I have these two plants that have been with me since the summer of 1989. They are called "Mother-in-Law's Tongues" so far as I know. I'm sure you're familiar with them--flat, smooth variegated leaves shooting up like swords from a common base. They are ubiquitous in offices all across the U.S., and I actually encountered some in the wild in a rainforest in Brazil, where I guess they are indigenous.
I came to adopt these guys while helping my dear friend, Mr. S., clean office buildings--a second job that helped to keep his head above water (He's a teacher by day!). We typically finished the evening by dumping the collected trash in the bins out behind the building, and on this night, as I prepared to toss the bags, I noticed these discarded plants among the rubbish. No pot. Roots exposed. Disheveled to say the least. And I took pity upon them. We've been together ever since!
My pair resides in urn-like pots and spends the winter months indoors and the rest of the year on my deck. And last year, after a relationship of 17 years, one of them bloomed! It was the most amazing thing—I’d never seen this plant bloom, didn't even know that it could.
And here it is blooming again. It’s like this gift, this acknowledgement, this intra-species “Thank you.” I know that’s crazy talk, but what the hell, sanity is way overrated!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Sunday Funnies #1
At first I thought that this must be a community only for those among us who are "Masters of Our Own Domains." But then I read the fine print: "IN THIS AREA 12pm to 12am."
Must be some kinda 'Brunch Bunch!" Cheers!
Must be some kinda 'Brunch Bunch!" Cheers!
Saturday, April 28, 2007
What I'm Listening To #24
A playful spirit with a versatile, polished voice. Natalia Fourcade gives voice to soft acoustical ballades and pounding techno dance anthems across the scope of this album. My favorite is neither: "Mirame Mirate" is just a wonderful alternative tune.
¡Muy Rico! Muy bien.
¡Muy Rico! Muy bien.
Our Latest American Hero #82
In the bloodiest Aprils of the war on Terrorism--A month that has seen a continued resurgence of deaths in Afghanistan and Iraq--this hero's story told by one of his teachers touched me deeply. Honestly, they all do....
Marine Cpl. Willie P. Celestine Jr., 21, of Lafayette, La., died April 26 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
"Teacher On Marine’s Death: ‘We’re all hurting right now.’"
Cpl. Willie Celestine had a special talent for winning people over, despite an at-times mischievous nature. That's why the death of the Marine in Iraq this week is especially hard on his family and friends in Lafayette.
"The hurt may last for a long time," said his mother, Trutie Celestine, "but our memories of Willie will last forever."
That's true, not only for the family, but for many faculty members and friends who knew Celestine at Acadiana High School.
"I didn't teach Willie, and that makes it even more remarkable that I would remember Willie so clearly," English teacher Wanda Berthelot said Friday. "He was so gregarious that many of us knew him, liked him and talked to him.
"I remember him visiting the school in uniform before he shipped out. I know he's missed by his family, but we miss kids like that, too. We're all hurting right now."
Celestine, 22, had just returned for a second tour of duty in Iraq, a return that promised more danger.
"The last time I spoke to him was Saturday," Trutie Celestine said. "He knew how dangerous it was, not like the first time. They were at risk every time they walked out. He said 'They're trying to kill us all.'
"Willie didn't tell me, but he felt he might not make it home. He told his wife and friends 'If I don't make it' - something I'm just finding out today, and it hurts."
According to his mother, Celestine and his unit were returning to Fallujah from a four-day mission when their Humvee was struck by a missile.
Trutie Celestine added that her son died of head injuries, leaving behind his wife, Aporil, and 2-year-old daughter, Nevaeh - Heaven spelled backward.
"He left college to join the Marines to take care of his family," his mom said. "He was always trying to protect people. In my opinion, it's a senseless war, but he died doing what he wanted to do."
Funeral arrangements for Celestine are uncertain, adding to the grieving family's pain.
"They told me it would take a week to get his body back in town," Trutie Celestine said. "His platoon still has his body. I'm told that's how long it generally takes in this war. I was hoping he could be returned sooner, because I can't make any arrangements until I have my child's body."
Trutie Celestine took her son to the Houston airport "the day Hurricane Katrina hit" in 2005 for his initial tour in harm's way, which lasted nine months. Willie Celestine headed back to Iraq three weeks ago, and had been there for two weeks when he was killed.
"I didn't think he would go again this soon," said Trutie Celestine, who painted a picture of her youngest child as an athletic young man with a winning personality.
"Whatever he gave in life," she said, "he gave 100 percent. He started playing baseball at 5 years old, and people said he was one of the best they'd ever seen. He plays the game like he knows it. He plays to win.
"He made up his mind to play football at Acadiana High in the 11th grade, weighing 110-120 pounds, and made the team. He broke his ankle chasing (St. Martinville's) Early Doucet. He also played basketball.
"Willie was special. He was the kind of child that makes you laugh, and he didn't stop until you loved him."
Marine Cpl. Willie P. Celestine Jr., 21, of Lafayette, La., died April 26 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
"Teacher On Marine’s Death: ‘We’re all hurting right now.’"
Cpl. Willie Celestine had a special talent for winning people over, despite an at-times mischievous nature. That's why the death of the Marine in Iraq this week is especially hard on his family and friends in Lafayette.
"The hurt may last for a long time," said his mother, Trutie Celestine, "but our memories of Willie will last forever."
That's true, not only for the family, but for many faculty members and friends who knew Celestine at Acadiana High School.
"I didn't teach Willie, and that makes it even more remarkable that I would remember Willie so clearly," English teacher Wanda Berthelot said Friday. "He was so gregarious that many of us knew him, liked him and talked to him.
"I remember him visiting the school in uniform before he shipped out. I know he's missed by his family, but we miss kids like that, too. We're all hurting right now."
Celestine, 22, had just returned for a second tour of duty in Iraq, a return that promised more danger.
"The last time I spoke to him was Saturday," Trutie Celestine said. "He knew how dangerous it was, not like the first time. They were at risk every time they walked out. He said 'They're trying to kill us all.'
"Willie didn't tell me, but he felt he might not make it home. He told his wife and friends 'If I don't make it' - something I'm just finding out today, and it hurts."
According to his mother, Celestine and his unit were returning to Fallujah from a four-day mission when their Humvee was struck by a missile.
Trutie Celestine added that her son died of head injuries, leaving behind his wife, Aporil, and 2-year-old daughter, Nevaeh - Heaven spelled backward.
"He left college to join the Marines to take care of his family," his mom said. "He was always trying to protect people. In my opinion, it's a senseless war, but he died doing what he wanted to do."
Funeral arrangements for Celestine are uncertain, adding to the grieving family's pain.
"They told me it would take a week to get his body back in town," Trutie Celestine said. "His platoon still has his body. I'm told that's how long it generally takes in this war. I was hoping he could be returned sooner, because I can't make any arrangements until I have my child's body."
Trutie Celestine took her son to the Houston airport "the day Hurricane Katrina hit" in 2005 for his initial tour in harm's way, which lasted nine months. Willie Celestine headed back to Iraq three weeks ago, and had been there for two weeks when he was killed.
"I didn't think he would go again this soon," said Trutie Celestine, who painted a picture of her youngest child as an athletic young man with a winning personality.
"Whatever he gave in life," she said, "he gave 100 percent. He started playing baseball at 5 years old, and people said he was one of the best they'd ever seen. He plays the game like he knows it. He plays to win.
"He made up his mind to play football at Acadiana High in the 11th grade, weighing 110-120 pounds, and made the team. He broke his ankle chasing (St. Martinville's) Early Doucet. He also played basketball.
"Willie was special. He was the kind of child that makes you laugh, and he didn't stop until you loved him."
Friday, April 27, 2007
Mission Accomplished?
Get active. Share this video. Discuss it with friends. Democracy is not a spectator sport.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Our Latest American Hero #81
How can 81 people represent over 3,000? How can we stand by and continue to let these patriotic Americans play the pawns for our demented President? There I said it. Explain that one to me, if you can.
I am allowing Kevin to represent his other 8 commrades in this tribute.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of nine soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Apr. 23 in As Sadah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their location.
Killed were:
Army 1st Lt. Kevin J. Gaspers, 26, of Hastings, Neb.
Army Staff Sgt. Kenneth E. Locker Jr., 28, of Wakefield, Neb.
Army Staff Sgt. William C. Moore, 27, of Benson, N.C.
Army Sgt. Randell T. Marshall, 22, of Fitzgerald, Ga.
Army Sgt. Brice A. Pearson, 32, of Phoenix, Az.
Army Sgt. Michael L. Vaughan, 20, of Otis, Ore.
Army Spc. Jerry R. King, 19, of Browersville, Ga.
Army Spc. Michael J. Rodriguez, 20, of Sanford, N.C.
Army Pfc. Garrett C. Knoll, 23, of Bad Axe, Mich.
“Hastings Native Killed In Iraq”
OMAHA -- A 26-year-old Hastings man died in Iraq Monday while serving in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, family members said Tuesday.
Katie Gaspers of Omaha struggled Tuesday evening to talk about her older brother, First Lt. Kevin Gaspers, who she said was "probably the best person ever."
Family members say they were told Tuesday morning that Gaspers died when a suicide bomber attacked his base and the roof of a building collapsed. The military had not confirmed Gaspers' death as of Tuesday evening.
Katie Gaspers said the family couldn't yet confirm whether he was one of nine soldiers killed in a Monday suicide truck bombing in Iraq, the single deadliest attack for the 82nd Airborne Division in nearly 40 years.
At Gaspers' alma mater, St. Cecilia Catholic High School, 203 high school students and 174 middle school students remembered Gaspers Tuesday at their daily Mass.
"We offered our prayers up for the Kevin and the family," said principal Marie Butler.
Officials at the school learned about Gaspers' death Tuesday morning after his family asked that a priest be sent to their house.
Gaspers played football and wrestled for St. Cecelia before he graduated in 2000, and went on to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and participate in the ROTC program.
His football coach, Carl Tesmer, remembers his perseverance, dedication and manners.
Tesmer said Gaspers was a tough, hard-nosed linebacker who probably didn't weigh 145 pounds when he started playing. Gaspers lifted weights to become stronger, and he improved.
"You always remember the kids who give you everything they've got," Tesmer said, and Gaspers was one of those.
One of the things Tesmer remembers most about Gaspers is what a gentleman he was.
"America's just lost one of its finest citizens," said Tesmer, who corresponded regularly with Gaspers while he was in Iraq.
Gaspers was just back in Hastings a few weeks ago for a visit around Easter, Tesmer said.
"The military was what he wanted," Tesmer said. "He was proud to be part of it and what he was doing."
Gaspers had been stationed in Fort Bragg, N.C., before he was deployed to Iraq last August.
Gaspers is the 42nd U.S. service member with Nebraska connections killed in Iraq or Afghanistan since the beginning of military operations following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. And Tesmer said Gaspers is the first St. Cecelia graduate to be killed in the Iraq war.
"It's a tough day with lots of tears," Tesmer said Tuesday.
Gaspers is survived by his parents, Pam and John Gaspers, and two sisters, 23-year-old Katie and 15-year-old Audrey.
I am allowing Kevin to represent his other 8 commrades in this tribute.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of nine soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Apr. 23 in As Sadah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their location.
Killed were:
Army 1st Lt. Kevin J. Gaspers, 26, of Hastings, Neb.
Army Staff Sgt. Kenneth E. Locker Jr., 28, of Wakefield, Neb.
Army Staff Sgt. William C. Moore, 27, of Benson, N.C.
Army Sgt. Randell T. Marshall, 22, of Fitzgerald, Ga.
Army Sgt. Brice A. Pearson, 32, of Phoenix, Az.
Army Sgt. Michael L. Vaughan, 20, of Otis, Ore.
Army Spc. Jerry R. King, 19, of Browersville, Ga.
Army Spc. Michael J. Rodriguez, 20, of Sanford, N.C.
Army Pfc. Garrett C. Knoll, 23, of Bad Axe, Mich.
“Hastings Native Killed In Iraq”
OMAHA -- A 26-year-old Hastings man died in Iraq Monday while serving in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, family members said Tuesday.
Katie Gaspers of Omaha struggled Tuesday evening to talk about her older brother, First Lt. Kevin Gaspers, who she said was "probably the best person ever."
Family members say they were told Tuesday morning that Gaspers died when a suicide bomber attacked his base and the roof of a building collapsed. The military had not confirmed Gaspers' death as of Tuesday evening.
Katie Gaspers said the family couldn't yet confirm whether he was one of nine soldiers killed in a Monday suicide truck bombing in Iraq, the single deadliest attack for the 82nd Airborne Division in nearly 40 years.
At Gaspers' alma mater, St. Cecilia Catholic High School, 203 high school students and 174 middle school students remembered Gaspers Tuesday at their daily Mass.
"We offered our prayers up for the Kevin and the family," said principal Marie Butler.
Officials at the school learned about Gaspers' death Tuesday morning after his family asked that a priest be sent to their house.
Gaspers played football and wrestled for St. Cecelia before he graduated in 2000, and went on to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and participate in the ROTC program.
His football coach, Carl Tesmer, remembers his perseverance, dedication and manners.
Tesmer said Gaspers was a tough, hard-nosed linebacker who probably didn't weigh 145 pounds when he started playing. Gaspers lifted weights to become stronger, and he improved.
"You always remember the kids who give you everything they've got," Tesmer said, and Gaspers was one of those.
One of the things Tesmer remembers most about Gaspers is what a gentleman he was.
"America's just lost one of its finest citizens," said Tesmer, who corresponded regularly with Gaspers while he was in Iraq.
Gaspers was just back in Hastings a few weeks ago for a visit around Easter, Tesmer said.
"The military was what he wanted," Tesmer said. "He was proud to be part of it and what he was doing."
Gaspers had been stationed in Fort Bragg, N.C., before he was deployed to Iraq last August.
Gaspers is the 42nd U.S. service member with Nebraska connections killed in Iraq or Afghanistan since the beginning of military operations following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. And Tesmer said Gaspers is the first St. Cecelia graduate to be killed in the Iraq war.
"It's a tough day with lots of tears," Tesmer said Tuesday.
Gaspers is survived by his parents, Pam and John Gaspers, and two sisters, 23-year-old Katie and 15-year-old Audrey.
Random Quote #68
"Where we love is home, home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts."
~ Oliver Wendell Holmes. 1763 - 1837
~ Oliver Wendell Holmes. 1763 - 1837
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Oh My God!
The law of unintended consequences.....my sweet Stephanie Miller and Mooks!
After the firing of Don Imus by MSNBC, the station has been trying out replacements. And from Monday to Wednesday 30 APR--2 MAY, 2007 the cast of The Stephanie Miller Show out of Los Angeles will be filling in. I love this show! I wish Stephanie, Chris, and Jim only the best, but I fear the ways in which this transition will alter their format and content.
Remember Steph, TV killed the radio......
After the firing of Don Imus by MSNBC, the station has been trying out replacements. And from Monday to Wednesday 30 APR--2 MAY, 2007 the cast of The Stephanie Miller Show out of Los Angeles will be filling in. I love this show! I wish Stephanie, Chris, and Jim only the best, but I fear the ways in which this transition will alter their format and content.
Remember Steph, TV killed the radio......
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Random Quote #67
"The body is not a home, but an inn, and that only briefly."
--Seneca, Roman philosopher, mid-1st century AD
[image: newly renovated Roman Courtyard Gallery at the MET in New York City.]
--Seneca, Roman philosopher, mid-1st century AD
[image: newly renovated Roman Courtyard Gallery at the MET in New York City.]
Our Latest American Hero #80
Army Pvt. Michael J. Slater, 19, of Scott Depot, W. Va., died Apr. 21 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle rolled over during combat operations. Slater was assigned to the 407th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
(I was surfing the web earlier this evening when I came across an article about Pvt Slater which included that fact that he and his mother picked out his casket together in the event that he should die in Iraq. It was a very touching article in a West Virginia news paper. That was about 2 hours ago, and now I can't find hide nor hair of any such article! What's going on? The one that I did find I am including along with the annotation that it was "up-dated". In my previous surf I found several articles; and on this look only a couple.....) On a side note: In Russia today, it was announced that 50% of all news stories about Russia MUST BE POSITIVE. Das Vedanya!
"Putnam County Teen Killed In Iraq"
Posted Tuesday, April 24, 2007 ; 06:16 PM
Updated Tuesday, April 24, 2007 ; 06:37 PM
Michael Slater was involved in a vehicle rollover accident.
WINFIELD -- A Putnam County teenager who was killed in Iraq is being remembered as a funny, giving individual who wanted nothing more than to be in the Army.
On Saturday, 19-year-old Private Michael Slater died in a non-hostile vehicle rollover accident in Iraq.
He had been there only a month when he was killed in a vehicle rollover accident.
"He had called me Sunday before, I could barely hear him, and he said I love you mom," said Patricia Slater, Michael's mother, adding the last words he said to her were pray for me.,
During a visit home last month, Patricia Slater said Michael sensed he might not make it back from Iraq.
She said her son was determined to succeed in the Army.
"It makes me feel better that he applied himself, and doing something he enjoyed, and he felt like he was part of a good program, and he was making progress," said Chuck Slater, Michael's father.
Slater was part of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
(I was surfing the web earlier this evening when I came across an article about Pvt Slater which included that fact that he and his mother picked out his casket together in the event that he should die in Iraq. It was a very touching article in a West Virginia news paper. That was about 2 hours ago, and now I can't find hide nor hair of any such article! What's going on? The one that I did find I am including along with the annotation that it was "up-dated". In my previous surf I found several articles; and on this look only a couple.....) On a side note: In Russia today, it was announced that 50% of all news stories about Russia MUST BE POSITIVE. Das Vedanya!
"Putnam County Teen Killed In Iraq"
Posted Tuesday, April 24, 2007 ; 06:16 PM
Updated Tuesday, April 24, 2007 ; 06:37 PM
Michael Slater was involved in a vehicle rollover accident.
WINFIELD -- A Putnam County teenager who was killed in Iraq is being remembered as a funny, giving individual who wanted nothing more than to be in the Army.
On Saturday, 19-year-old Private Michael Slater died in a non-hostile vehicle rollover accident in Iraq.
He had been there only a month when he was killed in a vehicle rollover accident.
"He had called me Sunday before, I could barely hear him, and he said I love you mom," said Patricia Slater, Michael's mother, adding the last words he said to her were pray for me.,
During a visit home last month, Patricia Slater said Michael sensed he might not make it back from Iraq.
She said her son was determined to succeed in the Army.
"It makes me feel better that he applied himself, and doing something he enjoyed, and he felt like he was part of a good program, and he was making progress," said Chuck Slater, Michael's father.
Slater was part of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
What I'm Watching #79
Movies are complex critters and their personalities depend on lots of variables. Ergo we remember them for lots of reasons. "Big Night" ought to be remembered for the amazing ensemble of actors and their subsequent chemisty. The music is great, the sets perfect, the cinematography creative and subtle. But the ensemble! Bravissimo!
Cio e un gruppo stupefacente degli attori!
Mio favorito era ~
Mark Anthony
Scott Campbell
Minnie Driver
Ian Holmes
Alison Janey
Isabella Rossellini
Tony Shaloub
Stanley Tucci......
Okay, I can't decide! They're all my favorites: i.e. an amazing ensemble. Trovi un senso vederlo!
Cio e un gruppo stupefacente degli attori!
Mio favorito era ~
Mark Anthony
Scott Campbell
Minnie Driver
Ian Holmes
Alison Janey
Isabella Rossellini
Tony Shaloub
Stanley Tucci......
Okay, I can't decide! They're all my favorites: i.e. an amazing ensemble. Trovi un senso vederlo!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
What I'm Watching #78
In the current cinema in Theaters, I'm just as dollar short and day late to the party! But this one is absolutely wonderful.
Many things to love:
1) It's well paced and not TOO long (CARS!).
2) The characters are well conceived and well voiced, as individual characters.
3) The plot is complex, integral, and comprehensible.
4) It's funny!
5) It's uplifting.
And, 6) It holds surprises that seem as obvious as the nose on your face in hindsight! Love being genuinely caught off guard!
The Negatives?
1) The Art Deco future---echoes of racial supremacy from the 1920's/2000's--perfectly manicured lawns, politically correct lives....
2) Lack of minority characters of substance (re: #1) The only possibly black character was smart enough to run an orphanage; but was she black? I couldn't tell.
A great film, that danced at the edge of perfection. Disney!~ Step over the line, for heaven's sake!!!
Many things to love:
1) It's well paced and not TOO long (CARS!).
2) The characters are well conceived and well voiced, as individual characters.
3) The plot is complex, integral, and comprehensible.
4) It's funny!
5) It's uplifting.
And, 6) It holds surprises that seem as obvious as the nose on your face in hindsight! Love being genuinely caught off guard!
The Negatives?
1) The Art Deco future---echoes of racial supremacy from the 1920's/2000's--perfectly manicured lawns, politically correct lives....
2) Lack of minority characters of substance (re: #1) The only possibly black character was smart enough to run an orphanage; but was she black? I couldn't tell.
A great film, that danced at the edge of perfection. Disney!~ Step over the line, for heaven's sake!!!
Random Quote #66
"If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men."
~ St. Francis of Assisi, 1181 - 1226
~ St. Francis of Assisi, 1181 - 1226
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Our Latest American Hero #79
To become a U.S. citizen posthumously, too.
Army Pvt. Damian Lopez Rodriguez, Tucson, Ariz. The Department of Defense announced today the death of three sailors who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died April 6 from enemy action while conducting combat operations near Kirkuk, Iraq.
"Pueblo Grad Killed In Iraq Is Awarded Citizenship"
Pfc. Damian Lopez Rodriguez was posthumously awarded U.S. citizenship Thursday, according to a U.S. Army news release.
Lopez Rodriguez was one of three soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division who were killed April 6 when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq. He was 19.
Lopez Rodriguez was born in Mexico and enlisted in the Army Sept. 14, 2005, the news release said.
The U.S. government historically has granted posthumous citizenship to non-U.S. citizen service members killed in the line of duty during wartime.
Under provisions in the 2004 National Defense Authorization Act, the citizenship is no longer simply honorary. It now includes benefits to the deceased service member's spouse, children and parents who hope to gain U.S. citizenship.
"Pfc. Lopez Rodriguez was a dedicated, honorable soldier who served this nation well," said Maj. Gen. Barbara G. Fast, commanding general of the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca, in the news release. "Awarding him U.S. citizenship honors the sacrifice he and his family have made for our country."
And I add, AMEN. May light perpetual shine upon Damian....
Army Pvt. Damian Lopez Rodriguez, Tucson, Ariz. The Department of Defense announced today the death of three sailors who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died April 6 from enemy action while conducting combat operations near Kirkuk, Iraq.
"Pueblo Grad Killed In Iraq Is Awarded Citizenship"
Pfc. Damian Lopez Rodriguez was posthumously awarded U.S. citizenship Thursday, according to a U.S. Army news release.
Lopez Rodriguez was one of three soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division who were killed April 6 when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq. He was 19.
Lopez Rodriguez was born in Mexico and enlisted in the Army Sept. 14, 2005, the news release said.
The U.S. government historically has granted posthumous citizenship to non-U.S. citizen service members killed in the line of duty during wartime.
Under provisions in the 2004 National Defense Authorization Act, the citizenship is no longer simply honorary. It now includes benefits to the deceased service member's spouse, children and parents who hope to gain U.S. citizenship.
"Pfc. Lopez Rodriguez was a dedicated, honorable soldier who served this nation well," said Maj. Gen. Barbara G. Fast, commanding general of the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca, in the news release. "Awarding him U.S. citizenship honors the sacrifice he and his family have made for our country."
And I add, AMEN. May light perpetual shine upon Damian....
Spring "Break" From My Gardens #6
Dutchman's Britches/Breeches (Dicentra Cucullaria) is a perennial favorite of hikers exploring the Appalachian Trail. But you can find wild examples of this plant in moist, woodsy places from North Dakota to New Jersey, and Quebec, Canada to Helena, Georgia. Although, they prefer more mountainous climes.
I don't have to travel any further than my backyard and no higher than 90 ft above sealevel to enjoy this interesting plant.
On a whim I bought three of them last year on sale late in the season. They were beautiful, but I wondered whether they would make it. And now they are back just as full and beautiful as last year. Enjoy.
I don't have to travel any further than my backyard and no higher than 90 ft above sealevel to enjoy this interesting plant.
On a whim I bought three of them last year on sale late in the season. They were beautiful, but I wondered whether they would make it. And now they are back just as full and beautiful as last year. Enjoy.
Spring "Break" From My Gardens #5
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
Many years ago, my ex- and I took a spring trip to visit friends in Leesburg, Virginia. The trip took us across the Potomac River via a car ferry, and I will never forget the carpet of Virginia Bluebells in all their azure splender that covered the bank of the river and enveloped the trunks of the trees. It was magical.
My first attempt at including this local Spring perennial in my humble gardens was not so blessed. They were fine the first year, and present the second, and then gone....
The blooms of this second attempt are again magical in their third season. They've also spread some and seem comfortable with their garden mates. In this image, the perspective almost suggests a "kiss" from the bluebells to a nearby celandine poppy (stylophorum diphyllum). And they really are the bluest flower I've ever seen.
Many years ago, my ex- and I took a spring trip to visit friends in Leesburg, Virginia. The trip took us across the Potomac River via a car ferry, and I will never forget the carpet of Virginia Bluebells in all their azure splender that covered the bank of the river and enveloped the trunks of the trees. It was magical.
My first attempt at including this local Spring perennial in my humble gardens was not so blessed. They were fine the first year, and present the second, and then gone....
The blooms of this second attempt are again magical in their third season. They've also spread some and seem comfortable with their garden mates. In this image, the perspective almost suggests a "kiss" from the bluebells to a nearby celandine poppy (stylophorum diphyllum). And they really are the bluest flower I've ever seen.
Spring "Break" From My Gardens #4
After nearly two weeks of uneasonably cool and often wet weather, Spring has returned to the Mid-Atlantic. All my perennials are flourishing. A few even blooming.
The flecks of pink in the mid-range of this picture are Dutchman's Britches, and the blue above the bird bath are Virginia Bluebells. In the background (now you see them in context), the pink and red of azaleas just starting to open can be seen. And amid the variagated interplay of greens are the sprouts of Phlox, Sedum, Wild Strawberries, Columbine, Adjuga, European Hawkweed, Celandine Poppies, and Pachysandra, to name the major "players."
The flecks of pink in the mid-range of this picture are Dutchman's Britches, and the blue above the bird bath are Virginia Bluebells. In the background (now you see them in context), the pink and red of azaleas just starting to open can be seen. And amid the variagated interplay of greens are the sprouts of Phlox, Sedum, Wild Strawberries, Columbine, Adjuga, European Hawkweed, Celandine Poppies, and Pachysandra, to name the major "players."
What I'm Watching #77
"Mil Nubes de Paz cercan el Cielo (a thousand clouds of peace)" by director Julián Hernández will simply take your breath away. It is one of the most elegantly conceived movies I have ever seen. Señor Henández' sense of "Cinema as Art" takes cinema to a new level.
Filmed in black and white, and with such a tender ear for sound, the film is not simply a story revealed by actors, but an experience in which every noise, every camera angel, every piece of clothing, indeed, every light, every shadow is rife with meaning both metaphorical and profound.
The synopsis on the back of the DVD case might or might not peek your curiousity: (Gerardo, a gay teenager, roams the streets of Mexico City in search of someone able to reveal the secret, hidden between the lines of a goodbye letter from his ex-lover. In his journey through barren alleys and roadways, he is haunted by images: each masculine body he sees reminds him of his lover.) But the movie will so transport you to a place of such raw humanity, that when rereading the blurb after seeing it, you'll think, 'Really? That's all it was about?'
The lead actor, Juan Carlos Ortuño, as Gerardo was amazing in a role that required tremendous subtly. The supporting actors who waft in and out the story were likewise wonderful, I was especially touched the performance of Perla de la Rosa as Anna, Gerardo's mother.
Also, I'm going name a few of the others responsible off camera for the beauty of this film: Diego Arizmendi, Director of Photography; Carolina Jiménez, Art Director; and Enrique L. Rendón, Sound Director. Kudus to all.
My final thought, the film left me in tears, only I couldn't figure out if I was crying because I was happy or sad.
Filmed in black and white, and with such a tender ear for sound, the film is not simply a story revealed by actors, but an experience in which every noise, every camera angel, every piece of clothing, indeed, every light, every shadow is rife with meaning both metaphorical and profound.
The synopsis on the back of the DVD case might or might not peek your curiousity: (Gerardo, a gay teenager, roams the streets of Mexico City in search of someone able to reveal the secret, hidden between the lines of a goodbye letter from his ex-lover. In his journey through barren alleys and roadways, he is haunted by images: each masculine body he sees reminds him of his lover.) But the movie will so transport you to a place of such raw humanity, that when rereading the blurb after seeing it, you'll think, 'Really? That's all it was about?'
The lead actor, Juan Carlos Ortuño, as Gerardo was amazing in a role that required tremendous subtly. The supporting actors who waft in and out the story were likewise wonderful, I was especially touched the performance of Perla de la Rosa as Anna, Gerardo's mother.
Also, I'm going name a few of the others responsible off camera for the beauty of this film: Diego Arizmendi, Director of Photography; Carolina Jiménez, Art Director; and Enrique L. Rendón, Sound Director. Kudus to all.
My final thought, the film left me in tears, only I couldn't figure out if I was crying because I was happy or sad.
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