Tonight as you and I lay our heads down upon our pillows for a good night's rest there is a fact that we should ponder. The number of Black men between the ages of 18 and 23 who will join us in this nightly ritual from Prison cells far exceeds those who will lay their heads down in College dormitories.
I find this completely unacceptable. It shames me as an American, and I only wish I could add that it shocks me, but it doesn't. It's just one more legacy of our Racist History. A history that needs to be actively reversed by national initiatives and reparations!
There was a time when we appeared to be moving in the right direction; but no more. We are now at war with ourselves on so many levels: poverty, culture, race, sexuality, gender....that our nation has become officially stagnent in it's progress to achieving it's highest ideals, and practically obstinant on an individual level.
If this "shoe" were on a white foot, can you imagine the effort we would extend to find, demand, and create a solution? That's why this is first and foremost about RACISM.
Bitter-sweet Dreams......
Sunday, September 30, 2007
What I'm Watching #109
I'm into a mini-series as far as episode of 6 of 13. "I, Claudius" is one of those milestone mini-series, like "Roots". It's played out by some of the best Shakespearean actors that England had to offer back in 1976. From the likes of Derek Jacobi, Siân Phillips, and Brian Blessed to Fiona Walker, Patrick Stewart and James Faulkner...it's just a who's who of British Thespians. About the only one's of merit who do not make appearances are Helen Merrin and Judy Dench!
After six episodes, a lesson arises. Fools are made to be leaders, because fools have ideals that can be manipulated by evil people. In the first 6 episodes of this landmark BBC production the evil people have triumphed consistently. The virtuous and the innocent have been disposed of one by one; and even the fools have ended up the victims of the evil ones. And perhaps this is the essential genius of Claudius, perceived a fool, profoundly virtuous and innocent, he time and again escapes the notice (and thus the wrathful intent or nefarious purposes) of the evil forces that swarm all around him.
But I still have 7 episodes to go, so who knows where this will lead?
After six episodes, a lesson arises. Fools are made to be leaders, because fools have ideals that can be manipulated by evil people. In the first 6 episodes of this landmark BBC production the evil people have triumphed consistently. The virtuous and the innocent have been disposed of one by one; and even the fools have ended up the victims of the evil ones. And perhaps this is the essential genius of Claudius, perceived a fool, profoundly virtuous and innocent, he time and again escapes the notice (and thus the wrathful intent or nefarious purposes) of the evil forces that swarm all around him.
But I still have 7 episodes to go, so who knows where this will lead?
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
I am a charter member of this amazing institution. And they annually send members a calendar as a token of their appreciation. This year the calender is called "Art as Witness", and it outdoes all the others.
Congratulations, Mozel Tof!
Congratulations, Mozel Tof!
Monday, September 24, 2007
You Go Girl!
This is not simply must see TV -- this is BRILLIANT politics. I hardly know where to begin. Could Chris Wallace have been more of a total freaking stooge? From the first assinine question on, Hillary did three masterful things.
ONE: When he asked the ignorant, partican, neo-con endorsed questions, she fucking laughed! That was brilliant my friends. She laughed because FOX TV is silly, it's inane, it's honestly becoming more and more irrelevant as a news source, and more, frankly interesting as a comedy channel!
TWO: She spoke intelligently and forcefully to the issues. For example. she turned Chris' characterization of her health care plan as "government coersion" into "shared responsibility" and "a moral imperative."
THREE: She didn't let the little toad cut her off. In fact, she clearly intimidated his sorry little puppet heinie!
So I say, "YOU GO GIRL!"
And see for yourself at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2DUj5INniM
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUWLYNT11zw&NR=1
ONE: When he asked the ignorant, partican, neo-con endorsed questions, she fucking laughed! That was brilliant my friends. She laughed because FOX TV is silly, it's inane, it's honestly becoming more and more irrelevant as a news source, and more, frankly interesting as a comedy channel!
TWO: She spoke intelligently and forcefully to the issues. For example. she turned Chris' characterization of her health care plan as "government coersion" into "shared responsibility" and "a moral imperative."
THREE: She didn't let the little toad cut her off. In fact, she clearly intimidated his sorry little puppet heinie!
So I say, "YOU GO GIRL!"
And see for yourself at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2DUj5INniM
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUWLYNT11zw&NR=1
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Art I'm Seeing #20
Edward Hopper is in town, fresh from his recent visit in Boston! And he's magnificent.
The show is at the National Gallery of Art through January 21st and then he's off to Chicago. And although today was my first visit with the master, it won't be my last. There is so much about his works that I want to study while I have this chance.
First impressions: 1) He was the consummate outsider by his own choosing, and yet his connections to other artists both past, contemporary, and present is fascinating. From Winslow Homer and John Singer Sergeant to Rockwell Kent to Richard Deibenkorn and even Chris Van Allsberg. 2) His utter mastery of the duality between inner and outer spaces and worlds, both natural and psychological is both hypnotic and enigmatic. And, 3) The works are just so damn beautiful!
More later, perhaps...
The show is at the National Gallery of Art through January 21st and then he's off to Chicago. And although today was my first visit with the master, it won't be my last. There is so much about his works that I want to study while I have this chance.
First impressions: 1) He was the consummate outsider by his own choosing, and yet his connections to other artists both past, contemporary, and present is fascinating. From Winslow Homer and John Singer Sergeant to Rockwell Kent to Richard Deibenkorn and even Chris Van Allsberg. 2) His utter mastery of the duality between inner and outer spaces and worlds, both natural and psychological is both hypnotic and enigmatic. And, 3) The works are just so damn beautiful!
More later, perhaps...
What I'm Watching #108
It's been a real DVD weekend. "2 x 4" is essentially an Irish film shot in both Dublin and New York, but set in New York. It was produced in 1998; but feels like something out of the 1970's. The plot is another pshycholoical/sexual struggle. The lead bats for both teams, but due to a dark secret from his childhood spends most of his time on the bench.
It's a so-so film. The lead is played by its writer/director/producer...which explains a lot. Sometimes one man's dream is genius and sometimes it's just myopic.
It's a so-so film. The lead is played by its writer/director/producer...which explains a lot. Sometimes one man's dream is genius and sometimes it's just myopic.
Sunday Funnies #8
Well, since you got the sermon yesterday, today's time for a couple of funnies.
"Yes, Doctor, I'd agree; the bowel blockage seems to be completely gone!"
"Yes, Doctor, I'd agree; the bowel blockage seems to be completely gone!"
Saturday, September 22, 2007
What I'm Watching #107
It's turned out to be a film day. My second flick was "Boy Culture". It's being marketed as a hyper sexy gay love film.
It's gay, there are sexy moments, and in the end love trumps other considerations. But it's really a nice story. The leads are very sexy men: Derek Magyar, Jonathon Trent, and Darryl Stephens (the supper hot, Noah from Noah's Arc). If all you want is eye candy, this film delivers; but if you want an actual compelling and interesting story, you just might be pleasantly surprised.
It's gay, there are sexy moments, and in the end love trumps other considerations. But it's really a nice story. The leads are very sexy men: Derek Magyar, Jonathon Trent, and Darryl Stephens (the supper hot, Noah from Noah's Arc). If all you want is eye candy, this film delivers; but if you want an actual compelling and interesting story, you just might be pleasantly surprised.
It's a Mistake
As the United Nations prepares to kick off another year of being .... um, well whatever they do, leaders from all over the world travel to New York City to participate and pontificate. Among them will be Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad. He's a very charismatic, good-looking, and at times (when things are going his way) congenial fellow. Just the kind of guy you'd like to sit down and toss back a beer .... er, falafel with. (Sound like any other leader you know?)
He's a little self-centered at times and says crazy things to insight the support of his base. Bold-faced lies even, like the holocaust never happened, and Iraq has weapons of mass destruction -- OOPS! scratch that last one, it was one of the other leader's bold-faced big ones....
Anyway, we have a question regarding the Iranian president on the table: What is to be made of his request to visit ground zero? It's not really a question cause we already no the answer. "NO, you can't go."
I doubt Gordon Brown, or Andrea Merkel, or Ehud Olmert would have been told that it was "too dangerous". They'd have donned hard hats and had the photo-op of their dreams. But they are not the president of the last standing member of the "Axis of Evil."
Therefore the real question is, should that matter?
And that's where I have say, NO, it shouldn't. It's a mistake not to allow Mr. Ahmedinejad to visit Ground Zero. It's a mistake because it demonstrates to him and the world that the United States is acting like a hypocrite. It affirms that we have been acting more and more that way since 9/11. We talk about freedom, but we deny freedom left and right. We gut the Constitution one signing statement at a time. We hide formerly open information one government agency after another. We treat one another as guilty and in need of proof of innocence. We've turned freedom on its "Bushy" little pin-head!
London was hit. Madrid was hit. In both cases by bombings that scored relative to their populations damage and death on a par with the World Trade Center horror. Did either of these nations declare a war on global terrorism? Did either of their leaders seek to curtail or suspend tenants of the most basic rights of their citizens like trial by a jury or habeious corpus? Where those guilty of these acts apprehended by massively invading other countries and bankrupting their economies for generations to come? Did thousands, nay even hundreds, of their troop have their lives sacrificed in the effort? IF Spain and the United Kingdom can get it right, why can't we?
Under this despicable regime lead by the twice un-elected George-the-Lesser we humble Americans have fared far worse for the wear by comparison. And this latest jab at a tyrant is just one more spit in the eye of our precious ideals. Because you see, the very genius of our Constitution is that it favors no one. And when applied rightly everyone is protected and given freedom, and ESPECIALLY the freedom that is NOT available in Iran.
Now a word to you about the Iranian people. It's a personal word, and my experience is admittedly limited. I've never been to Iran. I'm sure Iran has it's fair share of idiots and despots; however, I've never met any of them.
I have met the families of boys and girls whom it has been my privilege to teach over the years: the Bhamini's, the Cherenghani's, the Rahimi's and the Kashani's to name but a few. And no other single ethnic group has been kinder, more supportive, or more generous to me. I have enjoyed lavish meals in their homes to celebrate the end of a school year, and have even been given gifts years after their children have moved on. At no time and in no way was I ever given anything in a way or at a time that could be construed to represent a bribe or an attempt to influence my assessment of their child's progress. What I have been given consistently is respect and support.
The carrot will win friends and change minds every time more effectively and profoundly than the stick. In my humble, American, and Freedom-loving opinion, we should have offered Ahmedinejad a carrot.
He's a little self-centered at times and says crazy things to insight the support of his base. Bold-faced lies even, like the holocaust never happened, and Iraq has weapons of mass destruction -- OOPS! scratch that last one, it was one of the other leader's bold-faced big ones....
Anyway, we have a question regarding the Iranian president on the table: What is to be made of his request to visit ground zero? It's not really a question cause we already no the answer. "NO, you can't go."
I doubt Gordon Brown, or Andrea Merkel, or Ehud Olmert would have been told that it was "too dangerous". They'd have donned hard hats and had the photo-op of their dreams. But they are not the president of the last standing member of the "Axis of Evil."
Therefore the real question is, should that matter?
And that's where I have say, NO, it shouldn't. It's a mistake not to allow Mr. Ahmedinejad to visit Ground Zero. It's a mistake because it demonstrates to him and the world that the United States is acting like a hypocrite. It affirms that we have been acting more and more that way since 9/11. We talk about freedom, but we deny freedom left and right. We gut the Constitution one signing statement at a time. We hide formerly open information one government agency after another. We treat one another as guilty and in need of proof of innocence. We've turned freedom on its "Bushy" little pin-head!
London was hit. Madrid was hit. In both cases by bombings that scored relative to their populations damage and death on a par with the World Trade Center horror. Did either of these nations declare a war on global terrorism? Did either of their leaders seek to curtail or suspend tenants of the most basic rights of their citizens like trial by a jury or habeious corpus? Where those guilty of these acts apprehended by massively invading other countries and bankrupting their economies for generations to come? Did thousands, nay even hundreds, of their troop have their lives sacrificed in the effort? IF Spain and the United Kingdom can get it right, why can't we?
Under this despicable regime lead by the twice un-elected George-the-Lesser we humble Americans have fared far worse for the wear by comparison. And this latest jab at a tyrant is just one more spit in the eye of our precious ideals. Because you see, the very genius of our Constitution is that it favors no one. And when applied rightly everyone is protected and given freedom, and ESPECIALLY the freedom that is NOT available in Iran.
Now a word to you about the Iranian people. It's a personal word, and my experience is admittedly limited. I've never been to Iran. I'm sure Iran has it's fair share of idiots and despots; however, I've never met any of them.
I have met the families of boys and girls whom it has been my privilege to teach over the years: the Bhamini's, the Cherenghani's, the Rahimi's and the Kashani's to name but a few. And no other single ethnic group has been kinder, more supportive, or more generous to me. I have enjoyed lavish meals in their homes to celebrate the end of a school year, and have even been given gifts years after their children have moved on. At no time and in no way was I ever given anything in a way or at a time that could be construed to represent a bribe or an attempt to influence my assessment of their child's progress. What I have been given consistently is respect and support.
The carrot will win friends and change minds every time more effectively and profoundly than the stick. In my humble, American, and Freedom-loving opinion, we should have offered Ahmedinejad a carrot.
Our Latest American Hero #101
Army Spc. Aaron J. Walker, 23, of Harker Heights, Texas; assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Vilseck, Germany; died Sept. 18 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with small-arms fire during combat operations.
“Friends Remember Harker Heights Soldier”
The family and friends of a fallen soldier from Harker Heights say he was a light in this world, a light that is now shining from heaven.
23-year-old Aaron J. "A.J." Walker was killed Tuesday in Iraq.
"I am off to Iraq. I am finally allowed to do what I believe is right," Walker had written to family and friends when he left Harker Heights in August.
"I told him, well, I'll guess I'll see you in a few years. And he said, 'Alright, we'll hang out then.' It's tough to know that he's not going to be able to come back," friend John Hails said.
Walker was killed by small arms fire during combat. He leaves behind a wife, his parents, and a brother and sister. But take one step inside Grace Christian Church, and you'll find that Walkers' family doesn't end there.
"I have one son. And I'd like to consider him another one," friend Roscoe Parr said.
"I love the guy. He was a brother, more than a friend," John Holz said.
Walker played the drums in the church band. He also helped his father, who is the church's youth pastor.
"He was always a good leader if someone is straying. If they're having a hard time, someone they can talk to," Parr said.
"He taught me a lot about life. Life lessons, you know. What it means to grow up," Holz said.
The youth group that Walker loved taught kids to take out their anger in healthy ways, like beating up junked cars. Walker decided to direct his anger toward the world's greater evils. And he decided joining the military was the best way to do it.
"I will not live in a world where evil prevails!" Walker wrote to loved ones. "If no one else will stand up against evil, then let the righteous be called upon, let them answer the call, and let the people of oppression be set FREE!"
"He was the type of person who would stand up for what he believed in, and he died standing up for what he believed in. He's a hero," Holz said.
And even though he's no longer here, that hero still manages to
conquer sadness with his happy memories.
"He never had the greatest voice, and he said that one day he's going to be able to sing with the perfect voice. And now I get to smile because I know he's singing with the perfect voice," Holz said.
“Friends Remember Harker Heights Soldier”
The family and friends of a fallen soldier from Harker Heights say he was a light in this world, a light that is now shining from heaven.
23-year-old Aaron J. "A.J." Walker was killed Tuesday in Iraq.
"I am off to Iraq. I am finally allowed to do what I believe is right," Walker had written to family and friends when he left Harker Heights in August.
"I told him, well, I'll guess I'll see you in a few years. And he said, 'Alright, we'll hang out then.' It's tough to know that he's not going to be able to come back," friend John Hails said.
Walker was killed by small arms fire during combat. He leaves behind a wife, his parents, and a brother and sister. But take one step inside Grace Christian Church, and you'll find that Walkers' family doesn't end there.
"I have one son. And I'd like to consider him another one," friend Roscoe Parr said.
"I love the guy. He was a brother, more than a friend," John Holz said.
Walker played the drums in the church band. He also helped his father, who is the church's youth pastor.
"He was always a good leader if someone is straying. If they're having a hard time, someone they can talk to," Parr said.
"He taught me a lot about life. Life lessons, you know. What it means to grow up," Holz said.
The youth group that Walker loved taught kids to take out their anger in healthy ways, like beating up junked cars. Walker decided to direct his anger toward the world's greater evils. And he decided joining the military was the best way to do it.
"I will not live in a world where evil prevails!" Walker wrote to loved ones. "If no one else will stand up against evil, then let the righteous be called upon, let them answer the call, and let the people of oppression be set FREE!"
"He was the type of person who would stand up for what he believed in, and he died standing up for what he believed in. He's a hero," Holz said.
And even though he's no longer here, that hero still manages to
conquer sadness with his happy memories.
"He never had the greatest voice, and he said that one day he's going to be able to sing with the perfect voice. And now I get to smile because I know he's singing with the perfect voice," Holz said.
What I'm Watching #106
"Juste une Question d'Amour" is that rarest of birds: A French film with a happy ending!
It's the story of Laurent (played by increadibly sweet and sexy Cyrille Thouvenin) whose character is a perpetually petulent and depressive college student who spends all his best energy pretending to be straight for his parents and other relatives. Well, that is until he meets Cédric (Stéphan Guérin-Tillié) and falls in love. Then poor Laurent twists between his affection and his deception.
It's a well told story without neat conclusions, but an ending that answers the question. Love is more powerful than either fear or hatred. Bravo!
It's the story of Laurent (played by increadibly sweet and sexy Cyrille Thouvenin) whose character is a perpetually petulent and depressive college student who spends all his best energy pretending to be straight for his parents and other relatives. Well, that is until he meets Cédric (Stéphan Guérin-Tillié) and falls in love. Then poor Laurent twists between his affection and his deception.
It's a well told story without neat conclusions, but an ending that answers the question. Love is more powerful than either fear or hatred. Bravo!
Friday, September 21, 2007
Art I'm Owning #1
A new strand, yeah!
I like art. I like original works of art. To that extent I have purchased a wide variety of artworks over the years. Like the famous postman from NYC who created an amazing collection of modernist/post-modernist works...I fantasize about having a collection that some day is note worthy. I also, an more importantly, exist in a home full of art that daily edifies my soul.
Today I picked up two of my latest members of my art family from my framer. This particular work is a duo of photos taken by Todd Boebel from a series of photos that he took back in the 1990's. He is from Akron, Ohio, and this series of industrial works was produced by exploring the grounds and rooftops of abandoned/closed factories. They reference the works of both Charles Sheeler (1883 - 1965) and Charles Demuth (1883 - 1935). And this particular set more even than others.
Todd is a gifted artist and lives and works in NYC. You need a photo. He works professionally, so check him out.
I like art. I like original works of art. To that extent I have purchased a wide variety of artworks over the years. Like the famous postman from NYC who created an amazing collection of modernist/post-modernist works...I fantasize about having a collection that some day is note worthy. I also, an more importantly, exist in a home full of art that daily edifies my soul.
Today I picked up two of my latest members of my art family from my framer. This particular work is a duo of photos taken by Todd Boebel from a series of photos that he took back in the 1990's. He is from Akron, Ohio, and this series of industrial works was produced by exploring the grounds and rooftops of abandoned/closed factories. They reference the works of both Charles Sheeler (1883 - 1965) and Charles Demuth (1883 - 1935). And this particular set more even than others.
Todd is a gifted artist and lives and works in NYC. You need a photo. He works professionally, so check him out.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Midweek Political Prognostications
In a normal election cycle, talking about the make up of a Senate with over 15 months to go would be premature in the extreme. But this is not a normal cycle. We've already waded through more debates between the candidates for President than ever before in a "normal" campaign season.
Some credit this early jump-start to the profound desire of Americans to send Bush-the-Lesser packing and on his way. To that sentiment, I add my hearty, "AMEN!" And to that zeitgeist I place my faith in this prediction.
Any party needs 60 senators to control the game. In the last election the democrats secured 49; which allowed them majority with the support of the two independents (Bernie Sanders - VT, and Joe Lieberman - CT). This gave them control of the agenda. But with Lieberman squawking and voting like a loyal Republican; holding the agenda turned out to be "window dressing": a chance to brag about how much they want to do without doing much of anything!
For the record, the bar used to be a simple majority. The most recent and current crop of Republicans redefined it as a 60/40 margin to maintain their control over the outcome. It's frustrating, but it's also short sighted. History is not a fool; those who live by the sword will fall upon its double-sided blade...
And to that end I'm predicting the following in 2008 vis-à-vis the United States senate:
1) All of the 11 currently held Democratic seats will remain safely in the BLUE column. I believe this will happen even if Senator Biden of Delaware retires. And thanks to Senator Vitter's sexual hypocrisy, Mary Landrieu has moved from the most vulnerable democratic incumbent to a poster child for Integrity. Whoa whoa!~
2) The currently 3 open seats (CO, ID, VA); all formerly Republican will flip to Democrats. It’s a function of demographics. The Rocky Mountains are moving into the progressive camp and Virginia's power base is moving to the metro north -- not to mention that they have an incredibly powerful democratic candidate in former Governor Mark Warner.
3) I count another 5 Republican seats that are very vulnerable. They are (OR, AK, TX, MN, NH). Three of the incumbents are among the most incompetent members of the senate, one is entangled in a corruption campaign up his whazoo; and the other is a conservative Mormon in an increasingly progressively atheistic state.
4) Now the fun. There are another six presently held Republican seats which I believe are in "GOP" jeopardy. And the bottom line in all of them is the war. They are my "referendum" states: ME, WY, NE, KS, KY, & NC. They represent a hodge podge of realities and circumstances. Some have high profile senators (NC, KY, ME & KS); one has an open seat, and one a nearly open seat (NE & WY).
Of these, there will be no two more higher profile contests than those of Mitch McConnell of KY and Susan Collins of ME. Given the last cycle surprises in both New England and Kentucky, I wouldn't put a plug nickel on either of them!
Some credit this early jump-start to the profound desire of Americans to send Bush-the-Lesser packing and on his way. To that sentiment, I add my hearty, "AMEN!" And to that zeitgeist I place my faith in this prediction.
Any party needs 60 senators to control the game. In the last election the democrats secured 49; which allowed them majority with the support of the two independents (Bernie Sanders - VT, and Joe Lieberman - CT). This gave them control of the agenda. But with Lieberman squawking and voting like a loyal Republican; holding the agenda turned out to be "window dressing": a chance to brag about how much they want to do without doing much of anything!
For the record, the bar used to be a simple majority. The most recent and current crop of Republicans redefined it as a 60/40 margin to maintain their control over the outcome. It's frustrating, but it's also short sighted. History is not a fool; those who live by the sword will fall upon its double-sided blade...
And to that end I'm predicting the following in 2008 vis-à-vis the United States senate:
1) All of the 11 currently held Democratic seats will remain safely in the BLUE column. I believe this will happen even if Senator Biden of Delaware retires. And thanks to Senator Vitter's sexual hypocrisy, Mary Landrieu has moved from the most vulnerable democratic incumbent to a poster child for Integrity. Whoa whoa!~
2) The currently 3 open seats (CO, ID, VA); all formerly Republican will flip to Democrats. It’s a function of demographics. The Rocky Mountains are moving into the progressive camp and Virginia's power base is moving to the metro north -- not to mention that they have an incredibly powerful democratic candidate in former Governor Mark Warner.
3) I count another 5 Republican seats that are very vulnerable. They are (OR, AK, TX, MN, NH). Three of the incumbents are among the most incompetent members of the senate, one is entangled in a corruption campaign up his whazoo; and the other is a conservative Mormon in an increasingly progressively atheistic state.
4) Now the fun. There are another six presently held Republican seats which I believe are in "GOP" jeopardy. And the bottom line in all of them is the war. They are my "referendum" states: ME, WY, NE, KS, KY, & NC. They represent a hodge podge of realities and circumstances. Some have high profile senators (NC, KY, ME & KS); one has an open seat, and one a nearly open seat (NE & WY).
Of these, there will be no two more higher profile contests than those of Mitch McConnell of KY and Susan Collins of ME. Given the last cycle surprises in both New England and Kentucky, I wouldn't put a plug nickel on either of them!
Our Latest American Hero #100
Represents the nearly 3,800 men and women of our armed services who've paid in their faithfulness to their duty with the ultimate price. He comes from a small and essentially rural community in Michigan; the same sort of place that I grew up in. I find the words of his former High School principal profound and deeply moving. They cause me to wonder yet again: How much more of this gratuitous and deceptive "war" are we to endure before someone steps up and speaks the truth? How many more extraordinary Americans will be sacrificed upon the altar of greed, huberous, obfuscation and incestuous largess before those responsible for this evil are called to task? Without further ado.....
Army Spc. Todd A. Motley, 23, of Clare, Mich.; assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th U.S. Cavalry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died Sept. 14 in Baghdad, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Michael L. Townes, Spc. Jonathan Rivadeneira and Pvt. Christopher M. McCloud.
"Fallen Soldier's High School Goal Was To Enlist In Army"
Todd Motley returned to his high school last year to tell students not to give up on their goals. He came back as more than a 2003 graduate of Pioneer High School. He returned as an Army specialist -- the sum of his ambition since first walking through the doors of the alternative high school in 2001.
Motley, 23, of Clare died Friday in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, when a bomb exploded near his vehicle during combat, the U.S. Department of Defense said Monday. Muqdadiyah is about 60 miles northeast of Baghdad.
Motley entered the Army in March 2005 and was assigned in August 2005 to the 6th Squadron, 9th U.S. Cavalry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division at Ft. Hood in Texas.
"Todd was one of your once-in-a-lifetime kids -- everything you put in came back," Pioneer Principal Lori Enos said.
"We're all very empty right now. The impact of his death ... has surprised all of us. It makes the world very, very small."
Enos described Motley as creative, loyal and "outgoing but not obnoxious."
She said his character was evident the day she handed him his diploma and Quality Student Award -- an honor decided by the staff and given to only a few students at the school in Clare, about 130 miles northwest of Detroit.
"The face that I can see was a quiet sense of satisfaction," she said. "When you looked at his face, you knew he was proud of himself, but he was humble about it."
She also was impressed by the maturity with which he handled his relationship with his high school girlfriend, Karen, who became his wife.
"Karen and Todd had a very mature relationship -- it was like what you'd hope that adults would be more like," Enos said.
Army Spc. Todd A. Motley, 23, of Clare, Mich.; assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th U.S. Cavalry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died Sept. 14 in Baghdad, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Michael L. Townes, Spc. Jonathan Rivadeneira and Pvt. Christopher M. McCloud.
"Fallen Soldier's High School Goal Was To Enlist In Army"
Todd Motley returned to his high school last year to tell students not to give up on their goals. He came back as more than a 2003 graduate of Pioneer High School. He returned as an Army specialist -- the sum of his ambition since first walking through the doors of the alternative high school in 2001.
Motley, 23, of Clare died Friday in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, when a bomb exploded near his vehicle during combat, the U.S. Department of Defense said Monday. Muqdadiyah is about 60 miles northeast of Baghdad.
Motley entered the Army in March 2005 and was assigned in August 2005 to the 6th Squadron, 9th U.S. Cavalry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division at Ft. Hood in Texas.
"Todd was one of your once-in-a-lifetime kids -- everything you put in came back," Pioneer Principal Lori Enos said.
"We're all very empty right now. The impact of his death ... has surprised all of us. It makes the world very, very small."
Enos described Motley as creative, loyal and "outgoing but not obnoxious."
She said his character was evident the day she handed him his diploma and Quality Student Award -- an honor decided by the staff and given to only a few students at the school in Clare, about 130 miles northwest of Detroit.
"The face that I can see was a quiet sense of satisfaction," she said. "When you looked at his face, you knew he was proud of himself, but he was humble about it."
She also was impressed by the maturity with which he handled his relationship with his high school girlfriend, Karen, who became his wife.
"Karen and Todd had a very mature relationship -- it was like what you'd hope that adults would be more like," Enos said.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
What I'm Watching #105
First off, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Toni Collette. From "Muriel's Wedding" to "The Hours," she's just simply an amazing actor from Down Under.
And as Carla, in "Connie and Carla" she is the perfect sidekick for the talented Nia Vardalos. Add to that all the showtunes you can stomach, and a fast passed plot full of comedy, sight gags, and even a little poinancy, and you have a good movie. Top the creation with the talents of David Ducovny, Steven Spinelli and Debbie Reynolds; and good can become great!
This is a one sweet film.
And as Carla, in "Connie and Carla" she is the perfect sidekick for the talented Nia Vardalos. Add to that all the showtunes you can stomach, and a fast passed plot full of comedy, sight gags, and even a little poinancy, and you have a good movie. Top the creation with the talents of David Ducovny, Steven Spinelli and Debbie Reynolds; and good can become great!
This is a one sweet film.
A Solution!
With my new sunroom comes the question of use and then furniture.
The uses I have for it are 1) Plants, 2) Writing, and 3) Reading. I have purchased a small secretary from IKEA to act as a writing center, and the plants are a no-brainer, but the reading piece has proved more illusive. I have been shopping for chairs/love seats with no success. And then I stumbled upon this idea: A porch swing.
Brilliant!
The uses I have for it are 1) Plants, 2) Writing, and 3) Reading. I have purchased a small secretary from IKEA to act as a writing center, and the plants are a no-brainer, but the reading piece has proved more illusive. I have been shopping for chairs/love seats with no success. And then I stumbled upon this idea: A porch swing.
Brilliant!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Let's Go! ~ My, Lego....
After skirting the edge of ruin a couple of years back, Lego continues to reach new heights. Literally, as this 4 foot + tall replica of the Eiffel Tower testafies.
Vive le Lego!
Vive le Lego!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
My Quilting Ways #02
After completing my first, over-the-top, "Wordsearch," appliqué quilt....and surviving the experience; I decided to look into the process of quilt making as an art form and hobby.
My second quilt is this one. The pattern is called "Ohio Tipsy Star". I used some of the fabrics from my first extravigant production; but purchased both the subtly patterned white background and equally subtle green fabric which forms the lionshare of "stars" as unifying elements.
The "quilting" of this quilt was accomplished on my sewing macine with a very intricate pattern. It's mind boggling now how I ever managed such a feat: like someone looking back on a youthful athletic victory and thinking that someone else must have done that!
My second quilt is this one. The pattern is called "Ohio Tipsy Star". I used some of the fabrics from my first extravigant production; but purchased both the subtly patterned white background and equally subtle green fabric which forms the lionshare of "stars" as unifying elements.
The "quilting" of this quilt was accomplished on my sewing macine with a very intricate pattern. It's mind boggling now how I ever managed such a feat: like someone looking back on a youthful athletic victory and thinking that someone else must have done that!
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