Munich

Went and saw "Munich" today. It was interesting- but very long at 2-1/2 hours...

Obviously I am just a lowly marketing foof but I was shocked that Steven Spielberg veered away from the book "Vengeance" (that it was based upon) as much as he did. "Vengeance was a great read and really did not have to be messed with. However Spielberg did take some creative license in more than a few scenes and in a few events.

He also tried in my opinion (and in the opinion of some reviews I read) to not take sides in the on going Middle East dispute- but by trying to straddle he really ends up getting both sides infuriated. People have mentioned this movie as an Oscar contender- but I think with its mixed messaging it could affect that.

Finally a portion of the ending was downright bizarre to me- but until you see it, I won't divulge that here.

This was the first time I went and saw a movie so soon after reading the book and all in all it was a good effort but I did hope for better.

Look at this way, for what a day at the movies cost now-a-days, you will get your money's worth with this one and you will have plenty of things to talk about afterwards.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to one and all...

One quick note on the postings (or lack there of) here. Only getting a few replies on the actual message board is not a major concern to me as I still get a steady flow of replies to my e-mail. I think some are uncomfortable about posting here, even as anonymous. I have no problems with that plus I am heartened by the viewing stats that I am provided that show a lot more views and visits than I ever thought possible. So thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read, view, comment and e-mail.

Also on a non NFRC or glass note- just read the book Vengeance- it was the story that inspired Steven Spielberg's new movie Munich. The book was tremendous- now I have to carve 3 hours out to go see the movie and see how it is portrayed on the big screen. In any case the book was an intense ride.

Happy Holidays

Hope everyone is well at this time of the year... Things are somewhat slower right now as everyone is hustling to get their shopping and cooking done.

As for the Glass and Glazing business, some good things coming up, with Glassweek and the Glass Expo Rocky Mountain in January and the BEC Conference in February.

Of course we'll stay on the NFRC track- while they stress more open-ness, I'll believe it when I see it. Hard to be more open when the cat is guarding the henhouse each and every day. But I am just one guy- On the other side is a monstrous machine led by Potomac Communications- one of the heaviest players in the PR world when it comes to these energy "concerns"

We'll keep at it though- whether it's screaming in the wind or not, I am not going just sit back and let things like this happen without a fight-

So that said, happy holiday and a healthy 2006 to all...

2 things

Two items- check out www.4specs.com good site-

Also check out the first paragraph from the press release from NFRC...

NFRC is committed to open and transparent communications. In response to membership requests for additional information regarding Board activities, NFRC will provide these informational updates following all Board meetings.

Wow. Could it be that they are opening up? This paragraph led off a long "communique" from Jim Benney-
Who knows, maybe they are planning to open up, but I will believe it when it I see it... Keep in mind that the NFRC has unreal PR agency working for it- The Potomac Group- These folks are good and they know that they have to start spinning some public perception... I would settle for doing the right thing and stop trying to cost the public significant money while feigning- "We're working for the public...."

By the way, next NFRC meeting is in San Diego in March- wonder what it will be like having it in a major continental US City for the first time since early '04.

New Leader at NFRC

Well it is true as Marcia Falke is now the Chairman of the NFRC replacing Marvin Stover.

Wow.

The NFRC website is now updated with the new board positions with Marcia on top. While I am sure she is capable of leading an organization I still can not fathom how someone who's life's income depends on the programs that are being implemented can be in that position. Then again most of the board, board ex officio's and committee heads all are in the same boat.

So basically, Marcia and the folks that make their incomes off of these programs will use the public (and good ole 501c3 status) as a shield to cover their own interest.

How does more costs benefit the public?

Get Ready for Glassweek and BEC

The Glass Association of North America has two HUGE events coming up- Glassweek and the BEC show. They are the events that make this industry fly- it is where the movers and shakers go and they are the times and places where things happen for the positive growth of our industry.

For more info go to: www.glasswebsite.com

Changes at NFRC

Supposedly some channges are coming on the Board of the NFRC, though they aren't good ones for those of us who believe the public is NOT being served by their profiteering motives. (At the profiteering of certain board and very influential members)

Marcia Falke may be the new Chairman of the Board- which makes sense since Marcia's income or at least 72% of it, comes from the NFRC policies they enact. So now it will be easier for Jim Benney and Potomac Communications to state that the Board and Chair only "do what is in the best interests of the NFRC"- of course they will... they are financially motivated too!

How does the group keep its powerful 501 c 3 status? How are they considered the same as a charity?

Two Links- One Sports and One NFRC

Two links for you to check out...

The first is from Glass Magazine on an article about the NFRC and their Board structure. In the coming days there's going to be ALOT more on this issue! Plus I have not spent a ton of time reviewing this piece yet and I plan on a comment or two....

http://www.glassmagazine.net/news.php?id=997

The second link is sports and as I said at the start, I still have to write about sports- anyway, Jay Mohr is a comedian, movie star and he also writes for SI.com- his column this week was about Michael Irvin, the former WR from Dallas and current ESPN personality. Irvin was just arrested and Mohr takes a hard look at it- great read...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/jay_mohr/11/30/mohr.sports/index.html