Army Sgt. Wakkuna A. Jackson, 21, of Jacksonville, Fla.; assigned to the 710th Combat Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.; killed Aug. 19 when an improvised explosive device detonated near her convoy vehicle in Kunar, Afghanistan. Also killed were Spc. Robert E. Drawl Jr. and Spc. Christopher F. Sitton.
“Three 3rd Brigade Combat Team Soldiers killed in Kunar Province, Afghanistan”
Blackanthem Military News, FORT DRUM, New York – Three Spartan Brigade Soldiers were killed in Afghanistan's Kunar Province August 19 when their vehicle was attacked with an improvised explosive device.
Sgt. Wakkuna A. Jackson, Cpl. Christopher F. Sitton and Spc. Robert E. Drawl Jr., were all members of the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team.
The Soldiers were part of a convoy transporting supplies to an outlying camp when they were killed.
Sgt. Wakkuna A. Jackson, 21, was a health care specialist assigned to Company C, 710th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team.
Jackson, originally from Jacksonville, Fla., enlisted in the Army in February 2004 and completed basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C. She was assigned to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, from April to August 2004 to attend advanced training to become a combat medic.
She deployed with her unit to Afghanistan in early 2006.
Jackson's awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Driver Badge.
She is survived by her mother, father and two sisters.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
This Insane War
As some of you know, I have created a series of maps that honor the soldiers killed in our War on Terrorism, by state. It's part of my desire to make others as aware as I am of the real cost of our nation's policy regarding terrorism and aggression. As I look at the faces of the men and women who've passed into ancestry in my behalf I feel an overwhelming sense of unworthiness.
My life continues as if 9/11 never occurred, my world is essentially untouched, but for the rape of my wallet by the Oil Companies. And do I or YOU really value the lives of any of these departed souls, more that the difference between $2.70 a gallon and $3.30? (You do know that we are not fighting over "Democracy" or "Freedom," right? I mean, you're not that !@#%ing dumb!, right?)
Here, I offer a poster of the dead from the state of Louisiana. Given the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, it seemed the most fitting memorial to the blind courage and trust of American's from the "Delta State".
As an American who has never missed a chance to vote since he was able (the spring primaries in Michigan in May of 1979), and who has even navigated the bureaucracy of voting absentee when necessary (the presidential elections of 1984 from Costa Rica), I have never felt a more powerful desire among others to effect change, or a more personal sense of despair that such change can occur in an honest and fair way given our voting machines and the total corruption of the heart of the Republican Party to create a most undemocratic nation in the United States.
Look into these faces. Imagine what we have lost. Multiply it out into every state and into nations all around the world. Take a calculator and press the times (x) key by 1300 with the faces on this map of Louisiana, and see the number of Iraq's who've been killed and wounded -- and we smart about "terrorism" on our shores?! We have become, under our evil leadership's agenda, the world's greatest instigators of it. Our actions and presence in Iraq have even bested nasty ole Saddam at this point in precipitating deaths....yet, we are not on trial.....
Well, not officially, anyways. In the court of public opinion and in the world of public sentiment we are guilty---nay, evildoers--from the Tiber to East Timor, from Nova Scotia to New Zealand, from Bolivia to Borneo and every alliterated geographical location in between. As an AMERICAN this shames me.
We are hostages to a bunch of twisted, spoiled, cowardly FRAT BOYS using our nation and abusing it's reputation, resources, and potential to play their absurd fascist form of "Risk".
My life continues as if 9/11 never occurred, my world is essentially untouched, but for the rape of my wallet by the Oil Companies. And do I or YOU really value the lives of any of these departed souls, more that the difference between $2.70 a gallon and $3.30? (You do know that we are not fighting over "Democracy" or "Freedom," right? I mean, you're not that !@#%ing dumb!, right?)
Here, I offer a poster of the dead from the state of Louisiana. Given the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, it seemed the most fitting memorial to the blind courage and trust of American's from the "Delta State".
As an American who has never missed a chance to vote since he was able (the spring primaries in Michigan in May of 1979), and who has even navigated the bureaucracy of voting absentee when necessary (the presidential elections of 1984 from Costa Rica), I have never felt a more powerful desire among others to effect change, or a more personal sense of despair that such change can occur in an honest and fair way given our voting machines and the total corruption of the heart of the Republican Party to create a most undemocratic nation in the United States.
Look into these faces. Imagine what we have lost. Multiply it out into every state and into nations all around the world. Take a calculator and press the times (x) key by 1300 with the faces on this map of Louisiana, and see the number of Iraq's who've been killed and wounded -- and we smart about "terrorism" on our shores?! We have become, under our evil leadership's agenda, the world's greatest instigators of it. Our actions and presence in Iraq have even bested nasty ole Saddam at this point in precipitating deaths....yet, we are not on trial.....
Well, not officially, anyways. In the court of public opinion and in the world of public sentiment we are guilty---nay, evildoers--from the Tiber to East Timor, from Nova Scotia to New Zealand, from Bolivia to Borneo and every alliterated geographical location in between. As an AMERICAN this shames me.
We are hostages to a bunch of twisted, spoiled, cowardly FRAT BOYS using our nation and abusing it's reputation, resources, and potential to play their absurd fascist form of "Risk".
Monday, August 28, 2006
What I'm Watching #29
"Ma Vie en Rose" is a movie about how life IS -- initiated from the point of view of the ultimate outcast: a little boy who sees the world from his perspective as a girl. It's an amazingly courageous film that depicts the rifts that his confused, innocent, and incessant choices exact upon his family. And how his family grows along with him into a more cohesive and whole entity.
Hight production values. Surrealistic moments. An A-typical ending (for a French/Belgian film....the Belgian influence, no doubt! -- It's a little happy, a little hopeful....)
Every teacher, social worker, school counselor, and progressive ordained person SHOULD see this film as a fundimental aspect of their education. Period.
Hight production values. Surrealistic moments. An A-typical ending (for a French/Belgian film....the Belgian influence, no doubt! -- It's a little happy, a little hopeful....)
Every teacher, social worker, school counselor, and progressive ordained person SHOULD see this film as a fundimental aspect of their education. Period.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Mr. S. Sketch, 1990
I happened upon an old sketch book of mine and several sketches of my dearest friend, Mr. S. We shared a home briefly back in 1989-1990, prior to his marriage. Whenever I stumble upon one of these old notebooks it makes me wish I had the time to draw again...there's always retirement!
Goings On About Town
Another reason to love "The New Yorker" magazine. Each issue has a page featuring five events happening during the week. And each of these pages always features a lush photo. Here are three from this summer's offerings. Bravo, TNY photographers!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Our Latest American Hero #33
Army Spc. Jose Zamora, 24, of Sunland Park, N.M.; assigned to the 2nd Brigade Troop Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; killed Aug. 6 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee while conducting combat operations in Baghdad. Also killed were Sgt. Carlton A. Clark and Staff Sgt. Stephen A. Seale.
"Flags Flown At Half-staff To Honor Soldier"
SANTA FE — Gov. Bill Richardson on Wednesday ordered flags across the state to fly at half-staff in honor of a 24-year-old soldier from Sunland Park who was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq.
Army Cpl. Jose Zamora’s tour in Iraq was set to end next month and he planned to return home to southern New Mexico. He was assigned to the 2nd Brigade Troop Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.
Zamora joined the Army in 2003 and deployed to Iraq last year. He graduated in 2000 from Santa Teresa High School, where he played the clarinet in the marching band, learned to play guitar and was on the tennis team.
Family members said he planned to get married in January and hoped to work for the U.S. Customs Service or Border Patrol.
Richardson’s executive order calls for flags to fly at half-staff from Thursday until sundown Friday.
Zamora is survived by his parents Anna Maria and Jose I. Zamora, sisters Anabel Zamora-Gibson and Diana Zamora and his fiancee Nadine Robles.
"Flags Flown At Half-staff To Honor Soldier"
SANTA FE — Gov. Bill Richardson on Wednesday ordered flags across the state to fly at half-staff in honor of a 24-year-old soldier from Sunland Park who was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq.
Army Cpl. Jose Zamora’s tour in Iraq was set to end next month and he planned to return home to southern New Mexico. He was assigned to the 2nd Brigade Troop Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.
Zamora joined the Army in 2003 and deployed to Iraq last year. He graduated in 2000 from Santa Teresa High School, where he played the clarinet in the marching band, learned to play guitar and was on the tennis team.
Family members said he planned to get married in January and hoped to work for the U.S. Customs Service or Border Patrol.
Richardson’s executive order calls for flags to fly at half-staff from Thursday until sundown Friday.
Zamora is survived by his parents Anna Maria and Jose I. Zamora, sisters Anabel Zamora-Gibson and Diana Zamora and his fiancee Nadine Robles.
Angriest Cities In The United States?
MSN has an article that takes into account three factors from recent data in order to calculate the "Angriest Cities in America". The touch points are percentage and degree of High Bloodpressure; the severity and frequency of Road Rage; and the percentage of Workplace Deaths from assault and other violence.
Here's their conclusions.
1. Orlando, FL
2. St. Petersburg, FL
3. Detroit, MI
4. Baltimore, MD
5. Nashville, TN
6. Wilmington, DE
7. Miami, FL
8. Memphis, TN
9. Jacksonville, FL
10. St. Louis, MO
11. Chicago, IL
12. Tampa, FL
13. Jackson, MS
14. Albuquerque, NM
15. Charlotte, NC
And here's my questions: What percentage of the total score was determined by blood pressure? As we age, we experience higher blood pressure and a lot of these cities are places where elderly Americans retire to. Additionally, African American also experience higher levels of blood pressure. Many of these cities have significant Black populations. Elderly people drive more cautiously and more incorrectly, which fuels the anger of others on the road, especially on roads designed for high speed travel. These studies may be interesting, but they are rarely thorough.
Anecdotally, I visit Baltmore a couple of dozen times a year to be with friends and visit museums and I have yet to encounter an "Angry" person!
Here's their conclusions.
1. Orlando, FL
2. St. Petersburg, FL
3. Detroit, MI
4. Baltimore, MD
5. Nashville, TN
6. Wilmington, DE
7. Miami, FL
8. Memphis, TN
9. Jacksonville, FL
10. St. Louis, MO
11. Chicago, IL
12. Tampa, FL
13. Jackson, MS
14. Albuquerque, NM
15. Charlotte, NC
And here's my questions: What percentage of the total score was determined by blood pressure? As we age, we experience higher blood pressure and a lot of these cities are places where elderly Americans retire to. Additionally, African American also experience higher levels of blood pressure. Many of these cities have significant Black populations. Elderly people drive more cautiously and more incorrectly, which fuels the anger of others on the road, especially on roads designed for high speed travel. These studies may be interesting, but they are rarely thorough.
Anecdotally, I visit Baltmore a couple of dozen times a year to be with friends and visit museums and I have yet to encounter an "Angry" person!
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Two Takes on Modern Love
These are two links to two short films sent to me by a friend.
I laughed out loud at the first one, and found the second one very clever.
Their links are:
for "CONSENT": http://www.atomfilms.com/af/content/consent
And for "LOVE": http://www.atomfilms.com/af/content/intel_edit
Both are archived at Atomfilms.com which is a great website for viewing independent and avant garde films.
I laughed out loud at the first one, and found the second one very clever.
Their links are:
for "CONSENT": http://www.atomfilms.com/af/content/consent
And for "LOVE": http://www.atomfilms.com/af/content/intel_edit
Both are archived at Atomfilms.com which is a great website for viewing independent and avant garde films.
Monday, August 21, 2006
What I'm Watching #28
I was absolutely thrilled to see this American Playhouse, theatrical film adaptation of the Terrence McNally play "Andre's Mother," available on video. As a movie, it views like a play. It's principles shine here with such dramatic restraint and power. Sada Thompson and Richard Thomas are brilliant: and their supporting cast is amazing.
The premise is set as a series of flashbacks triggered by the words spoken at Andre's memorial service. At one point early on, a friend performs "L'Amero, Saro Costante" from "Il Re Pastore," an obscure opera by Mozart (kershall #208). It's one of the most amazing aria's ever written. I never tire of listening to it.
It's a play whose lines became a language unto itself in my one significant relationship. "Don't pull a face, Katherine." meant: Please, don't be angry with me. "I had no idea how bitter about life your were" (response) "Neither did I!" meant: Don't be an asshole about this or that. "I believe in self-expression; I just think that it ought to mean something to someone else." meant: Am I wrong, but isn't this weird? Or, Do you get it? And on an on. Like Capt. Picard with the Darmok, a literary illusion spoken in a simple phrase bore the power of nuance and meaning that both conveyed a world of shared "knowings" and on occasion defused a difficult moment.
How we all use words assembled for one purpose to bring meaning to others, and how profound such words become in relationships in which they also represent shared experiences, shared understandings, shared lives....is a layer that makes this DVD a very intense one for me.
Still learning to let go of balloons.
The premise is set as a series of flashbacks triggered by the words spoken at Andre's memorial service. At one point early on, a friend performs "L'Amero, Saro Costante" from "Il Re Pastore," an obscure opera by Mozart (kershall #208). It's one of the most amazing aria's ever written. I never tire of listening to it.
It's a play whose lines became a language unto itself in my one significant relationship. "Don't pull a face, Katherine." meant: Please, don't be angry with me. "I had no idea how bitter about life your were" (response) "Neither did I!" meant: Don't be an asshole about this or that. "I believe in self-expression; I just think that it ought to mean something to someone else." meant: Am I wrong, but isn't this weird? Or, Do you get it? And on an on. Like Capt. Picard with the Darmok, a literary illusion spoken in a simple phrase bore the power of nuance and meaning that both conveyed a world of shared "knowings" and on occasion defused a difficult moment.
How we all use words assembled for one purpose to bring meaning to others, and how profound such words become in relationships in which they also represent shared experiences, shared understandings, shared lives....is a layer that makes this DVD a very intense one for me.
Still learning to let go of balloons.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
What I'm Watching #27
Big day for videos. This was the second of my two "brother" flicks (the first "Los Jornaleros" WIW #26).
"Three Dancing Slaves" (2004) is a savvy and well constructed film that chronicles the lives of three adult brothers who are trying to survive the death of their mother in the shadow of their milk-toast father. It's a carnival of wounded souls.
And it's French so there is no puppy or caught football in the end. Just life moving forward without a plan or guidance. Like where cause produces effects, and the occasional act of kindness or betrayal seems to come out of no where and from the least expected place.
High production values, painful at times. Keep the kleenex handy, but don't avoid the chance to see it. Reviews on the package call it "sexiest mainstream gay movie ever." Might be a bit over the top, but Nicolas Cazalé who portrays the middle brother, Marc, is one of the out and out sexiest men I've seen in a movie in a long time and busy (he has three films debuting in 2007). Also fans of "Come Undone" will appreciate seeing Stéphane Rideau again (an actor who has not made a film since).
"Three Dancing Slaves" (2004) is a savvy and well constructed film that chronicles the lives of three adult brothers who are trying to survive the death of their mother in the shadow of their milk-toast father. It's a carnival of wounded souls.
And it's French so there is no puppy or caught football in the end. Just life moving forward without a plan or guidance. Like where cause produces effects, and the occasional act of kindness or betrayal seems to come out of no where and from the least expected place.
High production values, painful at times. Keep the kleenex handy, but don't avoid the chance to see it. Reviews on the package call it "sexiest mainstream gay movie ever." Might be a bit over the top, but Nicolas Cazalé who portrays the middle brother, Marc, is one of the out and out sexiest men I've seen in a movie in a long time and busy (he has three films debuting in 2007). Also fans of "Come Undone" will appreciate seeing Stéphane Rideau again (an actor who has not made a film since).
Saturday, August 19, 2006
God Works In Mysterious Ways
I know my friends at school would see nothing unusual about God performing a miracle vis a vis chocolate. There are still some among even my dearest and longest-suffering colleagues who find the fact that I don't particular like chocolate sacreligious.
This "miracle" is from the chocolate drippings that formed under a vat at "Bodega Chocolates". And who's to say? It's appearance will no doubt be a blessing to the bottom line at Bodega Chocolates! But my friend, Mr. V., sums it up this way, "It looks like poop to me."
This "miracle" is from the chocolate drippings that formed under a vat at "Bodega Chocolates". And who's to say? It's appearance will no doubt be a blessing to the bottom line at Bodega Chocolates! But my friend, Mr. V., sums it up this way, "It looks like poop to me."
What I'm Watching #26
Among my new DVD's are a couple of "brother" films. This one shot in both Spanish and English "Los Jornaleros" tells the story of three cousins from Mexico who come to America illegially in search of the better life. They start out as day laborers, and end up moving in directions that strain and break the bonds of love and family that they share. One comes to terms with his gay sexuality, another finds and then looses the love of his life, and the third joins in the drug trade. In the end, all is made right again, but only after a crisis that nearly ends the trio for good. With luck and forgiveness, grace and acceptance, they do discover that dreams still do come true.
It's a very sweet film.
It's a very sweet film.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
What I'm Listening To #15
Ecclectic is my nature.
Michael Bublé certainly fits the bill. Such a beautiful Jazz voice. Not so completely honed as Harry Connick, Jr.; but on another level ~ purer, simpler, truer to the innocence of early Sinatra, Tomé, Bennett.
Easier on the ears than the eyes.--and he's some very sweet eye candy! An artist whose career is more than worth encouraging by the simple act of patronage. Buy "It's Time" and then relax with it.
Ciao!
Michael Bublé certainly fits the bill. Such a beautiful Jazz voice. Not so completely honed as Harry Connick, Jr.; but on another level ~ purer, simpler, truer to the innocence of early Sinatra, Tomé, Bennett.
Easier on the ears than the eyes.--and he's some very sweet eye candy! An artist whose career is more than worth encouraging by the simple act of patronage. Buy "It's Time" and then relax with it.
Ciao!
What I'm Watching #25
Yes, I got another order in of DVD's!
"Adam & Steve" is produced by the same people who brought us "Latter Days" which I found to be an amazing movie that everyone should see. I'm not as universally enthusiastic about A&S, but given the fact that it is meant to be a farce, I am by no means saying don't find a way to see it.
The weakest part of the movie is the beginning, which is really unfortunate given how important first impressions can be! And it's a matter of actors who are in their mid to late thirties, who could easily play mid to late fifties with a little community theatre latex and make-up, trying to play 21.... I know that's not a nice thing to say, but hey, if I am to have any integrity in these commentaries, it HAD to be said. In fact, Craig Chester (Adam) looked younger in his park ranger outfit as a 38 year old washed up coke addict, than he did in white-face Goth devotee mode, as his 21 year old drug free former self. Not exactly consistant with an egg in a hot skillet.....
The supporting duo of Chris Kattan and Parker Posy provide some of the funniest moments in the movie, and it is not without it's poignant pricks (no pun intended!). Scenes featuring quirky minor characters are also humorous, most notably, Adam's "unlucky cursed" family.
At times playing like an SNL skit and at others reaching for something far more polished, given half a suspension of belief, you actually come to like the characters enough to allow the ending to affect you....i. e. when is a good happy cry not a good thing? Kleenex alert!
Worth the rental, glad I bought it, works best with a glass of wine.
"Adam & Steve" is produced by the same people who brought us "Latter Days" which I found to be an amazing movie that everyone should see. I'm not as universally enthusiastic about A&S, but given the fact that it is meant to be a farce, I am by no means saying don't find a way to see it.
The weakest part of the movie is the beginning, which is really unfortunate given how important first impressions can be! And it's a matter of actors who are in their mid to late thirties, who could easily play mid to late fifties with a little community theatre latex and make-up, trying to play 21.... I know that's not a nice thing to say, but hey, if I am to have any integrity in these commentaries, it HAD to be said. In fact, Craig Chester (Adam) looked younger in his park ranger outfit as a 38 year old washed up coke addict, than he did in white-face Goth devotee mode, as his 21 year old drug free former self. Not exactly consistant with an egg in a hot skillet.....
The supporting duo of Chris Kattan and Parker Posy provide some of the funniest moments in the movie, and it is not without it's poignant pricks (no pun intended!). Scenes featuring quirky minor characters are also humorous, most notably, Adam's "unlucky cursed" family.
At times playing like an SNL skit and at others reaching for something far more polished, given half a suspension of belief, you actually come to like the characters enough to allow the ending to affect you....i. e. when is a good happy cry not a good thing? Kleenex alert!
Worth the rental, glad I bought it, works best with a glass of wine.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Our Latest American Hero #32
Navy Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class (Petty Officer 2nd Class) Marc A. Lee, 28, of Hood River, Ore.; a member of a West Coast-based SEAL Team; killed Aug. 2 during combat operations while on patrol in Ramadi, Iraq.
“Navy SEAL From Hood River Died Saving His Team Members”
Marc Alan Lee, 28, was killed while on active duty in Ramadi. His mother, Debbie Lee, said her son staged an offensive diversion in a moment of crisis. He reportedly made the decision to sacrifice his life after another SEAL was hit by sniper fire and several men were trapped inside a building.
“It was so like Marc to give up his life to save his friends. I am so proud of him — he is my hero,” said Lee.
She said Marc lived with a strong Christian belief that he was here to make a difference for the good. It was that commitment to God that led her son into the military. And then gave him strength during the grueling training to become a member of the elite Special Forces team.
“He’s up in heaven now and I can get through this because I know that I will see him again. It’s the here and now that’s hard,” said Lee.
Marc was home schooled for much of his education. But also attended Horizon Christian School and played soccer with the Hood River Valley High School team. Four years ago he married Maya Elbaum and they made their home in New York.
Debbie, who moved to Arizona in December, said a local memorial service could be planned once all of the details of her son’s burial are decided upon.
“Marc touched lives everywhere he went because of the person that he was. He will be missed,” she said.
Lee said in spite of coping with the grief of losing a beloved son, she still believes that America needs to be engaged in the war on terrorism. She said it was his patriotic desire to defend his countrymen that led Marc into the fatal battle. Out of respect for him, and other military members making the ultimate sacrifice, Lee said the job needs to be finished and not abandoned.
“I still believe it is right for us to be there. I wish the media would do a better job of reporting on the good things that are happening for the Iraq people because of us,” Lee said.
Until recently, Lee’s oldest son, Kris, 32, was also on active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps. Her son-in-law, Chris Wells, is an Army veteran.
“Gov. Kulongoski Writes About The Service For Marc Lee”
Gov. Kulongoski, who went to San Diego on Saturday to attend the service for Navy SEAL Marc Lee of Hood River, sent the following note about the experience:
"I wanted to let you know about the memorial service for Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Marc A. Lee this past Saturday at the Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego. I flew down to San Diego early Saturday morning on military transportation. I was assigned a Navy Commander named Roger Meek. He is the nephew of John Meek who served in the Oregon Legislature in, I think, the late 80's and early 90's from Hillsboro. They are descendants of the Meeks who came to the Oregon Territory in the 1840's.
"The Commander grew up in Tacoma but knows a great deal about his family and Oregon. He has been in the Navy about 26 years and is the Commanding Officer, Naval Special Warfare Operational Support Team One out of San Diego. He was an enlisted man for the first ten years of his Navy career and then got his B.A. and became an officer. A very interesting person and I njoyed him very much.
"I was told that there are about 2,000 Navy SEAL's in the U.S. Navy and Petty Officer Lee was the first to die in Iraq. They have lost 16 SEAL's in Afghanistan including another Oregonian, Petty Officer First Class Jeffery Lucas. He died in June of 2005.
"Half of them must have been in the Base Chapel for the service. They are a very professional and proud group of sailors. The camaraderie and esprit de corps was overwhelming. The service lasted for about an hour and 45 minutes and was very moving. A number of SEALs spoke, including three of his teammates who were flown home from Iraq for the service. A lot of shaved heads and they all sat ramrod straight throughout the service. I have never een so many Admirals in one room in my life. I sat in a pew next to two Lieutenant Admirals who flew in from Washington D.C. Petty Officer Lee's mother spoke and is a very religious person. I understand Marc was very religious. He had been married for about 4 years to a woman from upstate New York who is a fashion designer. I spent some time with her and found her a wonderful person. They did not have any children.
"Petty Officer Lee was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and numerous other decorations. He was a real hero. He was the SAW gunner for his team and was very well respected by his teammates. He was an outstanding SEAL and human being. They said he was first in his class at Navy SEAL School. They read some letters he had written to his family and they were very moving.
"I am glad I went....”
“Navy SEAL From Hood River Died Saving His Team Members”
Marc Alan Lee, 28, was killed while on active duty in Ramadi. His mother, Debbie Lee, said her son staged an offensive diversion in a moment of crisis. He reportedly made the decision to sacrifice his life after another SEAL was hit by sniper fire and several men were trapped inside a building.
“It was so like Marc to give up his life to save his friends. I am so proud of him — he is my hero,” said Lee.
She said Marc lived with a strong Christian belief that he was here to make a difference for the good. It was that commitment to God that led her son into the military. And then gave him strength during the grueling training to become a member of the elite Special Forces team.
“He’s up in heaven now and I can get through this because I know that I will see him again. It’s the here and now that’s hard,” said Lee.
Marc was home schooled for much of his education. But also attended Horizon Christian School and played soccer with the Hood River Valley High School team. Four years ago he married Maya Elbaum and they made their home in New York.
Debbie, who moved to Arizona in December, said a local memorial service could be planned once all of the details of her son’s burial are decided upon.
“Marc touched lives everywhere he went because of the person that he was. He will be missed,” she said.
Lee said in spite of coping with the grief of losing a beloved son, she still believes that America needs to be engaged in the war on terrorism. She said it was his patriotic desire to defend his countrymen that led Marc into the fatal battle. Out of respect for him, and other military members making the ultimate sacrifice, Lee said the job needs to be finished and not abandoned.
“I still believe it is right for us to be there. I wish the media would do a better job of reporting on the good things that are happening for the Iraq people because of us,” Lee said.
Until recently, Lee’s oldest son, Kris, 32, was also on active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps. Her son-in-law, Chris Wells, is an Army veteran.
“Gov. Kulongoski Writes About The Service For Marc Lee”
Gov. Kulongoski, who went to San Diego on Saturday to attend the service for Navy SEAL Marc Lee of Hood River, sent the following note about the experience:
"I wanted to let you know about the memorial service for Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Marc A. Lee this past Saturday at the Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego. I flew down to San Diego early Saturday morning on military transportation. I was assigned a Navy Commander named Roger Meek. He is the nephew of John Meek who served in the Oregon Legislature in, I think, the late 80's and early 90's from Hillsboro. They are descendants of the Meeks who came to the Oregon Territory in the 1840's.
"The Commander grew up in Tacoma but knows a great deal about his family and Oregon. He has been in the Navy about 26 years and is the Commanding Officer, Naval Special Warfare Operational Support Team One out of San Diego. He was an enlisted man for the first ten years of his Navy career and then got his B.A. and became an officer. A very interesting person and I njoyed him very much.
"I was told that there are about 2,000 Navy SEAL's in the U.S. Navy and Petty Officer Lee was the first to die in Iraq. They have lost 16 SEAL's in Afghanistan including another Oregonian, Petty Officer First Class Jeffery Lucas. He died in June of 2005.
"Half of them must have been in the Base Chapel for the service. They are a very professional and proud group of sailors. The camaraderie and esprit de corps was overwhelming. The service lasted for about an hour and 45 minutes and was very moving. A number of SEALs spoke, including three of his teammates who were flown home from Iraq for the service. A lot of shaved heads and they all sat ramrod straight throughout the service. I have never een so many Admirals in one room in my life. I sat in a pew next to two Lieutenant Admirals who flew in from Washington D.C. Petty Officer Lee's mother spoke and is a very religious person. I understand Marc was very religious. He had been married for about 4 years to a woman from upstate New York who is a fashion designer. I spent some time with her and found her a wonderful person. They did not have any children.
"Petty Officer Lee was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and numerous other decorations. He was a real hero. He was the SAW gunner for his team and was very well respected by his teammates. He was an outstanding SEAL and human being. They said he was first in his class at Navy SEAL School. They read some letters he had written to his family and they were very moving.
"I am glad I went....”
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
What I'm Watching #24
I remember when I first found this play and read it many years ago now. It really touched me as a read, and so when I found that it had been made into a theatrical/movie, I bought it. As an off-broadway play, it holds the distinction as being the longest running one-person production. It tells the stories of the author and actor, David Drake and his journey as a gay man. Childhood awareness, the first kiss, the Kramer kiss!, the theater bug, the AIDs epidemic, the unapologetic sex, the fantasy future. All well done. I laughed, and yes, I did cry. Same reaction that I had to the book. Like finding an old friend.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
"I (duh) Like The Cookie"
And I like the movie!
The premise is actually very simple. The animation, standard fare for the most part. So where does "Over The Hedge" make points?
First the Cast: Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling, Wanda Sikes, William Shatner, Alison Janney, Steve Carrell, Nick Nolte, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Thomas Haden Church, Avril Lavigne, and Omid Djalili. Each voice is unique and very well adapted to the characters. Some choices are interesting: Nolte, for example, as the voracious inept exterminator...er, that's "verminator"; and some very safe, Sikes, she's got one of the most distinctive tambours in Hollywood; and still others are gifts: Shatner, who's overly dramatic portrayal is both spot on and self-referential. I only wish that Janney wasn't the villain.... just love her work on West Wing and other shows.
And second, are a few moments of genius. The most glaring of which is the recalibration of time experienced by the universe as the result of giving Hammy, the hyperactive squirrel, a caffeine laced soft drink. HI-larious!
Not as well crafted in plot and character development as "Cars," but not nearly as long either! And well worth every minute!
The premise is actually very simple. The animation, standard fare for the most part. So where does "Over The Hedge" make points?
First the Cast: Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling, Wanda Sikes, William Shatner, Alison Janney, Steve Carrell, Nick Nolte, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Thomas Haden Church, Avril Lavigne, and Omid Djalili. Each voice is unique and very well adapted to the characters. Some choices are interesting: Nolte, for example, as the voracious inept exterminator...er, that's "verminator"; and some very safe, Sikes, she's got one of the most distinctive tambours in Hollywood; and still others are gifts: Shatner, who's overly dramatic portrayal is both spot on and self-referential. I only wish that Janney wasn't the villain.... just love her work on West Wing and other shows.
And second, are a few moments of genius. The most glaring of which is the recalibration of time experienced by the universe as the result of giving Hammy, the hyperactive squirrel, a caffeine laced soft drink. HI-larious!
Not as well crafted in plot and character development as "Cars," but not nearly as long either! And well worth every minute!
Saturday, August 12, 2006
My Heaven, too
I just got off of the phone with a friend who’s working through the imminent death of someone who is very dear to them. Listening to her recall the depth of their friendship and knowing that it has been a long and mutual relationship between kindred spirits, I felt the hollowed ground upon which I was being asked to stand. Theirs is the kind of friendship that even though they don’t live in physical proximity to one another, the sense of caring and comfort is still most intimate.
It’s times like this when one’s religion meets the road. And as we are both people of Christian sensibilities, but not of that seemingly dominant faction who live their faith blindly and without apparent personhood. We neither of us made mention of God or Heaven. It would have been redundant.
Now I’m sewing and listening to CD’s as she travels some distance to be at her friend’s bed side for what will likely be the last time in this life. Ironically, I had Mary Chapin Carpenter’s “Between Here and Gone” playing when she called. The last time I had been to Wolf Trap for a concert it was with this same friend and it was this CD and singer that was featured.
One of my favorite tracks from the CD is “My Heaven”. In it, Mary muses upon what her heaven will be like, and I like it. It’s not the heaven of the evangelical or the fundamentalist....it’s just the heaven where the rest of us will hopefully land.
MY HEAVEN
by Mary Chapin Carpenter
Nothing shatters nothing breaks
Nothing hurts and nothing aches
We've got ourselves one helluva place in my heaven
Looking down at the world below
A bunch of whining, fighting schmo's
Up here we've got none of those, in my heaven
There's pools and lakes and hills and mountains
Music, art, and lighted fountains
Who needs bucks here, no one's counting
In my heaven
No one works, we all just play
We pick the weather everyday
If you change your mind, that's ok, in my heaven
Grandma's up here, Grandpa too
In a condo with to-die-for views
There's presidents and movie stars
You just come as you are
No one's lost and no one's missing
No more parting just hugs and kissing
And all these stars are just for wishing
In my heaven
There's little white lights everywhere
Your childhood dog in Dad's old chair
And more memories than my heart can hold
When Eva's singing "Fields of Gold"
There's neighbors, theives and long lost lovers
Villains, poets, kings and mothers
Up here we forgive each other, in my heaven
For every soul that's down there waiting,
Holding on, still hesitating
We say a prayer of levitating, in my heaven
You can look back at your life and lot
But it can't matter what you're not
By the time you're here, we're all we've got
In my heaven
In my heaven
In my heaven
It’s times like this when one’s religion meets the road. And as we are both people of Christian sensibilities, but not of that seemingly dominant faction who live their faith blindly and without apparent personhood. We neither of us made mention of God or Heaven. It would have been redundant.
Now I’m sewing and listening to CD’s as she travels some distance to be at her friend’s bed side for what will likely be the last time in this life. Ironically, I had Mary Chapin Carpenter’s “Between Here and Gone” playing when she called. The last time I had been to Wolf Trap for a concert it was with this same friend and it was this CD and singer that was featured.
One of my favorite tracks from the CD is “My Heaven”. In it, Mary muses upon what her heaven will be like, and I like it. It’s not the heaven of the evangelical or the fundamentalist....it’s just the heaven where the rest of us will hopefully land.
MY HEAVEN
by Mary Chapin Carpenter
Nothing shatters nothing breaks
Nothing hurts and nothing aches
We've got ourselves one helluva place in my heaven
Looking down at the world below
A bunch of whining, fighting schmo's
Up here we've got none of those, in my heaven
There's pools and lakes and hills and mountains
Music, art, and lighted fountains
Who needs bucks here, no one's counting
In my heaven
No one works, we all just play
We pick the weather everyday
If you change your mind, that's ok, in my heaven
Grandma's up here, Grandpa too
In a condo with to-die-for views
There's presidents and movie stars
You just come as you are
No one's lost and no one's missing
No more parting just hugs and kissing
And all these stars are just for wishing
In my heaven
There's little white lights everywhere
Your childhood dog in Dad's old chair
And more memories than my heart can hold
When Eva's singing "Fields of Gold"
There's neighbors, theives and long lost lovers
Villains, poets, kings and mothers
Up here we forgive each other, in my heaven
For every soul that's down there waiting,
Holding on, still hesitating
We say a prayer of levitating, in my heaven
You can look back at your life and lot
But it can't matter what you're not
By the time you're here, we're all we've got
In my heaven
In my heaven
In my heaven
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