best actor award to MacLovin from 'Superbad' (of course you know I'm only kidding).

As for New Years, the best thing to avoid is drinking and driving. I know many of us feel that we can jump in the ol' car and it's business as usual. But the fact remains that some of us cannot drive well when we are sober so drinking ourselves to a stupor and getting behind the wheel is bordering on downright just plain dumb (to put it mildly).
I usually only consume a couple of glasses of wine and have made this the rule for the remainder of my life, but I will undoubtedly be in the comfort of my own home and not driving about on New Years Eve.

I recently saw Stephen King's "The Mist" and i thought it was very entertaining, but not a classic. It had some elements that made it engaging, but also somewhat predictable in some spots.  Worth a look though.

"No Country For Old Men" was a violent Coen brothers flick. I liked it immensely. It's portrayal of 'apparently nothing new' in the substance of it and the overall darkness of the whole (not to give away any spoilers) made it very interesting. The acting was top-notch throughout.

Have a happy New Year!

I recently wrote an article that I actually cried after doing all my research for, and I don't know why. I consider myself a manly-man and yet the tears seemed justified given the subject.   I actually felt a 'cleansing of the soul' afterward and the tears were tears of joy not sadness.

With celebrities like Julia Roberts recently chasing down paparazzi and chastising them for taking snapshots of her children, and the ongoing exploitation of the likes of Britney Spears and Lindsey Lohan we are constantly reminded of the media circus surrounding these personalities like it is the only thing that matters in the six o'clock news. Things have changed considerably for celebs in regards to their privacy but it would serve them well to take notes from a Hollywood legend who famously and successfully guarded her own privacy and that of her children. That legend was of course Audrey Hepburn.

I picked her as the subject of a biography I wrote for Helium.com. As a youngster I remember seeing her first film, "Roman Holiday" and thought 'what a beautiful girl she was', and when I recently revisited that film and many of her others I thought the same thing all over again. She definitely had that effect on people, and through my research I could not for the life of me find one single article criticizing or denouncing something that she had done. She was, as film director Billy Wilder once said, "proof that God still made perfect things." That was among one of the many things he said about her as she seemed to move him like no other actress had before. Although she was pencil thin with a figure that many women would die for she was the essence of elegance, class and beauty. I don't know of any actress who impressed me and millions of others any more than her.

But I also discovered the lengths in which Audrey went to support the starving children of the world. Not only did she shun the Hollywood lifestyle and carefully guard her children from it she was a true humanitarian. She had an overwhelming need to give love and because of her successes in life (which came pretty quickly as more and more people were drawn to her) she felt a need to give something back. In contrast to celebs like Madonna, Angelina Jolie and others who adopt one or more children from impoverished nations and feel that they have done something noble, Audrey wanted to feed all of the children. There makes no sense to give only one a 'good life' while the others stay behind starving. Her charity for this purpose is still being run by her son, Sean Ferrer.

So as you gather in the information about this person you become engrossed in the beauty that she was, both inside and out. She wasn't Liz Taylor, Kathleen Hepburn, or Marlene Dietrich ( I know many of you are too young to know  these actresses). She was one of a kind. Among the things that I learned about Audrey while researching her life was the fact that she died of colon cancer, an affliction that I know all too well. The other is how loved she is by people from all over the globe both young and old, who are captured by her remarkable on screen presence and never let go. So while modern celebs cannot be her they can at least try to model their lives based on her sense of values.On her final Christmas she told her beloved son,
 "Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm. As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands. One for helping yourself, the other for helping others. "

God bless this Elegant Spirit.

My mini bio of Miss Hepburn
My music site

Thanksgiving, the official day of thanks in America. hope all enjoy their time off from the hustle and bustle of work, and their time with friends and family.
I will probably spend a quiet time at home with my favorite bottle of quality red wine and watch the best in classic motion pictures, in between working on new compositions ( I am building my music library as more and more film producers have become interested in my works).I may stop over to my family's for a small plate of Thanksgiving treats (I don't eat turkey) and a little socializing just to spread my little bit of wit and wisdom.
Tomorrow the 23rd is my birthday, and as it has been the past couple of birthdays I will be celebrating having accomplished another of my major goals, as well as the chance to live the life to accomplish any goals. So everyday is Thanksgiving day for me in a way. As it should be for all.


Ken Myers is an online content provider for several websites and an ambient music composer. You may hear his works here

Just in time for Halloween and as a big horror movie buff I offer this short review of some of my personal favorite flicks. Unlike other genres of film like westerns and musicals the horror movie still survives as an entertainment staple in the movie industry. Engaging creep fests have just the right ingredients to effectively frighten the crap out of most of us. That elusive formula has only shown up in a handful of recent flicks. Here is my offering;

Severed,
2005 movie about a multi-national forestry company engaging in genetic experimentation to increase logging yield in a remote section of forest. The result? Unclear circumstances surrounding a sudden mutation of  'infected workers' turning into the ever popular flesh-eating zombies that we have grown to love, well.... in a strange way. Mixed reviews on this but one of note points to this flick as being a 'rip-off' of George Romero zombie films. My verdict is this flick was more enjoyable than some of the other more recent glossed over productions of this particular genre. A zombie flick well told is a zombie flick well told, in my opinion. And just when I thought  the genre was over saturated with Resident Evil- type rip-offs of the Romero masterpieces. Not for the kiddies.

Slither 2006

In spite of its foul language and totally gross out segments this is one of my all-time favorites from the most recent movies. In this a small town is taken over by an alien plague, turning residents into zombies and all forms of mutant monsters (you gotta love this), and offering all sorts of  gore mixed with the right amount of humor for your Saturday night date. A classic starring Nathan Fillion of Serenity and Firefly fame. Uh-Oh, shes going to blow! Definitely not for the kids.

Saw 3
2006 continuing the series of grisly gore and torture ( no doubt created and written by some perverted sicko) and popular with certain movie goers. This is the better written one of the bunch. Haven't seen Saw 4 yet.

Keep in mind that these represent the more recent flicks. If I listed my all time favorites it would require a little more writing and I don't want to do that.

The big disappointments in recent horror films?


Lets start with Resident Evil: Extinction  http://imdb.com/title/tt0432021/
Another super white chick flick full of breasts and bullets and a total waste of time.

Return to House On Haunted Hill
2007. I was very young when I saw the Vincent Price original and these latest remakes are a joke to me.Maybe I'm just getting old but these flicks just aren't scary especially when it comes to ghosts. How about making a flesh-eating ghost?

Bug,
2006 technically not a horror film (sure fooled the hell out of some people), except in how it was made. Lots of talk and no action. Steer clear of this one.

28 Weeks Later
2007 One of the aforementioned Resident-Evil type zombie flick rip-offs, and a headache to watch because of its constantly flashing and flickering images


I hope you follow the links to find out more about these films and if interested form your own opinions. I truly enjoy watching movies, and I am blessed with enjoyment of many different genres of film, foreign and domestic that help me understand the art of film making much better. If you love to watch horror movies on Halloween like I do, just stick to the classics. You probably know what those are.

Human rights in America is often the topic of debate both in America and abroad. There is no debate that the American government supports any form of 'human rights', defined as the  basic rights and freedoms entitled to all humans, including but not limited to the treatment of minorities and foreign nationals who may be passing through (particularly Arabs who are more recently under close scrutiny following 9/11). The guarantee of these rights are drawn out in various amendments supporting the U.S. 'Constitution'.

Often any debate relating to U.S. human rights (or lack of) lies in the not so perfect history of this country's human rights policies. Clearly during the Cold War the U.S. was involved in several coup d'etat in opposing nations of certain leaders deemed as threats to America's interests ( Iran in 1953, when the leaders there were proposing naturalization of it's oil resources which would inevitably hinder the U.S/British oil companies ability to continue making billions of dollars from them). These actions were deemed violations of human rights policies in that they were clearly aimed at government 'restructuring' of the nations in question. These moves would ultimately effect that nation's populace, good or most often times bad. It is not known the full scope of the role the U.S. played in any such action but to many foreign observers the U.S. cannot be trusted, and for many other reasons besides coup d'etat. Cuba, for example was once overrun by gambling casinos with mob connections, that is until Castro came along. Some have argued that Castro was a crook as well, but being that as it may at least he chose not to share with rogue nations like the U.S. and Britain, who have long plundered the riches of third-world countries only to leave their inhabitants impoverished, or worse dependent.

With great power comes fear. The U.S. government knows that. It cannot conduct itself in a manner favorable to everyone at all times, and if that was at all possible it could not continue to grow in power. That is why there are so many countries whose people detest the U.S.. Knowing that, the powers that be in America plan ahead in trying to shape global interests to their favor, actions the powers consider as 'defending the American way of life' rather than  human rights violations.

Understanding that, the government still has a greater record when it comes to human rights than some other countries. One's preservation of power exists only through totally humane efforts, not brute force. Though others point to internal human rights issues ( the ever  present racial and economic issues still plaguing the nation despite various amendments), there are still many who want to migrate to the U.S in search of what they perceive to be 'a better life'. The level of suspected human rights violations in today's America is not enough to cause mass indignation on the part of it's people.

So what is the future of America? America on it's present course, particularly in the area of global human rights may be on a collision course with its own destiny. A destiny not defined solely by how it tries to appear to the global community, but how it treats its own populace. Action speaks volumes. The recent mishandling of the Katrina catastrophe has been compared to the more recent Southern California wildfires where support has been plentiful and swift. It has been said that what happened with Katrina is indicative of  where this nation's interests lie, with a hint of racial bigotry underlying its core principles. The world at large sees all this and come to the same conclusion (it is fairly suspicious given America's history), and are not fooled by the 'good, moral image' that America wants to portray. This is why so many countries have negative views about America and similar countries. Duh!

Rome was once a powerful force. Nothing lasts forever.

The seven part documentary series, The War by Ken Burns is now on PBS 8pm and I highly recommend it, especially for high school students, college students and anyone interested in history. I am a history buff myself, and I am sometimes shocked by how little the youth of today know about even the most basic of historical events even though they have courses in this at school. Even Ken Burns pointed that out at his recent speech at the Cleveland City Club in advance of the War series broadcast.

While undoubtedly there are many who would rather forget about the events of the Second World War, there are some important facts about America's involvement in it that many don't know about, or don't care about. Admirers of Burns' storytelling style may find the documentary both educational and inspiring.

Check out my short article on The War by Ken Burns at my Associated Content Page

Ken Myers is a frequent blogger at many sites and an ambient music artist