Here is an excerpt from Yeoh Siew Hoon’s article, you can read the full version at http://www.webintravel.com/index.php/blog/41-general/318-behind-this-beard-i-am-sting.html .

As we enter the last weeks of 2008, one quote that was uttered at WIT 2008 comes to mind – “Do not be held hostage by your business model.”

Just like Sting who chose not to be held hostage by his past works and is constantly trying new forms of music. Yet, he knows, he should not totally let go of his past.

For it was in the last three pop tunes that he played at the concert that he truly came into his own and, in the process, convinced his fans that this new Sting is actually still the old Sting, just different.

Yeoh Siew Hoon, www.webintravel.com

And now I will be able to play my old collection again once the old turntable is back in working order. I’m going to break out those Police records, Reggatta de Blanc is my all time favorite, along with some of my other favorites from back in the 1980’s like:

The Go Go’s “Beauty And The Beat”
Billy Squier “Don’t Say No”
The B-52’s “Wild Planet”
The Tubes “The Completion Backward Principle”
Pat Benatar “Precious Time”
Eddie Money “No Control”
REO Speedwagon “Hi Infidelity”
Michael Jackson “Thriller”

Of course, they’ll probably sound terrible now . . . . but I can always go buy NEW old vinyl records to play! It’s kind of like the whole Police Reunion Tour experience for me, it’s comfortable and nostalgic. And since the Police tour is now over and done forever, what else am I going to do anyway?

Springfield Men Of Genius – Mr. Cow Chip Thrower

Announcer: Message in a Boggle presents . . . Springfield Men of Genius.

Singer: Springfield Men of Genius . . .

Ancr: Today we salute you, Mr. Cow Chip Thrower

Singer: Mr. Cow Chip Thrower

Ancr: You are dedicated to the amazing sport of flinging dried cow dung as far as humanly possible while surrounded by drunken spectators and local celebrities eating corn on the cob.

Singer: Gotta throw it far, gotta win!

Ancr: You rigorously train year-round to prepare for the once-a-year muck chuck and your chance to be the distinguished champion.

Singer: (farm noises, cow moos) Hurl that manure on the farm, doesn’t smell that bad to me!

Ancr: Lifting weights, perfecting your shotput technique, dulling your sense of smell, learning to pick the most aerodynamic cow chip, constantly striving to achieve ultimate glory and a darn nice trophy!

Singer: Don’t even need no gloves!

Ancr: And your cow pie throwing techniques coupled with your intense concentration are nothing short of brilliant, not to mention your shocking bravery!

Singer: Shoo, fly, don’t bother me . . .

Ancr: So crack open an ice-cold light beer, Mr. Cow Chip Thrower. We salute you for providing disgusting, filthy entertainment to a twisted and desperatedly jaded audience on a long, hot summer day in the country.

Singer: Go, go, cow chip throw!

Technorati Profile

Laura Riker with Omni Communications Group is participating in “Personalities Paint to Profit the Arts”, the annual event sponsored by the Springfield Art Association. This fundraiser for the arts includes a live auction to sell the paintings of 24 local Springfield, Illinois personalities. Each personality is asked to paint a favorite Springfield person, place or thing and include a story explaining the focus of their painting. Laura Riker is the Director of Client Services at Omni Communications Group, and she was thrilled to participate in Personality Paint this year to show off her creative talents. Her painting shows candy jars lining a shelf at Del’s Popcorn Shop because Del’s is a favorite snack spot just around the corner from the Omni office in downtown Springfield. And Omnians want snacks around 3 p.m. every afternoon, that is a fact! The auction will be held this Saturday, April 5, 2008 at the Springfield Art Association. All at Omni are hoping Laura’s painting is successful in raising money to support the arts in the Springfield community. Congratulations to Laura on creating a beautiful, colorful and fun painting!

Above photo of paintings is from the State Journal Register April 3, 2008 and shows Laura Riker’s painting along with several others. Please click on the thumbnail to enlarge the photo. Below is Laura’s bio and story for the fundraiser auction.

Laura Riker is a Springfield native and currently working as Director of Client Services at Omni Communications Group, Inc., a full services marketing, advertising, public relations, and event planning firm located in downtown Springfield. “As an advocate for the arts and for improving our community, I lead and serve on a number of committees for various organizations. I chose the counter at Del’s as my favorite ‘place’ and ‘thing’ because I visit this counter almost daily. I see it as a little afternoon getaway from the office to chat with friends/co-workers and to indulge in a sweet treat. It’s a special place I appreciate more than most would know.”

Susan Ruehling has just joined Omni Communications Group today as an account executive. While April Fool’s Day isn’t the best day to start a new job, we’re happy to welcome Susan to the Omni team and have assured her that her position is not a joke. Susan has just relocated to Springfield, Illinois from Iowa and brings with her extensive marketing and communications skills gained from prior employment in our neighboring state. I’m happy to report also that Susan passed the “Sting” interview test with flying colors!

Aaron Ganci has recently been promoted to Art Director at Omni Communications Group also. Aaron has worked as a graphic designer at Omni the last two years and will now be putting his creative skills to the test as art director in the graphics department at Omni. We all love his creative vision and graphic talents and offer our most heartfelt congratulations on his advancement. I must admit though, we all remain concerned that we will have to continue to tolerate his freaky ferret fetish. We do find it necessary to give creative types certain liberties at Omni.