Passing Along My Condolences

Many times I have found myself confronted by the grief of others and been at a loss. In those instances I have used the words of others. I have quoted those I consider to be more wise.....Mama Kelley......President Lincoln....

After 9/11 Leonard Slatkin dedicated this piece to us. It was performed September 15, 2001 at the Albert Hall in London.

To the survivors of the Mumbai terrorist attacks and the loved ones of those who did not survive.

I Am Used and Abused

Stopped by Jen's tonight to hang after work. We are all messed up, we think it's Sunday night.

So we were watching an episode of "The Unit" stored in the DVR and it was set in Afghanistan. One charecter announces he is Pashtun. Jen asks me "What is that?" I reply that it's an ethnicity in Afghanistn and list several others.....Uzbek, Tajik, Turkman.......

Jen smirks "Of course you know that. No one else watching this show knows that....nevermind spouting off the others."

I replied "You know, you ask these questions and I answer you and then you ridicule me. I'm not answering anymore."

She laughed and said I couldn't help it.....it was like a form of Tourette's.

Another note........last night I watched a month old episode of "Grey's Anatomy" and a man showed up on the show!!!!! LOL I don't watch it often, all the guys are too young, too skanky or half gay. But Major Owen Hunt is an actual man. He isn't prettier than I am and he hasn't slept with half of the hospital staff and he was authoritative without being pissy. Bonus, they cast Lucius Vorenus.
***********UPDATE*************
An anonymous commenter left a YouTube link to all the scene with Major Hunt or "Major McManly" as they are calling him. Apparently I am not the only woman to notice, lol.
Thanks, Anonymous! (I highlighted the link in red because he is hot! LOL)

A Funny From Bigg Bill

In my email box this morning....a giggle.

You know what would really PISS OFF the Democrats...

Bush should resign now.

Then Dick Cheney becomes President (that would really PISS OFF the liberals)!!!

Then he appoints Condoleezza Rice as Vice President.

Then Cheney resigns two weeks later and Condoleezza Rice, A Republican, becomes the first BLACK President and the first WOMAN President !!!*

Of course, this is just a joke. I don't advocate this sort of nonsense in real life anymore than I advocate the nitwits who say Bush should resign so Obama can get a head start on being POTUS. Such nonsense.

Imagine if a similar suggestion had been made in Clinton's lame duck days. LOL

Happy Thanksgiving

I am off to my parents house to enjoy all the things Thanksgiving should be in America - a time to eat too much with those that you love.

Meanwhile there is still time.

Wrapping Up Valour-IT

Thank you to everyone who donated, participated and helped us in anyway.

"Go on, then, in your generous enterprise with gratitude to Heaven for past success, and confidence of it in the future. For my own part, I ask no greater blessing than to share with you the common danger and common glory ... that these American States may never cease to be free and independent." --Samuel Adams

Go Bid On Team Navy's EBay Books!!!!

Go to this sell's EBay page to see all the Valour-IT items. The last three are from Team Navy.

Other posts about the auction.
Navy Cyberspace

Time is running out!

I Might Ditch Thanksgiving Dinner With My Parents

I might have to go to Rachael's.

She's telling us some crazy story about making pie crust with vodka.

Ummmmm, that sounds like fun.

Go Bid On Some Great Navy Things For Project Valour-IT

OK here are the links

"Six Frigates" by Ian Tolls. This is a must read Navy book. The author has graciously agreed to personally autograph this book for the winning bidder.

"A Most Fortunate Ship" by CDR Tyrone Martin, USN (ret). This book about USS Constitution was written by the 58th commanding officer of this great ship (I contacted him through Old Ironsides's current CO, thanks Bill). The winning bidder will have to be a little patient, it will take a little longer to get as the author is currently traveling outside of the US, but you will have it as soon as possible. And really now, isn't having it inscribed to you worth the wait?

"The Two Ocean War " by Samuel Eliot Morison. Ok, this isn't going to be autographed because the author passed away when I was a sophmore in high school. But it comes to you straight from Princess Crabby and it also comes with something extra. A Barbary War Medallion. Which is a limited edition commemorative from the USS Constitution Museum.

More about these items in this post.

Princess Crabby and the Bad Juju

Sounds like a children's book, doesn't it? "James and the Giant Peach"......"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"......."Princess Crabby and the Bad Juju"

I was so wrapped up in how great this drug-free week was going to be that I forgot to respect my Druid heritage and knock on wood. Don't tell Amii Stewart.

Sunday I headed up to Mass & CCD to be followed by a "la-la-la" over on Comm Ave with my goddaughter Deb, dinner with my parents, a baby shower and finally "24" last night.

Much of this did not happen. Instead I ended up on pain meds, curled in a ball on my bed.

One of the side effects of chemo is that you are susceptible to opportunistic infections.
Maybe I need to throw a few acorns in my pocket.

Book Auction For Team Navy

So part of the Valour-IT fundraiser is auctioned items. You know I am a little slow lately so I sent out an email to my Navy coterie asking "Ok, what's the newest coolest book for a Navy person to have/want?"

The first reply was for Ian Tolls "Six Frigates". I emailed Mr. Tolls and he very graciously replied that he would be happy to help us out. Then there were a few other suggestions and I have my requests out there. I'll be at this until the last possible moment.

Then I got a suggestion that baffled me "Japanese Destroyer Captain" OK! Tameichi Hara was born in 1900. If he is still alive he is 108! What are you guys thinking?

But no one can beat EagleSpeak for his suggestion - "The Two Ocean War" by Samuel Eliot Morison. I've been by this guys statue a million times. He's been dead since 1976. There will be no autographed copy of this.......but I thought this was funny anyway.

Now get over to Ebay and bid on our books..............

We have "Six Frigates" by Ian Tolls. The author will be personally autographing this brand new hardcover for the winning bidder.

We also have "A Most Fortunate Ship: A Narrative History of Old Ironsides" by CDR Tyrone Martin, USN (ret). the author is the 58th Commanding Officer, USS Constitution. Again, the author will be personally autographing this brand new, revised paperback for the winning bidder.

Finally we have the book highlighted in the video above.

THE TWO OCEAN WAR: A Short History of the United States Navy in the Second World War by Samuel Eliot Morison (Little, Brown & Co., 1963) 611 pp. hardcover with dustjacket, maps. This is the classic one volume overview of the naval war drawn from the author's 12-volume official history. Book is in very good condition, no marks or loose pages, DJ intact but shows some wear around the edges.

However, this book comes to the winning bidder from Princess Crabby the "Goddess of the naval blogger strike group" with an added gift.
Commemorative Copper Medallion
This brand new limited edition medallion, made from copper taken off the hull of USS Constitution, has been commissioned in conjunction with the opening of The USS Constitution Museum first-in-the-nation exhibit: The Barbary War: Piracy, Politics, and Power. One of the defining events of the Barbary campaign was the bombardment of Tripoli by a fleet led by USS Constitution. That action is featured on the front of the medallion. The reverse side features a quote from our own Constitution of the United States of America: "To Provide for the Common Defense" and a likeness of the federal eagle found on the stern of "Old Ironsides".Commemorative Copper MedallionThis Commemorative Copper Medallion is a limited edition of 7500. It is made exclusively from copper taken off the hull during refitting in the 1970s and is struck to the highest standards. Each medallion comes in a clear protective plastic case and is presented in a blue, velvet-lined box. A certificate of authenticity is also included. The medallion is made exclusively for and under the oversight of the USS Constitution Museum

Barbary War Medallion Item #181.

The bidding for each of these three books starts at $50.00

Bob Cerasoli Getting It Done In NOLA

New Orleans Inspector General will return $1.2 million to city coffers from his 2008 budget
Though New Orleans Inspector General Robert Cerasoli's newly created office still lacks a computer system and nearly half of its staff, City Council members on Friday said they are pleased with his work, particularly after hearing that Cerasoli plans to return to city coffers $1.2 million that was earmarked for his office this year.
Read the whole article here.

You know.......Bob's from Massachusetts. He is a standup guy.

Valour-IT Day 13

Come on!!!! Get out here, click on this link and donate to Project Valour-IT.

Why?

Listen to this snippet of Chuck explaining to Greta the impact his voice activated laptop had on his life.

Timing In Life Is Everything!

Today is day two of the drug free week. I feel great! Just in time for my 30th high school reunion.

I had a great time in high school and have never missed a reunion. I've talked to a lot of people on the subject of high school reunions and I am always surprised at people's attitudes. I am in the minority, most people seem very blase about them.

Of course I am very lucky. When our senior class president didn't pull anything together for the 5th year another classmate took over and has been running them every five years since the 10th. Jim Odian sets up a venue, finds us all and has pictures to prove what a good time we all have. Pope John's class of '78 owes Jim Odian a great debt.

Someone in work asked if I'd be telling people about the cancer and I was surprised at the question. That would be the last thing I would bring up! My heaven's, you are there to have a good time and catch up with old friends. Imagine - "Hey great to see you! What's new?" and I say "Oh, stage IIIA multiple myeloma!" LOL.....I'd rather not go. But I did wonder if anyone might know anyway. I am not the only one who still has parents in Charlestown and some of my classmates have siblings who were classmates of my sisters and brother. So there was the chance someone would know, but it never came up.

Instead, people asked how I was and I said "Life is good." Because it really is for the most part. There were people there tonight who have had such heartache and I really am quite lucky. One of my favorite saying is "If we all stood in a circle and threw our problems into the middle.....you'd take your own back".

One of my classmates had emailed me right after the announcement was made last spring. She asked if I was going and I said "But of course!" I watched for her to show up as I talked to other people and moved about the bar. Finally after a half hour I caught up with Jim and asked if she was coming and he told me no. I guess I should have paid more attention. I just assumed after the email she would show. She'll be getting an email from me!! LOL

Out of a class of 208 students there were about 80 or 90 of us there. I had a really good time and lasted far longer than I could have on one of my other weeks.

Thanks Jim!

USS Freedom Is Coming To Boston

She will be here 01 DEC and I have to get a tour.

Who is hooking me up?????

I have emailed the PAO, but I might need someone with juice to explain to this guy

Who

I

Am!!!!

LOL

Seriously, anyone who can help me.....I'd appreciate it.

Victory In Iraq Day 22 NOV 2008

Go read the Armorer's post today.
Victory in Iraq* Day, 22 November 2008 *(maybe)

Here on the right we don't all agree all the time and I like the thoughtful turn this post takes.

Valour-IT Team Navy on Day 12

Project Valour-It - the Home Stretch

Maybe you aren't in a postition to make a big donation. Believe me, I understand. But maybe you have a great email list. We can use your help. Consider sending out a blast email about Valour-It.

Here's a draft email that we are hoping goes viral.

"I'm sending you this email because I'm a patriotic American like you...
As the 2008 holiday season approaches and you are busy with your plans and completing your shopping on a shoestring budget, I wanted to give you something to think about and ask for you to reach into your heart and pocket for a donation of as little as $1. You see, while you are home eating a fine meal as a family or opening gifts this season, many of our wounded soldiers will still be in the hospital. They are not asking for your pity, but they would appreciate your help as they fight to reclaim their lives.
One group helping them is Soldiers' Angels, with which I volunteer. Though Project Valour-IT, they provide voice-activated laptops for our wounded who can no longer use a regular computer, GPS systems for those with traumatic brain injuries and severe post-traumatic stress disorder that cause memory and positioning challenges, and Wii systems used in physical therapy sessions. In fact, doctors and therapists request these items from Soldiers’ Angels because they know they will support the physical and emotional recovery of wounded warriors.
Please take a few minutes to think about these wounded heroes who have sacrificed so much for us, and what you can do for them. Please consider a small financial sacrifice of your own. If everyone who got this email gave as little as $1, think of all the technology we could purchase for the wounded! Oh, and best of all, ALL the money you donate will go directly to purchasing the technology I described above. Soldiers' Angels is also a 501(c)(3), which means your donation is tax-deductible.
Thank you for reading this and please pass this on to everyone on your e-mail list. Together as Americans, we can support those who sacrificed so much for us! Please visit www.soldiersangels.org/valour to donate!

Thanks for reading this."

Cut and paste it onto an email. Tweak it to fit you. If you think you can get away with it, push Team Navy, lol. But send it out to everyone on your email contact list and see if you can get them to forward it.

Here's Something I've Never understood

I am a big proponent of free speech. Clearly I am out here exercising my own on a regular basis. I have demonstrated publicly. I have defended the right of others to say things I strongly disagree with. But what some people do with that right baffles me.

I don't mean those who clearly abuse it, using their right to rain down hate on others, or try to use their stronger voices to shout down dissent. Everyone can see that's wrong.

This is an example - Bigg Bill sent me this story about the recent confrontation between a small Christian group in the Castro and angry homosexual men. Of course, these Castro residents were wrong to scream and shout down the small band of Christians. Especially since the Christians go their all the time to sing and pray and their appearance on that particular night had nothing to do with the Prop 8/gay marriage controversy. The behavior of the Castro residents was completely hypocritical. Screaming and harassing and intimidating a smaller group - it's disgusting.

But the part I don't get is why the Christians were there in the first place.

Yes, I know it's their right to be in the Castro and say and do anything they want. But why? Why go just to agitate? Why are they down there in the first place? I have never understood the whole proselytizing thing. I have never opened up a random conversation with a stranger by telling them why they need to know about my religion. I have never tried to convince someone to become Catholic. I think it is the height of arrogance to tell someone that they should conform to your belief in God. The way I was raised was that my faith was my business......and yours.....was your business...

Forty-five Years Ago Today a Light Went Out

But rather than focus on the dark.....I'd like to remember the light.