Great article on what NOT to do as a journalist/copy editor, health update

I remember seeing this when I worked at the Reading Eagle in 1997, and this was passed around to newspaper employees and J-school students across the country as a cautionary tale. It concerns putting "joke" text or content in the story, with the intent of replacing it later with real copy. The difference with this was that some obscene, libelous information made it to print and was distributed throughout the small, conservative community of Gallatin, Tenn.

Many of us have put in joke headlines or copy before (I personally am not commenting), but this shows what could happen. The paper had to pay $950,000 to the young man who was libeled. The reporter never worked in journalism again, and the editor was suspended for three days.

Here is a great, detailed account of the parties involved, what happened in the newsroom that night, and the fallout from the incident. (language may be NSFW).


Health update: All good! It has been 5 months since my DX. The lump on my head has completely drained and is almost healed. Also, I am still fortunate to be walking, talking and volunteering with our church family.

Also, if anyone is interested in getting into a survivor pool (where you pick a winning team to move on, and the last one standing wins), go to this site. Entry fee is $5.

Crazy day at Pittsburgh

I will start with Saturday (7/30), which turned out to be a disaster. First of all, the power went out, so we couldn't watch TV and the boys couldn't use their electronics, so, of course, they got bored and fought with each other. Secondly, a bat visited our house that same morning, and was hanging on the lamp on the stairs. Luckily, Fred was able to come over and shoo the bat out a nearby window. Finally, I woke up with a lump on the top of my head near my incision. We went to the ER at Mount Nittany. After a head CT, the doctor wasn't too concerned and thought it was fluid. They still called the neuroseurgon at Forbes, and they recommended I come in, but on an outpatient basis. We set up an appointment for Tuesday (8/1) morning at 9:45.

Tuesday comes, and we take the 2 1/2 hour drive to Pittsburgh. I look at the GPS and the arrival time shifts from 9:45 to 10:00 to 10:15. It turns out one tractor trailer rear-ended another truck. There was a fatality and a fuel spill, and Route 22, the road we take to Pittsburgh, was completely closed. We kept trying to get back on the road, but it was closed at every intersection. We ended up on back roads. We were stressed because we got no cell signal, and weren't able to use the GPS or call the hospital. We finally get to Route 30, another major highway that goes to Pittsburgh, and we called and told them we would be a full hour late. They were nice enough to tell us that they knew we were driving a long distance, and they will see us when we get there. So, we finally get there.

The nurse and the doctor see us. Dr. Julian, the neurosurgeon who performed my brain resection, was fearful that the tumor expanded, causing the lump. He wanted me to get an MRI. Initially, they wanted me to come back next week. However, Dr. Julian and the staff sucessfully got a stat order on the MRI so I could get it done on the same day and not take the drive next week.

I got more and more nervous and stressed as I waited 2 hours for the MRI, got butchered by nurses who stuck me 4 times to get an IV in (I am needle-shy), and after the MRI, I had to wait another 30-plus minutes for Dr. Julian to get to the other hospital and call us with a recommendation.

Finally, the radiologist comes out and said Dr. Julian called, it was nothing urgent and we could go home. At that point, all of the stress went out of my body like a balloon. I was nearly hyperventilating and Jaci was crying. Jaci called Sandy, and she was crying. After a celebratory dinner, we returned home.

Dr. Julien was nice enough to call us on Wednesday, and told us that lumps like this can show up while recovering from radiation treatment, it is harmless, and it will go away on its own. He also said I am doing really well and should seek out trials and treatments while I am walking and talking.

Our next steps are for me to get fitted with the Optune device, which creates low-intensity electric fields through a device attached to my head. Also, later this month, we travel to Lancaster General Hospital, Jaci's former employer, to consult with a brain navigator, and an oncologist who specializes in brain cancer. As always, I will keep you updated.

Retro movie review: Alive

So, thanks to my steroids, I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night, anywhere from 3:00 to 6:00 in the morning. As much as I love my wife and kids, it is good to have this alone time where I can watch stuff that I want to watch.

One morning, it was the movie "Alive," which is about the crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 570, which was carrying a rugby team over the Andes Mountains.

First of all, this was probably the most realistic depiction of a plane crash I have ever seen. Also, the movie does a very good job of showing how people act when they are in shock.

This movie only received 3 out of 5 stars on Netflix. Probably because all of the survivors ate human flesh in order to live. The three people who made it to civilization after walking for several days had backpacks full of human flesh. However, they made it, and although 29 people died, 16 survived.

Members of the team went to see a Catholic priest after the ordeal. The priest told them that, in this case, cannibalism was okay because it was a lesser sin than suicide, which is the worst sin you can possibly commit as a Catholic.

Overall, I think this was a very well-directed and acted film.

My only criticism is that they "whitewashed" some of the Latino characters, using actors like Ethan Hawke and other Caucasians.

Do you like good music?

Those of you who know me well know I am not much of a water bug (unless the water is the temperature of bath water). What really centers me and focuses me is good music. Here are the artists and types of music that I really like to listen to. Also, take a look at the blog entry on The Awesome Music Project to see some more.

Michael Jackson: Most people have the Beatles' "Abbey Road" or "The White Album" as their desert island album, but I would have "Thriller" as mine. These songs, thanks in part to great production by Quincy Jones, go beyond genre from the funky opening track "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" to the driving rock of "Beat It." "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" also advanced what the music video should be with great production values, and boy, did he ever know how to DANCE!
Best song to listen to: Beat It, Thriller

The Beatles: It's hard not to put them on the list, considering the albums I mentioned above. Many critics say the later albums are overrated, favoring early stuff like "Meet the Beatles." I say horse manure.
Best song to listen to: I've Got A Feeling, Let It Be

Disco: As far as I am concerned, Disco does NOT suck. Many of the songs by Donna Summer, KC and the Sunshine Band and other artists are catchy and make good use of horns. Be careful, though. There are a few duds like "Disco Duck" and "A Fifth of Beethoven."
Best song to listen to: "That's the Way (I Like It)," KC and the Sunshine Band

Billy Joel: Many critics beat up on my man Billy, but the truth is he sings good catchy songs that are easy to sing along to, almost like you around a campfire.
Best song to listen to: This was a tough one. I will go with the Hard Driving "You May Be Right" off "Glass Houses."

Soul Music: This is a wide range of music from the Four Tops to Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles, who have the two best voices in the industry. Listen to "I Never Loved A Man the Way I Loved You" and "What'd I Say" If you don't believe me. And make sure you check out the story on how "What'd I Say" was written if you don't already know it.
Best song to listen to: "Don't Play That Song (You Lied)," Aretha Franklin

Elton John: Another unbelievably talented piano player. When he plays "Bennie and The Jets," He bangs the keys like a drum! Also, as a proud Pennsylvanian, I would be remiss if i didn't mention "Philadelphia Freedom."
Best song to listen to: "Bennie and the Jets," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"

Chicago: I am talking about REAL Chicago before they were neutered in the 1980s.
Best song to listen to: Considering all the choices, this was a tough one. I am going with "25 or 6 to 4," a hard-driving rock number from Chicago off their second album. RIP lead guitarist Terry Kath, who accidentally killed himself while playing Russian Roulette while under the influence of several illegal substances.

Hard rock: The late '70s and early '80s also ushered in great groups like Van Halen, with outrageous antics by lead singer David Lee Roth, and guitar solos that could move mountains. I even have some respect for Van Hagar. "Right Now" is a great song! Then came Guns N' Roses, who had me hooked at the first song on their first album, "Paradise City" with Axl Rose's screaming vocals and a crazy guitar solo by Slash. Don't forget some great inside tracks like "Mr. Brownstone." Also, Def Leppard, a British group that sounds very American, put out some great hits like "Photograph."
Best song to listen to: "Photograph:" Def Leppard, Pyromania

Queen: The rest of the group is good, but I am going to single out the 4-octave vocal range and unabashed sexuality of Freddie Mercury. Hearing him sing pretty much anything relaxes me and gives me energy at the same time.
Best song to listen to: "Another One Bites the Dust," "The Game"

U2: I will give this one to my wife. I do think they are overrated, and The Edge is a rhythm guitarist and not a soloist, but Bono's passion when he sings, and their refusal to use the 4-chord progression like every pop group today impress me. The 2002 Super Bowl halftime show, which had me in tears, nailed it for me.
Best song to listen to: "Pride (In the Name of Love)", "Pride (In the Name of Love)."

Barry Manilow: Not my cup of tea, but he is very good at what he does. Listening to "I Can't Smile Without You," I counted FIVE key changes. Also, it's hard not to laugh at the lyrics to "Copacabana."
Best song to listen to: Copacabana (At the Copa), "I Can't Smile Without You"

Frank Sinatra: Every man wanted to be him, every woman wanted to... uh... be with him. He was pretty much an above-average crooner during his early career, then, with albums like "Songs for Swingin' Lovers," There were some deceptively difficult Nelson Riddle arrangements like "I've Got You Under My Skin," and "Luck Be a Lady," which were great. The Chairman of the Board also spawned some imitators ranging from the immensely gifted pianist Harry Connick Jr. to untalented Canadian douche Michael Buble.
Best song to listen to: "I've Got You Under My Skin," "Songs for Swingin' Lovers"

Jazz: People need to keep this alive by listening to great old stuff like Kenton and Buddy Rich. Newer acts, like the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and the Youngblood Brass Band incorporate hip-hop and jazz into their music, which will help keep the genre alive. On the subject of movies, if you haven't watched either of director Damien Chazelle's movies, "Whiplash" and "La La Land," I suggest you do so. Also when I say Jazz, I don't mean soft jazz like Kenny G.
Best song to listen to: Buddy Rich, "Beulah Witch." "Mercy, Mercy."

Prince: Unbelievably talented writer and guitarist. He and Michael Jackson led the way in getting black musicians on MTV, and also recruited and promoted quality talent like Sheila E and Morris Day. RIP.
Best song to listen to: "Let's Go Crazy," "Purple Rain."

RUN-DMC: Broke into the mainstream by blending hip hop with metal. Made history by pairing up with Aerosmith to record "Walk This Way," which even put Aerosmith back on the map.
Best song to listen to: "Walk This Way," "Raising Hell."

No Doubt: Brought ska-punk to the mainstream. Several years before "Tragic Kingdom," they rocked the house with horn and bass-driven albums like "No Doubt" and "The Beacon Street Collection." give these two a listen. They also paved the way for other good ska bands like Reel Big Fish
Best song to listen to: "Don't Speak," "Tragic Kingdom."

Hall and Oates: Their music has kind of an '80s sound to it, but that doesn't keep Daryl Hall from having a great voice. Also, these guys are from the Philly area, and John Oates is from my high school alma mater, North Penn.
Best song to listen to: "Private Eyes," "Private Eyes."

Steve Winwood: Unbelievably talented keyboardist and musician. No one can play the vintage Hammond B-3 like he can. He also plays mandolin, guitar and even drums.
Best Song to listen to: "Higher Love," "Back in the High Life."

Stevie Wonder: Another child prodigy and unbelievable talent. Although some of his songs are cheesy, almost all of them are great.
Best Song to listen to: "Superstition," "Talking Book."

INXS: This Australian group puts out a perfect blend of new wave punk and funk rock, and lead singer Michael Hutchence could belt it out like just about no one else. His untimely suicide was truly a tragedy.
Best Song to listen to: "Never Tear Us Apart," "Kick."

Huey Lewis and the News: This band has its share of critics, but when you hear them play, you can tell they have been together for a while and have a real tight sound. They can also sing a capella really well.
Best Song to listen to: "The Power of Love," "Back to the Future Soundtrack." Lewis jokingly commented that they would have not recorded that song if they knew they would have to play it every f---ing night.

Wham!/George Michael: From the catchy "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" to his later solo efforts, he was a great performer and writer. His untimely death last year was a tragedy and a shock.
Best song to listen to: "Faith," "Faith."

Motown: This label was responsible for so many great artists like The Temptations, Edwin Starr, Martha and the Vandellas, The Four Tops, The Supremes, and I can go on and on. What really brings these acts over the top is Motown's house band, The Funk Brothers. If you haven't watched the documentary "Standing in the Shadows of Motown," see it now.
Best song to listen to: So hard because there are so many good songs... I will go with the Temptations' "Ball of Confusion" since the song's message especially rings true in 2017.

So what don't I like? There really isn't that much but let me see...

Angry teenager music like Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Linkin Park, although my sympathy is with the band after the lead singer Chester Bennington's suicide.

Boy Bands: NKOTB, BSB, and stay out of it, Nick Lachey! However, Justin Timberlake has done some good solo stuff.

Hardcore hip hop stuff: I feel horrible for the people who died at the Ariana Grande concert. However, some of their music is terrible. I think Selena Gomez actually sampled the bass line from the Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer" and sang her own song to it.

Country: I don't despise Country as much as people think. I can't deny the talents of one Dolly Parton, and some of the more mainstream acts like Garth Brooks and Blake Shelton are not bad. Keith Urban is palatable for me because he can shred on guitar. The rest can just go away as far as I am concerned. Rascal Flatts sounds overproduced, Jason Aldean has a weak voice, and T-Swizzle is a pop princess who sings about ex-boyfriends.

Maroon 5: Sorry, Jaci. These guys used to have a funky, unique sound on albums like "Songs About Jane" and "It Won't Be Soon Before Long." Their music then morphed into yawn-worthy mainstream pop and hip-hop. Adam still seems like a nice guy on "The Voice," though.

Foreigner: When I am listening to classic rock radio, nothing wants to make we want to change the channel quicker than these overrated hacks.

The Eagles: Although there is some genuine talent in this band, they still seem like an overrated baby boomer act.

Mumford & Sons: Two albums, and all their songs sound the same. Enough said. They released a third album without the banjo and it sucked.

Euro-Trash Dance Music: Anyone remember "Barbie Girl?" "Blue (Da-Ba-Dee)?" "What Does the Fox Say?" "Am I Wrong?" "Macarena?" or "Gangnam Style?" If the answer is yes, we remember them all sucking horribly.

Train: Untalented hacks. They write most of their own music, but it doesn't matter if it all sucks. If you listen to their latest single, "Play That Song," they can't even come up with their own melodies.

Great news from Duke!

Sorry about the delay. It is a bit tricky to get on to Blogger these days.

We had a great visit to Duke! We took the kids and our friend Sara (one of our greatest helpers) was able to drive us.

First of all, whatever I am doing with the tumor is working. First of all, it was fascinating to see images of my brain. Secondly, the tumor has shrunk significantly, to the point where the midline of my brain is no longer distorted. They were hesitant to put me on any clinical trials because they simply ran out of slots for one of them. Dr. Patel, my radiation oncologist at State College, will be helping me implement the Optune device, which is basically an electronic beanie that goes on your head. Since I have a wife that's anal, and a great hairstylist (Tara Clark Waltz, another helper), I should be in good shape and will do my best to suck it up. Jaci also messaged Duke My Chart, which messages my doctors and caregivers, to other treatments that are being offered in New York, Cleveland and London. Kudos again to Dr. Julian for performing a surgery that truly saved my life. Frankly, despite some occasional lapses of judgement, I am walking and talking. It is a privilege to wake up every morning, and I plan to live a long life. It's amazing what the power of faith and a sense of humor can do for you.

Also, we brought the kids along to see a child education specialist. They blew bubbles into water with dish detergent. They simulated surgery by scooping out the bubbles. They simulated chemo by popping the bubbles. They then zapped the bubbles like an Optune device would. They also looked at some MRI images and some models of a CT scan machine and an MRI. They really seemed to understand what my cancer is, and what we are doing to stop it.

We return in September, and we plan to live it up a little bit more since it is our anniversary. Hopefully, we will keep with our tradition and have dinner at the Melting Pot Restaurant.

Toyota Sienna minivan: Review from the passenger seat!

Our friend Sara was kind enough to drive us to Duke and back. Here are my impressions from sitting in the second-row seat.

Power: The brisk 3.5 liter V6 hustles the van along nicely. Fuel mileage was about 23-24 mpg, which is adequate for the size of the vehicle.

Comfort: Not bad. A little tight from where I was sitting, but we were all able to fit comfortably.  Leather seats would have been nice. The second row of seats collpased forward, so it was easy for the kids to climb into the third row.

Safety: It doesn't say on Toyota's website, but I assume there is a full complement of airbags, and I am not sure if there are active safety features like active braking.

User interface: The GPS worked well, but that didn't stop us from making a few wrong turns.

Room: Plenty of room in the trunk.

Overall: Adequate for our purposes.

Spider-Man: Homecoming: Movie Review

Huge thanks to my cousin Terry for taking me to a rare movie at the theater that isn't animated or rated G or PG. Apparently, the third time is the charm because they finally got the casting right with 19-year-old Tom Holland as the web slinger. He is paired up with Tony Stark, whose flaws and world weariness are an effective contrast to Spidey's naivete. Michael Keaton, who, for my money, is still the best Batman by far, was a great villain, and had a working class everyman sort of appeal to him. Also, there were some impressive set pieces at the Washington Monument and the Staten Island Ferry. Peter even takes the moral high ground at the end of the movie, setting the stage for sequels. Also, watch for a big surprise towards the end of the movie, So, was it a good movie? Yes. was it great? Not quite. First of all, there were too many scenes of him sitting there contemplating his life. Secondly, the special effects weren't up to par. They actually looked like special effects. That's probably because they used more than a dozen effects houses. Usually, a major superhero flick like this can cost $150 to $250 million, and this didn't look like it. Also, we are planning future movie get-togethers for Thor: Ragnarok in November, Black Panther early next year, and some little movie called Star Wars: The Last Jedi in December. The film is full of easter eggs, introducing Betty Brant and even Mary Jane Watson. Finally, there is Captain America, who took over the school's physical education program, detention program and even the post-credits scene, in which he says "Sorry you had to wait so long for something so... disappointing." Also, I am told that the incomprable J.K. Simmons was ready and willing to reprise his role as J, Jonah Jameson, but was unavailable because he is portraying Commisioner Gordon in the DcEU. Traitor!