Well...
Changes are happening at my TV station. The Newsflash has not been issued so I do not yet know what is afoot. I will report back when I do. As always, stay tuned...
Monday, May 5, 2014
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Greetings & Salutations!
It's been a while. I am working on my next trip to Michigan (Grosse Pointe Farms, to be exact) for more tapings for my WMTV network show, 'In a Heartbeat.' I used to say my 'cable TV' show but now, hey, it's all cable!
Several years ago, six, to be exact, I changed a regular, every day occurrence in my life just to see how it would affect me & what I would make of it: I got rid of my car. At that time I lived exactly half a mile from the hospital, where I was a critical care nurse &, going in the opposite direction, half a mile to my TV studio. I was the dot in the middle of a straight line from one to the other.
I turned in my SUV in mid-October with the clear intent of using my bike as my only wheels. Four, reduced to two. Oh, & two feet! As it turned out, I loved learning to rely on my bike for the usual travel needs. Obviously, I used a car when making trips via highways, great distances (get real), etc, but I kept that to a minimum. From where I lived I could peddle or walk to suit most of my daily needs. There is much more to that story but it is not my story for today.
I needed & wanted a new challenge then; now it is time for another: Lose conventional TV access. Yesterday I called my cable company to cease access for TV & phone. I did maintain the internet modem (I am not an idiot - I do need the internet & of course I have a cell phone). This company has the monopoly for our building (NYC - UWS) & I object to the monopoly in principle, also to ever-increasing rates at their whim. Besides, the quality of the programming is increasingly inversely proportional to the pricing; one goes down while the other... well, you get it.
So I am done. My laptop, ipad & iphone will provide whatever I need - minus obnoxious (for the most part) commercials & other intrusions. Yea! I will evaluate the process in an upcoming interview, taping in late May (airdate in that area via a different cable company TBD). Hold on - it will be streamed! Stay tuned...
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Mini Metal Maker!
New creation by my nephew, David Hartkop. Check it out online via minimetalmaker via the IndieGogo site. Dave & Mike (bro) are also creators, owners & roastmasters of Solar Roast Coffee (www.solarroast.com); they are located in sunny Pueblo, CO.
I can't wait to create courtesy of the MMM. What about you?
~~~
Back in New York, I am a member of NYAS.org (look it up); it is easy to jump on the train from the UWS down to the World Trade Center for its lectures. The latest series has focused on... DEATH. What is death? What is a 'good' death? When is death? When should we interrupt death, or let it occur 'naturally'? Check out these two items: Palliative Care Info Act & the Dead Donor Rule. No, they don't provide the answers; they are related & worthwhile to know.
When is the physician's decree of 'Do No Harm' insulted by continuing aggressive intervention in the face of zero recovery potential? I am not answering that one, but interesting, yes? The various lectures with the experts from this series (hosted by NPR's Steve Paulson) are available at NYAS.org. Do yourself a favor - become enlightened.
Those are your two assignments: MiniMetalMaker & NYAS.org.
Enjoy!
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Back in Manhattan. Busy trip. Nine interviews 'in the can'. Yea!
I began planning the trip with the thought of capturing four - six interviews. But as sometimes happens, a discussion with a guest clearly indicates the need for more time to talk. By the time we called it a wrap after a few days in the WMTV studios, nine was the final show count.
I interviewed Dr. Stan Lee, a Consultant Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, twice. The first covered the basics of his studies & his evolution into orthopedic & spine surgery. The second piece included facets of Lucent Spine, his company based on his passion for education & informed decision-making. Delve into his website: www.lucentspine.com. You cannot imagine the wealth of information, the links available, the value of this website. Check it out. Thank you, Dr. Lee! This is also the value of LinkedIn, our connection.
Dr. Ali Shakir, whom I interviewed in my very first season of In a Heartbeat, was kind enough to return for an update. & what an update it was! Dr. Shakir is an EP - Electro-Physiologist. He is the cardiologist whose specialty is dealing with the electrical conduction of the heart; pacemakers, cardioversion, ablation are all 'tools of the trade' for him. Here was another pre-interview phone discussion clearly making a 'Part Two' mandatory. Our second interview focused on the skill & the value of listening. After he completed a Master's in Academic Medicine, he said he has looked at medicine in a new light. His passion has always been teaching: patients, students, residents, fellows, etc. Watch the interviews & learn about another passion: Listening. Listen well. Dr. Ali Shakir's website: www.cvi-m.com. Thank you, Dr. Shakir!
Dr. Quresh Khairullah made a return visit (most oft-interviewed physician? I think yes & for good reason!) to talk about research: what's new whether it is bench, clinical or pharmaceutical research & how they interweave to our benefit. We then added Tamika Thompson-Sloan, DDS, a peritoneal dialysis patient of his to our discussion per the updates in home PD. Dr. Thompson-Sloan is a periodontist whose successful home treatment allows her to stay ahead of her hectic full-time professional schedule. She is inspiring. Thank you Dr. Thompson-Sloan! Dr. Khairullah's website: www.scsp.net. Thanks Dr. K!
From our own studio I interviewed Lauren Parrott to see what is new in her life. Besides having her own show, Things To Do at The War Memorial, on WMTV, she continues with her treatment for MS as well as her travels & educational talks about MS. She is now writing a book; stay tuned for more information as it becomes available. She is a wonder & always a delight!
Jeremy DuLac is our valued WMTV studio editor. Did you know he is also a musician?
Besides his impact on every show taped & aired from the WMTV studios, his creative powers flow into music. Watch the show for a highlight from 'The Hand in the Ocean', his group. Wow! We also spent time discussing trends in music technology. It cracked me up to hear old-fashioned words like 'LP' & 'record player' coming from this young editor's mouth. Now see, if you (meaning Baby Boomers) hold onto anything long enough, it is bound to make a comeback! Along the way we chatted about my website, www.LizAiken.TV, making its appearance right after Labor Day. It's coming!
I was hyper-pleased to welcome Steve Geresy, head of the department of TV Production for Grosse Pointe South High School, onto my set. We worked together a decade ago on his set when we created, taped & aired, via cable TV20 (known at the time), Lizard's Lounge, a totally demented cooking show. Man, that show was fun; I did actually make stuff, edible stuff (& ask me about my 8ft tall velcro Christmas tree, now taller & in my apartment here in Manhattan, no joke). I had a pieced-together kitchen set which fit the elements of a demented show perfectly, plus a fantastic crew, made up of his students. I loved that show. I loved working with high school students, the most fascinating age group, still, to me. Back in my studio, we covered what is new in TV technology. But wait - there's more!
Obtaining & maintaining keepsake photos & memories remind us of who we were & where we are going. Steve & I delved into this important personal-history creation. Check out his website, www.skgdigitaldesigns.com. Then we launched ourselves into the future... the future of television. Computer vs TV, which has a stronger future? We spoke about the technologies advancing to create television viewing to our advantage, not the networks'. An interesting aside to this is TED.com's Peter Hirshberg piece.
Last but definitely not least, our In a Heartbeat crew sat down to talk about our own television history in the making. What started out as a dream show in my head (years ago, before there were any medical shows on TV, I might add), & launched, finally, in 2008, our show is heading into its FIFTH SEASON on WMTV! I am beholden to my co-producers, co-hosts, cohorts (& good friends) Joan Patrick Morris & Dr. David Balle for joining me in bringing you the experts in medicine, science & technology. Of course, my huge thanks always to Kermit Potter, the chief of our station for understanding my vision & giving me the 'go-ahead'. Our TV team blew through 28 minutes giving you a preview of our upcoming season. All I can say is 'Stay Tuned!' AND, thank you all for being part of In a Heartbeat!
I began planning the trip with the thought of capturing four - six interviews. But as sometimes happens, a discussion with a guest clearly indicates the need for more time to talk. By the time we called it a wrap after a few days in the WMTV studios, nine was the final show count.
I interviewed Dr. Stan Lee, a Consultant Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, twice. The first covered the basics of his studies & his evolution into orthopedic & spine surgery. The second piece included facets of Lucent Spine, his company based on his passion for education & informed decision-making. Delve into his website: www.lucentspine.com. You cannot imagine the wealth of information, the links available, the value of this website. Check it out. Thank you, Dr. Lee! This is also the value of LinkedIn, our connection.
Dr. Ali Shakir, whom I interviewed in my very first season of In a Heartbeat, was kind enough to return for an update. & what an update it was! Dr. Shakir is an EP - Electro-Physiologist. He is the cardiologist whose specialty is dealing with the electrical conduction of the heart; pacemakers, cardioversion, ablation are all 'tools of the trade' for him. Here was another pre-interview phone discussion clearly making a 'Part Two' mandatory. Our second interview focused on the skill & the value of listening. After he completed a Master's in Academic Medicine, he said he has looked at medicine in a new light. His passion has always been teaching: patients, students, residents, fellows, etc. Watch the interviews & learn about another passion: Listening. Listen well. Dr. Ali Shakir's website: www.cvi-m.com. Thank you, Dr. Shakir!
Dr. Quresh Khairullah made a return visit (most oft-interviewed physician? I think yes & for good reason!) to talk about research: what's new whether it is bench, clinical or pharmaceutical research & how they interweave to our benefit. We then added Tamika Thompson-Sloan, DDS, a peritoneal dialysis patient of his to our discussion per the updates in home PD. Dr. Thompson-Sloan is a periodontist whose successful home treatment allows her to stay ahead of her hectic full-time professional schedule. She is inspiring. Thank you Dr. Thompson-Sloan! Dr. Khairullah's website: www.scsp.net. Thanks Dr. K!
From our own studio I interviewed Lauren Parrott to see what is new in her life. Besides having her own show, Things To Do at The War Memorial, on WMTV, she continues with her treatment for MS as well as her travels & educational talks about MS. She is now writing a book; stay tuned for more information as it becomes available. She is a wonder & always a delight!
Jeremy DuLac is our valued WMTV studio editor. Did you know he is also a musician?
Besides his impact on every show taped & aired from the WMTV studios, his creative powers flow into music. Watch the show for a highlight from 'The Hand in the Ocean', his group. Wow! We also spent time discussing trends in music technology. It cracked me up to hear old-fashioned words like 'LP' & 'record player' coming from this young editor's mouth. Now see, if you (meaning Baby Boomers) hold onto anything long enough, it is bound to make a comeback! Along the way we chatted about my website, www.LizAiken.TV, making its appearance right after Labor Day. It's coming!
I was hyper-pleased to welcome Steve Geresy, head of the department of TV Production for Grosse Pointe South High School, onto my set. We worked together a decade ago on his set when we created, taped & aired, via cable TV20 (known at the time), Lizard's Lounge, a totally demented cooking show. Man, that show was fun; I did actually make stuff, edible stuff (& ask me about my 8ft tall velcro Christmas tree, now taller & in my apartment here in Manhattan, no joke). I had a pieced-together kitchen set which fit the elements of a demented show perfectly, plus a fantastic crew, made up of his students. I loved that show. I loved working with high school students, the most fascinating age group, still, to me. Back in my studio, we covered what is new in TV technology. But wait - there's more!
Obtaining & maintaining keepsake photos & memories remind us of who we were & where we are going. Steve & I delved into this important personal-history creation. Check out his website, www.skgdigitaldesigns.com. Then we launched ourselves into the future... the future of television. Computer vs TV, which has a stronger future? We spoke about the technologies advancing to create television viewing to our advantage, not the networks'. An interesting aside to this is TED.com's Peter Hirshberg piece.
Last but definitely not least, our In a Heartbeat crew sat down to talk about our own television history in the making. What started out as a dream show in my head (years ago, before there were any medical shows on TV, I might add), & launched, finally, in 2008, our show is heading into its FIFTH SEASON on WMTV! I am beholden to my co-producers, co-hosts, cohorts (& good friends) Joan Patrick Morris & Dr. David Balle for joining me in bringing you the experts in medicine, science & technology. Of course, my huge thanks always to Kermit Potter, the chief of our station for understanding my vision & giving me the 'go-ahead'. Our TV team blew through 28 minutes giving you a preview of our upcoming season. All I can say is 'Stay Tuned!' AND, thank you all for being part of In a Heartbeat!
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Short blog today, no picture. Getting ready for my jaunt to MI, lots to do while I am there. Eight TV interviews to accomplish, a website to launch, 3 birthdays to enjoy & some serious laughing with my family & friends. Oh, did I mention there would be a lot of knitting tucked in here & there, mostly while riding in a golf cart? Uh huh. Then back to the city (Manhattan) & reality. Like Dorothy, "There's no place like home."
Here is my list of interview topics: to start, celebrating our 5th season on In a Heartbeat.
Then cardiac arrhythmias & treatment, kidney disease & treatment, spinal diagnoses & treatment, MS - what's new, website creation & TV studio techology.
Interesting aside to this is the fascinating recent interview on local Manhatan television from the 92Y. Rick Stengel interviewed Walter Isaacson regarding his recent book about Steve Jobs. First of all, anything Isaacson writes is worth reading, any interview he gives is worth watching. He has some succinct & humorous comments about the medieval state of television technology today. You know I will be bringing that up in an interview very soon.
Looking forward to it all.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Come to think of it...
I found this card years ago. Look similar to the canvas? This one was designed by Rebecca Pavlenko & accompanied by a wonderful quote from Rainer Maria Rilke,
"And now let us welcome the New Year, full of things that have never been."
Maybe it's the bridge, maybe it's the snow coming down. Who knows, I know I love this card. Just like I love the needlepoint canvas (by the way, designer unknown, sorry).
The other cool thing about this card was that it was meant to arrive after Christmas, avoiding that whole holi-daze thing. Nice. Worked for me that year!
On my way to the City...
On DL 1698, returning to Manhattan, I had the immense good fortune to sit next to a charming & beautiful 84 yo woman who was flying in to visit her kids, et al. We spoke about many things. Then she pulled out a needlepoint canvas (handy work to do in a limited space). As we continued chatting I noticed the excellent tension in her stitches. Now I have a trip into MI & my TV studio coming up relatively soon which will include, per usual, a side-bar visit to the coolest yarn store in Grosse Pointe (& beyond): The Wool & The Floss, on Fisher Rd.
I bought this canvas there a few years while attending my weekly evening knitting class. There was a needlepoint canvas trunk show with handpainted canvasses pinned up on the board directly across from where I was sitting. The canvas looked perfect to me: serene blues AND snow! Haha! I left that night with it, obviously. Yes, I did paid for it!
I have been hanging on to the untouched canvas having never picked up the appropriate yarns; besides I really wanted the yarns to come from this same shop. After watching the woman working on her canvas with such skill, I realized that my own skill level was probably less than remedial after a twenty+ year absence of needlepointing. The canvas & yarns deserve better than this! So...
This morning I spoke with the shop owner, Jean, & now have a private lesson booked (with said canvas) to begin needlepointing again, PROPERLY. Can't wait!
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