+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2009-11-11
Veterans Day in Bristol
Today I attended the Annual Memorial Service for Veterans in my town
of Bristol, CT. Appropriately it takes place on Memorial
Boulevard, a place filled with monuments and statements of thanks to
our veterans. Thank God for such a patriotic town that honors
those who serve. You should take the time to check out the
Boulevard real soon. One of the more recent additions is a brick
walkway, where residents can purchase an engraved brick honoring a
veteran. We purchased one for June's father (Alexander Mackas;
who served in both the Army and the Marines. And of course
one for our son SGT Jacob Mazeika currently in the 101st
Airborne. (Thank you for serving son!). Thank a veteran
today, and everyday.
Bill Mazeika
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2009-11-10
Star Wars In Concert
When I first heard about the whole concept of Star Wars In Concert, I
never thought I would be able to attend such an event. The first
venues were in places like London England. Fortunately for me,
they have taken the show on the road! What
a fantastic show. Basically, its a huge live music video of the
6 Star Wars movies. There is a live orchestra and choir who
perform in front of a large High Definition screen. You will
hear a performance of about 12 memorable musical pieces that blow you
away like only a live orchestra can do. The music is perfectly
timed to a collage of movie clips. At times the big screen shows
close up shots of the orchestra via the use of cameras on robotic
arms. To enhance the experience, laser beams can fill the room,
or blasts of real flames shoot up at the front of the stage during
Anakin's light saber battle by the flowing lava with Obi Wan Kenobi.
Everything is tied together by the live narration by Anthony
Daniels... the soul of C3PO. Its a total experience. As an
added treat, before and after the show, there are exhibits of movie
costumes and props throughout the lobby; some from the private
collection of George Lucas. You can even get your picture taken
with a Storm Trooper or Darth Vader. Check out my photo album
page on www.facebook.com/solarmaze
for some pictures. For more information on where the show will
be next, check out: www.starwarsinconcert.com
Bill Mazeika
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2009-10-09
Rocking Horse Ranch
My wife June and I spent a few days on vacation at Rocking Horse Ranch
in Highland, NY. It was an early 31st Wedding Anniversary time for
us. What a great place! I whish I knew about Rocking Horse
Ranch when our kids were younger, they would have loved it! Seeing
it was early October, it was a bit cool for some outdoor
activities. I can just imagine this place hopping in mid
summer! Even though the outdoor pool was closed, there is a
recently expanded indoor water park. The place is open all year
round and there are things to keep you busy every second, or you can
relax all you like. This is an all inclusive resort, so meals and
activities are included.
Since my June has been on a horse kick lately, we really went for the
trail riding... That's June in the picture. Check out my photo
album page on www.facebook.com/solarmaze
for more pictures. I can't
say enough nice things about this place; from the activities, the
beautiful western decor, the nightly entertainment, to the great food,
the attentive staff. We can't wait to go back. Check out
their web site at: www.rhranch.com Don't
be misled by the kid's theme on the web site. This is also a great
place for adults and couples.
Bill Mazeika
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2009-09-24
Kampala Children's Center Choir
Last night my wife and I attended this presentation at a church in
Middletown. June was working when the choir was at our home church
(Wellspring in Kensington, www.wellspring.net),
so we were glad for the 80+ presentations planned during the next 2
months. The music and dance was done by a group of children from
the Kampala Children's Center in Uganda Africa; a country torn by years
of civil war. It has been estimated that about 1 million children
have been left homeless. Wellspring church has been involved with
helping KCC in various ways over the last several years.
I know, there are thousands of good causes all around us, but if you
want to experience an evening of infectious smiles and boundless energy,
then you have got to attend one of the upcoming performances to see what
God can do to mend the shattered lives of precious children.
I encourage you to visit these web sites to find out more about KCC, and
to pick a date to experience a night of hope. Kampala Children's
Center www.kampalachildren.com
Choir Dates: www.destinyafrica.org
In 1908 Winston Churchill visited Uganda and wrote a book in which he
said "Uganda is truly the Pearl of Africa." ...referring to
the majestic beauty of the vast scale of nature. The real pearl of
Africa are their needy children who hold inimaginable potential and are
loved dearly by our God.
Bill Mazeika
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2009-07-08
Slanted News Coverage
As far as I can remember, yesterday's news coverage of the memorial
service for Michael Jackson, as well as the days following his death,
dwarfs the attention ever given to the passing of other celebrities or
Presidents, or Heads of State. But this entry is not about Michael
Jackson. Whatever you may think of him, he was a musical genius. The
news coverage of him during recent days, and I'm sure of weeks to come,
as compared with certain other stories is what bothers me.
Probably the most disturbing lack of recent coverage was for the murder
of Army Pvt. William Andrew Long on Monday June 22, 2009.
Pvt. Long age 23, died in an attack that also wounded 18 year old Pvt.
Quinton I. Ezeagwula. You say you didn't hear about that attack? Was it
in Iraq? Was it in Afghanistan? No, and No. It took place in Little
Rock, Arkansas... In the United States Of America!
Who would commit such an act, and why? According to police
investigators, the alleged gunman, Abdulhakim Muhammad, said he wanted
to kill as many Army personnel as he could "because of what they had
done to Muslims in the past."
An attack on the United States military by a Muslim extremist on United
States soil! And you didn't hear about it! Well, you might have if you
watch Fox News.
And lest we jump to conclusions, even if the murder did not make it big
in the news, neither did any statements by Muslim groups condemning the
actions of Abdulhakim Muhammad... If there were any.
Makes you wonder what other things are happening that you never hear
about.. especially involving terrorists. Whoops. I forgot. According to
the new administration we can't use the term "terrorist" anymore. And
even further, now the FBI is required to read Miranda rights to captured
terrorists; putting them in the same category as a purse snatcher.
P.S. The memorial services for Pvt. Long received an equal lack of
coverage.
Bill Mazeika
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2009-05-09 Star Trek
OK. I admit it. I'm a Trekkie. I have been since the
original 1966 series. Then we had to wait 13 years for the first
motion picture. When Star Trek first hit the big screen, do you
remember the awe as the shuttle approached the newly refurbished
Enterprise in space dock? This movie rekindles that same
amazement. There have been some good Trek series and movies, and
some not so great. I got choked up watching Captain Kirk
die in Generations (movie #7). But after just watching Star
Trek Zero as it has been called, I can say the franchise, and James T.
Kirk are both alive and
well!
Director J.J. Abrams (of Lost and Alias fame) has really done it this
time. Often times when you have seen nothing but killer clips for
months on end, its usually a sign that you've seen the best part of a disappointing
movie. Not so this time. Star Trek is great stuff! The
actors who play younger versions of characters with whom we are so
familiar really captured something special about each one.
Sure, you will love this movie no matter who you are, but... if you are
a trekkie or trekker, you will be rewarded with names, lines, and events
that will urge you to whisper the inside stories to your non-initiated
viewing partner. But don't! Pay attention to the
screen. You won't want to miss a second of the action. I
could go on and on about the great parts of this movie, but that would
require simply narrating the entire thing. So just go and see it!
Bill Mazeika
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2009-05-04
Happy Birthday To Me
It was 34 years ago that I made the decision to become a Born Again
Christian. <See how here>.
It hasn't meant a fairy tale life for me, but I am guaranteed of a happy
ending. The fat lady, or in my case, the fat man hasn't sung
yet! There have been blessings and heartache. Its not the
script that I would have written, but then again, life seldom turns out
the way you planned. The only certainty is that everyone must make
the God decision for them self. Its been said that God doesn't
have any grandchildren. That means you can't ride the coattails of
your parents, your priest, or your friend into heaven. You have to
become a child of God on your own... as a conscience act of acceptance.
Bill Mazeika
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2009-04-03 The
Messiah And Me
I just finished reading a book titled "The Messiah And Me." I'll
let the cover text explain the details: "How a Jewish girl from New
Jersey survived the sixties and found faith where she least expected."
It's about this woman's faith journey, resulting in her acceptance of
Jesus Christ as Savior. Linda's writing style quickly draw you
into her world. You feel more like you're sitting down having a
conversation with her, rather than just reading what she has penned.
Knowing the author, I can say that she writes like she speaks.
It's a fast enjoyable read which can also be a useful evangelical tool.
You can find it online at places like authorhouse.com, amazon.com, or
order it from your local book store. "The Messiah And Me" by
Linda Pike ISBN 978-1-4343-6337-4
Bill Mazeika
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2009-03-29
Borrowing from Battlestar Galactica
"All this has happened before, and all this will happen again."
Just survived another layoff. I now have my 11th boss in nearly 26
years at this job...
Bill Mazeika
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2009-03-11 Gloom
and Doom
I admit it. I'm a glass half empty rather than a glass half full
kind of guy. Some would call that being a pessimist. I call
it being a realist. Maybe it comes from being disillusioned or
disappointed so many times in the past. In any case, if you are
like me, you really look forward to good news. Not just a good
spin on bad news, but real good news. Well, I haven't heard any
lately. As if having your savings decimated after 40 years of work
isn't enough, President Obama, who prior to taking the oath of office,
was a fountain of hope, change and a brighter future, is now the master
of communicating depression, despair, and hopelessness. How about
a little encouragement! But it doesn't stop there. The CEO
of the major corporation I work for just announced massive layoffs, and
told us how bad things are and will be. He did end his statement
with a comment about withstanding current challenges, but it still
didn't instill confidence in the workforce who is left wondering if they
will be among those axed. Even at the local level, managers seem
to have taken courses on how not to encourage employees. Hope is a
fragile thing. Even though many politicians and executives could
benefit from the Biblical verses about salvation, at the very least,
they should study passages like; Pro 13:12 "Hope deferred maketh the
heart sick..."
Bill Mazeika
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2009-03-09 Slippery
Slope
Now it begins... Today President Obama signed the bill allowing for
Federal Funds to be spent on embryonic stem cell research. One has
to wonder why? Especially since the most progress to date in stem
cell research has been made via adult stem cells... and there are other
alternative avenues of research that do not involve destroying human
life; including cells recovered from embryonic fluid or the umbilical
cord. Hold on. Watch for the next steps that infringe upon
human life.
On a related note, if you haven't seen it yet, here is the one of the
best pro-life clips I have seen. You can't find any fault with it!
www.catholicevote.org
or
www.youtube.com/watcht?v=V2CaBR3z85c
Bill Mazeika
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2009-03-04 More
to worry about
War, the economy, jobs, healthcare, and now... the earth nearly being
hit by an asteroid! No wonder we're all a nervous wreck. On
Monday 3/2/09 an asteroid came within 35,000 miles of hitting the earth.
That might not sound too close, but that is in the range of our orbiting
satellites. It would have hit the earth with the force of a 20
megaton hydrogen bomb. This asteroid was about the same size as
the one that exploded in the earth's atmosphere in 1908 destroying 800
square miles of forest in Siberia.
Why weren't we warned? You would think there are hundreds of
astronomers keeping watch over us at night. However there are not
that many keeping an eye on the nighttime sky, and there are literally
thousands of objects to track; including man-made objects. Even if
the alarm was sounded, there's not much that could be done. We
can't land on it to set charges, or even blow it up from a distance.
This isn't the movies! Its thought that perhaps we could launch a
rocket to nudge such a threat off course, but that possibility could
still be decades away.
In order to avoid a total mental breakdown, looks like the only sure
fire cure remains in the Bible. 1Pe 5:7 talking about God says:
"Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you."
Bill Mazeika
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2009-02-24 Drug Rant!
I don't understand it. Just walking in, I can go to Price
Chopper's pharmacy, and with a prescription, a number of the maintenance
drugs I take are available for $9.99 for a 3 month supply. On the
flip side, if I use the discount mail order service which is part of my
the healthcare plan I pay thousands of dollars for through my employer,
a 3 month supply of the same drug costs me $24.99!!!
As if that wasn't enough, I'm also aggravated by the fact that
prescription drugs are advertised on television! That's crazy!
Its not like I can go an buy them without a prescription. Am I
supposed to want to buy them because of the good looking people in the
ads? Or am I surpassed to do, go in and tell my doctor which drugs
to prescribe for me? I would hope he would know better.
Isn't that why he went to medical school? Then again... are the
prescriptions written based on which drug company provides the best
trinkets?
On another point, do the doctors really know about all the interactions
that could take place between several drugs you may be taking.
Even if you are diligent enough to keep all your doctors up to date on
the different prescriptions each of them give you, I doubt if they know
about all the interactions. Its mathematically impossible.
Back in the 1970s I worked in Field Service for the now defunct Digital
Equipment Corporation. Several of my accounts were at Yale Medical
School. I remember one of the doctors was working on a massive
database program to track any possible interactions between the
thousands of drugs on the market. This is something a human mind
could not track. I don't know if he ever finished the project.
In any case, since then, thousands of more drugs have probably come to
market. I think about the old TV show MacGuyver. He was the
guy who could make a weapon or bomb out of common kitchen items.
Someday, if posts stop appearing on this page it may be because I made
the mistake of doing something like eating a peanut butter sandwich
while standing under a fluorescent light. Who knows??? that
combined with my prescriptions may cause me to explode!
Bill Mazeika
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2009-02-19 Hitting Home
I'm trying to get on with my life. I'm not happy about the
liberals being in control of DC. I've geared way down on the time
I spend watching the news... even FOX News... I just don't want to know
anything more! Then I feel like Al Pacino in The Godfather part 3
"...they drag me back in..."
I can't escape the mess we are in. I had my performance review at
work today. Got the same rating as last year: "Exceptional
Performer"... No brag. Just Fact. So what was my raise?
Zero. Zippo. Big Goose Egg. Nada. Times are
tough, so the company is postponing any merit increases. (I wonder
if the big boys will be forfeiting any stock options or bonuses this
year... I doubt it!)
Then I made the mistake of looking at my 401K. Whoops. Big
mistake... talk about being depressed. I'm not one of those people
who move funds around every hour. I'm in it for the long haul.
Pick some safe conservative funds, and let time do its job. Its
always worked in the past... except not now. We're not in Kansas
anymore.
I don't know the answer. but it sure is tough hiding your head in
the sand when when everything starts hitting home.
Bill Mazeika
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2008-12-29
One of them is wrong!
I was listening to the local (only) Christian radio station this
morning as I was riding in the car with my wife. She had radio
control, otherwise I'd probably have the thing set to XM Praise or
something. Anyway, I listened to the interview of the president of
a Presbyterian college who was ecstatic about the current religious
freedom afforded Christians in China... even to the point of the
government building churches for them. Sounded great. But
then about an hour later on the same station was a news story about
praying for some Christians suffering in labor camps in China because of
their faith. Hmmm... what's really going on here?!
Bill Mazeika
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2008-12-28
Newt Gingrich on Government Bureaucracy
This video clip is great! Come on... take 3 minutes to watch:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=15D3ElV1Jzw
Bill Mazeika
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2008-12-27 Confused
I really hit me today while browsing the news channels. You
no longer hear ANYONE say ANYTHING about President elect Obama's past
association with Wright, Ayers, Kaladi, and others. I am a
patriot, and I understand the respect due the office of the President of
the United States. But if it mattered before, why doesn't it
matter anymore? It is more that just forgetting about it... it is
more of selective forgetting. As the case often is with liberals
vs conservatives. Former President Clinton is unscathed by his
past indiscretions, yet decades later there seems to be renewed efforts
to malign Former President Nixon.
Bill Mazeika
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2008-11-08 Depressed
I admit it. I'm depressed. I really thought McCain and Palin
would win at the last minute. As a religious and political
conservative, its been a long time since I was so excited about an
election. Well, the country got what it voted for. Maybe
that is what we need to see real change in 2012.
Bill Mazeika
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2008-09-02
NBC's China Expert???
From: Bill Mazeika
Date: Tuesday, September 02, 2008 7:29 PM
Subject: Olympics - China Expert???
To: 'nbcolympicsfeedback@nbcuni.com'
I've previously written in to complain about the lack of coverage for certain sports during prime time, but this is a different comment.
While I was recently re-watching the Olympic opening ceremonies, I was reminded that your China "Expert"; Joshua Cooper Ramo made a ridiculous statement. It was during the portion of the program where school children were surrounded by 2008 martial arts performers who were practicing TaiChi. At one point they transitioned into wushu (kung fu) movements. While explaining the symbolism of the whole presentation, your expert referred to the "bunch of guys doing karate."
FYI... That may have been considered kind of an insult to the Chinese, since karate is a Japanese (Okinawan) martial art... which wasn't even close to what was being performed.
Warmest Regards,
Bill Mazeika
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2008-08-29 David's
Testimony
Below is an email I received from my brother-in-law who has ALS; David McClain, (my little sister's husband).
He sent it to many friends and relatives. I am posting it here to
update the many who have prayed for him, and with the hope that others
will be touched by his testimony.
Knowing his current condition I would guess it took him the better part of a day to type the message below.
This is the same man I served with in church for many years. Besides the serious stuff, no New Year's eve celebration was complete unless Dave and I took center stage in any number of crazy skits. He is also a black belt in
TaeKwonDo. Our families traveled to many tournaments together bringing home carloads of trophies.
Thank you for praying for David.
Bill Mazeika
+++++++++++++++++++++
From: David McClain [mailto:texupnorth@msn.com]
Sent: Friday, August 29, 2008 4:09 PM
Subject: FW: Health Update
Greetings to each of you whom I love dearly. Many of you have e-mailed me and I apologize for not getting back to you. Due to my condition, it takes me a while to type. Many of you I have known from the "Good Ole" Rockwall days, many from work, many from my 23 year visit to Connecticut, some I am related to and some of you I have just met. I thank you so much for your encouraging e-mails and prayers, I cannot begin to tell you how I have been strengthened by them. There are many more that I wanted to send this to, but, regretfully I didn't have there e-mail address. I want to give you each an update on my physical condition then share a little something from my heart. I want to share this now with you because I don't know how much longer I have, I may have days, I may have weeks, or, God may bless me with yet another year.
I am still hanging on by a nail which God has not yet trimmed. As most of you know, I was diagnosed with Lyme disease back in 2001, then ALS (Lou Gehrigs disease) in 2003. The average life span for ALS is 1 to 3 years. I have been fortunate enough to beat the average. However, recently the disease has become very aggressive. ALS affects the neurons in the brain, as they die off, one looses communication with all muscular function. The muscles literally "waste" away. Strangely enough, ALS does not affect my mind, vision or hearing. Currently, I have no movement of my tongue, I cannot speak, eat or drink, I am fed through a feeding tube that has been implanted in my stomach. My weight is 117 pounds. My jaw occasionally will "lock up" and twice I almost bit the tip of my tongue off. While sitting up, I drool uncontrollably and usually bite on a rag to absorb the saliva. I have lost most of the movement in my right arm and right hand. My left arm still has movement and 3 of my 4 left hand fingers have "curled" under my palm and only my pointing finger works, which however, is the one I use for typing. I can no longer walk but I am able to stand with the help and support of my wife. The toes on my right foot have "curled" as well, while my left foot toes remain straight. The muscles in my arms, hands, legs and feet have wasted to a point that the bones and tendons are starting to protrude out. My muscles "twitch" constantly throughout my whole body. Back in November I had a Tracheostomy and was put on a ventilator to help assist my breathing. I lay in bed on the vent for 22 of the 24 hours each day. My breathing has become labored and several times a day I have to have the secretions sucked out of my lungs by a special machine. I am slowly becoming a prisoner within my own body. Little things we take for granted such as an itch on the foot or a mosquito landing on an arm becomes a real nightmare for me. Ultimately, I will die of suffocation due to my diaphragm muscles failing or I will die of pneumonia. I tell you the graphic details to help you understand the disease of ALS and to realize just how "feeble" these bodies of ours really are. I DO NOT tell you this for you to feel sorry for me, please don't!! ALS can take away many things but it cannot and will not touch my attitude and spirit!!!
Now comes the good part! As I now start the journey through the "shadow of death", fear is not an option! My Savior and King, Jesus Christ, has carried me thus far and will continue to carry me until I am home. The weaker I become physically, the stronger I become spiritually because this "raggedy" old corruptible body will soon be incorruptible, this mortal will put on immortality, then, "death shall be swallowed up in victory"! (1 Cor.15:54) How awesome is that!! In a world full of hatred, sadness and
dispare, we have a blessed hope in Christ that Heaven is real. Imagine a place where there will be no more tears, no more sorrow, no more crying, no pain, no death and no more mosquito's!! A place where we will know as we are known. A place where we will forever fellowship with friends and family who have gone before us. Heaven is a place where evil cannot exist, no more deception or sin. The lion will lay with the lamb, the armadillo with the earthworm. But, above all and most important, Heaven is the place where Jesus Christ, the very one who took upon Himself our sins and died in our place so we can forever live and worship Him, reigns as King. We will live in His radiant Glory forever! The lyrics of a song written by Keith Green go something like this, "In 6 days God created the whole earth but He's been working on heaven 2000 years". In Revelation chapter 21, we get a glimpse of the holy city, New Jerusalem, made of pure gold and the finest of precious stones. There are 12 gates of the city each made of a single pearl (that's proof that these pearls came from Texas!). Then, after a few events yet to take place on this earth, we will see a "new" heaven and "new" earth restored to perfection, just how it was before Satan screwed everything up. Point being, for those of us who have accepted Christ as Savior, the best is yet to come!
Though the end of my journey will bring victory, the path still has it's shares of "bumps". The toughest part has been preparing my wife and kids. Please pray for them, Josh(22 yrs), Ben(19 yrs), Kathleen(17 yrs) and my wife
Donna (never mind!). It brings me great comfort knowing that each of them have given there heart's to the Lord and that we will someday be reunited again. In Christ, there are no "Good Bye's"!! Looking back, I think of the things I would do or try to achieve that would bring happiness to my life. Happiness is based on circumstance. I remember listening to an interview with Tom Brady
(QB of the New England Patriots) after winning his 3rd Superbowl ring, that he still felt "empty", like, something was missing, there must be more. True happiness, joy and fullfilment doesn't come from "things" on the outside, but, from Him on the inside. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and it's that strength that has carried me through. Now, my friend, I beg of you a favor, please look into your own heart and know that you know that you know that you are saved! Many know of Christ and think that's good enough to get them to heaven, not so, you must know Him personally as Lord and Savior. If you do know Him, live for Him, love Him and let your life be a reflection of His love. If you don't know Him, simply repent of your sins to the Lord, ask Him to forgive you and invite Him into your heart. If you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved! (Romans 10:9) When that day comes for your journey to end, I will be waiting and I will rejoice with you when our Savior opens His arms and says to you "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter in!"
I will close leaving you with this challenge, regardless of how high the mountains seem before you or how deep the valleys may appear, whatever the heavy weights are that drag you down or the worries that cloud your mind, know that God loves you and knows exactly what you are facing. Give it over to Him!!! As for me, be not upset but rejoice with me, death just starts life for eternity! See you on the other side!
Tex
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2008-08-25
NBC's Olympic TV Coverage
From: Bill Mazeika
Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:39:10 +0000
Subject: Olympic News Flash
To: nbcolympicsfeedback@nbcuni.com
You obviously did not know this but there are a number of sporting events that are actually part of the summer Olympics including:
boxing, equestrian, fencing, judo, Taekwondo, weightlifting, wrestling, and more!!!
You may say TV coverage was given to these second rate sports but I don't count 3:30am on MSNBC!
OK, they are not this year's most popular events, and don't have any darling standout heroes, but how about this? in 30 minutes or less
during EACH NIGHT OF PRIME TIME ON THE MAIN NBC STATION, you could have given a summary of all of the ignored sports. I think people
would have been interested in such coverage even if USA did not medal in them.
Giving "online" coverage does not fulfill you obligation for balanced coverage.
I'm sure the athletes in those sports and their families would feel the same way.
In all fairness, in 18 months I do not want to see 4 hours of curling, but in the past, time spent covering that event was
monumental compared to the ignored events of the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Warmest Regards,
Bill Mazeika
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
