An Extraordinary Independence Day... 2006

For those of you that had a hum-drum July 4th this year, there were MANY things to help encourage you to have a fuller glass than usual. Consider:

-- The Space Shuttle Discovery Launch: I believe, and have since the series "From the Earth to the Moon" was released, that the remedy for a case of "Idontgiveashititis" is considering the life's work of an Astronaut. Whenever something is in doubt, or I'm feeling a little ho-hum and contemplating a half glass approach to my day, I always remember cool things like the goals set and achieved during America's space program. Today, July 4th, 2006, we were graced with the unmitigatedly true launch of our Space Shuttle Discovery. I don't have the words to describe what a launch means to me in general, but I liken it to the 10-20 minutes after the birth of my daughter when it finally sets in that this is IMPORTANT.

I wonder what the chances of us having a Shuttle launch EVERY 4th of July are? What a fantastic achievement to stand on and exclaim that this is our Independence day.

-- Roger Ebert's Condition: I have, for more than 20 years trusted this man to bring me entertainment that I will always use when considering DVD buys, theater visits and information about entertainment in general. While I don't always agree with him, he is able to continually give me information, perspective, and insight that helps me to understand his position on entertainment and I am eternally grateful for it. In a sad turn of circumstances, he had some complications after his surgery to remove another growth from his salivary gland this weekend, and was rushed into emergency surgery. He is currently in stable condition, and for a stubborn bird like Ebert, that means he's well into the clear. All my hopes, Roger. Someone's gotta' continue to help make Roeper's head smaller.

-- Fireworks: This is the first year that my three year old really got interested in Fireworks. It think last year the sound (though we were pretty far away) made it a little unnerving. This year there were many "woooow"s and "whasssat?"s wondering what the sounds and fizzles were. She is truly the light on which I power my continuation as a person in this world and I am so thankful I have her. She, not unlike Ebert, helps to give me perspective in a world that continually offers barriers. With out my inspirations, it would be very easy to be overcome.

-- Podcast Contest Details/Graphics: I have been working with a great friend and partner, Brian Sirimaturos, on a project since early February this year that has just grown and exploded to epic proportions. It's a series of podcasts that have become the cornerstone for a contest we're holding to collect and inspire new talent in the podcast realm called the "I Hear Your Podcast Contest." Over the next two weeks we are inviting anyone that's ever thought about talking to masses of people to do just that and send it to us. We'll search throughout the ideas and samples provided and then offer the winner of a series of votes a fall showcase spot on our network to ride the growing wave of talent we've initiated. I've dont a lot of work on it this weekend and plant to continue that and the pace until Friday morning when I return to work after the long july 4th holiday. Check out the website at www.2guystalking.com for more details and consider being a part of something special. I really do feel right on the verge of something HUGE happening with our 2GuysTalking endeavour.

And so ends another July 4th, with good friends, beloved family, and inspiration to last at least until the next holiday vacation. Look for more blogs here and be sure to chime in with your thoughts! We don't get them NEARLY enough!