Jeff Vaughn's Blog

Fiancee Doesn't Like Mohawk

2008-10-22T13:20:00Z

The Tampa Bay Rays are going to the World Series versus the Philadelphia Phillies.

To fend off any bad mojo, Rays players, including skipper Joe Maddon, decided to get Mohawk haircuts. They call them "Raycuts".

Maddon forgot to ask his fiancée if it was okay. It was not, and now she's upset.

Maddon is set to get married in a few weeks and his soon-to-be wife didn't like that their engagement photos included Maddon's Mohawk.

Think she'll forgive him if the Rays win the World Series?

As you might of guessed, the "Rayhawk" has caught on with fans in Florida. At least one school kid has been suspended for sporting the haircut. It violates the dress code, and school officials say it's distracting.

According to Bright House Sports Network, the 12-year-old boy was pulled from the school by his parents and placed in a "more fan-friendly school."

"Madagascar Escape 2 Africa" Directed by Local Man

2008-10-21T14:44:00Z

The highly anticipated sequel to the animated movie hit "Madagascar" is being directed by Kansas City native and Hollywood director Eric Darnell.

Darnell is taking time from "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" to help area school children understand animation during a "Behind the Scenes" look called "Animation 101." Darnell will talk with 3rd, 4th and 5th graders at John Luff Elementary School Tuesday, October 21 from 9:45-10:45 am.

About Eric Darnell:

Darnell is a Kansas City native and is a Director with Paramount Pictures. Darnell joined the Character Animation team at PDI (Pacific Data Images, affiliated with Dreamworks Animation) way back in 1991. PDI is one of the leading proponents of computer animation and even helped to define the industry itself. Darnell had some fun at PDI with his animated short, Gas Planet (1992), which featured alien animals eating alien foods, and then, well, passing a lot of gas. The short film garnered recognition internationally and won the Special Jury Prize at the 1993 Ottawa Animation Festival.

Darnell started off studying Broadcast Journalism at the University of Colorado but then went on to receive his MFA in Experimental Animation from CalArts. His "experimentation" became evident in the animated feature film, Antz (1998), which Darnell co-directed. The quirky, awkward animated bugs from Antz were wildly popular, and Darnell was nominated for an Annie award (think Oscars for Animation) for Outstanding Direction for the film.

Other credits include television commercials and a segment of the IMAX feature, Cyberworld (2000). Madagascar (2005) is Darnell's second time utilizing the voice talents of a star-studded cast.

Filmography:

Madagascar (2005)
Antz (1998)

"Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" opens up in theatres Friday, November 7.

Men Study Women at K-State

2008-10-20T17:25:00Z

College is a good place to meet women and you would think that four guys enrolling in women's studies as a major would only be looking for dates.

Not the case. At least that's not the official answer.

According to the Kansas State Collegian, four men are currently enrolled in the Women's Studies program at Kansas State University.

For the first time, men have chosen to pursue a degree in Women's Studies at KSU. Angela Hubler, director of the program says the men are following in the footsteps of famous equal-rights activists like Frederick Douglas and John Stuart Mill.

"While women are central to Women's Studies, they are not exclusively what we look at", says Hubler. "Students who major in women's studies are committed to social justice issues."

Kansas Sate University officials claim there are many job opportunities for students who major in women's studies. KSU claims women's studies graduates have gotten jobs in law, counseling and politics.

A total of 30 women and the four men are currently enrolled in the university's Women's Studies program.

The University of Kansas has a Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program. There is no similar program listed at the University of Missouri.

Buffalo Soldiers Ride to Remember... and Raise Money

2008-10-17T17:13:00Z

I had the great pleasure of riding with members of the local chapter of Buffalo Soldiers during the recent Lyric & Leathers ride benefitting the Lyric Opera.

These men and women keep the heritage and spirit alive of the first US soldiers to serve in peacetime. Buffalo Soldiers, a name given to African-American servicemen by Native Americans, have fought for our country since colonial days.

Back then they rode horses. Today they ride Harley's.

Buffalo Soldiers now represent a nationwide motorcycle club that strives to change the negative image of bikers. The Soldiers also raise money for many charities throughout the Metro.

To find out more, go to www.buffalosoldiersnational.com

Who Is "Joe the Plumber?"

2008-10-16T14:20:00Z

In last night's final presidential debate between Senators John McCain and Barack Obama, "Joe the Plumber" was mentioned more than two dozen times.

Who is "Joe the Plumber"? Good question.

"Joe" is Joe Wurzelbacher, a plumber in Holland, Ohio and while Obama was on the campaign trail, "Joe" approached Obama and asked him a few questions about his tax plan.

According to NBC, "Joe" told Obama he’s getting ready to buy a company that makes more than $250,000 a year. “Your new tax plan is going to tax me more, isn’t it?”, he asked. Obama went on to explain, but "Joe" didn't completely agree. The hard working plumber for 15 years went on to say, "Why should I be taxed more?"

As Obama walked away from "Joe" he said, “I gotta get out of here. I’ve gotta go prepare for this debate, but that was pretty good practice right there!”

According to MSNBC, "Joe" was mentioned 21 times by McCain in Wednesday's debate, and four times by Obama. The economy was mentioned 16 times during the debate and Iraq four times.

Glaciers Grew This Year

2008-10-16T08:46:00Z

In Alaska the glaciers are growing following a colder than average summer. The Anchorage Daily News article can be found below.

Two hundred years of glacial shrinkage in Alaska, and then came the winter and summer of 2007-2008.

Unusually large amounts of winter snow were followed by unusually chill temperatures in June, July and August.

"In mid-June, I was surprised to see snow still at sea level in Prince William Sound," said U.S. Geological Survey glaciologist Bruce Molnia. "On the Juneau Icefield, there was still 20 feet of new snow on the surface of the Taku Glacier in late July. At Bering Glacier, a landslide I am studying, located at about 1,500 feet elevation, did not become snow free until early August.

"In general, the weather this summer was the worst I have seen in at least 20 years."

Never before in the history of a research project dating back to 1946 had the Juneau Icefield witnessed the kind of snow buildup that came this year. It was similar on a lot of other glaciers too.

"It's been a long time on most glaciers where they've actually had positive mass balance," Molnia said.

That's the way a scientist says the glaciers got thicker in the middle.

Is the Federal Reserve Public or Private?

2008-10-14T08:38:00Z

Is the Federal Reserve public or private? Good question.

Answer: It's neither.

In short, the Fed is an independent entity within the government.

Explainer: From one perspective, the Fed looks like a public institution: Congress created it in 1913 to maintain the stability of the financial system; the president appoints, and the Senate confirms, the members of its Board of Governors; and it's not out to make a profit—after taking care of expenses, the Fed hands off its earnings to the Treasury. Furthermore, the details of its responsibilities are subject to congressional oversight. Still, the Fed is rightly classified as an independent central bank. Neither the executive branch nor the legislature gets a direct say in its decision-making, and it pays for its own operations (primarily by acquiring U.S. government securities on the open market).

Soure: US government & Slate.com

Check Your Voter Status

2008-10-10T15:37:00Z

Although the time to register for the November election has passed in Missouri, Kansans have until October 20th to register for the fall election.

To check to see if you are correctly registered, there is a great web-site that can help you out. Go to www.canivote.org check your status, regardless of the state you vote in.

What is Clean Coal?

2008-10-08T13:33:00Z

In all the presidential debates, and on the campaign trail, both Senators Barack Obama and John McCain mentioned “clean coal technology”. What is clean coal?

According to Slate.com, coal accounts for more than half of nitrogen oxide emissions and about one-quarter of sulfur dioxide pollution in the US. Coal is also a major source of the particulate matter that makes smoggy air so hard on your lungs.

The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity defines it as "any technology to reduce pollutants associated with the burning of coal that was not in widespread use" prior to 1990 regulations. By that definition, the group can call any newer coal-based power plant clean.

"Clean coal" also refers to coal burning power plants that capture and store the excess, preventing it from contributing to climate change.

Brain Mushy? Try These Tips!

2008-10-07T17:31:00Z

What are the best ways to boost your brain? Here are five ways, courtesy of AARP, to muscle up your grey matter.

1. Don't be so predictable. When you get into a routine your brain adjusts and it's not stimulated. So, try a different route to work.

2. Do the opposite. If you are right handed, like me, try brushing your teeth with your left hand and move your computer mouse to the other side. I am currently finding it's very hard to get adjusted to the mouse on the left side of my desk, but I feel my brain getting bigger!

3. Learn a new word every day. And use it that day in conversation. Try the word scabrous, like "I am finding it very scabrous to do this opposite brain stuff".

4. Learn a new language. And not just what's on the menu at your favorite foreign food restaurant. Maybe this is why I feel smarter while traveling abroad.

5. Make time to play. Crosswords are good, so are puzzles.

Which Candidate Made the Most in 2007?

2008-10-06T15:18:00Z

Here's what the presidential candidates and their VP's reported on their 2007 income taxes.

We'll start at the bottom:

Republican Governor (AK) Sarah Palin made the least. Her and her husband, Todd, had a combined income of $147,000.

Senator (DE) Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, earned $284,000.

Senator (IL) Barack Obama and his wife Michelle reported $2.6 million.

and Senator (AZ) John McCain and his wife, Cindy, reported earning $6.4 million.

Source: www.politico.com

American Royal Barbecue Schedule of Events, 2008

2008-10-03T14:43:00Z

Thursday, October 2

7:00 am - 9:00 am	Contestant Check-in/Load in
12:00 pm	Johnny on the Spot port-a-lets will be unlocked
6:00 pm	Texas Hold 'Em Tournament Dinner
7:00 pm	Texas Hold 'Em Tournament

Friday, October 3

7:00 am - 3:00 pm	Contestant Check-in/Load in
8:00 am - 11:00 pm	Food Court open
9:00 am - 10:00 pm	BBQ Expo; Sauce Store
3:00 pm	Invitational Cook's Meeting
3:30 pm	Open Side Dish Cook's Meeting
3:00 - 10:00 pm	Gates Open to the Public
10:00 pm	Fireworks

Saturday October 4

7:00 am - 10:00 am	Contestant Check-in/Load in
8:00 am - 11:00 pm	Food court open
8:30 am - 11:00 pm	Gates open
9:00 am - 10:00 pm	BBQ Expo; Sauce Store
9:00 am - 4:00 pm	Royal Rugby
9:30 am	Open Contest Cook's Meeting
10:00 am - 9:00 pm	Kids Activites
12:00 pm	Invitational Chicken Category Judging
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm	Royal Tour
12:30 pm	Invitational Rib Category Judging
1:00 pm	Invitational Pork Category Judging
1:30 pm	Invitational Brisket Category Judging
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm	The Jr. World Series of Barbecue Contest
2:30 pm	Side Dish ~ Vegetable Judging
3:00 pm	Side Dish ~ Baked Beans Judging
3:30 pm	Side Dish ~ Potatoes Judging
4:00 pm	Dessert Judging
5:00 pm	Invitational, Junior World
	Series of BBQ & Sauce Awards Ceremony
5:00 pm	Polo Exhibition
7:00 pm	Draft Horse Pull
7:00 pm	Backyard BBQ Games
10:00 pm	Fireworks

Sunday, October 5

6:00 am - 12:00 pm	BBQ Breakfast Vendors Open
10:00 am - 3:00 pm	BBQ Expo; Sauce Store
11:30 am	Open Meat Judge's Meeting
12:00 pm	Chicken Category Judging
12:30 pm	Rib Category Judging
1:00 pm	Pork Category Judging
1:30 pm	Brisket Category Judging
2:00 pm	Sausage Category Judging
	Open Awards Ceremony For more, click here.

Come Ride With Me!

2008-10-03T09:11:00Z

No tux needed, just leather!

This Sunday, October 5th, I will be taking part in a benefit for the Kansas City Lyric Opera.

Come ride with me, and hundreds of rumbling riders! We'll begin the ride in front of the downtown opera house at 11 am Sunday, then travel North to historic Weston, Mo and then end the 75 mile trip with a steak dinner back at the Lyric.

The Lyric Opera is calling all motorcycle riders to their 2nd annual Lyric & Leathers ride to underwrite the opera's 2008-2009 season. Money raised will also benefit outreach programs put on by the Lyric Opera.

For more info, go to www.lyricandleathers.com

How Much Do Bloggers Make?

2008-10-02T13:59:00Z

Do bloggers make money for their efforts? Good guestion. Answer: Yes.

According to an article on Slate.com, one million posts are made every day worldwide and blogs with 100,000 or more unique visitors a month can earn an average of $75,000 annually—though that figure is skewed by the small percentage of blogs that make more than $200,000 a year.

The #1 money producing gossip blog is written by blogger Perez Hilton. It's estimated Hilton's website brings in over $100,000 per month.

If you want to see what Perez's blog is all about, click here.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, a bay area blog called TechCrunch has a full-time staff of eight. This year, it hired a CEO. In August, 1.25 million people visited the site and TechCrunch officials say it brings in $240,000 per month in advertising.

A visit to www.techcrunch.com shows the blog was founded in 2005 and is dedicated to obsessively profiling and reviewing new Internet products and companies.

What If the Presidential Candidate Can't Serve?

2008-10-01T14:56:00Z

Vice-presidential candidates Govenor Sarah Palin (AK) and Senator Joe Biden (DE) will face off in their first and only debate Thursday from Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.

What would happen if one of the presidential candidates were to die or become otherwise incapacitated before Election Day: Would Palin or Biden assume the nomination? Not necessarily.

According to Slate.com, each party has its own protocol for this scenario, but in neither case does the running mate automatically take over the ticket.

If John McCain were to die before the election, the rules of the Republican Party authorize the Republican National Committee to fill the vacancy, either by reconvening a national convention or by having RNC state representatives vote. The new nominee must receive a majority vote to officially become the party candidate.

If Barack Obama were to die before the election, the Democratic Party's charter and bylaws state that responsibility for filling that vacancy would fall to the Democratic National Committee, but the rules do not specify how exactly the DNC would go about doing that. (Congress could also pass a special statute and push back Election Day, giving the candidate's party time to regroup.)