My thoughts are with my dear friend Jan and her extended family this morning, as I’ve just learned that her father passed away unexpectedly on Sunday. Dr. Allan Wexler (Savannah Morning News obituary is here) was a wonderful man who raised an equally wonderful pair of daughters and fostered a wonderful home. I’ve known Jan (and her parents) since I was in kindergarten, and her father was always a smiling presence in their home. Dr. Wexler was active in all areas of his community – as a member of the B.B. Jacob synagogue, rising to the level of Lt. Colonel in the Georgia Air National Guard (165th Airlift Wing), as well as serving as a member of the board for the Savannah Association for the Blind – and let’s not forget what an avid Braves fan he was as well. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers remembrances be sent to the Georgia Optometric Foundation (donate online here or call 1.800.494.0060). Please sign the Savannah Morning News guestbook here.
All posts by jetrotz
Segway on the Fairway
Watching the Open Championship (aka The British Open to us Yanks), I thought I spotted an unusual mode of transportation being used by one of the roving camera positions. A quick search of the wires found the image above – a television cameraman operating a steadicam rig atop a Segway was in fact following the golfers. Having chased the likes of Tiger, Norman, Els and the rest of them in the past, I know how heavy all that gear can be – seems like a perfect application of Dean Kamen’s technology. In the image above by AP Photographer Alastair Grant), you can see the driver has the rig aimed backwards at the group walking down the fairway – probably a lot easier this way than fast-walking backwards into one of those pot bunkers! I’m pretty sure this is a custom version of the XT model – while they do sell a version of the scooter adapted for the player with more money than sense that also carries their golf bag (the GT), I don’t see a camera-ready version on their site.
It’s the Music, Stupid
In my years as a journalist, there was a saying I was always fond of – ‘It’s the content, stupid.’ Well, I’d like to take poetic license and suggest that this applies to ballet as well. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution article (free registration required) reports this morning that the Atlanta Ballet orchestra has gone up in smoke – they have made the ‘hard decision’ to use only recorded music in all future productions. This move affects nearly 50 musicians, and will allegedly save the organization close to $400,000. What’s troubling in my mind is that the newspaper report indicates the Ballet was in the black with their 2005 fiscal year, yet suddenly needs to find a way to cut this much in costs (their total budget is reported at $7M). This issue is not unique, but for a city of Atlanta’s size, and a dance company of this stature, it’s a sad thing indeed.
Simon is One!
Simon’s friends and family gathered from near and far (well, from as far away as Chatanooga) to celebrate his first 365 days on this Earth. After just moving into their new home, Jonathan and Rachel were wise indeed to hold the party off-site at our local YMCA. There was swimming, cakes galore, and a little music to entertain the tots and adults alike. Although the cider was allegedly alcohol-free, I’m still not sure how Rachel’s mom ended up on the floor with the little ones. Actually – that’s the sign of a great grandma! Photo gallery is here.