Friday, September 29, 2006

Tonight on 360

Tonight on 360:You hired them, now's your chance to fire them. "360°" examines how hard elected officials have been working to earn your vote. Tune in at 10 p.m. ET.

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Tonight on 360

War of words versus the war on the front lines. As politicians battle in Washington, "360°" puts a face on troops dying in record numbers. Tune in at 10 p.m. ET.

I'll be looking forward to reading the other blogs out there with highlights of 360. I'll be watching the Barbara Walters special report tonight.

Hope everyone enjoys the show!

Ander-comic!

This made me smile! lol

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

It's getting hot in here....

The pics speak for themselves....











I snagged these from Rachel of at ACoopervision

Monday, September 25, 2006

ATTN: House FANS!



Hello everyone, this is an official invitation to a new forum dedicated to HOUSE MD! It's a great site that you join, get to know other House fans, and discuss one of the GREATEST medical dramas on television!

Btw, there's a little incentive, there is currently a contest being held, and you can find out all the rules after you join, but if you, after you have posted 5 posts, please do me the favor of sending a message to the Admin (Jacob) with my username (Rita) stating that I referred you; also please leave me a comment here so I can know if anyone joins.

Thanks in advance

Rita

LMAO @ PETA FOR THIS!

I found an article that made me hate Peta even more (concerning Steve Irwin {RIP MATE}) and as hard as it has been NOT to let it get to me, I finally gave in and wrote PETA with a little taste of my frustration against them.

My letter to PETA

First of all your organization HAS NO RIGHT to bash a man after his death! If you were so against Steve Irwin why didn't you come out and say everything you're organization is saying while he was alive?! As far as I'm concerned this cowardly act is horrible, and reflects poorly on your organization.

Do your research before you start speculating on the life of Steve Irwin and his role in wildlife conservation. He SAVED those animals from human threat and also to reduce their encounter with humans as to not harm human life.

As far as his daily routines that he performed at his zoo, they were not for "entertainment purposes"! He was simulating a natural environment for the crocodile to maintain his hunting and not just grow comfortable with a human throwing food into their enclosures!

Steve saved one crocodile that was being housed in a concrete enclosure, the crocodile NEVER knew the touch of dirt, never hunted on its own, never had a chance to thrive in the wild, yet Steve took him from the enclosure and took him in!!!

Steve educated the world on wildlife conservation through his passion and brought these animals into our lives in order to show us their beauty, and taught us how to respect them. He DIDN'T TARGET YOUNG CHILDREN AND SCARE THEM FROM VARIOUS THINGS SUCH AS MILK (which is very important in a young child's development!) IN ORDER TO SAVE ANIMALS!

Steve also bought tons of land in Australia that was facing destruction in order to conserve the native flora and fauna!

Steve was as very humble man, never once wanted just to be in the spotlight. He spent more money on buying land than advertisement. He was around wildlife when he was a child and was saving wildlife at a very young age. He never once sat at desk talking about doing great things for wildlife; he was OUT THERE DOING IT! As far as celebrities getting into the spotlight of wildlife conservation, I do believe many of the people you encourage on your website are doing just that! They aren't actually out there doing anything to help our world's wildlife!!

Steve has done more for the environment than your organization will ever do! Why not spend more money on actually getting out there and making a difference than promotional bliss?!

I have learned more about wildlife conservation through Steve Irwin and RESPECT what he did, that's more than I can say for your organization. I have learned that your organization often contradicts themselves, especially on your idea of "companion animals" for someone that believes in total animal liberation, having contests of the cutest companion animals sent in by your members seems hypocritical.

You have lost members through your attempts to belittle a great wildlife conservationist! And for that I am grateful, your organization has digressed from its core belief against animal cruelty (the only thing your organization and I agree on), and I for one will never support your organization and will continue to expose your organization for what it truly is!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After sending my email to PETA, I received an automated respose thanking me for my input, THEN I got another automated response titled: Steve Irwin (automated reply from PETA)

Here is their reply:

NOTE: This is an automatic reply based on certain words in your e-mail to PETA. Due to the large volume of mail that we receive, we are unable to respond to each e-mail personally, so we hope you will forgive this form letter, and expect that this reply will cover the most pressing questions and concerns you may have. We read all mail and will respond separately to concerns not addressed by this reply.


Thank you for contacting PETA.

Please allow us to clarify the misinformation that is currently circulating in the media: The death of Steve Irwin is truly sad, and we at PETA have sympathy for his family during this difficult time. What we have said is that Irwin was not a good friend to animals, and he often did more harm than good.

It was not our intention to be disrespectful by speaking out at this time. However, one of PETA's aims is to raise awareness of how animals suffer when people use them for entertainment (url deleted see note below). Because the media is glorifying and misrepresenting the way Irwin interacted with animals, it's vital that we set the record straight right now, while this story is still in the news. When we were asked, PETA found it necessary to speak frankly about how, in the name of entertainment, animals were often mistreated by Irwin during his career, so it would be disingenuous
for us to say otherwise following his death.

Irwin's television program typically involved invading animals' natural environments to agitate, harass, harangue, upset, and disturb them. He also subjected animals to the stress of public appearances and television shows, where they could not understand what was going on. It's important to keep in mind that when wild animals appear on television shows or are used in photo ops, they are typically being forced into frightening, loud, and stressful situations for no reason other than to bring publicity to an animal trainer or handler.

Although Irwin's verbal message of animal conservation was often on target, his actions spoke louder than his words. He undoubtedly encouraged others to keep wild animals as pets and to mishandle and harass animals in the wild. Others, including world renowned marine explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau, agree that his tactics were more interfering than educational...

Note: I refuse to post the links in the email sending you to the peta website

Sunday, September 24, 2006

My weekend

Hey Anderfolk! Hope you all had a great weekend! My weekend was a blast!

I attended a concert Friday night, featuring Landon Smith, Matt Jones, and Ryan Holley (3 great musicians I found on myspace) Ryan is from my hometown and I had seen him twice before once with Landon and once with Matt. It was really dark in the room so my pics didn't turn out to great but I did get a picture with Matt, he's a terrific guy (all of them are really) but I've gotten to know Matt a little bit through myspace and it's been great! So check out their music, and let me know what you all think!!!!!!!






banners made by myself


So did anyone do anything fun and exciting this weekend?!

Now to get back on topic here:
Monday's Show: Military recruiters, disgracing their country and the uniform. "360°" investigates how some are abusing their authority with potential enlistees. Tune in at 10 p.m. ET.

HOPEFULLY, I'll be able to catch 360 on Monday since I don't have to work, but I do have a biochemistry test on Tuesday, so we'll just have to see how it goes down.

Also, I'm still looking for a correspondent to help me out with the blog-I don't want to stop the Anderson part of the blog, since it's the main reason I started it, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to by myself with my school work. Anywho, no need to get all down and out over it at the moment, so here's to hopefully a GREAT Monday!

"Where have all the parents gone?"

I watched a CNN special report "Where have all the parents gone?" and wow, it really puts it into perspective. It's so sad, how many children are ophaned due to Aids. The very last view on the show was of a little boy who had lost his dad to aids, and he was standing by his grave site, holding back the tears. I couldn't help myself, I broke down, my heart just broke for him.

Through the years there have been many breakthroughs in helping adults with this horrific disease, but let's face it, when it comes to children, the world as a whole has failed! Millions and millions of AIDS orphans prove that.

Accord to the UN, there are 12 million AIDS orphans in sub-Saharan Africa ALONE, and they predict the number to rise to 18.5 million in just four years! In some African countries that means that AIDS orphans will make up approx. 15 to 20 percent of their population!

HIV infection is more aggressive in children less than 18 months old than in adults, and without any treatment half of the HIV infected children die before their second birthday.

Less than five percent of HIV-positive children who need treatment have access to it, and another 1800 children are infected daily primarily at birth and from their mother's milk. These children are trully the innocent, and to most of the world, the invisible victims.

We hardly hear about this sort of problem in the US because there is effective treatment to stop pregnant mothers from passing the virus to thier newborn child, but in Africa there is little acces to this LIFE SAVING prenatal medication. Only 10 percent of pregnant women in Africa have access to BASIC treatment that could reduce the rate of transmission by half! "It's another grotesque double standard," said Stephen Lewis, the U.N. AIDS envoy to Africa.

There is a team of local doctors and community health workersin the shadows of Mount Kilmanjaro on Masai tribal lands, bringing 21st century medical care to rural Africa, free of charge. So you may be thinking ok so there's a clinic out there that just waits for patients to flock in for the free care, but you're wrong!

What's so amazing to me about this clinic is that the Doctors dont wait for the people, THEY GO OUT THERE AND FINE THEM, TREAT THEM, and MAKE REGULAR FOLLOW UP VISITS!Wow, there are trully some people in this world that care! They use motor bikes to get into Africa's wildest places and are making a difference in the lives of many African children and parents! Amazing!!!

"It seems to be making a difference in Africa's medical catastrophe. The Colemans have similar and bigger bike outreach projects in Gambia and Zimbabwe, and doctors there tell them that they are having an effect on reducing the disease and illnesses by getting patients much-needed medicine.He said more such programs are urgently needed: "People are just dying for absolutely no reason at all."

He told us that the project we saw in the Masai country could be replicated around Africa. With so much money being poured into AIDS research and government coffers, perhaps one solution is to seek the simple effective approach.It does work.

In the heart of rural Africa, we saw one pregnant mother infected with HIV who got the right prenatal drugs and did not pass on the virus to her son. One life saved, one child saved from becoming another African AIDS orphan."


Information found on cnn.com, bolded quotes taken from Christiane Amanpour's special report

Picture of the week 09/24/06




Thanks to xtina :)

Friday, September 22, 2006

Tonight on 360

Friday's Show: Iran's leaders don't like America, but many of its people do. "360°" looks at whether hostilities are unavoidable. Tune in at 10 p.m. ET.

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Tonight on 360

Thursday's Show: He was let out of prison to save his son's life but went on the run instead. "360°" looks at what happened to the fugitive and his son.

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

I find it amazing that....

Mother crocodiles are so protective of their hatchlings. It's just so awe inspiring how one of the most prehistoric, top of the food chain, animals can be so loving toward their young. Before hatching, the babies will send out a high pitch sound that the mother will recognize-a signal for help.Baby crocodiles hatch on their own, using a bony stub located on their snout; but did you know that if a hatchling is having trouble getting out that she will pick up the egg, and gently roll it between her tounge and the roof of her mouth, cracking the egg allowing the baby to get out? It's not unsual that the male crocodile will also be around to help out.

Also, once her babies have hatched, the mother crocodile will scoop them up into her mouth in order to protect them from certain animals that pose a threat to them; such as other crocodiles, larger lizards, and birds of prey, even large fish. The mother crocodile will devote all her energy to protect her young. HOW AMAZING IS THAT?!

Once all her young are safe in her mouth, she returns to the water to allow them to get used to the water, using her mouth as a "kiddy pool" so to speak. I also find it amazing how the mother crocodile will lash out at any creature posing a threat to her young. How amazing is it that the mother will watch after her babies for months? Wow, what can I say, these creatures are just magnificent!

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Note to self: Find Bliss

A wise person once said, and I paraphrase, "Find Your Bliss In Life" What does that mean to you? To me it means, finding something to do for the rest of your life that you LOVE; not some job that just pays good, or has good benefits, but a job that you will enjoy for the rest of you time here on Earth!

I still haven't found my bliss, and somedays it gets really frustrating. I wish I could just figure out what my "bliss" is, and start preparing for the job of my dreams.

When I was little I would always tell my Ama, that I wanted to be a veterinarian. I also told my grandma that I wanted to go to Texas A&M to get my degree. And even though I've changed my mind on going all the way to vet school, I have this inner love for animals, that people really can't see; and if they do, I never knew they could tell.

I also have this love for the animals that society calls "ugly" or "hideous". You know which one's I'm talking about: Snakes, lizards, crocodiles, alligators and so on. Don't get me wrong, I love the cute and cuddly ones as well.

Maybe I'm on the right track in looking for a career that I can help reptiles, maybe through research and conservational education. Too much to think about.......

Any suggestions?

ATTN: Readers!

Good morning Anderworld!! (wow, I haven't blogged and been able to say that in while!!) Anywho, I missed 360 all together last night, I wasn't even able to catch the repeat! (I found out I had practice at 6am today) So anywho, I won't even be able to catch the show tonight! (no dvds, and practice in the morning)

With that in mind,if anyone would like to come aboard the Andernation blog, get in touch with me. I'm looking for someone who has the time to watch the show, and blog about it...think of it as being a correspondent, and "AC360" is the subject of all your stories. That way, there will be more Ander-related content on the blog, instead of my just rambling off sometimes.

If you are interested, just use the feedback form found on the right hand side of the blog (below my "About Me" section) Please include a little about yourself, why you would like to join the Andernation team, and anything else you would like to include :)

If you have any questions or anything feel free to contact me, using the feedback form as well!

Monday, September 18, 2006

Tonight on 360

"360°" explores the cease-fire in Lebanon. Are Israel and Hezbollah adhering to the deal? A special report. Tune in at 10 p.m. ET.

Well Anderfolk, I get to work tonight so I wont be able to tune in. Although, I am interested in the topic BUT I only have one DVD left, and have to save it for HOUSE and the Memorial Service for Steve Irwin that will be airing Tuesday night on Animal Planet (9 pm E/P)

So how was everyone's weekend? Any fun and exciting stories?!

Sunday, September 17, 2006

I'M BACK!

Hey hey everyone!! Well I'm back in Texas now, and let me tell you, my trip was nothing like I expected! Well technically I didn't know what to expect on this trip! We did alot of plant identification (yawn) and we did some water research which was interesting! I did get some GREAT pictures to add to my photography portfolio!

Here are the links to my newest photographs!
"New Mexico"
"New Mexico 2"
"New Mexico 3"
"New Mexico 4"
"White Sands"
"White Sands 2"
"White Sands 3"
"White Sands 4"
"Can You Find My Little Friend?!"
"Prairie Rattlesnake"

Friday, September 15, 2006

Picture of the Week 09/17/06

Hey Anderfolk! Since I will be out of town until late Sunday evening (Ecology trip to New Mexico) I decided to post the POtW early.



I know I've already posted this, but I just LOVE IT; and I hadn't posted it on the Myspace edition of "Andernation" so I just had to share it there!

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

"La Charanga"




My dad showed me this just now and omg it put me in a good mood!! I'm mad that I have to go to work in about 45 mins, but this put a smile on my face!!!

Some Ander-wallpapers

Feel free to snag any or all of them if you wish, I just ask that you comment and let me know which ones you are taking :)

Anderson Cooper

1. 2.

HAPPY HUMP DAY!

Hey hey Anderfolk!! So I didn't get to catch all of 360 last night, but I did watch enough to notice a change in wardrobe just after ONE broadcast! *sigh* I really liked the bright blue shirt! Anywho here's what's coming up tonight on 360: Live from Afghanistan. "360°" asks why so many Muslims around the world say they hate Americans. Can their minds be changed? Tune in at 10 p.m. ET

I hope everyone is having a TERRIFIC Wednesday!!





thank you to xtina for the great pics

Monday, September 11, 2006

I just have to RANT

"He made a career out of antagonizing frightened wild animals," says PETA's Mathews, "which is a very dangerous message to send to kids." And Mathews sniffs that Irwin's career wasn't particularly impressive – at least not to him: "If you compare him with a responsible conservationist like Jacques Cousteau, he looks like a cheap reality TV star."

Ok, first off MATHEWS, who the hell are you to bash someone after they have died. You are NOT one to judge! Second of all, if you would get your butt out of your chair and did HALF of the things Steve did for wildlife, maybe more people would respect your organization. Steve has done more for wildlife that PETA EVER WILL DO!

In defense of Steve and his zoo (which PETA is against all zoos in general) Steve SAVED those crocodiles from a harsh condition where they were threatened by humans and also a threat to humans. As far as his daily routines that he performed at the zoo, they were not just for entertainment, he was simulating a natual environment for the crocodile to maintain his hunting status and not just grow comfortable with a human throwing food into their environment.

Steve always made sure to stress the dangers of particular animals, but he also allowed people to see wildlife up close and to learn to love them. He NEVER forced his opinions on anyone, and NEVER scared children into respecting animals.

"I became a vegetarian because of PETA... but i never really liked their approaches to animal rights... so their comments about Steve really are no shock to me. PETA is an embarrassment to animal rights activists world-wide.. Sorry to say, but it's true. There are so many other animal rights organizations out there that aren't so forceful with their opinions and they make such a great impact and do a lot of good instead of hurting humanity, like PETA does." Anonymous comment sent to me.

So, if I didn't hate peta enough already, this just puts the icing on the cake!

We Remember



Wow, it's been 5 years! I can't believe it! Time has flown by so fast, yet it still seems like it was yesterday. Let's take some time from our hectic schedules to remember those that lost their lives in this dreadful day in our nation's history, as well as those they left behind.

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Monday on 360

Monday's Show: On 9/11, Anderson Cooper is live on the ground in Afghanistan with a firsthand look at what's really happening in the war on terror. Tune in at 10 p.m. ET.

OT- Steve Irwin Wallpaper Tribute

I know I'm not the only Crocodile Hunter fan that stops by here, so I thought I would show share this here as well.

Picture of the Week 09/10/09



thanks to xtina for the loverly picture :)



sorry this wasn't up earlier this morning, i had inventory last night and didn't get home until around 2:30 am and by the time I fell asleep it was almost 4:30ish!! Anywho, love the pic!

Friday, September 08, 2006

Wildlife Warriors

About Wildlife Warriors Worldwide Ltd

Wildlife Warriors Worldwide Ltd was established in 2002, initially by Steve and Terri Irwin as a way to include and involve other caring people to support the protection of injured, threatened or endangered wildlife – from the individual animal to an entire species.

Steve and Terri remain involved as patrons and significant supporters and advisors, but the charity now operates independently of them.

Wildlife Warriors Worldwide's Objectives

* To protect and enhance the natural environment
* To provide information and education to the public and raise awareness of wildlife issues
* To undertake biological research
* To research, recommend and act in the protection of threatened or endangered species.
* To enter into cooperative arrangements with like-minded organisations

Wildlife Warrior Programs and Projects (2005)

* Australian Wildlife Hospital
* Species and Habitat Conservation ( Asia)
* Crocodile Rescue and Research (International)
* Community Education (International)
* Emergency Wildlife Response (including Tsunami project)

For more info visit the Official Wildlife Warrior Website

How YOU can help wildlife conservation:
Click here to make a donation
Email: By sending an email to donations@wildlifewarriors.org
Phone: +61 7 5436 2026
Mail: Cheque made payable to Wildlife Warriors to PO Box 29, Beerwah QLD 4519
Any ANZ Bank:
Donations can also be made to any ANZ Bank to the
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide LTD - A Tribute to Steve Irwin Account

Happy Birthday AC 360

Wow, its been 3 years since Anderson got his very own show on CNN! I snagged THIS article from Rachel over at ACooperVision. Also check out her blog for a great video that she made to celebrate this occasion!

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Non Ander-Realted: I found this floating over the net



This is the footage that changed my perspective on wildlife forever. It is also the episode I was watching when I wrote that letter (in a previous post) in 2000.

Tonight on 360

Tonight on 360: A reward for the Taliban's top man, but the U.S. government has the wrong photo on its Web site. "360°" explores how this mistake could happen. Tune in at 10 p.m. ET.

I caught some of 360 in between swapping out House DVDs. I also caught the very end of the show when Bob Irwin talked about his son, and how he had lost his best mate. My mom and I were watching it, and thinking back on good memories of Steve-O, and when I was just finding all my "Crocodile Hunter" gear it just brought huge smiles to our faces. It was a good mother/daughter moment.

Hope everyone is having a GREAT Thursday! It will be even better when DHL finally gets it together and delivers my jersey! lol

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Memories!

Ok, so I was rummaging through my old closet (now my sisters) and I found some interesting stuff from my teen age years! First I found a letter to Steve Irwin that I never sent dated December 27, 2000. I also found my "Crocodile Hunter" playing cards (and ALL of them are there!!) as well as my old Australia Zoo Shirt that I wore in a fashion show back in my 4-H years and a "Crocodile Hunter" keychain. Funny how stuff turns out isn't it? Now if only I could find my Crocodile Hunter game I got one time for Christmas, I know it's around this house somewhere!

"I would just like to say thank you for "opening my eyes" and showing me how important conservation is. I always knew conservation was important, but now I want to HELP conserve all flora and fauna. From the harmless little grasshopper to the highly venomous Fierce Snake; I want and will go to any length to help them."

I thought I'd share just a little of the letter :)

Guess who's on the blog!

I made it onto the 360 blog today! Whohoo! That made me smile, I haven't posted to AC's blog in a while, and I finally decided to and what to do you know! lol I also got my Season 2 of House in the mail today! Yay!! I'm watching one episode before band, then I'm on a House marathon while cleaning my room haha.

Anderson has blogged today

My summer job ... nearly 20 years ago
So an interesting thing happened today. A Web site has published an article saying that I once worked for the CIA.

Read more HERE

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Tonight on 360

Tuesday's Show: The battle for your vote. "Anderson Cooper 360°" explores how much trouble Republicans are in. Can the Democrats capitalize? Tune in at 10 p.m. ET.

I also wanted to thank you all if you stopped by the blog on Monday for being patient, and allowing me to stop the blog for a day with no 360 or Ander-related topics.

Monday, September 04, 2006

Slide Show Tribute

Steve was the one who changed my perspective on wildlife conservation when I was a teenager, and I always wanted to meet him and thank him for that. So in memory of Steve, lets embrace our passion for wildlife, and never forget the impact he made on the world. He has trully done some remarkable things while educating the world on wilflife conservation. "People want to save the things that they love" I will never forget that moment when Steve said that in his biography. That was the moment, I knew that he had changed my idea of animals. Thank you Steve for all that you have done to educate the world on wildlife conservation. My prayers go out to Terry, his wife, Bindy, his daughter, and Robert, his son.

This is my tribute to a wonderful wilflife lover, Steve "The Crocodile Hunter" Irwin. RIP Steve-O!
Featuring music by Sarah Mclachalan.



Made by me

RIP Steve Irwin

Please forgive me as I'm trying to type this up. I just got news that Steve Irwin, the crocodile hunter, died today while filming an underwater documentary. Stever was the one who changed my perspective on wildlife conservation when I was a teenager, and I always wanted to meet him and thank him for that. So in memory of Steve, today's blog will be dedicated to him and his passion for wildlife. Thank you Steve for all that you have done to educate the world on wildlife conservation. My prayers go out to Terry, his wife, Bindy, his daughter, and Robert, his son.



Sunday, September 03, 2006

Picture of the Week 09/03/2006



Wow, those eyes are just too beautiful!!

Saturday, September 02, 2006

Update

Hey everyone, I just upgraded some features on the blog to make it more convienent for everyone. Since school has started, and college life is so hectic, it's much easier for me to run one blog instead of multiple ones, but I do understand that since this started off primarily as an Anderson Cooper blog that it's hard to keep up with all the post that just have to deal with Anderson. So if you check out the right hand side of my blog you will find an extensive list of "labels" that you can click on and it will take you to all the post with that specific tag. I tried to make anything Anderson related start with "Ander" to put them at the beginning of the list. All post have been labeled hopefully to make it easier on you, the reader, to find what you are interested in reading.

Please feel free to contact me for any suggestions, comments, or questions about this change.

USA finish 3rd

Congrats to the USA for finishing 3rd in the FIBA WC. Although I am happy for my national team, I am also sad that Argentina lost. I didn't know who to root, for even though deep down I was leaning toward Argentina just a little bit more. I'm still proud of Manu and the rest of the Argentina squad.

Tired Argentina fail to execute down the stretch

SAITAMA (FIBA World Championship) - Argentina guards Manu Ginobili and Pepe Sanchez admitted that the reigning Olympic champions were tired and failed to execute down the stretch of their 96-81 loss to the United States.

"We were not there. Our strategy was there but we didn't execute for the first time in this whole FIBA World Championship," Ginobili said.

"We tried our best, but it wasnt enough against a great team like them."

Sanchez added: "We played hard but we ran out of energy in the second half. Playing back to back is hard."

Ginobili, who led Argentina to the 2004 Olympic crown in Athens and missed the 2002 FIBA World Championship final with an injury, said the team was still down following their heart-breaking 75-74 loss to Spain in the semi-finals.

"Of course it's hard. You always want to go back home with something. But I'm way more disappointed about yesterday," he said.

"Even though we came for a medal, we were so close to getting a chance at gold that it's hard to be disappointed about not getting a bronze. I'm still upset from yesterday."

When asked how they tried to beat Team USA, Sanchez said: "We tried to get them to play FIBA style of basketball but they went on a great run."

"We tried to slow down the game a bit and make them play FIBA style of play and we did that for a while but then they came out in the second half and had a great run," Sanchez continued.

"It’s difficult for Team USA to play international basketball. They’re used to different rules and not used to so much contact. It’s a different kind of basketball altogether and it’s very hard to adjust. But today they played great. They made their open shots."

By David Hein and Simon Wilkinson
FIBA

Memories...

So, I went to a high school football game last night(my alma mater) and heard the band, I was so amazed by the piece of the show I saw tonight, and can't wait until the whole show is put together on the field. It made me sad, I missed "big band"; going from a 350 + member band where I was in charge of 40ish flutes to only being in charge of 3 @ my university band...good times good times. Don't get me wrong, I love the band I'm in now, we have some amazing musicians, but I do miss high school band!

So when I got home I reviewed my recordings of 2 of my high school performances, it was nice seeing them again. After watching the shows, I got my UIL Concert contest recordings out and started to listen to them, taking in the great musicianship of the Honors band-what a great group of talented people throughout my 4 years.

With that in mind I've decided to post some of my all time favorite classical pieces for you all to enjoy.

I do have some of my high school bands recordings of some of these songs, I just haven't figured out how to get them on the net yet. I found these recordings on various websites.

I've posted this song before, I've played this numerous times, and it was so amazing to be able to play it in Russia. For any new readers that didn't catch an earlier post about this song here's a little background information about it. "An American Elegy" was composed by Frank Tichelli in honor of those that survived as well as lost their lives during the Columbine school shooting. I'm sure you will enjoy the sweet melodies and emotional tones of this song.

Also by Frank Tichelli, "Vesuvius" is also on my top list of instrumental songs. I played this my senior year of high school. This song is full of great rhythms, and sounds I don't see how anyone wouldn't enjoy it.

I can't seem to find any good recordings of a couple of other songs, so if anyone knows how I can make my recordings available I would appreciate the help :)

I hope you all enjoyed this little off topic post, let me know what you all think about the songs too :)

Friday, September 01, 2006

Tonight on 360

Rising crime rates in Houston, Texas: "360°" examines why Katrina evacuees are being blamed and who wants them to go home. Tune in at 10 p.m. ET.

Argentina National Team Tribute:

Argentina played great throughout the tournament, and just as hard as the USA team. You guys made your country proud by playing with tons of passion for the game, and national pride! Good luck on your quest for 3rd place :)







USA National Team Tribute:

Thanks for playing with tremendous heart and passion for the game, as well as pride in our nation! Good luck on your quest for 3rd place :)







Courtesy: NBAE/Getty Images

A Sad day in the world of basketball

Well folks, Argentina lost to Spain in the finals seconds of the game by 1 point. The USA also lost to Greece by 6 points. Both Argentina and the U.S. were phenomenal in this tournament (imo) and will now face each other for 3rd place.

To Manu and the rest of the Argentine Squad: Great job in this tournament! You guys made it hard for me to choose one team; my home team or Argentina. Good luck with your future basketball careers, rest up Manu! The Spurs need you in top condition! The trophy is OURS THIS YEAR!

To the US Squad: Congrats on a terrific performance in this tournament. You guys are so talented, and I wish you all the best of luck with your own basketball teams back in the US.

I'll post more after class :)