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Copyright © 2005
Timeline:
2011
JW's Blog:
4/22/2012 - Book Trailers
I've been playing with a very cool app on my iPad. It's called iMovie. And if you haven't had the chance to see the book trailers on YouTube which I recently created, here's your chance ...
A Legend in Time
This one was actually made second, because I was still getting used to the program. Even from scratch I think I did a fair job, though I don't like listening to the sound of my own voice. Yup, that's right, that's me narrating. Ugh! Book One of the James Sutherland Chronicles will always be my first born - I'm so proud.
Onboard the Marauder
This was created using a template I found within iMovie. When I saw it I knew it would be perfect for Book Two. I added the captions and the public domain still frame pictures. I think it's awesome, and I don't have to hear myself speak.
I hope you enjoy watching these as much as I had fun making them, but better yet, I hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoyed writing them.
4/12/2012 - The Power of Social Media
Yesterday’s blog did exactly what I wanted it to do. Not just because it was reTweeted and I had many read it, but because it got Delta’s attention. Not long after I posted it, I received a Tweet stating that they (^LH @Delta) wanted to look into my grievance toward my poor travel experience.
Today, I sent them my ticket, SkyMiles, and flight numbers, and sure enough I was offered my choice of a $50 voucher or 3500 SkyMiles. I chose the voucher.
“We expect our F/A to be courteous & professional at all times. It’s unfortunate that a goodwill gesture wasn’t offered @ the moment of the incident. I truly apologize for the service you received on the ATL to BCN flight,” ^EC wrote me.
Now that’s what I call Customer Service! Thank you ^LH and ^EC, because of your quick responses and generosity, I will not hesitate in flying Delta again.
Only next time, please offer me the mimosa so that I may drink it instead of wearing it. :o)
4/11/2012 - Flyers Beware! Delta’s Customer Service is awful!
As a rule, I enjoy seeing new places and experiencing new things, but getting to those places has become a nightmare. Take my recent business trip to Barcelona, Spain, for an example: The lay-over was horrendous coming home. I got into Delta’s hub and through customs without any major issues; in fact, I could have caught an earlier flight which would have gotten me home four hours prior to my scheduled flight. I went to the gate, asked if I could, and the rep told me, “Sure, we can get you on this flight, but your bag will still be on the later one.”
“So, I would have to go back to the airport tomorrow to pick it up?”
“That’s right,” he replied.
I quickly debated that having to travel on the weekend was bad enough, but to kill another hour of it to reclaim my clothes wasn’t worth arriving home early for. “I’ll stay on my original flight.”
When I did get home at midnight I waited at the carousel a full thirty minutes until it stopped. No Bag! I went straight to the claims office, saw my Docker’s roller bag standing there, lifted my arms and shoulders in a “how-did-my-bag-make-it-here-before-me?” gesture, and the woman said, “It came on the earlier flight. How come you didn’t?”
Really?
But that’s not why I’m blogging about Delta’s poor customer service. I’m blogging about how, on the second leg of my trip, from Atlanta to Barcelona, when we hadn’t even left the terminal yet (the plane wasn’t moving), a drink was spilled into my lap by a flight attendant. And it wasn’t even my drink!
I got the obligatory up-and-down apologies (and a bunch of hand towels) from the stewardess. I told her it was okay—accidents happen, whatcha gonna do? But after sitting uncomfortably for four hours in business class while I was supposed to be relaxing, possibly even sleeping, I couldn’t because I was wet. Sure, go ahead and laugh. Now it’s kind of a funny image.
After I got home, I Tweeted about it to Delta, “@Delta My flight from ATL to Barcelona would have been better if the attendant didn’t drop a mimosa in my lap prior to takeoff.”
@DeltaAssist responded, “@JonWestbrook Sorry for the discomfort, Jonathan.”
What was I looking for? I don’t know, but that wasn’t it. Maybe a voucher for a free drink and meal for the times I might travel coach. Something. Anything. So I Tweeted back. “@DeltaAssist Sitting for four hours in Business Class with a wet lap was very uncomfortable. Should have been better.” They didn’t Tweet back.
Maybe if I had placed an emphasis on the word very?
Anyway, look, I know times are tough for airlines. They have been for a lot of people, but if you’re looking for loyal flyers, ones who may Tweet and blog about how good they take care of their flyers, then show your appreciation—give a little something-something to those who were spilt on by one of your employees. Be responsible and throw a dog a bone, or in this case a voucher, for his discomfort.
2/24/2012 - Command Center
I remember when I was little, between 5 and 8 perhaps, my dad had made a command center. That’s what I remember calling it anyway. He used to own a hardware store back then, so he had access to all sorts of gadgets, gizmos, noise makers, lights, switches, etc., and he mounted all these things to an 8x11 sheet of plywood. As a kid I thought it was very cool – it was my spaceship, computer, robot, or anything else sci-fi that I could think of. Yes, computers were considered sci-fi back then.
Well, I’ve decided to make a similar one for my kids, specifically for my youngest's 3rd birthday.
As you can see in the picture above, I’ve got steering wheels and windows, which will have plastic sleeves behind them to hold different scenes; under water worlds, different planets in space, landscapes, any place the girls want to fly or drive to, I’ll create a picture to fit the windows. I have switches and electronic buzzers and springy door stops for noise makers.
As of today I have everything mounted to the 3x4 board, and grandpa is coming over this weekend to help me with the wiring. I’ll post a picture after it’s completed. I just hope the girls like it as much as I did when my dad made his.
2/6/2012 - Super Bowl
I’m not much of a football fan anymore. I was raised when the Dallas Cowboys were America's team during the Staubach era when being on a team meant you were loyal to that team. Since that time, it is my belief that the role of free agents has diminished the meaning of "team" with players being more like mercenaries for the highest bidder.
So why do I watch the Super Bowl? I still enjoy a good game (close with no blowouts), but I have no favorite team (if "teams" still do exist) anymore. I enjoy the commercials though they haven’t been as good since the BUD – WEIS – ER frog days.
And the halftime shows are great! Below is a list of what I consider to be the top ten…
10) 1997 – XXXI – The Blues Brothers, ZZ Top, and James Brown
9) 2004 – XXXVIII – P. Diddy, Nelly, Kid Rock, Justin Timberlake, and Janet Jackson (with her wardrobe “malfunction” (it’s the only reason they’re so high on my list))
8) 2006 – XL – The Rolling Stones
7) 2002 – XXXVI – U2
6) 2009 – XLIII – Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
5) 2008 – XLII – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
4) 2005 – XXXIX – Paul McCartney
3) 1993 – XXVII – Michael Jackson
2) 2012 – XLVI – Madonna
1) 2007 – XLI – Prince
1/27/2012 - Daughter & Daddy
Everyone says how much my daughter looks like me, so I thought it would be fun to go searching for photos to find out what they are seeing. These were the only ones which I could find that closely cooperate these opinions. What do you think?
How else are we alike? Well, she's stubborn, sometimes demanding, and knows what she wants / doesn't want. She's kind to people she knows and shy around those she doesn't (accept for saying "hi" to everyone at the grocery store or restaurant). She doesn't understand why she can't have it all all of the time. She loves playing games on my iPad and watching movies (let's hope she likes reading too when she's old enough to read). She naps and likes to stay up late. She loves ice cream and chocolate, but not chocolate ice cream. She thinks that gassy-goosing is the funniest thing ever (especially when we blame each other for them).
But most important ... she loves me and I love her.
1/18/2012 - SOPA Blackout
It’s a battle of Hollywood vs. Silicon Valley.
I can understand why some internet companies decided to go dark today – they are protesting the SOPA and PIPA bills, which are in legislation to try and curb the piracy of entertainment (music, movies, etc.) on the internet.
Companies like Wikipedia have joined in the SOPA blackout on this day in an effort to tell everyone that the bills are an infringement on free speech and open internet.
In my limited knowledge of it, SOPA seems extreme. It states, that if a site like Wiki, which solely has its content derived by its users, or Google, who may unknowingly spider a link to a pirate site, can have their whole web site shuttered by government intervention.
Sure Wiki and Google have a responsibility to police their own sites, but to let the government shut them down completely? No way!
If this is the case, then absolutely, I am against it. And sites like Wiki need to spread the word about the bills’ injustice as much as possible. In their mind, going black for a day was the best way to go about doing so, which is working, because people like me (and those much more informed and invested) are writing about it.
I understand what Hollywood and the music industry are fighting for – lost income. But there has got to be another way other then the wording within SOPA and PIPA. I suspect that lawmakers have realized this too with all the controversy raised over these bills. Hopefully they will not pass as they are now.
Sign the Goggle petition if you agree.
But, what I don’t understand are the people who say they will not use social media or the internet today. Really? Do they (the regular Joes with personal websites or profiles) really think that jumping on the Wiki band wagon is going to help? In my opinion, if I didn't see a post from you today, I would think that you were busy or had nothing good you wanted to talk about.
So, a word of advice … don’t be silent. If you’re against SOPA and PIPA then write Congress and tell them so. Tell everyone on facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Google+, etc. that you’re against it. Educate your peers. Not using social media will not send any message and it will certainly not spread the word.
1/9/2012 - Artist & Author
I can’t remember the last time I sold a piece of art. I’ve been so wrapped up in my writing and book sales over these past years that I have forgotten what it feels like. And, no lie, it feels good.
If interested, you may look at my piece on Daily Science Fiction. They are an online magazine of science fiction short stories, which I subscribe to.
My piece, titled, Survival Moon, will be on the featured daily story for the month of January and then under Stories by Month, January 2012.
I hope you like it. While you’re there maybe you’ll read the featured story and subscribe as well. It’s free.
1/4/2012 - Star Trek vs. Star Wars
It bothers me when people equate Star Trek to Star Wars (or vice versa) when they are completely two different animals. Sure, they’re both space stories, but it’s like equating a Dachshund to a Grey Hound—same species, they both have four legs, eyes, ears, etc., but no way are they the same.
Star Trek is idealistic. It denotes a brighter future where disease, hunger, and the goal of monetary gain are past plights of humankind (and the Federation).
Star Wars takes place in the past, “Long ago in a galaxy far, far away.” It is more “realistic” in that it shows us man’s greed for power and the old time favorite plot of good triumphing over evil.
Star Wars creator George Lucas was inspired by Beowulf and Arthurian myths. Star Trek was created by Gene Rodenberry and was inspired by Gulliver’s Travels and Wagon Train, both with implying moralities.
Star Wars has swashbuckling type heroes (Han and Luke) and Star Trek resolves their issues with intellect (Spock and Picard).
Star Trek is emotionally logical. Star Wars is spiritually compelling.
A major difference between the two is that while Star Trek is based on science fiction, Star Wars is based on science fantasy. This may explain why Star Wars is more widely accepted because it could never happen, while Star Trek could, eventually, if we could ever unite ourselves on this blue ball we live on.
I like both Universes, but I tend to lean more toward Star Trek because of its positive message of a possible future for us (and the fact that I grew up watching The Original Series in syndication). Star Wars Episode IV didn’t come out until I was in high school.
Star Wars was kinda just one story, right? And Star Trek was different every week.
I have to grit my teeth when my dad refers to Star Trek as Star Wars. I’m sure it’s the same for my step-daughter when she talks to me about Justin Beiber vs. the Jonas Brothers, or even Lady Gaga for that matter.
She tried telling me a Lady Gaga joke the other day. Q: How do you wake up Lady Gaga? A: Poker face. I was told the punch line was one of Gaga’s song titles but I just didn’t get it. I thought she meant, Poke her face, which isn't very funny at all.
So, perhaps equating Star Trek to Star Wars (or vice versa) is just an example of a generation gap, I’ll give my dad and others that much. But for those who grew up watching both, in my opinion, they are not the same, so stop saying they are when they are not. Please?
1/3/2012 - Happy New Year
The end of 2011 was a mixed bag of emotions for me.
My dog of almost 15 years passed, which was very sad for me and my family, but I sold a piece of art to an online science fiction magazine, which is exciting. It will be out there for the month of January starting on the 8th. Once it’s there I’ll post a link to it on my News page.
Although it really belongs over on the Artist side of my site I’ve deiced to post anything news worthy under my Author site. Why maintain two News pages, right?
We sprung a Walt Disney World trip as a Christmas present surprise on the girls, which was very cool to see them so happy (envision two kids bouncing around the house like in all the Disney promos), but now I have to hear about it daily.
My eldest (age 9) is saying, “Yea! We’re going to Disney!” and that gets my youngest (age 2, almost 3) going and she asks, “Are we going to Disney today?” At her age she still doesn’t understand the concept of time—no matter how much we try to explain it to her. For her, six months from now means tomorrow.
But let me get back to today. As 2012 begins, I want to take a moment and thank each and every one who has read my books. Thank you, thank you. I hope you enjoyed them and have a wonderful new year.
And for those wondering where my 2011 posts have gone you may find a link to them to the left of here under Timeline.
