Let me preface my post by saying that I agree 100% that Michael Jackson was extraordinarily talented and his untimely death is a real tragedy. I grew up in the MTV age when his videos ruled the world and I even own a copy of Thriller. That said, the excessive coverage of his passing is becoming disturbing. Below is a screen capture I took of the front page of CNN.com at 3:35 pm on Tuesday. EVERY-SINGLE headline and link is about Michael Jackson. What does this say about America’s attention and priorities? When we look back at ‘our time’s’ history will stories like this trump real-world affairs? Is this the only news the media deems important. This is CNN, not VH1... 

And just to prove my point... here is another screen capture taken exactly 1-hour later. Apparently no other significant news has taken place in the world. Really?

As I mentioned below, the Aubrecht clan just spent nine amazing days on a dream vacation to Walt Disney World. During our trip the ONLY disappointment we experienced was the unexpected closure of the Hall of Presidents, my all-time favorite attraction, and Space Mountain, one of my wife’s most eagerly anticipated rides. Following a special Fourth of July ceremony in which 1,000 new American citizens were sworn in, the HOP officially reopened to rave reviews. In addition to the new President Obama animatronic, the entire program has been upgraded including a new voice narration featuring Morgan Freeman. Here is an official video of the expanded cast. Those "Imagineers" are GOOD!

Tomorrow I will be recording several radio segments for the new ‘Quick-Take’ feature running on NewsTalk AM 1230. Travel Host magazine’s Jeff Campbell does a weekly spot showcasing local history and he has invited me to participate by highlighting noteworthy spots that are off the beaten path. The Naked Historian has allowed me to offer up some well-received video and it will be nice to also have a related radio outlet. My first segment was on the Meade Pyramid and I am following that up with the Bernard’s Slave Cabins, Salem Church and the Spotsy CSA Cemetery. In addition, the GA-based movie company that I am working with is coming to town in late-July to begin a week of shooting interviews and site-pans for our documentary project. I am really enjoying working with multi-media and it’s nice to get away from the labors of writing for a change. The time requirements are minimal and it allows me to still enjoy my newfound freedoms.

I literally just got back from a spectacular 9-day family vacation to Walt Disney World. We had an incredible time and I feel like I need a vacation from our vacation. It appears that a helluva lot has happened since we first left "the real world" and I am still catching up. John and Kate finally split. Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson AND Billy Mayes died. Two commuter trains crashed in D.C. and Orange County dropped the ball on The Wilderness Wal-Mart. I have a virtual stack of emails, an actual stack of snail mail, and a bunch of house chores to catch up on. I'll be back to blogging in a few days. I also have several CW-related projects to post about including two book reviews, a new Kunstler painting essay, local radio spots, documentary shoot, webpage updates, and a new episode of The Naked Historian coming soon. Check back in a week (or less) and I'll have several links to share. It's good to be home, but I have to say that it will take a while to shake off the Magic Kingdom "buzz". It really is the best place on earth and nowhere else compares. View PDF of some vacation photos