Chris Botti, Master Musician

Over the past several years, I’ve had the pleasure of attending many Chris Botti concerts. I’ve seen him play small jazz clubs and in huge arenas with Sting. The man knows how to play a trumpet (another great understatement of this blog). Most recently, we ran into each other at the Ram’s Head in Annapolis, MD.

That’s him on the left. I’m the knucklehead on the right. Anyway, Chris has a sound all his own. His original works vary from punchy to subtle, giving him an opportunity to show his vast range of talent. He’s also a nice guy who takes the time to meet his fans, sign CD’s, and have a few words with those who attend his shows. Thus, he’s a real professional who deserves all the accolades he gets. Play on!

Published in: on October 23, 2008 at 1:40 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Kite Powered Ships?

Who would have thought that sailing ships would come back into style? I mean, isn’t that how the first ships were powered? Yes, wind and human power at the oars. However the Sky Sails company has taken sailing to a new level. They use a kite, which is actually a sort of wing, that is tethered to the ship. The kite is flown up to 300 meters above the ship, a place where the winds are stronger and more reliable. They’ve been doing some test runs and fuel savings are better than 10% when compared to normal operations and are on the way to 20% or more. That’s better than $1000 per day for a 10,000 ton ship. Mucho dinero as my Spanish speaking friends would say.

Check out this video for some good footage of the system in action: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=QUyetrs3MQ0&feature=related.

Thus, there are smart people doing great things out there to protect the environment and make money at the same time. Best thing we can do is let them continue their good work unmolested.

Published in: on October 20, 2008 at 1:21 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Privateer Lynx

I was doing more research for my novel, MacMillan Judge, Privateer, when I came across a boat very similar to Judge’s Fletcher. The name of this vessel is the Lynx, and it is modeled after a privateer from the War of 1812. It was built in 2001. Here is the link to their website: PrivateerLynx.com. It is definitely worth a visit to see this amazing piece of American History in action. My hat is off to the people who make such things possible.

Enjoy and look for this novel in a couple of years.

Published in: on October 19, 2008 at 1:45 am  Leave a Comment  
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A Quote For The Times

“The control of the production of wealth is the control of human life itself.” – Hilaire Belloc

Think about the above quote in the context of the government and those wanting to hold office. The talk of controlling the markets, of intervening, of bailouts and rescues obfuscates the reality that once these measures are in place, the government will control the lives of its citizens.

Enough said. For today.

Published in: on October 14, 2008 at 6:30 pm  Leave a Comment  
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