Uh-oh, all you aspiring college applicants—your Facebook posts are being monitored.
The National Association for College Admission Counseling, in a new report, advises that roughly a quarter of U.S. colleges reported doing some research on applicants on social networking sites or through Internet search engines. The study did not specify which colleges followed this practice nor did it say how often scholarships or enrollment offers might hinge on what was found online.
The acknowledgment of this study simply reiterates to all—what you write or post online cannot be retracted. Write and/or post with care…
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Spotted recently....
- A group of three Asian businessmen in Kansas Sampler, buying all manner of University of Kansas 2008 National Basketball Championship gear while the hotel bus idled outside.
- Swine flu masks in Los Angeles International Airport.
- A "Not Everything is FLAT in Kansas" t-shirt with the verbiage strategically located across the chest, in the Kansas City airport gift shop. (Uh, people, the airport is located in MISSOURI.)
- Swine flu masks in Los Angeles International Airport.
- A "Not Everything is FLAT in Kansas" t-shirt with the verbiage strategically located across the chest, in the Kansas City airport gift shop. (Uh, people, the airport is located in MISSOURI.)
Mid-week musings
- One of the best shows ever about the baby-boomer generation is finally arriving to DVD. Thirtysomething, which aired from 1987-1991, will have its first season released on DVD on August 26. Much like the movie, The Big Chill, which preceded it in 1983, the young couples and singles in this TV series were bonded together by their involvement in the 1960's counterculture and anti-war movement.
- The late Dale Earnhardt, Sr., “The Intimidator,” would have turned 58 today. As one of my NASCAR buddies pointed out, Big E would have been smiling down during the final lap of racing at Talladega last Sunday. The finish was highlighted by Carl Edward’s spectacular wreck and then sprint across the finish line, a la Ricky Bobby (Talladega Nights.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXwpsaHueUk
As Big E would say, "The winner ain't the one with the fastest car, it's the one who refuses to lose."
- Get ready—the sequel to the 1987 movie Wall Street, which propelled Michael Douglas to an Academy Award for Best Actor, is coming. Douglas will reprise his role as Gordon Gekko and Fox Studios is in negotiations with Shia LeBeouf to play another young Wall Street trader under Gekko’s spell—basically the same role as that played by Charlie Sheen in the original. The film is scheduled to go into production this summer.
According to early reports, the movie will continue to focus on Gekko. His exploits will seem very similar to the greed and other fun activity that has marked Wall Street over the past few years.
- The late Dale Earnhardt, Sr., “The Intimidator,” would have turned 58 today. As one of my NASCAR buddies pointed out, Big E would have been smiling down during the final lap of racing at Talladega last Sunday. The finish was highlighted by Carl Edward’s spectacular wreck and then sprint across the finish line, a la Ricky Bobby (Talladega Nights.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXwpsaHueUk
As Big E would say, "The winner ain't the one with the fastest car, it's the one who refuses to lose."
- Get ready—the sequel to the 1987 movie Wall Street, which propelled Michael Douglas to an Academy Award for Best Actor, is coming. Douglas will reprise his role as Gordon Gekko and Fox Studios is in negotiations with Shia LeBeouf to play another young Wall Street trader under Gekko’s spell—basically the same role as that played by Charlie Sheen in the original. The film is scheduled to go into production this summer.
According to early reports, the movie will continue to focus on Gekko. His exploits will seem very similar to the greed and other fun activity that has marked Wall Street over the past few years.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Five favorite athletes
I recently posted my "five favorite athletes" in another of the many "five favorite" lists offered up on Facebook. The five, in no particular order, are: Danny Manning, University of Kansas; Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers; Gale Sayers, University of Kansas and Chicago Bears; George Brett, Kansas City Royals; and Tom Watson, professional golfer from Kansas City.
Manning: In addition to the fact that he's one of two Jayhawks on the list, Manning was one of the very first big men who could do it all--score, pass, handle the ball, block shots and rebound. And, in the ultimate compliment, he made his teammates better players--he was the ultimate team player on the ultimate team game and led "Danny and the Miracles" to the NCAA Championship in 1988.
Favre: I loved Favre's reckless style coupled with a young boy's enthusiasm for the game. To see Favre play football was to watch a sandlot game unfolding in an NFL stadium. He was the perfect poster child for the most tradition-rich franchise in the National Football League.
Sayers: The other Jayhawk on the list, Sayers was simply the most exciting runner I've ever seen carry a ball. Under-utilized at Kansas, Sayers went on to a Hall of Fame career at Chicago. His career was far too short, given two knee injuries, but he did enough in his six years with the Bears to be voted into the NFL Hall of Fame.
Brett: Like Favre, Brett played with a passion and enthusiasm which was so fun to watch. He was the best clutch hitter that I've seen and was the ringleader for the glory years of Royals baseball.
Watson: The other "Kansas City guy" on the list, Watson played golf kind of like Brett played baseball--you always wanted to watch him because you weren't sure what you'd see him do. A "Watson par" came to be known as the shot into the trees off the tee, a circus shot to get near the green and then the up-and-down for a crucial par. His victories in 1977 versus Jack Nicklaus at The Masters and British Open cemented his status as an all-time great but it was the U.S. Open win at Pebble Beach, in 1982, which is remembered for "the shot"--the chip at 17 which again propelled him to victory over Nicklaus in a major tournament.
Others who came close but did not make the cut for this "top five" list include: Jim Ryun, world record holder in the mile, 1500 meter and 800 meter at Kansas; Michael Jordan; Tiger Woods; Andre Agassi; and Peyton Manning.
Manning: In addition to the fact that he's one of two Jayhawks on the list, Manning was one of the very first big men who could do it all--score, pass, handle the ball, block shots and rebound. And, in the ultimate compliment, he made his teammates better players--he was the ultimate team player on the ultimate team game and led "Danny and the Miracles" to the NCAA Championship in 1988.
Favre: I loved Favre's reckless style coupled with a young boy's enthusiasm for the game. To see Favre play football was to watch a sandlot game unfolding in an NFL stadium. He was the perfect poster child for the most tradition-rich franchise in the National Football League.
Sayers: The other Jayhawk on the list, Sayers was simply the most exciting runner I've ever seen carry a ball. Under-utilized at Kansas, Sayers went on to a Hall of Fame career at Chicago. His career was far too short, given two knee injuries, but he did enough in his six years with the Bears to be voted into the NFL Hall of Fame.
Brett: Like Favre, Brett played with a passion and enthusiasm which was so fun to watch. He was the best clutch hitter that I've seen and was the ringleader for the glory years of Royals baseball.
Watson: The other "Kansas City guy" on the list, Watson played golf kind of like Brett played baseball--you always wanted to watch him because you weren't sure what you'd see him do. A "Watson par" came to be known as the shot into the trees off the tee, a circus shot to get near the green and then the up-and-down for a crucial par. His victories in 1977 versus Jack Nicklaus at The Masters and British Open cemented his status as an all-time great but it was the U.S. Open win at Pebble Beach, in 1982, which is remembered for "the shot"--the chip at 17 which again propelled him to victory over Nicklaus in a major tournament.
Others who came close but did not make the cut for this "top five" list include: Jim Ryun, world record holder in the mile, 1500 meter and 800 meter at Kansas; Michael Jordan; Tiger Woods; Andre Agassi; and Peyton Manning.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Quick Hits
- Poco reunited last weekend at the Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio, CA. Original members Richie Furay, Jim Messina and Timothy B. Schmit took the stage for the first time since Messina split to join up with Kenny Loggins and Schmit migrated to The Eagles. Ironically, Schmit's "other" band, The Eagles, was the headliner for this country festival last year. This year's marquee performers were Brad Paisley and Kenny Chesney. (Note: Chesney is scheduled to appear at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO on May 9.)
- One of the best restaurant values in Lawrence, KS is Jefferson's. This sports bar-like eatery is on the west side of Massachusetts Street between 7th and 8th. In addition to great bar food, it features decorated dollar bills stuck on the walls and ceilings.
- Only four hours remain in 24 on FOX. The series, which definitely re-found its stride this season, will conclude with a two-hour finale on May 18. A relocation to D.C. has helped the show, which was based in Los Angeles during the first six seasons. Next season's show will take place in New York. No word yet as to how Jack Bauer will find his way to Gotham.
- Another print publication bites the dust. This time it's Portfolio, Conde Nast's entry into the business magazine genre.
- Is there a more beautiful prime time show on HD than CSI: Miami? Each week the show makes me want to get on a plane and head to South Beach.
- One of the best restaurant values in Lawrence, KS is Jefferson's. This sports bar-like eatery is on the west side of Massachusetts Street between 7th and 8th. In addition to great bar food, it features decorated dollar bills stuck on the walls and ceilings.
- Only four hours remain in 24 on FOX. The series, which definitely re-found its stride this season, will conclude with a two-hour finale on May 18. A relocation to D.C. has helped the show, which was based in Los Angeles during the first six seasons. Next season's show will take place in New York. No word yet as to how Jack Bauer will find his way to Gotham.
- Another print publication bites the dust. This time it's Portfolio, Conde Nast's entry into the business magazine genre.
- Is there a more beautiful prime time show on HD than CSI: Miami? Each week the show makes me want to get on a plane and head to South Beach.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Sunday afternoon musings
- Want to take a road trip? Here are some suggestions for comfort food eateries, including my first place of employment--Homer's in Leavenworth, KS.
http://www.kansassampler.org/8wonders/cuisine.php
- Fellow former Kansas players, and two guys whose jersey numbers are in the rafters at Allen Fieldhouse, have spent most of the afternoon guarding each other today. Paul Pierce and Kirk Hinrich have had a good head-to-head battle in the Celtics-Bulls 2OT playoff contest this afternoon, won by the Bulls 121-118.
- For a weekend when the forecasts said rain, rain, rain, we've seen very few drops...
- I really, really don't understand this whole fascination with Taylor Swift.
- Quote of the week: "In his dying breath, I'd like to be at his bedside and say, 'did you do it?'" (Sam Donaldson, former ABC News correspondent, on the desire to ask Fidel Castro whether he had a role in assassinating President John Kennedy)
http://www.kansassampler.org/8wonders/cuisine.php
- Fellow former Kansas players, and two guys whose jersey numbers are in the rafters at Allen Fieldhouse, have spent most of the afternoon guarding each other today. Paul Pierce and Kirk Hinrich have had a good head-to-head battle in the Celtics-Bulls 2OT playoff contest this afternoon, won by the Bulls 121-118.
- For a weekend when the forecasts said rain, rain, rain, we've seen very few drops...
- I really, really don't understand this whole fascination with Taylor Swift.
- Quote of the week: "In his dying breath, I'd like to be at his bedside and say, 'did you do it?'" (Sam Donaldson, former ABC News correspondent, on the desire to ask Fidel Castro whether he had a role in assassinating President John Kennedy)
What's next for Susan Boyle?
Tom Bergeron is host of ABC's hit "Dancing With the Stars" as well as "America's Funniest Home Videos" and the author of "I'm Hosting As Fast As I Can: Zen and the Art of Staying Sane in Hollywood." Now, I don't know about you but Bergeron isn't the first guy I'd think of when I consider who might write an Op-Ed piece for the New York Times.
But, there was Bergeron's byline in yesterday's Op-Ed page of the Times, under a piece called "Does Susan Boyle Know What's Next?" And, it's an incredibly prescient look at what's happened to Boyle, and our culture's fascination with stories like hers.
Boyle, in case you are unaware, is the overnight sensation who appeared on "Britain's Got Talent." She is a 48-year old, single, charity worker with a cat. And, I'll confess, she looks like a single 48-year old woman with a cat who does charity work--her appearance is plain, she is painfully shy and looks little like a star singer. Boyle then opened her mouth and the rest, as they say, is pop culture history--16 million hits on the YouTube version I watched and the sudden adoration of a public that can't get enough.
Bergeron, to his credit, advises Boyle to "run away." As he points out, how often have we seen this happen--the overnight sensation who just as quickly flames out and/or can't handle the fame? More importantly, is our interest sincere...or will we turn on Boyle as her newfound fame continues to grow?
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/25/opinion/25bergeron.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=Does%20Susan%20Boyle%20KNow%20What
I love Bergeron's final few lines in his op-ed piece: "Boyle walked onto that stage and faced down a sea of smug. We need that kind of courage nowadays, and not just on reality shows. We need the courage to believe that stirring voices can be found in unlikely places."
But, there was Bergeron's byline in yesterday's Op-Ed page of the Times, under a piece called "Does Susan Boyle Know What's Next?" And, it's an incredibly prescient look at what's happened to Boyle, and our culture's fascination with stories like hers.
Boyle, in case you are unaware, is the overnight sensation who appeared on "Britain's Got Talent." She is a 48-year old, single, charity worker with a cat. And, I'll confess, she looks like a single 48-year old woman with a cat who does charity work--her appearance is plain, she is painfully shy and looks little like a star singer. Boyle then opened her mouth and the rest, as they say, is pop culture history--16 million hits on the YouTube version I watched and the sudden adoration of a public that can't get enough.
Bergeron, to his credit, advises Boyle to "run away." As he points out, how often have we seen this happen--the overnight sensation who just as quickly flames out and/or can't handle the fame? More importantly, is our interest sincere...or will we turn on Boyle as her newfound fame continues to grow?
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/25/opinion/25bergeron.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=Does%20Susan%20Boyle%20KNow%20What
I love Bergeron's final few lines in his op-ed piece: "Boyle walked onto that stage and faced down a sea of smug. We need that kind of courage nowadays, and not just on reality shows. We need the courage to believe that stirring voices can be found in unlikely places."
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Fashion don'ts...are now do's
A couple of weeks ago, during The Masters week, I lamented in this space about how many golfers were adopting the white shoes and white belt look which was so prevalent in the 1970s on the PGA Tour. Well, John Paul Newport in today's Wall Street Journal takes on that look with his own concerns about how we baby boomers, who lived through the fashion horror of the '70s, are now re-living that nightmare with today's golfers.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124061923598055257.html
Unfortunately, hot young golfer studs like Anthony Kim, Camillo Villegas, Paul Casey and Adam Scott have adopted the look. Thus, it likely won't be going away anytime soon.
My favorite quote in the article, although concerning, is by Stephanie Wei, who blogs about golf. Wei equated this trendy look on the golf course to blogging and said, "the blogs that get noticed are the ones with an attitude or an out-there tone." Well, loyal readers, don't expect any white shoes and white belt on this blog anytime soon.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124061923598055257.html
Unfortunately, hot young golfer studs like Anthony Kim, Camillo Villegas, Paul Casey and Adam Scott have adopted the look. Thus, it likely won't be going away anytime soon.
My favorite quote in the article, although concerning, is by Stephanie Wei, who blogs about golf. Wei equated this trendy look on the golf course to blogging and said, "the blogs that get noticed are the ones with an attitude or an out-there tone." Well, loyal readers, don't expect any white shoes and white belt on this blog anytime soon.
Birthday greetings to Michael and Connie
It's a birthday day for the Corleone family. Al Pacino (Michael Corleone) is 69 today and Connie Corleone (Talia Shire) is 63.
Pacino, of course, was nominated but never won an award for his portrayal of Mafia don, Corleone, in The Godfather trilogy. It was the original Godfather movie which vaulted Pacino to acting fame when he was chosen for the role of Michael over more established actors like Robert Redford and Warren Beatty, both of whom badly wanted the part. He received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for that movie and a Best Actor nomination for The Godfather II. He eventually won for his role in Scent of a Woman.
Shire portrayed Connie Corleone in the three Godfather movies after being cast in that role by her brother, director Francis Ford Coppola. Shire too was nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of an alcoholic, beaten-down, resentful Connie in the second Godfather movie. However, it's her evolved role in Godfather III which was touching--she took on the role of family matriarch, and proxy don, due to the age, health and family challenges of Michael.
How interesting that these two actors--who had a relationship which twisted and turned over the course of the trilogy--have a birthday on the same day.
Pacino, of course, was nominated but never won an award for his portrayal of Mafia don, Corleone, in The Godfather trilogy. It was the original Godfather movie which vaulted Pacino to acting fame when he was chosen for the role of Michael over more established actors like Robert Redford and Warren Beatty, both of whom badly wanted the part. He received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for that movie and a Best Actor nomination for The Godfather II. He eventually won for his role in Scent of a Woman.
Shire portrayed Connie Corleone in the three Godfather movies after being cast in that role by her brother, director Francis Ford Coppola. Shire too was nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of an alcoholic, beaten-down, resentful Connie in the second Godfather movie. However, it's her evolved role in Godfather III which was touching--she took on the role of family matriarch, and proxy don, due to the age, health and family challenges of Michael.
How interesting that these two actors--who had a relationship which twisted and turned over the course of the trilogy--have a birthday on the same day.
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