Hey Southie!
The SecDef must have gotten my message 'cause I can see you again. Yesterday at 1415, this morning at 0718 & 1221................lol
Friday, March 31, 2006
This Day In History
Washington, March 31 _ Lyndon Baines Johnson announced tonight: "I shall not seek and I will not accept the nomination of my party as your President."
Later, at a White House news conference, he said his decision was "completely irrevocable."
Read the whole story and see the NYT front page here.
Later, at a White House news conference, he said his decision was "completely irrevocable."
Read the whole story and see the NYT front page here.
Iranian Karma
First story......
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- Iran successfully test-fired Friday a missile with the ability to avoid radar and hit several targets simultaneously, the airforce chief of the elite Revolutionary Guards said.
Second story....
CNN) -- A series of earthquakes struck western Iran early Friday, killing dozens and flattening entire villages.
Howdaya like them apples?
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- Iran successfully test-fired Friday a missile with the ability to avoid radar and hit several targets simultaneously, the airforce chief of the elite Revolutionary Guards said.
Second story....
CNN) -- A series of earthquakes struck western Iran early Friday, killing dozens and flattening entire villages.
Howdaya like them apples?
Last Night Was Chaos
Last night's lecture was supposed to be about history and it veered a little into current events with a very liberal slant. The book had better not be propaganda. The lecture was again part of a series The Lowell Institute sponsers at various venues around Boston. The particular one took place at The Old South Meetinghouse.
Thursday, March 30, 6:30 p.m.
Death in the Haymarket: A Story of Chicago, the First Labor Movement, and the Bombing that Divided Gilded-Age AmericaIn May of 1886 Americans awoke to the news that a bomb had exploded a Chicago labor rally killing several policemen. Coming in the midst of the largest national strike Americans had ever seen, the bombing, the mass hysteria it created, and the sensational trial and executions that followed, made headlines across the country. National sentiment turned against the burgeoning labor movement, ending a moment of hope for the nation’s working class. James Green, professor of history at UMASS Boston and Howard Zinn, author of A People’s History of the United States will discuss the exhilarating rise of a visionary union movement and its downfall in the wake of the Haymarket tragedy
I missed the lecture last week with former governor Paul Cellucci about Diplomacy in a post 9/11 world. I think I would have enjoyed that a lot more.
So, since I am so far behind on all my reading right afterwards I popped over to my parents and gave the book to my mother for now.
Then I dash to the gym and find....I forgot my sneakers....home....get sneakers....back to the gym....sigh of frustration. I am just ready to close my locker at the gym when Jen calls. She and her boyfriend will need a ride home from Jordano's, but the drunk bus can wait for an hour. So I jump on the treadmill next to Trish and get all sweaty for an hour between that and some machines, take a shower and it's off the grab them. Their bartender is ready to close up and move to his own hangout which is halfway there, so I meet them in Marshfield..........where we end up staying for more than an hour. Jennifer was hysterically funny as usual. At one point when I was telling her about aggravating SouthieBoy.......she stopped me.
Jennifer: Listen, listen, listen, next time you talk to SB, you tell him....can you tell him something?
Me: Yes
Jennifer: You tell him....from me....I said...when you act like that...
Me: Like what?
Jennifer: Like you! You tell him I said he has my permission to call you a bastid!
Me: laughing
Jennifer: I am serious! You are a bastid! He has my permission to say it. Does he know Sr. Ann Rita? (obscure reference to a nun from her school days, a total nonsensical question)
There you go SouthieBoy!
Anyway....I am exhausted! Tonight is Stations and maybe the gym again.........what price chocolate!
Thursday, March 30, 6:30 p.m.
Death in the Haymarket: A Story of Chicago, the First Labor Movement, and the Bombing that Divided Gilded-Age AmericaIn May of 1886 Americans awoke to the news that a bomb had exploded a Chicago labor rally killing several policemen. Coming in the midst of the largest national strike Americans had ever seen, the bombing, the mass hysteria it created, and the sensational trial and executions that followed, made headlines across the country. National sentiment turned against the burgeoning labor movement, ending a moment of hope for the nation’s working class. James Green, professor of history at UMASS Boston and Howard Zinn, author of A People’s History of the United States will discuss the exhilarating rise of a visionary union movement and its downfall in the wake of the Haymarket tragedy
I missed the lecture last week with former governor Paul Cellucci about Diplomacy in a post 9/11 world. I think I would have enjoyed that a lot more.
So, since I am so far behind on all my reading right afterwards I popped over to my parents and gave the book to my mother for now.
Then I dash to the gym and find....I forgot my sneakers....home....get sneakers....back to the gym....sigh of frustration. I am just ready to close my locker at the gym when Jen calls. She and her boyfriend will need a ride home from Jordano's, but the drunk bus can wait for an hour. So I jump on the treadmill next to Trish and get all sweaty for an hour between that and some machines, take a shower and it's off the grab them. Their bartender is ready to close up and move to his own hangout which is halfway there, so I meet them in Marshfield..........where we end up staying for more than an hour. Jennifer was hysterically funny as usual. At one point when I was telling her about aggravating SouthieBoy.......she stopped me.
Jennifer: Listen, listen, listen, next time you talk to SB, you tell him....can you tell him something?
Me: Yes
Jennifer: You tell him....from me....I said...when you act like that...
Me: Like what?
Jennifer: Like you! You tell him I said he has my permission to call you a bastid!
Me: laughing
Jennifer: I am serious! You are a bastid! He has my permission to say it. Does he know Sr. Ann Rita? (obscure reference to a nun from her school days, a total nonsensical question)
There you go SouthieBoy!
Anyway....I am exhausted! Tonight is Stations and maybe the gym again.........what price chocolate!
I Am Too Tired To Type
Long day..........last stop.........drunk bus for my sister and her meatball.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
My Evil Laugh of the Day x 2
I followed a link from The Castle to get to these guys and their excellent pic. This is up on my desktop and will make me laugh all day. How do you think I *got* to the 8th ring of hell?
My other mean giggle is for stupid Cynthis McKinney. The people on Fox & Friends couldn't cover this because of all the Jill Carroll news. they were bummed, so was I. On the bright side.........guess who they would cut to for updates and reaction because he is live Thursday mornings? That's right.......MG Rick Lynch........good job kiddo!
Watch him here.. The link will take you to the Pentagon channel, scroll down and select the Baghdad briefing.
My other mean giggle is for stupid Cynthis McKinney. The people on Fox & Friends couldn't cover this because of all the Jill Carroll news. they were bummed, so was I. On the bright side.........guess who they would cut to for updates and reaction because he is live Thursday mornings? That's right.......MG Rick Lynch........good job kiddo!
Watch him here.. The link will take you to the Pentagon channel, scroll down and select the Baghdad briefing.
Jill Carroll Released
I'm happy. See...........I'm not completely heartless!
BAGHDAD, March 30 -- American journalist Jill Carroll, abducted in early January by gunmen in Baghdad, was released to a Sunni Arab political party in the capital Thursday morning after 82 days in captivity.
The whole story here.
BAGHDAD, March 30 -- American journalist Jill Carroll, abducted in early January by gunmen in Baghdad, was released to a Sunni Arab political party in the capital Thursday morning after 82 days in captivity.
The whole story here.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Tonight's Lecture
Tonight I attended a Lowell Lecture Series lecture at the Bostonian Society. The Lowell Institute sponsors lectures all over the city. I have attended science lectures at the Museum of Science and nature lectures at the New England Aquarium, current events lectures at The Old South Meetinghouse. But the historical lectures at the Bostonian Society are my favorite. Tonight's topic was Stephen Decatur and the lecture was given by Robert Allison, the author of "Stephen Decatur, American Naval Hero, 1779 - 1820". I have heard Mr. Allison speak before and knew it would be interesting.....plus, I'm a Navy girl, doncha know.......
I bought two copies.........one is autographed with a nice sentiment to SouthieBoy.......the other says "To Maggie, who is prettier than SouthieBoy"
I bought two copies.........one is autographed with a nice sentiment to SouthieBoy.......the other says "To Maggie, who is prettier than SouthieBoy"
The Nose on Your Face
This guy is always funny (if only he had nutella!). You should check him out. This post I found particularly amusing.
Top 9 Positive Stories On The Iraq War In The Mainstream Media
9.
8. (tie)
8. (tie)
7.
6.
5.
4.
3.
2.
1.
A well-reasoned liberal assessment of the Iraq War (both pre-war and present) can be found here.
Also, the site he links to at the end is amusing.
Top 9 Positive Stories On The Iraq War In The Mainstream Media
9.
8. (tie)
8. (tie)
7.
6.
5.
4.
3.
2.
1.
A well-reasoned liberal assessment of the Iraq War (both pre-war and present) can be found here.
Also, the site he links to at the end is amusing.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Major General Rick Lynch
Yea! Major General Rick Lynch..........my fav on the Pentagon Channel, got the quote of the day on the New York Times blast email "Headlines of the Day".
QUOTATION OF THE DAY
"It's hard sometimes to sort out who's killing who."
MAJ. GENERAL RICK LYNCH, an American military spokesman, on sectarian violence in Iraq.
I am a huge fan of the Thursday morning Baghdad Briefing. He is the best!
Congratulations, sir!
Happy Birthday GracieBaby!
Today is my sister's birthday and I remembered to call and sing!
Yesterday we were all at her house, sharing a meal, watching her open presents, laughing and talking.
We are so lucky.
Yesterday we were all at her house, sharing a meal, watching her open presents, laughing and talking.
We are so lucky.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
The Gym on a Sunday Evening
It was awesome! The place was virtually empty. There were 14 cars in the lot including my own. I saw one girl leaving as I arrived, so I had the locker room/shower/steam/sauna all the myself. There were four guys working out, only one seriously. I did my sad pathetic 40 minutes on the treadmill, some stretching, some yoga (not class, just stuff I've learned), a solitary steam and a shower. It was like having my own private club.
Watched Sopranos at Trish's house where my dinner was served to me.........I could get used to this!
Although my calves ache (you wouldn't know what to do if I didn't whine about something).
Watched Sopranos at Trish's house where my dinner was served to me.........I could get used to this!
Although my calves ache (you wouldn't know what to do if I didn't whine about something).
We Fight For People Like You
Read this story over at Real Clear Politic Blog
"An anti-gay protest outside the state Capitol on Thursday afternoon by members of a controversial Kansas church drew jeers, tears and confrontations from counter-demonstrators.
About 30 members of the Westboro Baptist Church, founded in Topeka by the Rev. Fred Phelps, stood on the sidewalk along Broadway, holding signs that said "USA = Fag Nation" and "Thank God for Dead Soldiers."
The demonstrators, mostly relatives of Phelps, went to the Capitol to oppose proposed legislation inspired by their latest protest target - funerals of American troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The group believes God is punishing the country - and causing the deaths of soldiers and Marines - because it condones homosexuality.
Margie Phelps sang, shouted and led chants, referring to the bombs, known as IEDs, that claim American lives in Iraq.
"Give me an I," she yelled.
"Give me an E."
"Give me a D."
"What does it spell?"
"Dead soldiers!" shouted the protesters.
Marine Lance Cpl. Jeremy Palmer, 22, of Commerce City, couldn't take it any longer as he listened to the Westboro members sing their own lyrics to the tune of the Marine Corps anthem.
He stood within a foot of the singers, waved a Marine flag and yelled the correct last line to the song.
"We fight for people like you," he yelled at them."
"An anti-gay protest outside the state Capitol on Thursday afternoon by members of a controversial Kansas church drew jeers, tears and confrontations from counter-demonstrators.
About 30 members of the Westboro Baptist Church, founded in Topeka by the Rev. Fred Phelps, stood on the sidewalk along Broadway, holding signs that said "USA = Fag Nation" and "Thank God for Dead Soldiers."
The demonstrators, mostly relatives of Phelps, went to the Capitol to oppose proposed legislation inspired by their latest protest target - funerals of American troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The group believes God is punishing the country - and causing the deaths of soldiers and Marines - because it condones homosexuality.
Margie Phelps sang, shouted and led chants, referring to the bombs, known as IEDs, that claim American lives in Iraq.
"Give me an I," she yelled.
"Give me an E."
"Give me a D."
"What does it spell?"
"Dead soldiers!" shouted the protesters.
Marine Lance Cpl. Jeremy Palmer, 22, of Commerce City, couldn't take it any longer as he listened to the Westboro members sing their own lyrics to the tune of the Marine Corps anthem.
He stood within a foot of the singers, waved a Marine flag and yelled the correct last line to the song.
"We fight for people like you," he yelled at them."
Madeline *Not*Bright vs. Bill Kristol
I love Bill Kristol!! I love Fox News Sunday. Chris Wallace asked the panel about Madeline's OpEd in the LA Times.
Bill ripped her a new one! the look on his face was priceless!
I thought last week's spanking of Juan Williams by Brit Hume (video here the last 3 minutes of a 10 minute clip) was awesome! This was better!!!!!!
I will link the video as soon as Fox puts it up!
What a great weekend. Got lots done, dinner with Trish last night, FoxNews this morning and I am on my way to my sister's house to celebrate her birthday.
Bill ripped her a new one! the look on his face was priceless!
I thought last week's spanking of Juan Williams by Brit Hume (video here the last 3 minutes of a 10 minute clip) was awesome! This was better!!!!!!
I will link the video as soon as Fox puts it up!
What a great weekend. Got lots done, dinner with Trish last night, FoxNews this morning and I am on my way to my sister's house to celebrate her birthday.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Madeline Albright meets John Lennon
Madeline Albright wants you to know, there is no good or bad. That concept is fiction.
"It is sometimes convenient, for purposes of rhetorical effect, for national leaders to talk of a globe neatly divided into good and bad. It is quite another, however, to base the policies of the world's most powerful nation upon that fiction. "
Hey Madeline, buy a clue! No one is saying the world is "neatly divided" into anything. The President just happens to have the stones to point out when something is "evil". Too many shy away from such words and concepts. There is evil in the world and if your don't ackowledge it, how can you hope to defeat it?
Edmund Burke said it best:
"In order for evil to flourish, all that is required is for good men to do nothing".
We are Americans and we won't do "nothing". We may have our starts and stops. We may falter. But we try and that's worth everything.
This is her op-ed in the LA Times.
"It is sometimes convenient, for purposes of rhetorical effect, for national leaders to talk of a globe neatly divided into good and bad. It is quite another, however, to base the policies of the world's most powerful nation upon that fiction. "
Hey Madeline, buy a clue! No one is saying the world is "neatly divided" into anything. The President just happens to have the stones to point out when something is "evil". Too many shy away from such words and concepts. There is evil in the world and if your don't ackowledge it, how can you hope to defeat it?
Edmund Burke said it best:
"In order for evil to flourish, all that is required is for good men to do nothing".
We are Americans and we won't do "nothing". We may have our starts and stops. We may falter. But we try and that's worth everything.
This is her op-ed in the LA Times.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Hot Comment Party at the Castle
Yesterday I was hanging out at The Castle when out of nowhere and completely unrelated to the post.....Owen shows up. Owen is a lib flamethrower who pops into The Castle once in a while to agitate the Denizens and lust after the Armorer's arsenal. Generally speaking, as a lurker, when Owen shows I leave. However, for some reason, last night I stayed and and even returned after yoga. I actually responded to Owen in a thoughtful manner instead of sticking my tongue out and stamping my feet. Some thought my comments had merit. John of Argghhh! actually gave me the compliment of posting a quote from my comment on the sidebar. So go to the Castle scroll down and there I am on the right - Princess Crabby (I forget how John came up with it, but it was right after he tried tagging me with cockroach at another comment party).
Thank you John.
p.s. - I am not doing such a good job at lurking when I am there........I do a much better job at that SWO site I visit every day.
Thank you John.
p.s. - I am not doing such a good job at lurking when I am there........I do a much better job at that SWO site I visit every day.
Yoga, Masochism and Maggie
I am a person who believes that she should be treated well. I am self indulgent to a fault.
John at the Castle refers to me as "Princess Crabby". SouthieBoy finds me to be incorrigible when it comes to demanding adulation. He claims to do his level best not to feed my ego, but he fails miserably. If someone doesn't like me, it doesn't bother me because I really truly believe that the fault lies in the other person, lol. I am not kidding. I would never even tolerate a man looking at me crooked. The rules of the Rotation are to think I am the greatest thing since sliced bread......to acknowledge that it's all about Maggie.......to pay attention and deal with the fact that I am high maintenance.
I am not *into* pain of any kind, no whips, no chains, no spanking, etc.
So.............can someone please explain to me why I voluntarily went into the healthclub last night, laid on the floor and let Jerry torture me? Why would I willingly let someone make me grab both my ankles while on my stomach and assume the *boat*
position? Why would I even attempt *thread the needle*? If something can't be reached I have minions for that. If something is to heavy I have peons for that.
I can't raise my arms above shoulder height today......and I did it to myself. I can't figure this out.
John at the Castle refers to me as "Princess Crabby". SouthieBoy finds me to be incorrigible when it comes to demanding adulation. He claims to do his level best not to feed my ego, but he fails miserably. If someone doesn't like me, it doesn't bother me because I really truly believe that the fault lies in the other person, lol. I am not kidding. I would never even tolerate a man looking at me crooked. The rules of the Rotation are to think I am the greatest thing since sliced bread......to acknowledge that it's all about Maggie.......to pay attention and deal with the fact that I am high maintenance.
I am not *into* pain of any kind, no whips, no chains, no spanking, etc.
So.............can someone please explain to me why I voluntarily went into the healthclub last night, laid on the floor and let Jerry torture me? Why would I willingly let someone make me grab both my ankles while on my stomach and assume the *boat*
position? Why would I even attempt *thread the needle*? If something can't be reached I have minions for that. If something is to heavy I have peons for that.
I can't raise my arms above shoulder height today......and I did it to myself. I can't figure this out.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Last Night's Lecture
Last night the Bostonian Society hosted the author Timothy Kenslea in a discussion of his new book "The Sedgwicks in Love: Courtship, Engagement, and Marriage in the Early Republic". He's a local guy and a high school teacher. He was very enthusiastic about his subject. I enjoyed his talk and maybe someday I will get to the book I bought and had him autograph for me.
Funny side note: I park at the valet in the garage one block down. I don't like to drive around looking for a legal spot and I am always late (last night I slid into my seat as Sue was wrapping up her introduction). I didn't realize what an impression I had made until last night. There are no lectures in the winter and I hadn't seen the night manager since November. I was there Saturday night for Damrell's Fire, but it's a different crew on the weekends. So I pull up and get out of my car and doesn't the son-of-a-gun come over to hug me and tell me how great I look. I just laughed, but....how weird is that?
Funny side note: I park at the valet in the garage one block down. I don't like to drive around looking for a legal spot and I am always late (last night I slid into my seat as Sue was wrapping up her introduction). I didn't realize what an impression I had made until last night. There are no lectures in the winter and I hadn't seen the night manager since November. I was there Saturday night for Damrell's Fire, but it's a different crew on the weekends. So I pull up and get out of my car and doesn't the son-of-a-gun come over to hug me and tell me how great I look. I just laughed, but....how weird is that?
Fish Balls
So, the Armorer is in Seoul and the talk turns to nasty food. Kimchee, fish balls,ewww. This caused me to have flashbacks to Malaysia Air onboard breakfasts. Fish balls with curry something and eggs..........no escape. The smell was horrific!
Like nothing else I've ever smelled except for one night in Connecticut. File this under you get what you pay for.
Jen and I were going to Foxwoods and needed a room for the night. We were staying two nights with the second night already booked in the Grand Pequot Hotel on property. So we thought we would cut a corner and stay off property our first night since we were going down late at night and could head over to the Spa early in the morning. Our line of reasoning was...why pay $200 for a room we would be in for 10 or 11 hours tops. So Jen goes on line to book a room. She cuts a further corner and doesn't use Expedia. Somehow, we end up at some horrible place near a truck stop just off of the exit. The address is programmed into her GPS and I am arguing with the mechanical voice. As we near this place we are laughing nervously, it looks awful. They had to unlock the door to the front desk, there were crazy knickknacks for sale, the whole thing is unreal and then...........they hand us a key. Not a keycard, a key attached to a tag with the name of another hotel. We go to the room (doors open right onto the parking lot) telling each other we are not going to stay. Yet we were drawn to the room. We go to use the key and the door just opens under the pressure of my hand. We walk inside and there was no light (I can't remember if we couldn't find a switch, didn't try or it didn't work. Jen is repeating over and over that there is not enough Chlorox Cleanup to take care of this. I couldn't speak. Jen says she looked over at me and she's never seen me look so horrified. I told her I knew that smell and we had to leave.......IT WAS FISH BALLS. We dropped the key and ran. I mean ran! We were laughing so hard that we could barely get in the car. Jen drove across the parking lot, hysterical. I called Foxwoods and they got us into Cedars. They were supposedly completely full, but I explained to the receptionist what had happened. she asked where we were and she said "Get out of there! I'll find you a room!" LOL, I think we called our mother then and told her. The laughs kept coming after that since I tried to use my keycard on some other guys room at Cedars and the room she gave us smelled like cigar..........but we did end up in a clean, non-cigar smelling room by midnight.
Lessons Learned: Fish balls bad. You get what you pay for. Avoid motels that a) are located behind track stops, b) have actual keys, c) lock the reception area at 2100 hours. There is nothing Jennifer and I can't laugh at.
Like nothing else I've ever smelled except for one night in Connecticut. File this under you get what you pay for.
Jen and I were going to Foxwoods and needed a room for the night. We were staying two nights with the second night already booked in the Grand Pequot Hotel on property. So we thought we would cut a corner and stay off property our first night since we were going down late at night and could head over to the Spa early in the morning. Our line of reasoning was...why pay $200 for a room we would be in for 10 or 11 hours tops. So Jen goes on line to book a room. She cuts a further corner and doesn't use Expedia. Somehow, we end up at some horrible place near a truck stop just off of the exit. The address is programmed into her GPS and I am arguing with the mechanical voice. As we near this place we are laughing nervously, it looks awful. They had to unlock the door to the front desk, there were crazy knickknacks for sale, the whole thing is unreal and then...........they hand us a key. Not a keycard, a key attached to a tag with the name of another hotel. We go to the room (doors open right onto the parking lot) telling each other we are not going to stay. Yet we were drawn to the room. We go to use the key and the door just opens under the pressure of my hand. We walk inside and there was no light (I can't remember if we couldn't find a switch, didn't try or it didn't work. Jen is repeating over and over that there is not enough Chlorox Cleanup to take care of this. I couldn't speak. Jen says she looked over at me and she's never seen me look so horrified. I told her I knew that smell and we had to leave.......IT WAS FISH BALLS. We dropped the key and ran. I mean ran! We were laughing so hard that we could barely get in the car. Jen drove across the parking lot, hysterical. I called Foxwoods and they got us into Cedars. They were supposedly completely full, but I explained to the receptionist what had happened. she asked where we were and she said "Get out of there! I'll find you a room!" LOL, I think we called our mother then and told her. The laughs kept coming after that since I tried to use my keycard on some other guys room at Cedars and the room she gave us smelled like cigar..........but we did end up in a clean, non-cigar smelling room by midnight.
Lessons Learned: Fish balls bad. You get what you pay for. Avoid motels that a) are located behind track stops, b) have actual keys, c) lock the reception area at 2100 hours. There is nothing Jennifer and I can't laugh at.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
I Called This Before I Even Took The Test
The Dante's Inferno Test has banished you to the Eigth Level of Hell - the Malebolge!
Here is how you matched up against all the levels:
Take the Dante's Inferno Hell Test
Pat's sister Maryellen sent this to us at the office. I listened to the basics and announced I'd probably be an 8, since 9 is the highest. Go take the test
Here is how you matched up against all the levels:
| Level | Score |
|---|---|
| Purgatory (Repenting Believers) | Low |
| Level 1 - Limbo (Virtuous Non-Believers) | Very Low |
| Level 2 (Lustful) | Very High |
| Level 3 (Gluttonous) | High |
| Level 4 (Prodigal and Avaricious) | High |
| Level 5 (Wrathful and Gloomy) | Very High |
| Level 6 - The City of Dis (Heretics) | Very Low |
| Level 7 (Violent) | Extreme |
| Level 8- the Malebolge (Fraudulent, Malicious, Panderers) | Extreme |
| Level 9 - Cocytus (Treacherous) | High |
Take the Dante's Inferno Hell Test
Pat's sister Maryellen sent this to us at the office. I listened to the basics and announced I'd probably be an 8, since 9 is the highest. Go take the test
"24"
So Audrey is in a little pickle. I was discussing it with my sister Jen and she brought up the possibility that Audrey's father SecDef Heller may have to return to CTU..........and YES!!!!! I googled William Devane and got a little something over at the Washington Post.
"Defense Secretary James Heller -- er, "24" actor William Devane -- at Saturday's Gridiron dinner, filling the vacuum left by absent Don Rumsfeld . Confirmed that he'll appear on a trio of episodes next month but wouldn't say if he gets tortured or killed."
I love William Devane/SecDef James Heller/Greg Sumner/Maj. Charles Rane (Rolling Thunder - 1977)!
"Defense Secretary James Heller -- er, "24" actor William Devane -- at Saturday's Gridiron dinner, filling the vacuum left by absent Don Rumsfeld . Confirmed that he'll appear on a trio of episodes next month but wouldn't say if he gets tortured or killed."
I love William Devane/SecDef James Heller/Greg Sumner/Maj. Charles Rane (Rolling Thunder - 1977)!
Birthday Wrap-Up
I went to yoga and I can hardly move! When I got home, the house was clean!!!! The kids, mostly Toni and Bree, but a little Bill and Frank had really truly cleaned the house. It was so great. Plus Toni got me flowers and and a little ceramic M&M holder that said "chocolate makes my clothes shrink". Frankie said he thought that was mean, but I said no, that is what happens, it can't be my fault! She also got a card for Frank to sign, left it on the counter, open with the pen on it.......he didn't sign it, lol.
Then I was watching "24". 1st commerical, SouthieBoy calls and sings "Happy Birthday" at 78 r.p.m. It was his only chance and he only had a minute. But the fact that it mattered enough to him to finagle it..........well, the enormity of sentiment moves me greatly.
So I ate chocolate cake (2 kinds), M&Ms and some stuff that was actually good for me.
Had to get it all in because today I am on Atkins.
My son, my son got in just under the wire at 2330. Good job Tommy.
It was a great birthday! Thanks!
Then I was watching "24". 1st commerical, SouthieBoy calls and sings "Happy Birthday" at 78 r.p.m. It was his only chance and he only had a minute. But the fact that it mattered enough to him to finagle it..........well, the enormity of sentiment moves me greatly.
So I ate chocolate cake (2 kinds), M&Ms and some stuff that was actually good for me.
Had to get it all in because today I am on Atkins.
My son, my son got in just under the wire at 2330. Good job Tommy.
It was a great birthday! Thanks!
Monday, March 20, 2006
The Beginning of Spring vs. the 1st Day of Spring
Today is the beginning of spring. It began at 1:26 pm EST. Tomorrow is the 1st full day of spring. The vernal equinox is when the sun crosses directly over the Earth's equator. This moment is known as the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. For the Southern Hemisphere, this is the moment of the autumnal equinox.
Translated literally, equinox means "equal night." Because the sun is positioned above the equator, day and night are about equal in length all over the world during the equinoxes. A second equinox occurs each year on September 22 or 23; in 2006, it will be on September 22 at 11:03 P.M. EDT (Sept. 23, 03:03 UT*). This date will mark the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the vernal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere.
Translated literally, equinox means "equal night." Because the sun is positioned above the equator, day and night are about equal in length all over the world during the equinoxes. A second equinox occurs each year on September 22 or 23; in 2006, it will be on September 22 at 11:03 P.M. EDT (Sept. 23, 03:03 UT*). This date will mark the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the vernal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere.
Where I'd Like To Celebrate My Birthday
Dubai, United Arab Emirates at 6:00 pm GST
Fair , 77ºF Hi: 81 Lo: 70
More Presents!!
The girls in the office gave me................a six pack of coke in glass bottles, more M&Ms, chocolate cake and.............wait for it.........butter. LOL It's a play on my Valentine's present to SouthieBoy.
Stealing Stuff From Lex
Go read this collection of quotes over at Lex's site.
My favorites:
“Things are looking up for us here. In fact, Papua-New Guinea is thinking of offering two platoons: one of Infantry (headhunters) and one
of engineers (hut builders). They want to eat any Iraqis they kill. We’ve got no issues with that, but State is being anal about it.” LT
(JS) on OIF coalition-building.
and
“I finally figured out that when a Turkish officer tells you, “Its no problem,” he means, for him.” Maj (EUCOM)
My favorites:
“Things are looking up for us here. In fact, Papua-New Guinea is thinking of offering two platoons: one of Infantry (headhunters) and one
of engineers (hut builders). They want to eat any Iraqis they kill. We’ve got no issues with that, but State is being anal about it.” LT
(JS) on OIF coalition-building.
and
“I finally figured out that when a Turkish officer tells you, “Its no problem,” he means, for him.” Maj (EUCOM)
Today in History
In 1854, in what is considered the founding meeting of the Republican Party, former members of the Whig Party met in Ripon, Wis., to establish a new party to oppose the spread of slavery into the western territories.
This is appropriate, doncha think? Of course some would say a more violent event was more fitting.......
In 1963, a volcano on the East Indies island of Bali began erupting. The eventual death toll exceeded 1,500.
This is appropriate, doncha think? Of course some would say a more violent event was more fitting.......
In 1963, a volcano on the East Indies island of Bali began erupting. The eventual death toll exceeded 1,500.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
What a Great Weekend!!!!!!!!
First off, Damrell's Fire, the Bostonian Society event was great. It was a very cool animated/computer graphic thing that will air on PBS next month. It's an hour long and it was hosted by its creator Bruce Twickler. He also included a 12 minute 'making of' video. Bruce was very engaging and you couldn't help but catch his enthusiasm. The video was full of people I know, have read or have seen at the Old State House. They recreate Boston at the time of the fire in this most amazing way. It will be on PBS April 2nd, I will post a reminder. I know I am a history geek, but this was really interesting and you don't have to be a geek to enjoy it.
A word about the Bostonian Society and someone who does a lot there, Sue Goganian. I really like Sue, she works hard on these events and is always a pleasure to be around. This was her first Saturday night event and she was a little nervous....but it was great! There was a full house and they served popcorn and Coke in glass bottle!!!!!
My favorite! So it was a true Saturday night at the movies.If you live in Boston, you should join and support the work they do. If you are in Boston, you should visit the Old State House....let me know you are coming and I will take you on the tour. Then throw a few bucks in the collection for some important renovations/repairs for the building. And if you see Sue...tell her good job and pat her on the back.
This morning I had CCD. Today we discussed Lent and Stations and sacrifice and the feast day of St. Jospeh. I think my class is great, I love their quick minds. Even when we get off track....and you know how easy that is with me.....I love hearing what they have to say. Plus it's always so funny when they realize that I know someone in their family or they know someone in mine. I was elevated somewhat in the minds of the girls when they realized that I was related to super-cool 16 year old Taylor who lives near Colby.
Then later in the afternoon the bulk of my family assembled at my parents house to celebrate my birthday. I scored lots of loot, not to mention chocolate cake. My mother told me last night that my Dad was making my cake. I asked if it was chocolate, she said yes....I said "How did he know?" LOL! Someday I want to go to the Spa in Hershey PA and have the chocolate soak.
Tonight was Soprano's, but I can say no more because certain people have forbid me to discuss it.
A word about the Bostonian Society and someone who does a lot there, Sue Goganian. I really like Sue, she works hard on these events and is always a pleasure to be around. This was her first Saturday night event and she was a little nervous....but it was great! There was a full house and they served popcorn and Coke in glass bottle!!!!!
My favorite! So it was a true Saturday night at the movies.If you live in Boston, you should join and support the work they do. If you are in Boston, you should visit the Old State House....let me know you are coming and I will take you on the tour. Then throw a few bucks in the collection for some important renovations/repairs for the building. And if you see Sue...tell her good job and pat her on the back.
This morning I had CCD. Today we discussed Lent and Stations and sacrifice and the feast day of St. Jospeh. I think my class is great, I love their quick minds. Even when we get off track....and you know how easy that is with me.....I love hearing what they have to say. Plus it's always so funny when they realize that I know someone in their family or they know someone in mine. I was elevated somewhat in the minds of the girls when they realized that I was related to super-cool 16 year old Taylor who lives near Colby.
Then later in the afternoon the bulk of my family assembled at my parents house to celebrate my birthday. I scored lots of loot, not to mention chocolate cake. My mother told me last night that my Dad was making my cake. I asked if it was chocolate, she said yes....I said "How did he know?" LOL! Someday I want to go to the Spa in Hershey PA and have the chocolate soak.
Tonight was Soprano's, but I can say no more because certain people have forbid me to discuss it.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Go Dragon Slayers!
U.S. Navy Ships Return Fire on Suspected Pirates
The men and women of the USS Cape St. George (Dragon Slayers) CG 71 & the USS Gonzalez DDG 66 demonstrated "peace through superior firepower". An Aegis CG & DDG vs. idiots in boats. LOL
"The reason that the American Navy does so well in wartime, is that war is chaos, and the Americans practice chaos on a daily basis."
[Attributed to Admiral Karl Doenitz, of the German Kriegsmarine]
The men and women of the USS Cape St. George (Dragon Slayers) CG 71 & the USS Gonzalez DDG 66 demonstrated "peace through superior firepower". An Aegis CG & DDG vs. idiots in boats. LOL
"The reason that the American Navy does so well in wartime, is that war is chaos, and the Americans practice chaos on a daily basis."
[Attributed to Admiral Karl Doenitz, of the German Kriegsmarine]
Another Gitmo Lecture
One of the speakers at the EPIIC Symposium who really drove me crazy was P.Sabin Willett. He and some other lawyers will be speaking at Faneuil Hall on March 30, 2006. The lecture title is "Guantanamo Bay: Who Are The Detainees and Why does the U.S. Continue to Hold Them?" I haven't been able to find much online about the Chinese Muslims because I thought they were Weegers................turns out the word is Uighur. I will have to read some more.
So, do I go? Do I not go? I am on the fence. I know for certain (dead certain) that it is not as cut and dried as Willett makes it out to be. W & Dick are not sitting in the White House laughing about holding hapless Uighurs at Gitmo. But still, there must be something to this stuff.
This is a Ford Hall Forum lecture, and I generally enjoy their lecture series, although they rarely reflect my personal views. But then again, if I were looking for lectures that reflected my personal views......I could never leave the Bostonian Society unless it was to go to an American Legion Hall, lol.
So, do I go? Do I not go? I am on the fence. I know for certain (dead certain) that it is not as cut and dried as Willett makes it out to be. W & Dick are not sitting in the White House laughing about holding hapless Uighurs at Gitmo. But still, there must be something to this stuff.
This is a Ford Hall Forum lecture, and I generally enjoy their lecture series, although they rarely reflect my personal views. But then again, if I were looking for lectures that reflected my personal views......I could never leave the Bostonian Society unless it was to go to an American Legion Hall, lol.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Evacuation Day
Today is also of historical importance here in Boston.
Read about it here.
Everyone should know more about history. Of course I think the history of Boston is most important. LOL
Read about it here.
Everyone should know more about history. Of course I think the history of Boston is most important. LOL
La 'le Phadraig Shona Dhuit
I am taking some grief for not wearing green today. It is funny because I do define myself as Boston Irish Catholic. However, the nuns always stressed that today was a holy day and not a holiday. So I will be in Stations tonight and we will be reciting the novena prayer of St. Patrick and I will skip the green beer.
A word about the dispensation granted by Cardinal-elect O'Malley. I had a conversation yesterday morning with SouthieBoy regarding eating meat on a Friday in Lent.
SB: I am having lunch on Friday with (fill in the name of an important higher-up).
Me: You'll be having fish.
SB: But the special will be corned beef and cabbage.
Me: And you'll be ordering the fish.
SB: O'Malley issued a statement granting a dispensation for St. Paddy's Day.
Me: (long, vicious diatribe about dispensations for silly purposes and O'Malley)
SB: Maggie, he's going to be Cardinal. (smiling to egg me on)
Me: (another attack, worked up to the point of my face getting red)
SB: Maggie, are you saying this because he's closing your church? I'm surprised (another nasty smile)
Me: (a calmer, more rational explanation that this is not just a "Rice Bowl Preservation Society" issue.
Me: You're having the fish. I've used up all my plenary indulgences.
Last night I took a shot at the new National Security Strategy. To absorb the small bit I read, I had to read aloud to myself. I was so tired. I popped around the blogosphere and happened onto SangerM's reading list. That did me in. Just reading the titles exhausted me and I went to sleep. That's one ambitious man!
Today begins Birthday weekend. Stations tonight. A Bostonian Society event tomorrow night. Family party Sunday. Monday SouthieBoy will sing to me (a rare event!) and my son, my son had better call from Virginia/Mars.
'La 'le Phadraig Shona Dhuit'
(Happy St. Patrick's Day, pronounced 'Law leh Faw-rig hunna guitch')
A word about the dispensation granted by Cardinal-elect O'Malley. I had a conversation yesterday morning with SouthieBoy regarding eating meat on a Friday in Lent.
SB: I am having lunch on Friday with (fill in the name of an important higher-up).
Me: You'll be having fish.
SB: But the special will be corned beef and cabbage.
Me: And you'll be ordering the fish.
SB: O'Malley issued a statement granting a dispensation for St. Paddy's Day.
Me: (long, vicious diatribe about dispensations for silly purposes and O'Malley)
SB: Maggie, he's going to be Cardinal. (smiling to egg me on)
Me: (another attack, worked up to the point of my face getting red)
SB: Maggie, are you saying this because he's closing your church? I'm surprised (another nasty smile)
Me: (a calmer, more rational explanation that this is not just a "Rice Bowl Preservation Society" issue.
Me: You're having the fish. I've used up all my plenary indulgences.
Last night I took a shot at the new National Security Strategy. To absorb the small bit I read, I had to read aloud to myself. I was so tired. I popped around the blogosphere and happened onto SangerM's reading list. That did me in. Just reading the titles exhausted me and I went to sleep. That's one ambitious man!
Today begins Birthday weekend. Stations tonight. A Bostonian Society event tomorrow night. Family party Sunday. Monday SouthieBoy will sing to me (a rare event!) and my son, my son had better call from Virginia/Mars.
'La 'le Phadraig Shona Dhuit'
(Happy St. Patrick's Day, pronounced 'Law leh Faw-rig hunna guitch')
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Possible Poll Question
There has been some discussion of a possible poll question out here regarding showering (alone vs. with someone). Your thoughts?
Also, isn't it entirely possible that you can get clean with someone else in the shower? The other person could very well be helpful.....back scrubbing....soap holding.....among other things. It's not necessarily a distraction. Certainly there is an element of distraction, but if you can't get things done, then maybe the fault lies within yourself. Perhaps it is your lack of self control that is at issue. In that case, it's quite unfair that you deny the other person the pleasure of the shared shower. So maybe the poll question should be "Are you inconsiderate or not?"
Please keep in mind that others read the comments and write accordingly. Anything racy should be sent to my email................immediately. LOL
Also, isn't it entirely possible that you can get clean with someone else in the shower? The other person could very well be helpful.....back scrubbing....soap holding.....among other things. It's not necessarily a distraction. Certainly there is an element of distraction, but if you can't get things done, then maybe the fault lies within yourself. Perhaps it is your lack of self control that is at issue. In that case, it's quite unfair that you deny the other person the pleasure of the shared shower. So maybe the poll question should be "Are you inconsiderate or not?"
Please keep in mind that others read the comments and write accordingly. Anything racy should be sent to my email................immediately. LOL
Didja Miss Me?
Last couple of days were extremely hectic, and stressful. Those who know the cause will be happy to know that everything has been resolved in our favor. Things have been handled, matters are closed, cases were cleared, nothing else is hanging over his head.
On top of that I had a lovely night in Newport......it couldn't have been better.
I am completely out of the loop on all current events. All I know is that the new National Security Strategy comes out today. Guess I know what I'm reading tonight.
On top of that I had a lovely night in Newport......it couldn't have been better.
I am completely out of the loop on all current events. All I know is that the new National Security Strategy comes out today. Guess I know what I'm reading tonight.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
My Evil Giggle of the Day
"A top toxicologist in the Netherlands said Monday that he believed that Slobodan Milosevic, the former Yugoslav leader, had been manipulating medication to fake a medical condition, a ploy that contributed to his ill heath and may have played a role in the heart attack that caused his death."
Please present Mr. Milosevic with his Darwin Award.
Read the story in the New York Times here.
It's hard out there for a war criminal!
Please present Mr. Milosevic with his Darwin Award.
Read the story in the New York Times here.
It's hard out there for a war criminal!
Monday, March 13, 2006
March 13th
Today would have been Mama Kelley's 93rd birthday. She was an enormous influence in my life and she crosses my mind nearly every day.
Mama had five children and seventeen grandchildren. There were so many things I admired about her, but foremost was her unwavering support of all of us. We were constantly told how wonderful, smart, funny we were. I have friends who tell of parents and grandparents picking at them, deflating their self esteem. They tell stories of not trying something because they were assured they would fail. My self esteem, which has served me very well, is the direct result of Mama's views on childrearing.
She was loyal to a fault. Papa passed in '68 when Mama was barely 55. That seemed old at the time and all through my teens, but now I know how very young that was. Yet she never dated or seemed to show interest. She waitressed at the Officer's Club in the Navy Yard and was utterly shocked when one of the Officers asked her out on a date. Mama saw herself as married and I think at the time she had been widowed several years. I am in awe of a love that great.
She had such calm and class in every situation. Yet she was so tough. She would face anyone no matter their size and *they* would back down.
But the best, best part was her wicked sense of humor. There are countless family stories of her getting one of us going. I can remember one summer afternoon sitting at the kitchen table, my sister and I breathlessly recounting some petty story that ended with someone giving someone else "the finger". Mama asked us what finger. We of course believed she had no idea so we explained in hushed tones. Mama immediately stuck the middle fingers of both hands in the air. "What does this mean? What's the big deal?" Grace and I were apopleptic. Looking out the window, grabbing for her hands. She laughed at us, we were traumatized!
She was the best grandmother anyone could ever have. Any kindness in my heart is due in large part to her influence. Many people have unknowingly benefited and lived another day because of the times I have paused and thought "What would Mama want me to do?"
Mama had five children and seventeen grandchildren. There were so many things I admired about her, but foremost was her unwavering support of all of us. We were constantly told how wonderful, smart, funny we were. I have friends who tell of parents and grandparents picking at them, deflating their self esteem. They tell stories of not trying something because they were assured they would fail. My self esteem, which has served me very well, is the direct result of Mama's views on childrearing.
She was loyal to a fault. Papa passed in '68 when Mama was barely 55. That seemed old at the time and all through my teens, but now I know how very young that was. Yet she never dated or seemed to show interest. She waitressed at the Officer's Club in the Navy Yard and was utterly shocked when one of the Officers asked her out on a date. Mama saw herself as married and I think at the time she had been widowed several years. I am in awe of a love that great.
She had such calm and class in every situation. Yet she was so tough. She would face anyone no matter their size and *they* would back down.
But the best, best part was her wicked sense of humor. There are countless family stories of her getting one of us going. I can remember one summer afternoon sitting at the kitchen table, my sister and I breathlessly recounting some petty story that ended with someone giving someone else "the finger". Mama asked us what finger. We of course believed she had no idea so we explained in hushed tones. Mama immediately stuck the middle fingers of both hands in the air. "What does this mean? What's the big deal?" Grace and I were apopleptic. Looking out the window, grabbing for her hands. She laughed at us, we were traumatized!
She was the best grandmother anyone could ever have. Any kindness in my heart is due in large part to her influence. Many people have unknowingly benefited and lived another day because of the times I have paused and thought "What would Mama want me to do?"
60 Minutes
Lost track of time and turned it on too late to catch Kevin Weeks & Howie Carr....but I did catch a story about Tal Afar and American troops.......and it was great!!!! And surprise, surprise largely positive. I am soo confused....it was CBS.
I know you don't believe me.........go here and check for yourself.
I know you don't believe me.........go here and check for yourself.
Big Love
Big laugh!!!! Every cliche imaginable. Very disappointing. When does Rome come back on?
The three wives have three houses in a row with connecting backyards somewhere in Utah. As I am watching and thinking "My God, I would shoot myself......3 of the 4 main characters get in a vehicle and drive to East Bumfuck aka "The Compound"......and I realize no matter how bad it seemed, it could get worse. I sent up a small prayer to the Almighty that I live in Boston....with my boys....and my family....and the ocean.....and the Bostonian Society.....and my friends.....and my yoga classes......and too much stuff to name here.
Sopranos was, as always, excellent.
The three wives have three houses in a row with connecting backyards somewhere in Utah. As I am watching and thinking "My God, I would shoot myself......3 of the 4 main characters get in a vehicle and drive to East Bumfuck aka "The Compound"......and I realize no matter how bad it seemed, it could get worse. I sent up a small prayer to the Almighty that I live in Boston....with my boys....and my family....and the ocean.....and the Bostonian Society.....and my friends.....and my yoga classes......and too much stuff to name here.
Sopranos was, as always, excellent.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Useless
Today I have been useless! I did get into Boston to teach my CCD class. I did bring my parents blueberry muffins (my Dad made a face, my mother said she was hoping for a donut, lol). I did make a decision on my family birthday party. That's it! No laundry, no dishes, no work, no serious reading. I think I am going to take a bath and read Foreign Policy magazine (yes....I am a geek and have a subscription).
Howie Carr will be on "60 Minutes".
Then "Soprano's"
Not an overachievers kinda day!!
Howie Carr will be on "60 Minutes".
Then "Soprano's"
Not an overachievers kinda day!!
My Pirate Name
Dirty Anne Roberts
You're the pirate everyone else wants to throw in the ocean. Two things complete your pirate persona: style and swagger. Maybe a little too much swagger sometimes -- but who really cares? Arr!
Brought to you by fidius.org Find your pirate name by taking the quiz.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Hot Saturday Night
I am off to Boston.........my sister Jen's meeting some friends and I am the DD (that's designated driver). So I will stop in and say hey to the girls.....I am the favorite older sister. Some of these girls have been part of her crowd forever and we have had adventures. But I will not stay for the whole confab. No I will head up to the parents and terrorize my father, shattering the peace of his quiet Saturday night. A short while ago, while on my way to the first night of the EPIIC symposium, I blew through my parent's house......talking, running, using the facilities, and dashing out the door. After I was gone, my father came downstairs and said to my mother "Thank God she wasn't twins!" LOL Now he has to put up with me for the whole evening. I've already called and alerted him to my arrival.
Me "What's for dinner?"
Dad "Where?"
Me "Your house."
Dad "When?"
Me "Tonight."
Dad "Nothing."
LOL, I can't wait to see what he comes up with for me........
Don't forget, tonight they repeat the series premiere fo "The Unit".
Me "What's for dinner?"
Dad "Where?"
Me "Your house."
Dad "When?"
Me "Tonight."
Dad "Nothing."
LOL, I can't wait to see what he comes up with for me........
Don't forget, tonight they repeat the series premiere fo "The Unit".
My Version of Stopping and Smelling the Roses
Sometimes I am rushing so hard and so fast that I am afraid of missing things. When I look back the things I regret the most are the times I didn't stop and savor something. So I really try to notice, and enjoy, and remember the good things.
Tonight I drove up to Boston for Stations. I think the radio said it was around 56 degrees in Boston when I got to there. I stopped in quick to say hi to my parents. I try never to miss these chances. You never know what the future holds and I am always wishing for one more chance to tell Mama Kelley how much I loved her. The wind was blowing and the night was balmy compared with last Friday night. I made a point of stopping as I walked down to the chapel, and looking up....feeling the wind, hoping to remember tonight and how I felt long after tonight is gone. The Chapel is a smaller space and Stations becomes a more intimate event. The incense is stronger, my pastor is closer and of course this space is full of childhood memories. The feelings are so intense that I am nearly moved to tears.
After Stations I went to the movies with my friend Trish and enjoyed M&Ms. She is making me switch to a more serious gym. I have to get my fun in now. It will be a snack filled weekend.
I drove home listening to Lifehouse (really loud) and singing along.
It was a good night.
Tonight I drove up to Boston for Stations. I think the radio said it was around 56 degrees in Boston when I got to there. I stopped in quick to say hi to my parents. I try never to miss these chances. You never know what the future holds and I am always wishing for one more chance to tell Mama Kelley how much I loved her. The wind was blowing and the night was balmy compared with last Friday night. I made a point of stopping as I walked down to the chapel, and looking up....feeling the wind, hoping to remember tonight and how I felt long after tonight is gone. The Chapel is a smaller space and Stations becomes a more intimate event. The incense is stronger, my pastor is closer and of course this space is full of childhood memories. The feelings are so intense that I am nearly moved to tears.
After Stations I went to the movies with my friend Trish and enjoyed M&Ms. She is making me switch to a more serious gym. I have to get my fun in now. It will be a snack filled weekend.
I drove home listening to Lifehouse (really loud) and singing along.
It was a good night.
Friday, March 10, 2006
HBO Sunday
Soprano's comes back Sunday night. My coworkers were talking about it when one coyly asked if I was watching the new show coming on afterwards, "Big Love". This led to a discussion of polygamy and did that exclusively mean one man several wives. The question was asked "What do you call one woman and several men?" The answer was, of course..........the Rotation........lol. The real answer is polyandry.
The Muslim Cartoons
Another angle on why people should stop publishing these foolish cartoons was articulated this morning on NPR "Morning Edition". It came in the midst of a very interesting story on the slow progress on reform in Saudi Arabia. Listen to the story here
Countdown
10 days until my birthday
130 hours till I get my early birthday present from SouthieBoy who will be on the road on my actual birthday. Although, I want to be very clear this does not get you out of singing to me on the actual day.
130 hours till I get my early birthday present from SouthieBoy who will be on the road on my actual birthday. Although, I want to be very clear this does not get you out of singing to me on the actual day.
Dubai Ports World Deal
Where do I even start? This was like watching people riot or stampede. you stand off to the side and wonder what the hell is going on. Have they lost their minds? I will be the first to admit that when Chuck Schumer raised the alarm on FoxNews back on February 13th, I was upset. But then I looked into it. I read stuff. I talked to people who *knew* things. I gave it rational consideration. I didn't let anti-Arab passions inflame me. I didn't let radio talk show hosts looking to boost ratings get me all spooled up. I love listening to Howie and Jay Severin, et al. They are funny and entertaining, but that's not where news comes from.
Now it's done and calmer voices can be heard.
General Abizaid: "I am very dismayed by the emotional responses that some people have put on the table here in the United States that really comes down to Arab and Muslim bashing that was totally unnecessary," Abizaid, who just returned from Iraq for meetings in Washington, told reporters.
The New York Times editorial: If the DP World debate distracts Congress from the larger issue, it will have only decreased overall homeland security
Kevin Hassett, director of economic policies at the conservative American Enterprise Institute in Washington: "I think it is very dangerous to enter a new world in which every purchase of an American asset by a foreign entity is scrutinized by the government. It could make U.S. assets less attractive to foreign buyers because they wonder whether there will be potential future buyers if they decide later to sell what they have purchased."
Lawrence Lindsey at the American Enterprise Institute: "The UAE isn't any old Arab country. It sits astride the Strait of Hormuz through which a fifth of world oil passes. Iran sits on the other side. A fighter jet or cruise missile would take about two minutes to go from the UAE to Iran. From a global perspective, efforts by the U.S. Congress to alienate the UAE at this time look about as sensible as Russian roulette." The whole article here.
It was not as dangerous or extreme as the Muslim cartoon business, but it was just as irrational and mindless. If this interferes with any chances I have of going back to Dubai and being treated like a goddess..........heads will roll!!!!!
Now it's done and calmer voices can be heard.
General Abizaid: "I am very dismayed by the emotional responses that some people have put on the table here in the United States that really comes down to Arab and Muslim bashing that was totally unnecessary," Abizaid, who just returned from Iraq for meetings in Washington, told reporters.
The New York Times editorial: If the DP World debate distracts Congress from the larger issue, it will have only decreased overall homeland security
Kevin Hassett, director of economic policies at the conservative American Enterprise Institute in Washington: "I think it is very dangerous to enter a new world in which every purchase of an American asset by a foreign entity is scrutinized by the government. It could make U.S. assets less attractive to foreign buyers because they wonder whether there will be potential future buyers if they decide later to sell what they have purchased."
Lawrence Lindsey at the American Enterprise Institute: "The UAE isn't any old Arab country. It sits astride the Strait of Hormuz through which a fifth of world oil passes. Iran sits on the other side. A fighter jet or cruise missile would take about two minutes to go from the UAE to Iran. From a global perspective, efforts by the U.S. Congress to alienate the UAE at this time look about as sensible as Russian roulette." The whole article here.
It was not as dangerous or extreme as the Muslim cartoon business, but it was just as irrational and mindless. If this interferes with any chances I have of going back to Dubai and being treated like a goddess..........heads will roll!!!!!
Thursday, March 09, 2006
My Apologies
I have two sons.....Frank, who is mentioned here often.........and Tom, my firstborn. Tom lives in Virginia, not Mars. Tom does not cause the day to day chaos Frank does, so there is little to rant about.
However, Tom is very important to me and often on my mind. He called me this morning and we had a very pleasant time catching up with one another.
Tom is really smart (his I.Q. is higher than mine), he is my go-to guy on history and geography questions. Without him, I never would have survived "Joint Maritime Operations" last year. He was an invaluable source on failed and failing states.
However, Tom is very important to me and often on my mind. He called me this morning and we had a very pleasant time catching up with one another.
Tom is really smart (his I.Q. is higher than mine), he is my go-to guy on history and geography questions. Without him, I never would have survived "Joint Maritime Operations" last year. He was an invaluable source on failed and failing states.
Some People Are Never Happy
So Steve was out on the road for a few days. The first night he calls to give me the phone number in his hotel room. I hang up, dial the number and he answers with "Geez, did you already have it half dialed?" I ask if this is a complaint. He says something rude. I laugh. Last night he signals my cell phone so I know to call his hotel room. I get up from the couch, walked ten feet to the house phone and the slip of paper with the number written on it and called. He answers with "Geez, what took you so long?"
Some people are never happy.
Also, they are not grateful enough. It is well known how much I love "24". Mondays call came at the 1 hour 15 minute mark in a 2 hour episode and I muted it to talk to him. Last night I was sitting on the couch to watch the 45 minutes I had missed, when he called again. I mentioned this and the answer was "Yeah, yeah, yeah....let's get to what I want to talk about" LOL Why do I put up with this?
There had better be something SPECTACULAR for my birthday. Otherwise, your spot at the top of the rotation could be in danger. Remember......competition is strongly encouraged in the rotation.
Some people are never happy.
Also, they are not grateful enough. It is well known how much I love "24". Mondays call came at the 1 hour 15 minute mark in a 2 hour episode and I muted it to talk to him. Last night I was sitting on the couch to watch the 45 minutes I had missed, when he called again. I mentioned this and the answer was "Yeah, yeah, yeah....let's get to what I want to talk about" LOL Why do I put up with this?
There had better be something SPECTACULAR for my birthday. Otherwise, your spot at the top of the rotation could be in danger. Remember......competition is strongly encouraged in the rotation.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Dinner with Trish
Most Tuesdays Trish and I go out......dinner or a movie, sometimes dinner and a movie. Last night was a tour of the local health club before dinner. She is really pushing for one with a pool, which, of course ups the cost. We have checked out one other and I want to see at least two more. This is not inconsiderable money. We are going to try for a family membership (the two of us and Frank) after all, it's Massachusetts......what are they going to say? So we have this discussion over dinner at Bangna Gardens. The office occassionally orders lunch from there. I consistently get chicken pad thai and really like it. So last night.....I branch out. I was happier in my closed mind, lol. Found out I don't like the spicy aspect of Thai! But still, a fun night and we concluded that we would go for the trial membership, 6 weeks for $119.00 each. By the end of 6 weeks we should know how important a pool is. If I give up yoga at the funky places I go and attend the yoga classes at the new gym as well as giving up my current gym membership (very short money/very little benefit), it's a wash financially. But do I want to give up yoga in the funky places? I love the low lights at the end of class, the candles, the meditation. This new place is lots of flourescent lights, and perky people. I am not perky.
The highlight of the night? "The Unit" starring "24"s President Palmer/the State Farm guy/Dennis Haysbert. It's a total cliche, full of classic "I'm the hero lines". I loved it!!!!
The highlight of the night? "The Unit" starring "24"s President Palmer/the State Farm guy/Dennis Haysbert. It's a total cliche, full of classic "I'm the hero lines". I loved it!!!!
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
A Story Worth Reading
This is an inspirational story in my opinion. I would hope that I could be this brave, but who knows. I have an easy comfortable life. I don't think you ever know until you are faced with a particular situation.
Auschwitz Escapee Herskovic Dies at 91 Tue Mar 7, 11:12 AM ET
William Herskovic, who escaped from Auschwitz and helped inspire Belgium's resistance to the Nazis during World War II, has died at the age of 91.
Herskovic died Friday at his Encino home after a lengthy battle with cancer, said his daughter, Patricia Herskovic.
Three months after being sent from Belgium to Auschwitz, Herskovic escaped by cutting through a chain-link fence with two other prisoners using a pair of wire cutters he had hidden. It was the first night of Hanukkah in 1942.
The three hopped a train to Breslau, Germany, but a local rabbi threw them out when they tried to tell him about the horrors at Auschwitz.
For the next three weeks, they trekked across Nazi-occupied Europe by bus and train, financing their journey with proceeds from a 3-carat diamond Herskovic had embedded in the heel of his shoe.
In his prewar home of Antwerp, Belgium, Herskovic delivered one of the earliest firsthand accounts of the atrocities of the Holocaust.
The resistance swiftly mobilized, placing bricks on railroad tracks to stop a train packed with hundreds of Jews bound for the camps. About 250 prisoners escaped.
"His survival saved hundreds," the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles said in a tribute.
Before being sent to Auschwitz, Herskovic operated a photography studio in Antwerp. He returned to photography for at least a decade after the war, but no longer wanted to be an artist.
"The things he saw — his artist's soul was pretty tromped on," Patricia Herskovic said.
In Los Angeles, he bought Bel Air Camera in Westwood, which his family still owns.
Herskovic is survived by three daughters, two brothers, four grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
Auschwitz Escapee Herskovic Dies at 91 Tue Mar 7, 11:12 AM ET
William Herskovic, who escaped from Auschwitz and helped inspire Belgium's resistance to the Nazis during World War II, has died at the age of 91.
Herskovic died Friday at his Encino home after a lengthy battle with cancer, said his daughter, Patricia Herskovic.
Three months after being sent from Belgium to Auschwitz, Herskovic escaped by cutting through a chain-link fence with two other prisoners using a pair of wire cutters he had hidden. It was the first night of Hanukkah in 1942.
The three hopped a train to Breslau, Germany, but a local rabbi threw them out when they tried to tell him about the horrors at Auschwitz.
For the next three weeks, they trekked across Nazi-occupied Europe by bus and train, financing their journey with proceeds from a 3-carat diamond Herskovic had embedded in the heel of his shoe.
In his prewar home of Antwerp, Belgium, Herskovic delivered one of the earliest firsthand accounts of the atrocities of the Holocaust.
The resistance swiftly mobilized, placing bricks on railroad tracks to stop a train packed with hundreds of Jews bound for the camps. About 250 prisoners escaped.
"His survival saved hundreds," the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles said in a tribute.
Before being sent to Auschwitz, Herskovic operated a photography studio in Antwerp. He returned to photography for at least a decade after the war, but no longer wanted to be an artist.
"The things he saw — his artist's soul was pretty tromped on," Patricia Herskovic said.
In Los Angeles, he bought Bel Air Camera in Westwood, which his family still owns.
Herskovic is survived by three daughters, two brothers, four grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
"24"
To add to my addiction to "24", I now have the day after comments over at mAss Backwards. Here are Bruce's thoughts today. Be sure to read the comments section as well. It's an interesting blog all around.
Terrorism vs. Crime
I agree with the guys over at the CounterTerrorism Blog. The incident at UNC is not terrorism. It's tragic. It's a crime. but it is not terrorism. We can't lose sight of the big picture. I try to read this blog everyday. these are well thought out, well researched opinions and information.
Read their take on the incident here.
Howie Carr was calling it terrorism, but I think sometimes he is over the top. Although it was good radio. The ChumpLine (his listener call in segment) was really funny.
Read their take on the incident here.
Howie Carr was calling it terrorism, but I think sometimes he is over the top. Although it was good radio. The ChumpLine (his listener call in segment) was really funny.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Today is the 236th Anniversary of the Boston Massacre
I am a card carrying member of The Bostonian Society. This is one of my favorite historical events. If you ever get the chance to catch this, you should.
236th Anniversary of the Boston Massacre, Sunday, March 5th, 2006
On March 5, 1770, beneath the balcony of the Old State House, a crowd of colonists began verbally abusing a solitary Redcoat, Private Hugh White. As the taunting grew, British solidiers rallied to help their comrade and fired into the crowd, killing Crispus Attucks, Samuel Gray and James Caldwell; two other citizens died later. The Boston Massacre was one of the triggering events of the American Revolution. The Bostonian Society is proud to present the following events in honor of the 235th anniversary of the Boston Massacre:
Kids Reenact the Massacre, Saturday, March 4th at 2:00 p.m.
Rare chance to relive history! Young visitors will be the stars in a reenactment of the Boston Massacre, led by rangers from the Adams National Historical Park . Fun for the whole family! Free; on the mall outside of the Old State House.
Trial of the Century, Saturday, March 4th at 2:30 p.m.
Watch patriot lawyers John Adams and Josiah Quincy defend the British soldiers accused of murdering Bostonians while Samuel Quincy prosecutes inside the historic Old State House. Self-defense or cold-blooded murder? You decide as audience members are invited to act as jurors for this celebrated case. Program led by rangers from the Adams National Historical Park. Free with museum admission.
Boston Massacre Reenactment, Sunday, March 5th at 8:00 p.m. FREE
See the event that sparked the Revolution! The Massachusetts Council of Minutemen and Militia and His Majesty's 5th regiment of Foot will reenact the famous incident outside the Old State House. Be sure to arrive early and visit the Old State House museum, which will remain open and offer Massacre-themed gallery talks until 10:00 P.M.
I have taken my children and nieces and nephews over the years and everyone always has a good time.
The Bostonian Society also sponsers other events and lectures. They are usually, always interesting and informative......plus, there is always the chance that you will get to see me!
This was my favorite. This lecture was accompanied by chocolate. Chefs from several Boston restaurants supplied their favorite chocolate desserts.......mousse....molten chocolate cakes...........mmmmmmmm
236th Anniversary of the Boston Massacre, Sunday, March 5th, 2006
On March 5, 1770, beneath the balcony of the Old State House, a crowd of colonists began verbally abusing a solitary Redcoat, Private Hugh White. As the taunting grew, British solidiers rallied to help their comrade and fired into the crowd, killing Crispus Attucks, Samuel Gray and James Caldwell; two other citizens died later. The Boston Massacre was one of the triggering events of the American Revolution. The Bostonian Society is proud to present the following events in honor of the 235th anniversary of the Boston Massacre:
Kids Reenact the Massacre, Saturday, March 4th at 2:00 p.m.
Rare chance to relive history! Young visitors will be the stars in a reenactment of the Boston Massacre, led by rangers from the Adams National Historical Park . Fun for the whole family! Free; on the mall outside of the Old State House.
Trial of the Century, Saturday, March 4th at 2:30 p.m.
Watch patriot lawyers John Adams and Josiah Quincy defend the British soldiers accused of murdering Bostonians while Samuel Quincy prosecutes inside the historic Old State House. Self-defense or cold-blooded murder? You decide as audience members are invited to act as jurors for this celebrated case. Program led by rangers from the Adams National Historical Park. Free with museum admission.
Boston Massacre Reenactment, Sunday, March 5th at 8:00 p.m. FREE
See the event that sparked the Revolution! The Massachusetts Council of Minutemen and Militia and His Majesty's 5th regiment of Foot will reenact the famous incident outside the Old State House. Be sure to arrive early and visit the Old State House museum, which will remain open and offer Massacre-themed gallery talks until 10:00 P.M.
I have taken my children and nieces and nephews over the years and everyone always has a good time.
The Bostonian Society also sponsers other events and lectures. They are usually, always interesting and informative......plus, there is always the chance that you will get to see me!
This was my favorite. This lecture was accompanied by chocolate. Chefs from several Boston restaurants supplied their favorite chocolate desserts.......mousse....molten chocolate cakes...........mmmmmmmm
Saturday, March 04, 2006
The Difference Between Our View on Civil Rights and Europe
During the Symposium I attended last week there was one particular speaker who advocated our accepting the I.C.C. He chided Americans for worrying that they would lose some civil rights. Here's an article that covers an important point in that regard "Free To Hate....And Dine Alone".
HatTip to TownHall once again.
HatTip to TownHall once again.
A Marine's Version of Genesis
Over at Jarhead's Firing Range he has a post on how God created the US Military that you should read.
If the Swabie Doxie can appreciate it, you know it's good.
If the Swabie Doxie can appreciate it, you know it's good.
Friday, March 03, 2006
I Always Have A Plan......
.....but it rarely ends up that way, lol. While I did get to Stations, I didn't go home to laundry.
I popped down to my parents house to hang. My father and I are having a spirited discussion about gay adoption which morphs into homosexuality nurture/nature. At one point my Dad, attempting to explain just how unnatural it is, pops out with a very mild description of a homosexual act.
THE UTTER HORROR!!!!!! My head almost exploded! You have no idea how traumatized I am. My father does not talk about sex with me.............EVER. LOL This was his talk about marriage: (sigh***head rub****my real name) Marriage is more than going to bed with a man....it's waking up with him the next day. Done. Finito. Period.
I am calming my nerves with my special prescription from Dr. Hershey.
I popped down to my parents house to hang. My father and I are having a spirited discussion about gay adoption which morphs into homosexuality nurture/nature. At one point my Dad, attempting to explain just how unnatural it is, pops out with a very mild description of a homosexual act.
THE UTTER HORROR!!!!!! My head almost exploded! You have no idea how traumatized I am. My father does not talk about sex with me.............EVER. LOL This was his talk about marriage: (sigh***head rub****my real name) Marriage is more than going to bed with a man....it's waking up with him the next day. Done. Finito. Period.
I am calming my nerves with my special prescription from Dr. Hershey.
Not Looking To Be Serious Today.......
Just finished lunch........good tuna (no funny fillers) from Water Street Cafe.
Heading off to Stations at 7pm.
Laundry tonight! Pretty exciting, huh? New David Wolf (Law&Order creator) show tonight.
This photo caught my eye
Robin Williams is wearing a shirt that says "I love New York" in Arabic.
Heading off to Stations at 7pm.
Laundry tonight! Pretty exciting, huh? New David Wolf (Law&Order creator) show tonight.
This photo caught my eye
Robin Williams is wearing a shirt that says "I love New York" in Arabic.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
This is Interesting.........
Although I will have to look into it more. On the face of it, it seems an outrageous story. We expect the media to ignore the pro-military, pro-OIF side, but repressing it seems a bit much.
Read the article here. Hat tip to Townhall.com and Todd Manzi
Read the article here. Hat tip to Townhall.com and Todd Manzi
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Hey SouthieBoy.......Is Your Forehead Dirty?
It better be! Frankie and I dashed up to Boston for Ash Wednesday Mass. This will likely be my last one with Father Mahoney (this is an issue I will beat to death!). We made pretty good time up to the split, then again in to the gas tanks (Frank's prescence in the car got me in the HOV lane). We were 8 minutes late, which for Mass in the Chapel means past the Gospel (oops). I was running past the church when I saw Joan, Fathers assistant and yelled to her that I was re-living my childhood --running late to Mass! After Mass we went down to my parents for breakfast. My Dad was cooking and I wasn't paying attention. Just as he called Frankie into the kitchen I was on the phone checking in with work. I walk out to the kitchen and there's Frankie and my Dad eating bacon!!!!! LOL
me: Dad, no bacon! No meat!
Dad: No, not today, that's Friday.
me: No Dad, it's today and the next seven Fridays.
Dad: (big sigh - insert my real name)No. Not. Today.
me: Dad. I. Am. Positive.
Dad: Hmmmmmmm. You know maybe you're right. But I'm exempt, I'm over 70.
me: Yeah! Frankie's not.
Dad: *evil laugh*
Meanwhile.......bacon is allllllll gone.
Frankie laughs and says: Papa gave it to me.
My mother just sits there and laughs.
me: Dad, no bacon! No meat!
Dad: No, not today, that's Friday.
me: No Dad, it's today and the next seven Fridays.
Dad: (big sigh - insert my real name)No. Not. Today.
me: Dad. I. Am. Positive.
Dad: Hmmmmmmm. You know maybe you're right. But I'm exempt, I'm over 70.
me: Yeah! Frankie's not.
Dad: *evil laugh*
Meanwhile.......bacon is allllllll gone.
Frankie laughs and says: Papa gave it to me.
My mother just sits there and laughs.