Here's a way to save money on marine fuel.

Photo: Department of National Defence / ReutersThis ship looks like something out of a horror movie, and in a way, it is. This 150 foot Japanese fishing ship has been drifting on its own for about a year! It started floating across the Pacific in March 2011 when a tsunami in Japan set it free, pushing it out to the open ocean with no one aboard. (At least I'm assuming no one was aboard.) It's pretty beat up, but it sure has to to be sea-worthy to be able to afloat free for more than 12 months! Even if they had automatic bilge pumps aboard, how long could any battery power that might be aboard the ship last? Of course the big problem now is what will happen to it? I assume it will become an ever-increasing 'hazard to navigation'. If you're a boater and you happen to see it, officials say 'stay away'. If I saw it, I'd have no desire to get too close. There is something unworldly about. Maybe it could be a good starting point for a Movie Of The Week. 

Sony rolls out the red carpet for journalists. Make that the "Red Rock" carpet.

Sony invited 18 journalists to Sedona, Arizona, famous for it’s red rock formations. The idea was to let us roam in the glory of nature, trying various new Sony Products. (A great idea, we all thought!) They put us up in a place of extraordinary beauty ....and to me, an almost unpronounceable name: L’Auberge de Sedona. I was fine with the de Sedona part, but I kept murdering the first part. Hey, I’m a kid from Brooklyn, far from anything French. But to do this resort/spa justice, I lifted a bit of info from their website: Here, in a setting of indescribable beauty, we offer truly exceptional experiences. Uniquely situated on the banks of Oak Creek in Sedona’s magnificent Red Rock Country, L’Auberge de Sedona is a place where magical moments happen. Dine on our creekside patio under the cool canopy of sycamore trees and savor the best – and most romantic – meal of your life. Take a private outdoor shower under the starry night sky. Here, the staff takes every opportunity to delight you – an anniversary surprise, a favorite book appearing by your bedside. And they do this not just because it’s their job, but because they genuinely care. Quite simply, this is a hotel experience unlike any other. – And now back to me. The food was great and every night (of the 3 nights we were there) there was a surprise when you back to the your cabin at night. One night, milk and cookies, another night, wine, the third night, homemade chocolates. It’s is a super place to stay! Here's their website:

http://www.lauberge.com/

Giant boulder in the road? Let's not go around it - let's drive up and over it!

Sony took 18 reporters on a Sedona, Arizona Experience.

The object was to use Sony cameras, camcorders, digital binoculars, etc. in rugged conditions. Sedona is world famous for it's red rock formations. And Sony arranged for us to walk over them, fly over them in helicopters, and finally -- drive over them. Yes OVER them! We all boarded our Pink Jeep Tour vehicles and headed out to Coyote Canyon. When we pulled up to the first gigantic rock formation and the driver said to hung on, because we would drive up and over it, we all thought it was a joke. It wasn't. Who ever dreamed Jeeps could climb rocks that steep. The driver said we were climbing at a 45 degree angle. It seemed more like 90 degrees to me. It was scarey, and very exciting! And yes, I'd do it again, taking someone who didn't know what to expect - just to see their reaction! Here's some info from the company website:

SEDONA TOURS – SEE THE BEAUTY OF SEDONA IN A BRAND NEW WAY!

If you’re looking to see Sedona from off the beaten path, let us guide you to new heights and widen your perspective of the most beautiful views in the southwest.  Since 1960, Pink Jeep Tours has been providing the most talked about off-road adventures in the Southwest. Our award-winning excursions are known as the premier “must-do” tours in Sedona.   

Read more: Pink Jeep Tours -   

http://pinkjeeptours.com/our-tours/

Seeing the tops of the Red Rocks!

So we could shoot pics of the Red Rocks of Sadona from above, Sony arranged for us all to go a Red Rock Helicopter Tour. I'm a bit claustrophobic, but the incredible views helped put my fear on hold. A fellow passenger looked stunned during the entire trip. After the trip was over and she was able to speak, she said: "It wasn't fear that prevented me from talking, it was just that I was awestruck" --- or something to that effect. It was an amazing trip! Details from the company: Experience ALL of Sedona's vortex sights on this deluxe adventure! Fly South over Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. Explore Chicken Point within Broken Arrow. You will fly past the Nuns by the Chapel of the Holy Cross and see the sights of Snoopy Rock. Continue onto Schneblly Hill Road on the way to Wilson Mountain, where Steamboat Rock sits, as you journey to Sterling Pass. Be on the lookout for native wildlife: elk, deer, and wild javelinas as we explore the rugged terrain of Red Rock Country. SHH!! Unlock the hidden treasure of Secret Canyon. Next stop is Boynton Canyon, Bear Mountain, Red Canyon and back home!

35 minute air tour (flight distance approximately 84km/52mi): $169 per person + pfc.

http://www.sedonaairtours.com/tours

A fan of The Match Game?

Then here's a different kind of Match Game Video. It's called Match Game '79 director's cut: Marc Breslow audio track. 

In this video clip, Match Game director, Marc Breslow can be heard on the audio track cueing the cameras, Johnny Olson, the theme, etc.

It's a rare "backstage" look at how fast the director of the Match Game had to be to make sure the stars appeared properly and in order as that Match Game graphic spun at the top of the show. And then all the camera cues that follow.

http://youtu.be/DduZnMEtwSE