Mitigators Invading Google Plus Circles Mitigators, a growing breed of socially active people are joining Google Plus in droves. After a thorough study of social networking Americans, I've concluded that the elite in Google Plus circles and elsewhere are the greatest users of the words mitigating, mitigated and mitigate. No pie recipes online here; these folks take their careers seriously. Mitigate - Mitigated - Mitigating Dictionary.com defines them this way: "mit·i·gate [mit-i-geyt] … [Read more...]
Weather Unknown Says Sprint Smartphone
While playing with my Nexus S tonight, three words appeared at the top of the screen: “Weather is unknown.” I have a mobile app that spits out insignificant news stories and the weather. When it launches, the weather forecast pops up for a second. Usually, it’s “45 cool overnight, 66 tomorrow.” But, tonight, no one knew or bothered to check tomorrow’s weather. So…..”weather unknown.” Not surprising. Unlike Iowa, where unknown weather can kill a crop, most Californians don't pay much attention … [Read more...]
Selling Gold Memories in Hard Times to Pay the Bills
As the U.S. economy staggers along, many people are selling gold jewelry to pay their bills. In bad times, precious metals rise in value, especially gold, now selling at over $1,700 per troy ounce worldwide. Google's index for "sellling gold scrap" now numbers over 14 million. The elderly get hit the worst. Selling cherished memories, found in gold and silver jewelry, cameos, old rosaries and music boxes to profiteers, are melted down for cash. Famous or not, those who lack the basics in … [Read more...]
David Foster Shines Again with Jackie Evancho
Time passes and I had forgotten about Jackie Evancho, a young woman with an angelic voice, who has on PBS specials with David Foster. The producer and musician who brought us Josh Groban, Foster has helped dozens of young musicians launch successful entertainment careers. Not any type of career. But music--an art form that brings joy and happiness--and occasionally tears--when our hearts are touched deeply. That's what great music and musicians do. Especially singers, who raise feelings that … [Read more...]
Future Hope – Soweto Gospel Choir of South Africa Sings to Life
In these pages, I've written about the power of singing. Several thousand miles away in South Africa sings out a Future Hope--the Soweto Gospel Choir, kicking off their North American tour this month. Different styles, countries away. But both St. Victor's Catholic Church in San Jose, CA and the Soweto Gospel Choir sing in their own styles, expressing Future Hope. When you think about it, hope and the future are tied together. Some hopes are trivial in the larger sense ("I hope the Giants … [Read more...]
Parents Parenting & Children – A Tribute To Families
During our lives, we meet many people. Some we admire, others not. Some bring us joy; others, sorrow. But no people form us more as human beings than our parents parenting. I'm fortunate to have had two caring, loving parents who helped me and my sister grow up with integrity. In March, 2009, I produced a short slide show video on YouTube about our Mom and Dad--Ken and Sally Prows, dedicated to all parents everywhere who care deeply about their kids. So far, over 6,000 people have watched … [Read more...]