Alan's Angle

 

 Being that we are still a few days away from the Summer Solstice, that would explain the spring like weather we are experiencing in the Sammamish Valley. With the days being longer, Hissoner Rick P. didn't want his reign to end and thus, went overtime to complete his last item of 'legislation'. Gordy G. started us off with our flag salute and Greg R. praised Hissoner in our invocation. Principal Vickie 'tried' to lead our group in a rousing rendition of Row Your Boat, with not much success. She explained the reason for the song selection was the Woodinville High's Class of '08 gift to her. A 19' boat, neatly filled with sacks and sacks of Woodinville soil, "planted" in the courtyard of Woodinville High School one school morning a few days ago. The boat was moved with Principal Vickie "mushing" her charges. The membership is still waiting to see the pictures.  Snappy reported Norm Noble of Sun Lakes, AZ and Walter Hughes visiting us, as well as a stolen ball point pen (Linda H. claimed the pen).

Laura reported that she is nearing the end of her schooling at Woodinville High with an assembly and a few trips planned for the future.

 

Hissoner stepped to the podium to introduce our guest speaker for this morning. George Ray, host of KCTS 9 Chefs, spoke on behalf of Public Television and KCTS in particular. Mr. Ray hails from Janesville, WI and is a University of Wisconsin grad (this writer applauded the fellow Big Tenner, but being that I am Purdue Boilermaker, it was not easy). Mr. Ray started in television in 1954 and did some comparison of what commercial television was like then vs. now ( Fireside Theatre being replaced by Wife Swapping now). Mr. Ray spoke proudly of the programming that dominates his public station; Masterpiece Theatre, Nova, Frontline, The NewsHour, and of course KCTS 9 Chefs, just to name a few. He spoke passionately about the need for public television and the asset that it is to a free society. On commercial television, a viewer is subjected to approximately 46,000 commercials per year, with one over riding objective; you need to buy this item. On public television, 57 1/2 minutes of each hour are dedicated to programming content. On commercial television 42 minutes of each hour has programming content (and most times, not very good content). Mr. Ray went on to explain the funding mechanism through the Federal Government and looks forward to the day when public television not longer needs the government to fund programming. One example was when a producer and film crew traveled to Iraq to film a Day in Iraq of an infantry platoon. During that filming, the platoon engaged the enemy in battle and a true "reality television' episode was filmed. The "powers that be" in the government did not like the fact that soldiers use "salty" language while engaged in the 'heat of battle' and threatened "punishment" if the episode was aired. The episode was aired and public television funding was eliminated in the next federal budget. Saner minds prevailed and funding was restored before a final budget was approved.

 

On February 17, 2009, a seminal event will occur in the television industry. Broadcasting will be converted from analog to digital. In layman's terms, there will be no more 'over-the-air' broadcasting. If you subscribe to cable television currently, you will not need to do anything. However, if you do not, you will need to do one of three things: purchase a converter box, purchase a digital television, or stop watching television. With this conversion, Mr. Ray is predicting lots of changes over the next five years (i.e. being able to watch live television on your cell phone).

 

Mr. Ray, my family has been a member of public television for approximately 15 years (WFYI in Indiana and now KCTS here). Unfortunately for my teen-age daughters, the 'magnetic' draw of commercial television is almost too much to resist, but I still insist that some programming be recorded and watched (my personal favorite is Frontline). After the initial grumbling, the program usually produces some lively discussion and questions. At the very least, it engages my family in conversation and with teen-agers that is never an easy thing to do. Mr. Ray, thank you for your dedication to continuing to broadcast quality programming.

Food for Thought - Prez thanx George Ray with pounds of food to Rotary First Harvest

 

A few announcements: Larry D. announced that two of three hosts families have been found for our next exchange student. Wine Notes @ Marymoor Park the last weekend of July. Many volunteers will be needed. Jay F. gave us brief lesson on how to fill out the procurement form for our (quickly approaching) fund raising event. Hissoner thanked the entire ensemble for all of their work in making the weekly meetings happen.

 

As Rick P. banged the bell for the last time, this writer would like to thank Hissoner for a wonderful year. I am sure he looking forward to his tenure as Past President.

 

As usual, thanks for 'listening'.