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Thursday, April 9, 2009
Meet Jen Singer!
Anyway, I've recovered from the 15 radio interviews I did on Tuesday. I managed to get up at 5:30 AM and by 10:00AM I was almost completely awake. I locked myself in the bathroom to do the interviews in peace and quiet and I didn't throw up even once, so they went well in my book! Now I've got a few writing assignments I absolutely need to get done this week so I've got guest posts lined up for today and tomorrow. Please bear with me. I'll be back in full force next week!
Today I have a guest post from Jen Singer, from MommaSaid, Good Housekeeping's Good Grief Blog, and author of STOP SECOND-GUESSING YOURSELF, The Toddler Years (A Field-Tested Guide to Confident Parenting)
Jen, tell me, what's the hardest part about transitioning from babyhood to toddlerhood?
Mobility and your toddler's increasingly strong urge to ditch Mommy and go check out that butterfly/puddle/cupcake/dog/etc. It's a never ending effort to balance your child's curiosity and learning with safety and the attempt to get places on time – and without a temper tantrum. In short, the toddler years are a lot like Mr. Toad's Wild Ride: harrowing, yet often amusing, and always full of surprises.
Mobility! Yes, that's highly over-rated. I remember urging and coaxing my first son to walk. I couldn't wait for him to take those first independent steps. Things changed by the time my sixth baby came along, however. Every time she attempted to stand up, I pushed her back down.
What's the biggest mistake that parents of toddlers make?
Attempting to get through Target at naptime is one of them. Not expecting the unexpected is another. After I found myself at a Halloween party attempting to change one toddler's diaper, even though he was in a dragon costume without snaps, while monitoring another toddler who was reaching for a plate full of cupcakes half a room away, I learned to lower my expectations. Toddlerhood was still a crazy, exhausting time for me, but at least I knew it should be.
What do moms say is the most difficult part of parenting toddlers?
Potty training is the most labor intensive milestone of toddlerhood, by far. You have to be involved and entertaining and helpful without pushing your toddler into total disinterest in potty training. It's part science, part art and all up to your toddler, no matter how hard you work. Knowing how to walk the fine line between using rewards and encouragement and letting your toddler take the lead is the key to successful potty training. That, and a whole lot of patience.
Oh yes! Potty training! I've certainly become more relaxed about that over the years. I figure Brooklyn will be potty trained by the time she leaves for college...
How can you run a playdate or playgroup without all the mama drama?
If you're hosting a playdate or a playgroup, understand that, like it or not, your mothering skills are on display for all the other moms, and vice versa. But you can nip the urge to compete in a mothering competition with a few simple tips, including:
1. Hide your toddler's favorite toy. That way you'll avoid a tug-of-war (and its ensuing meltdown and your apology.)
2. Don't rush in to referee. Toddlers have amazingly short-term memories. If you wait just a little longer than you'd like to, one toddler just might find another shiny new toy and forget what she was in a tizzy about in the first place.
3. Keep it short. An hour or two is long enough before everyone starts to get cranky (moms included.)
Good, sound advice, Jen! I was just going to suggest serving margaritas.
How can you run errands with a squirmy, active toddler in tow?
Remember that timing is everything. Think about it from your toddler's perspective: it's hard enough not having any say in what you do or where you go, but getting dragged to the furniture store at 9:00 p.m. on Friday night? Also, front-load the most important stops in case you have to cut your outing short due to crankiness.
What do moms need to know about keeping their toddlers safe?
Our generation of mothers has taken safety preparation to all new levels, though not all of it is necessary or even useful – like the toilet latch my toddlers broke into like Houdini. I'm a fan of safety gates, particularly at the top of stairs, and of moving your breakables and anything smaller than your elbow (a.k.a. choking hazards) out of reach throughout toddlerhood.
How do you keep your toddler entertained?
The first step is to realize that you are not your toddler's entertainment director. If you feel guilty for folding laundry because you're not entertaining your toddler, something's wrong. (I know. I've been there.) The sooner you teach your child to entertain herself, the better it is for her – and you – down the road. One of my favorite ways to get a toddler to entertain herself is to lay out the Tupperware on the kitchen floor and put her in the middle of it. Sure, it requires some cleaning later on, but it's worth it if you're able to get something done – or even to sit down for a while.
How do you handle the Terrible Two's?
Here's a secret: Sometimes Terrible Two's starts before age two. Sometimes, it hits at four and sometimes not at all. In general, toddlers are an unpredictable lot. They can go from sweet to sour (and super-cranky) in no time flat. The key is to predict and diffuse. If, for instance, you know your toddler is going to have a canary because his cousin just touched his favorite Elmo doll, swoop in and distract him with something better, like a new and, therefore, more attractive toy, a snack, or when all else fails—dare I say—a video.
Here's my question - when do they grow out of the Terrible Twos because I know a certain 14-year-old.....
What are some of the "Milestones You Don't Want to Share with Grandma"?
These are the things nobody told you about – and you probably don't want to tell anyone about. Some of the most typical include: Opens, Closes, Locks, and Unlocks Doors, Stuffing Things up Noses and into Ears and Toilet Games, where the commode doubles as a boat landing or toy flusher. Take heart: These are common, and you can handle them, once you learn how. I cover these and five others and what to do about them in the book. One tip: Keep a key to the house and your cell phone in your pocket or a key hidden outside in case your toddler decides to try the lock when you step outside for a minute.
If you could give mothers of toddlers one bit of advice, what would it be?
Don't assume they can't reach the middle of the kitchen table.
I have a copy of Jen's new book, STOP SECOND-GUESSING YOURSELF, The Toddler Years (A Field-Tested Guide to Confident Parenting) to give away to one lucky reader! Just leave me a comment here and I'll choose a winner on Monday! Good luck!
Posted by Dawn at 9:29 AM
102 comments:
- Leah said...
LOVE this post! I have a 9.5 month old son & feel like I have my hands full most days. I NEED this book!
- April 9, 2009 at 9:40 PM
- Lynn said...
Toddlers really are a blast.
- April 9, 2009 at 9:41 PM
- Colleen said...
Love it - would love to read the rest of the book. I have a 3 year old and a 16m old and often feel like I'm ready to pull my hair out.
- April 9, 2009 at 9:43 PM
- Mom First, Everything Else Second said...
Great advice... my baby will be reaching toddler stage soon and I could really use it! Thanks!!
- April 9, 2009 at 9:50 PM
- Triplet Mommy said...
Oh, good grief, do I need this book! I have 2-year-old triplet girls!!! Of course, I've already learned that thing about the middle of the table... :-)
- April 9, 2009 at 10:05 PM
- Raechel said...
OH hands down I want to try to win this book! My toddler is quickly making me consider a permanent birth control of the surgical type.
- April 9, 2009 at 10:06 PM
That's some good advice, especially about the key. Being locked out of the house in your pj's in February in 9 degree weather, not so much fun.
- April 9, 2009 at 10:06 PM
- Meredith said...
I love it. Wish I had heard some of it before my first child who locked me out of the house on occasion. I think my fave advice is the safety. I do believe we overreact sometimes. My husband and I put locks just on the cabinets we knew she shouldn't be in, but kept enough open that she never even tries anymore for the others...picked up breakables and everything else is just like it always has been. I have friends that think I don't care, it isn't that I don't care...I just try not to panic!!!
- April 9, 2009 at 10:14 PM
- Jo - To a Pretty Life said...
Thanks, Jen, for the tips and advice! I think this is exactly the book I need! My library doesn't have it in yet, so I'd love to win it. My daughter is 21 months old, and drives me crazy sometimes...and then she smiles and says "mommy pretty," and asks for a kiss.
- April 9, 2009 at 10:27 PM
- Joni said...
Oooooh, pick me! Pick me! My 11-month-old son is just entering these years, and I NEED this book!!!
jonitapp at gmail dot com
- April 9, 2009 at 10:28 PM
- Rachel said...
This book sounds GREAT! We are smack in the middle of the toddlerhood craziness.
- April 9, 2009 at 10:42 PM
- Meanest Mommy said...
Pick me! Pick me! :)
MeanestMommysRules at gmail dot com
- April 9, 2009 at 10:42 PM
- Sara said...
I have a 3 year old and a 20 month old. What I really need is some sanity, but this book may help!
- April 9, 2009 at 11:02 PM
Dawn, I love your blog. Also thanks for introducing me to a few other refreshing mom blogs and guest bloggers. I have a 25 month old and I love getting practical mom-tested advice. A copy of the book would be good too:)
- April 9, 2009 at 11:20 PM
- Stacy said...
I've got two toddlers and would love any advice I can get!
- April 9, 2009 at 11:43 PM
Oh as soon as I read this post I realized how much it makes sense and how I reallly need this book right now with my toddler. I'll cross my fingers to get picked!!!!
- April 10, 2009 at 12:06 AM
I'd love this book thanks!!! MY toddler was such a sweet baby..I should have known this was coming! She's almost 3, but I have a sneaking suspicion her "Terrible Twos" will last for awhile longer..
- April 10, 2009 at 12:48 AM
- Valerie said...
Awesome tips!
- April 10, 2009 at 1:20 AM
- Tara M said...
Great Post! I have 3 under 5. need I say more???
- April 10, 2009 at 1:38 AM
My first boy is now a toddler, what a handful compared to the girls. Would love to win! Also, am loving your book, Dawn, and have to be careful when I read it in bed after my husband is asleep, because I never know when I'm going to burst out laughing! Loved the entry about the child who sneaks in your room at night and puts their face close to yours until you wake up. I have one of those, and I'm sure she's heard a few expletives when I wake up!
Happy Easter, Laura
- April 10, 2009 at 1:48 AM
- Kim said...
Mine is almost 3 and I can relate to many of these things. I really hope I don't lose my mind before he is 6.
- April 10, 2009 at 5:45 AM
- Gail said...
My toodler is a 5:30AM er !! Tried everything, even setting the clocks forward so the house is a time warp. She's always been up early. Oh well.
Anyway, would love the book !!
Happy Easter ! He arose !
- April 10, 2009 at 6:53 AM
- Mel said...
I remember vividly my daughter throwing herself on the floor in a tantrum at 11 mnths of age and being completely horrified - "You're not supposed to be doing that, you're not even 1 yet!"
Little did I know that 6yrs later, she'd still be doing it..... ;)
- April 10, 2009 at 7:09 AM
- Becs said...
If we can't have a full post by Dawn, she is a great guest blogger! Looks like hte book is great! Happy Easter!
- April 10, 2009 at 7:11 AM
- Kim Williams said...
I would love to win a copy of this book! Sounds like Jen has some great advice and is a practical mom (especially the part about too much safety).
Thanks for a chance at this one, Dawn!
- April 10, 2009 at 7:52 AM
- Lindsey Wolfe said...
Too funny! Always enjoy your posts!
- April 10, 2009 at 8:07 AM
- Vicki said...
I'd love to win this to pass along to a friend...I think she would love it. (twins one on the way...she will need it!)
Vicki W.
- April 10, 2009 at 8:12 AM
Potty training is the worst.
- April 10, 2009 at 8:19 AM
- AbbysMama said...
That sounds GREAT! I would love to read this book! Have a Happy Easter!
- April 10, 2009 at 8:30 AM
- Amy Helm said...
Great post and I will definitely be checking out this book. Jen has a lot of great advice, Thank you!!
- April 10, 2009 at 8:32 AM
- Jen Singer said...
Thanks Dawn, for letting me guest blog. I loved your running commentary.
I hope that "Stop Second Guessing Yourself" helps all you moms of toddlers out there who are pulling their kids off the kitchen table (how in the world?!) and, like my sister-in-law, finding toy trucks in the fridge.
Jen Singer
- April 10, 2009 at 8:34 AM
- Adrienne said...
Hi Dawn! Jen's book sounds like it has some great advice from a mommy who's been there!!! I'd love to win the book to see what I've gotten myself into, since I have a 5 month old!!!
- April 10, 2009 at 8:35 AM
- J said...
Wow, sounds like a great book! I'd love one! ;)
- April 10, 2009 at 8:36 AM
What an interesting guest post! Of course we love hearing from you, Dawn, but you always get such great guests that I think we'll survive til next week:)
- April 10, 2009 at 8:52 AM
- Hally said...
I'd love to be entered. I've got a couple of toddler boys, and my friend has a couple of toddler girls. We could use these tips just to make it through the day!
- April 10, 2009 at 8:55 AM
- Julie said...
Toddlers are bundles of non-stop fun!
- April 10, 2009 at 9:12 AM
- Chawksgirl4ever said...
i need this book about to have our third and thiss one is a boy!aaahhhh i still have my handds full with my 3 year old
- April 10, 2009 at 9:13 AM
Hi Dawn,
That was a fun interview! I had to chuckle at your little smarty-pants remarks interjected! You are a hoot!!
This book sounds really interesting. Jen's advice is realistic, funny and helpful.
Lisa Kiesling, Dallas, Texas
- April 10, 2009 at 9:23 AM
Sounds great! Would love to have a copy to read.
Thanks! Happy Easter!!
- April 10, 2009 at 9:24 AM
- Jessica J. said...
Super cute post. I love the idea of guest bloggers, thanks for doing this, and and sweet to give a book away!
Enjoy your two day break from the blog (try not to work too hard). :-)
- April 10, 2009 at 9:31 AM
Great advice! I'd love to have this book, as I'm sure she has much more to offer.
- April 10, 2009 at 9:32 AM
Hello Dawn
i would love this book. I would love to give it to a friend who has a 4 month old. It would be a great gift for here.
- April 10, 2009 at 9:41 AM
- Kecia said...
I love what you said about entertaining your baby, or rather, letting them learn to entertain themselves. I needed that reminder this morning! I would love to read more!
- April 10, 2009 at 9:43 AM
- Duck's Mom said...
Love this post, need to check out the book! About reaching the middle of the table? Also applies to the top of the stove. We had recently moved into a new apartment and still had boxes around. Our not yet 3 year old monkey, I mean son, moved a box from the living room, into the kitchen, climbed it, then onto the stove top all because he wanted the salt and pepper shakers.
- April 10, 2009 at 9:47 AM
Would love to have this book - i can so relate (almost 2 and three year old girls).
- April 10, 2009 at 9:53 AM
Thanks for always giving me a laugh! With a 17 mo old and now twin sons due at the end of summer, I need all the laughter I can get.
- April 10, 2009 at 9:54 AM
- nydancer226 said...
My 3 year old son has just started the "scream his request really loud and high pitched over and over again when he doesn't get what he wants the second he asks for it" phase. This coupled with my 6 month old daughter who is in the "curious about everything aka put EVERYTHING in my mouth" stage is driving me insane. I would love this book to read if I ever get a second for myself...LOL...Ah, the joys of being a SAHM!
- April 10, 2009 at 9:56 AM
- JenT said...
Sounds like an interesting book. I love to read parenting books.
- April 10, 2009 at 10:22 AM
Some good tips there. I think the one that shows the most is LEARNING. I think a lot of moms out there forget that we're learing along with our little ones and that makes for a huge amount of frustration. Patience is also to be considered. I'm seriously lacking here. Any tips on how to gain more?
- April 10, 2009 at 10:29 AM
- Gloria said...
That tip about the key is a good one. I've been locked out a time or two--once by my little sister and a couple of times by my own kids. Being locked out is definitely not a good feeling.
If I happen to be selected, my daughter will love the book.
- April 10, 2009 at 10:40 AM
Wow, now I can't wait to have kids. :)
- April 10, 2009 at 10:49 AM
I'm heading into these years with boy/girl twins... I could really use this book!!!
- April 10, 2009 at 11:01 AM
- Luann said...
I have a 4 year old, a 2.75 year old and a 20 month old
I SO need this book.
- April 10, 2009 at 11:27 AM
- Murmer said...
looks like a great book! I know I would enjoy it...especially as my lo is reaching the toddler years
- April 10, 2009 at 11:52 AM
- Layna (aka Willow) said...
Sounds like a good read....our newborn is no work at all, compared to our two year old!
- April 10, 2009 at 12:19 PM
- A Mom in Jacksonville, FL said...
Sounds like a great book! :)
- April 10, 2009 at 12:23 PM
- Lindsey said...
I love her down to earth, common sense remarks. This book sounds like a good read.
- April 10, 2009 at 12:31 PM
- Kelly said...
Daddy forgot to engage the kid lock on the front door ONE day, when I got home from someplace I'd been (and by myself, too!) Imagine my surprise to see my son standing in the driveway to greet me because he'd seen my car coming down the street from the front window, and thought it would be a good idea to greet me. He also let the dog out with that stunt, so not only was he in trouble for opening the door by himself, but he didn't tell anyone the dog snuck out and we didn't realize it until we looked around and asked 'Where's the dog?'
Even I've let the dog out by accident, so he didn't get in trouble for what the dog did...
- April 10, 2009 at 12:52 PM
- Dawn said...
I'd love to get this book for my niece, who's son just turned 2 and is due with her second in 2 weeks.
dawn in Michigan
- April 10, 2009 at 1:27 PM
My sister needs this book.
- April 10, 2009 at 1:30 PM
- Sandi said...
this sounds like a book I need! although I was somewhat successful in raising 2 children through the toddler years, the third one is giving me a run for my money.
case in point.....27.
I just retrieved 27 Matchbox cars from the toilet. he sure is showing an interest in potty training;) lol
- April 10, 2009 at 1:32 PM
- Miranda said...
My sister has twin 18 month olds. I know she feels crazy on a regular basis. I would love to give her this book!!
- April 10, 2009 at 2:00 PM
- khull05 said...
Love this post! Can't wait to read this book, since I am a first time mom of a 2 year old and spend most of my life second guessing myself!
- April 10, 2009 at 2:22 PM
- labdogs42 said...
The book sounds great! I'm almost finished reading your book, Dawn (loving it!), so I'll need something else to read soon!
- April 10, 2009 at 2:53 PM
- Sara said...
i love to read...so I would love the book. but i would also like to share it with my friend who just had her first baby a week and a half ago.
as always...love the blog!
- April 10, 2009 at 3:20 PM
- KatLuvsShoes said...
Great post! My son is 3 right now, but it seems like he'll be stuck in the terrible twos forever!
- April 10, 2009 at 4:44 PM
- BrassyMom said...
Oh, pick me! Pick me! I've heard that having a dog is like having a perpetual toddler (our little spawnling isn't toddling yet, so I am only experienced with the dog side just yet). However, I always figured there was a big difference... I can crate train the dog. :)
- April 10, 2009 at 6:13 PM
- Michelle said...
Loved the interview and especially your comments! Would love to read the book. I coordinate a MOMS group of over a 100 women and this book could provide some great discussions between us. Love it!
- April 10, 2009 at 6:59 PM
- Bethany said...
This book sounds great, I would love to have it to get some tips about my early toddler.
- April 10, 2009 at 7:19 PM
Pick me!! I would love this!!
- April 10, 2009 at 7:54 PM
- Reader Melly said...
Love the post! Could have used some of these tips before we hit 2. Definitely agree about the kitchen table and potty training!
- April 10, 2009 at 8:00 PM
- Tammy said...
Sadly, I tried to buy your book but they are back-ordered in Canada. :( My husband works for Chapters/Indigo/Coles and he looked it up. Tell your publisher to hurry up and ship copies to Canada!
- April 10, 2009 at 8:12 PM
- Linda said...
Great post and the book sounds wonderful!
- April 10, 2009 at 8:15 PM
- Cernin4 said...
I would love to have a copy of this book. I've already gone thru the terrible two's with my daughter, but feel my 19 month old is going to be worse! I would love the advice!
- April 10, 2009 at 10:20 PM
- Nina said...
full toddler mode (18 months) here...im trying to invent a house that has higher than a toddler can go level while still within adult reach...i feel like a shaker - hanging everything from the middle of the walls so my floor is empty (well of dangerous to HIM things - i'll probably die tripping on some dang toy) :)
- April 10, 2009 at 10:20 PM
I would LOVE this book! Hope it's meant for me :) Shelly B.
- April 10, 2009 at 10:30 PM
So far my almost 2 yo daughter has put green lentils, ground turkey, and sunflower seeds up her nose (at 3 different times). If Jen has some advice, I'd LOVE to read about it in her book.
- April 10, 2009 at 10:58 PM
- Darlene said...
Love your blog Dawn, It keeps me in stitches. I have two grown children and I am now taking care of my 20 month old grandson. It's been 20 years since I've taken care of little ones. It seems I've forgotten so much. I really need this book. Potty training is on the horizon. Please pick me...
- April 11, 2009 at 12:14 AM
Love reading parenting books!! Anything helps, right?
- April 11, 2009 at 12:17 AM
I absolutely LOVE your blog. I will be getting your book next month and I cant wait to read it... I remember your e bay auction that started it all, plus I have been reading your blog for almost 2 years now, so I can only imagine what I am in for with your book! Thanks for the awesome daily read!
- April 11, 2009 at 1:19 AM
- Mel & Seigo said...
This book looks fantastic and just up my alley with a 2 year old, about to start potty training.
Thanks always for your funny blog and all the giveaways! :)
- April 11, 2009 at 2:12 AM
- Tina said...
My kids are 4, 2, 2 and 7 weeks. I smiled and nodded my way through this post ;-). Thanks for another great giveaway!
- April 11, 2009 at 5:16 AM
- TwinsanityMom said...
I would love this book! Two year old twins, a momma needs all the help she can get!!! :)
- April 11, 2009 at 6:55 AM
We are RIGHT into the toddler years. I would Love a copy of this book!
- April 11, 2009 at 9:14 AM
- Carrie said...
I loved this post. Especially "Don't assume they can't reach the middle of the table." SO true!
- April 11, 2009 at 9:33 AM
- Eileen R said...
I'm sending my niece a link to this post, she's got a two year old & a six month old. It brought back some great memories to me too (now that they're adults themselves, and less likely to lock themselves in the bathroom;)
- April 11, 2009 at 11:33 AM
- heather said...
I picked the perfect day to read this. Within a span of 10 minutes the 11 month old was suspiciously quiet-until she spit the two quarters out of her mouth.
Then, she went swimming in the dog bowl. But hey, the floor needed mopping anyway. Which she took care of by crawling around it in her wet clothes. (I was gonna get around to mopping it someday...)
I can only imagine what the next few years will bring. Fortunately, I'm learning everything I need to know about parenting from Dawn. I don't sweat the small stuff. If Brooklyn can survive on ketchup for a day, surely my kid can survive on avocado, strawberry and cheese for a day. Thanks for making me a calmer parent!
- April 11, 2009 at 12:36 PM
- Donna said...
We wanted a little over 5 years for our second child, and so I feel like I lost all memory of what my son as a toddler was like. Not too mention that I went back to work full-time with him, and with her I'm working at home. I think I'll need to read this book - of course, after I'm done with your's, Dawn.
- April 11, 2009 at 1:45 PM
I would LOVE to win this book! It feels like toddlerhood is NEVER going to end.
- April 11, 2009 at 5:08 PM
I hope I win for having the shortest comment.
Love you!
- April 11, 2009 at 5:46 PM
- Michelle said...
I love those questions and answers... having fortunately gone through most of those stages :) Sometimes sailing through and sometimes drowning. And yes, terrible twos are still ongoing with 3 1/2 year old Little Miss!
I think I may need to buy this book for my newly pregnant friends!
- April 11, 2009 at 10:44 PM
- Lisa said...
Any help this could give me with my 21 month old would be greatly appreciated!
- April 12, 2009 at 7:36 AM
- Lesley said...
I have 2 toddlers....I need all the help I can get!
- April 12, 2009 at 8:16 AM
sounds like a great book! I haven't gotten to read anything since my daughter turned 2. I have a 13 mo old and a 2.5 year old...I could use it!!
- April 12, 2009 at 2:22 PM
Ooh Ooh Ooh, I have an almost 2 year old, franticly working his way into the Terrible Two's. I need this book!
- April 12, 2009 at 10:34 PM
- Becca said...
This sounds like a great book! Thanks for the post!
- April 12, 2009 at 10:40 PM
Sounds like a book every mother needs!
- April 13, 2009 at 2:43 AM
- Jen Singer said...
A shout out to all you moms who made it through the holiday weekend with a toddler (or several toddlers) in tow. I watched my cousin's 15 month old stick her hands in anything chocolate and eye level, and my 2 1/2 year old nephew squeeze himself between the couch and the tipsy table of breakables. And I'm tired!
So to all you moms out there keeping your toddlers from diving head first into the desserts and knocking over Grandma's fine tchotchkes, I bow to you.
And to Dawn for doing it six times over!
Jen Singer
- April 13, 2009 at 8:41 AM
nOT SURE IF YOU'VE PICKED A WINNER YEST SINCE IT IS mONDAY RIGHT NOW, BUT i THOUGHT i'D LEAVE A COMMENT JUST IN CASE THE RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR FELT GENEROUS TOWARDS ME TODAY!
- April 13, 2009 at 11:40 AM
- 2boystwingirls said...
This was great!
I would love to win a copy of the book. My own kids are moving out of *toddler* and into preschool age but I do daycare in my home and always have little people around.
Hope I'm not too late with a comment to enter!
- April 13, 2009 at 12:17 PM
I just shot coffee out of my nose, that is the funniest thing I have read in a good long time!
I love the part about not being an entertainment director. That is our motto - Well, that and a healthy dose of fear is good for a child!
SSO question: When did your kids start to walk?
- April 15, 2009 at 9:58 AM
- Tokyo Biker Mommy said...
I've received 2 great pieces of advise about the toddler "no." 1) It is the only way they have of taking control in a world that is completely out of their control. 2) They are testing everyone they tell "no" to in order to figure out the shape of their universe. In my own 2 1/2 yr old, it is his way of buying a little time to figure out what he really wants while the adults impatiently tap their toes and try to bend him to their will. It's amusing when i can stand back and look at it as if i'm a sociologist.
- April 16, 2009 at 9:34 PM


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Sunday, September 3, 2017
1:30 pm
Information Desk, West Building
Visitors can join the docent-led tour that meets at the West Building Information Desk each day. This free tour is a wonderful introduction to the Museum's permanent collection, and with a different docent each day, the tour is a new experience on each visit to the NCMA. No reservations are needed—just show up.
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text:
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Appearances are everything
except that
appearances can be deceptive.
except that
appearances can be deceptive.
Posted by RajaIndraKaran e at 9:42 AM
I came to US in the year 2004 to study film making,and for about two decades before I have studied film, theater and philosophy as graduate student in India ,in addition to having made few short films under my production company Advaita Chitra productions.
With in few days of my arrival to US I have been denied a fellowship as promised and soon I was locked up in my rented apartment was beaten for days, fallowing which spanning different states of US, as I moved from one city to another looking for work in CA, NY, Washington DC, UTAH ( when I went to present my film script at Sundance film Institute) presently in Massachusetts I have been locked up, beaten several times, constantly tortured and physically abused with unwarranted surgeries and repeated food poisoning.
Most of my money spent and remaining stolen from my bank account, unable to leave the country, while my camera equipment and several laptops stolen, having been rendered Homeless, ill treated at various shelters, including Harvard University Lutheran shelter, repeatedly poisoned with Viagra like substances ,I presently Live in the streets of Boston and Cambridge.
I have been falsely
charged and locked up taken to court for false trials lasting more than two years and I am still being subjected to corrupt and illegal court
It has been more than 10 years and at the age of 50 plus, being single ,never been married , disconnected from family communication, since my arrival to US in 2004, I had written to past and present presidents of US, Congress and Senate leaders and UN. So far I do not know the reasons for my ongoing Torture and given all my understanding, education and experience so far, I do fail to understand the significance of such In/Human actions.


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Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Ask A TV Question - Get An Answer
Wednesday we will be back after a two week break with another session of Q&A about NASCAR TV topics.
UPDATE: Thank you for all the great questions and for the conversation. The Daly Planet will return on Sunday with a new column. Have a great holiday.
We will begin on Wednesday mid-morning and run through until Wednesday night.
This page will host the session, and it is being posted at this time so those of you with real lives can post your questions now, and then just check back to see if we have gotten you an answer.
Here are some notes before we start:
1 - There will be a NASCAR Images column shortly about the footage issues.
2 - We are still working to sort-out if we can continue this website for 2008.
3 - There will be a NASCAR Now end-of-season column up shortly.
4 - After Thanksgiving, we will be taking your questions for NASCAR TV announcers who have been nice enough to let us bother them off-season. Details will be out next week, but Steve, Randy...and yes...Wendy are in.
5 - The NEXTEL Cup banquet will air Friday, November 30th from 9 to 12PM Eastern Time on ESPN Classic. It will then re-air on ESPN2 from midnight Eastern until 3AM.
So, there you go. To post your question, just click on the COMMENTS button below and follow the instructions. Please take the time to read through the questions already asked so we do not have duplicates. Thanks again, this will be fun to do before the holiday when we take a brief break.
45 comments:
- Matt said...
Does ESPN or SPEED have any plans to replay some of the memorable races from 2007 during the holidays, like what used to be done back in the day? I realize we don't want to suffer through more ESPN Cup coverage, but maybe they'll replay some Busch races?
- November 21, 2007 at 1:07 AM
- Anonymous said...
They're having end of season wrap ups. I'm not sure when Speed will (I'm assuming they will as they always do) but I have the DVR set for Sunday 1:30 eastern for a Season review and 2:00 eastern for a Busch Series Review both on the deuce :)
- November 21, 2007 at 1:18 AM
- Daly Planet Editor said...
Thanks sandie...that was easy!
- November 21, 2007 at 1:20 AM
- Andrew S. said...
Any truth to the rumour that if Ken Schrader doesn't have a Cup ride in 2008 he won't be on INC?
- November 21, 2007 at 2:50 AM
- Anonymous said...
My question concerns Brian France's comments on TV coverage this weekend:
Q: Can NASCAR do anything to address a seemingly general dissatisfaction with elements of the television coverage?
France: "We obviously have a vested concern on behalf of the industry to make sure our TV partners are presenting sport in a way we think is best. That's suggestive, there's a creative element in that.
I will tell you that the networks, generally speaking, are a bit guarded about the leagues and people like me judging and having a lot of opinions. They listen to us. ... But there's also a "church and state" there. ... It's like going to a restaurant. You might like the meal better than I do. We have to do that carefully when we have a need to voice our concerns."
France says the networks don't want "people like him" judging. But I know that the NFL had enough leverage to get ESPN to cancel its (critically acclaimed) fictional drama series called "Playmakers" because it depicted some unflattering goings-on of a fictional professional football team.
The NFL commissioner complained directly to Michael Eisner, who was head of Disney at the time. After the NFL made its displeasure known, some of the advertisers (like Gatorade) pulled their commercials from the show.
The NFL shouldn't have had any say in ESPN entertainment offerings, but they did and got the show off the air.
My question is why would Brian France feel like NASCAR can't flex its influence to the networks when it's obviously been done before by other leagues? (He can't tell me that David Stern hasn't been on the phone to ESPN and TNT in the past about NBA coverage, either.)
I can't see much hope for improvement if France isn't willing to take a stand.
- November 21, 2007 at 7:55 AM
- Anonymous said...
Has a host for the Cup banquet been named? It's next week, isn't it?
Also, Bill Weber is usually the emcee, but since he's on TNT, will it be someone from ESPN instead?
- November 21, 2007 at 8:54 AM
- Daly Planet Editor said...
I sent the question about the Cup Banquet over to ESPN. They usually get back to me pretty quickly.
Anon 7:55AM - NASCAR sold their rights to the races to ESPN for the final seventeen Cup events. Unless they are presenting something that is fraudulent of misleading, there is little they can do.
The same situation happened when TNT played so many commercials and promos that the race itself was merely an afterthought.
As you have heard from me many times, depite what the big boys may say, the only way for NASCAR to step-in and regain control of TV for their events is to start a stand-alone cable network now, and then be ready to transition the Cup and Busch races to that network at the end of the present TV contract...if there is anything left.
Anon 2:50AM - Nothing to it at all. If SPEED makes a change, they will do it to shake-up the show, not because of his lost ride.
- November 21, 2007 at 9:26 AM
- Dan said...
Here's a question I have; not sure that a TV exec would answer it. I'm an avid F1 fan in addition to watching NASCAR (well, not watching NASCAR as much as I used to). One prominent feature of an F1 broadcast, is that they have a feed that is sent to countries and cable networks all over the world, and the network fills in the commentary over the feed.
So, I'm wondering when NASCAR might consider doing something similar? It might be a good way for the sanctioning body to retain some control over what's broadcast, rather than letting a specific network take complete control over a race broadcast.
- November 21, 2007 at 10:42 AM
- batchief said...
Krista Voda has been asked to work the cup banquet. In what capacity and for what network she is reprsenting I do not know.
- November 21, 2007 at 10:42 AM
- Daly Planet Editor said...
In TV land, some sports have a "host broadcaster." That is usually the home team's TV crew, who cuts the event in neutral terms and makes that video and natural sound audio available as the source for the program.
Other live sports events, like the Indy 500, have an "in-house production team" that is actually tied to the sports league or sanctioning body and provides the pictures and sound. That "feed" can be embellished by additional cameras and things like pit reporters, but the actual cutting of the cameras during the action is controlled by one group for all parties.
Along with the current ESPN Sr. Producer Neil Goldberg and TV veteran Jeff Hallas, I did several years of F-1 racing during my ESPN days. Remember John Bisignano?
While NASCAR Images has waded into the TV world with their "control" of the TV compound, the sport of NASCAR is just too big and has too much TV pre-production to just have one group cut the cameras and make everybody else a slave to their wishes.
SPEED does a great job with the Trucks, and many times this season ESPN2 did some solid Busch telecasts. It seems that the sole problem we always return to is that the TV networks put ten pounds of "TV stuff" in a five pound bag when they try to telecast the Cup Series.
It seems that the five pounds that fall out the side is what upsets the viewers. Just as ESPN did with the Busch races, and SPEED does so well with the Trucks, how hard can it be to just let the racers race...and show it?
- November 21, 2007 at 10:59 AM
- Anonymous said...
Mr. Daly:
Excellent blog, as always!
If there are cost considerations in continuing this blog or integrating it into a website, I'm sure that you will find, among many posters here, a willingness to contribute to that end. (These columns have heightened my awareness in watching not only NASCAR events, but other sports events at least as to the broadcast aspects of the presentation - very much like a graduate course in college!)
My questions:
1. Are there "opt-out" clauses in the contracts between NASCAR and the networks that would allow NASCAR, due to ratings or displeasure over the content, to end the relationship (and the same for the networks)?
2. Could not a NASCAR-produced package of race broadcasts be sold to a network very much the same as a weekly prime-time drama series? This might be the intermediate step before a full blown NASCAR stand alone network could be ramped-up and distributed to the many cable providers, especially so because we don't know where TV and the internet will bee in the six years remaining in the current contracts.
3. I noticed throughout the ESPN cup broadcasts the attemps to drive viewers during the broadcast to the ESPN website by suggesting for more info, enter the keyword "whatever". I also noticed some specific commercials by ESPN trying to drive viewers to the ESPN360 website. Is this an attempt by a broadcast network to push viewers of what ESPN considers second tier sports(in their opinion)to the developing concept of internet broadcasting rather than TV broadcasting (thereby freeing up the TV time for their stick & ball coverage and reality programming)?
4. Lastly, in your column of Oct. 8th., "We got this comment from a guy named "Erik"", you wrote that this poster had published on the "Planet" ESPN in-house information. Although we all had to put up with many of his subsequent postings, did you ever get a feeling or any solid info on who really was this poster?
Thanks again!
Tom in Dayton.
- November 21, 2007 at 11:42 AM
- Daly Planet Editor said...
1 - The legal language is confidential, but usually a TV contract is only voided because the network defaulted on the amount of content and the type of delivery it was supposed to provide. ESPN on ABC did all the right things, on all the right channels, and NASCAR is going to have to live with it. A couple of ABC Stations messing up their schedules will not cause a big headache.
2 - The on-going merger of all types of media is called "convergence." We are the last generation with one device for radio, one for TV, one for phone, and one for computer. Eventually, we will look back and think we were nuts to have three or four devices running just to "consume" a NASCAR race.
There are only a handful of broadcast networks, and only one national cable sports network. ESPN has absolutely no competition, and there is none on the horizon. Neither Fox or NBC has a national cable TV network for sports.
Their is no reason ESPN would step-out of the high-profile NASCAR loop and allow the sport to "buy on" the network like others do. Maybe if the NASCAR star fades, it will become just another "time buy" like an IndyCar support series.
3 - This issue is related to the answer above. NASCAR for both ESPN and TNT is primarily a vehicle to drive viewers to their core TV product, which is not racing-related. We saw that extensively with TNT this summer and it was horrible.
ESPN likes to speak in cool phrases like "multi-platform environments and dotcom traffic." What they really mean is they have to promote a lot of stuff in the race and they are pushing any viewer at anytime to their website as the source of all things sports-related. There is a lot of pressure, and it did not go real well this season.
4 - I like to have fun on the Internet, and I thought allowing him to continue posting would be OK. Unfortunately, the ESPN guys got a little bent out of shape that he was pretending to speak for them, and when I asked him to stop, he got ugly. Its a shame, I thought it was kind of fun ESPN had their own un-official PR guy.
- November 21, 2007 at 12:09 PM
- stricklinfan82 said...
Is the Busch Series Awards Banquet going to be televised, and if so, when?
- November 21, 2007 at 12:29 PM
- Anonymous said...
Mr. Daly:
Great answers and thanks for giving them!
In light of your comment "Maybe if the NASCAR star fades...", which I cannot believe NASCAR would ever condone (I posted in one of the October columns about overhearing a high NASCAR executive in the Speedway Club commenting on the TV broadcast quality/content before the Oct. cup race), my question is:
from the TV broadcasting point-of-view, what can NASCAR do, suggest or demand each network (FOX, TNT, ESPN)change in order to prevent the NASCAR product from diminishing further?
Tom in Dayton.
- November 21, 2007 at 12:39 PM
- Sean said...
Do you personally think there will be substantial changes on the ESPN broadcasts next year, or will we be seeing the same people, elements on the air.
- November 21, 2007 at 1:27 PM
- Anonymous said...
You're welcome JD :)
- November 21, 2007 at 1:33 PM
- KoHoSo said...
Mr. Daly,
First of all, thank you for all of your work on this blog. It has been about the only thing that has kept me sane ever since TNT and then ESPN took over coverage of the Cup series.
My long-winded question is...
What is your opinion on my assumption that all most networks or channels care about these days is the 18-to-35 year old male demographic and that they could mostly care less about those who are older (or most women) because they are supposedly less likely to be influenced by advertising? And, if you believe that is indeed a factor, how do you expect it to continue to affect NASCAR coverage on all of the involved outlets?
TIA for any answer that you care to give.
- November 21, 2007 at 1:42 PM
- Daly Planet Editor said...
I think NASCAR will stress to each of the TV networks that the race is supposed to dictate the action, and not the "story" the network featured in the pre-race show.
Just like a three hour NFL game or a three and one half hour collge football game, the job of the TV network is to keep track of what is going-on, and tell us.
If they refer to something they set-up in the pre-event show, they do it when it fits into a pause in the action.
Think about this, no golf tournament only follows the couple of golfers they promoted at the beginning of the show, and never shows the leaders, the best and worst shots, the rookie candidates, the senior legends and even the qualifier who made the cut.
Its a balanced package of the event. That is what has been lacking.
- November 21, 2007 at 1:52 PM
- Daly Planet Editor said...
I think NASCAR Now will be totally re-vamped, but there has been no gossip about anything other than DJ vs. Rusty for the Cup package out of the ESPN camp.
My suggestion is to put a completely different announcing crew on the Nationwide Series and save the big boys until the Cup stuff starts.
Imagine having some combo like Allen Bestwick and Randy Lajoie or DJ on that entire series? It would give it an identity at the perfect time...when a new sponsor and new attitude were arriving.
- November 21, 2007 at 1:55 PM
- Daly Planet Editor said...
The advertising and sponsorship landscape is a mess. I talked about "convergence" in an earlier answer.
Imagine being an advertiser, and facing the zillion choices of how to reach the public and then how to figure out if you really reached them?
How can a NASCAR advertiser rate me when I have ABC, MRN, Hot Pass, and Race View all running just to "consume" one race?
The bottom line is that TV networks like ESPN are just big "middle men" and that equation is changing rapidly.
ESPN bought TV rights from NASCAR, sold ads to make more money than they spent for those rights, and now they have to run those endless ads overtop of the very programming they spent hundreds of millions of dollars to get. Talk about a dog chasing its tail.
Many years ago, American TV viewers rejected a pay-per-view NASCAR race that was tried live. I think Dave Despain might have been the host. But now, Hot Pass has proven that times have changed.
The biggest ESPN nightmare is that NASCAR fans are so peeved at them they are going out this Chrismas and getting DirecTV in record numbers. If millions of fans migrate their primary viewing of NASCAR races over to Hot Pass, ESPN is going to be swimming in a sea of even lower ratings and little ad revenue.
Eventually, something will have to give. Next season, NASCAR.com will offer every Cup race live on the Internet at very low cost. DirecTV will have everything on Hot Pass in High Def at the same basic price.
There sits ESPN, with one old style basic cable network and one very old style broadcast network as their delivery system. Even with HD on both, it does not change the dynamic.
After the holiday, it will be interesting to see what changes. Remember one thing. The bottom line is money for all parties concerned. As someone once said...follow the money.
- November 21, 2007 at 2:10 PM
- hawkeye said...
My questions concerns the TNT test broadcast of the firecracker 400 at Daytona:
Was this format seen as favorable or unfavorable within the sports TV industry?
What's your opinion of the overall acceptance of this format: was it "liked" or "disliked" by the audience? What was the opinion from the advertisers?
Thanks for your input and insight.
- November 21, 2007 at 3:23 PM
- Daly Planet Editor said...
As both Mike Helton and Brian France have said this season, it takes all the parties involved to do something like this.
Even in the TNT six race package, they were only able to do it once. The big rumor was that they took ads from the Daytona race and made sure to run them in the earlier events. Remember when they had so many ads you never saw the Loundon race?
Since Cup races are split between three completely different media companies (who do NOT like each other) I really do not see how the side-by-side thing would be workable.
My feeling is we are more likely to see ESPN offer their events on PPV cable without ads for a fee.
- November 21, 2007 at 3:38 PM
- Anonymous said...
Daly Planet Editor said...
My feeling is we are more likely to see ESPN offer their events on PPV cable without ads for a fee.
November 21, 2007 3:38 PM
Is that in addition to the regular broadcast? I don't know that I would want to buy 36+ races on PPV.
I also do not have Direct TV and I think the mojority of viewers do not have it either. So, I don't think the future of NASCAR on TV is there, as of yet.
- November 21, 2007 at 4:56 PM
- Anonymous said...
Daly Planet Editor said...
...and then be ready to transition the Cup and Busch races to that network at the end of the present TV contract...if there is anything left.
November 21, 2007 9:26 AM
Are you saying that is a possibility? After 7 years of races on broadcast TV with FOX and ABC? The whole first half of the season is on broadcast TV. That seems like a big step back and I know many people that don't always have access to a Cable TV, much less one with digital cable, which will probably be the home of a NASCAR Channel.
- November 21, 2007 at 5:11 PM
- Bill H said...
The last few Cup races I caught the SAP (spanish announcers on the secondary program) for a few minutes here / there.
Did anyone with knowledge of spanish listen to them?
I am curious if they were just translating / parroting what was being said by Punch, Rusty and Petri or were they talking about other subjects?
On a more technical note, is there anyway of getting ratings on people who listened to the SAP of a show (does nielson measure them)?
- November 21, 2007 at 5:33 PM
- Anonymous said...
Bill H said...
On a more technical note, is there anyway of getting ratings on people who listened to the SAP of a show (does nielson measure them)?
November 21, 2007 5:33 PM
Because the SAP viewers are basically on the same channel as the rest of us, just listening to a different audio channel, I believe they are included in the total ratings for the broadcast.
- November 21, 2007 at 5:42 PM
- Daly Planet Editor said...
Anon 4:56,
What I am saying is that when ESPN smells the money DirecTV is making, something is going to change. If they can bring in PPV dollars without any additional production costs...look out.
Anon 5:11,
By the time that this current TV contract is up, things will have totally changed. HD will be in the local stations and over the air without cable on multiple channels. Phone service will be providing broadband TV style programming into your cable ready TV without the cable costs (this is called a la carte), and we will be able to put the computer directly into our HDTV monitors for InternetTV feeds. Its going to be interesting.
No ratings info for that first year program that I can find. The Spanish language feed is very good, and the broadcasters are excited and experienced. Unfortunately, it is going to take more than JP and some good announcers to bring the Hispanic community over to NASCAR.
- November 21, 2007 at 5:45 PM
- Anonymous said...
After this season I hope you will continue the blog or a website (maybe w/ registration?) I have learned so much about inside of TV production & such. Even w/member fees it would be a value
My question is will any of the co ordinators or behind the scenes big wigs be changed? I can not believe espn thinks the coverage was good.
THANKS for letting me know about internet coverage for a fee next season - we will be looking for it. Since direct TV says I can't get a good clean signal because of the trees on 3 sides of me. So I'm stuck.
- November 21, 2007 at 7:07 PM
- Daly Planet Editor said...
Thanks for the good words, its been a fun year. Continuing this project may be determined by my other employment situation in 2008. I will keep you informed.
NASCAR.com offered all the Busch races this season on their site for free. Their InternetTV viewer was easily increased to full screen, but it showed the ESPN2 broadcast. Their Cup races were the ones that had a fee to see. It will be interesting to see if they step-up and add their own announce team next season. That would make things very interesting.
After the banquets is when the TV networks have their post-season meeting, and it should be interesting to see what changes. Fox has a veteran crew of execs, and TNT has only six races, so they are going to keep their guys.
ESPN as a whole has great execs for both the remote and the studio production, its just a matter of getting everyone on the same page.
Thanks again for the comment.
- November 21, 2007 at 7:25 PM
- Anonymous said...
Remember Chris Long, the boy wonder who came to SpeedTv and ruined INC by firing Bestwick and Benson, installing Despain, and changing the show's format? Where is he now and why did he leave SpeedTv?
- November 21, 2007 at 7:31 PM
- Daly Planet Editor said...
Chris is now the VP of DirecTV and handles the Hot Pass coverage for that company. He is a "Fox guy" and moved on from SPEED after many conflicts in style and philosophy.
My friends who announce on the Hot Pass package say he has found his niche and is a much calmer individual.
The shame of his programming disasters at SPEED continues to linger with INC, but almost all his other messes have been cleaned up. Just ask Leanne Tweeden.
- November 21, 2007 at 7:52 PM
- Richard in N.C. said...
JD- I REALLY do enjoy and appreciate ALL your efforts.
Why does SPEED (and presumably ESPN) abandon racing entirely in December and January? Ken and Barbie's reading the news on Speed Report does not count. I saw more NFL news and discussion on ESPN in June and July than all the racing carried on SPEED in Dec. & Jan.
With all their resources, experience, and preparation, HOW in the world could ESPN have ended up with such a substandard product? Could they really have just thought that whatever they "built" the fans would come?
Now that Murdoch/FOX has its business channel up and running, do you think there is any chance he might next try to create a national sports channel to compete with ESPN and use NASCAR as a key element when the current contract expires?
When talking about the decline in TV ratings for NASCAR, why do you think the print media never mentions the apparent success of Hot Pass?
I REALLY do hope the Daly Planet has a VERY long life - and THANK YOU.
- November 21, 2007 at 8:39 PM
- Anonymous said...
Do we know of any cable or satellite agreements to carry SPEED Channel in High Definition? what about an official launch date?
- November 21, 2007 at 8:42 PM
- Anonymous said...
Richard in N.C. said...
Now that Murdoch/FOX has its business channel up and running, do you think there is any chance he might next try to create a national sports channel to compete with ESPN and use NASCAR as a key element when the current contract expires?
November 21, 2007 8:39 PM
NEWSCORP(FOX) already has a national sports network although they decided to go with a regional format with FOX SPORTS. They have FOX Sports South, West, and so on. But there is a variation of FOX SPORTS in most parts of the country allowing FOX SPORTS to carry some programs nationally. You may recall before NEWSCORP bought SPEED in 2002, FOX SPORTS used to carry many NASCAR programs nationally, such as victory lane. Since the purchase of SPEED many NASCAR programs moved from FOX SPORTS to SPEED. Therefor I do not think FOX would put NASCAR programing on any channel other than SPEED. The whole reason NEWSCORP bought SPEED was to carry programing to support NASCAR on FOX when it was in season. that leaves no need for any other FOX channel to have NASCAR programing.
- November 21, 2007 at 8:56 PM
- Daly Planet Editor said...
SPEED does not own any NASCAR programming, because they purchase it from NASCAR Images, the sport's official production company. This operation used to be partially owned by Fox, but NASCAR bought them out in the last TV contract deal.
SPEED is treated as a stand-alone business by Fox Cable Networks, and they have found that the best way to get through the winter is to stay with the lifestyle programming and mix it with bits of taped non-NASCAR races and things like car auctions.
I think ESPN just came in believing that because they did a lot of other sports well for a long time, NASCAR would be easy to handle. As we know from the great pictures and good sound, its not the tech guys.
As we know from the drivers personalities, its not for lack of smart and interesting guys. What we do know, just like a race team, is that people either come together as a team or don't.
We watched Kyle Petty and Larry McReynolds come together as a team on TNT and carry those broadcasts. We watched Dale Jarrett step into the ESPN world and just light-up the TV with his commentary and easy-going on-air personality.
Andy Petree with DJ and Andy Petree with Rusty is like seeing two completely different people. The same goes for Jerry Punch. ESPN has a people problem, and when they solve it...the rest will solve itself.
I was one of the people that cranked up Prime Network, and then watched as it was sold to Fox and completely messed up as Fox Sports Net. Their attempt at national programming distribution is a failure because the Regional Sports Networks are now so powerful and have so much product that they just don't need help.
I thought Fox should have started up another national cable network, or bought an existing one and made is all sports, but they are focused on the RSN model right now.
Other than for racing product, which they can share with SPEED, this lack of a cable sports channel really puts Fox Sports at a big disadvantage.
The big problem with Hot Pass is pretty obvious. No one can see it without a DirecTV dish. Most of the media, myself included, are not in the dish world, so we never get to see the product.
Anon 8:42PM - I am told there will be a transition to HD programming on SPEED and there will very quickly be only a SPEED HD. Rick Miner, a very good TV exec from the SPEED gang is in charge of this and he is rolling it out very quicky. Cable systems love SPEED, because it delivers for them local ad sales of car dealerships and other car related products in record number.
Look for things to go smoothly and for SPEED HD to be there soon.
- November 21, 2007 at 10:27 PM
- Anonymous said...
Daly Planet Editor said...
Anon 8:42PM - I am told there will be a transition to HD programming on SPEED and there will very quickly be only a SPEED HD.
November 21, 2007 10:27 PM
Now hold on, you say SPEED will only have an HD channel? What about the people without an HDTV? Will they still be able to receive SPEED? If they cannot, I would say that is a bad move. Every other channel can continue their SD channel while launching an HD channel, why can't SPEED?
I currently have SPEED on basic cable. Should I look for this to change? Other basic channels are keeping their basic tier status while launching an HD channel.
- November 21, 2007 at 10:42 PM
- Daly Planet Editor said...
Do yourself a favor and spend 300 bucks after Christmas. Pretty soon the TV environment will be HD for sports across the board.
When things are produced in HD, they are in HD, that is what SPEED is transitioning to along with ESPN and the other networks.
HD is not expensive, and cable TV will be lowering rated as the over-the-air HDTV channels from the local stations become chrystal clear...and free.
- November 21, 2007 at 11:08 PM
- josborne2382 said...
DirecTv already has SpeedHD as part of their 75 channel HD lineup (100 by years end). ESPNHD, ESPN2HD and many of the regional sports networks (i.e. CSN, Fox Sports) are already part of the HD line up as well.
- November 22, 2007 at 8:06 AM
- Anonymous said...
SPEED TV is launching HD 02/01/08
- November 22, 2007 at 2:30 PM
- John said...
While HD service is not to expensive, The hardware can be. It has come down a lot but is still not cheap.
That being said, after watching races on HD I will never go back. I have always marveled at the color and spectacle of being at the race. Now I get some of that at home. :)
I remember reading somewhere that the FCC decided that all TV has to be in HD by a certain year. Has anyone else heard this?
- November 23, 2007 at 1:01 PM
- Karen said...
John said...
I remember reading somewhere that the FCC decided that all TV has to be in HD by a certain year. Has anyone else heard this?
Yes, in 2009, all TV's will have to be HD. Those without HDTV's will need to buy a converter. The govt. is supposed to help out b/c not everyone can afford to do even that much. Don't imagine you'll get HD with a converter, but at least you'll have a picture. Our local station ran a series last week on how to purchase the right HDTV for you. Brighthouse Network here in Orlando also will come out and help me set my new HDTV up and then my DVR has to be upgraded to an HD DVR for a few dollars more a month on my already monstrous cable bill.
- November 23, 2007 at 2:56 PM
- Anonymous said...
Here's a link with some good info about the upcming switch away from analog in 2009:
- November 23, 2007 at 8:06 PM
- Anonymous said...
Regarding HDTV. I believe DirecTV is offering free HD rcvr or HD DVR rcvr if you are a new customer. We are current customers and they were going to charge us $299 until I said we could be switching to DISH Network that was offering lots of free stuff. I got them down to $99. We love having satellite TV. Of course we live in California and we haven't had any weather related problems for the 8 yrs we've had them. Realize some people are on a budget, but if you have cable it's comparable or less. Diane
- November 24, 2007 at 2:11 AM
- wickedj said...
yall need to be nice to the Barrett Jackson auctions i freaking LOVE watching that..if they aired it 24-7 the whole week..i wouldnt sleep
and Mike Joy makes it that much better
- November 24, 2007 at 2:59 AM
- Tabula Rasa said...
What I am saying is that when ESPN smells the money DirecTV is making, something is going to change. If they can bring in PPV dollars without any additional production costs...look out.
I don't know why people assume that DirecTV Hotpass is a success. All signs would indicate otherwise. They are reducing the number of channels in 2008 from five to four, and I haven't seen any sub numbers released yet.
On the positive side of things, they are going HD in 2008, as is SPEED programming.
- November 24, 2007 at 11:13 AM


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Companies carefully craft security policies to protect sensitive enterprise data, intellectual property and financial information.
Security policies will typically cover issues such as password and remote device usage, and the need for updating security protocols as necessary.In a perfect world, employees would take these guiding principles to heart and carefully abide by all security policies and procedures.
Instead of a perfect world, we are living in a threat-conscious one in which hacking attempts and breaches are daily news items; and those are just the ones that are successful. Other attempts are thwarted before any damage occurs, thanks to companies that enforce good security policies — ones that align with business realities and the need to protect sensitive enterprise data.
There is only one sure thing about employees and security policies: Employees will — intentionally and unintentionally — violate them.
There are a number of reasons why staff violates security policies:
Using cloud-delivered security solutions is a proven strategy. A May 2010 study by the Aberdeen Group indicated that organizations using cloud-delivered security saw a significant improvement in malware incidents, website compromises, data loss and exposure, security related downtime and audit deficiencies.
By adopting the cloud policies below, a company can ensure that its data is protected:
By taking these steps, the company can proactively protect enterprise data from the burgeoning threats from hackers while still fulfilling the needs of its employees, managers, business partners and customers.
By Phil Britt


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We started our historical Twitter account, @TodayIn1963, in June with the idea that we wanted to bring this monumental summer back to life with a modern take.
NPR librarian JoElla Stralley, Code Switch's Matt Thompson and I combed through primary sources and archived newspaper articles to replicate the moments of that era. We saw first-hand the ways that different newspapers handled Civil Rights coverage, often filling a small span of their pages with protest stories from the AP or UPI, or even with Q and As that felt eerily modern. This was our chance to re-tell the story of 1963, but this time with greater detail and in a contemporary way.
The summer of 1963 was bursting with drama and would become a pivotal moment of the Civil Rights movement. It was the year that Alabama governor George Wallace tried to block — physically and politically — two black students, James Hood and Vivian Malone Jones, from enrolling in the University of Alabama; the year Medgar Evers was shot and killed in his own driveway; and the same year that brought together more than 200,000 protesters for the March on Washington for better jobs and equal treatment.
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, when Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have A Dream" speech. So often we forget or overlook the minor but telling details of the day and of that summer. And today's the day. We've researched and compiled more than 100 tweets to bring Aug. 28, 1963 to life and add texture to that moment.
Here are 10 moments big and small from Aug. 28, 1963 that often get overlooked:
- At 3 a.m., the National Council of Churches launched "Operation Sandwich" and had hundreds of volunteers making about 80,000 bagged lunches. The lunches sold for $0.50 each and came with a slice of American cheese on white bread, an apple and pound cake.
- The Mall was so crowded that many folks went temporarily missing, including actress and singer Lena Horne, as well as Jackie Robinson's son, David. Both Lena and David were announced missing via the $16,000 loud speaker system acquired for the event.
- John Lewis had to tone down his original speech after pressure from March organizers. In Lewis' prepared text: "In good conscience, we cannot support the administration's civil rights bill." In Lewis' actual speech: "It is true that we support the administration's Civil Rights Bill. We support it with great reservation, however." (Read his full prepared remarks and compare it to his actual speech.)
- Hazel Mangle Rivers of Birmingham, Ala., paid $8 — one-tenth of her husband's weekly salary — for a bus ticket to Washington, D.C. She told New York Times reporter Frank Powledge of her experience at the March: "Why, when I was out there at the March, a white man stepped on my foot, and he said 'Excuse me' and I said 'Certainly,'" Rivers said. "I believe that was the first time a white person has ever really been nice to me."
- By 2 p.m., thousands of folks had already drifted out of earshot and left the ceremony, when the speeches officially began. They missed Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have A Dream" speech.
- After the March, the roads were eerily quiet, so much that Thomas Gentile wrote of the day: "Indeed traffic was so light in Washington that day that a [Washington] Star reporter called it 'a harried motorist's dream of heaven.' .... By dusk the city seemed strangely deserted."
- The New York Times reported on Aug. 29 that only four people were arrested in relation to the March: one was a member of the American Nazi Party who tried to address a group of counter-protesters without a demonstrator's permit, one was throwing rocks at a bus filled with marchers, another had a loaded shotgun and the fourth stole a protestor's sign and tore it up.
- Some folks saw their trip to Washington, D.C. as a chance to march for civil rights and see the capital. They posed like tourists for photos and even rode the elevator to the top of the Washington Monument.
- George Lincoln Rockwell, American Nazi Party leader, tried organizing a crowd of about 70 counter-protesters at the base of the Washington Monument. He left the March in disgust, saying he was ashamed of his race.
- Bob Dylan sang "Only A Pawn In Their Game," a tribute to Medgar Evers. The song, as Bilal Qureshi writes, "leans hard on the idea that Evers' killer was not the only guilty party."
As we've been reporting this morning, it was 50 years ago today that hundreds of thousands of people gathered on the National Mall in Washington for the biggest single protest of the Civil Rights Movement. Here at NPR, our Code Switch Team, which covers race, ethnicity and culture, has been reliving events in the seminal civil rights year of 1963, reporting them as if they were happening now, in real time, through a Twitter feed. It's called At Today in 1963.
Kat Chow is the curator, digging up primary sources and eyewitness accounts to transport us back in time using just 140 characters. Kat joined us to share what she's uncovered about the hours leading up to the March on Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s iconic "I Have A Dream" speech.
Kat, welcome.
KAT CHOW, BYLINE: Hey, David. Thank you.
GREENE: So take us through the morning. I mean you're gathering all this information right now, as if you were a reporter right there covering this event in 1963. I mean take us to the morning of the march. What's happening?
CHOW: Yeah. So as people are arriving and from these different cities to Union Station in Washington, D.C., according to the Christian Science Monitor, the National Association of Churches was launching at 3:00 a.m. this campaign called Operation Sandwich, where they had hundreds of organizers and volunteers making sandwiches in an assembly line. And their goal was to have 80,000 sandwiches put out by the morning.
GREENE: For people arriving, to be able to eat before going to the march.
CHOW: For marchers, yeah. And also on the actual march day, people were getting impatient. As you can imagine, the vast stretch of the Mall, I mean you have the Washington Monument, you have the Lincoln Memorial. They were told to organize at a few different places. It didn't necessarily go as planned. For example, some celebrities were scheduled to arrive at the march at 10:00 a.m., but they actually arrived at the airport at 11:10 a.m.
GREENE: A little late.
CHOW: A little late, and some people were getting lost. So Lena Horne, the singer, at 10:56 a.m. was announced lost. And as the...
GREENE: They announced that she was lost on the stage.
CHOW: They announced that she was lost, and as - I'm quoting The New York Times - the loudspeaker said sort of desperately: We are trying to locate Lena Horne. Lena, wherever you are.
GREENE: OK, so we're talking about how to feed all these people. We're talking about how to make sure people get where they need to go. But so far things sound peaceful and festive.
CHOW: Yeah, exactly. So Roy Wilkins, who was an NAACP leader, was actually quite satisfied with how the march was going. And he described it as almost looking like a Yankees game.
GREENE: Wow, baseball game.
CHOW: So, and other language that articles used, like The New York Times, for example, had this headline called "Gentle Army Occupies Capital," and said that folks had this good temper and that people were walking around leisurely.
GREENE: Now, Kat, let me ask you this. We use the term march to describe this event. Were people actually moving?
CHOW: The idea was that people would call from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial, where the program would begin at noon. The intention was that the march leaders would be at the front of the group, as they all moved along. But you see that things didn't go as planned in the different accounts that newspapers had. And marchers had had enough and they started moving toward the Lincoln Memorial very, very slowly.
So people were moving in a sense. But if you look at photos of the Mall from 50 years ago, it almost looks like an assembly. People were just hanging out. Some people were napping underneath trees where it was shady. It was kind of a hot day in the mid-80s. And so people were just enjoying themselves.
GREENE: And so you've kind of taken us up to the moment itself and then you're going to be live tweeting today, as if you were tweeting back in 1963, following these events unfold. Kat, thanks for coming in.
CHOW: Yeah, thank you.
GREENE: Kat Chow is with NPR's Code Switch Team reporting on race, ethnicity and culture. And you can follow her tweets reporting the original March on Washington as if it were happening today all day long @TodayIn1963.
It's MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm David Greene.
And I'm Renee Montagne. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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This summer's blockbuster movie season got off to an early and massively profitable start. The opening of "The Hunger Games" shattered box office records, only to be eclipsed by the downright, well, heroic success of "The Avengers."
All that and summer hasn't even officially started yet. We've still got "Men in Black 3," "Prometheus," and the one that may outshine them all, Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight Rises."
It's an exciting time for movie fans, and the big studios know that. That's why now is the time to download the best movie apps to keep super-fans hyped up on all the great blockbusters of 2012. Here is a sneak preview of the best movie apps to keep you going as you gorge on all of Hollywood's summer treats.
If you aren't nearly delirious with anticipation for this film, then you probably don't have a pulse. It's questionable whether or not it will make the time pass faster or slower, but you can download the Dark Knight Rises widget count (free for Android) and watch the days, hours, minutes and seconds tick away until the film opens in theaters.
Since staring at that widget all day until the movie debuts will probably drive you Joker-level insane, you can distract yourself with trailers, videos and news updates from the widget app or from the similarly themed Dark Knight+ (free for Android).
"The Dark Knight Rises" is arguably the most anticipated film of the summer, but it's not the only film to take advantage of mobile platforms and digital marketing outlets to ratchet up the excitement of the dedicated summer cinephiles.
Some of the best movie apps involve gaming. The long-awaited "Men in Black 3" will arrive with a special treat for mobile movies fans: The Men in Black 3 Mobile Game (free for Android; "freemium" versions also available). You can take your own turn as a special agent hunting down rogue aliens while you're sitting in the theater waiting for the actual film to start.
If you want to go down a more absurd and hilarious road, you can try your hand at The Dictator: Wadiyan Games (free for iPhone/iPad). This mobile game riffs off of Sacha Baron Cohen's character General Aladeen from "The Dictator," as you compete in increasingly bizarre "sporting" events.
And if you want something a little spacier (and potentially scarier), check out the official Facebook app for Ridley Scott's upcoming "Prometheus," where you can explore star maps that will reveal images and teasers from the upcoming sci-fi blockbuster.
The one thing that may be scarier than the menacing aliens in "Prometheus" is the possibility of your mobile movie-going experience being ruined by malware or viruses that can tear through your smartphone or tablet faster than the next supervillain tears up Gotham City. To get the full enjoyment of these blockbuster summer movie apps, make sure your mobile security is stronger than Iron Man and more intimidating to malware than the Hulk on an agro-fueled rager.
Now grab the popcorn and the Junior Mints, because we're going to the movies!
By Jamey Bainer