Car is dead.
They say it's the alternator.
This may mean the Milblog is out.
Bummer.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Sometimes I am Simply Weighted Down With The Stupidity Of Others
There are some stories I am following out there about people stepping up to the plate and doing the right thing. But for some reason, I am getting bogged down in the thought that if some people weren't such asshats....no one would need to step up and fix their messes....
First there is the #McTeaching thing.
A lot of great bloggers have written about this. They are out there protecting our country's history. Keeping the flame alive. Making sure that when someone tries to mislead students about historical events, there is a consequence. People are writing and emailing and calling the people who are involved in the Langley High School system - the principle, the school board, etc.
And that's great. You should read all about it at these fine blogs.
Chuck's is just really, really good - First, we hang the lawyers. Immediately thereafter, we teach revisionist teachers how to breathe vacuum.
CDR Salamander's Fullbore Friday
From A Soldier's Perspective - "Langley High Teaches Revisionist History"
Uncle Jimbo over at Blackfive "Mc Iwo Jima- Lefty BS at Virginia HS"
From Laughing Wolf - "A Teacher? The Hell It Is"
But all I can think about is that someone out there with teaching credentials thinks it's ok to use their position as an English teacher to spout hurtful nonsense about our veterans.
I am personally offended by this picture. My grandfather's youngest brother Danny Kelley fought and died Iwo Jima.
~~~~~~~~~
In a similar vein, many people have written and donated money to assist Mr. Snyder in paying the court costs in his fight against the Phelps crew.
From the Burn Pit - "Put Yourself In His Dad's Shoes"
From Blackfive "American Legion picks up tab for lawyers in Phelps case"
From the USNI blog "A Nation Shows It's Gratitude"
And Bill O'Reilly is picking up the whole tab....
But still, those vile disgusting Phelps people are out there bothering the families of fallen American heroes. You could write him and his ilk off as crazy, but then a judge orders poor, heartbroken Mr. Snyder to pay the court costs???
Whiskey
Tango
Foxtrot
First there is the #McTeaching thing.
A lot of great bloggers have written about this. They are out there protecting our country's history. Keeping the flame alive. Making sure that when someone tries to mislead students about historical events, there is a consequence. People are writing and emailing and calling the people who are involved in the Langley High School system - the principle, the school board, etc.
And that's great. You should read all about it at these fine blogs.
Chuck's is just really, really good - First, we hang the lawyers. Immediately thereafter, we teach revisionist teachers how to breathe vacuum.
CDR Salamander's Fullbore Friday
From A Soldier's Perspective - "Langley High Teaches Revisionist History"
Uncle Jimbo over at Blackfive "Mc Iwo Jima- Lefty BS at Virginia HS"
From Laughing Wolf - "A Teacher? The Hell It Is"
But all I can think about is that someone out there with teaching credentials thinks it's ok to use their position as an English teacher to spout hurtful nonsense about our veterans.
I am personally offended by this picture. My grandfather's youngest brother Danny Kelley fought and died Iwo Jima.
~~~~~~~~~
In a similar vein, many people have written and donated money to assist Mr. Snyder in paying the court costs in his fight against the Phelps crew.
From the Burn Pit - "Put Yourself In His Dad's Shoes"
From Blackfive "American Legion picks up tab for lawyers in Phelps case"
From the USNI blog "A Nation Shows It's Gratitude"
And Bill O'Reilly is picking up the whole tab....
But still, those vile disgusting Phelps people are out there bothering the families of fallen American heroes. You could write him and his ilk off as crazy, but then a judge orders poor, heartbroken Mr. Snyder to pay the court costs???
Whiskey
Tango
Foxtrot
Thank You Mum & Mama Kelley!
I have to go buy my mother a present. Once in a while when my kids were growing up & making my CRAZY! I would buy my mother a present. You see, I was a horrid, horrid little girl. Whenever my children were difficult, I would think "Wow, my mother put up with this shit and let me live????" So I would buy her a little something. After a few presents, I remember an occasion where I handed her a wrapped gift...a book I think...and she looked at it and laughed "What did they do now?"
Like those episodes I am now thinking how well my mother prepared me for other things in life. I was already well aware of how lovingly I was raised. I know people whose parents rarely had a kind word for their children, much less praise. I am so very lucky. My upbringing was totally different. I was constantly told I was smart and funny and pretty and could do anything I wanted to. My mother, my father, Mama Kelley (my mother's mother who we moved in with when I was 11), my uncles were all a Greek chorus sounding a constant hum of approbation. And not just for me, but Grace and Frankie and Jennifer. I often heard my grandmother relay some success on the part of my cousins or uncles with an added "...well of course, my children/grandchildren are so smart!"
So let's just say, low self esteem was never my problem.
But just in case there were any doubts on my part as to how I should be expected to be treated by a man, there was a talk the night before my wedding. My mother, my grandmother and I sitting in the living room. Mama Kelley said "If John ever hits you..." I interrupted to protest, but she just held up her hand. "...if he ever hits you, don't fight back, don't argue...." Now I was completely bewildered. These were two women who didn't take guff from anyone and had raised us in the same way. "Then when he falls asleep, take this...." at this point she reaches down and pulls up a cast iron skillet. This is like the Twilight Zone, how did this skillet, that I have never seen anyone use, get in the living room? "....and whack him in the head as hard as you can! Then call your father to come get you."
Then we all laughed. My mother, father and grandmother had known John all his life and loved him. They were very happy about the wedding. But this was an important lesson, no matter who the groom was.
So, why am I bringing this up? Well I just finished reading the story of a woman who endured 15 years of spousal abuse. For a long time she felt she deserved it.
I know that the way I was raised saved me from that danger. The men I have had relationships have all been wonderful. They might not have been right for me, but it was never *bad*. That wasn't possible because I would never have accepted even minor abuse. I joke that no man has ever looked at me cross-eyed and it's true. If you don't think I am the greatest thing since sliced bread.....well then...I have no time for you. I have never understood how anyone puts up with anything less. I have always thought that the first time someone hits you, you should have my complete sympathy. But the second time? Not so much. However as time passes, I see that it's different for so many people. While the first time would surprise anyone....the second and third and twentieth could actually be a surprise for someone if they weren't raised as I was.
So....what should we get for Muriel?
Like those episodes I am now thinking how well my mother prepared me for other things in life. I was already well aware of how lovingly I was raised. I know people whose parents rarely had a kind word for their children, much less praise. I am so very lucky. My upbringing was totally different. I was constantly told I was smart and funny and pretty and could do anything I wanted to. My mother, my father, Mama Kelley (my mother's mother who we moved in with when I was 11), my uncles were all a Greek chorus sounding a constant hum of approbation. And not just for me, but Grace and Frankie and Jennifer. I often heard my grandmother relay some success on the part of my cousins or uncles with an added "...well of course, my children/grandchildren are so smart!"
So let's just say, low self esteem was never my problem.
But just in case there were any doubts on my part as to how I should be expected to be treated by a man, there was a talk the night before my wedding. My mother, my grandmother and I sitting in the living room. Mama Kelley said "If John ever hits you..." I interrupted to protest, but she just held up her hand. "...if he ever hits you, don't fight back, don't argue...." Now I was completely bewildered. These were two women who didn't take guff from anyone and had raised us in the same way. "Then when he falls asleep, take this...." at this point she reaches down and pulls up a cast iron skillet. This is like the Twilight Zone, how did this skillet, that I have never seen anyone use, get in the living room? "....and whack him in the head as hard as you can! Then call your father to come get you."
Then we all laughed. My mother, father and grandmother had known John all his life and loved him. They were very happy about the wedding. But this was an important lesson, no matter who the groom was.
So, why am I bringing this up? Well I just finished reading the story of a woman who endured 15 years of spousal abuse. For a long time she felt she deserved it.
I know that the way I was raised saved me from that danger. The men I have had relationships have all been wonderful. They might not have been right for me, but it was never *bad*. That wasn't possible because I would never have accepted even minor abuse. I joke that no man has ever looked at me cross-eyed and it's true. If you don't think I am the greatest thing since sliced bread.....well then...I have no time for you. I have never understood how anyone puts up with anything less. I have always thought that the first time someone hits you, you should have my complete sympathy. But the second time? Not so much. However as time passes, I see that it's different for so many people. While the first time would surprise anyone....the second and third and twentieth could actually be a surprise for someone if they weren't raised as I was.
So....what should we get for Muriel?
Sunday, March 28, 2010
I'm All Better
It's time for MIDRATS! Blog talk radio. Right now. 1700 EST 5 pm here in Boston
Nothing like some Sailors to cheer me up!
Come and join us. For a description of today's show, pop over to Eagle1.
Fearless Navy Bloggers Take to the Air: Episode 14 Multilateralism at Sea 3/28/2010 - Midrats on Blog Talk Radio
Nothing like some Sailors to cheer me up!
Come and join us. For a description of today's show, pop over to Eagle1.
Fearless Navy Bloggers Take to the Air: Episode 14 Multilateralism at Sea 3/28/2010 - Midrats on Blog Talk Radio
I Am Bummed
I used to attend the Flower show sponsored by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society faithfully. Then they stopped it. Now I find out they started it up again, but I've missed it. There's an hour and sixteen minutes left, lol.
Well that goes on the calendar for next year.
Well that goes on the calendar for next year.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Fair Winds & Following Seas, CAPT Garbuzinski, USNR
From the Sun Chronicle
North victim 'true patriot'
BY DAVID LINTON SUN CHRONICLE STAFF
NORTH ATTLEBORO - A local man killed by a wrong-way driver on Interstate 95 in Connecticut was remembered Friday as a dedicated family man and a "true patriot" who trained hundreds of submarine crews as an officer in the U.S. Navy.Terrence Garbuzinski, 46, of 56 Laurie Lane, was on his way home from work Thursday night when his car was struck head on as he travelled on I-95 in Stonington, Conn. Both he and the driver of the other vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene.
"He had the highest integrity and ethics," said his brother-in-law Ed McDade. "He was a dedicated husband and family man and he was completely dedicated to his country and the Navy."
He is survived by his wife Jennifer, whom he met 23 years ago in Boston on St. Patrick's Day, and their sons John and Michael. He and his wife would have celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary in June.
A 1985 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., Garbuzinski was a decorated nuclear submarine officer while on active duty and traveled all over the world for the past 15 years in the Navy Reserve to train submarine crews.
"He was a person of the highest caliber. He basically dedicated his life to the U.S. Navy and the U.S. submarine force," said Capt. Dennis McKelvey, Garbuzinski's immediate supervisor.
"His contributions to the submarine force cannot be overestimated. He literally provided leadership for and trained hundreds of submarine crews before they were deployed. He was a true patriot," McKelvey said.
Garbuzinski was a Tennessee native but his allegiance as a "sports fanatic" was with the Boston teams he grew to love and support, especially the Boston Red Sox, according to McDade and McKelvey.
Garbuzinski was the Red Sox's biggest fan in Groton, Conn., which McKelvey said is considered a "demilitarized zone" halfway between Boston and New York, where the fans are divided in half between the Red Sox and Yankees.
A captain in the Navy Reserve, Garbuzinski worked closely with the Navy as an engineer at Sonalysts Inc., a company based in Waterford, Conn., with a dozen offices around the country with clients in government, corporate and entertainment industries.
He was also proud of his award in 2008 of the Robert M. Thompson Award for Outstanding civilian leadership from the Navy League of the United States, the highest national award the group bestows on civilians.
McDade said his brother-in-law was a proud father and husband. He and his wife Jennifer traveled all over the world through his job and personal trips and packed a lifetime of memories in the two decades they spent together, McDade said.
The couple was together in Boston at the opening Red Sox game with the Yankees in 2005 when the Red Sox were presented with their 2004 World Series rings.
In a sad bit of irony, Garbuzinski remained late at work for a raffle for Red Sox tickets before traveling home, McDade said. Garbuzinski was traveling north on I-95 when he was struck by a sport utility vehicle traveling southbound on the wrong side of the highway around 7 p.m., according to police.
He and the wrongway driver, Lance Lewis, 36, of Batavia, N.Y., were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Connecticut State Police. Lewis' SUV briefly caught fire before it was extinguished by firefighters, police said.
A third driver, 55-year-old Veronica Crowley of Stonington, Conn., who was traveling behind Garbuzinski's car, suffered non-life threatening injuries when her car hit Garbuzinski's car, police said.
It was unknown why Lewis was on the wrong side of the highway and the cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Despite the recognition he earned through his work, McDade said his brother-in-law would be embarrassed to hear people talking about him.
"He was a quiet and unassuming person. He was very humble," McDade said.
Visiting hours will be held Tuesday evening from 4 to 8 at the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Ave. in North Attleboro.
A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. Mark's Church on Stanley Street in North Attleboro.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Terry's passing was also noted at the Navy blog "The Stupid Shall Be Punished". In the comments someone post this -
There is a port of no return,
where ships May ride at anchor
for a little space
And then, some starless night the cable slips,
Leaving an eddy at the mooring place...
Gulls, veer no longer. Sailor, rest your oar.
No tangled wreckage will be washed ashore.
Leslie Nelson Jennings
"Lost Harbor"
North victim 'true patriot'
BY DAVID LINTON SUN CHRONICLE STAFF
NORTH ATTLEBORO - A local man killed by a wrong-way driver on Interstate 95 in Connecticut was remembered Friday as a dedicated family man and a "true patriot" who trained hundreds of submarine crews as an officer in the U.S. Navy.Terrence Garbuzinski, 46, of 56 Laurie Lane, was on his way home from work Thursday night when his car was struck head on as he travelled on I-95 in Stonington, Conn. Both he and the driver of the other vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene.
"He had the highest integrity and ethics," said his brother-in-law Ed McDade. "He was a dedicated husband and family man and he was completely dedicated to his country and the Navy."
He is survived by his wife Jennifer, whom he met 23 years ago in Boston on St. Patrick's Day, and their sons John and Michael. He and his wife would have celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary in June.
A 1985 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., Garbuzinski was a decorated nuclear submarine officer while on active duty and traveled all over the world for the past 15 years in the Navy Reserve to train submarine crews.
"He was a person of the highest caliber. He basically dedicated his life to the U.S. Navy and the U.S. submarine force," said Capt. Dennis McKelvey, Garbuzinski's immediate supervisor.
"His contributions to the submarine force cannot be overestimated. He literally provided leadership for and trained hundreds of submarine crews before they were deployed. He was a true patriot," McKelvey said.
Garbuzinski was a Tennessee native but his allegiance as a "sports fanatic" was with the Boston teams he grew to love and support, especially the Boston Red Sox, according to McDade and McKelvey.
Garbuzinski was the Red Sox's biggest fan in Groton, Conn., which McKelvey said is considered a "demilitarized zone" halfway between Boston and New York, where the fans are divided in half between the Red Sox and Yankees.
A captain in the Navy Reserve, Garbuzinski worked closely with the Navy as an engineer at Sonalysts Inc., a company based in Waterford, Conn., with a dozen offices around the country with clients in government, corporate and entertainment industries.
He was also proud of his award in 2008 of the Robert M. Thompson Award for Outstanding civilian leadership from the Navy League of the United States, the highest national award the group bestows on civilians.
McDade said his brother-in-law was a proud father and husband. He and his wife Jennifer traveled all over the world through his job and personal trips and packed a lifetime of memories in the two decades they spent together, McDade said.
The couple was together in Boston at the opening Red Sox game with the Yankees in 2005 when the Red Sox were presented with their 2004 World Series rings.
In a sad bit of irony, Garbuzinski remained late at work for a raffle for Red Sox tickets before traveling home, McDade said. Garbuzinski was traveling north on I-95 when he was struck by a sport utility vehicle traveling southbound on the wrong side of the highway around 7 p.m., according to police.
He and the wrongway driver, Lance Lewis, 36, of Batavia, N.Y., were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Connecticut State Police. Lewis' SUV briefly caught fire before it was extinguished by firefighters, police said.
A third driver, 55-year-old Veronica Crowley of Stonington, Conn., who was traveling behind Garbuzinski's car, suffered non-life threatening injuries when her car hit Garbuzinski's car, police said.
It was unknown why Lewis was on the wrong side of the highway and the cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Despite the recognition he earned through his work, McDade said his brother-in-law would be embarrassed to hear people talking about him.
"He was a quiet and unassuming person. He was very humble," McDade said.
Visiting hours will be held Tuesday evening from 4 to 8 at the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Ave. in North Attleboro.
A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. Mark's Church on Stanley Street in North Attleboro.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Terry's passing was also noted at the Navy blog "The Stupid Shall Be Punished". In the comments someone post this -
There is a port of no return,
where ships May ride at anchor
for a little space
And then, some starless night the cable slips,
Leaving an eddy at the mooring place...
Gulls, veer no longer. Sailor, rest your oar.
No tangled wreckage will be washed ashore.
Leslie Nelson Jennings
"Lost Harbor"
Remembering Jordan Marsh
From Mass Moments -
On this day ...in 1947, Jordan, Marsh and Company announced that it was going to build "the greatest department store in the world" in downtown Boston. Almost a hundred years earlier, in 1851, Eben Jordan and Benjamin Marsh had gone into business together.
They began by selling linen, silk, and other dry goods to wholesale customers. Ten years later, they expanded into retail sales. After the Civil War, Jordan Marsh introduced the concept of "department shopping." The store offered a wide range of goods, personal service, easy credit, art exhibitions, and musical performances. It soon became a treasured part of middle-class life in the Boston area. Many people mourned when the company was sold, and the Macy's name went up on Jordan Marsh stores.
I have many fond memories of shopping there with my mother and my grandmother, Mama Kelley. When I was very young it was the best place for window displays at Christmas, and the Christmas Village was legendary.
We would ride the EL in when I was young, later the "93" bus would take us in.
I spent tons of time there with Eileen or Kathy, so grownup and on our own at 16. Fascinated with all the make-up and perfume counters....believing everything they told us, lol.
When I worked in the phone company, many of us would run up on our lunch hours to dash through looking for a deal on a blouse or sweater.
Of course it wasn't always fun for some of my shopping companions......
On this day ...in 1947, Jordan, Marsh and Company announced that it was going to build "the greatest department store in the world" in downtown Boston. Almost a hundred years earlier, in 1851, Eben Jordan and Benjamin Marsh had gone into business together.
They began by selling linen, silk, and other dry goods to wholesale customers. Ten years later, they expanded into retail sales. After the Civil War, Jordan Marsh introduced the concept of "department shopping." The store offered a wide range of goods, personal service, easy credit, art exhibitions, and musical performances. It soon became a treasured part of middle-class life in the Boston area. Many people mourned when the company was sold, and the Macy's name went up on Jordan Marsh stores.I have many fond memories of shopping there with my mother and my grandmother, Mama Kelley. When I was very young it was the best place for window displays at Christmas, and the Christmas Village was legendary.
We would ride the EL in when I was young, later the "93" bus would take us in.
I spent tons of time there with Eileen or Kathy, so grownup and on our own at 16. Fascinated with all the make-up and perfume counters....believing everything they told us, lol.
When I worked in the phone company, many of us would run up on our lunch hours to dash through looking for a deal on a blouse or sweater.
Of course it wasn't always fun for some of my shopping companions......
Friday, March 26, 2010
Fun Friday
I remembered it was Friday and had eggs for breakfast. Lent is almost over and I have been good.
I went to the gym last night hoping to do 30 minutes on the treadmill and a little yoga. I am madly disappointed by how far down hill the gym has gone. When we joined there was a different manager and everything was very clean. Now Laura is gone and things are just steadily declining. The point of the gym is that it's open 24/7. I like to go late in the evening and there is no one there to beef to.
Well I ended up doing well over my 30 minutes because I have this new book - "One Second Later". You know I have books stacked everywhere and I am always acquiring more. I bought this one after hearing about it on some news story I think. I stuck it in the gym bag and forgot all about it.
Last night I cracked it open....after cleaning my treadmill....like I said, it's going downhill....I might not go often, but I pay regularly. Anyway, my plan was 30 minutes and then downstairs for yoga.
150 pages later I wondered why my legs were wobbly, lol. I didn't want to put it down!
I went downstairs to do yoga in front of the big screen TV, but I couldn't find the remote...so no soothing TV teacher. Nevermind, I just headed home to shower and read more of the book.
At some point while reading in bed, I closed my eyes for a second and opened them eight hours later.
It's back in my gym bag for later tonight after Stations. I was sorely tempted to sit down and finish it this morning, but I had a DOD Bloggers Roundtable.
I made it into work just in time to be first on the call!
We got to speak with Ken & Nathan of 30 Days Through Afghanistan. If you haven't checked out their blog, you should. The blog posts and videos are a fabulous glimpse into our mission in Afghanistan. Their Facebook page is here.
They'll get their own blog post later....I have to get to work now. You know, that thing I do that finances all the rest of this nonsense.
I have a new book on the list - "Watership Down". No, I never read it, so you might as well stop yelling at me. Now I have to....a "gentle suggestion" from the favorite Chief Boatswain's Mate.
I went to the gym last night hoping to do 30 minutes on the treadmill and a little yoga. I am madly disappointed by how far down hill the gym has gone. When we joined there was a different manager and everything was very clean. Now Laura is gone and things are just steadily declining. The point of the gym is that it's open 24/7. I like to go late in the evening and there is no one there to beef to.
Well I ended up doing well over my 30 minutes because I have this new book - "One Second Later". You know I have books stacked everywhere and I am always acquiring more. I bought this one after hearing about it on some news story I think. I stuck it in the gym bag and forgot all about it.
Last night I cracked it open....after cleaning my treadmill....like I said, it's going downhill....I might not go often, but I pay regularly. Anyway, my plan was 30 minutes and then downstairs for yoga.
150 pages later I wondered why my legs were wobbly, lol. I didn't want to put it down!
I went downstairs to do yoga in front of the big screen TV, but I couldn't find the remote...so no soothing TV teacher. Nevermind, I just headed home to shower and read more of the book.
At some point while reading in bed, I closed my eyes for a second and opened them eight hours later.
It's back in my gym bag for later tonight after Stations. I was sorely tempted to sit down and finish it this morning, but I had a DOD Bloggers Roundtable.
I made it into work just in time to be first on the call!
We got to speak with Ken & Nathan of 30 Days Through Afghanistan. If you haven't checked out their blog, you should. The blog posts and videos are a fabulous glimpse into our mission in Afghanistan. Their Facebook page is here.
They'll get their own blog post later....I have to get to work now. You know, that thing I do that finances all the rest of this nonsense.
I have a new book on the list - "Watership Down". No, I never read it, so you might as well stop yelling at me. Now I have to....a "gentle suggestion" from the favorite Chief Boatswain's Mate.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Some Smiles From The Past
My Google Group often presents timely and insightful topics. But sometimes it's just fun.
Yesterday Chuck wanted to make a point about advertising vs. education so he asked us to name - without Googling - the 3rd ingredient in a Big Mac, then the 3rd amendment to the Constitution. Of course, this is easy for our group, but it brought back a funny memory from Pope John.
In the mid to late 70s Mcdonald's ran a campaign where people would recite the Big Mac ingredients really fast - "Two all beef patties, special cause, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun!". My friends and I would practice saying it backwards. Kathy could do it really well, but then again she could sing "Life Is A Rock". I found it was good for calming the nerves before a pop quiz that one hadn't studied for.....which, for me, was all pop quizzes!
Then - and again I think this was Chuck - there was picture posted of Mr. Peabody & his boy Sherman.
Back in '80/'81, when I sometimes covered the last real switchboard in the New England Telephone & Telegraph Division of AT&T, a man called to order new phone service. He was moving north of Boston and actually needed the Peabody office and I told him that. "What? Where?" he stuttered. "You need the Peabody central office" I replied.
He asked me if I ever watched Rocky & Bullwinkle when I was a kid. Now it was my turn to be baffled. Why would a grown man ask me this? I said yes and then he asked me who was with Sherman.
"Mr. Pea-body"
"And the town I need to call?"
"P'b'dee"
He laughed and said I was charming.
Yesterday Chuck wanted to make a point about advertising vs. education so he asked us to name - without Googling - the 3rd ingredient in a Big Mac, then the 3rd amendment to the Constitution. Of course, this is easy for our group, but it brought back a funny memory from Pope John.
In the mid to late 70s Mcdonald's ran a campaign where people would recite the Big Mac ingredients really fast - "Two all beef patties, special cause, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun!". My friends and I would practice saying it backwards. Kathy could do it really well, but then again she could sing "Life Is A Rock". I found it was good for calming the nerves before a pop quiz that one hadn't studied for.....which, for me, was all pop quizzes!
Then - and again I think this was Chuck - there was picture posted of Mr. Peabody & his boy Sherman.
Back in '80/'81, when I sometimes covered the last real switchboard in the New England Telephone & Telegraph Division of AT&T, a man called to order new phone service. He was moving north of Boston and actually needed the Peabody office and I told him that. "What? Where?" he stuttered. "You need the Peabody central office" I replied.
He asked me if I ever watched Rocky & Bullwinkle when I was a kid. Now it was my turn to be baffled. Why would a grown man ask me this? I said yes and then he asked me who was with Sherman.
"Mr. Pea-body"
"And the town I need to call?"
"P'b'dee"
He laughed and said I was charming.
Pia Has Done Me In!
She sent me this link -
"Awkward Family Photos"
My day is shot. I keep telling myself, "Just one more page and I will stop."
"Awkward Family Photos"
My day is shot. I keep telling myself, "Just one more page and I will stop."
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Smart Strategy
D. Patrick Mahoney is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and president of Iraq Veterans For Congress PAC and he has written this commentary for The Washington Times.
If elections were held today, many Democrats would lose. Many people are angry. However, november is a good way off. We (Republicans) can't blow this with stupid "business-as-usual" moves.
Since President Obama was sworn in, the Republican Party has won surprise statewide victories in New Jersey, Virginia and Massachusetts. But in a big year for the party, Republicans lost all five special House races, including two in ruby-red districts because House special-election candidates are not chosen by rank-and-file Republicans in a primary but rather by a handful of party insiders in a back room.
~~~~~~~~
Read the rest here. Mahoney finishes up with a discuusion of the race for the late Congressman John Murtha's seat. I found that most interesting since I am a big Russell fan.
If elections were held today, many Democrats would lose. Many people are angry. However, november is a good way off. We (Republicans) can't blow this with stupid "business-as-usual" moves.
Business as usual is the way to blow the 2010 opportunity
By D. Patrick MahoneySince President Obama was sworn in, the Republican Party has won surprise statewide victories in New Jersey, Virginia and Massachusetts. But in a big year for the party, Republicans lost all five special House races, including two in ruby-red districts because House special-election candidates are not chosen by rank-and-file Republicans in a primary but rather by a handful of party insiders in a back room.
~~~~~~~~
Read the rest here. Mahoney finishes up with a discuusion of the race for the late Congressman John Murtha's seat. I found that most interesting since I am a big Russell fan.
How's Your Irony?
March 23, 1775
No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The questing before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.
Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free-- if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending--if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained--we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!
They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
Patrick Henry - March 23, 1775
Virginia House of Burgesses
No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The questing before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.
Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free-- if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending--if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained--we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!
They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
Patrick Henry - March 23, 1775
Virginia House of Burgesses
Monday, March 22, 2010
I Am Chloe O'Brian's Polar Opposite
Just wrapped up watching "24" with the favorite Naval Consort via a telephone line. It took this long because as much as we both love Jack....we just had a lot to say to one another tonight. After he dozed off, I went back and started the episode from the beginning.
I had to laugh at Chloe. She had just made a major save and Hastings tried to commend her. She interuppted him and said "I don't do well with praise."
Ha! When it comes to praise, I will paraphrase Dewey....."You may fire when ready!"
I had to laugh at Chloe. She had just made a major save and Hastings tried to commend her. She interuppted him and said "I don't do well with praise."
Ha! When it comes to praise, I will paraphrase Dewey....."You may fire when ready!"
Bed in Two Minutes - I Swear!
Just back from Jen's. I am exhausted!
I was up with the birds to do laundry & get to CCD. Then into work for a bit.
Then a meet-up with my good friend, CDR Junge who is in Boston for a seminar/symposium thing. There was a "welcome-to-the-conference" reception....I crashed it. I got a seriously awesome birthday present....I'll get Rachael to take a pic of it tomorrow at work, my hands are too shaky now.
Then down to Jen's for The Pacific
I wasn't disappointed! I watched it live while she was at dinner, then we watched the added content in "On Demand" & Episode 1 (my 3rd viewing). Then at midnight, I watched Episode 2 for the 2nd time (Jen's 1st).
Now bed.
I was up with the birds to do laundry & get to CCD. Then into work for a bit.
Then a meet-up with my good friend, CDR Junge who is in Boston for a seminar/symposium thing. There was a "welcome-to-the-conference" reception....I crashed it. I got a seriously awesome birthday present....I'll get Rachael to take a pic of it tomorrow at work, my hands are too shaky now.
Then down to Jen's for The Pacific
I wasn't disappointed! I watched it live while she was at dinner, then we watched the added content in "On Demand" & Episode 1 (my 3rd viewing). Then at midnight, I watched Episode 2 for the 2nd time (Jen's 1st).
Now bed.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
A Birthday Wish From the Other Side of the World
Old Blue of Afghan Quest, a favorite milblogger, sent this -
"Happy Birthday, Maggie! The stars in the sky over Kabul are twinkling just for you tonight."
"Happy Birthday, Maggie! The stars in the sky over Kabul are twinkling just for you tonight."
Ok, So Help Me Out With This.....
Tom Hanks says something stupid about WWII and our military and racism.
OK, you are mad. I get it. I was peeved too. But it's his right. His right to make assinine comments is actually why those men fought.
Ironic, huh?
Now move on.
People are dismissing "The Pacific" because of Hank's statements. Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face!
So help me out here.....are you really going to miss out on this excellent series because Hanks is an assclown on this subject? Really? He is still the same guy who made Band of Brothers. He is still the same guy who made John Adams. Are you never watching them again? Did you stop loving them?
Every pre-review I read for "The Pacific", loved it. I watched episode 1 last Sunday....TWICE. I loved it.
Now suddenly people are saying that it's not that good. Rubbish!
You know, Roman Polanski is a rapist I wouldn't spit on....but "Rosemary's Baby" is scary.
Catch up over at the USNI with "Naval History's Guide to The Pacific". Episode 2 is tonight at 2100.
OK, you are mad. I get it. I was peeved too. But it's his right. His right to make assinine comments is actually why those men fought.
Ironic, huh?
Now move on.
People are dismissing "The Pacific" because of Hank's statements. Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face!
So help me out here.....are you really going to miss out on this excellent series because Hanks is an assclown on this subject? Really? He is still the same guy who made Band of Brothers. He is still the same guy who made John Adams. Are you never watching them again? Did you stop loving them?
Every pre-review I read for "The Pacific", loved it. I watched episode 1 last Sunday....TWICE. I loved it.
Now suddenly people are saying that it's not that good. Rubbish!
You know, Roman Polanski is a rapist I wouldn't spit on....but "Rosemary's Baby" is scary.
Catch up over at the USNI with "Naval History's Guide to The Pacific". Episode 2 is tonight at 2100.
Wrap-up Report on 1st LT Bergan Flannigan, USA Fundraiser
Video from the March 6th Tupper Lake community fundraiser for 1st LT Bergan Flannigan, USA. Bergan is recovering from her combat injuries at Walter Reed.
Please follow the video link back to YouTube and leave a comment of support for Bergan and her family.
I have written about Bergan before.
If you can help with a donation, here's the information -
Bergan Fund
PO Box 1200
Tupper Lake, NY 12986
Saturday, March 20, 2010
…”man, you never fail to catch me,”
I love everything this kid writes, but this is a standout post.
"Blast from the Past"
The shower trailers on FOB Ramrod are small, cramped, and typically filthy. Or at least they were the last time my platoon and I were tasked with serving as the Battalion QRF during our most recent battalion mission. I stood in the shower with my head hanging low and eyes closed. The flowing lukewarm water soothed my skin as I felt it splash upon my shaven scalp. Drops rolled down my forehead, off my nose and splattered on the plastic floor. I stood alone and relaxed, pondering the luxury of hygiene. God this feels amazing…it was a wonderful end to a rather busy day.
My meditation broke with the sound of the wooden door slamming the trailer frame. At this hour, there was no question in my mind what was coming.
“Hey LT!” Shouted SGT Lays from the entrance, “We’re gettin’ spun up! Big XO needs you in the TOC!”
~~~~~~~~~~
Go read the rest here.
"Blast from the Past"
The shower trailers on FOB Ramrod are small, cramped, and typically filthy. Or at least they were the last time my platoon and I were tasked with serving as the Battalion QRF during our most recent battalion mission. I stood in the shower with my head hanging low and eyes closed. The flowing lukewarm water soothed my skin as I felt it splash upon my shaven scalp. Drops rolled down my forehead, off my nose and splattered on the plastic floor. I stood alone and relaxed, pondering the luxury of hygiene. God this feels amazing…it was a wonderful end to a rather busy day.
My meditation broke with the sound of the wooden door slamming the trailer frame. At this hour, there was no question in my mind what was coming.
“Hey LT!” Shouted SGT Lays from the entrance, “We’re gettin’ spun up! Big XO needs you in the TOC!”
~~~~~~~~~~
Go read the rest here.
I Loved This Movie!!!
So after my great birthday party broke up, we were just hanging and decided to watch a movie. There was the usual happy/scary/romantic/serious movie debate. We ended up with "Law Abiding Citizen".
1st off - Gerard Butler....totally hot! Although you know how picky I am, I wish he would shave.
What a feel good movie. Grace & Jen said I was scary. My brother-in-law Dave came in from the other room after the movie and said he could hear me cheering. But seriously, watch it and come back here and tell me that if you were Clyde Shelton and you *could* do what he did that you wouldn't.
Hell, I would have helped.
Plus, how can I not love a movie that quotes von Clausewitz?????
And it ended just as it needed to.
1st off - Gerard Butler....totally hot! Although you know how picky I am, I wish he would shave.
What a feel good movie. Grace & Jen said I was scary. My brother-in-law Dave came in from the other room after the movie and said he could hear me cheering. But seriously, watch it and come back here and tell me that if you were Clyde Shelton and you *could* do what he did that you wouldn't.
Hell, I would have helped.
Plus, how can I not love a movie that quotes von Clausewitz?????
And it ended just as it needed to.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
