While reading stuff on line today, I came up with these two articles (both edited for space):
1. Women's handbag designers, uncertain about the effect of Hurricane Katrina on Louisiana's alligator habitats, spent the winter searching for new supplies
of hides, according to a March Wall Street Journal report. The fall gator harvest saw prices rise 50 percent from two years earlier, forcing Ralph Lauren,
for example, to raise the price of its most prestigious alligator purse to $14,000, and hide prices were expected to rise another 50 percent this summer.
Wall Street Journal, 3-18-06]
2. An alligator or crocodile has indeed been spotted in one of the two small bodies of water in Lafayette Park. LeaAnne DeRigne, Tower Grove resident, was with her daughter Ruby at the park last Wednesday, when they spotted the creature, estimated to be 2 feet long. The Arch City Chronicle has confirmed multiple sightings of the animal, and according to Leslie Compton-Pruittt, spokesperson for the Dept. of Health, Animal
Control has responded. In addition, both bodies of water have been netted by the Manager of Animal Regulation and the head of the Parks. Nothing has been
found by either Animal Control or park personnel, so it is entirely possible the creature is still at large.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, May 31, 2006
I don’t know about you, but when I read these two articles (within about 15 minutes of each other), a little something clicked, a wheel turned and dollar bills flashed in front of my eyes! Anyone up for gator hunting? We don’t even have to go to Florida!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Monday, May 29, 2006
Summer Reading
I'm generally a big fan of talk radio, but lately, the constant political battle over the war and Iran and foreign affairs has left me disgruntled; mainly because everything seems politically motivated, not an open and honest discussion of the issue. So, I flipped on NPR while I was having lunch when what to my wondering ears did appear? A discussion of literature that has recently come off the presses, or is scheduled to this summer. The two literary critics fielded questions about what great historical novels, poetry, childrens books, etc. will soon be available.
This isn't really anything amazing, but it brought a smile to my face at a great discussion of something meaningful that was NOT politically motivated nor anything that has to do with foreign affairs. Sometimes we just need to put something fun and positive in our brains instead of the usual dribble of talking heads coming through the idiot box.
And, if anyone is interested, I, too, am happily anticipating the next Harry Potter!
This isn't really anything amazing, but it brought a smile to my face at a great discussion of something meaningful that was NOT politically motivated nor anything that has to do with foreign affairs. Sometimes we just need to put something fun and positive in our brains instead of the usual dribble of talking heads coming through the idiot box.
And, if anyone is interested, I, too, am happily anticipating the next Harry Potter!
Memorial Day Jam
Thanks to all who came to Schorr Lake Vineyards yesterday to hear my guitar/vocal performance. It was a bloody hot day, some 95 degrees, but with a cool breeze off the lake and plenty of good friends and fellowship, it helped to make a really great afternoon. I've done plenty of open mic performances in the past, but this was the first "gig" I've booked where I was the only entertainment (other than my best bud running around trying to catch a turkey with his bare hands). Thanks to all who came out and enjoyed the day with me! Look for more performances coming soon!
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
My Space Schtuff
A school district in Lake County, IL is now monitoring the MySpace accounts of its students. Now, if the powers-that-be find anything offensive on a student's MySpace account, especially anything discussing illegal substances, then the students can be disciplined.
Frankly, I'm not sure how I feel about this. I'm the biggest supporter of free speech you're going to find out there, but more than the illegality aspect, I'm concerned with what students may post about other students. In America, we tend to believe anything once we read it, even if the source isn't reliable. Students talking about anything illegal is really only hurting that student, but bringing in others to the mix has the tendency to open a whole bunch of new doors.
This is a little concerning to me since I've just set up a MySpace account:
www.MySpace.com/marcusengel
and I've invited everyone with MySpace accounts to link to my lens. And, not only do I welcome this, I encourage it! Am I lessening my professionalism by allowing my lens to be linked with those who may have offensive material on their places? Maybe, but does it make me look bad? Or them? It's a risk I'll take. So, bring it on, MySpace friends!
Frankly, I'm not sure how I feel about this. I'm the biggest supporter of free speech you're going to find out there, but more than the illegality aspect, I'm concerned with what students may post about other students. In America, we tend to believe anything once we read it, even if the source isn't reliable. Students talking about anything illegal is really only hurting that student, but bringing in others to the mix has the tendency to open a whole bunch of new doors.
This is a little concerning to me since I've just set up a MySpace account:
www.MySpace.com/marcusengel
and I've invited everyone with MySpace accounts to link to my lens. And, not only do I welcome this, I encourage it! Am I lessening my professionalism by allowing my lens to be linked with those who may have offensive material on their places? Maybe, but does it make me look bad? Or them? It's a risk I'll take. So, bring it on, MySpace friends!
Happy Birthday, Bob!
If you've heard me speak or read my autobiography, you know that I credit Bob Dylan's song, "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues" with saving my life; specifically the lyric that states, "Negativity don't pull ya through." This is just one of the most perfect examples that rock-n-roll music DOES have redeeming qualities, no matter what the PMRC says... but, I digress.
May 24, 1941, Bob Dylan came into this world. And the world is a much, much better place because of his sheer existance and musical and lyrical contributions. So, happy birthday, Bob! Look forward to seeing you the next time you're in town!
May 24, 1941, Bob Dylan came into this world. And the world is a much, much better place because of his sheer existance and musical and lyrical contributions. So, happy birthday, Bob! Look forward to seeing you the next time you're in town!
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
This Sunday - A Different Side of Marcus
This Sunday, May 28, I'll be doing a solo acoustic guitar performance on the patio at Schorr Lake Vineyard in Waterloo, IL.
Just me, a microphone and a six string beating out Springsteen, Cash, Dylan, Prine and the like, all afternoon long.
Should probably start around 3 p.m. and go until 6 p.m.
For info on Schorr Lake, check out:
www.schorrlakevineyard.com
www.schorrlakevineyard.com
So, if you're at least 21, stop on in,
try a sample of primo vino and enjoy Memorial Day weekend with me!
Monday, May 22, 2006
Da Boys
Just returned from a bachelor party for my bud, Chris Spiek. New Orleans may never be the same again, but Hurricane Katrina may have nothing to do with it! Ten guys from around the country descending on the crescent city and ready to send our friend off into married life - you be the judge how much fun we had! Congrats, Cougar, and thanks to all the boys for such an awesome, awesome time! Viva la Rio!
http://www.myspace.com/marcusengel
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Marcus on My Space
I just set up a personal account on MySpace.com.
Check it out for new pics and random fun stuff!
Oh, and if you also have a MySpace account, let me know!
I'd love to add you to my friends list!
http://www.myspace.com/marcusengel
Tonight
Tonight on History (the best channel on cable television, BTW), there's a segment about the mysteries of Freemasonry. This is all in accordance with the build up to the release of "The DaVinci Code" this weekend.
Folks, one reason the whole DaVinci thing intrigues me so much is that I've been a member of the Masonic Lodge for the last seven years, and the York Rite bodies of the Masonic Lodge (Royal Arch, Council of Cryptic Masons and Commandry/Knights Templor) for the last six years. It's amazing how much "mystery" there is surrounding this fraternity that is so close to my heart. And most all of the rumors you hear are complete bunk.
So, if you watch the History special on the Masons, or you see "The DaVinci Code" this weekend and walk away with questions about the order, E mail them to me. There's really nothing to hide. After all, the bodies of the Masonic Lodge have spawned some of the greatest world leaders of the last couple of centuries.
Folks, one reason the whole DaVinci thing intrigues me so much is that I've been a member of the Masonic Lodge for the last seven years, and the York Rite bodies of the Masonic Lodge (Royal Arch, Council of Cryptic Masons and Commandry/Knights Templor) for the last six years. It's amazing how much "mystery" there is surrounding this fraternity that is so close to my heart. And most all of the rumors you hear are complete bunk.
So, if you watch the History special on the Masons, or you see "The DaVinci Code" this weekend and walk away with questions about the order, E mail them to me. There's really nothing to hide. After all, the bodies of the Masonic Lodge have spawned some of the greatest world leaders of the last couple of centuries.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Keith's Little Helper
Okay, so unless you haven't paid attention to the news in the last few weeks, here's a little update:
Keith Richards, guitarist for the Rolling Stones, fell out of a coconut tree. Now, we're not even going to explore what a 60-plus year old former drug addict is doing in a coconut tree in the first place, but the story doesn't really stop there.
After he was released from the hospital, Keith held a press conference where he thanked his nurses, calling them the angels who help the night pass more quickly and with less pain.
All I have to say is...Amen, Brother Stone! Until you've been there, there's just no way to adequately express gratitude to those wonderful nurses who take care of you when you can't take care of yourself. And, as this all came down during Natl. Nurses Week, it feels appropriate to comment...even if it does cause a chuckle or two at Keith's expense.
Keith Richards, guitarist for the Rolling Stones, fell out of a coconut tree. Now, we're not even going to explore what a 60-plus year old former drug addict is doing in a coconut tree in the first place, but the story doesn't really stop there.
After he was released from the hospital, Keith held a press conference where he thanked his nurses, calling them the angels who help the night pass more quickly and with less pain.
All I have to say is...Amen, Brother Stone! Until you've been there, there's just no way to adequately express gratitude to those wonderful nurses who take care of you when you can't take care of yourself. And, as this all came down during Natl. Nurses Week, it feels appropriate to comment...even if it does cause a chuckle or two at Keith's expense.
Saved by One
First off, this is not; I repeat NOT a political commentary!
MSNBC is reporting that the jury that convicted Zacarius Moussaoui had a single (that means just one) person who voted for life imprisonment instead of the death penalty. During the deliberation, votes were taken on whether to put the terrorist to death, or to imprison him for the rest of his life. A single juror kept our country from executing this man who helped plot the Sept. 11 attacks.
Now, let me say it again, this isn't a commentary on the news item, but this just shows how much power a single person can wield. Were it not for this one juror, we, as Americans, would have exacted what our system considers justice on this individual. One person. That's it. And Moussaoui and death penalty opponents everywhere rejoice...thanks to a single person.
When people throw that comment around, "What can I do? I'm only one person..." it gets under my skin. Well, here's a prime example of how one person can change the course of world events.
MSNBC is reporting that the jury that convicted Zacarius Moussaoui had a single (that means just one) person who voted for life imprisonment instead of the death penalty. During the deliberation, votes were taken on whether to put the terrorist to death, or to imprison him for the rest of his life. A single juror kept our country from executing this man who helped plot the Sept. 11 attacks.
Now, let me say it again, this isn't a commentary on the news item, but this just shows how much power a single person can wield. Were it not for this one juror, we, as Americans, would have exacted what our system considers justice on this individual. One person. That's it. And Moussaoui and death penalty opponents everywhere rejoice...thanks to a single person.
When people throw that comment around, "What can I do? I'm only one person..." it gets under my skin. Well, here's a prime example of how one person can change the course of world events.
Lake Forest High
Thanks to Lake Forest High School in Delaware for a wonderful time on May 9, 2006! You guys are awesome! Special thanks to Mark Gonzalez and the SADD and YELL groups for bringing me in!
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Belated Thank Yous!
Belated thank yous!
At every speech I give, I try to get pics and post those on this blog with a word of thanks to the organization. Well, the camera malfunctioned the last two programs, so here's a "Thank You!" in text form and... yes, I'm getting the camera issues worked out!
Thanks to...
Truman State University and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars for a great event on April 25! This was my first time to Kirksville, MO in nearly 20 years... and thanks for making it such a great time! Special thanks to Kim Getman, Seth and Cara for all your hard work with promotion and for a great dinner (though no chipolte pizza!) out on the town! And extra special congrats to Kim and Seth for their upcoming marriage!
Next, thanks to Meramec Community College for a fantastic day on April 27! Everything from beginning to end was just fabulous! I was honored to be the keynote speaker for the ceremony to award the achievements of students with disabilities and, let me tell ya, it was way cool to do a college program not only in my own town, but my own neighborhood! Thanks to the professors that allowed me to spend a few minutes with their classes and talk on the various subjects they also teach. That is a truly special experience and I thank you for allowing me to provide a little additional insight to your students!
Thanks to all the folks in the disability access office, especially Amy Bird, for being such a great contact person and a darned funny E mailer, to boot! I hope I can be back next year for the program once again!
At every speech I give, I try to get pics and post those on this blog with a word of thanks to the organization. Well, the camera malfunctioned the last two programs, so here's a "Thank You!" in text form and... yes, I'm getting the camera issues worked out!
Thanks to...
Truman State University and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars for a great event on April 25! This was my first time to Kirksville, MO in nearly 20 years... and thanks for making it such a great time! Special thanks to Kim Getman, Seth and Cara for all your hard work with promotion and for a great dinner (though no chipolte pizza!) out on the town! And extra special congrats to Kim and Seth for their upcoming marriage!
Next, thanks to Meramec Community College for a fantastic day on April 27! Everything from beginning to end was just fabulous! I was honored to be the keynote speaker for the ceremony to award the achievements of students with disabilities and, let me tell ya, it was way cool to do a college program not only in my own town, but my own neighborhood! Thanks to the professors that allowed me to spend a few minutes with their classes and talk on the various subjects they also teach. That is a truly special experience and I thank you for allowing me to provide a little additional insight to your students!
Thanks to all the folks in the disability access office, especially Amy Bird, for being such a great contact person and a darned funny E mailer, to boot! I hope I can be back next year for the program once again!
A long time in the making...
Four years of this...
is coming soon!
Check the blog to see exactly when the
book release event
will be!
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Thanks Folks!
Just want to say a quick thanks to all the friends and colleagues who wished me a happy birthday yesterday. It means a lot to me!
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