Kenney Myers

Author | Actor | Producer | Kickboxer | Entrepreneur

Archives for October 2015

10 Kens Famous for Their Inventions and This Ken Too

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kenrichardsonWithout the genius and innovation of the world’s inventors, life on Earth would probably still be stuck in the dark ages. Some inventions have saved lives, others changed the scope of technology and design and others still were just plain fun. No matter what the invention, the work that these great men and women put into their creations deserves praise and recognition. All ten of the inventors on this list are named Ken, and each one has changed the world to some degree with their incredible products and inventions.

  1. Ken Richardson – This inventor holds the honor of being a famous fighter of fungus, with the development of fluconazole. While it may not sound like much, Ken Richardson’s work on the prevention of fungal infections has saved lives. Fluconazole has been used in the treatment of transplants, AIDs and burn patients. The discovery of fluconazole is considered the most significant advancement in the fight against fungal infections to this day.
  2. Ken Olsen – Olsen is perhaps most famous for his work on coincident current systems, a component of computer memory which makes it smaller. His work was instrumental in the development of core memory models, which can retain memory without the need of power. Ken Olsen’s work revolutionized how computers and processors were designed, making him a significant figure in the industry.
  3. Kenneth E. Manchester– By developing ion implantation, Kenneth E. Manchester changed the way all electronic devices were created. His invention allowed for the first Effect Transistor with Controlled Threshold Voltage, which is used in all integrated circuits today. Kenneth received his Ph.D. from Stanford University in 1955, before going on to work on ion implantation in 1962.
  4. Ken Ahroni – This is the invention that just keeps on giving. Ken Ahroni had a wish, but he had run out of Turkey wishbones. Lucky Break Wishbones are just like the real thing; they look the same, break the same and have the same chance of actually making your wish come true. Besides which, they’re a fun novelty idea for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner parties.
  5. Ken Butler – Some of Ken Butler’s best inventions are yet to be realized. The crafter of hybrid instruments is world famous for turning every day, household items into playable instruments. Ken began his labor of love with hybrid instruments in 1978, when he created a hatchet violin by adding a adding a fingerboard, tailpiece, tuning pegs and bridge to an ordinary hatchet.
  6. Ken Thompson – The UNIX operating system is regarded as one of the best operating systems ever conceived, and it is all thanks to the work of Ken Thompson. The system was developed in 1969, the same year that man went to the moon. Thompson was also the creator of the game “Space Travel,” which is considered the first PC game and the precursor to the development of console game play.
  7. Ken Hakuta – If you have ever had the pleasure of owning a “Wacky Wall Walker,” then you can thank Ken Kakuta. The toy, which usually took the shape of an Octopus or other creature, used a combination of gravity and adhesive suckers to walk down walls, providing hours of fun for kids in the 1980s. Ken Hakuta is also featured in the game “Trivial Pursuit” under the question; “Who is the inventor of the Wacky Wall Walker?”
  8. Ken Tarlow – Ken Tarlow is a world renowned product developer, with over 400 products under his belt. Tarlow now lends his talents to the “Make Money Expo,” helping other would-be inventors get their products and patents off the ground. As well as creating his own inventions, Ken is the author of “Mind to Money,” a successful how-to guide for creating and launching a product from inception to sale.
  9. Kenneth Dunkley– Everyone loves Three Dimensional Viewing Glasses, which is one reason why Kenneth Dunkley is a world famous and much loved inventor. Kenneth also lends his talents to the Museum of Scientific Discovery in Harrisburg, PA, where he delivers workshops on visual effects. Dunkley’s work is considered the most innovative advancement in 3D technology, which will only lead to further developments in the future. Kenneth Dunkley has literally changed the way that humans see the world around them.
  10. Ken Howard – This inventor first made his name with the popular board-game, “The Parliament Game.” He has since gone on to develop over 700 products, ranging from games to television shows. Howard now acts as an expert consultant to other inventors and product developers who are looking to break into the industry.

Lastly, I promised that in the title that I (Ken Myers) would discuss my own inventions.  I am listed as an inventor on a couple of patents with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.  The first invention was for an application with a GUI wizard and technology for using XSLT to transform text files from one format to another (from delimited to fixed length or XML to CSV, etc.).  My second invention was a business method patent for selling a plurality of home services based upon a person’s address (see WhiteFence.com).  These are both very meaningful to me and it was interesting to go through the process of filing and eventually earning the patents.  My guess is that several of the inventors in the list above feel the same way.

10 Kens With Famous Faces You’d Recognize

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DFree / Shutterstock.com
DFree / Shutterstock.com

Everyone has those moments where they see a famous face but can’t quite place the name. These are the actors, singers and players that seem to always be part of the cultural landscape, yet have the ability to leave you stumped as to who they are. See if you can recognize some of these famous Kens before reading the descriptions.

  • Kenneth Branagh – Yes, he is a world famous actor, so it should come as no surprise that you recognize him. However, Branagh is one of the most accomplished character actors in the world, meaning that he can pull off most any role. If you happened to watch the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony, specifically the short movie “Isles of Wonder,” you would have seen Kenneth take on the role of famed engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
  • Ken Shamrock – As one of the most well-known hall of famers in mixed martial arts, Ken Shamrock is instantly recognizable to fans of the sport. He also is featured heavily in professional wrestling, and is credited with opening the door for future cross-overs between the two franchises. Shamrock has a very distinct look, and although you may not follow wrestling or MMA, you are sure to recognize this iconic figure.
  • Ken Starr – Starr’s claim to fame was his role in the investigation of the Whitewater real estate investments of Bill Clinton. His name was all over the media at the time, however, many will recognize his face without being able to place the name. Ironically, it is the face of Monica Lewinski, whose affair with Bill Clinton was exposed by Starr, which most people will automatically associate with the investigation.
  • Kenneth Hutchinson – Let that name swirl around in your brain for a second. Okay, have you figured it out yet? If not, maybe the name “David Soul” will give you a clue. Yes, this Ken is better known as one half of the duo Starsky and Hutch. As his full name was rarely mentioned in the show, it is understandable that most people will recognize the face but not the name.
  • Ken Kirzinger – This is one face you definitely would not have wanted to see in a dark alley in 2003. Ken Kirzinger played the masked psycho-killer Jason Voorhees in “Freddie Versus Jason.” An accomplished stuntman, Kirzinger insisted on doing all his own stunts for the movie, despite protests from the director. Other roles included playing Jared Bender in the popular television series, “Supernatural.”
  • Ken Jenkins – As actors go, Ken Jenkins has had a long and colourful career. However, he really came into his own when he took on the role of Dr. Bob Kelso in the hit comedy series Scrubs. Kelso was the head of medicine at Sacred Heart, and was also notorious for being cheap, uncaring and abusive to both hospital staff and his long-suffering wife.
  • Kenneth Wolstenholme – “They think it’s all over… it is now” – a phrase any soccer fan of worth will instantly recognize. Kenneth Wolstenholme uttered his most recognized catchphrase in the closing minutes of the 1966 FIFA World Cup between England and Germany. The phrase was born from supporters invading the pitch, just before Geoff Hurst scored a fourth goal for the England side.
  • Ken Venturi – Even if you’re not a fan of golf, after 35 years as an analyst of the sport for CBS, Ken Venturi had a face that was instantly recognizable. Ken was also a pro in the early years of the PGA and just missed out on winning the Masters against Arnold Palmer on two occasions. Venturi passed away on May 17, 2013 at the age of 82. He had retired from CBS back in 2002 and was living with his third wife, Kathleen, at the time of his death.
  • Reginald Kenneth Dwight – Take note of this name – it’s a frequent quiz master favourite. Reginald Kenneth Dwight is none other than Elton John. It’s not a name that the singer has used for a long time, and Elton John does sound much better. The name “Elton John” was created by amalgamating the first names of his idols, Elton Dean and Long John Baldry.
  • Ken Robinson – If you’ve been paying attention to the Internet, and especially the “Ted Talks” channel, you may have spotted Sir Ken Robinson’s meteoric rise to fame. Robinson hosted a Ted Talk on creativity and how educators are stifling children, rather than nurturing them. The talk captured the imaginations of people from all over the world, and soon Sir Ken Robinson was declared the number one authority on creative thinking.

Things to Know About Raising Your Middle Child

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middlechildIn families with more than two children, middle child syndrome is a common occurrence. Characterized by a middle child’s feelings of inadequacy and neglect, this phenomenon can lead to serious problems concerning behavior and psychological health. And while many parents write off middle child syndrome as a non-issue, the fact remains that birth order has been shown to strongly influence an individual’s character and emotional development. Thankfully, this influence doesn’t always have to be negative. Tips like the following, for example, will help parents promote good self-esteem and emotional health in their middle children.

Encourage Your Middle Child’s Uniqueness

All children are different. Instead of making comparisons between a middle child and her siblings, celebrate those differences and encourage your child’s individuality. For example, if an older sibling is a math whiz, never say things like, “If you study harder, you could be great at math, too!” While these types of comments may seem supportive and positive, they may lead to feelings of inadequacy. Instead, praise your middle child for her own accomplishments. Focus on her interests and activities, foster her creativity, and always encourage her to be her absolute best.

Make Special Time for Your Middle Child

Middle children often get lost in the shuffle. A good way to prevent this is by setting aside separate alone time for each of your children. For example, once a month, schedule a date with your middle child. Choose an activity that interests your child and give her your undivided attention. These dates will show your middle child that she’s special and that you genuinely enjoy spending time with her.

Dote on Your Middle Child

In many families, first and last children get most of the attention. For example, new parents take countless photos of their firstborn and spend an inordinate amount of time doting on the baby of the family. This can make the middle child feel excluded, which can lead to major problems down the road. Children who feel left out often resort to behavioral problems as a means of getting the attention they need. However, this can be easily avoided by making sure your middle child gets all the positive attention she deserves. A few great ways to do this include recognizing and celebrating each of her achievements, giving her genuine (not comparative) praise, showing up for all of her extracurricular events, and capturing tons of memories via photo and video.

Give Your Middle Child a Voice

Because middle children can be more quiet and reserved than their siblings, their voices and opinions can go unheard. To avoid leaving your middle child feeling like the odd man out, encourage her to take part in family decisions and activities. When it’s time for a night of family fun, for example, make sure your middle child has a say in decisions such as dinner, games, movies, etc. This will let her know her thoughts and opinions matter and that she’s just as much a part of the family as everyone else.

Stand Up for Your Middle Child

Being the quiet ones in the family, middle children often get overruled by their siblings when it comes to things like toys, bedrooms, activities and more. Many parents chalk this up to their middle child’s desire to avoid conflict; however, constantly taking a backseat isn’t healthy for anyone. To ensure equality among siblings, parents may need to step in and stand up for middle children. When older and younger siblings see that bullying or overpowering middle children will not be tolerated, they often curb these behaviors in favor of getting along. Thankfully, while these types of interventions may not always be pleasant, they are usually advantageous for the family as a whole and not just for the middle child.

Get to Know Your Middle Child

As parents, we often focus on our children’s safety, health and happiness. It happens too often that parents, even those with the very best of intentions, never really get to know their children on a personal level. With middle children, this is even more common. To avoid this, make a real attempt to get to know your middle child. Ask about her hobbies and her friends and the type of music, movies and books she likes. Encourage her to open up about her hopes, dreams and plans for the future. By making an effort to know and understand your middle child, you can forge a closer bond and make her feel special and appreciated.

10 Creative Geniuses Named Ken

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David Fowler / Shutterstock.com
David Fowler / Shutterstock.com

Creative genius, it often seems, is a gift granted at birth. Those who possess such genius are destined to express the gift, regardless of the career or medium that they pursue in life. For these 10 Kens, creativity comes naturally, and their genius is apparent for the entire world to see.

  • Dr. Ken Hudson – Australia’s leading consultant on innovation and creativity, Dr. Ken Hudson has a PhD in Organizational Creativity (UWS), MBA (UNE) and B.Bus (UTS). Hudson’s own creative genius allows him to quickly identify innovative potential in business, projects and education. Ken has devoted 15 years to studying and harnessing innovation and creativity.
  • Kenneth Price – Ceramics isn’t exactly considered the rock ‘n’ roll of the art world, however, Kenneth Price certainly brought the art form some new respect. This creative genius was fascinated by the ceramic pottery often found in the Americas, and in particular, Tijuana. This would become the inspiration for Price’s celebrated work, Happy’s Curios, which took six years to complete before it found its way to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 1978 for a dedicated show.
  • Sir Kenneth Robinson – Not content with a knighthood, Sir Kenneth Robinson is the world’s leading champion of creativity in education. Robinson’s “Ted Talk” on the subject received international attention in 2006, when he suggested that schools stifle children’s creativity, instead teaching them only how to be good workers. Sir Ken’s creativity is evident throughout the talk, which is one of the reasons it was so well received by both educators and students alike.
  • Ken  Howard – This British recipient of an OBE is an artist whose obsession with horizontal and vertical lines brings entirely new dimensions to his art. Howard also served as President of the New English Art Club from 1998 until 2003. His work is heavily influenced by the structures and architectures he grew up around in London. Ken is a traditional painter of models and cityscapes, with a particular focus on the use of light.
  • Ken Wilber – A philosopher, writer and creator of what he calls “Integral Theory,” a concept that seeks to create a “theory of everything,” Ken Wilber is regarded as one of the most creative thinkers of our time. The theory aims to unite worldwide philosophies in spirituality, the sciences and psychology. Basically, Wilber’s Integral Theory can be applied to any process in existence – and has been in art, medicine, business and many other areas.
  • Ken Cromar – Ken Cromar adds creativity to everything that he touches. While his main talent lies in his production and directing work, he was also the co-author of the animated feature The Princess and the Pea. Other works that have benefited from Ken’s creative talent include An American Tail, Land Before Time and a number of hugely successful TV infomercials.
  • Ken Levine – One of the most successful game franchises of the last decade has been the Bioshock series, created by Irrational Games. Ken Levine, who is one of the co-founders of the company, is the creative force behind Bioshock, which is a “Game of the Year” recipient. Levine plans on continuing his success with the franchise, announcing future releases that will expand on the already epic plot-line that the title has developed.
  • Ken Blanchard – In the fast paced business world, creativity in management is an essential skill. Not everyone possesses the skill, though, so mediocre managers sometimes need a little help. Enter Ken Blanchard, the award winning author of The One Minute Manager, Leading at a Higher Level and Lead Like Jesus. Levine has a keen insight on how to get creative when managing people, which is why his books are top sellers.
  • Ken Walters – When tragedy strikes, it can often cruelly take so much away from a person. Such was the case for Ken Walters, who was left wheelchair bound after a car accident in 2005. However, from the tragedy, Walters discovered a hidden artistic talent that would lead the former engineer to a new career in digital design. He now owns a software company, and also works with major console game creators, EA Games.
  • Ken Russell – Once described as “England’s Orson Welles,” Ken Russell is a much loved and remembered director of films. Russell died in November of 2011 after suffering a number of strokes, and the movie industry immediately banded together to celebrate his life in film. Best known for his flamboyance and use of powerful imagery, Ken Russell is regarded by many as one of the most creative and visionary artists in cinematic history.

10 Famous Rock Stars Named Ken

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eltonjohn
anyamuse / Shutterstock.com

The life of a rock star is one that only a select few ever get to experience, and there really is no loftier position when it comes to fame and stardom. They come to the stage late, leave early and the fans still go wild for more. It is often said that rock stars are born, not made. If that’s the case, then it stands to reason that the name chosen for them could have quite the impact on their success later in life. The parents of these 10 rock stars must have predicted the path their sons would take, which would explain why they chose to name them Ken.

  • Elton John – Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, Elton John went on to become a worldwide superstar. His rock classics include “Saturday Night (alright for fighting)”, “Rocket Man” and “Crocodile Rock.” John, however, had his greatest success with the reworking of “Candle in the Wind”, which he dedicated to his good friend Princess Diana upon her death.
  • Kenny Loggins – Kenny is better known for his soft-rock music. He has performed a duet with Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac and collaborated with Michael McDonald. He also earned the title of King of the 1980’s Movie Soundtrack after working on Hollywood blockbusters such as “Footloose”, “Over the Top” and “Top Gun.”
  • Kenny Wayne Shepherd – This young blues guitarist proved he had real staying power when he earned the record for longest-running album on the Billboard Blues Charts. The album in question was Shepherd’s second solo effort, “Trouble Is.” He is also married to Mel Gibson’s daughter Hannah, and the couple have three children together.
  • Kenney Jones – Not many rock stars can boast having played with Small Faces, Faces and The Who. However, Kenneth Thomas Jones is a stalwart in the rock music industry. As well as being a full-time member of three of the greatest rock bands in history, Jones has also collaborated with The Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry and David Essex, among others.
  • Ken – This Ken is so rock and roll that he doesn’t even need a surname. Ken is the lead guitarist of Japanese rock band, L’Arc-en-Ciel. His writing style has heavily influenced the bands output since he joined, and he is responsible for hit tracks such as “As if in a Dream”, “Vivid Colors” and “Niji.” In 2010, Ken was approached by Fender and agreed to an endorsement, which helped boost his exposure to a global audience.
  • Ken Hensley – Keyboard players may get a bad rap, but they provide a valuable element to many of the greatest rock songs. Hensley’s main claim to fame was his stint with the band Uriah Heep in the 70s. He has since worked with a number of bands, including W.A.S.P., and has had a successful solo career, too. Ken has also reunited with former Uriah Heep band member, John Lawton, for a number of one-off performances.
  • Ken Vandermark – Better known for his jazz performances, Vandermark also dallied with punk and rock when he was part of a band named The Vandermark 5. He is an exceptional saxophone and clarinet player, and was a mainstay in the Chicago jazz scene during the 90s. Vandermark received a $265,000 MacArthur Fellowship in 1999, which gave him the freedom to concentrate on making the music that he loved, sans any financial boundaries.
  • Kenny Rogers – Everyone knows that Kenny Rogers is a country music star. However, what is often forgotten is that he was once a rock star, too. He sang lead vocals and played bass guitar with a rock band named The First Edition. The band was first formed in 1967 and effectively split in 1975, when Rogers began what would become a successful solo career.
  • Ken Boothe – One of the most respected names in reggae and ska, Ken Boothe is well known across a number of other genres, too. He reached number one in the U.K. charts with his hit, “”Everything I Own” in 1974. Boothe has released over 25 solo albums in his career – not including compilations – and owes much of his success to his ability to easily cross over from reggae to soft rock without compromising his image.
  • Kenneth “K.K.” Downing – When it comes to rock, it doesn’t get much heavier than metal pioneers Judas Priest. Kenneth “K.K.” Downing, one of the founding members of the band and a Grammy-winning guitarist, is responsible for the licks that propelled songs like “Hellbent for Leather” and “Living After Midnight” to the top of every metalhead’s list.

How to Encourage Your Son to be a Gentleman

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gentlemengentlemanParents of young boys who wish to impart a sense of respect and a set of manners are faced with what can be quite a difficult task in a world that seems to truly believe that chivalry is dead. That’s not to say that the goal is impossible to reach, only that it might be a bit of a lofty one in this day and age. How can parents teach their sons to be little gentlemen when the world seems so eager to undo those teachings? These are a few hints and tips that may prove helpful.

Know that Good Manners Should Extend to Everyone

For some parents, the idea of instilling gentlemanly qualities in a little boy means that he’s eager to open doors for the little girls he meets and to treat them with a deference he wouldn’t show to his male peers. In fact, a true gentleman treats everyone with respect, regardless of gender. Rather than focusing on teaching your son how to behave gallantly in the presence of young women, explain to him that it’s important to be polite and respectful to everyone he meets.

Keep Your Expectations on a Realistic Level

While you may be charmed by the idea of a preschooler that has impeccable manners and behaves like a miniature adult, that’s simply not realistic. Your son can still be a budding gentleman without giving up his childlike qualities. A kindergartener may not know the ins and outs of fine dining etiquette, but he’s still doing a respectable job if he’s adept at sharing his toys and taking turns.

Realize That Compassion is the Key to Good Manners

When your child has compassion and empathy for others, he learns to respect them and to treat them accordingly. Instead of focusing on the minutiae of table manners at a young age, work towards instilling a sense of compassion and encouraging empathetic behavior. Understanding that how another person feels is affected by the way that he treats them is an essential lesson in the bigger picture that is gentlemanly behavior. Helping your son understand that he should always treat people the way he would like to be treated himself can make it easier for him to understand more complicated social interactions.

Model Polite Behavior

Few things have the lasting impact on your growing child as the way that he sees you behave. Children are learning to navigate the world of social interaction a bit more with every passing day, and it can seem very confusing to them. When your son doesn’t quite know how to react, he will look to you for cues or mimic behavior that he’s observed in you. As a result, one of the most powerful weapons in a parent’s arsenal when it comes to instilling a sense of courtesy and gentlemanly behavior is to model politeness in social interactions. Even when you don’t think your child is watching, he’s probably soaking up the way you act and processing it later through mimicry.

Remember That Practice Makes Perfect

Just like any other new skills, lessons in gentlemanly behavior tend to stick more when they’re regularly exercised. Teaching your son to be conscientious and polite isn’t accomplished in a single situation, but is a long-term work in progress. Encourage your son to behave politely at home, even if there’s no one around aside from immediate family. At an early age, your child probably spends more time at home than he does anywhere else, so it’s wise to make sure that lessons on etiquette and good behavior are consistently reiterated.

Get Your Caregivers in On the Action

If your child spends time with a childcare provider, it’s smart to let them know what you’re trying to accomplish, and the steps you’re taking to impart those lessons. When your efforts are reinforced by the babysitter, nanny or daycare staff, they’re more likely to be retained.

While you may want to raise your son to be the most considerate and polite young man on the block, it’s important that you keep the fact that he is just a child in mind. There will be a number of slips and missteps along the way, and browbeating your child into exhibiting perfect manners could backfire if he begins to feel resentful of your angry tone. Calmly and patiently discussing the importance of being polite while maintaining a realistic level of expectation is essential, especially when your son is still very young.