According to a recent AP poll, Americans are optimistic for the new year, 2007. Now, I know what you're thinking. AP is hardly a trustworthy source for information given their history of news reports recently, especially in the Middle East and the current scandal involving a source who apparently doesn't exist. But, let's go with this, for the sake of argument.
The poll shows that Americans are feeling pessimistic over the situation in Iraq but optimistic closer to home. Certainly understandable, I'd say. With the American and world press doing its level best to defeat the mission, and some of the blunders made at the leadership level, as with any war, well, what else is to be expected?
The poll shows 72% of Americans are optimistic for what the year 2007 will bring for our country and 89% are optimistic for themselves and their families. This is to be expected, also, now that the election is over and the press can report on good news, especially the continuing good economy which has been virtually ignored by reporters as it doesn't push the Dems agenda of rolling back tax cuts and all that.
The husband of our house has a new job. The week before Christmas he accepted a position he couldn't refuse. This turn in his career, however, is a major change for our family. The new job is an office job. The husband will sit behind a desk and have office hours of 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Not that he really leaves the office at 4:00, but that's the schedule. So, here we are.
For almost the entire, as of the end of this upcoming July, 24 years of our marriage, the husband has been a traveling man. I'm a very independent kind of gal and the arrangement has worked well for us. The joke around here is that the frequent traveling is what has made the marriage work all these years. I have enjoyed the best of both worlds, so to speak.
Throughout our marriage he has worked, first, scheduled time home and away, as in shifts. He has worked schedules of 14 days home and 14 days out, 21 days home and 21 days out, etc. As time has gone on and his positions moved into management and not just part of a team, his time away has been unpredictable and longer in lengths sometimes. This has made it virtually impossible to plan family vacations or holiday celebrations as we never knew if the husband would be home or not.
The traveling was a perk to the husband, not a burden, as he is truly an adrenaline junkie and enjoys the excitement of foreign lands and cultures. He's proud that he is sent across the globe to solve problems and keep drilling rigs working with his computer and technical knowledge. Rightly so.
The husband is coming up on a birthday next week. He will be celebrating his 59th birthday. The travel and time away from home is really beginning to take its toll. So, when the opportunity came along for a more 'normal' way of life, he decided to give it a shot.
He may occasionally travel, according to his job description, but mostly he'll travel a mere 10 - 15 minutes up the tollway each morning and back each night. Wierd.
Family time, Boy Scout campouts, holidays, just may all be written in ink on the calendar around here. A very big change.
"Mere change is not growth. Growth is the synthesis of change and continuity, and where there is no continuity there is no growth." - C.S. Lewis
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Observations
Today, the sixth day of national mourning of the passing of former President Ford, the emotional and physical exhaustion was showing on the family. Just think of having to grieve the passing of a loved one in front of the world. Three public ceremonies, three states and six days later found Betty Ford being pushed in a wheelchair and the children and grandchildren showing more tears than the previous days. I kept thinking, just let it be over and let them all rest.
The service at the Gerald R. Ford presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan was the final resting stop for the president. I saw just a little of it on C-Span this afternoon. I did see a bit of Donald Rumsfeld's eulogy and it was quite touching. He broke a little news with the acknowledgement that there will be an announcement next month that the U.S. Navy will christen an aircraft carrier the USS Gerald Ford. He and his wife visited the Fords just after Thanksgiving and Rumsfeld presented Ford with a baseball style cap with the carrier's name on it. That was a nice story.
Jimma Carter, disgraced former President, did a eulogy, too. I was amused to see him and Rosalynn standing between the Cheney's and the Rumfelds's given his screeds against the Bush administration here at home and abroad. I hope he was as uncomfortable as humanly possible. He must have felt like the skunk at the garden party.
Rumsfeld went through some of Ford's accomplishments in the 2 short years as President and the fact that it was Ford who laid the groundwork for the Camp David Accord, for which Carter takes full credit. It's the only positive that Carter has to hold on to from his days in the White House.
I see Oprah opened her girls school in South Africa. It's good, I suppose. I just can't help but be disappointed that she isn't using her billions to rebuild Mississippi and develop leadership schools there. They are just as sorely needed, alas less glamorous than hobnobbing with her hero, Nelson Mandela. As a daughter of Mississippi she could do lots there, I believe, to encourage and train the upcoming generation.
Her money, her choice.
I saw a clip of Cindy Sheehan and her posse interrupting the press conference of the Dems to announce their plans for pushing through some domestic policy ideas. Rahm Emmanuel didn't get to state the talking points as he was interrupted by Cindy. She shut them down and they retreated until a later hour. Seems Cindy and the gang expect the Dems to produce the anti-war legislation they voted Democratic over. It'll be interesting to watch Pelosi and her anti-war screeds now that she is the leader. Her pal Cindy is expecting big results. Payback is hell.
You know, the whole 100 hours plan that Pelosi concocted pre-election to make voters think they'll be so different than the Republicans? Well, that didn't take long for it all to fall apart. She's made some poor decisions for leadership positions, using the same old men and the same old corruption clouds over their heads, and now she is saying she doesn't feel the need to consult with Republicans. OK. Enjoy it while you can. Just don't claim to be a 'reformer' of ethics or a good steward of domestic policy. Same old, same old.
Obama was a pothead and did cocaine until the age of 22, as the news report goes today. I didn't read his first book, his memoir written in his early 30's, so I didn't know. I don't care. It'll cause him grief as he runs for president and will give Hillary's slime machine lots of fodder to lambast him but I think the public has been numbed to that kind of revelation. I do want to see how he reacts once he announces his candidacy and has to answer tough questions. He coasted to election for his Senate seat after his Republican opponent was all but run out of town over scandal so he hasn't really had to run a rough campaign. He's an empty suit from my viewpoint. The American public fawning all over him may not realize his far left voting record. Or maybe they do. Hillary will run to his right, the same as Bill did to get elected, and it will be interesting.
The service at the Gerald R. Ford presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan was the final resting stop for the president. I saw just a little of it on C-Span this afternoon. I did see a bit of Donald Rumsfeld's eulogy and it was quite touching. He broke a little news with the acknowledgement that there will be an announcement next month that the U.S. Navy will christen an aircraft carrier the USS Gerald Ford. He and his wife visited the Fords just after Thanksgiving and Rumsfeld presented Ford with a baseball style cap with the carrier's name on it. That was a nice story.
Jimma Carter, disgraced former President, did a eulogy, too. I was amused to see him and Rosalynn standing between the Cheney's and the Rumfelds's given his screeds against the Bush administration here at home and abroad. I hope he was as uncomfortable as humanly possible. He must have felt like the skunk at the garden party.
Rumsfeld went through some of Ford's accomplishments in the 2 short years as President and the fact that it was Ford who laid the groundwork for the Camp David Accord, for which Carter takes full credit. It's the only positive that Carter has to hold on to from his days in the White House.
I see Oprah opened her girls school in South Africa. It's good, I suppose. I just can't help but be disappointed that she isn't using her billions to rebuild Mississippi and develop leadership schools there. They are just as sorely needed, alas less glamorous than hobnobbing with her hero, Nelson Mandela. As a daughter of Mississippi she could do lots there, I believe, to encourage and train the upcoming generation.
Her money, her choice.
I saw a clip of Cindy Sheehan and her posse interrupting the press conference of the Dems to announce their plans for pushing through some domestic policy ideas. Rahm Emmanuel didn't get to state the talking points as he was interrupted by Cindy. She shut them down and they retreated until a later hour. Seems Cindy and the gang expect the Dems to produce the anti-war legislation they voted Democratic over. It'll be interesting to watch Pelosi and her anti-war screeds now that she is the leader. Her pal Cindy is expecting big results. Payback is hell.
You know, the whole 100 hours plan that Pelosi concocted pre-election to make voters think they'll be so different than the Republicans? Well, that didn't take long for it all to fall apart. She's made some poor decisions for leadership positions, using the same old men and the same old corruption clouds over their heads, and now she is saying she doesn't feel the need to consult with Republicans. OK. Enjoy it while you can. Just don't claim to be a 'reformer' of ethics or a good steward of domestic policy. Same old, same old.
Obama was a pothead and did cocaine until the age of 22, as the news report goes today. I didn't read his first book, his memoir written in his early 30's, so I didn't know. I don't care. It'll cause him grief as he runs for president and will give Hillary's slime machine lots of fodder to lambast him but I think the public has been numbed to that kind of revelation. I do want to see how he reacts once he announces his candidacy and has to answer tough questions. He coasted to election for his Senate seat after his Republican opponent was all but run out of town over scandal so he hasn't really had to run a rough campaign. He's an empty suit from my viewpoint. The American public fawning all over him may not realize his far left voting record. Or maybe they do. Hillary will run to his right, the same as Bill did to get elected, and it will be interesting.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Time Passes
Holiday break is over and son will be back to the routine tomorrow. Which means I will, too. Husband had today off, too, so we had two long weekends in a row and it was nice to relax. This has been the least stressful holiday in a while.
I watched the service for President Ford today in the National Cathedral. What a class act his family is and loved by so many. This children reflect well on him and Mrs. Ford. They took care to shake hands with people coming to pay respects in the Rotunda and with the honorary pall bearers today at Andrews Air Force base as they prepared to take the President back to his home in Michigan for the last time.
I couldn't help but think of the last funeral of a President, that of President Reagan some three years ago. It's a shame his two youngest children are such a disgrace. The son he and his first wife adopted is a respectable person. His daughter, Maureen, was a terrific, groundbreaking woman in politics.
I have a photo, autographed, of the last four Republican presidents. At least at the time. The photo was a thank you memento for a monetary contribution to the party. Standing together in the photo are President Nixon, President Ford, President Reagan and President Bush (41). Their signatures are below each. All gone now, except for 41.
The eulogies were touching at the National Cathedral. I find it more than a bit ironic that in life, President Ford was so vilified by the press and the Democrats, yet in death you would never know that, except for the constant reference to the pardon of Nixon being the big reason for him losing his election. Turns out not to be as commonly noted that it was a very close election even with the troubles of the time. Carter squeeked by, unfortunately for the country.
The same behavior was given to President Reagan. Time has shown him to be way ahead of his time in so many political theories and he was a prolific, thoughtful writer. He was a good man. He was a great president. He received the usual treatment by the press and the opposition party for a Republican president - he's stupid, a fascist, not a "thinker", etc.
I think the East Germans would disagree.
I don't think all the women that the declaration signed by President Ford to allow them into the schools of the armed services think President Ford was stupid or an anti-woman Republican.
He was a good man and a great President.
Can the last two Democrat presidents living say the same?
And the statement from Chevy Chase, a legend in his own mind about how President Ford came to be friendly with him? Well, that speaks volumes about the character of President Ford, nothing about Chase. He claimed Ford was not the right man in the White House and he was justified to do what he could to get him out. What an ego for so little talent.
I didn't see any camera shots of him at any of the funeral services. Hmm.
I watched the service for President Ford today in the National Cathedral. What a class act his family is and loved by so many. This children reflect well on him and Mrs. Ford. They took care to shake hands with people coming to pay respects in the Rotunda and with the honorary pall bearers today at Andrews Air Force base as they prepared to take the President back to his home in Michigan for the last time.
I couldn't help but think of the last funeral of a President, that of President Reagan some three years ago. It's a shame his two youngest children are such a disgrace. The son he and his first wife adopted is a respectable person. His daughter, Maureen, was a terrific, groundbreaking woman in politics.
I have a photo, autographed, of the last four Republican presidents. At least at the time. The photo was a thank you memento for a monetary contribution to the party. Standing together in the photo are President Nixon, President Ford, President Reagan and President Bush (41). Their signatures are below each. All gone now, except for 41.
The eulogies were touching at the National Cathedral. I find it more than a bit ironic that in life, President Ford was so vilified by the press and the Democrats, yet in death you would never know that, except for the constant reference to the pardon of Nixon being the big reason for him losing his election. Turns out not to be as commonly noted that it was a very close election even with the troubles of the time. Carter squeeked by, unfortunately for the country.
The same behavior was given to President Reagan. Time has shown him to be way ahead of his time in so many political theories and he was a prolific, thoughtful writer. He was a good man. He was a great president. He received the usual treatment by the press and the opposition party for a Republican president - he's stupid, a fascist, not a "thinker", etc.
I think the East Germans would disagree.
I don't think all the women that the declaration signed by President Ford to allow them into the schools of the armed services think President Ford was stupid or an anti-woman Republican.
He was a good man and a great President.
Can the last two Democrat presidents living say the same?
And the statement from Chevy Chase, a legend in his own mind about how President Ford came to be friendly with him? Well, that speaks volumes about the character of President Ford, nothing about Chase. He claimed Ford was not the right man in the White House and he was justified to do what he could to get him out. What an ego for so little talent.
I didn't see any camera shots of him at any of the funeral services. Hmm.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Year's End
Here we are, at the end of 2006. I expect when I fall asleep, it will be the early beginnings of 2007. The sun is out today and the air is cooling again. We will enjoy the leg of lamb marinating for dinner and a celebratory toast welcoming the fresh beginning.
A common thought is that events run in threes, particularly deaths of the well-known. This thought would be proven true by this year's recent events. Winding down the calendar we are witness of the passing of three prominent names: former President Gerald R. Ford; the godfather of soul, James Brown; and in contrast, the very face of evil on earth, Saddam Hussein.
Gerald Ford. The accidental president. President Bush said,"Gerald Ford came along when we needed him most." So true. Ford was a loyal friend and public servant to the American people. He was a politician sorely needed today: one who puts the country's best interests above his own personal interests. By pardoning President Nixon, he virtually assured his failure of being elected to the office of president two years later. He saved our nation from itself, from the self destructive ways of raw partisanship and cynicism running rampant as the behavior of President Nixon was being exposed to the country. Careers were launched by the acts of Nixon, such as journalists tracking down the scoops for newspapers and for politicians bellowing condemnations. Those bellowing loudest over the pardon of Richard Nixon now claim the pardon was the right thing to do. Ted "Swimmer" Kennedy the loudest of all. Not wanting to be left out, Kennedy issued a statement upon Ford's death about the pardon.
At the time, from what I remember, Ford was mocked, heckled, and shown the littlest of respect by the press or the Democrats. I was a student in college, in Atlanta, and was witnessing up close the run for president by our governor, Jimmy Carter. Ford was arguably the last of the truly "bi-partisan" Presidents, yet his reward for reaching out was only truly appreciated publicly upon his death.
The passage of time has a way of clearing the smoke and focusing fresh eyes on events. This is evident throughout history - opinions change of people. Ford was a decent, honorable, truthful man. He was called stupid, bumbling, someone not up to the task. The reality was he was accomplished from achievements like Eagle Scout, star football player for Michigan, elected official, then Vice President and President. He was the last living member of the Warren Commission.
Quite a lot for a man abandoned by this father and adopted by his stepfather at a very young age. He worked for everything he ever achieved and was proud to be a common man. Shame on those given everything on a platter from birth, never working a day, and yet the first to criticize others.
Vice President Cheney, a member of Ford's administration, moved me to tears with his touching eulogy last night at the service in the Rotunda.
I am happy to say I was running around too much yesterday, driving here and there for errands and taking our son to meet friends for the afternoon, that I missed the funeral show for James Brown. He's one of my all time favorites and I sure didn't want to see people like Michael Jackson and Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson and Dick Gregory using the funeral service in Harlem for their own egos. Yuck. He deserved much better than a public spectacle to celebrate his life. He was booked to perform tonight in NYC. He'll be missed.
And lastly, Saddam Hussein. His hanging will not be proper justice for the estimated million Muslims he killed in his reign of terror. There is no way for proper justice to be carried out against one man. The lawyers all caught up in international law complaining about the trial and swift punishment further prove to me that international trials in the Hague are not the way to go. They end up taking up to four years by the recent example of Milosovich and he ended up dying during it. It was a farce. The Iraqis were entitled to conduct the trial their way and administer their punishment as they saw fit. It was not so much a victory of the U.S. as it was a victory for the Iraqi people. Period.
"Our 38th President will always have a special place in our nation's memory". - President George W. Bush, in a statement issued on the passing of President Ford.
A common thought is that events run in threes, particularly deaths of the well-known. This thought would be proven true by this year's recent events. Winding down the calendar we are witness of the passing of three prominent names: former President Gerald R. Ford; the godfather of soul, James Brown; and in contrast, the very face of evil on earth, Saddam Hussein.
Gerald Ford. The accidental president. President Bush said,"Gerald Ford came along when we needed him most." So true. Ford was a loyal friend and public servant to the American people. He was a politician sorely needed today: one who puts the country's best interests above his own personal interests. By pardoning President Nixon, he virtually assured his failure of being elected to the office of president two years later. He saved our nation from itself, from the self destructive ways of raw partisanship and cynicism running rampant as the behavior of President Nixon was being exposed to the country. Careers were launched by the acts of Nixon, such as journalists tracking down the scoops for newspapers and for politicians bellowing condemnations. Those bellowing loudest over the pardon of Richard Nixon now claim the pardon was the right thing to do. Ted "Swimmer" Kennedy the loudest of all. Not wanting to be left out, Kennedy issued a statement upon Ford's death about the pardon.
At the time, from what I remember, Ford was mocked, heckled, and shown the littlest of respect by the press or the Democrats. I was a student in college, in Atlanta, and was witnessing up close the run for president by our governor, Jimmy Carter. Ford was arguably the last of the truly "bi-partisan" Presidents, yet his reward for reaching out was only truly appreciated publicly upon his death.
The passage of time has a way of clearing the smoke and focusing fresh eyes on events. This is evident throughout history - opinions change of people. Ford was a decent, honorable, truthful man. He was called stupid, bumbling, someone not up to the task. The reality was he was accomplished from achievements like Eagle Scout, star football player for Michigan, elected official, then Vice President and President. He was the last living member of the Warren Commission.
Quite a lot for a man abandoned by this father and adopted by his stepfather at a very young age. He worked for everything he ever achieved and was proud to be a common man. Shame on those given everything on a platter from birth, never working a day, and yet the first to criticize others.
Vice President Cheney, a member of Ford's administration, moved me to tears with his touching eulogy last night at the service in the Rotunda.
I am happy to say I was running around too much yesterday, driving here and there for errands and taking our son to meet friends for the afternoon, that I missed the funeral show for James Brown. He's one of my all time favorites and I sure didn't want to see people like Michael Jackson and Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson and Dick Gregory using the funeral service in Harlem for their own egos. Yuck. He deserved much better than a public spectacle to celebrate his life. He was booked to perform tonight in NYC. He'll be missed.
And lastly, Saddam Hussein. His hanging will not be proper justice for the estimated million Muslims he killed in his reign of terror. There is no way for proper justice to be carried out against one man. The lawyers all caught up in international law complaining about the trial and swift punishment further prove to me that international trials in the Hague are not the way to go. They end up taking up to four years by the recent example of Milosovich and he ended up dying during it. It was a farce. The Iraqis were entitled to conduct the trial their way and administer their punishment as they saw fit. It was not so much a victory of the U.S. as it was a victory for the Iraqi people. Period.
"Our 38th President will always have a special place in our nation's memory". - President George W. Bush, in a statement issued on the passing of President Ford.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Showing Results
The Polar Bear will be added to the Endangered Species List on orders of President Bush. Their population is dwindling and it would be a shame for such a magnificent creature to vanish from earth.
My favorite animal? The Siberian Tiger. It is a huge, fierce creature in a beautiful fur coat.
Last weekend I watched Michael Crichton deliver a speech to an audience at the National Press Club. He is the author of books such as Jurassic Park, State of Fear, and most recently, Lost, as well as the creator of the wildly popular tv show, E.R. He is first and foremost a scientist. His topic was loosely directed at the views concerning global warming in the scientific community and in the mind of the American public. He advocates mandatory publishing online of all taxpayer funded research results. No more rush to publish without proper verification and online publishing would make results available for people in the field to do verification themselves. If results are concocted, the scientist should be condemned by other scientists. If a scientist doesn't agree to publish online, taxpayer monies would be denied and private funding would finance the research.
"Let's cut the crap", he said. "Failure to show your data indicates fraud". If a scientist doesn't want to publish online, that person is free to seek private funding. "You can't pass the third grade without showing your work".
Science Magazine last week claimed that the pronouncements of major global warming trends on the planet are false. Many of the studies and research projects are not verified within the scientific community before they are published as facts. Crichton claims many just assume no one will check.
Crichton uses the example of scientific facts commonly thought to be true that are now revised:
48 chromosomes in the human body, continents don't move, life on Mars exists it just hasn't been discovered yet, and the planet is growing colder. Now, 50 years later the opposite of these statements are thought to be true. The human body has 46 chromosomes. Hmm.
Crichton thinks it is impossible to know very much for certain. Even predicting what will happen in the next 24 hours is usually no more than a guess.
Most agree that some degree of global warming exists today. Even the scientific community cannot agree to what extent this is on our planet. The planet has gotten roughly 1/2 degree warmer over the years. There is no way to be certain as the research standards were not in effect and measuring techniques were not recorded in years gone past. Carbon dioxide is increasing from man and the greenhouse gases leave a real effect.
I think we should leave the science in science. Let's leave the politics out of science. I would be much more comfortable believing a reasoned thinker like Michael Crichton rather than a political hack like Al Gore who is exploiting the issue with, at best, pseudo-intellectual thought. His movie, adored by liberals everywhere, seems more in line with fantasy than fact. Did you know it is being shown in science classes across the country as fact now?
Republicans have gotten a bad rap over the environment for decades. The popular screed that Republicans are bad stewards of the environment in nonsense. President Bush has enacted declarations of natural preserves around the country and most notably the largest marine preserve ever. It is off the coast of Hawaii. And why wouldn't he? He is a landowner and values the land. He has called on the development of alternative fuel sources since his first year in office. He tried for years to have his recommended energy policy passed in congress. They weren't able to get it done until last year but the opposition continued to argue that the country had no energy policy. Don't like the price of gas? Don't like being beholden to Arab nations and others who wish us harm? Let your lawmakers know.
Get the politics out of science.
My favorite animal? The Siberian Tiger. It is a huge, fierce creature in a beautiful fur coat.
Last weekend I watched Michael Crichton deliver a speech to an audience at the National Press Club. He is the author of books such as Jurassic Park, State of Fear, and most recently, Lost, as well as the creator of the wildly popular tv show, E.R. He is first and foremost a scientist. His topic was loosely directed at the views concerning global warming in the scientific community and in the mind of the American public. He advocates mandatory publishing online of all taxpayer funded research results. No more rush to publish without proper verification and online publishing would make results available for people in the field to do verification themselves. If results are concocted, the scientist should be condemned by other scientists. If a scientist doesn't agree to publish online, taxpayer monies would be denied and private funding would finance the research.
"Let's cut the crap", he said. "Failure to show your data indicates fraud". If a scientist doesn't want to publish online, that person is free to seek private funding. "You can't pass the third grade without showing your work".
Science Magazine last week claimed that the pronouncements of major global warming trends on the planet are false. Many of the studies and research projects are not verified within the scientific community before they are published as facts. Crichton claims many just assume no one will check.
Crichton uses the example of scientific facts commonly thought to be true that are now revised:
48 chromosomes in the human body, continents don't move, life on Mars exists it just hasn't been discovered yet, and the planet is growing colder. Now, 50 years later the opposite of these statements are thought to be true. The human body has 46 chromosomes. Hmm.
Crichton thinks it is impossible to know very much for certain. Even predicting what will happen in the next 24 hours is usually no more than a guess.
Most agree that some degree of global warming exists today. Even the scientific community cannot agree to what extent this is on our planet. The planet has gotten roughly 1/2 degree warmer over the years. There is no way to be certain as the research standards were not in effect and measuring techniques were not recorded in years gone past. Carbon dioxide is increasing from man and the greenhouse gases leave a real effect.
I think we should leave the science in science. Let's leave the politics out of science. I would be much more comfortable believing a reasoned thinker like Michael Crichton rather than a political hack like Al Gore who is exploiting the issue with, at best, pseudo-intellectual thought. His movie, adored by liberals everywhere, seems more in line with fantasy than fact. Did you know it is being shown in science classes across the country as fact now?
Republicans have gotten a bad rap over the environment for decades. The popular screed that Republicans are bad stewards of the environment in nonsense. President Bush has enacted declarations of natural preserves around the country and most notably the largest marine preserve ever. It is off the coast of Hawaii. And why wouldn't he? He is a landowner and values the land. He has called on the development of alternative fuel sources since his first year in office. He tried for years to have his recommended energy policy passed in congress. They weren't able to get it done until last year but the opposition continued to argue that the country had no energy policy. Don't like the price of gas? Don't like being beholden to Arab nations and others who wish us harm? Let your lawmakers know.
Get the politics out of science.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Dead Man Hangin'
The verdict and punishment stands. Saddam lost the appeal of his sentence to be put to death by hanging in the next 30 days. I heard on the radio today that the hanging will be taped and may or may not be shown to the people of Iraq.
I think the hanging should be a public event. Were it not for the fact that former Baathists would have the opportunity to lob bombs into the crowd and bring a smile to the face of the convicted dictator, it would be appropriate.
Some will deny the fact that Saddam is dead, when the punishment is carried out. It will be the same people who thought the deaths of Saddam's sons was a hoax and the photos of the dead men doctored to suit the story. If the hanging was seen with thousands of eyes it would be useful.
If it is not to be a public event, I say show it on television. The explosion of homes with satellite dishes is affirmation of the freedoms enjoyed today in Iraq by the population - a free act that would have brought severe punishment in the reign of terror under Saddam.
Saddam wrote a farewell letter and it was released on the internet Wednesday. He calls on Iraqis to refrain from hating the coalition forces. "I call on you not to hate because hate does not leave space for a person to be fair and it makes you blind and closes all doors of thinking". The letter was on a website known as one of the Baath Party.
It's a shame all those thoughts about not hating didn't enter into his mental process as he killed off villages of Kurds and all the innocent men, women and children in Iraq. I don't for a minute think he suddenly has been enlightened or feels guilt for his actions. I think those reading it in his country will feel nothing but contempt and disgust. As it should be.
It should be noted that the same day Saddam's farewell letter was published a statement from the Baath Party, on the same website, called for retaliation against the U.S. if the death sentence is carried out. This group of former Saddam men now live and operate out of Yemen, it is believed.
Saddam boasted in his letter that "You should know that among the aggressors, there are people who support your struggle against the invaders, and some of them volunteered for the legal defense of prisoners", including himself. Nice of him to think to give a final shout-out to his buddy, Ramsay Clark.
An abundance of volunteers have come forward to do the hanging honors.
Have you seen the photos of John Kerry's trip to Iraq, among the military there? Seems no one wanted to sit with him for meals or work out with him, either. A press conference he called one afternoon drew absolutely no one but the reporter required to be there from the military so when Kerry showed up in his flight jacket, it is reported he simply turned around and left the spot.
What kind of reception did he expect? He just continues to reaffirm his beliefs of the ignorance of the people in uniform and his superiority. Why, it was just a botched joke, all you stupid people. The fact that he even attempted that type of joke using military personnel to attack the President speaks volumes.
Who's the stupid one, John Kerry? He should ask Teresa to buy him a clue.
I think the hanging should be a public event. Were it not for the fact that former Baathists would have the opportunity to lob bombs into the crowd and bring a smile to the face of the convicted dictator, it would be appropriate.
Some will deny the fact that Saddam is dead, when the punishment is carried out. It will be the same people who thought the deaths of Saddam's sons was a hoax and the photos of the dead men doctored to suit the story. If the hanging was seen with thousands of eyes it would be useful.
If it is not to be a public event, I say show it on television. The explosion of homes with satellite dishes is affirmation of the freedoms enjoyed today in Iraq by the population - a free act that would have brought severe punishment in the reign of terror under Saddam.
Saddam wrote a farewell letter and it was released on the internet Wednesday. He calls on Iraqis to refrain from hating the coalition forces. "I call on you not to hate because hate does not leave space for a person to be fair and it makes you blind and closes all doors of thinking". The letter was on a website known as one of the Baath Party.
It's a shame all those thoughts about not hating didn't enter into his mental process as he killed off villages of Kurds and all the innocent men, women and children in Iraq. I don't for a minute think he suddenly has been enlightened or feels guilt for his actions. I think those reading it in his country will feel nothing but contempt and disgust. As it should be.
It should be noted that the same day Saddam's farewell letter was published a statement from the Baath Party, on the same website, called for retaliation against the U.S. if the death sentence is carried out. This group of former Saddam men now live and operate out of Yemen, it is believed.
Saddam boasted in his letter that "You should know that among the aggressors, there are people who support your struggle against the invaders, and some of them volunteered for the legal defense of prisoners", including himself. Nice of him to think to give a final shout-out to his buddy, Ramsay Clark.
An abundance of volunteers have come forward to do the hanging honors.
Have you seen the photos of John Kerry's trip to Iraq, among the military there? Seems no one wanted to sit with him for meals or work out with him, either. A press conference he called one afternoon drew absolutely no one but the reporter required to be there from the military so when Kerry showed up in his flight jacket, it is reported he simply turned around and left the spot.
What kind of reception did he expect? He just continues to reaffirm his beliefs of the ignorance of the people in uniform and his superiority. Why, it was just a botched joke, all you stupid people. The fact that he even attempted that type of joke using military personnel to attack the President speaks volumes.
Who's the stupid one, John Kerry? He should ask Teresa to buy him a clue.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Deadlines All Around
Saturday, December 30 is the date for the last daily comic strip of a favorite of my family's, Fox Trot. Creator Bill Amend is taking a break from the daily comic strip grind he began in April, 1988 and will only create a Sunday cartoon strip. With over 30 comic collections published, no doubt he is in need of a break. Amend was nominated as a finalist for the 2006 Cartoonist of the Year. That would be an honor long overdue, if you ask me. Our bookshelves hold many of his books and our son has been entertained by them since he was a little guy.
Have you heard of a program created with money from Congress to build a Katrina cottage program on the Gulf Coast? A competition was held with the mission for the five Gulf Coast states to propose a plan to spend federal recovery money on quick-assemble housing. The great state of Mississippi won the largest share of the money by producing a winning proposal .
The reaction from the Governor and senior Senator of the great state of Louisiana upon learning they had missed the top award? Well, Governor Blanco blamed the disbursement on a "cruel Republican agenda" and said they expect a whole new attitude out of congress now that the Dems will head the committees. She wants $1.2 billion for her state to build the cottages. $1.2 billion.
This alternative housing pilot program was established as an alternative to the federal law limiting temporary housing to mobile homes and travel trailers. The disbursement of funds was not based on need, but on inventiveness and "ways to improve FEMA housing in future disasters", according to Gil Jamieson, FEMA Deputy Director for Gulf Coast Recovery. Mississippi had the most competitive housing proposal, he said.
The deadline for public sympathy for New Orleans seems to have passed. As long as the people of the state continue to live under the same old ways of the Dems playing the victim card and not electing responsible leadership, nothing will change. This is a state with a Democrat in the position of Governor, sr. Senator, Mayor of New Orleans, and a Congressman from New Orleans that hid cash bribes in his freezer yet remains in office, in fact just recently re-elected.
Yes, a cruel Republican agenda. That's what is keeping those poor folks down in the projects. Did you hear? George W. Bush hates black people.
As long as minorities and others looking for government assistance buy into the old lines from the Democrats, their lot in life will remain the same. As long as they are told it's because they are victims of Republicans or whatever bogeyman offered up, nothing will change. Generation after generation living in public housing and government programs begets the same. What is the incentive to get an education or a job if you know nothing else? What is the incentive to make responsible decisions with your life if you think the check's in the mail?
What is the incentive to evacuate if you think it'll all be taken care of for you when things get bad?
Mississippi was devastated. New Orleans was flooded. It was all terrible. The people of Mississippi have been overlooked for far too long. They didn't sit around in shelters and wait for buses to take them somewhere else. The mayors of the towns in Mississippi didn't have a penthouse in a tall hotel to hide out in as the storm hit and the aftermath took over. Then have the nerve to scream obscenities at the President and his team.
Nothing is perfect in this world. Sometimes harsh reminders must be made. The government is large and lumbering. A federal emergency agency is not set up to take on people for extended periods of time.
Many of the Katrina evacuees are still here in Houston. The rent and utilities vouchers are still being extended to them. Is it a surprise that every time a deadline is set for the subsidies to end that all of a sudden we have people on the local newscasts crying that no one told them and what are they going to do now?
I rarely hear anything of helping the communities in east Texas devastated by Hurricane Rita. They will receive about $16 million for alternative housing plans now. So will Alabama, also mostly overlooked.
Louisiana has been allotted millions upon millions. The 9th ward still looks like a war zone. Is that George Bush's fault? Those evil Republicans.
I understand John Edwards was there in the 9th ward today, helping clean up a destroyed home. He brought along a camera crew so you can see how he can handle a shovel. What a guy. He'll be making his announcement that he's running for President again from there. Wow. That's original. Don't worry. A Democrat will save the day. It's all politics all the time.
Symbolism over substance.
Edwards is ready for another chance to tell us all about his two Americas. And how his father was a factory worker. And how he was a lawyer representing sick children against those bad medical people. Never seems to mention all those millions of dollars he made, though. Enough that he can run for President.
Twice.
Have you heard of a program created with money from Congress to build a Katrina cottage program on the Gulf Coast? A competition was held with the mission for the five Gulf Coast states to propose a plan to spend federal recovery money on quick-assemble housing. The great state of Mississippi won the largest share of the money by producing a winning proposal .
The reaction from the Governor and senior Senator of the great state of Louisiana upon learning they had missed the top award? Well, Governor Blanco blamed the disbursement on a "cruel Republican agenda" and said they expect a whole new attitude out of congress now that the Dems will head the committees. She wants $1.2 billion for her state to build the cottages. $1.2 billion.
This alternative housing pilot program was established as an alternative to the federal law limiting temporary housing to mobile homes and travel trailers. The disbursement of funds was not based on need, but on inventiveness and "ways to improve FEMA housing in future disasters", according to Gil Jamieson, FEMA Deputy Director for Gulf Coast Recovery. Mississippi had the most competitive housing proposal, he said.
The deadline for public sympathy for New Orleans seems to have passed. As long as the people of the state continue to live under the same old ways of the Dems playing the victim card and not electing responsible leadership, nothing will change. This is a state with a Democrat in the position of Governor, sr. Senator, Mayor of New Orleans, and a Congressman from New Orleans that hid cash bribes in his freezer yet remains in office, in fact just recently re-elected.
Yes, a cruel Republican agenda. That's what is keeping those poor folks down in the projects. Did you hear? George W. Bush hates black people.
As long as minorities and others looking for government assistance buy into the old lines from the Democrats, their lot in life will remain the same. As long as they are told it's because they are victims of Republicans or whatever bogeyman offered up, nothing will change. Generation after generation living in public housing and government programs begets the same. What is the incentive to get an education or a job if you know nothing else? What is the incentive to make responsible decisions with your life if you think the check's in the mail?
What is the incentive to evacuate if you think it'll all be taken care of for you when things get bad?
Mississippi was devastated. New Orleans was flooded. It was all terrible. The people of Mississippi have been overlooked for far too long. They didn't sit around in shelters and wait for buses to take them somewhere else. The mayors of the towns in Mississippi didn't have a penthouse in a tall hotel to hide out in as the storm hit and the aftermath took over. Then have the nerve to scream obscenities at the President and his team.
Nothing is perfect in this world. Sometimes harsh reminders must be made. The government is large and lumbering. A federal emergency agency is not set up to take on people for extended periods of time.
Many of the Katrina evacuees are still here in Houston. The rent and utilities vouchers are still being extended to them. Is it a surprise that every time a deadline is set for the subsidies to end that all of a sudden we have people on the local newscasts crying that no one told them and what are they going to do now?
I rarely hear anything of helping the communities in east Texas devastated by Hurricane Rita. They will receive about $16 million for alternative housing plans now. So will Alabama, also mostly overlooked.
Louisiana has been allotted millions upon millions. The 9th ward still looks like a war zone. Is that George Bush's fault? Those evil Republicans.
I understand John Edwards was there in the 9th ward today, helping clean up a destroyed home. He brought along a camera crew so you can see how he can handle a shovel. What a guy. He'll be making his announcement that he's running for President again from there. Wow. That's original. Don't worry. A Democrat will save the day. It's all politics all the time.
Symbolism over substance.
Edwards is ready for another chance to tell us all about his two Americas. And how his father was a factory worker. And how he was a lawyer representing sick children against those bad medical people. Never seems to mention all those millions of dollars he made, though. Enough that he can run for President.
Twice.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Gerald Ford 1913-2006
President Ford was not a great president. He was a good, honest, ethical American. He served in the House of Representatives for many years, representing the great state of Michigan.
He is best known as the man who healed a nation. He was both vice-president and then president but never elected to either position. He was named vice-president after Spiro Agnew resigned his post in the Nixon administration. Then, when President Nixon resigned, he was elevated to the presidency. He pardoned President Nixon, thus Nixon was not impeached.
Rest in Peace.
He is best known as the man who healed a nation. He was both vice-president and then president but never elected to either position. He was named vice-president after Spiro Agnew resigned his post in the Nixon administration. Then, when President Nixon resigned, he was elevated to the presidency. He pardoned President Nixon, thus Nixon was not impeached.
Rest in Peace.
Searching for Ernie Pyle
I'm searching for a modern day Ernie Pyle.
Ernie Pyle was a small town Hoosier who became a world renowned, Pulitzer prize winning war correspondent during World War II.
Ernie Pyle was born in Dana, Indiana. The current population of Dana is around 662, give or take. From humble beginnings, he went on to attend Indiana University in Bloomington in the 1920's. A semester shy of graduation, Pyle accepted a job as a reporter for the LaPorte, Indiana newspaper. Rumor had it he was suffering from a failed romance and ready to move on with his life. As a student of the School of Journalism he wrote for the Indiana Daily Student.
Ernie Pyle wrote an aviation column, one of the first to do so. He developed quite a readership during the Great Depression. He later would win a Pulitzer Prize for his wartime reporting on World War II. Ernie Pyle was never one to be a reporter from behind a desk. He believed in going to the site of the story and, in the case of war coverage, developing a relationship with the soldiers on which he reported. His respect for the soldiers and their stories of bravery in the line of duty was felt by his readers.
He was eager to see the world and understand it.
He was as famous in his day as Edward R. Murrow.
Time Magazine made him a cover story. Word was that Ernie Pyle was not comfortable with celebrity status. The Time Magazine story portrayed him as a naive, country bumpkin and that insulted him. Even then the elitists of the east coast didn't understand the rest of the country.
He was honored with a Purple Heart for his service.
Ernie Pyle died from machine gun fire on the Czech border in April, 1945. The same year brought the deaths of FDR, Hitler and Mussolini. A year of transformation.
When Pyle died, just days after FDR, Harry Truman commented on the loss of another American hero.
Not bad for a country bumpkin from Dana, Indiana.
Today there is a memorial to Ernie Pyle in Dana, called the Ernie Pyle State Historic Site. It is a museum telling the story of his life. Indiana University, presenting Pyle with an honorary degree in his later life, named the building for the School of Journalism for him. There is the Ernie Pyle Lounge which holds many possessions from his life. A typewriter, his jacket worn on the battlefields, small mementos like cigarette lighters, his Purple Heart, his Pulitzer Prize certificate, etc.
A large photograph was on display of Pyle, his ever present cigarette in hand. He was a heavy smoker. This was not an uncommon habit back in the day. The University czars of political correctness demanded the photo be replaced with a photo that features the burning cigarette discreetly in the bottom corner. They were concerned about students perceiving the photo as an endorsement for smoking.
The czars are idiots.
As a student on the Bloomington campus of Indiana University, I walked past the Ernie Pyle School of Journalism building more times than I can recall. I wonder what Ernie Pyle, a journalist of such integrity and a tough guy image, would think of the silliness that has virtually put common sense off the table in today's world of higher education.
What would Ernie Pyle think of journalists of today? As a print journalist I can't help but think he would be appalled with the constant editorializing of today's reporters. It is so common place that we, the readers, have been numbed to the prevalence. Journalism and commentary have married together with no divorce in sight. It is a time when organizations like AP and Reuters refuse to use the word 'terrorist' and instead look for less offensive, in their minds, terms. Don't want to offend a killer. Especially if the killer is killing Americans.
He would not be one of those content to report from the Green Zone in Baghdad, that is a fact. He would be out and about the country reporting on the good as well as the bad. He would report on the majority of the provinces at peace and building new lives in freedom from the former dictator. He would report on the schools being built, the children going to school, the economy that is booming from all the small businesses starting up. He would report on the heroes in uniform and the record number of commendations being awarded to them.
The stories of the war we are not reading in our newspapers leaves me feeling cheated. I know that the bad news sells newspapers. If it bleeds, it leads. The modern day press feels entitled to pushing their agenda which includes the opinion that the war is unjust and the President of the U.S. must be humiliated. At any cost. They are busy now doing victory laps for the victory of the liberals and the takeover of both the House and the Senate. You may have noticed, however, that the very military veterans they besmirch are the ones recruited by the Dems to run this past cycle.
The world is a dangerous place now. Unserious people, short sighted people, isolationist people do more harm than good. The lessons of history tell us this.
The whole picture tells the story.
Ernie Pyle was a small town Hoosier who became a world renowned, Pulitzer prize winning war correspondent during World War II.
Ernie Pyle was born in Dana, Indiana. The current population of Dana is around 662, give or take. From humble beginnings, he went on to attend Indiana University in Bloomington in the 1920's. A semester shy of graduation, Pyle accepted a job as a reporter for the LaPorte, Indiana newspaper. Rumor had it he was suffering from a failed romance and ready to move on with his life. As a student of the School of Journalism he wrote for the Indiana Daily Student.
Ernie Pyle wrote an aviation column, one of the first to do so. He developed quite a readership during the Great Depression. He later would win a Pulitzer Prize for his wartime reporting on World War II. Ernie Pyle was never one to be a reporter from behind a desk. He believed in going to the site of the story and, in the case of war coverage, developing a relationship with the soldiers on which he reported. His respect for the soldiers and their stories of bravery in the line of duty was felt by his readers.
He was eager to see the world and understand it.
He was as famous in his day as Edward R. Murrow.
Time Magazine made him a cover story. Word was that Ernie Pyle was not comfortable with celebrity status. The Time Magazine story portrayed him as a naive, country bumpkin and that insulted him. Even then the elitists of the east coast didn't understand the rest of the country.
He was honored with a Purple Heart for his service.
Ernie Pyle died from machine gun fire on the Czech border in April, 1945. The same year brought the deaths of FDR, Hitler and Mussolini. A year of transformation.
When Pyle died, just days after FDR, Harry Truman commented on the loss of another American hero.
Not bad for a country bumpkin from Dana, Indiana.
Today there is a memorial to Ernie Pyle in Dana, called the Ernie Pyle State Historic Site. It is a museum telling the story of his life. Indiana University, presenting Pyle with an honorary degree in his later life, named the building for the School of Journalism for him. There is the Ernie Pyle Lounge which holds many possessions from his life. A typewriter, his jacket worn on the battlefields, small mementos like cigarette lighters, his Purple Heart, his Pulitzer Prize certificate, etc.
A large photograph was on display of Pyle, his ever present cigarette in hand. He was a heavy smoker. This was not an uncommon habit back in the day. The University czars of political correctness demanded the photo be replaced with a photo that features the burning cigarette discreetly in the bottom corner. They were concerned about students perceiving the photo as an endorsement for smoking.
The czars are idiots.
As a student on the Bloomington campus of Indiana University, I walked past the Ernie Pyle School of Journalism building more times than I can recall. I wonder what Ernie Pyle, a journalist of such integrity and a tough guy image, would think of the silliness that has virtually put common sense off the table in today's world of higher education.
What would Ernie Pyle think of journalists of today? As a print journalist I can't help but think he would be appalled with the constant editorializing of today's reporters. It is so common place that we, the readers, have been numbed to the prevalence. Journalism and commentary have married together with no divorce in sight. It is a time when organizations like AP and Reuters refuse to use the word 'terrorist' and instead look for less offensive, in their minds, terms. Don't want to offend a killer. Especially if the killer is killing Americans.
He would not be one of those content to report from the Green Zone in Baghdad, that is a fact. He would be out and about the country reporting on the good as well as the bad. He would report on the majority of the provinces at peace and building new lives in freedom from the former dictator. He would report on the schools being built, the children going to school, the economy that is booming from all the small businesses starting up. He would report on the heroes in uniform and the record number of commendations being awarded to them.
The stories of the war we are not reading in our newspapers leaves me feeling cheated. I know that the bad news sells newspapers. If it bleeds, it leads. The modern day press feels entitled to pushing their agenda which includes the opinion that the war is unjust and the President of the U.S. must be humiliated. At any cost. They are busy now doing victory laps for the victory of the liberals and the takeover of both the House and the Senate. You may have noticed, however, that the very military veterans they besmirch are the ones recruited by the Dems to run this past cycle.
The world is a dangerous place now. Unserious people, short sighted people, isolationist people do more harm than good. The lessons of history tell us this.
The whole picture tells the story.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Christmas Day
"Many of those who have answered the call of duty will spend this Christmas season far from home and separated from family. We honor their sacrifice. We will keep them close in our hearts and in our prayers."
- President Bush at the Christmas Pageant of Peace 2006
- President Bush at the Christmas Pageant of Peace 2006
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Christmas Eve
While Mary and Joseph were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in strips of cloth and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
- Luke 2:6-7
- Luke 2:6-7
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Star Power
We heard the sonic boom produced by the shuttle Discovery yesterday as it prepared to land in Florida. It zipped across the sky overhead and the folks at Johnson Space Center went outside to check on seeing it in the sky. Don't worry, those in the command center stayed at their stations! The others couldn't see it, though. The husband arrived home from the office in time to watch the Discovery land with me and it was picture perfect even with somewhat dicey weather conditions. It never ceases to leave me with a sense of awe.
Besides being an astronaut in a perfect world, the husband would also be a scientist discovering the wonders of the world. The sighting and photos taken of the giant squid off the coast of Japan delighted him to no end. This is the stuff that really excites him.
Politics for me, science for him.
The unincorporated community of Etoile in east Texas has a double digit populaton and 140 students at the school serving grades K-8. Etoile is the French word for star.
Last May, a bus loaded with U.S. Army troops from Fort Hood broke down in the Angelina National Forest, according to a recent Houston Chronicle article. About 40 soldiers from the "Warhorse Battalion" were heading to Iraq after some grueling training at Fort Polk. While waiting for a bus dispatched from Houston, the soldiers were treated to a spaghetti dinner, courtesy of the volunteer fire department and a pleasant visit with the students at the school. The students were excited to talk to the soldiers, ask questions of them and get an up close look at their gear. The school superintendent said the soldiers were great with the kids and must have answered a thousand questions from them. He sent school buses to pick them up and bring them to the school's air-conditioned cafeteria to be comfortable while they waited for replacement transportation.
In June, the soldiers' commanders returned to the community to present certificates of appreciation, one to the school and one to the Fire Department.
Feeling they had been properly thanked by the soldiers, the community was surprised to learn of another gesture from them. The 1st Cavalry Division soldiers honored the town with "Operation Etoile", converting an enemy-infested area in Iraq into open space. The mission cleaned out the anti-coalition elements who were planting roadside bombs and launching attacks on passing U.S. and Iraqi troops.
The "Warhorse" soldiers, with the help of engineers with 9 bulldozers, removed dirt mounds and brush being used as cover for the attackers. A lookout tower was destroyed. In the name of the people of Etoile, a soccer field was made and villagers were given clothes and toys by U.S. troops as the work was being completed.
"The community's help was not forgotten," said the dispatch from Capt. Gregory Stopyra in Baqouba, Iraq. "The Warhorse leadership decided upon the name of 'Etoile' for this operation. This French word for 'star' now represents a tremendous success for the Warhorse Battalion."
"We had a ball, " said Etoile Superintendent Andy Trekell.
Besides being an astronaut in a perfect world, the husband would also be a scientist discovering the wonders of the world. The sighting and photos taken of the giant squid off the coast of Japan delighted him to no end. This is the stuff that really excites him.
Politics for me, science for him.
The unincorporated community of Etoile in east Texas has a double digit populaton and 140 students at the school serving grades K-8. Etoile is the French word for star.
Last May, a bus loaded with U.S. Army troops from Fort Hood broke down in the Angelina National Forest, according to a recent Houston Chronicle article. About 40 soldiers from the "Warhorse Battalion" were heading to Iraq after some grueling training at Fort Polk. While waiting for a bus dispatched from Houston, the soldiers were treated to a spaghetti dinner, courtesy of the volunteer fire department and a pleasant visit with the students at the school. The students were excited to talk to the soldiers, ask questions of them and get an up close look at their gear. The school superintendent said the soldiers were great with the kids and must have answered a thousand questions from them. He sent school buses to pick them up and bring them to the school's air-conditioned cafeteria to be comfortable while they waited for replacement transportation.
In June, the soldiers' commanders returned to the community to present certificates of appreciation, one to the school and one to the Fire Department.
Feeling they had been properly thanked by the soldiers, the community was surprised to learn of another gesture from them. The 1st Cavalry Division soldiers honored the town with "Operation Etoile", converting an enemy-infested area in Iraq into open space. The mission cleaned out the anti-coalition elements who were planting roadside bombs and launching attacks on passing U.S. and Iraqi troops.
The "Warhorse" soldiers, with the help of engineers with 9 bulldozers, removed dirt mounds and brush being used as cover for the attackers. A lookout tower was destroyed. In the name of the people of Etoile, a soccer field was made and villagers were given clothes and toys by U.S. troops as the work was being completed.
"The community's help was not forgotten," said the dispatch from Capt. Gregory Stopyra in Baqouba, Iraq. "The Warhorse leadership decided upon the name of 'Etoile' for this operation. This French word for 'star' now represents a tremendous success for the Warhorse Battalion."
"We had a ball, " said Etoile Superintendent Andy Trekell.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Thank You Kuwait
In December of 1985, the husband and I were beginning a move back to my beloved Deep South. Finally. We were living in south/central Indiana and I was more than ready for him to find a position that would bring him back into the oil drilling biz and, thanks to an old friend in New Orleans, he did. The friend sent a classified ad from the Times-picayune to him with a note that it looked to fit his experience.
The husband set up an interview with the HR woman of the drilling company at the office in Lafayette, LA. We were excited and drove down to check things out. He signed on the dotted line and we were moving to Cajun country and into our first house at the end of the month. We decided to move to Lafayette and not back to New Orleans as Lafayette we deemed to be better to raise a future family.
I drove from Indiana to Cameron, LA to send the husband off to his first hitch offshore for this company. Then I went back up to Indiana to finish moving preparations while he was gone.
Cameron was a tiny, rural community in the very southwestern tip of the coast of Louisiana. It is almost to the Texas border. The community was able to enjoy the financial rewards of oilfield workers going in and out of the town, back and forth to the Gulf of Mexico. It was a community of enthusiastic hunters. All along a two lane stretch of highway that ended at the Gulf were handmade signs advertising services of cleaning and dressing the rewards of hunting trips, as well as taxidermy services.
The people were friendly and we spent the night upon our arrival at a small motel. Nothing fancy by any stretch of the imagination but comfortable. We enjoyed a wonderful, fresh seafood dinner that night at a restaurant along a pier right on the water. It was very romantic after dark as it lit up in the darkness and the sound of the waves breaking on the beach.
Hurricane Rita, making landfall at the southwestern Louisiana coast, including the upper southeastern coast of Texas, just two weeks after Hurricane Katrina, destroyed Cameron. Wiped it out. Very little remained standing.
Most of the towns and communities devastated by Hurricane Rita are still struggling to re-build, just like those affected by Hurricane Katrina on the east coast of Louisiana and the Mississippi coast. It is a shame the victims of Hurricane Rita never got the publicity that the others did. Devastated communities are a tragedy whether it is a city like New Orleans or a rural community. At least New Orleans had most of it's city still standing except for parts directly hit. Even the homes completely underwater are still standing after the water left.
Fast forward to two days ago. As part of the monetary outreach of the Bush/Clinton Katrina Fund, the one former Presidents Bush and Clinton have raised millions to support, a hospital is on it's way to being re-built for the people in the area of Cameron. Since the hurricane hit, the people have been driving an hour for medical emergencies. The tiny, 25 bed South Cameron Memorial Hospital served as a first stop for injured offshore workers as well as community members. The donation made recently will be used along with other donations and FEMA money to re-open the hospital this spring.
Karen, why is Kuwait in the heading of this post, you might be thinking? Well, the Bush/Clinton Fund made its first contribution to victims of Hurricane Rita with this expenditure. Cameron's story was weighing on the heart of the former President Bush, as he had fond memories of the area from his days in the oilpatch. Bush cleared it with Clinton and the IRS, then asked one benefactor to the fund for permission to direct $2 million to Cameron. Who's the benefactor? The government of Kuwait, that's who. You may remember former President Bush has a bit to do with the fact they are free from Iraqi rule today.
And this leads me to George Clooney. Just stay with me here. George Clooney was invited by Bush to come along to Cameron and present the people with the check. Why George Clooney? "For the record, inviting Clooney was my idea, who better to help than arguably the best-known ER doctor in America.", Bush said. People came from as far away as Arkansas upon hearing rumors of the donation.
Clooney seems to be learning to use his celebrity for good purposes in his middle age. Instead of being known as just another liberal celebrity throwing word bombs and showing disrespect to the President overseas, he is finally getting a clue. Maybe. His father asked for his notoriety to get the word out about the genocide in Darfur and now a former president, named Bush, I might add, has given him the opportunity to be a good guy again. It was reported Clooney was generous with autographs and pictures among the crowd gathered to witness the check presentation.
Cameron received a much needed Christmas gift. The reason for the season. Neighbors helping neighbors.
It is finally feeling like the Christmas season when I hear an especially moving rendition of "O Holy Night". That happened this morning, warming my heart.
The new title for the upcoming 7th and final Harry Potter book? "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows". Son was not impressed with that title. He'll look forward to it as he has all the others though.
"I'd rather pop popcorn than look at George Clooney," said Lloyd Woodcock, 33. "I came here for Bush."
Woodcock was among the crowd in Cameron.
The husband set up an interview with the HR woman of the drilling company at the office in Lafayette, LA. We were excited and drove down to check things out. He signed on the dotted line and we were moving to Cajun country and into our first house at the end of the month. We decided to move to Lafayette and not back to New Orleans as Lafayette we deemed to be better to raise a future family.
I drove from Indiana to Cameron, LA to send the husband off to his first hitch offshore for this company. Then I went back up to Indiana to finish moving preparations while he was gone.
Cameron was a tiny, rural community in the very southwestern tip of the coast of Louisiana. It is almost to the Texas border. The community was able to enjoy the financial rewards of oilfield workers going in and out of the town, back and forth to the Gulf of Mexico. It was a community of enthusiastic hunters. All along a two lane stretch of highway that ended at the Gulf were handmade signs advertising services of cleaning and dressing the rewards of hunting trips, as well as taxidermy services.
The people were friendly and we spent the night upon our arrival at a small motel. Nothing fancy by any stretch of the imagination but comfortable. We enjoyed a wonderful, fresh seafood dinner that night at a restaurant along a pier right on the water. It was very romantic after dark as it lit up in the darkness and the sound of the waves breaking on the beach.
Hurricane Rita, making landfall at the southwestern Louisiana coast, including the upper southeastern coast of Texas, just two weeks after Hurricane Katrina, destroyed Cameron. Wiped it out. Very little remained standing.
Most of the towns and communities devastated by Hurricane Rita are still struggling to re-build, just like those affected by Hurricane Katrina on the east coast of Louisiana and the Mississippi coast. It is a shame the victims of Hurricane Rita never got the publicity that the others did. Devastated communities are a tragedy whether it is a city like New Orleans or a rural community. At least New Orleans had most of it's city still standing except for parts directly hit. Even the homes completely underwater are still standing after the water left.
Fast forward to two days ago. As part of the monetary outreach of the Bush/Clinton Katrina Fund, the one former Presidents Bush and Clinton have raised millions to support, a hospital is on it's way to being re-built for the people in the area of Cameron. Since the hurricane hit, the people have been driving an hour for medical emergencies. The tiny, 25 bed South Cameron Memorial Hospital served as a first stop for injured offshore workers as well as community members. The donation made recently will be used along with other donations and FEMA money to re-open the hospital this spring.
Karen, why is Kuwait in the heading of this post, you might be thinking? Well, the Bush/Clinton Fund made its first contribution to victims of Hurricane Rita with this expenditure. Cameron's story was weighing on the heart of the former President Bush, as he had fond memories of the area from his days in the oilpatch. Bush cleared it with Clinton and the IRS, then asked one benefactor to the fund for permission to direct $2 million to Cameron. Who's the benefactor? The government of Kuwait, that's who. You may remember former President Bush has a bit to do with the fact they are free from Iraqi rule today.
And this leads me to George Clooney. Just stay with me here. George Clooney was invited by Bush to come along to Cameron and present the people with the check. Why George Clooney? "For the record, inviting Clooney was my idea, who better to help than arguably the best-known ER doctor in America.", Bush said. People came from as far away as Arkansas upon hearing rumors of the donation.
Clooney seems to be learning to use his celebrity for good purposes in his middle age. Instead of being known as just another liberal celebrity throwing word bombs and showing disrespect to the President overseas, he is finally getting a clue. Maybe. His father asked for his notoriety to get the word out about the genocide in Darfur and now a former president, named Bush, I might add, has given him the opportunity to be a good guy again. It was reported Clooney was generous with autographs and pictures among the crowd gathered to witness the check presentation.
Cameron received a much needed Christmas gift. The reason for the season. Neighbors helping neighbors.
It is finally feeling like the Christmas season when I hear an especially moving rendition of "O Holy Night". That happened this morning, warming my heart.
The new title for the upcoming 7th and final Harry Potter book? "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows". Son was not impressed with that title. He'll look forward to it as he has all the others though.
"I'd rather pop popcorn than look at George Clooney," said Lloyd Woodcock, 33. "I came here for Bush."
Woodcock was among the crowd in Cameron.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Who's A Cowboy Now?
I'm checking out a movie from 1945 titled "The Clock" starring Judy Garland and Robert Walker. I need the diversion.
Seems recent news accounts of traveling politicians confirm my suspicions. There is no shortage of clueless bloviators willing to make laughingstocks of themselves to muscle their way onto the world stage. Actors all.
First Senator Bill Nelson, former astronaut from Florida, goes to Syria for a little tete a tete with Bashir. His jet barely back into the skies and the Iranian press is mocking him and his great adventure into the diplomatic abyss. He thought it was a good way to stick a finger into the eye of President Bush, whose administration asked him not to go in the first place. I'm sure he didn't count on the reaction of the region. They thought he was a very foolish man.
Not to be outdone, John Kerry traipses off to Syria, and to raise the stakes a bit announces he would be happy to go to Iran to talk with the madman there, if he was needed. Thanks, John. I'm sure the people of Israel, next on the itinerary, were really excited with the prospects of his visit.
Evan Bayh went to the region, too. He's out of the presidential race now, though, so who cares?
Brings to mind the old joke about every senator waking up and seeing a future president in the mirror.
When President Bush does things that raise eyebrows, he's called a cowboy. That would be an insult to the uppity elites, you know.
Now it's the pilgrimage to Cuba. Both parties are guilty of this. Can't we just talk to the brutal dictator and solve all the problems? Can't we just allow free trade and make money there?
The answer is no.
Did the latest congressional delegation to travel to Cuba ask about the political prisoners or the imprisoned journalists or the people guilty of practicing their religions? No word on that but lots about remarks from silly, no-nothings like Congressman Meeks from New York that brags now that the democrats are in charge it's time to take advantage and change policy towards Cuba. Or Congressman Flake from Arizona who thinks the atmosphere is ripe for business investment with the Cuban leadership.
Lord help us.
And Joy Behar continues not to disappoint. Her latest easy, cheap shot at conservatives was concerning Fox News and their coverage of the Hitler/Rumsfeld remark: "Fox News is all over my ass. I consider it an honor, like being on Nixon's enemies list." She's one classy broad, that one.
If it weren't for easy cheap shots she'd have no schtick at all. Maybe Santa will bring her some original thoughts for Christmas this year.
Seems recent news accounts of traveling politicians confirm my suspicions. There is no shortage of clueless bloviators willing to make laughingstocks of themselves to muscle their way onto the world stage. Actors all.
First Senator Bill Nelson, former astronaut from Florida, goes to Syria for a little tete a tete with Bashir. His jet barely back into the skies and the Iranian press is mocking him and his great adventure into the diplomatic abyss. He thought it was a good way to stick a finger into the eye of President Bush, whose administration asked him not to go in the first place. I'm sure he didn't count on the reaction of the region. They thought he was a very foolish man.
Not to be outdone, John Kerry traipses off to Syria, and to raise the stakes a bit announces he would be happy to go to Iran to talk with the madman there, if he was needed. Thanks, John. I'm sure the people of Israel, next on the itinerary, were really excited with the prospects of his visit.
Evan Bayh went to the region, too. He's out of the presidential race now, though, so who cares?
Brings to mind the old joke about every senator waking up and seeing a future president in the mirror.
When President Bush does things that raise eyebrows, he's called a cowboy. That would be an insult to the uppity elites, you know.
Now it's the pilgrimage to Cuba. Both parties are guilty of this. Can't we just talk to the brutal dictator and solve all the problems? Can't we just allow free trade and make money there?
The answer is no.
Did the latest congressional delegation to travel to Cuba ask about the political prisoners or the imprisoned journalists or the people guilty of practicing their religions? No word on that but lots about remarks from silly, no-nothings like Congressman Meeks from New York that brags now that the democrats are in charge it's time to take advantage and change policy towards Cuba. Or Congressman Flake from Arizona who thinks the atmosphere is ripe for business investment with the Cuban leadership.
Lord help us.
And Joy Behar continues not to disappoint. Her latest easy, cheap shot at conservatives was concerning Fox News and their coverage of the Hitler/Rumsfeld remark: "Fox News is all over my ass. I consider it an honor, like being on Nixon's enemies list." She's one classy broad, that one.
If it weren't for easy cheap shots she'd have no schtick at all. Maybe Santa will bring her some original thoughts for Christmas this year.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Just Not Worthy
Sometimes people prove unworthy of serious consideration.
Yesterday, during a regular press briefing with Tony Snow, the journalists (loosely speaking) of the national press and radio were all but fainting in the aisles upon the news of Laura Bush's recent cancer scare. This wasn't concern for the First Lady and her health, oh no. This was due to the fact that Mrs. Bush had a cancerous spot, the size of a nickel, removed from her right leg's shin in November. How dare no one notify the press of this procedure immediately, maybe even as it was being done at her doctor's office.
Better yet, since she "only" had local anesthesia, maybe the press was expecting a personal phone call from her during the procedure.
It was quite the feeding frenzy aimed at Tony Snow. Everyone from The New York Times, CNN, network news, CBS Radio, et.al. was demanding to know more. Why didn't Mrs. Bush disclose this immediately, will she now do advocacy work encouraging Americans to be regularly checked for skin cancer? Well, doesn't she think this is important?
The fact is, as I see it, Laura Bush is a private citizen with national recognition. She is an unelected,unpaid public servant doing good works around the globe and a huge advocate for women and children everywhere. Which, I might add, that includes all the world's women and children, unlike the "feminists" in this country. Where was their support of women in countries living with true oppression and misery? Where is the celebrating from the feminist crowd over the fact that little girls in Afghanistan are going to school for the first time?
There is also the matter of medical privacy. This is not something her doctor or a medical facility could announce. The only person allowed to disclose this kind of information was Laura Bush herself. She answered a reporter's question during a White House holiday reception concerning the bandage on her leg. She was in a skirt and it was visible.
Her press secretary was asked why the press didn't know about this and the press secretary answered that no one had asked about it and Mrs. Bush said it was no big deal. The tumor was caught early and removed. Mrs. Bush continued on with her normal schedule, traveled with the President overseas and oversaw the holiday preparations at the White House.
Where was all this questioning and distress during the Clinton administration when the President didn't disclose medical records as is normally done annually? What was he hiding? How about Hillary Clinton? Chelsea?
Ridiculous.
A slow news day.
Yesterday, during a regular press briefing with Tony Snow, the journalists (loosely speaking) of the national press and radio were all but fainting in the aisles upon the news of Laura Bush's recent cancer scare. This wasn't concern for the First Lady and her health, oh no. This was due to the fact that Mrs. Bush had a cancerous spot, the size of a nickel, removed from her right leg's shin in November. How dare no one notify the press of this procedure immediately, maybe even as it was being done at her doctor's office.
Better yet, since she "only" had local anesthesia, maybe the press was expecting a personal phone call from her during the procedure.
It was quite the feeding frenzy aimed at Tony Snow. Everyone from The New York Times, CNN, network news, CBS Radio, et.al. was demanding to know more. Why didn't Mrs. Bush disclose this immediately, will she now do advocacy work encouraging Americans to be regularly checked for skin cancer? Well, doesn't she think this is important?
The fact is, as I see it, Laura Bush is a private citizen with national recognition. She is an unelected,unpaid public servant doing good works around the globe and a huge advocate for women and children everywhere. Which, I might add, that includes all the world's women and children, unlike the "feminists" in this country. Where was their support of women in countries living with true oppression and misery? Where is the celebrating from the feminist crowd over the fact that little girls in Afghanistan are going to school for the first time?
There is also the matter of medical privacy. This is not something her doctor or a medical facility could announce. The only person allowed to disclose this kind of information was Laura Bush herself. She answered a reporter's question during a White House holiday reception concerning the bandage on her leg. She was in a skirt and it was visible.
Her press secretary was asked why the press didn't know about this and the press secretary answered that no one had asked about it and Mrs. Bush said it was no big deal. The tumor was caught early and removed. Mrs. Bush continued on with her normal schedule, traveled with the President overseas and oversaw the holiday preparations at the White House.
Where was all this questioning and distress during the Clinton administration when the President didn't disclose medical records as is normally done annually? What was he hiding? How about Hillary Clinton? Chelsea?
Ridiculous.
A slow news day.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
One For The Road
Is it just me, or did you find it odd to hear a British accent coming out of the mouth of the CEO of Taco Bell, talking about the recent e-Coli scare?
Bono is upset with the new Democratic leadership of the incoming Congress. My man, Bono, was promised a bunch of money for his programs in Africa, a pleasant surprise to him after Clinton left office and those mean old Republicans took over the White House. So, after meetings on Capitol Hill in recent days, Senator Harry Reid has refused to guarantee to work with Republicans to ok the President's request for monies. I know, according to Kenye West, President Bush hates black people. But, alas, his administration has done more for the continent of Africa than any other previous administraton. And one of the President's twin daughters is working there, personally, and Laura Bush has been there to support projects more than any other first lady has been. Hmm.
Seems we have substance over symbolism with this administration instead of the reverse from the old Clinton days. They were all about the symbolism and nothing much else. Remember the trip to Africa Hillary and Chelsea took and a big photo op was made of native Africans doing tribal dancing for them. Performing for the big shots.
I know it's fun to go to the old canards in arguments but the dinosaur liberal thinking and talking points just don't play in modern times. Joy Behar, the "comedian" on The View, equated Donald Rumsfeld with Hitler yesterday on the show. Wow, how original to put Hitler and a Republican in the same sentence. Even Jon Stewart says only Hitler was Hitler. Maybe she was just sucking up to Rosie.
This is Kofi Annan's last week of officially presiding over the U.N. Finally. Alas, we have one more scandal trickling out as he departs. Seems Kofi and his wife, the tall, attractive blonde at his side have been living in another apartment than the one they are on paper as occupying. They are on the lease for an apartment that is subsidized by the taxpayers of the City of New York but they live in another place. Kofi's brother lives in the subsidized place. And why was he given the break for housing anyway? His wife is a member of one of the wealthiest families in Sweden and they are not in need. Just greedy, of course. Like all of his corrupt, pocket-lining deals through the U.N.
One more for the road.
I have been watching the NASA channel the past couple of days when I need distraction. It is so incredible to think of watching an astronaut working on the space station in real time on tv.
The tickets to "Spamalot" have been purchased. The traveling company from Broadway will be here at the end of May for a couple of weeks. My guys, especially, are huge Monty Python fans so we are all looking forward to treat.
Bono is upset with the new Democratic leadership of the incoming Congress. My man, Bono, was promised a bunch of money for his programs in Africa, a pleasant surprise to him after Clinton left office and those mean old Republicans took over the White House. So, after meetings on Capitol Hill in recent days, Senator Harry Reid has refused to guarantee to work with Republicans to ok the President's request for monies. I know, according to Kenye West, President Bush hates black people. But, alas, his administration has done more for the continent of Africa than any other previous administraton. And one of the President's twin daughters is working there, personally, and Laura Bush has been there to support projects more than any other first lady has been. Hmm.
Seems we have substance over symbolism with this administration instead of the reverse from the old Clinton days. They were all about the symbolism and nothing much else. Remember the trip to Africa Hillary and Chelsea took and a big photo op was made of native Africans doing tribal dancing for them. Performing for the big shots.
I know it's fun to go to the old canards in arguments but the dinosaur liberal thinking and talking points just don't play in modern times. Joy Behar, the "comedian" on The View, equated Donald Rumsfeld with Hitler yesterday on the show. Wow, how original to put Hitler and a Republican in the same sentence. Even Jon Stewart says only Hitler was Hitler. Maybe she was just sucking up to Rosie.
This is Kofi Annan's last week of officially presiding over the U.N. Finally. Alas, we have one more scandal trickling out as he departs. Seems Kofi and his wife, the tall, attractive blonde at his side have been living in another apartment than the one they are on paper as occupying. They are on the lease for an apartment that is subsidized by the taxpayers of the City of New York but they live in another place. Kofi's brother lives in the subsidized place. And why was he given the break for housing anyway? His wife is a member of one of the wealthiest families in Sweden and they are not in need. Just greedy, of course. Like all of his corrupt, pocket-lining deals through the U.N.
One more for the road.
I have been watching the NASA channel the past couple of days when I need distraction. It is so incredible to think of watching an astronaut working on the space station in real time on tv.
The tickets to "Spamalot" have been purchased. The traveling company from Broadway will be here at the end of May for a couple of weeks. My guys, especially, are huge Monty Python fans so we are all looking forward to treat.
Monday, December 18, 2006
The Simple Song
Good Monday morning, y'all! I'm enjoying a bit of early morning quiet as Max patrols the backyard and the son is still asleep. Hubby is off to the office. All is well. So far so good.
Yesterday I read an article in the newspaper that told of a parent singing an old Shaker song with her child. This brought many memories flooding back for me of the days when our son was small.
I read to our son every night at bedtime and it was our routine. I started this before he was even born, believing he could hear my voice and this pattern would be familiar to him when he was born. I'm not a scientist but I read obsessively. Somewhere along the line when I was pregnant, I read something confirming this belief of mine.
The husband was not home every night due to work in the real world for him. He has always been gone for varying lengths of time for work purposes and this is a normal way of life, even for our son. When the husband was home, he wanted to do something special with son as part of the bedtime routine that would just be theirs. The male bonding thing. So, he and the boy would recite the Lord's Prayer together then they would sing The Simple Song.
Son learned the Lord's Prayer at a very early age, thanks to his dad. The song I referenced is not really named the Simple Song, but it is a part of the verse - "Tis a gift to be simple, tis a gift to be free". It is so lovely and good advice, too. It is a Shaker song. I don't know the song's real name.
I love hearing their voices wafting down the hall.
Several years ago the husband was doing an extended assignment in the State of Maine. He was on site at a shipyard in Portland as a rig was being built and he was in charge of making sure it was commissioned. Son and I joined him for about a month that summer.
One of the most memorable sites we saw in Maine was a Shaker village. We visited the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, on Route 26, in New Gloucester. This village is the only functioning Shaker community in the world.
With a father and mother who love history, the son was pre-destined for this visit. Fortunately he is not as bored by this sort of field trip as some young people are. I see him as a budding history buff.
This village is so interesting. There are 18 structures in the village and 6 are open to the public. It is a look into the life of a Shaker village. The museum was started in 1931 by two of the women members of the community. As I said, it is still functioning so tours and such are worked around daily life there.
The community is known for its herb gardening skills. We bought packages of salad herbs, herbal teas and potpourri from a recipe developed in 1858. The gift shop provides income for the community and they also have a mail order catalog for their goods. We purchased a couple of books about the Shaker history and a frameable poster of an arrangement of Shaker chairs. The beauty is in the simple starkness of the chair construction.
Tis a gift to be simple.
Yesterday I read an article in the newspaper that told of a parent singing an old Shaker song with her child. This brought many memories flooding back for me of the days when our son was small.
I read to our son every night at bedtime and it was our routine. I started this before he was even born, believing he could hear my voice and this pattern would be familiar to him when he was born. I'm not a scientist but I read obsessively. Somewhere along the line when I was pregnant, I read something confirming this belief of mine.
The husband was not home every night due to work in the real world for him. He has always been gone for varying lengths of time for work purposes and this is a normal way of life, even for our son. When the husband was home, he wanted to do something special with son as part of the bedtime routine that would just be theirs. The male bonding thing. So, he and the boy would recite the Lord's Prayer together then they would sing The Simple Song.
Son learned the Lord's Prayer at a very early age, thanks to his dad. The song I referenced is not really named the Simple Song, but it is a part of the verse - "Tis a gift to be simple, tis a gift to be free". It is so lovely and good advice, too. It is a Shaker song. I don't know the song's real name.
I love hearing their voices wafting down the hall.
Several years ago the husband was doing an extended assignment in the State of Maine. He was on site at a shipyard in Portland as a rig was being built and he was in charge of making sure it was commissioned. Son and I joined him for about a month that summer.
One of the most memorable sites we saw in Maine was a Shaker village. We visited the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, on Route 26, in New Gloucester. This village is the only functioning Shaker community in the world.
With a father and mother who love history, the son was pre-destined for this visit. Fortunately he is not as bored by this sort of field trip as some young people are. I see him as a budding history buff.
This village is so interesting. There are 18 structures in the village and 6 are open to the public. It is a look into the life of a Shaker village. The museum was started in 1931 by two of the women members of the community. As I said, it is still functioning so tours and such are worked around daily life there.
The community is known for its herb gardening skills. We bought packages of salad herbs, herbal teas and potpourri from a recipe developed in 1858. The gift shop provides income for the community and they also have a mail order catalog for their goods. We purchased a couple of books about the Shaker history and a frameable poster of an arrangement of Shaker chairs. The beauty is in the simple starkness of the chair construction.
Tis a gift to be simple.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Let the Games Begin
Today I had lunch with my lifelong girlfriend. Well, since second grade when her family moved to town. It was our once a month lunch. The seafood alfredo was yummy.
Son's Senior Class ring arrived today. So wierd.
The attempts to rescue the three mountain climbers in Oregon is compelling. I pray the weather cooperates tomorrow. The statements from the families are heartbreaking.
I see Senator Evan Bayh is not running for President after all. Wonder if he was too skittish about his lifestyle in college getting out to haunt him now that he has a wife and children. I lived in Indiana, in Bloomington, when he was a student at Indiana University and knew a couple of Bayh's friends. He used to be Senator Birch Bayh's son before the sr. Bayh was defeated and Evan was old enough to go into the political scene himself. Needless to say the news of his marriage was surprising to most.
Wonder what Evan will do with the reported $10 million he has in his PAC established as an exploratory committee?
I finally sent out our Christmas cards yesterday. It was late for me, I like to get them out towards the first of December as a rule. Just didn't happen this year.
With $14 million dollars in the bank for her presidential run and all the former consultants and aides from President Clinton's days in the White House on the payroll, does anyone still have any doubts Hillary is running for 2008? Obama is putting a scare into her, though, so she'll have to stop the cat and mouse games in fairly short order. Already there are commercials running in New Hampshire for a draft Obama initiative.
Gonna be interesting.
Son's Senior Class ring arrived today. So wierd.
The attempts to rescue the three mountain climbers in Oregon is compelling. I pray the weather cooperates tomorrow. The statements from the families are heartbreaking.
I see Senator Evan Bayh is not running for President after all. Wonder if he was too skittish about his lifestyle in college getting out to haunt him now that he has a wife and children. I lived in Indiana, in Bloomington, when he was a student at Indiana University and knew a couple of Bayh's friends. He used to be Senator Birch Bayh's son before the sr. Bayh was defeated and Evan was old enough to go into the political scene himself. Needless to say the news of his marriage was surprising to most.
Wonder what Evan will do with the reported $10 million he has in his PAC established as an exploratory committee?
I finally sent out our Christmas cards yesterday. It was late for me, I like to get them out towards the first of December as a rule. Just didn't happen this year.
With $14 million dollars in the bank for her presidential run and all the former consultants and aides from President Clinton's days in the White House on the payroll, does anyone still have any doubts Hillary is running for 2008? Obama is putting a scare into her, though, so she'll have to stop the cat and mouse games in fairly short order. Already there are commercials running in New Hampshire for a draft Obama initiative.
Gonna be interesting.
The Logan Act
Happy Hanukkah!
Winter break from school began at 11:30 yesterday morning as son was then finished with finals week. The air-conditioning is still running. I killed two mosquitoes yesterday in my house.
Tonight the husband, son and I went to a play at the Country Playhouse using our season tickets. The current offering is "A Christmas Story" and it was pretty good. A little draggy at times and felt a bit drawn out but overall a good play for the season. It was a nice change of pace from the endless showing of it in movie form on tv. It's gotten to be like "It's A Wonderful Life" in overkill.
Anyone paying attention to the growing stream of U.S. Senators going over to terror-sponsoring countries and "talking" to their murderous, thug leaders? Well, the list is growing. So far, I have noted the trips of John Kerry to Egypt and Syria before he goes to Israel and Palestine. Israel being the only friend of the U.S. in the region, and oh yeah, he'll go to Iran if he needs to. Thanks Senator Kerry. Also, Senator Bill Nelson, and Senator Evan Bayh have been to Syria with Arlen Spector announcing he's going, too. N.M. Governor Bill Richardson visited North Korea. You may remember him from his days in the Clinton administration and his previous failings with North Korea with Maddie Allbright.
In light of the fact that the Bush administration has asked them not to go and they have voiced disapproval of their tactics, it is time to dust off the Logan Act.
According to www.historycentral.com, "Dr. George Logan of Pennsylvania attempted to normalize relations with France. He entered into negotiations with France, without authorization, in hopes of resuming normal relations. In 1799, Congress passed legislation outlawing such contacts between foreign governments and private individuals. The law remains on the books to this day."
I know the Dems are all giddy that they have a two vote majority in the Senate now, and Arlen Spector has been a disgrace for many years to the Republicans, but this arrogance is breathtaking, to say the least.
Senators are not authorized to commune with foreign leaders on policy. Especially after they have been asked not to go by the administration. We have a very capable State Department, thank you, and the Senators are showing weakness and conflict with the administration, at a time of war.
At a time of war.
I don't care if you don't like how President Bush is conducting policy or how Secretary Rice is handling diplomatic matters. The Senators have clearly crossed over the line.
America has to speak with one voice.
The balance of power has changed in Congress but the same man is president. The leaders of other countries see a sign of weakness in this hijacking of diplomacy.
The terrorists love the Democrats. They want the old days back. Just like they applaud old and foolish dinosaur politicians like Patrick Leahy as he comes back to being Judiciary Chair and says he'll try to eliminate the tools used to monitor and hunt down terrorists. Leahy was kicked off the Senate Intelligence Committee a few years back after he was caught leaking classified info to the press.
Leahy is a prime example of why Democrats can't be trusted with national security. The times are too dangerous for unserious people.
Just as I have called for the reinstatement of The Sedition Act, I think the Logan Act must be used. We are a nation at war. If the president's overall approval ratings were not so low now, there is no way these Senators would be pulling off these shenanigans. When Clinton was turning a blind eye to attack after attack to our military and facilities, the Republicans didn't take it upon themselves to travel the world and try to do the work of the State Department.
The European Socialist Democrats told Howard Dean last week, as he was at their meeting, that they were so happy the Democrats were back in power.
No wonder.
Winter break from school began at 11:30 yesterday morning as son was then finished with finals week. The air-conditioning is still running. I killed two mosquitoes yesterday in my house.
Tonight the husband, son and I went to a play at the Country Playhouse using our season tickets. The current offering is "A Christmas Story" and it was pretty good. A little draggy at times and felt a bit drawn out but overall a good play for the season. It was a nice change of pace from the endless showing of it in movie form on tv. It's gotten to be like "It's A Wonderful Life" in overkill.
Anyone paying attention to the growing stream of U.S. Senators going over to terror-sponsoring countries and "talking" to their murderous, thug leaders? Well, the list is growing. So far, I have noted the trips of John Kerry to Egypt and Syria before he goes to Israel and Palestine. Israel being the only friend of the U.S. in the region, and oh yeah, he'll go to Iran if he needs to. Thanks Senator Kerry. Also, Senator Bill Nelson, and Senator Evan Bayh have been to Syria with Arlen Spector announcing he's going, too. N.M. Governor Bill Richardson visited North Korea. You may remember him from his days in the Clinton administration and his previous failings with North Korea with Maddie Allbright.
In light of the fact that the Bush administration has asked them not to go and they have voiced disapproval of their tactics, it is time to dust off the Logan Act.
According to www.historycentral.com, "Dr. George Logan of Pennsylvania attempted to normalize relations with France. He entered into negotiations with France, without authorization, in hopes of resuming normal relations. In 1799, Congress passed legislation outlawing such contacts between foreign governments and private individuals. The law remains on the books to this day."
I know the Dems are all giddy that they have a two vote majority in the Senate now, and Arlen Spector has been a disgrace for many years to the Republicans, but this arrogance is breathtaking, to say the least.
Senators are not authorized to commune with foreign leaders on policy. Especially after they have been asked not to go by the administration. We have a very capable State Department, thank you, and the Senators are showing weakness and conflict with the administration, at a time of war.
At a time of war.
I don't care if you don't like how President Bush is conducting policy or how Secretary Rice is handling diplomatic matters. The Senators have clearly crossed over the line.
America has to speak with one voice.
The balance of power has changed in Congress but the same man is president. The leaders of other countries see a sign of weakness in this hijacking of diplomacy.
The terrorists love the Democrats. They want the old days back. Just like they applaud old and foolish dinosaur politicians like Patrick Leahy as he comes back to being Judiciary Chair and says he'll try to eliminate the tools used to monitor and hunt down terrorists. Leahy was kicked off the Senate Intelligence Committee a few years back after he was caught leaking classified info to the press.
Leahy is a prime example of why Democrats can't be trusted with national security. The times are too dangerous for unserious people.
Just as I have called for the reinstatement of The Sedition Act, I think the Logan Act must be used. We are a nation at war. If the president's overall approval ratings were not so low now, there is no way these Senators would be pulling off these shenanigans. When Clinton was turning a blind eye to attack after attack to our military and facilities, the Republicans didn't take it upon themselves to travel the world and try to do the work of the State Department.
The European Socialist Democrats told Howard Dean last week, as he was at their meeting, that they were so happy the Democrats were back in power.
No wonder.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Balance of Power
I feel good. I spent 2 1/2 hours at the salon this afternoon and my hair looks marvelous, darling. It's short, it's quite blonde and I'm feeling frisky. See, I was born with red hair, then it turned brunette as I grew older. I have always enjoyed coloring it for kicks, beginning as a college freshman. Mostly I went red and auburn. I am very fair complexioned so it was a no brainer. Now that I am a woman of substance, I am going blonde in a big way. It's fun to see where all the highlights lead me. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
The health crisis of Senator Tim Johnson of South Dakota troubles me. The poor man. He is 59 years old and in a stressful job. He has stroke-like symtoms while on a conference call with reporters and is rushed to the hospital after he hangs up and collaspes on the way back to his office. This is serious stuff, folks.
What is reported? The first sentence or two is about the actual condition of the senator. Then we immediately jump into the fragile balance of power in the Senate. Yes, if the man should die, then the governor of the great state of South Dakota will appoint someone to serve out Senator Johnson's term, which ends in 2008. But do we really have to go there right this second?
Can't we let the man recover from his surgery and let the doctors make their judgments? It is the holiday break anyway. Let his family and friends have the respect they deserve and leave them alone. I hope the tv in his hospital room is not on, as that is all he'll hear from everyone - what will happen if he is not able to carry out his duties and fulfill his term.
Good Lord.
Frankly, it doesn't matter that much. Politically speaking, he is a conservative sort of Democrat on most issues. Yes, it effects the votes if VP Cheney gets to make tie-breaking votes but not to the extent that this circus implies. The media is disgraceful and sound like hovering buzzards.
Shame on them.
I am a Republican. I would like nothing more than for my peeps to be in the driver's seat. But, please.
This turns my stomach.
The health crisis of Senator Tim Johnson of South Dakota troubles me. The poor man. He is 59 years old and in a stressful job. He has stroke-like symtoms while on a conference call with reporters and is rushed to the hospital after he hangs up and collaspes on the way back to his office. This is serious stuff, folks.
What is reported? The first sentence or two is about the actual condition of the senator. Then we immediately jump into the fragile balance of power in the Senate. Yes, if the man should die, then the governor of the great state of South Dakota will appoint someone to serve out Senator Johnson's term, which ends in 2008. But do we really have to go there right this second?
Can't we let the man recover from his surgery and let the doctors make their judgments? It is the holiday break anyway. Let his family and friends have the respect they deserve and leave them alone. I hope the tv in his hospital room is not on, as that is all he'll hear from everyone - what will happen if he is not able to carry out his duties and fulfill his term.
Good Lord.
Frankly, it doesn't matter that much. Politically speaking, he is a conservative sort of Democrat on most issues. Yes, it effects the votes if VP Cheney gets to make tie-breaking votes but not to the extent that this circus implies. The media is disgraceful and sound like hovering buzzards.
Shame on them.
I am a Republican. I would like nothing more than for my peeps to be in the driver's seat. But, please.
This turns my stomach.
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