I grew up not far from Detroit. Just 29 miles south of the center of the city. My father worked for the auto mobile industry until his retirement in 1986. Only one other event in the wider world had a greater impact on my adolescence (the Viet Nam War). And it seems that these two things are intimately related.
(From the Writers Almanac)
It was on this night in 1967 that a riot broke out in Detroit, marking the beginning of the decline of one of the greatest manufacturing cities in the country. An all-white squadron of police officers decided to raid a bar in a black neighborhood where there was a party to welcome home two recent veterans of the Vietnam War. The police stormed the bar, rounded up and arrested eighty-five black men and began loading them into vans.
The riot that broke out raged for five days. Thousands of soldiers from the Michigan National Guard were called in, along with tanks. The National Guardsmen fired off more than 150,000 bullets over the course of the riot.
Forty-three people were killed and whole blocks of the city went up in flames. After the riots, many of the white residents of the city moved to the suburbs. Thousands of homes were abandoned, and the city's population plunged from 1.6 million to 992,000 in just a few years. By 1990, Detroit was one of the poorest cities in America, with one in every three residents living in poverty.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Score One For Reason
When it was time for me to get my masters degree in education, I did what practically everyone in central Kentucky did. I enrolled in Georgetown College's Graduate School of Education. GC is located in Georgetown, who's only other claim to fame is the home of Toyota's first stateside factory and producer of their Camry series.
But I digress. As a Baptist affiliated institution, I arrived from an undergraduate institution where I was named the senior male most typifying what that college stood for in its graduates. Asbury College is a formerly Methodist school with strong Wesleyian-Armenian theological roots. We all knew who our enemies were, and chief among them are the Calvin-Augustinians of whom the Baptists are the pre-eminent expression.
Of course, I making it sound like the conflict in the Middle East, when it was really a battle imagined by tired old men and idealistic ignorant young zealots (all fought on the plains of abstract ideas; i.e. theology).
Nevertheless, when I first set foot on the Georgetown campus I wondered what I might find, how I might be treated, sensitive to learning the nuances of navigating in these "foreign" waters. To my utter pleasure, I found the experience personally affirming and professional enriching. While there I was appointed to the grad student-faculty advisory board. I was ask to serve as an honor guard for the graduation ceremony at my mid-point in the program. I met exceptional factulty, the Dean of the Program, the Law Professor who taught education law, the Art Prof who let me do some independent studies involving technology and iconography.
So imagine my delight after reading this article forwarded to me by my ex-. From the New York Times, an exerpt only.
"Feeling Strains, Baptist Colleges Cut Church Ties"
GEORGETOWN, Ky. (July 22) -- The request seemed simple enough to the Rev. Hershael W. York, then the president of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. He asked Georgetown College, a small Baptist liberal arts institution here, to consider hiring for its religion department someone who would teach a literal interpretation of the Bible.
But to William H. Crouch Jr., the president of Georgetown, it was among the last straws in a struggle that had involved issues like who could be on the board of trustees and whether the college encouraged enough freedom of inquiry to qualify for a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.
Dr. Crouch and his trustees decided it was time to end the college’s 63-year affiliation with the religious denomination. “From my point of view, it was about academic freedom,’’ Dr. Crouch said. “I sat for 25 years and watched my denomination become much more narrow and, in terms of education, much more interested in indoctrination.’’
Georgetown is among a half-dozen colleges and universities whose ties with state Baptist conventions have been severed in the last four years, part of a broad realignment in which more than a dozen Southern Baptist universities, including Wake Forest and Furman, have ended affiliations over the last two decades. Georgetown’s parting was ultimately amicable. But many have been tense, even bitter.
Officials at Georgetown had long been concerned that differences with state Baptists might become irreconcilable.
Then, a year ago, the Kentucky convention turned down a nominee for Georgetown’s board for the first time. Around the same time, Dr. York asked the college to look for a religion professor who would teach theologically conservative positions.
“You ought to have some professor on your faculty who believes Adam and Eve were the first humans, that they actually existed,’’ Dr. York said.
Dr. Crouch and Georgetown’s trustees decided it was time to exercise their escape clause.
Bravo for Georgetown, my check's in the mail! Remember children, in the land of "Free Speech," money still speaks in a way that is easiest to hear and remember.
But I digress. As a Baptist affiliated institution, I arrived from an undergraduate institution where I was named the senior male most typifying what that college stood for in its graduates. Asbury College is a formerly Methodist school with strong Wesleyian-Armenian theological roots. We all knew who our enemies were, and chief among them are the Calvin-Augustinians of whom the Baptists are the pre-eminent expression.
Of course, I making it sound like the conflict in the Middle East, when it was really a battle imagined by tired old men and idealistic ignorant young zealots (all fought on the plains of abstract ideas; i.e. theology).
Nevertheless, when I first set foot on the Georgetown campus I wondered what I might find, how I might be treated, sensitive to learning the nuances of navigating in these "foreign" waters. To my utter pleasure, I found the experience personally affirming and professional enriching. While there I was appointed to the grad student-faculty advisory board. I was ask to serve as an honor guard for the graduation ceremony at my mid-point in the program. I met exceptional factulty, the Dean of the Program, the Law Professor who taught education law, the Art Prof who let me do some independent studies involving technology and iconography.
So imagine my delight after reading this article forwarded to me by my ex-. From the New York Times, an exerpt only.
"Feeling Strains, Baptist Colleges Cut Church Ties"
GEORGETOWN, Ky. (July 22) -- The request seemed simple enough to the Rev. Hershael W. York, then the president of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. He asked Georgetown College, a small Baptist liberal arts institution here, to consider hiring for its religion department someone who would teach a literal interpretation of the Bible.
But to William H. Crouch Jr., the president of Georgetown, it was among the last straws in a struggle that had involved issues like who could be on the board of trustees and whether the college encouraged enough freedom of inquiry to qualify for a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.
Dr. Crouch and his trustees decided it was time to end the college’s 63-year affiliation with the religious denomination. “From my point of view, it was about academic freedom,’’ Dr. Crouch said. “I sat for 25 years and watched my denomination become much more narrow and, in terms of education, much more interested in indoctrination.’’
Georgetown is among a half-dozen colleges and universities whose ties with state Baptist conventions have been severed in the last four years, part of a broad realignment in which more than a dozen Southern Baptist universities, including Wake Forest and Furman, have ended affiliations over the last two decades. Georgetown’s parting was ultimately amicable. But many have been tense, even bitter.
Officials at Georgetown had long been concerned that differences with state Baptists might become irreconcilable.
Then, a year ago, the Kentucky convention turned down a nominee for Georgetown’s board for the first time. Around the same time, Dr. York asked the college to look for a religion professor who would teach theologically conservative positions.
“You ought to have some professor on your faculty who believes Adam and Eve were the first humans, that they actually existed,’’ Dr. York said.
Dr. Crouch and Georgetown’s trustees decided it was time to exercise their escape clause.
Bravo for Georgetown, my check's in the mail! Remember children, in the land of "Free Speech," money still speaks in a way that is easiest to hear and remember.
Our Latest American Hero #28
Army Staff Sgt. Paul S. Pabla, 23, of Fort Wayne, Ind.; assigned to the Army National Guard's 139th Field Artillery, Kempton, Ind.; died on July 3 in Mosul, Iraq, of injuries sustained from enemy small arms fire during combat operations.
“Shining Star Recalled”
Hundreds attend funeral for funny, generous soldier
HUNTINGTON – Pausing several times, once to reach for a tissue, Aaron Lamport said he’s felt a lot of emotions, including anger, over the recent death of his friend Staff Sgt. Paul S. Pabla.
He’s questioned why it was his childhood friend had to die. And he’s questioned why it had to happen eight days before Pabla, 23, was to come home on leave.
But he’s learning to cope, he said Saturday during the funeral service for the Fort Wayne resident.
“I can’t blame God, though, because if I were him I’d want Paul all to myself, too,” he said, choking back tears. “That’s how I felt every time I knew I was going to see Paul. He was the guy you always wanted to be with.”
Lamport was one of several who spoke to about 900 people at the Huntington North High School auditorium, recalling the soldier who could make anyone laugh.
Outside the school, seven members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., protesting at the funeral had competition Saturday morning from about 100 other residents who were protesting the group’s presence.
Two people were arrested during the demonstration that lasted about 45 minutes.
A member of the Indiana National Guard and a 2000 Huntington North graduate, Pabla was killed by sniper fire July 3 while on patrol in the northern Iraq city of Mosul. He was a member of the Kempton-based 139th Field Artillery but was deployed in Iraq with the 150th Field Artillery from Bloomington.
First deployed to Iraq in August, Pabla had volunteered for the deployment and helped train police officers, military officials said. Before deployment, Pabla had worked in security at the Indiana Air National Guard’s 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne.
Gov. Mitch Daniels and Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, Army adjutant general of Indiana, presented Pabla’s family with the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
Though not fond of his duty to attend military funerals in the state, Daniels said it’s his most important task.
“These are the days a parent hopes will never come,” he said. “Friends pray for that. Families pray for that. Generals pray for that and governors learn to pray for that as well.”
Describing Pabla as a dedicated soldier who put the safety of others before his own, Army commanders who knew him said he had been marked as a shining star among guardsmen. Pabla was 22 when he was promoted to staff sergeant, a rank some soldiers 10 years his senior still hope to attain, said Lt. Col. Kevin Extine, a commander in the 150th Field Artillery Battalion.
“I remember him, I shook his hand,” Umbarger said. “He had that look that said ‘I’m trained, I’m ready.’?”
But his time serving in the National Guard is only one part of what Pabla’s family members and friends say they’ll remember about him.
Reading a statement from family members, Rev. Roger Vezeau said the man they called “Paul boy,” was an expert at Ace Ventura impressions, had a knack for doing the moonwalk and the robot.
He was as generous as he was funny, the statement said, and gave some of his earnings from the Army to Iraqi police for their training and bought toys for Iraqi children.
These are things that Lamport remembers, too. “If he knew you needed $1, he’d give you $20,” Lamport said. “If the only way to see you was to drive for hours, he’d do it.
“Shining Star Recalled”
Hundreds attend funeral for funny, generous soldier
HUNTINGTON – Pausing several times, once to reach for a tissue, Aaron Lamport said he’s felt a lot of emotions, including anger, over the recent death of his friend Staff Sgt. Paul S. Pabla.
He’s questioned why it was his childhood friend had to die. And he’s questioned why it had to happen eight days before Pabla, 23, was to come home on leave.
But he’s learning to cope, he said Saturday during the funeral service for the Fort Wayne resident.
“I can’t blame God, though, because if I were him I’d want Paul all to myself, too,” he said, choking back tears. “That’s how I felt every time I knew I was going to see Paul. He was the guy you always wanted to be with.”
Lamport was one of several who spoke to about 900 people at the Huntington North High School auditorium, recalling the soldier who could make anyone laugh.
Outside the school, seven members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., protesting at the funeral had competition Saturday morning from about 100 other residents who were protesting the group’s presence.
Two people were arrested during the demonstration that lasted about 45 minutes.
A member of the Indiana National Guard and a 2000 Huntington North graduate, Pabla was killed by sniper fire July 3 while on patrol in the northern Iraq city of Mosul. He was a member of the Kempton-based 139th Field Artillery but was deployed in Iraq with the 150th Field Artillery from Bloomington.
First deployed to Iraq in August, Pabla had volunteered for the deployment and helped train police officers, military officials said. Before deployment, Pabla had worked in security at the Indiana Air National Guard’s 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne.
Gov. Mitch Daniels and Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, Army adjutant general of Indiana, presented Pabla’s family with the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
Though not fond of his duty to attend military funerals in the state, Daniels said it’s his most important task.
“These are the days a parent hopes will never come,” he said. “Friends pray for that. Families pray for that. Generals pray for that and governors learn to pray for that as well.”
Describing Pabla as a dedicated soldier who put the safety of others before his own, Army commanders who knew him said he had been marked as a shining star among guardsmen. Pabla was 22 when he was promoted to staff sergeant, a rank some soldiers 10 years his senior still hope to attain, said Lt. Col. Kevin Extine, a commander in the 150th Field Artillery Battalion.
“I remember him, I shook his hand,” Umbarger said. “He had that look that said ‘I’m trained, I’m ready.’?”
But his time serving in the National Guard is only one part of what Pabla’s family members and friends say they’ll remember about him.
Reading a statement from family members, Rev. Roger Vezeau said the man they called “Paul boy,” was an expert at Ace Ventura impressions, had a knack for doing the moonwalk and the robot.
He was as generous as he was funny, the statement said, and gave some of his earnings from the Army to Iraqi police for their training and bought toys for Iraqi children.
These are things that Lamport remembers, too. “If he knew you needed $1, he’d give you $20,” Lamport said. “If the only way to see you was to drive for hours, he’d do it.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
What I'm Watching #23
Good, God! N-n-n-n-no, no, no, no, no--YES! More Vicar of Dibley! This latest DVD contains three episodes and an outtakes compilation. The first episode deals with gay bishops and features a cameo with the Arch Bishop of Canterbury, The Rt. Rev. Rowan Williams. A must see for all Dibley fans!
What do you get when you cross a turkey with an octopus? To discover the answer get the DVD!
What do you get when you cross a turkey with an octopus? To discover the answer get the DVD!
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
War On Terrorism Facts #1
I have been acutely involved in this little "war" for years now. I do not think that it is legitimate in that I do not think that the dots connect between cause...effect....benefit.....profit. Therefore I present this fact to you without any other bias. Blue states, red states, purple states: blood in the presence of oxygen is red and thus depleted becomes purple to blue. Colors are images, not facts. Facts allow you to draw your own conclusions.
TOP 20 HOMETOWNS OF SOLDIER KILLED IN THE WAR ON TERRORISM
Houston, TX ~ 27
Los Angeles, CA - 26
San Antonio, TX ~ 23
Brooklyn, NY ~ 14
Phoenix, AZ - 13
Baltimore, MD ~ 12
Las Vagas, NV ~ 12
Fort Worth, TX ~ 12
San Diego, CA ~ 11
Tampa, FL ~ 11
Philadelphia, PA ~ 10
Tucson, AZ ~ 9
Miami, FL ~ 9
Columbus, OH ~ 9
Jacksonville, FL ~ 8
New York City, NY ~ 8
Fayetteville, NC ~ 8
Portland, OR ~ 8
Austin, TX ~ 8
El Paso, TX ~ 8
TOP 20 HOMETOWNS OF SOLDIER KILLED IN THE WAR ON TERRORISM
Houston, TX ~ 27
Los Angeles, CA - 26
San Antonio, TX ~ 23
Brooklyn, NY ~ 14
Phoenix, AZ - 13
Baltimore, MD ~ 12
Las Vagas, NV ~ 12
Fort Worth, TX ~ 12
San Diego, CA ~ 11
Tampa, FL ~ 11
Philadelphia, PA ~ 10
Tucson, AZ ~ 9
Miami, FL ~ 9
Columbus, OH ~ 9
Jacksonville, FL ~ 8
New York City, NY ~ 8
Fayetteville, NC ~ 8
Portland, OR ~ 8
Austin, TX ~ 8
El Paso, TX ~ 8
Friday, July 14, 2006
Election Alert!
I know, usually when you see a photo of a young man or woman in uniform, I'm sharing their heroism as martyrs to our freedom. But happily, NOT this time.
This is Patrick Murphy. He is, among so many other things, a veteran of the Iraq conflict. And he is running as a democrate to unseat the Republican Representative to the US House from the 8th district of Pennsylvania. A relative once described that state's political views to me as "Pittsburgh and Philadelpia with Alabama in between." Well, Patrick pushes north and west away from Philly into "Bamavania" and he's in the lead.
Go to his website. Watch his video. Send him a buck or two.
http://www.murphy06.com/
More Red to Blue predictions to come.
This is Patrick Murphy. He is, among so many other things, a veteran of the Iraq conflict. And he is running as a democrate to unseat the Republican Representative to the US House from the 8th district of Pennsylvania. A relative once described that state's political views to me as "Pittsburgh and Philadelpia with Alabama in between." Well, Patrick pushes north and west away from Philly into "Bamavania" and he's in the lead.
Go to his website. Watch his video. Send him a buck or two.
http://www.murphy06.com/
More Red to Blue predictions to come.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
I Am Disturbed By This
Tonight, after returning from a quick trip to Philadelphia, I happened to entertain a volunteer from the Human Rights Campaign Fund. She knocked on my door. She was a slight and perky young woman. She had been directed to my door by her coordinator after an incident at a home a couple of blocks over. No doubt the rainbow flag and HRCF stickers on my car and truck, suggested that I would be a sympathetic stranger -- a safe haven.
Seems that after she knocked on the door of a home nearby; presented her introduction, she was dismissed by some elderly woman with SPIT lobbed upon her face! She then proceeded to sit upon the curb and cry....
I know people hate. I know people fear. I know people justify their actions based upon their theology. It might be a leap, but such a leap is aligned with the lionshare of my experience when it comes to such acts of discrimination.
My theology is centered around sacrifice, grace, forgiveness, and love. Like any theology, it's pie in sky thinking. That's the nature of faith -- it's not about what is, but what could be. For most believers in this world (Muslim, Jew, Christian) that means how to force others into their molds or out of their spheres; but for me, it means, how to open doors so that others are free to belong: i. e. diversity and community.
And so my heart is thinking about these questions tonight: How do we create a society without losers or winners? How do we live in a world where everyone has an EQUAL shot at self-actualization?
Seems that after she knocked on the door of a home nearby; presented her introduction, she was dismissed by some elderly woman with SPIT lobbed upon her face! She then proceeded to sit upon the curb and cry....
I know people hate. I know people fear. I know people justify their actions based upon their theology. It might be a leap, but such a leap is aligned with the lionshare of my experience when it comes to such acts of discrimination.
My theology is centered around sacrifice, grace, forgiveness, and love. Like any theology, it's pie in sky thinking. That's the nature of faith -- it's not about what is, but what could be. For most believers in this world (Muslim, Jew, Christian) that means how to force others into their molds or out of their spheres; but for me, it means, how to open doors so that others are free to belong: i. e. diversity and community.
And so my heart is thinking about these questions tonight: How do we create a society without losers or winners? How do we live in a world where everyone has an EQUAL shot at self-actualization?
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
A Walk In The Park, #3
I regret that these were posted in reverse order.... blogging is not like webbing.
This is one of the many moments that make Sligo Creek so magical -- the reflection of the sky in the water through the foliage with bolders.
This is one of the many moments that make Sligo Creek so magical -- the reflection of the sky in the water through the foliage with bolders.
A Walk In The Park, #2
Here an ancient, double-trunked, white oak took the spill in the storm and it's root ripped up the guard rail and a portion of the edge of the road.
A Walk In The Park, #1
Over a week after the storm, many stretches of the Sligo Creek Parkway remain closed. I wondered why, when the ones that I walk seem relatively okay. And then I met this scene on Sunday morning. With no readily availble cause, seven days after the storm, the top of an old beech tree came down upon the roadway. Ouch.
What I'm Watching #22
"Cachorro" is really a delightful film. It's takes its share of predictable and unusual turns. Three points stand out.
1) The Bearish sex is blatant -- there are no sublties about it.
2) The lead character is a man. He struggles with what life has dealt him, but he does not play dead easily, and he never gives up.
3) The kid is wonderfully understated by an large, but he has a spirit that will affirm your hope in the future!
One caveat, the dialogue is so fast, that reading sub-titles was distracting.....
1) The Bearish sex is blatant -- there are no sublties about it.
2) The lead character is a man. He struggles with what life has dealt him, but he does not play dead easily, and he never gives up.
3) The kid is wonderfully understated by an large, but he has a spirit that will affirm your hope in the future!
One caveat, the dialogue is so fast, that reading sub-titles was distracting.....
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Felicitações Portugal!
Okay, I know, Germany won... But hey Portugal has way cuter players! Case in point, Nuno Gomes, the young man on the left in the photo and in the inset who scored the only goal for team Portugal in the match. On his right is perenniel team portugal favorite Luis Figo, who I think I heard is retiring after this match. Shame, wish he could have moved into the next phase of life on a win.
Humble Little Bumble
Came home from work on Thursday and found this little bumble bee just resting on the downward facing petal of one of my asiatic lilies. I watched him for awhile and could not tell if he was drowsy on a warm and muggy summer's afternoon, or just stupor drunk on pollin. What would a bee imagine in a moment like this, if a bee could imagine?
THE BEE is not afraid of me,
I know the butterfly;
The pretty people in the woods
Receive me cordially.
The brooks laugh louder when I come,
The breezes madder play.
Wherefore, mine eyes, thy silver mists?
Wherefore, O summer’s day?
~ Emily Dickinson, 1830-1886
THE BEE is not afraid of me,
I know the butterfly;
The pretty people in the woods
Receive me cordially.
The brooks laugh louder when I come,
The breezes madder play.
Wherefore, mine eyes, thy silver mists?
Wherefore, O summer’s day?
~ Emily Dickinson, 1830-1886
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Our Latest American Hero #27
Army Sgt. Jason J. Buzzard, 31, of Ukiah, Calif.; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died June 21 of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HEMTT cargo truck during combat operations in Baghdad.
“Army Sgt. Jason J. Buzzard, 31, Ukiah; Killed in Truck Explosion in Baghdad”
As always, Michele Buzzard ended her last conversation with her husband, Army Sgt. Jason J. Buzzard, by telling him to remain safe, to come home alive and, of course, that she loved him.
"He would never say, 'Good-bye'; he would say, 'Later,' " she said, recalling the talk, conducted via instant Internet messaging on Father's Day.
Buzzard, a 31-year-old father of two young children, was killed three days later, on June 21, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his cargo truck in Baghdad.
He was born in the Northern California town of Willits and grew up in Ukiah. The Ukiah Daily Journal reported that he was the first soldier from Mendocino County to die in the Iraq war. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Ft. Hood, Texas.
"He was commanding a convoy of four vehicles," his wife said in a telephone interview. "He took most of the force."
Michele and Jason Buzzard were high school sweethearts, she from the coastal town of Fort Bragg and he from the county seat of Ukiah. He graduated from Ukiah High School in 1993, where he played tuba in the band. He enlisted in the Army in 1998. "He wanted to defend his country," his wife said. "He liked getting away from Mendocino County. We were in Colorado for five years. He went to Korea for a year. We were stationed at Ft. Hood."
Buzzard left for Iraq two days after Thanksgiving last year, and came home on leave in May. "He explained he had a lot of close calls," his wife said. "He promised he would do everything [he could] to come home alive."
During his visit home in May, Buzzard watched his son, Tristin, 9, play catcher in three baseball games, and his daughter, Michala, 12, play outfield in a softball game. "He really enjoyed watching the kids," his wife said. "He was a proud dad."
Buzzard had a competitive streak of his own, enjoying bowling and other games with his family and friends. He loved to fish with his father, Jerry, go pheasant hunting and dive for abalone off the Northern California coast. He also was proud of his prowess at the barbecue.
"He was a fun-loving, great husband and dad," his wife said. "He was everything to me."
He also helped train Iraqis. He was convinced that the U.S. mission was proper, his wife said, saying the country needed "to finish what they started. He thought they were doing a lot more good over there than what people see."
“Army Sgt. Jason J. Buzzard, 31, Ukiah; Killed in Truck Explosion in Baghdad”
As always, Michele Buzzard ended her last conversation with her husband, Army Sgt. Jason J. Buzzard, by telling him to remain safe, to come home alive and, of course, that she loved him.
"He would never say, 'Good-bye'; he would say, 'Later,' " she said, recalling the talk, conducted via instant Internet messaging on Father's Day.
Buzzard, a 31-year-old father of two young children, was killed three days later, on June 21, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his cargo truck in Baghdad.
He was born in the Northern California town of Willits and grew up in Ukiah. The Ukiah Daily Journal reported that he was the first soldier from Mendocino County to die in the Iraq war. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Ft. Hood, Texas.
"He was commanding a convoy of four vehicles," his wife said in a telephone interview. "He took most of the force."
Michele and Jason Buzzard were high school sweethearts, she from the coastal town of Fort Bragg and he from the county seat of Ukiah. He graduated from Ukiah High School in 1993, where he played tuba in the band. He enlisted in the Army in 1998. "He wanted to defend his country," his wife said. "He liked getting away from Mendocino County. We were in Colorado for five years. He went to Korea for a year. We were stationed at Ft. Hood."
Buzzard left for Iraq two days after Thanksgiving last year, and came home on leave in May. "He explained he had a lot of close calls," his wife said. "He promised he would do everything [he could] to come home alive."
During his visit home in May, Buzzard watched his son, Tristin, 9, play catcher in three baseball games, and his daughter, Michala, 12, play outfield in a softball game. "He really enjoyed watching the kids," his wife said. "He was a proud dad."
Buzzard had a competitive streak of his own, enjoying bowling and other games with his family and friends. He loved to fish with his father, Jerry, go pheasant hunting and dive for abalone off the Northern California coast. He also was proud of his prowess at the barbecue.
"He was a fun-loving, great husband and dad," his wife said. "He was everything to me."
He also helped train Iraqis. He was convinced that the U.S. mission was proper, his wife said, saying the country needed "to finish what they started. He thought they were doing a lot more good over there than what people see."
The Kiss Of Death
Clearly that's me! 'Cause every team I get excited about, looses it's next match! Sorry, Mexico, Ghana, Portugal..... either your bad or I'm a bad luck charm....
So it comes down to France v Italy? Well, here goes nothing, I'm backing Italy. Given my record, this will make my ex- happy, as he is a Francophile from crown to toe. Sorry, or should I say: "Chiedo scusa ai miei amici italiani."
So it comes down to France v Italy? Well, here goes nothing, I'm backing Italy. Given my record, this will make my ex- happy, as he is a Francophile from crown to toe. Sorry, or should I say: "Chiedo scusa ai miei amici italiani."
Something Wicked This Way Came!
Well, I didn't get out to any fireworks on the 4th. Instead the action came to me!
Around 5 PM a horrendous storm BLEW through. I had torrential rains, hail, and straight-line wind clocked at 50 mph sustained for over a minute at a burst. The results were flooded basement, lots of plant debris, and several large trees toppled into things like automobiles and power lines.
The electricity came back on about 2 AM, and at about 11:45 PM, unable to sleep without the ambient noise of my electrified abode, I took a drive around the area. It was amazing how widespread the power outages were. It actually made me feel a little better about my own dark state.
I have experienced 5 of the most powerful electrical storms in recent memory this year since mid-May. After living here for 12 years, the creek below my home has now flooded twice in that time frame, and the only other time that it has done this was last August. In order to accomplish this, it must increase its normal capacity by a magnitude of x 70! as it sits in a gully well below the streets that cross it or the trails that meander beside it.
Strange and amazing at the same time....we do live in interesting times.
Around 5 PM a horrendous storm BLEW through. I had torrential rains, hail, and straight-line wind clocked at 50 mph sustained for over a minute at a burst. The results were flooded basement, lots of plant debris, and several large trees toppled into things like automobiles and power lines.
The electricity came back on about 2 AM, and at about 11:45 PM, unable to sleep without the ambient noise of my electrified abode, I took a drive around the area. It was amazing how widespread the power outages were. It actually made me feel a little better about my own dark state.
I have experienced 5 of the most powerful electrical storms in recent memory this year since mid-May. After living here for 12 years, the creek below my home has now flooded twice in that time frame, and the only other time that it has done this was last August. In order to accomplish this, it must increase its normal capacity by a magnitude of x 70! as it sits in a gully well below the streets that cross it or the trails that meander beside it.
Strange and amazing at the same time....we do live in interesting times.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Nueur Galleirie Scores
Big time. And the price was only 137.5 million.....
Congrats and looking forward to my next visit.
Congrats and looking forward to my next visit.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Our Latest American Hero #26
Army Pfc. Kristian Menchaca 23, of San Marcos, Texas; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died on or about June 16 from injuries sustained in the vicinity of Baghdad. He was previously listed as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown. His unit came under enemy small-arms fire while manning a checkpoint during combat operations and was taken by enemy forces. This incident is under investigation. Also killed were Spc. David J. Babineau and Pfc. Thomas L. Tucker.
“Hundreds Turn Out for Arrival of Pfc. Kristian Menchaca”
BROWNSVILLE -- The body of Army Pfc. Kristian Menchaca, 23, arrived at the Brownsville airport Monday, June 27th in a solemn ceremony broken only by the sobs of his young widow.
Eighteen-year-old Christina Menchaca of Big Spring, Texas, received her husband’s body shortly after noon, surrounded by family, her little boy, and the Rev. Carlos Villarreal.
They watched as 11 members of the 101st Screaming Eagles Military Funeral Detachment team provided full honors as they carried the varnished brown coffin from a chartered Falcon jet to a waiting hearse.
The coffin was draped with an American flag.
"He was a young man who had dreams and hopes and they just vanished," U.S. Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz said after watching the arrival of Menchaca’s body with local officials who showed their respect at the Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport.
"He deserves a hero’s burial," Ortiz, D-Corpus Christi, said.
While in Brownsville in the mid- to late 1990s, Menchaca attended Porter High School and Vela Middle School, which is no more than a mile north of the Brownsville Event Center – where his visitation will be held today.
For the last week, the flags — of the United States, Texas, and Mexico — that line Ruben M. Torres Boulevard have all flown at half-staff. They’ve been accompanied by banners and tickers reading "in honor of Pfc. Kristian Menchaca."
On Monday, when Menchaca’s body was returned to Brownsville, hundreds more flags appeared on the boulevard.
In addition to the police procession that accompanied Menchaca’s hearse, hundreds of Brownsville residents, some noticeably weeping, drove slowly to the city’s events center. From city officials to "Los Escondidos," a biker group, every member of the procession carried his own American flag.
"By coming here I am showing my respect," said Frank Garza, a former soldier. Even though he doesn’t know Menchaca’s family, Garza’s nephew, who is currently assigned to Border Patrol duty, will be driving in from Arizona for the funeral.
Like Garza, Adelaida Rey showed her support by waving a small flag from the side of the road. She brought her grandchildren along to share the experience.
"El estaba peleando por nuestro freedom, y por eso estamos aqui," she said. "He was fighting for our freedom and because of that we are here."
Although Rey speaks only Spanish, she carefully pronounces the word "freedom" in English. For the woman waving both Texas and American flags, it’s a word too important to be translated.
While the procession drove by, Rey’s grandchildren were as solemn as she was. "Es importante que lo vean," she said. "It’s important that they see this."
Under a blue sky with foreboding rain clouds on the horizon, stood Henry Valdez, sweating from the 90-plus degree humidity.
He stood far from the small crowds of people that dotted Paredes Line Road up to the event center, the motorcade’s final destination.
"I came to pay my respects," the former U.S. Marine said.
"So young, man. So young," he said with a sigh.
"So young."
Menchaca will be buried in uniform and with several medals: America’s Meritorious Service Medal, a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and a Prisoner of War medal.
"He earned them, he goes down with them," Ortiz said.
“Hundreds Turn Out for Arrival of Pfc. Kristian Menchaca”
BROWNSVILLE -- The body of Army Pfc. Kristian Menchaca, 23, arrived at the Brownsville airport Monday, June 27th in a solemn ceremony broken only by the sobs of his young widow.
Eighteen-year-old Christina Menchaca of Big Spring, Texas, received her husband’s body shortly after noon, surrounded by family, her little boy, and the Rev. Carlos Villarreal.
They watched as 11 members of the 101st Screaming Eagles Military Funeral Detachment team provided full honors as they carried the varnished brown coffin from a chartered Falcon jet to a waiting hearse.
The coffin was draped with an American flag.
"He was a young man who had dreams and hopes and they just vanished," U.S. Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz said after watching the arrival of Menchaca’s body with local officials who showed their respect at the Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport.
"He deserves a hero’s burial," Ortiz, D-Corpus Christi, said.
While in Brownsville in the mid- to late 1990s, Menchaca attended Porter High School and Vela Middle School, which is no more than a mile north of the Brownsville Event Center – where his visitation will be held today.
For the last week, the flags — of the United States, Texas, and Mexico — that line Ruben M. Torres Boulevard have all flown at half-staff. They’ve been accompanied by banners and tickers reading "in honor of Pfc. Kristian Menchaca."
On Monday, when Menchaca’s body was returned to Brownsville, hundreds more flags appeared on the boulevard.
In addition to the police procession that accompanied Menchaca’s hearse, hundreds of Brownsville residents, some noticeably weeping, drove slowly to the city’s events center. From city officials to "Los Escondidos," a biker group, every member of the procession carried his own American flag.
"By coming here I am showing my respect," said Frank Garza, a former soldier. Even though he doesn’t know Menchaca’s family, Garza’s nephew, who is currently assigned to Border Patrol duty, will be driving in from Arizona for the funeral.
Like Garza, Adelaida Rey showed her support by waving a small flag from the side of the road. She brought her grandchildren along to share the experience.
"El estaba peleando por nuestro freedom, y por eso estamos aqui," she said. "He was fighting for our freedom and because of that we are here."
Although Rey speaks only Spanish, she carefully pronounces the word "freedom" in English. For the woman waving both Texas and American flags, it’s a word too important to be translated.
While the procession drove by, Rey’s grandchildren were as solemn as she was. "Es importante que lo vean," she said. "It’s important that they see this."
Under a blue sky with foreboding rain clouds on the horizon, stood Henry Valdez, sweating from the 90-plus degree humidity.
He stood far from the small crowds of people that dotted Paredes Line Road up to the event center, the motorcade’s final destination.
"I came to pay my respects," the former U.S. Marine said.
"So young, man. So young," he said with a sigh.
"So young."
Menchaca will be buried in uniform and with several medals: America’s Meritorious Service Medal, a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and a Prisoner of War medal.
"He earned them, he goes down with them," Ortiz said.
Vrroooom!
I saw this latest creation of Pixar's amazing animators on Sunday with my ex- and "our" grandmother, Miss M. Is it my imagination, or have we been watching trailers for it since early 2003!.... And with all that anticipation, I was even late to the show when it finally showed up.
But never mind that, in a world now saturated with Pixaresque digimation, it's no longer easy to create masterworks. Yet Pixar continues to find a way. It's just mind boggling. Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, Toy Story....and others, they create masterworks of animation, characterization and story-telling.
Some advice though: Please! NO MORE false teeth gags (every trailer at the theater for some future digimation film included at least one....) And if you count Fred's bumper detaching whenever he got excited, so did Cars!
Also, are insects really THAT much fun to animate?
But overall, BRAVISSIMO!
But never mind that, in a world now saturated with Pixaresque digimation, it's no longer easy to create masterworks. Yet Pixar continues to find a way. It's just mind boggling. Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, Toy Story....and others, they create masterworks of animation, characterization and story-telling.
Some advice though: Please! NO MORE false teeth gags (every trailer at the theater for some future digimation film included at least one....) And if you count Fred's bumper detaching whenever he got excited, so did Cars!
Also, are insects really THAT much fun to animate?
But overall, BRAVISSIMO!
Sunday, July 02, 2006
The World Cup Semi-Finals
Are set! It will be Germany facing off against Italy; and Portugal vs France. Powerhouses Brazil and Argentina were both packing the last round.
It's not the final four that I would have liked to have seen rise from the 16 finalists from the opening rounds, but it's not a surprise slate either. I have a habit in these sorts of things to root for the under-dog. It's why I was thrilled with Mexico and Ghana's early successes. So I'll through logic to the wind and my support behind Portugal.
Sorte boa a todos!
It's not the final four that I would have liked to have seen rise from the 16 finalists from the opening rounds, but it's not a surprise slate either. I have a habit in these sorts of things to root for the under-dog. It's why I was thrilled with Mexico and Ghana's early successes. So I'll through logic to the wind and my support behind Portugal.
Sorte boa a todos!
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Midnight Snack?
While researching an answer for a crossword puzzle, I happened upon this interesting little lost recipe.
"In 1968, Ladies Home Journal offered fearless eaters a recipe for a Siamese Sandwich, which combined peanut butter with mayonnaise, shrimp, raisins, apple, celery, onion, powdered ginger and lime or lemon rind."
Yum Yum! And I'm not even pregnant!
"In 1968, Ladies Home Journal offered fearless eaters a recipe for a Siamese Sandwich, which combined peanut butter with mayonnaise, shrimp, raisins, apple, celery, onion, powdered ginger and lime or lemon rind."
Yum Yum! And I'm not even pregnant!
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Summer Means Real Estate
Summer is finally here and that means I have time to be mentally creative and playful. This freedom can take several forms, but it usually includes Legos!
Inspired by the amazing row houses in DC, here's a snapshot of my most recent creation. There are six units, and only two of them are occupied. The end of the block houses a lovely French cafe. And all above ground units include a nice deck on the rear side. There are also two basement efficiencies available for very reasonable prices.
Guess me secret's out!
Inspired by the amazing row houses in DC, here's a snapshot of my most recent creation. There are six units, and only two of them are occupied. The end of the block houses a lovely French cafe. And all above ground units include a nice deck on the rear side. There are also two basement efficiencies available for very reasonable prices.
Guess me secret's out!
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Que Lastima~!
In one of the best games in the 2006 World Cup to date, Mexico was eliminated by Argentina in overtime 2:1! Inspite the a couple of the members of the Argentine team's attempt to block more than the soccer ball during a penalty kick (center photo!), the Mexican's hard fought attempt to move into the quarter finals failed. And my heart goes out to my Mexican friends, who have been so jazzed by what many consider Mexico's exceptional showing on the world stage up to this point.
There's always mañana....cold comfort tonight, though.
There's always mañana....cold comfort tonight, though.
What I'm Reading This Summer #1
"Braided Creek" is a wonderful little book that chronicles a friendship in poetry. For many years the poets Jim Harrison and Ted Kooser sent one another notes containing snippets of ideas. Poems not unlike haiku. What follows are three of them with pictures from my gardens. Enjoy.
Garden Shot #1
"While my bowl is still half full,
you can eat out of it too,
and when it is empty,
just bury it out in the flowers."
you can eat out of it too,
and when it is empty,
just bury it out in the flowers."
Friday, June 23, 2006
Dipsticking It
Okay the news of Ghana's victory was great.
And Great news is most welcome in light of the finale of the Episcopal Church's triennial convention in Columbus, Ohio.
Yeah, we elected a woman to lead us, and I was certainly more than thrilled to support her leadership at first.
But then this happened. The first act of her reign was to support the discrimination of all non-heterosexual persons in ECUSA in the failed hope of appeasing the ass-backward, mysogynistic, homophobic bishops in the wider Anglican Communion. And their response -- via their unofficial leader, Bp. Akinola of Nigeria?: NOT ENOUGH!
Like many rightwing neo-NAZI, proto-Facists, it's NEVER Enough if it means compromise, it's ALL or nothing.
SO I am to be a sacrifice, and what do we gain? I'm tired of being a martyr. Let the other bastards die for a change!
And Great news is most welcome in light of the finale of the Episcopal Church's triennial convention in Columbus, Ohio.
Yeah, we elected a woman to lead us, and I was certainly more than thrilled to support her leadership at first.
But then this happened. The first act of her reign was to support the discrimination of all non-heterosexual persons in ECUSA in the failed hope of appeasing the ass-backward, mysogynistic, homophobic bishops in the wider Anglican Communion. And their response -- via their unofficial leader, Bp. Akinola of Nigeria?: NOT ENOUGH!
Like many rightwing neo-NAZI, proto-Facists, it's NEVER Enough if it means compromise, it's ALL or nothing.
SO I am to be a sacrifice, and what do we gain? I'm tired of being a martyr. Let the other bastards die for a change!
World Cup Update: You Go Ghana!!!
Many congratulations to Ghana. A World Cup under-dog from the often neglected continent of Africa. You beat the US 2-1, and we deserved it! And you've earned the right to move into the next round. Believe in yourselves! My heart and prayers are with you!
Sunday, June 18, 2006
My Bishop Speaks
June 18, 2006
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The election today of Katharine Jefferts Schori as the 26th Presiding Bishop is once again an indication that, even with our difficulties, the Holy Spirit is active and alive in the Episcopal Church.
The process of election in the House of Bishops is informed by prayer, collegial fellowship, silent reflection and hymn singing.
The environment was apolitical and focused on the process of election and discerning God's will.
The result was unexpected by all, and yet Katherine's election reaffirms a significant commitment to claiming the diversity of who we are as a church and empowering this diversity for global mission and reconciliation.
In Christ's Peace, Love, and Power,
The Right Reverend John Bryson Chane DD
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The election today of Katharine Jefferts Schori as the 26th Presiding Bishop is once again an indication that, even with our difficulties, the Holy Spirit is active and alive in the Episcopal Church.
The process of election in the House of Bishops is informed by prayer, collegial fellowship, silent reflection and hymn singing.
The environment was apolitical and focused on the process of election and discerning God's will.
The result was unexpected by all, and yet Katherine's election reaffirms a significant commitment to claiming the diversity of who we are as a church and empowering this diversity for global mission and reconciliation.
In Christ's Peace, Love, and Power,
The Right Reverend John Bryson Chane DD
Oh MY God!
And by that I mean MY GOD.... since we all create a God that fulfills our desires.
My church, Episcopal Church in the USA (ECUSA) elects a new leader every nine years. The past two leaders (Presiding Bishops) have been rather interesting. From 1991 to 1997 we were shepharded by the Rt. Rev. Edmund Browning, former Bishop of Hawaii. A gentile and intellectually acute man, who preached the and live the mantra, "All Are Welcome" at Christ's table. He is a saint and personal hero of mine.
He was succeeded by the Rt. Rev. David Griswold, former Bishop of Chicago. Griswold was seen as a compromise candidate and he certainly didn't disappoint. Some times he was Lion, and other a Sacrificial Lamb. And today he must be breathing a sigh of relief.
For today my church chose a new leader to take us from 2006 to 2015, and she is the NOW former Bishop of Nevada, Katharine Jefferts Schiori. This picture of her is from a mission trip that she took to Kenya in 2003 -- all other images from her diocesan website seemed to have been removed.....
Nonetheless, here's her low-down:
Biographical Information
Age 51
Ordinations:
Priest – 1994
Bishop – 2001
General Convention 2003 Votes
- Voted AGAINST B001
- Voted FOR the consecration of V. Gene Robinson
General Facts
- Jefferts Schori is the first woman selected as a nominee for Presiding Bishop.
- Serves on the Court for Review of a Trial of a Bishop.
- Appointed by Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold to serve on the Special Commission on the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.
- Encouraged passage of a resolution that implicitly approved recognizing ceremonies to celebrate relationships of “mutuality and fidelity” between same-sex couples.
And this from a friend who was there: Katharine Jefferts Schori, bp of Nevada, has been elected by the House of Bishops on the fifth ballot the 26th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. The House of Deputies concurred in a vote by orders, lay 94 dioceses to 15, clergy 98 dioceses to 13, then rose to their feet with an overwhelming roaring burst of lengthy applause. She is the first woman ever nominated to this office. An Associated Press reporter told me they'd been planning simply to report this election in the usual way, but on learning of Bishop Jefferts Schori's election had been alerted to elevate the story to their absolute highest priority.
Bishop Jefferts Schori, 51, speaks over five languages, holds her PhD in oceanography from Oregon State University, an MDiv from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, and is an active instrument-rated pilot with more than 500 hours logged. She has written numerous books and articles. Her husband Richard is a theoretical mathematician (topologist). Their only child Katharine Johanna is a second lieutenant and pilot in the U S Air Force.
This place is alive with joy.
I am Proud to be an Episcopalian today!
My church, Episcopal Church in the USA (ECUSA) elects a new leader every nine years. The past two leaders (Presiding Bishops) have been rather interesting. From 1991 to 1997 we were shepharded by the Rt. Rev. Edmund Browning, former Bishop of Hawaii. A gentile and intellectually acute man, who preached the and live the mantra, "All Are Welcome" at Christ's table. He is a saint and personal hero of mine.
He was succeeded by the Rt. Rev. David Griswold, former Bishop of Chicago. Griswold was seen as a compromise candidate and he certainly didn't disappoint. Some times he was Lion, and other a Sacrificial Lamb. And today he must be breathing a sigh of relief.
For today my church chose a new leader to take us from 2006 to 2015, and she is the NOW former Bishop of Nevada, Katharine Jefferts Schiori. This picture of her is from a mission trip that she took to Kenya in 2003 -- all other images from her diocesan website seemed to have been removed.....
Nonetheless, here's her low-down:
Biographical Information
Age 51
Ordinations:
Priest – 1994
Bishop – 2001
General Convention 2003 Votes
- Voted AGAINST B001
- Voted FOR the consecration of V. Gene Robinson
General Facts
- Jefferts Schori is the first woman selected as a nominee for Presiding Bishop.
- Serves on the Court for Review of a Trial of a Bishop.
- Appointed by Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold to serve on the Special Commission on the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.
- Encouraged passage of a resolution that implicitly approved recognizing ceremonies to celebrate relationships of “mutuality and fidelity” between same-sex couples.
And this from a friend who was there: Katharine Jefferts Schori, bp of Nevada, has been elected by the House of Bishops on the fifth ballot the 26th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. The House of Deputies concurred in a vote by orders, lay 94 dioceses to 15, clergy 98 dioceses to 13, then rose to their feet with an overwhelming roaring burst of lengthy applause. She is the first woman ever nominated to this office. An Associated Press reporter told me they'd been planning simply to report this election in the usual way, but on learning of Bishop Jefferts Schori's election had been alerted to elevate the story to their absolute highest priority.
Bishop Jefferts Schori, 51, speaks over five languages, holds her PhD in oceanography from Oregon State University, an MDiv from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, and is an active instrument-rated pilot with more than 500 hours logged. She has written numerous books and articles. Her husband Richard is a theoretical mathematician (topologist). Their only child Katharine Johanna is a second lieutenant and pilot in the U S Air Force.
This place is alive with joy.
I am Proud to be an Episcopalian today!
Saturday, June 17, 2006
World Cup Update
Lots of games and perhaps none more important that Ghana's victory over the Czech Republic. It sets up a very interesting Group E final, coupled with the US teams tie (1:1) today with Italy. The group stands as follows:
Italy 4
Czech Republic 3
Ghana 3
USA 1
The US is OUT of any contention. The final matches are Italy vs Czech Republic, and Ghana vs US. And everyone in the Group BUT the US has a chance to win the group and move forward.
When a man in a local store told the sales woman behind the counter who was ringing up my order about Ghana's vistory....my transaction ended! And only began again after we'd all celebrated by jumping and screaming and crying with joy -- I mostly watched sympathetically and patiently.
In other news: Group C is a contest between Argentina and the Netherlands; And in groups B & D Paraguay, Trinidad & Tabago, Angola, and Iran are heading home.....
Italy 4
Czech Republic 3
Ghana 3
USA 1
The US is OUT of any contention. The final matches are Italy vs Czech Republic, and Ghana vs US. And everyone in the Group BUT the US has a chance to win the group and move forward.
When a man in a local store told the sales woman behind the counter who was ringing up my order about Ghana's vistory....my transaction ended! And only began again after we'd all celebrated by jumping and screaming and crying with joy -- I mostly watched sympathetically and patiently.
In other news: Group C is a contest between Argentina and the Netherlands; And in groups B & D Paraguay, Trinidad & Tabago, Angola, and Iran are heading home.....
He did it: CONGRATULATIONS!
Read All About IT! @
http://debriefingtheboys.blogspot.com/2006/06/i-did-it.html
http://debriefingtheboys.blogspot.com/2006/06/i-did-it.html
Friday, June 16, 2006
Our Latest American Hero #25
Or is he actually #2,500? Our government announced this dubious milestone today.
Army Pvt. Benjamin J. Slaven, 22, of Plymouth, Neb.; assigned to the 308th Transportation Company, Army Reserve, Lincoln, Neb.; died June 9 of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during combat operations in Diwaniyah, Iraq.
“Soldier From Plymouth Dies In Roadside Bombing In Iraq”
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- Benjamin Slaven's family has a long history of military service, and his father said his son knew the risks of going to Iraq.
Bruce Slaven says Benjamin was enthusiastic about working on the front line of the war on terror as a member of the U.S. Army Reserves.
On Friday, just short of three months into his tour of Iraq, Pfc. Benjamin Slaven was killed after a roadside bomb detonated near his Humvee in Ad Diwaniyah, Army Reserves spokesman Col. John Bryan said Monday.
Slaven had gone to Iraq with the Lincoln-based 308th Transportation Co. He was the first Nebraska member of the Army Reserves and 30th U.S. service member with Nebraska ties to be killed in Iraq or Afghanistan since the beginning of military operations following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The 22-year-old from Plymouth was the fourth Nebraska serviceman killed in the last month.
Lance Cpl. Brent Zoucha, 19, of Clarks, also died Friday in an explosion in Iraq.
Army Pvt. Tim J. Madison, 28, of Bellevue, 28, was killed Thursday at Fort Carson, Colo., when a machine gun accidentally fired.
Army Sgt. Lonnie Calvin Allen Jr., 26, of Bellevue, died May 18 in a roadside bombing in Iraq.
Bruce Slaven said he and Benjamin's mother, Judy Huenink, both served in the Air Force. Benjamin's sister, Pfc. Misty Slaven, is training to be a medical lab technician and is based at Fort Bliss, Ky. A grandfather and uncle also served, Bruce Slaven said.
"He chose to go into the Army, and I supported his decision 150 percent," Bruce Slaven said. "We were talking once, and he said he was looking forward to going to Iraq if his unit was called up. I told him if he wants to go to Iraq, ŒSaddle up and let's rock.'
"Obviously, I'm proud that he did what he did and served his country and did the mission he was asked to do."
Prior to joining the Reserves 17 months ago, Benjamin Slaven earned his GED and worked at a lawn mower factory, Exmark Manufacturing in Beatrice.
His parents said he was generous and caring.
"He was always giving, and he didn't expect anything back," Judy Huenink said. "He'd give a person his last $20 even if that meant he had to go without something else."
"He wanted to do his part," Huenink said. "He wanted to defend his country."
Slaven enjoyed video games, scuba diving, motorcycles, working on cars and fishing, family members said. He was considering a career in underwater welding after the military, Huenink said.
"He would make any mother proud," she said.
Army Pvt. Benjamin J. Slaven, 22, of Plymouth, Neb.; assigned to the 308th Transportation Company, Army Reserve, Lincoln, Neb.; died June 9 of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during combat operations in Diwaniyah, Iraq.
“Soldier From Plymouth Dies In Roadside Bombing In Iraq”
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- Benjamin Slaven's family has a long history of military service, and his father said his son knew the risks of going to Iraq.
Bruce Slaven says Benjamin was enthusiastic about working on the front line of the war on terror as a member of the U.S. Army Reserves.
On Friday, just short of three months into his tour of Iraq, Pfc. Benjamin Slaven was killed after a roadside bomb detonated near his Humvee in Ad Diwaniyah, Army Reserves spokesman Col. John Bryan said Monday.
Slaven had gone to Iraq with the Lincoln-based 308th Transportation Co. He was the first Nebraska member of the Army Reserves and 30th U.S. service member with Nebraska ties to be killed in Iraq or Afghanistan since the beginning of military operations following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The 22-year-old from Plymouth was the fourth Nebraska serviceman killed in the last month.
Lance Cpl. Brent Zoucha, 19, of Clarks, also died Friday in an explosion in Iraq.
Army Pvt. Tim J. Madison, 28, of Bellevue, 28, was killed Thursday at Fort Carson, Colo., when a machine gun accidentally fired.
Army Sgt. Lonnie Calvin Allen Jr., 26, of Bellevue, died May 18 in a roadside bombing in Iraq.
Bruce Slaven said he and Benjamin's mother, Judy Huenink, both served in the Air Force. Benjamin's sister, Pfc. Misty Slaven, is training to be a medical lab technician and is based at Fort Bliss, Ky. A grandfather and uncle also served, Bruce Slaven said.
"He chose to go into the Army, and I supported his decision 150 percent," Bruce Slaven said. "We were talking once, and he said he was looking forward to going to Iraq if his unit was called up. I told him if he wants to go to Iraq, ŒSaddle up and let's rock.'
"Obviously, I'm proud that he did what he did and served his country and did the mission he was asked to do."
Prior to joining the Reserves 17 months ago, Benjamin Slaven earned his GED and worked at a lawn mower factory, Exmark Manufacturing in Beatrice.
His parents said he was generous and caring.
"He was always giving, and he didn't expect anything back," Judy Huenink said. "He'd give a person his last $20 even if that meant he had to go without something else."
"He wanted to do his part," Huenink said. "He wanted to defend his country."
Slaven enjoyed video games, scuba diving, motorcycles, working on cars and fishing, family members said. He was considering a career in underwater welding after the military, Huenink said.
"He would make any mother proud," she said.
Group A Is Set ~
For a wonderful showdown between Germany and Ecuador. Both teams have beaten the other two members of Group A (Costa Rica and Poland) and now all that remains is for them to face off against one another. The winner will advance.
For those who don't know about the World Cup of Futból (i.e. Soccer), here's a quick in-service. In the finals, there are 8 Groups from throughout the world and multiple games determine the teams that will fill out the groups. Each group is comprised of 4 teams from within it's member nations. Each group (A through H) is configured to include both international powerhouse and regionally strong teams. So each contains teams representing more than one and often 3 different continents.
In the first round of competition there are three games that allow the four teams in each group to play one another. Teams are awarded 3 points for victories, 1 point for ties, and 0 points for loses. Teams in each group therefore can earn a maximum of 9 and a minimum of 0 points.
Both Germany and Ecuardor hold 6 points as they approach their game against one another; which ever team wins will move on. Some back ground: Both teams handily defeated my beloved Costa Rica (4:2 for Germany, and 3:0 for Ecuador); but the matches against Poland were different. Team Ecuador shut them out 2:0; and Germany only barely snatched out a win after the final buzzer with a miracle goal to take the game 1:0.
So this next match brings some especially intense international excitement and scrutiny. Germany the host nation and a clear favorite with hometown crowd advantage versus Ecuador, the "third world" challenger and surprisingly strong competitor...and this just Group A! Stay tuned.
For those who don't know about the World Cup of Futból (i.e. Soccer), here's a quick in-service. In the finals, there are 8 Groups from throughout the world and multiple games determine the teams that will fill out the groups. Each group is comprised of 4 teams from within it's member nations. Each group (A through H) is configured to include both international powerhouse and regionally strong teams. So each contains teams representing more than one and often 3 different continents.
In the first round of competition there are three games that allow the four teams in each group to play one another. Teams are awarded 3 points for victories, 1 point for ties, and 0 points for loses. Teams in each group therefore can earn a maximum of 9 and a minimum of 0 points.
Both Germany and Ecuardor hold 6 points as they approach their game against one another; which ever team wins will move on. Some back ground: Both teams handily defeated my beloved Costa Rica (4:2 for Germany, and 3:0 for Ecuador); but the matches against Poland were different. Team Ecuador shut them out 2:0; and Germany only barely snatched out a win after the final buzzer with a miracle goal to take the game 1:0.
So this next match brings some especially intense international excitement and scrutiny. Germany the host nation and a clear favorite with hometown crowd advantage versus Ecuador, the "third world" challenger and surprisingly strong competitor...and this just Group A! Stay tuned.
Blessed Pride Month!
This is just the best image I've seen so far of Pride month parades. It's taken by Mr. V. of the parade in Boston.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Here's To My Students
After 21 years of teaching, a career that has engaged in several interations: 1 term as an ESOL teacher in Taichung, Republic of China (1981), 1 year as an English/Social Studies teacher at Colegio Métodista in San José, Costa Rica (1984), 8 years a 6th grade teacher in Jessamine Co. Kentucky (1985-1993), 2 years at the Kentucky Department of Education (1993-1994), and 12 years as a 4th and 5th grade teacher in Montgomery Co. Maryland -- I'm moving into a new postion. And it's a blessing.
But so is everything else that has proceeded it. So many kids, so many incredible, beautiful lives that I have had the awesome opportunity to touch. And they watch, they listen, they touch my life, too.
Yesterday, I received this "thank you" gift: the Lego Ice Tray! I nearly went overboard with gratitude. It's really not the object, but the sense of knowing that it represents. I have received my fair share of useless crap over the years, and this is something that I will always use and reference back to this my final year with a class of children.
But so is everything else that has proceeded it. So many kids, so many incredible, beautiful lives that I have had the awesome opportunity to touch. And they watch, they listen, they touch my life, too.
Yesterday, I received this "thank you" gift: the Lego Ice Tray! I nearly went overboard with gratitude. It's really not the object, but the sense of knowing that it represents. I have received my fair share of useless crap over the years, and this is something that I will always use and reference back to this my final year with a class of children.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Our Latest American Hero #24
Army Sgt. Carlos E. Pernell, 25, of Munford, Ala.; assigned to the 46th Engineer Battalion, Fort Rucker; killed June 6 when his camp received indirect enemy fire during combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq.
“War Casualty Hits Home: ‘Everybody Loved Him’”
Hattie J. Pernell's eyes were overtaken Thursday with a sadness no mother wants to feel, as she talked about her 25-year-old son who was killed Tuesday in an indirect fire attack in Iraq.
Army Sgt. Carlos Eugene Pernell, who enlisted shortly after graduating from Prattville High School in 2000, was building housing for Iraqis while serving his second tour in the war zone when the attack occurred in Ar Ramadi, Iraq.
He is Autauga County's first war casualty since 1968.
Flags throughout Prattville will be flown at half-staff until Pernell's funeral Thursday.
Another soldier was also killed in the attack, and three more were injured. All five soldiers were members of B Company, 46th Engineer Battalion at Ft. Rucker. Their names have not been released.
"He was working, and they got ambushed," Hattie Pernell said. "His commander said he died a hero because he put his soldiers first."
Pernell shipped off to Iraq in October 2005 for a year-long deployment. His family last saw him in March for a two-week leave.
"He was in good spirits because, he told me, he was halfway there," his mother said. "He didn't want to go (to Iraq), but that was his job."
Pernell played football for Prattville High School for four years, wearing No. 2 in front of the crowds at Stanley-Jensen Stadium.
"Carlos was part of our first team I had here as head coach in 1999," head football coach Bill Clark said. "That's a special class to me because it was my first class. He was a good boy, always had a smile on his face and was a good player for us."
Pernell called and wrote letters to his family in Prattville often.
"He would say he missed us, and he was doing good, and he couldn't wait to get home," Hattie Pernell said.
The family got word of Pernell's death around 10:25 p.m. Tuesday.
"They knocked at the door, and my daughter opened it, and I could see the uniforms," his mother said. "It felt like my heart stopped, because I knew something was wrong."
Pernell knew the dangers he faced in Iraq, but he promised his family they would see him again.
"He would call, and he'd say, 'I'm coming back one way or another. I'd prefer to walk, but I'll be home,'" Hattie Pernell said.
While stationed at Ft. Rucker, Pernell met the love of his life, Tiffanie Pernell, who was also in the Army. The two married in August 2005, not long before his deployment. Their daugher, Kassidie Pernell, is 14 months old.
"(Tiffanie) was up here with us when we got the news," Hattie Pernell said. "Oh, it was hard. I felt so sorry for her. They're so young, and they had their whole lives ahead of them."
More than anything, Pernell loved his daughter.
"His baby was his heart," Hattie Pernell said. "He called her his little pretty girl. He didn't want to go back to Iraq, but he was going to look on the positive side and go and get back to his family."
Though Pernell's mother said she never supported the war in Iraq, those feelings are even stronger now.
"I feel like it's nonsense," she said. "The Iraqis don't want them over there, and more soldiers are getting killed than when they first started out."
Pernell's father, Eugene Pernell, felt his son had good intentions in joining the military.
"I felt like that was his choice, and whatever he did, as long as it was right, I went along with him," he said. "I was proud of him as long as he was doing something that was right."
Hattie Pernell said her son planned on continuing his military service until he reached retirement.
"He said he was going to make it a career, because he could retire and still be young enough to get another job," she said. "I didn't believe him at first when he said he was going (into the military), because he used to joke a lot with a serious look on his face."
Clark admired Pernell's decision to join the military.
"That was something he was really looking at as a career," he said. "I was real proud of him."
The current football team said a prayer and had a moment of silence during practice Wednesday.
"It hit close to home," Clark said. "It always seems like it's somebody else, not somebody you know. It's just awful."
Life will never be the same for Pernell's family.
"He was my baby," Hattie Pernell said. "The only thing I can say is I'm going to miss him. He was an all-around person. He was happy and funny. Everybody loved him."
“War Casualty Hits Home: ‘Everybody Loved Him’”
Hattie J. Pernell's eyes were overtaken Thursday with a sadness no mother wants to feel, as she talked about her 25-year-old son who was killed Tuesday in an indirect fire attack in Iraq.
Army Sgt. Carlos Eugene Pernell, who enlisted shortly after graduating from Prattville High School in 2000, was building housing for Iraqis while serving his second tour in the war zone when the attack occurred in Ar Ramadi, Iraq.
He is Autauga County's first war casualty since 1968.
Flags throughout Prattville will be flown at half-staff until Pernell's funeral Thursday.
Another soldier was also killed in the attack, and three more were injured. All five soldiers were members of B Company, 46th Engineer Battalion at Ft. Rucker. Their names have not been released.
"He was working, and they got ambushed," Hattie Pernell said. "His commander said he died a hero because he put his soldiers first."
Pernell shipped off to Iraq in October 2005 for a year-long deployment. His family last saw him in March for a two-week leave.
"He was in good spirits because, he told me, he was halfway there," his mother said. "He didn't want to go (to Iraq), but that was his job."
Pernell played football for Prattville High School for four years, wearing No. 2 in front of the crowds at Stanley-Jensen Stadium.
"Carlos was part of our first team I had here as head coach in 1999," head football coach Bill Clark said. "That's a special class to me because it was my first class. He was a good boy, always had a smile on his face and was a good player for us."
Pernell called and wrote letters to his family in Prattville often.
"He would say he missed us, and he was doing good, and he couldn't wait to get home," Hattie Pernell said.
The family got word of Pernell's death around 10:25 p.m. Tuesday.
"They knocked at the door, and my daughter opened it, and I could see the uniforms," his mother said. "It felt like my heart stopped, because I knew something was wrong."
Pernell knew the dangers he faced in Iraq, but he promised his family they would see him again.
"He would call, and he'd say, 'I'm coming back one way or another. I'd prefer to walk, but I'll be home,'" Hattie Pernell said.
While stationed at Ft. Rucker, Pernell met the love of his life, Tiffanie Pernell, who was also in the Army. The two married in August 2005, not long before his deployment. Their daugher, Kassidie Pernell, is 14 months old.
"(Tiffanie) was up here with us when we got the news," Hattie Pernell said. "Oh, it was hard. I felt so sorry for her. They're so young, and they had their whole lives ahead of them."
More than anything, Pernell loved his daughter.
"His baby was his heart," Hattie Pernell said. "He called her his little pretty girl. He didn't want to go back to Iraq, but he was going to look on the positive side and go and get back to his family."
Though Pernell's mother said she never supported the war in Iraq, those feelings are even stronger now.
"I feel like it's nonsense," she said. "The Iraqis don't want them over there, and more soldiers are getting killed than when they first started out."
Pernell's father, Eugene Pernell, felt his son had good intentions in joining the military.
"I felt like that was his choice, and whatever he did, as long as it was right, I went along with him," he said. "I was proud of him as long as he was doing something that was right."
Hattie Pernell said her son planned on continuing his military service until he reached retirement.
"He said he was going to make it a career, because he could retire and still be young enough to get another job," she said. "I didn't believe him at first when he said he was going (into the military), because he used to joke a lot with a serious look on his face."
Clark admired Pernell's decision to join the military.
"That was something he was really looking at as a career," he said. "I was real proud of him."
The current football team said a prayer and had a moment of silence during practice Wednesday.
"It hit close to home," Clark said. "It always seems like it's somebody else, not somebody you know. It's just awful."
Life will never be the same for Pernell's family.
"He was my baby," Hattie Pernell said. "The only thing I can say is I'm going to miss him. He was an all-around person. He was happy and funny. Everybody loved him."
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
An Important Transition
On June 22nd of this month, Julio Bocca, the Argentinian born principle dancer of the American Ballet Theatre will dance in that role for the last time. Born in 1967, initiated into the world of classical ballet by his mother in 1971, turned professional at the age of 14 in 1979 (The year I graduated from high school.....), and appointed as ABT principle dancer in 1986, Señor Bocca has had the career of dreamers. He's danced to critical acclaim all over the world. He's worked with the best and he's well liked by all.
His is a charmed life and a hard earned life; a life that has brought joy and insight to countless others through the power of his art. Bravo! And may he continue to do that which he is so passionate about long into the future.
His is a charmed life and a hard earned life; a life that has brought joy and insight to countless others through the power of his art. Bravo! And may he continue to do that which he is so passionate about long into the future.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Wow! This Is Amazing
The recently elected PROGRESSIVE president of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, is an alumnus of my school district! This is so cool. I was so thrilled by her election. Clearly Diabold isn't providing voting machines in Santiago! And now to discover that she spent her childhood and adolescence in schools in Montgomery County Maryland is like really special icing on the cake of her rise to power.
I have taught people with connections in my career: the son of the minister of labor in Costa Rica, and the granddaughter of a former Costa Rican president; the daughter of bluegrass singer Ricky Skaggs, and the daughter of bluegrass singer Dudley Connell. And kids are kids, no matter their lineage. I never sought to treat any child differently and never was treated differently by parents with fame. But still a small piece of me thinks such things are cool. On some barely conscious level it makes me feel special.
From the school website: "President of Chile Visits Westland Middle School"
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, a student at the former Western Junior High (now Westland MS) and Wood Acres ES, visited her former junior high on June 8. The Westland band played the national anthems of Chile and the United States; students and their families who come from Chile offered special greetings; staff and students from both Westland and Wood Acres participated in a program that included a question-and-answer session.
I have taught people with connections in my career: the son of the minister of labor in Costa Rica, and the granddaughter of a former Costa Rican president; the daughter of bluegrass singer Ricky Skaggs, and the daughter of bluegrass singer Dudley Connell. And kids are kids, no matter their lineage. I never sought to treat any child differently and never was treated differently by parents with fame. But still a small piece of me thinks such things are cool. On some barely conscious level it makes me feel special.
From the school website: "President of Chile Visits Westland Middle School"
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, a student at the former Western Junior High (now Westland MS) and Wood Acres ES, visited her former junior high on June 8. The Westland band played the national anthems of Chile and the United States; students and their families who come from Chile offered special greetings; staff and students from both Westland and Wood Acres participated in a program that included a question-and-answer session.
Here's the Man!
Tomas Rosicky of the Czech Republic is the man of the hour for the Czechs. He scored 2 goals, a tournament high thus far (tied with Miroslav Klose of Germany, and Tim Cahill or Australia), in leading his team to victory of the United States. And why's this worth blogging? Well, it's World Cup trivia, but it's also a great photo, and that's the point of this post.
Few sports really match Futból for the way in which it's players display the sheer beauty and prowess of the human body. I can only think of two others, figure skating and gymnastics. Granted basketball is interesting but rarely demands the utter intensity of muscles already strained to the breaking point, and track and field does have it's moments, but they are comparative brief in my humble opinion. Soccer is a sports photographer's nirvana.
Few sports really match Futból for the way in which it's players display the sheer beauty and prowess of the human body. I can only think of two others, figure skating and gymnastics. Granted basketball is interesting but rarely demands the utter intensity of muscles already strained to the breaking point, and track and field does have it's moments, but they are comparative brief in my humble opinion. Soccer is a sports photographer's nirvana.
Bad Hair Day?
There are other options! I love these photos from the opening ceremonies at the World Cup in Germany. Two of the many performers who paraded and danced in the stadium for the crowd.
Thus far, not too much to be surprised about, which is unfortunate for the US team. Shut out by the Czech Republic and next to face Italy fresh off of their victory over Ghana.... As these things usually go, the group E winner will probably be Italy or the Czech Republic. My joy is presently found in group D and Mexico. I had such a joyous conversation with my friend Mr. R. in Veracruz after their victory over Iran. We in the US really do fail to comprehend just how exciting this is for the rest of the world.
I imagine a rather predictable final four: Germany, Brazil, Argentina and France. And since the likelihood of getting all four of these correct is unlikely, I'd love to see Mexico up-set Argentina, or the U.K. rout Germany.
Thus far, not too much to be surprised about, which is unfortunate for the US team. Shut out by the Czech Republic and next to face Italy fresh off of their victory over Ghana.... As these things usually go, the group E winner will probably be Italy or the Czech Republic. My joy is presently found in group D and Mexico. I had such a joyous conversation with my friend Mr. R. in Veracruz after their victory over Iran. We in the US really do fail to comprehend just how exciting this is for the rest of the world.
I imagine a rather predictable final four: Germany, Brazil, Argentina and France. And since the likelihood of getting all four of these correct is unlikely, I'd love to see Mexico up-set Argentina, or the U.K. rout Germany.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
A Fever Unknown in the US
It's called World Cup Fever, and it's sweeping the rest of the world. And unlike the feared "Avian Flu" this pandemic will likely not lead to the annihilation of millions...
The sport is soccer. Something that every elementary school child in the US knows about, and like Barbie Dolls and Legos, swiftly forgets upon entering adolesence. An amnesia that does not happen in the rest of the world! There, soccer takes on the pre-eminence that sports like basketball, football, and baseball assume in our country.
SO, now it's WORLD CUP time. The time when years of games lead some teams to rise into a competition for the global title. For those of us in the US, this is but a blip on the foreign news coverage if it's a "slow news day" in sports. For the rest of our human family, it's nothing short of WAR ~ and the good kind, where only pride dies and NOT people.
So here's To the nations whose teams are in the first round of competition: Angola, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Croatia, Colombia, Czech Replublic, United Kingdom, France, Ghana, Germany, The Netherlands, Iran, South Korea, Paraguay, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Spain, Mexico, Cote D'Ivoire, Japan, Italy, The United States, The Ukraine, Turkey, Poland, Trinidad & Tobago, Togo, and Switzerland.
May the best players win!
The sport is soccer. Something that every elementary school child in the US knows about, and like Barbie Dolls and Legos, swiftly forgets upon entering adolesence. An amnesia that does not happen in the rest of the world! There, soccer takes on the pre-eminence that sports like basketball, football, and baseball assume in our country.
SO, now it's WORLD CUP time. The time when years of games lead some teams to rise into a competition for the global title. For those of us in the US, this is but a blip on the foreign news coverage if it's a "slow news day" in sports. For the rest of our human family, it's nothing short of WAR ~ and the good kind, where only pride dies and NOT people.
So here's To the nations whose teams are in the first round of competition: Angola, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Croatia, Colombia, Czech Replublic, United Kingdom, France, Ghana, Germany, The Netherlands, Iran, South Korea, Paraguay, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Spain, Mexico, Cote D'Ivoire, Japan, Italy, The United States, The Ukraine, Turkey, Poland, Trinidad & Tobago, Togo, and Switzerland.
May the best players win!
In Memorium
I live in a wonderfully diverse neighborhood on the northern edge of the District of Columbia. We are gay and straight, married, single, partnered, black, white, asian, speakers of English, speakers of Spanish, or Chinese, Japanese and French. The diversity that we represent only enriches our lives. I know that it has often made mine more interesting.
Tonight, I learned of the passing into ancestry of my neighbor's father and my friend, Mr. S.
Shortly after purchasing my home with my ex-, Ms. S. purchased the home directly across the street. We've been neighbors for 12 years. When she was away and a careless contractor broke a window in her basement and left it, I went over and repaired it with the help of our other neighbors Mr. & Mrs. C. When a massive limb from my ancient sugar maple inexplicably snapped off and blocked the street one evening, she joined with the self-same neighbors and worked in the dark of that night to help me dispose of it's debris. We do for each other what needs to be done, because we are neighbors.
And as long as I can remember, whenever her parents visited, we would all get together for a meal at a local restaurant, or in one another's home. At one point, it became a bit of joke how her father would emerge from her car after riding from the airport (and a 23 hour flight with connections from Japan) and immediately cross the street to greet me and deposit a gift.
A retired public official, he once pulled a picture out of his wallet with the explanation that he was photographed with "my guy". The picture was of him and John Paul II at the Vatican. It was taken during a diplomatic visit to the Holy See in which he was the chief representative for Japan. I am not Catholic, but such subtlies were not his forte.
This picture was taken of us on my deck during a visit back in 1996 when my ex- and I hosted him and his family for a barbeque.
The joy of life is always tempered by the sorrow of death. It is a reminder that we must always look out for one another, must always accept the generosity of others, must, MUST cherish each moment. So that when we become no longer a presence in the physical reality, our presence in the hearts of those who remain will be a force for good, a witness of good-acts, and a memory of goodness to be cherished; so that in goodness we each may live on in the hearts and minds and stories of the living.
My dear Mr. S., May Light Perpetual Shine Upon You!
Tonight, I learned of the passing into ancestry of my neighbor's father and my friend, Mr. S.
Shortly after purchasing my home with my ex-, Ms. S. purchased the home directly across the street. We've been neighbors for 12 years. When she was away and a careless contractor broke a window in her basement and left it, I went over and repaired it with the help of our other neighbors Mr. & Mrs. C. When a massive limb from my ancient sugar maple inexplicably snapped off and blocked the street one evening, she joined with the self-same neighbors and worked in the dark of that night to help me dispose of it's debris. We do for each other what needs to be done, because we are neighbors.
And as long as I can remember, whenever her parents visited, we would all get together for a meal at a local restaurant, or in one another's home. At one point, it became a bit of joke how her father would emerge from her car after riding from the airport (and a 23 hour flight with connections from Japan) and immediately cross the street to greet me and deposit a gift.
A retired public official, he once pulled a picture out of his wallet with the explanation that he was photographed with "my guy". The picture was of him and John Paul II at the Vatican. It was taken during a diplomatic visit to the Holy See in which he was the chief representative for Japan. I am not Catholic, but such subtlies were not his forte.
This picture was taken of us on my deck during a visit back in 1996 when my ex- and I hosted him and his family for a barbeque.
The joy of life is always tempered by the sorrow of death. It is a reminder that we must always look out for one another, must always accept the generosity of others, must, MUST cherish each moment. So that when we become no longer a presence in the physical reality, our presence in the hearts of those who remain will be a force for good, a witness of good-acts, and a memory of goodness to be cherished; so that in goodness we each may live on in the hearts and minds and stories of the living.
My dear Mr. S., May Light Perpetual Shine Upon You!
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Somewhere Over The Rainbow......Surrender Dorothy!
This summary is not available. Please
click here to view the post.
A Prophet In His Own Time
The days of the News Lions is gone. The last bunch of kitties morphed into pussies and then left us (Brokaw, Jennings, Rather). The business is a business, now. It's not about facts or principles, it's about profit. And Courric won't change that fact! Yet profits can still include a Prophet. Jon Stewart of the "Daily Show" is proving that.
I may be falling in love......
But seriously, his expansive intellect and keen wit create interviews that cut to the chase, expose the lie, bring a higher demension to issues that are too often debated in the gutter. There's news and then there's NEWS. The old networks half-assedly report it, Stewart exposes and MAKES it! Kudus, Jon!
And check out this recent exchange about gay marriage with serial monogamist, gambling addict Bill Bennett:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkLxVgXSveA&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ehuffingtonpost%2Ecom%2F2006%2F06%2F07%2Fwatch%2Djon%2Dstewart%2Dslam%2Dco%5Fn%5F22479%2Ehtml
I may be falling in love......
But seriously, his expansive intellect and keen wit create interviews that cut to the chase, expose the lie, bring a higher demension to issues that are too often debated in the gutter. There's news and then there's NEWS. The old networks half-assedly report it, Stewart exposes and MAKES it! Kudus, Jon!
And check out this recent exchange about gay marriage with serial monogamist, gambling addict Bill Bennett:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkLxVgXSveA&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ehuffingtonpost%2Ecom%2F2006%2F06%2F07%2Fwatch%2Djon%2Dstewart%2Dslam%2Dco%5Fn%5F22479%2Ehtml
Reality Check, Please
Well, we got Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. And frankly, I am not shedding any tears. Those that live by the sword should expect little more... And this is what worries me.
Since June 1st, the Department of Defense has announced 21 casualties among US troops engaged in our little "war" on Terrorism. 21 men and women dead in 9 days. As to Iraqi civilians....they're dying at an average rate of 34 per day in war related incidents, so that would balance out to just over 300 men, woman, and children in the same first 9 days of June.
And the most distrubing thing of all? That these numbers don't seem to disturb very many of us. That this "War," (never declared Constitutionally, but often invoked by our illegitimately twice unelected president to justify the trashing of the Constitution) has become just another piece of our culture. We're Americans, ergo, we're at war.
It breaks my heart....it really does.
Since June 1st, the Department of Defense has announced 21 casualties among US troops engaged in our little "war" on Terrorism. 21 men and women dead in 9 days. As to Iraqi civilians....they're dying at an average rate of 34 per day in war related incidents, so that would balance out to just over 300 men, woman, and children in the same first 9 days of June.
And the most distrubing thing of all? That these numbers don't seem to disturb very many of us. That this "War," (never declared Constitutionally, but often invoked by our illegitimately twice unelected president to justify the trashing of the Constitution) has become just another piece of our culture. We're Americans, ergo, we're at war.
It breaks my heart....it really does.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Theology versus Lunacy.....
Is this the Ukraine's version of the snake handlers? Pity the poor soul.....
"Lioness In Zoo Kills Man Who Invoked God"
KIEV (Reuters) - A man shouting that God would keep him safe was mauled to death by a lioness in Kiev zoo after he crept into the animal's enclosure, a zoo official said on Monday.
"The man shouted 'God will save me, if he exists', lowered himself by a rope into the enclosure, took his shoes off and went up to the lions," the official said.
"A lioness went straight for him, knocked him down and severed his carotid artery."
The incident, Sunday evening when the zoo was packed with visitors, was the first of its kind at the attraction. Lions and tigers are kept in an "animal island" protected by thick concrete blocks.
God. Hmmm. What a concept. We need a new revelation.....
"Lioness In Zoo Kills Man Who Invoked God"
KIEV (Reuters) - A man shouting that God would keep him safe was mauled to death by a lioness in Kiev zoo after he crept into the animal's enclosure, a zoo official said on Monday.
"The man shouted 'God will save me, if he exists', lowered himself by a rope into the enclosure, took his shoes off and went up to the lions," the official said.
"A lioness went straight for him, knocked him down and severed his carotid artery."
The incident, Sunday evening when the zoo was packed with visitors, was the first of its kind at the attraction. Lions and tigers are kept in an "animal island" protected by thick concrete blocks.
God. Hmmm. What a concept. We need a new revelation.....
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
What I'm Listening To #13
The O-Zone layer is rocking! And I'm possibly that last person in the world to realize it! ALL of my students know about it. And it all started with a commercial from New Zealand for the vodka 42 Below. The commercial features one of the thousands of self posted lip-synch performances of O-Zone's international hit "Dragostea Din Tei". I apologize that I do not know Romanian (and Babelfish fails to include it as one of their translation options!)
The tune is fun, and the commercial delightful. I found myself singing it to myself in class and bam!--23 nine and ten year old fourth graders erupted into shouts of joy. We eventually turned the melody of the chorus into a way of singing the names of the 50 states! I am NEVER one to miss the teachable moment.
The song is also know as the "numa numa" song. If you have some time to kill, you might want to google it and enjoy some of the vids out there for yourself.
Cheers!
The tune is fun, and the commercial delightful. I found myself singing it to myself in class and bam!--23 nine and ten year old fourth graders erupted into shouts of joy. We eventually turned the melody of the chorus into a way of singing the names of the 50 states! I am NEVER one to miss the teachable moment.
The song is also know as the "numa numa" song. If you have some time to kill, you might want to google it and enjoy some of the vids out there for yourself.
Cheers!
Our Latest American Hero #23
Army Capt. Douglas A. Dicenzo, 30, of Plymouth, N.H.; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany; killed May 25 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during combat operations in Baghdad. Also killed was Spc. Robert E. Blair.
“Army Captian From Plymouth Killed In Iraq”
An Army captain who was a star athlete from Plymouth Regional High School has been killed in Iraq. Capt. Douglas DiCenzo was killed yesterday when his Humvee drove over a roadside bomb, making him the third New Hampshire serviceman killed this month in Iraq.
“He was a quiet leader. He wasn’t a rah-rah guy,” his stepfather, Mark Burzynski of Plymouth, said today.
Burzynski said the explosion killed two people.
DiCenzo, 30, was a 1995 graduate of Plymouth High and graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., in 1999. He was deployed to Iraq in November.
DiCenzo was a company commander in the 1st Armored Division, based in Baumholder, Germany.
Dicenzo’s wife, Nicole DiCenzo, 35, and 15-month old son, Dakin were in Germany today. DiCenzo also is survived by his mother, Cathy Crane, 55, of Plymouth; a brother, Daniel DiCenzo, 27, a coach at Williams College in Williamstown, Mass.; and his father, Larry DiCenzo, of Charleston, S.C.
“He was such a good kid. He worked really hard at everything he did,” Larry DiCenzo told the Union Leader. “He was really dedicated to serving his country and thought it was his duty to do this.”
At Plymouth Regional High yesterday, guidance counselor Norm LeBlanc told the newspaper DiCenzo was a standout who excelled in sports and academics.
“This is going to devastate our town,” said LeBlanc, who also was DiCenzo’s Little League coach. “Dougie is one of the best. I can sincerely say he is one of the best products of our school in the 37 years it has been there.”
DiCenzo graduated fifth in his high school class, was class president and captain of the football and wrestling teams.
“He was that kid that everyone knows and likes,” said Mike LeBlanc, son of Norm LeBlanc and DiCenzo’s former classmate. “He was the ‘All-American’ kid.”
“Army Captian From Plymouth Killed In Iraq”
An Army captain who was a star athlete from Plymouth Regional High School has been killed in Iraq. Capt. Douglas DiCenzo was killed yesterday when his Humvee drove over a roadside bomb, making him the third New Hampshire serviceman killed this month in Iraq.
“He was a quiet leader. He wasn’t a rah-rah guy,” his stepfather, Mark Burzynski of Plymouth, said today.
Burzynski said the explosion killed two people.
DiCenzo, 30, was a 1995 graduate of Plymouth High and graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., in 1999. He was deployed to Iraq in November.
DiCenzo was a company commander in the 1st Armored Division, based in Baumholder, Germany.
Dicenzo’s wife, Nicole DiCenzo, 35, and 15-month old son, Dakin were in Germany today. DiCenzo also is survived by his mother, Cathy Crane, 55, of Plymouth; a brother, Daniel DiCenzo, 27, a coach at Williams College in Williamstown, Mass.; and his father, Larry DiCenzo, of Charleston, S.C.
“He was such a good kid. He worked really hard at everything he did,” Larry DiCenzo told the Union Leader. “He was really dedicated to serving his country and thought it was his duty to do this.”
At Plymouth Regional High yesterday, guidance counselor Norm LeBlanc told the newspaper DiCenzo was a standout who excelled in sports and academics.
“This is going to devastate our town,” said LeBlanc, who also was DiCenzo’s Little League coach. “Dougie is one of the best. I can sincerely say he is one of the best products of our school in the 37 years it has been there.”
DiCenzo graduated fifth in his high school class, was class president and captain of the football and wrestling teams.
“He was that kid that everyone knows and likes,” said Mike LeBlanc, son of Norm LeBlanc and DiCenzo’s former classmate. “He was the ‘All-American’ kid.”
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Congratulations, Gentlemen of the RCMP!
Constable Jason Tree, left, and Constable David Connors, right, stand in front of their house in Meteghan, Nova Scotia. On June 30th they will wed, becoming the first same-sex marriage in RCMP history. The marriage follows an eight year long relationship that first began for the couple when they met while attending the same university. In Canada the wedding is legal.
O Canada! -- ye shining light of justice.
O Canada! -- ye shining light of justice.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Random Quote #51
"The Day I experienced sexuality, my god, what a Creator put that in my life."
~ Peter Berliner, 1941 -
~ Peter Berliner, 1941 -
Some Who OPPOSE the FMA Constitutional Amendment
Quotes Opposing the FMA -- the So-Called Federal Marriage Amendment
http://www.hrc.org/voteno/quotes.htm
"The Constitutional Amendment we are debating today strikes me as antithetical in every way to the core philosophy of Republicans. It usurps from the states a fundamental authority they have always possessed, and imposes a federal remedy for a problem that most states do not believe confronts them, and which they feel capable of resolving should it confront them, again according to local standards and customs."
~ Sen. John McCain, (R-AZ), Senate floor statement, 7/14/04
"Like most Americans, and most Republicans, I think it's important to do all we can to defend and strengthen the institution of marriage. And I also believe it is critically important to defend the integrity of the Constitution. But a federal amendment to define marriage would do nothing to strengthen families - just the opposite. And it would unnecessarily undermine one of the core principles I have always believed the GOP stood for: federalism."
~ Former Senator Alan Simpson (R-WY), The Washington Post , 9/5/2003
"Amending the Constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman would be unwise for two reasons. Constitutionalizing social policy is generally a misuse of fundamental law. And it would be especially imprudent to end state responsibility for marriage law at a moment when we require evidence of the sort that can be generated by allowing the states to be laboratories of social policy."
~ Syndicated conservative commentator George Will , The Washington Post,
11/30/2003
Leading Civil Rights Leaders Oppose the So-Called Federal Marriage Amendment
"In my view, constitutional amendments should not to be used to restrict or deny freedoms, but to protect and expand freedom. Gay and lesbian people have families, and their families should have legal protection, whether by marriage or civic unions. A constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages is a form of gay-bashing, and it would do nothing at all to protect traditional marriages. Instead of trivializing the constitution, we need some laws that give families the kind of help they really need, like job-training and child care assistance, stronger schools and health insurance coverage for every family."
~ Coretta Scott King, in a speech at Stockton College, March 23, 2004
"As an organization that has, since its inception, fought for and supported amendments to the Constitution to ensure and protect the most fundamental rights for all persons, the NAACP strongly opposes the so-called Federal Marriage Amendment and all other proposals that would use the Constitution to discriminate and restrict, rather than expand and protect the rights for any and all persons."
~ Hilary Shelton, Director of the NAACP Washington Bureau, Testimony before the Senate Subcommittee on the Constitution of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, March 3, 2004
http://www.hrc.org/voteno/quotes.htm
"The Constitutional Amendment we are debating today strikes me as antithetical in every way to the core philosophy of Republicans. It usurps from the states a fundamental authority they have always possessed, and imposes a federal remedy for a problem that most states do not believe confronts them, and which they feel capable of resolving should it confront them, again according to local standards and customs."
~ Sen. John McCain, (R-AZ), Senate floor statement, 7/14/04
"Like most Americans, and most Republicans, I think it's important to do all we can to defend and strengthen the institution of marriage. And I also believe it is critically important to defend the integrity of the Constitution. But a federal amendment to define marriage would do nothing to strengthen families - just the opposite. And it would unnecessarily undermine one of the core principles I have always believed the GOP stood for: federalism."
~ Former Senator Alan Simpson (R-WY), The Washington Post , 9/5/2003
"Amending the Constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman would be unwise for two reasons. Constitutionalizing social policy is generally a misuse of fundamental law. And it would be especially imprudent to end state responsibility for marriage law at a moment when we require evidence of the sort that can be generated by allowing the states to be laboratories of social policy."
~ Syndicated conservative commentator George Will , The Washington Post,
11/30/2003
Leading Civil Rights Leaders Oppose the So-Called Federal Marriage Amendment
"In my view, constitutional amendments should not to be used to restrict or deny freedoms, but to protect and expand freedom. Gay and lesbian people have families, and their families should have legal protection, whether by marriage or civic unions. A constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages is a form of gay-bashing, and it would do nothing at all to protect traditional marriages. Instead of trivializing the constitution, we need some laws that give families the kind of help they really need, like job-training and child care assistance, stronger schools and health insurance coverage for every family."
~ Coretta Scott King, in a speech at Stockton College, March 23, 2004
"As an organization that has, since its inception, fought for and supported amendments to the Constitution to ensure and protect the most fundamental rights for all persons, the NAACP strongly opposes the so-called Federal Marriage Amendment and all other proposals that would use the Constitution to discriminate and restrict, rather than expand and protect the rights for any and all persons."
~ Hilary Shelton, Director of the NAACP Washington Bureau, Testimony before the Senate Subcommittee on the Constitution of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, March 3, 2004
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Once Upon A Time....
The world of Star Trek was a fantasy that I really believed in. And in high school I joined in with Mr. JB and Mrs. TH and together we published a "fanzine" called Sehlat's Roar. (The Sehlat was the bear-like/dog pet of Lt. Cmdr. Spock when he was a boy on Vulcan.)
This image is a scan of one of the linoleum block prints from that first issue. The design and art is that of Mrs. TH. Covers in this first edition were each done by hand with Red, Orange, Yellow, or Gold ink.
I am now contemplating posting a blog dedicated to the contents of this fanzine. It will be called "Sehlat's Roar", if it ever happens.
Anyone interested?
This image is a scan of one of the linoleum block prints from that first issue. The design and art is that of Mrs. TH. Covers in this first edition were each done by hand with Red, Orange, Yellow, or Gold ink.
I am now contemplating posting a blog dedicated to the contents of this fanzine. It will be called "Sehlat's Roar", if it ever happens.
Anyone interested?
Thursday, June 01, 2006
No Surprises.....Please.
Senator Hillary Clinton announced her re-election campaign today in Buffalo, New York. Buffalo, and not Brooklyn? Would love to be a fly on the wall of her handler's office.... But be that as it may, this is NO surprise. In fact, it's a comfort. While I don't agree with her on all the issues, I do think that she's a worthy successor to Daniel Patrick Monehan.
As to her further aspirations (presidency in 2008, por exemplo), I can only say PLEASE....NO!
I long for the day when we will, as a male dominated nation, like our dick's enough to trust a woman to lead us. And Hillary is totally qualified to do this. I'd vote for her! Honest. BUT, she's the victim of years of Republican vilification. And more than a mere election campaign will have to occur before the nation will choose Hillary to lead us. The first woman ought to be a 'George Washington" or an "Abraham Lincoln" and not a 'Clarence Thomas' or 'George Bush the Lessor.'
Hillary has alread won the most consequential mark in history: a first lady made senator of the 2nd most populous state in the nation. Not since former president Howard Taft was placed upon the Supreme Court has such a power-broker been given the opportunity to effect two branches of government. Her senatorial record ought to be her life's goal. Thus far, it's pretty milk-toast.
Hillary, darling, get re-elected and then make a difference in the Senate, for a change....
"Hillary Clinton en Campaña de Reelección"
NUEVA YORK - Mientras tanto la senadora demócrata y ex primera dama de Estados Unidos, Hillary Clinton, lanzó el miércoles la campaña para su reelección en noviembre, sin pronunciarse abiertamente sobre sus planes para la carrera presidencial de 2008, donde es vista como potencial candidata.
¿Rumbo a la Casa Blanca?
En un acto en la ciudad de Buffalo, al norte del Estado de Nueva York, por el cual es senadora desde hace seis años, Clinton se declaró "honrada" de aceptar la nominación para las elecciones legislativas de noviembre.
"Necesitamos pararnos y exigir un nuevo liderazgo que ponga a nuestro país nuevamente en la vía correcta", destacó la legisladora, a quien muchos analistas políticos consideran la más firme ganadora de la candidatura del Partido Demócrata para la carrera por la Casa Blanca de 2008.
"Creo que necesitamos fundamentalmente una nueva dirección, y necesitamos trabajar hacia soluciones que nos ayuden a cumplir con nuestros desafíos del siglo XXI de expandir nuestra economía, defender nuestra seguridad y preservar nuestros valores", agregó.
As to her further aspirations (presidency in 2008, por exemplo), I can only say PLEASE....NO!
I long for the day when we will, as a male dominated nation, like our dick's enough to trust a woman to lead us. And Hillary is totally qualified to do this. I'd vote for her! Honest. BUT, she's the victim of years of Republican vilification. And more than a mere election campaign will have to occur before the nation will choose Hillary to lead us. The first woman ought to be a 'George Washington" or an "Abraham Lincoln" and not a 'Clarence Thomas' or 'George Bush the Lessor.'
Hillary has alread won the most consequential mark in history: a first lady made senator of the 2nd most populous state in the nation. Not since former president Howard Taft was placed upon the Supreme Court has such a power-broker been given the opportunity to effect two branches of government. Her senatorial record ought to be her life's goal. Thus far, it's pretty milk-toast.
Hillary, darling, get re-elected and then make a difference in the Senate, for a change....
"Hillary Clinton en Campaña de Reelección"
NUEVA YORK - Mientras tanto la senadora demócrata y ex primera dama de Estados Unidos, Hillary Clinton, lanzó el miércoles la campaña para su reelección en noviembre, sin pronunciarse abiertamente sobre sus planes para la carrera presidencial de 2008, donde es vista como potencial candidata.
¿Rumbo a la Casa Blanca?
En un acto en la ciudad de Buffalo, al norte del Estado de Nueva York, por el cual es senadora desde hace seis años, Clinton se declaró "honrada" de aceptar la nominación para las elecciones legislativas de noviembre.
"Necesitamos pararnos y exigir un nuevo liderazgo que ponga a nuestro país nuevamente en la vía correcta", destacó la legisladora, a quien muchos analistas políticos consideran la más firme ganadora de la candidatura del Partido Demócrata para la carrera por la Casa Blanca de 2008.
"Creo que necesitamos fundamentalmente una nueva dirección, y necesitamos trabajar hacia soluciones que nos ayuden a cumplir con nuestros desafíos del siglo XXI de expandir nuestra economía, defender nuestra seguridad y preservar nuestros valores", agregó.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
