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Saturday, June 30, 2007

"Prelude to Revolution" live talkcast on talkshoe.com

"But what do we mean by the American Revolution? Do we mean the American war? The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people ."

- John Adams

Join Us! In celebration of Independence day, we request your presence to hear a recording session that will be "talkcast" live on talkshoe.com

Historical perspectives on Independence day - Live readings

Title: EPISODE1 - Prelude to 1776 - 2007
Time: 07/01/07 07:45 PM EDT
Talkcast ID: 13936

Click here to join in and hear!

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Groceries?...from Amazon.com?

Did you know that Amazon.com sold groceries? Neither did I until I got a note from them earlier today. Back in the heyday of the Internet Bubble, we used HomeGrocer.com a few times. We liked it quite a bit, even though we couldn't get everything through them. Still, it was very convenient to use after we had been away on a trip and wanted some groceries waiting for our return.


Sunday, June 24, 2007

Where am I on the net? - Find me in all these places!



Friday, June 22, 2007

Building - PaD 6/19/07


Building - PaD 6/19/07
Originally uploaded by dewelch
Summer vacation begins and the toys come out.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Video: How to Write Better Songs with John Braheny

I just heard about this video of my good friend, John Braheny, author of The Craft and Business of Songwriting. He sits down with Michal Laskow of Taxi.com and gives some great advice on songwriting.



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Monday, June 18, 2007

Event: Reptile Family at the Sylmar Branch Library - Jun 18, 2007 4:00-4:40p.m

Reptile Family at the Sylmar Branch Library - Jun 18, 2007 4:00-4:40p.m. @ 14561 Polk St. Sylmar, CA 91342

Join us at the Sylmar Branch Library to kick off the Children's Summer Reading Club! Come see Reptiles, amphibians, and spiders, live in your library Monday June 18, 2007 from 4:00-4:40p.m.

(Via Valley News valleynews.com Events.)

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Friday, June 15, 2007

What I'm Reading...



See more books in the WelchWrite Bookstore!

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Morning Glory - PaD 6/14/07


Morning Glory - PaD 6/14/07
Originally uploaded by dewelch
A lovely morning glory from our morning walk.

Monday, June 11, 2007

Douglas Interviewed Again - SOHO Tech Podcast with Dean Jensen

SOHO Tech Podcast LogoThe final parts of my interview with Dean Jensen on computer consultanting and the life of a consultant are now available over on The SOHO Tech Podcast.

SOHO Tech Podcast 015 - Two Guests

(Via SOHO Technology Podcast.)


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Saturday, June 09, 2007

Douglas E. Welch Events, Speaking and Appearances Calendar

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Event: BarCampLA Geek Dinner - June 19 @ 8pm

BarCampLA LogoJoin us for our monthly event. Come and meet the geeks. Talk business, tech, fun, whatever.

I think this is one of the best groups I have been involved with in a long time.

Visit the BarCampLA Wiki to RSVP and get more information.

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Thursday, June 07, 2007

Event: Second Chance Season @ the LA Film Festival

Our good friend, Dan Forer, is announcing the inclusion of his documentary film, Second Change Season in this year's LA Film Festival.

Tickets are available starting 10 am tomorrow (Friday) for the June 22 and July 1 screenings.

On the web: LAFilmFest.com -- Phone Orders: 866-345-6337



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Wednesday, June 06, 2007

What I'm Reading...

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

A Red, Red, Rose - PaD 6/5/07


A Red, Red, Rose - PaD 6/5/07
Originally uploaded by dewelch
I came across this rose in the garden today and it was quite surprising. None of the other roses are blooming, as they are still resting from their initial bloom a month or so ago.

Podcasting for Writers at UCLA Extension

Today the UCLA Extension calendar for Summer 2007 was released to the public. Among the offerings is our new class, Podcasting for Writers -- a 10-week online course.

If you, or someone you know, would like to join us for this class, here is the complete information.

Rosanne and I are really looking forward to the class.



NEW COURSE
Podcasting for Writers (Online)
X 430.27 Film & Television 3 units $525

Podcasting has given writers direct access to a worldwide audience and freed them from absolute dependency on television networks, radio stations, and publishers to buy and market their work. To the audience, podcasting is "what you want, where you want it, when you want it," while to the podcast creator and producer, it is the ultimate creative freedom. This course covers the current state of this new medium; the basics of writing for it; and strategies for publicizing your podcast and expanding your readers, viewers, and listeners. Guest speakers available via audio and video podcast interviews, live interactive podcasts, and video conferences introduce you to the variety of ways you can use the medium. The course goal is to develop your own podcast based on individual professional or personal needs, interests, and goals. For technical requirements click here. Enrollment limited to 18 students. Additional technical requirements: Students need a recording device with microphone that is compatible with their computer; built-in microphones on laptops are acceptable. Students must have Apple iTunes software and access to audio recording software, such as Audacity or Apple GarageBand, to perform course exercises. High-speed Internet connection is required.

Course Open Reg# T3254U

No Textbook Required

Online Course
July 5 - September 6
$55 nonrefundable.

Rosanne Welch, writer/producer; WGA member whose credits include five seasons as staff writer, executive story editor, and producer on the CBS series Touched by an Angel. Ms. Welch also has written for Fox Broadcasting's Beverly Hills, 90210; Picket Fences for CBS and David E. Kelly Productions; and is the author of The Encyclopedia of Women in Aviation and Space.

Douglas E. Welch, writer and computer consultant, whose work has been published in Wired, MacWorld, and Los Angeles Times. Mr. Welch is a member of Friends in Tech, and produced his first show, Career Opportunities, in 2004. He has written and produced over 300 individual episodes and conducts podcasting seminars for schools and businesses.

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Monday, June 04, 2007

Event: Graffiti Workshop to keep Sherman Oaks Clean

Zach Behrens over at "In the oaks..." points out this local event for those who are interested in cleaning up graffiti in their area.

Graffiti Workshop to keep Sherman Oaks Clean In lieu of our usual Public Safety Committee meeting, we are teaming up with Councilwoman Wendy Greue'ls office for the "Adopt-a-Wall/Anti-Graffiti Activist Training Session."

Wednesday, June 6 2007 @ 6:30 p.m.

VIVA Gallery
13261 Moorpark St.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(Intersection of Moorpark & Fulton)
Parking found on Moorpark and side streets

Food will be served.

This training session will provide you with the tips and tools on identifying (tagger vs gang) and eradicating graffiti in your neighborhood. Joining us will be the LAPD Tagger Task Force, New Directions for Youth, Office of Community Beautification and members from Councilwoman Greuel's staff.

Let's make Sherman Oaks Graffiti Clean!

(Via In the Oaks... (Sherman Oaks).)


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Slim Gauge Guild Model Railroad Club - PaD 6/3/07

See the post immediately below this one for the full story on this trip.

Slim Gauge Guild Model Railroad Club Slim Gauge Guild Model Railroad Club

A Trip to the Slim Gauge Guild Model Railroad Club

Slim Gauge Guild LogoOn Sunday, the family packed up and headed out on an excursion to the Slim Gauge Guild Model Railroad Club in Pasadena. The members have a huge layout (around 2500 sq ft) in the basement of a building across the street from Central Park and walking distance to Old Town Pasadena.

As we have done in the past, we made it an excursion day by taking public transit there and back. Waling to the Orange Line station near our house here in Van Nuys, we bought a Day Pass (currently $3, rising to $5 on July 1) and boarded our bus to North Hollywood. There we changed to the Metro Red Line which took us to Union Station. It is interesting that Union Station feels almost as bustling as it might have been in its heyday. There were people headed in every direction...to Amtrak, to Metrolink, to the subways. I found it a very encouraging site.



Downloadable Version of Video


From Union Station we switched to the Gold Line which heads north from downtown, through Chinatown, Highland Park, South Pasadena and continues all the way to Sierra Madre. The Gold Line is a pleasure to ride, as its above-ground tracks offer some wonderful views of the city along the way. With about 15 minutes, we had arrived at the Del Mar Station in Pasadena. The Slim Gauge Guild has it headquarters directly across the street.

As we usually do, we headed down to see the trains immediately. There weren't many other non-members there, but it gave us a chance to shoot some video unimpeded and chat with the members. They are a great group of guys and I found myself talking about Make Magazine and the Maker Faire with one of them. It always amazes me how hobbies can easily cross generational boundaries.

In typical fashion, after an hour or so, we headed upstairs to the Crown City Brewery restaurant. It is convenient, but also has excellent food and a huge selection of beers to sample. I tried out the Anchor Porter. Dark, sweet and a perfect match for my burger. After lunch, it was back down to the trains for another hour or so.

Finally, since we had to be back for a piano recital rehearsal, reversing our steps, we boarded the train home, and arrived back in Van Nuys about 1hour and 15 minutes later.

You can check out the Slim Gauge Guild during their next Open House in November. I highly recommend it, especially if you use the trains to go see the trains! (SMILE)

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Saturday, June 02, 2007

Garden Still Life - PaD 6/2/07


Garden Still Life - PaD 6/2/07
Originally uploaded by dewelch
Garden work day today. You can read about the day, and see more pictures, on A Gardener's Notebook.

Traffic Change on Sepulveda Blvd Southbound at the 405 in Sherman Oaks

Heading over the hill to a client on Thursday, I noticed a new change in the traffic pattern on Sepulveda Blvd Southbound, as you leave Ventura Blvd. Starting at Sutton Street, the left hand lane is now an exclusive Left Turn Only lane leading to the SB 405 on-ramp.

Sepulveda Blvd lane change

Click for an interactive map


While I have complained about some traffic changes in the past, I think this one is an improvement. Before the change, the left hand turn lane at the on-ramp was stubby -- barely holding 3-4 cars. This often caused cars waiting to enter the freeway to back up into the left hand through lane. While it will be confusing for some drivers for a while, it is clearly marked and prevents this backup from occurring. I think this change is related to the major 405-101 project which is completing some aspects of its construction.

* Previous mentions of Sherman Oaks


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Friday, June 01, 2007

Watching: A Series of Unfortunate Events

Chilling on this fine Friday night, the family and I pulled out a DVD of A Series of Unfortunate Events that friends had given us a while ago. I remember that the reviews weren't terribly good, but I figured it was worth spending a few minutes checking it out. We haven't read any of the books, although on the basis of the movie I might do just that, so we were coming into the movie without too many preconceptions.

Neither my wife or I is a big Jim Carrey fan, he can get a bit wearing if there is too much of his typical schtick, but overall the movie was quite entertaining. It's seems a bit of a pity that this movie didn't create a franchise for the films, as I would probably have seen the next one in the series.

My silliest comment is that it had some of the neatest title sequences I have seen in a long time. They are these lovely animated mini-movies in a style that seems influenced by Edward Gorey. This is the artist who you most commonly see in the opening of PBS' Mystery series.

If you would like to watch A Series of Unfortunate Events, you can buy it in a number of ways. There is the traditional DVD, of course, the the Amazon Unbox downloadable version or via Apple Lemony Snicket's a Series of Unfortunate Events.

You can always buy the books, of course, or get them from your local library.

Lemony Snicket Books


Download | DVD



or Download from Lemony Snicket's a Series of Unfortunate Events


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