Steel Kaleidoscopes

Jennifer Wilbanks

Just wait until you open your Sunday paper.

The Jennifer Wilbanks story has so many elements of what constitutes a good news story that it's impossible to ignore.

Lots of people know about the stresses and anxieties that come from planning a wedding. There's deception. Intrigue. Potential love gone bad. Twist from a potential hideous crime story to a case of "cold feet." A disappearance. A manhunt. A wedding party of 600, each of whom will feel left at the alter. How will the husband react? His day went from dispair, to facing police interrogation to bewilderment that his bride-to-be just "might not be into him."

Of course the fact that Jennifer Wilbanks is safe is the only thing that matters. But the police resources, emotional trauma of those close to her and the puzzlement of the man she was about to marry make this a big news story. The details will continue to unfold today, tomorrow and perhaps early into the week and the public will read every word.

Catching a bus to Vegas? Seems like a drastic measure. Little did she know this would be big news story. But it is.

One thing's for sure. How many times are the networks going to show her head shot with the wide buggy eyes? She's eerily reminiscent of Laurie Metcalf in "Scream 2."

Lifetime is already working on the script.

Customers

Customers keep us in business. Customers have ideas. Customers are real people, like you and me.

The best way to delight customers is to deliver products and services that make them happy. But it doesn't stop there. Follow-up is everything.

Giving your customers the opportunity to provide feedback makes them feel good and helps you make the changes necessary to continually fine-tune the business.

Customers have good ideas. Some customers are so smart you wish they worked for you. Take advantage of their willingness to tell you what's working and what's not.

And have the courage to implement change if it makes sense.

Following up with customers to show that you've listened completes the circle. If they buy, they have a right to tell you how they feel.

Listen and act.

Umbrellas

Umbrellas have negative connotations.

You need them when it's raining. It's dark and dreary. You slop through puddles and your shoes get grimy and wet.

People who use umbrellas can't see where they're going. Ever been to a golf tournament in the rain? You're lucky you don't get your eye poked out.

The only thing worse than clueless people walking with umbrellas are people walking with umbrellas while talking on their cell phone.

I've seen it. And they have no clue where they're going, who they're bumping into and how much space they're actually using.

It's really quite annoying.

American Idol: 2000 and Beyond

Unfortunately, I missed the show last night (Red Sox tickets will always trump TV). Fortunately, guest blogger Christine fills in this week. In her own words, this is how Idol played out last night, with the odds of winning it all next month:

1. Vonzell Solomon
She may not be delivering the mail in Fort Myers any more, but she is delivering on the stage. Once again she showed her courage and range, taking on Christina Aguilera's "I Turn To You." Although a little pitchy on the low notes, this was the strongest performance of the night.
Odds of winning: 3-1

2. Anthony Federov (bottom 3)
This kid sings his heart out every week. Last night, taking on Celine Dion's "I Surrender," he showed he has what it takes. His overall vocal ability has improved, though he needs to work on his weak openings.
Odds of winning: 12-1

3. Bo Bice (bottom 3)
Again, he came out rockin' with his version of "I Don't Wanna Be." But again, he tried too hard to put on a full stage performance. He needs to concentrate on the vocals. Not his best but enough to earn him third this week.
Odds of winning: 7-1

4. Carrie Underwood
She returned to hard-core country, but this wasn't her best night. Her vocals were forced and often off-key. She was coughing when she was done which indicated she was straining or not feeling well.
Odds of winning: 3-1

5. Constantine Maroulis
This was a very disappointing performance, considering what he can do. His version of Nickelback's "How You Remind Me" was weak and, like Bo, he was too focused on a full stage performance. Last night he sounded like an average bar-band singer.
Odds of winning: 5-1

6. Scott Savol (bye, bye)
Another pitchy performance for Scott. Boring song choice with "Dance With My Father." Time to go.
Odds of winning: 30-1

Forever Afternoon

Tuesday afternoon
I'm just beginning to see, now I'm on my way
It doesn't matter to me, chasing the clouds away.

Something calls to me
The trees are drawing me near, I've got to find out why
Those gentle voices I hear, explain it all with a sigh.

I'm looking at myself, reflections of my mind
It's just the kind of day to leave myself behind
So gently swaying through the fairyland of love
If you'll just come with me you'll see the beauty of
Tuesday afternoon.

- Lyrics by Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues

Waiting for Chloe

So, what will it be, my daughter?

We're anxiously waiting to see your face, to see your smile, to see your likes and dislikes. There's so much we can do, but we have no idea what will please you.

Can I take you to Fenway, to watch the Red Sox? Or would you rather go to Bed Bath & Beyond with mommy, to pick out towels and a new shower curtain?

We know you like Italian food, so we'll make sure to get to the North End when we're comfortable with you. Would you be OK to stand in line at Mike's Pastry so mommy and daddy can have a snack, or will you be cranky?

We'll walk through the Public Garden, hang out at Ogunquit Beach and we'll even get down to Naples for Christmas. But will you know what's going on? Will you remember any of this?

We can't wait to meet you, to introduce you to our quirky lives. You see, we're excited you'll be joining us soon, but we don't know how you'll react to our surroundings. We think we're ready for you, but we're not quite sure. We already know your standards are high.

Chloe, we've never done this before. We hope you have some patience. We promise to be patient with you.

We can't wait to place your bassinet in the screen room, enjoying late summer afternoons. We have a pretty neat back yard. Our neighbors are nice. We have good friends, too. You'll meet them soon.

We have lots of music at our house. We already know you like Jethro Tull and Kansas, but what else will get your precious little arms and legs moving?

Chloe, take your time. We want you to be ready. Mommy and I have never been this excited. We can't wait to meet you. We promise to be great parents.

We think you'll like it here.

Paris Flower

Courtesy of Dr. Scott Lankford, who has some wonderful photo galleries from the City of Light.

Quote of the Day

"Never minimize your ability to think your way through any situation."

— Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

Earth Day

Today is Earth Day.

Run your hands through the soil. Pick a flower. Turn your face toward the sun.

Stop, for a moment, and take a few deep breaths.

America is indeed the Beautiful.

Uriah Heep

Some of the world's best music sits unplayed on vinyl, the relic medium that once captured our attention through tinny oversized speakers.

One of those neglected bands is Uriah Heep, whose unique sound left a deep imprint on the '70s rock genre. Their 1970 self-titled debut was released as "Very 'Eavy ... Very 'Umble" in England and featured superb tracks like "Gypsy" and "Real Turned On."

Lead singer David Byron and guitarist Mick Box would go on to front a band that released nine studio albums in its first seven years. In 1972 Uriah Heep was one of the kings of rock, releasing "Demons and Wizards" and "The Magician's Birthday," arguably their two best albums. "Easy Livin'," a cut from the former, was perhaps their best-known song with the benefit of heavy radio airplay in the summer of '72.

John Lawton took over lead vocals on 1977's "Firefly," forever changing the group's dynamic. Although Uriah Heep would go on to record another dozen or so albums, they would never again match their creative peak.

The band named itself after Uriah Heep, a character from Charles Dickens' "David Copperfield." In 1969, Dickens was in the news because it was the 100th anniversary of his death.