BREAKING NEWS-Michael Jackson dies

It's being reported that Michael Jackson suffered cardiac arrest today, and died. CBS reported the news on the air at 3:33pm pacific time. At the same time CNN had still not confirmed the news of his death, and instead was reporting he was in a coma. However, the L.A. Times is also reporting that Jackson died.

Farrah Fawcett dead at 62

Farrah Fawcett 62, died Thursday, after a long battle with cancer.

I grew up watching 'Charlies Angels' when the show started. I liked Farrah Fawcett's haircut so much, that I ended up getting the layered cut, and adding some blond highlights to my hair.

We're a society on the move, and very busy, with little time to watch whole newscasts, all of the way through. So we're much more driven to get tidbits of news, through headlines, and blurbs. Lately the headlines about Farrah, had been revolving around Ryan O'Neal planning to marry the actress. (When she could say 'I do', which tragically did not happen.)

I took time to read some of the articles posted today about Farrah Fawcett's life, and her battle with cancer. The documentary "Farrah's Story", an unvarnished look at Farrah Fawcett's struggle to overcome cancer is suppose to re-air on NBC tomorrow night. NBC.COM has posted this information:
NBC is going to re-air Farrah's Story tomorrow evening, June 26, from 9-11. Dateline NBC will have a special show about Farrah on tonight as well.

Here is a link to Anderson Cooper's 360 blog, which includes a clip from Farrah's Story.

California's Unemployment Rate is like Kirsti Alley's diet woes

Just like a failed diet, encouraged to see some weight loss, but then yikes, not only were those pounds gained back, but some extra pounds were added on as well.

Well, California had good news in April when unemployment rates came back down to 11% from 11.2%. Indications of recovery after stimulus efforts were made. There were warnings however, that the pending problems with car manufacturers, would represent yet another wave of layoffs.

Unemployment reports now, late in June, reveal a sharp increase up to 11.5%. 11.5%, it's now reported that California will probably see an increase in the unemployment rate up to 12%.

With all the yo yo, month to month reports. I'm hearing positive reports also. Some folks in my circle of life have gone back, or are going back to work. So don't give up is my message, keep on keeping on, believe, seek, and you will find. Here's to pride week. vlb

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy."

Thich Nhat Hanh

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

Helen Keller

An Attitude of Gratitude

It seems like only yesterday, that I worked with the folks in the picture above. Yes, I'm in this picture too. However, at the same time, it seems like a lifetime ago, that I worked with these folks. Everyone shown has moved on. The station we worked for, stopped doing news many moons ago.

In this current economy there have been many cutbacks, and workers laid off from their jobs in numerous industries. Others, like me, have accepted voluntary buyouts from their companies, to take this opportunity to move forward, and change careers.

The process for me, has had it ups and downs. But, I have an attitude of gratitude. I'm grateful for my partner, who has stood by me, and believed in me. I'm grateful for my friend Kevin, who, with a passion for his craft, tutored me in my studies. I'm grateful for The Bay Area Video Coalition, for giving me the tools and instruction to learn new technologies!

I've been inspired by the process of pushing forward. I am eternally grateful to the those people I have met along this path. As the man in the bookstore prayed for me, so many moons ago, I'll never forget what he said, "God, keep her reminded, that you are going before her, preparing the way for her."

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. John Quincy Adams (1767-1848)

Alaska, The Last Frontier

In this tough economy, you have to find time to smell the roses, take time to recharge your batteries, it works in ways you can't imagine.

I was reminded on my recent visit to Alaska, just how precious, and short life is. I was dinning with my partner when we started talking with the family sitting next to us at dinner one night. It was a father, mother, and daughter in her mid twenties vacationing together.

I found an immediate connection with the father. We had both worked in our previous industries for over twenty years, and we both had done very well in our careers, but at the same we were ready, and currently entering new career paths. We stayed an additional hour at this restaurant visiting with this family, and enjoying their company.

Life is short, I'm thankful for my trip to Alaska, the endless, and beautiful scenery, and the wonderful people I met. I'm thankful that I'm not alone, in forging a new career path. (*forging per Webster:

2.	vt establish something with effort: to establish and strive to develop something with great effort.)

In this economy making a career change does take 'great effort'. Alaska's last frontier renewed my energy for the continued work ahead. vlb