As we rode the tram back to our hotel in Amsterdam, I couldn't help but think of how Amsterdam's Jews were hoarded onto trams in the early 1940s by the Nazis. It was their first step on the way to concentration camps where they were put to death.

After a long day of going back and forth to the US Consulate to get new passports, we finally had some time to relax and do one of the touristy things in Amsterdam we had our sights set on: a canal boat cruise.

Well, without a doubt, our time in Amsterdam was filled with highs and lows. Despite everything, our time at the Amsterdam Historich Museum seeing Anne Frank, Her Life in Letters, and then later a visit to the Anne Frank Huis (Anne Frank House) was a lasting memory. Everyone–not only Jews–should visit the Anne Frank House; it will not only change your perspective on history, it will change you perspective on modern events.

After losing 120 videos, some of which were great shots of performers in The Tube, I was able to grab this one of a musician at The Bond Street stop.

We were totally wiped out on Friday morning, but gathered enough steam to hop on The Tube and make our way to the Borough Market. It's similar to The Ferry Plaza Market in San Francisco with a mix of permanent vendors and temporary stalls. We'll be back!

Thanks to Time Out's list of best fish & chips in London, we located The Golden Hind, a Greek-owned place not far from the Bond Street Station (Tube stop). We had time for one such meal, and it was excellent. In fact, the cod we had wasn't deep friend (as it tradionally is served); ours was steamed. And mushy peas? Yowzer!

Thanks to some nasty weather last night in London, as well as some nasty employees at BMI (British Midland), we arrived at Heathrow two hours late. Because of massive delays, baggage took another hour. To top it off, the taxi line was even longer than the lines at CES. We arrived at our hotel around 3 am. Nonetheless, we were up at a reasonable hour and headed off for a final day of adventure.

What I had hoped to be a great video trip went awry. Last night, an hour after reaching Amsterdam, someone stole my carry bag. He (I guess it could be a she) made off with my insulin (luckily, I had much more in the room), prescription sunglasses, cell phone (which won’t work outside the U.S.) AND my JVC Everio videocamera. Oh, let’s not forget our US Passports. Sigh.

 

The camera’s 30GB contained a great array of clips from the UK and Belgium that are now gone. That is, unless the butthole who stole my camera, or the bigger butthole who buys the camera (sans US-only AC charger) posts them on my behalf.

 

The camera's hard drive had shots of Notthing Hill, including Rough Trade (the store on which “High Fidelity’ was modeled), and a block away, The Travel Bookshop featured in the movie “Notting Hill.” And then there were amazing shots from atop The London Eye, eating mussels in Brussels and so much more.

 

But between waiting for new US Passports from the American Consulate, we made our way to the flower market and went to the Amsterdam Historic Museum to see the exhibit, “Anne Frank: Her Life in Letters.” It was the most meaningful 90 minutes of the year to date.

 

So, I am now shooting with the Archos camcorder that my producer brought with… the quality might be so-so, but at least I can resume videoblogging.

Our first full day in London started off with a long-awaited trip to the Hyde Park Speakers’ Corner. Essentially, it’s an area in this large, sprawling park in which folks with something on their minds get to stand up (on a ladder or some sort of stool) and share “wisdom” with the crowd. Today, we spotted two speakers—one was a Middle Eastern bemoaning the Israel-Lebanon conflict, the other was a middle-aged Brit who was rambling on about sin, G-d, and heaven knows what else.

 

It was modestly entertaining, but perhaps with the advent of 10 zillion TV and radio channels where any fool can grab a mike and share his or her insight, the impact of this public venue has lost its impact. I can imagine that 30-40 years ago, it probably was the place to be on Sundays.

A well-known car company uses mascots to get its point across at the MLB All-Star Fanfest in Pittsburgh.

Here's a quick clip of the former centerpiece of The Big Red Machine, Johnny Bench. Bench was probably one of the best catchers in the past 50 years.

The program, as well as many of the logos and illustrations for the 2006 MLB All-Star Game, were created by Pittsburgh native Burton Morris. Morris, whose works were featured on the TV show “Friends,” is noted for his stylized graphics. In this clip, Morris autographs programs for those willing to wait in line.

One of my favorite players from the ‘60s–my favorite baseball era–is Ernie Banks of the Chicago Cubs. Banks was the man who allegedly said, “Let’s play two,” symbolizing his love and passion for the game. Ernie played in a day in which players lasted with one team an entire career and is a living legend (along with Ron Santo) for Cub fans around the world.

This clip was shot at the Futures Game. A few days later, we saw him in the sushi bar at the Westin Hotel in Pittsburgh (where most of the players stayed). It is impossible to believe he is 75 years old.

As with every major event, lots of folks set up shop near the venue, and it was the case with the MLB All-Star Game. We spotted Tom Mosser, an artist who was working on a wonderful portrait of the late, great Roberto Clemente.

So, who else would you expect to throw out the first ball at a game in Toledo. Right, none other than Toledo’s most famous native son, Jamie Farr (aka Max Klinger on M*A*S*H). Speaking of M*A*S*H, Farr is joined by fellow M*A*S*H star Mike Farrell.

Not to play second fiddle to any league, the AAA All-Star game in Toledo had it’s share (if not more) of color with a parade of mascots led by Muddy and Madonna, the mascots of the home Toledo Mud Hens.

If anything could sum up what it was like to be part of all-star week, it was the fireworks that signaled the end of Day one of the MLB Futures Game and Celebrity Softball events.

Part of the fun for us at the Major League Baseball All-Star game in Pittsburgh was seeing the mascots up close and personal. We got to shake hands (so to speak) with Billy (the Marlins mascot) and Louseal (the Giants mascot). Lots of others (Redbird, Mr. Met, Philly Fanatic…) are also featured.

Minor league mascots to come!

For Arizona Diamonbacks’ prized rookie Stephen Drew, it was a week to remember–and we were there to enjoy it.

As this clip shows, Drew played the in the Futures Game preceding All-Star Sunday in Pittsburgh. He then trekked west to Toledo to take part in the AAA All-Star Game. And then, as I read in the paper, he was called up to the Diamondbacks a few days ago.

The coolest part, for us, was during the player introduction ceremony in Toledo. Each player tossed an autographed plush baseball into the stands after he was into. In a heavy drizzle, as Drew came out of the dugout, my producer yelled “Go Stephen!” at which point he tuned toward us (9 rows above the dugout) and threw the ball right at me!

It was a great week for all of us.

Ah yes, life (and video) is more than baseball. Really. On our quick trip to Cleveland, we took the RTA out to the West Side Market. While it’s supposed to be at its peak on Saturdays that might be a tight squeeze as we head home late tomorrow morning. In addition to the produce stands on the outside portion, there are permanent stalls inside the building that contain bakeries, meat and poultry markets, spice shops and even more.

Ok, call me a homer, but while Cleveland’s West Side Market is great, I have to say I like Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal a bit better. Where else can you find chocolate-covered licorice and world-class sticky buns?

Our sports fantasy week ends in Cleveland. No, the Indians are not home (drat!), but we made our way over to Jacobs Field to visit the fan shop and peek inside this crown jewel. Drew Carey Bobblehead Night is coming, as is retro alarm clock give-away night; maybe we’ll be back?

To bring the fans closer to the All Star players, there was a red carpet procession that took the players over the Roberto Clemente Bridge. Adoring fans lined the bridge to cheer the All Stars as they tossed cards and Baby Ruth candy bars and assorted other souvenirs.

We found a prime spot at the foot of the bridge and caught the players as they disembarked their buses and snaked their way to Fort Duquesne Road to their Chevrolet chariots. A few feet in front of us, Alex Rodriguez and his wife got out of an escorted van and searched for the Chevy.

He came up last in the first round of the derby. He had lots of ground to make up. He barely made it into the second round. But, when all was said and done, it was Ryan Howard’s night.

David Wright ran out of gas. Big Popi ran out of gas. Jermaine Dye didn’t have the legs. Miguel Cabrera choked. Ryan rose to the event and won

We first saw Ryan Howard in Arizona Fall League two years ago, and we knew he was destined for greatness. We knew he’d win rookie of the year. Tuesday night, we knew he’d win the home run derby. He has yet to disappoint.

Note: Allen's on a well-deserved vacation. You've probably already figured out what he's been doing. (Harry Canary, indeed.)

Today's installment has Mike chatting with special guest (well, he's been a couple of times now so maybe he should be referred to as a semi-recurring guest) Derek Slater.  (Derek has major chops. Check out his blog at: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/cmusings/2006/07/06#a1799.)

Derek and Mike kick around the recent decision regarding CleanFlicks and associated cases that utilized different methods to achieve the same goal: editing out or bypassing violent, sexual or otherwise objectionable content from copyrighted movies. 

Censorship? Violation of artistic integrity? Or is it really a needed check on creators/copyright holders' control over how their work is consumed by paying customers? 

Disclaimer: Neither Derek nor Mike are lawyers.

In the past six days, I have shot enough video to make a major motion picture. The clips are of the MLB Futures Game, the Home Run Derby, the All-Star Game, the AAA All Star Fan Fest and the AAA All-Star game. There are lots of clips to come.

I have to start with the strangest moment at any baseball game in recent memory. At the AAA All Star Game in Toledo, there were these odd between-the-innings creatures—Zooperstars-- that “entertained” (often scared and bewildered) the crowd. The most peculiar one of all was Harry Canary, a large inflatable caricature of Harry Caray.

Around our house, the Budweiser Clydesdales are a big topic. Seriously. My wife/producer loves the commercials and her favorite was Duke, who retired a while back. We had the occasion to see them on tour when we lived in Seattle, and she has been excited to see them again since that momentous occasion. We talked about going to the farm outside St. Louis to visit them, but that’s no longer necessary—they were at the All-Star Game on Sunday. One girl went to bed happy. And she reminds me that the donkey and Dalmatian from the Super Bowl commercials were there alongside the mammoth horses.

So there we are, winding our way up 6th Street in Pittsburgh, just about the hit the Roberto Clemente Bridge, and there’s Jimmy Kimmel and girlfriend Sarah Silverman (Jesus is Magic) playing catch on the street in front of the Renaissance Hotel. To say the least, he drew a crowd.

All-Star buzz is throughout Pittsburgh. We made our way down to the Strip District, which reminds me somewhat of the South Street area of Philadelphia. We had dinner at Primanti Bros., and after years of reading about it and seeing it featured on travel shows, I can say it’s even better than it looks. Yes, the sandwiches have cole slaw (actually health slaw as it’s a vinegar-based slaw than a mayo-based slaw), tomatoes AND French fries in the sandwich. Certainly not the kind of meal to ear on a daily basis, but it’s all part of the fun of being in the Steel City for the big event.

It’s been 30 years since last I went to the All-Star game. That was back in Philadelphia when the game was there to commemorate the bicentennial. Now, I am at the other end of the Keystone State, in Pittsburgh, for the MLB All-Star game and all the festivities that go with it—Fanfest, Home Run Derby, Futures Game, etc…

We’re the sort of whackos who are not only going to the MLB All-Star Game, we’re then off to Toledo for the AAA All-Star Game.

The trip started off on a high note when we ran into Fergie Jenkins at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix. Jenkins was my hero when I was a young baseball fan and it was a thrill to actually say hello and wish him luck as he coaches one of the Futures Teams tomorrow. After we landed, I was told Tom  Seaver also was on the plane; hmmm.. he must have changed, because I sure missed him

       

In today's installment, we go over Allen's run-ins with YouTube regarding his postings to the site. Before listening, note that ALL OF ALLEN'S FOOTAGE USED IN THE VIDEOS WAS PERSONALLY SHOT BY ALLEN WITH A STANDARD VIDEO CAMERA AVAILABLE IN VIRTUALLY ANY CONSUMER ELECTRONICS STORE. This was not video captured via TV-tuner card or stream ripper. The video was edited using standard editing tools available in many general-purpose consumer software packages.

After listening to Mike and Allen's drivel, consider the following: Will media companies and major "entertainment" brands e.g. Major League Baseball ever fully leverage the explosion in consumer-generated content and commentary if they continue to rely on extending copyright laws created for an analog era?

Respectfully, we say NO!

 

Well, much to my amazement and disbelief, Youtube has shut me down and suspended my account. Why, you ask? Baseball! Youtube says that MLB has sent them a complaint about my content and because of that, I am done with Youtube. Done, as in toast…don’t bother to upload, sucker.

The clip in question is from the World Baseball Classic in which Mexico beat Canada. You would think with the “popularity” of the WBC, Major League Baseball would send me a thank you note for publicizing the event. Instead, they shut me down!

The clip contains: a pregame look at players warming up; the national anthem; some commentary about the game as the pitcher warms up and the first batter steps in; a look at the scoreboard and then players rushing the field to celebrate as the game ends. Does that sound to you like “descriptions and accounts of the game?” I guess I must have, in some way, either harmed the ratings for the telecast or in some way hurt the revenue for DVD sales of the WBC Highlights.

Youtube is laughable for shutting me down. MLB is more laughable for not embracing the video. Think they’re pissed now….just wait.

After living in Arizona for a number of years, we felt it was our duty to see if the expression “It’s hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk” was true.

Jeremy Jeffress, the Milwaukee Brewers #1 pick in the 2006 draft is the real thing. He’s 18 years old, but on the mound, he looks like a veteran with real command of a 98-mile-an-hour fast ball. He had his teammates, sitting in the stands behind us, shaking their heads in disbelief and admiration.

After his two innings, Jeffress sat behind us and I had him autograph his draft picture in Baseball America. Needless to say, his buddies thought it was rather amusing. And, for the record, he is an absolute dead ringer for Dwight (Doc) Gooden. Let’s hope he pitches as well but fares better in off the field matters.

What better way to spend the 4th of July than taking in the Great American Pastime. Today, the Giants hosted the (Maryvale) Brewers in an Arizona Rookie League game. Not only did we get to see the Brewers top two picks, we walked away with a baseball. With exactly one week to go before the All-Star Game, we a primed for the action.

Among the future stars we saw were Matt Downs (Giants, 36th round pick, 2006); Ivan Herrera-Rusova (Giants, pitcher) ; Matt Klimas (Giants, 8th round pick, 2006); Mike Goetz (Brewers, 25th round, 2006); Jeremy Jeffress (Brewers, 1st round pick) and Brent Brewer (Brewers, 2nd round pick). Jeffress will have a video clip all to himself.

I have been holding onto this clip for several weeks, awaiting verification that the person in the video actually is Matt Leinart, former USC quarterback who was the first round pick of the Arizona Cardinals. We spotted him at a Diamondbacks game right by (team owner) Jeff Moorad’s box, so we made the logical assumption.

Anyway, a few weeks later and after looking at pictures and other clips, we decided it is the former Heisman Trophy winner.

He won’t be on our flight to Pittsburgh, but Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Brandon Webb will be joining us in the Steel City for the upcoming All-Star Game. Webb is, without question, one of the best if not best right-handers in the National League. He has nine wins (he slumped a bit after winning his first eight), and has a 2.72 ERA as of this writing. He does lead the league in number of innings thrown (132.1) which is both good and bad; good in that he pitches well into the game, but bad if it causes him to run out of steam later in year.

Webb will have at least two fans at PNC Park. Maybe he’ll be the one to calm down those hot AL bats.

Difficult to imagine that it was just a few months ago that we saw Team USA play South Africa in the World Baseball Classic live at Scottsdale Stadium. And now, on a 100-plus degree day we’re back (with about 20 others) to watch The Giants host the Mariners in Arizona Rookie League play. Rookie League is officially known as a Short Season A league for recent draftees and others with less than two years of playing experience.

The Giants have moved their Rookie League venue from the rather scruffy park on the corner of Hayden & Camelback to Scottsdale Stadium, one of the crown jewels of the Cactus League (spring training).

Among the players featured in the clip are: GIANTS– Jose Valdez (pitcher); Robert Davis (catcher); Allen Balmer (infield) and Joe Roundy (outfielder); MARINERS-Stan Posulszny (outfielder); Matt Vogel (infield) Alex Liddi (infield) and Aric Van Gaalen (pitcher).

We’ll probably catch another game before we leave for the big event–THE MLB All-Star Game in Pittsburgh.