Dear Adri,
It's sort of funny. It's 1:13 am, the 18th of September. 2 years ago at right about now, I remember laying in bed, trying to get to sleep and a hundred thousand thoughts whizzing through my head.
My flight reservation was made and I'd be getting on the 4:30 am shuttle to go to Atlanta to take a 6:30 am flight to Pittsburgh. My bags were packed. Everyone was alerted that I'd be leaving and off work for a few days at least.
And I lay there, in bed, unable to sleep. My best friend was going to the hospital to have her heart removed and someone else's put into her body. Someone else's child had just been declared brain dead, and as their hearts were breaking and shattering, the atrophied worn out mass of muscles that miraculously kept pumping was getting ready to let go so that someone else's child could keep you with us even a bit longer.
I think we were all so afraid, and so confused and... well so excited at the possibility that you would be able to feel better. Less weary, able to get up and go when you wanted to. We all wanted for you to feel so much better. And yet, we all knew the risks too.
It seems so long ago. A different world when I had fewer worries even though they felt tremendous at the time. I look back at those worries now and they seem to minute and distant and inconsequential.
It's hard to believe that it has been 2 years.
Last week I had to have a minor operation. Nothing even worth getting excited about. When the nurse asked why I waited so long to do it, I looked at her and said "for the past two years, I haven't had time to do anything" and I meant it. Where did the time go? I know the past two years have been a rush to fill a tremendous void but that's not the point.
It's also sort of funny. The other night I dreamed the phone rang. I answered it and it was you. We had a great conversation catching up on things. You asked my how the yard was, and what was going on with Dad, and then you said the strangest thing. You told me I probably needed to quit worrying so much. It struck me as pretty funny that you, Oh-Queen-Fretter-von-Worrisome told me that. But then I realized you were not alive any more, and maybe you had a point, and worrying wasn't the answer. I enjoyed the call by the way. It was good to hear your laugh.
I think I miss that almost most of all. The crackling song of your laughter in all it's pitches and melodies. And knowing I could call you any time of the day or night and you'd be glad to hear from me. That was really special. Thank you.
Yet, I know the people who gave you the heart of their own child are grieving tonight too.
It's sad that it's such a heart wrenching time. You never were able to write the letter to them thanking them for their sacrifice... I know they would have appreciated it. And we can't really do that for you, but we can all remember that tonight, on this auspicious anniversary, as we are missing you so much with your laughter, and sense of acceptance and mischief, and unbounded love, that because someone else was willing to find hope for a stranger in the searing haze of their own devastating loss, we also found that hope from a most generous stranger. And sharing that hope, regardless of the outcome binds us all together.
I miss you so much Adri.
Thank you for everything, including being such a tough broad.
I love you.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Dear Adri,
I need some help here. Something of an intervention on your part, if you can talk to some folks and swing it.
The house in Cleveland really, really needs to sell.
The insurance company that holds the policy on it cancelled.
The roof has to be redone by winter or it will collapse or something dire like that.
Plus there is now black mould in the basement after the rains.
And frankly, it's a drain on him and everyone else.
He left today to go up to check on it/deal with it. I've never seen him more reluctant to go. I mean, granted, he has it pretty good around here, we cook his meals, the house gets cleaned, we pay the bills. Heck, I understand that reluctance quite well. He's fretting about money, and his debts and muttering about that a lot now too. So, like anything you can do would be a big help. okay?
In a few weeks he'll start teaching. We all have our fingers crossed for that one.
And oh yeah, by the way, Happy New Year!! (The Jewish one, of course!)
Oh, and one more thing...
Please make sure that troop of angels is watching over Dad as he's driving up to Ohio.
We miss you.
By the way, next week is the 2nd anniversary of your transplant. I know you felt pretty awful that you never wrote a letter to the family of the donor. It's hard to know what to say. It's especially hard now. But I've got a little something planned to commemorate the day. Just watch this space... you'll see.
And yes, it is as silly as you are!
Miss you lots.
Love you.
Kissy Kissy!
I need some help here. Something of an intervention on your part, if you can talk to some folks and swing it.
The house in Cleveland really, really needs to sell.
The insurance company that holds the policy on it cancelled.
The roof has to be redone by winter or it will collapse or something dire like that.
Plus there is now black mould in the basement after the rains.
And frankly, it's a drain on him and everyone else.
He left today to go up to check on it/deal with it. I've never seen him more reluctant to go. I mean, granted, he has it pretty good around here, we cook his meals, the house gets cleaned, we pay the bills. Heck, I understand that reluctance quite well. He's fretting about money, and his debts and muttering about that a lot now too. So, like anything you can do would be a big help. okay?
In a few weeks he'll start teaching. We all have our fingers crossed for that one.
And oh yeah, by the way, Happy New Year!! (The Jewish one, of course!)
Oh, and one more thing...
Please make sure that troop of angels is watching over Dad as he's driving up to Ohio.
We miss you.
By the way, next week is the 2nd anniversary of your transplant. I know you felt pretty awful that you never wrote a letter to the family of the donor. It's hard to know what to say. It's especially hard now. But I've got a little something planned to commemorate the day. Just watch this space... you'll see.
And yes, it is as silly as you are!
Miss you lots.
Love you.
Kissy Kissy!
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Friday, August 31, 2007
Okay, well that's totally freaky.I talked to the folks. First of all, even just calling "them" at the same number is something I have NEVER done before in my ENTIRE LIFE. They separated before I could use the phone. So anyway, I spoke to them tonight.
They arrived safe and sound. Both sounded good. More relaxed than I 've heard either of them in a long time, and both said the drive was very nice.
Crap. This is NOT what I need.
By the way, the photo is from their honeymoon.
Oh Good Lord, help us all.
Inshallah.
Hi A!
Just a funny thing... And if any one would appreciate the oddity of it, well it would be you.
Some friends of the family are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary.
When I say "friends of the family" I mean, these were the folks who's house I stayed at many summer evenings as a very small child. The Branson's. They were probably my parents closest friends when they were still married. They were part of the meeting. They had 3 kids - a bit older than Sam and I. I remember being a small kid and playing at their house and it feeling as much like home as my own.
Anyway, their kids are throwing a celebratory shin dig for them, somewhere in the Midwest. They sent invitations to every one. So Dad got one, and my mother got one. Well, in that my folks now live about 1.5 hours apart, and are in contact, due to our household... and wanted to save money. They decided to drive up to the celebration together.
Yes. Mom and Dad in the same car for 10 - 12 hours. Each way.
I don't know if I should laugh or cry.
Actually, they have been getting along pretty well, and I have to give them credit for it. No, no rekindled romance here. (PLEASE GOD! NO!!) But a camaraderie of people who have shared a life together for 50+ years through their children.
Dad left early this morning. I talked to Mom a while ago, and she was getting ready and waiting for him.
Honestly, I would love to know how it goes. But at the same time, I don't. I just think it is sort of funny.
I just don't know if it is funny-eh? or funny- ha-ha.
If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
Oh, and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BRANSONS!! WAY TO GO!!
Just a funny thing... And if any one would appreciate the oddity of it, well it would be you.
Some friends of the family are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary.
When I say "friends of the family" I mean, these were the folks who's house I stayed at many summer evenings as a very small child. The Branson's. They were probably my parents closest friends when they were still married. They were part of the meeting. They had 3 kids - a bit older than Sam and I. I remember being a small kid and playing at their house and it feeling as much like home as my own.
Anyway, their kids are throwing a celebratory shin dig for them, somewhere in the Midwest. They sent invitations to every one. So Dad got one, and my mother got one. Well, in that my folks now live about 1.5 hours apart, and are in contact, due to our household... and wanted to save money. They decided to drive up to the celebration together.
Yes. Mom and Dad in the same car for 10 - 12 hours. Each way.
I don't know if I should laugh or cry.
Actually, they have been getting along pretty well, and I have to give them credit for it. No, no rekindled romance here. (PLEASE GOD! NO!!) But a camaraderie of people who have shared a life together for 50+ years through their children.
Dad left early this morning. I talked to Mom a while ago, and she was getting ready and waiting for him.
Honestly, I would love to know how it goes. But at the same time, I don't. I just think it is sort of funny.
I just don't know if it is funny-eh? or funny- ha-ha.
If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
Oh, and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BRANSONS!! WAY TO GO!!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Dear Adri,
I love you. You know that. But you've left Dad in a fine mess.
The house in Cleveland still hasn't sold and the cost of it is sucking away more than his social security and his retirement pension brings in. He makes draws from what he has left in his savings to make up the difference so that he can pay his bills and no go deeper into debt. But the savings will run out. The house will need significant roof work before winter and that will likely leave him with almost nothing to live on for the rest of his life. The price of the house has been reduced again to get him out from under it. If he breaks even with the mortgage at this point, I'll be impressed.
In the meantime, Bill and I have not been paid the more than $6000 it cost to move him (not including our time and energy). He lives with us and we pay 95% of the food costs. We have not accepted any money in rent, nothing towards utilities, or otherwise because we know how dire his finances are. He is doing well, but still, his health is not great. Even he says it is likely that it won't get better.
And yet once again, the greed of some people does not cease to amaze me.
I got a call today from a check cashing company in Cleveland asking if he has written a check for $900? I said I did not know but he didn't have the money in the first place to be giving away. While he may beg to differ, since he has withdrawn money AGAIN from his dwindling savings, he is a 73 year old man who is digging himself into debt at my expense and yet he sends cash to two people too lazy to get off their fat asses and get to work.
Sure I know it is hard. I've been there. I've been so broke I couldn't afford to pay attention. I know how frightening it is not to know if I could pay rent month to month or buy groceries week to week. But I also know that when there are wolves at the door, it is a great motivator to deal with it, myself and on my own.
But how dare they even approach him for money when their own parents make a decent living? Why do people who have no relation to my father perpetually think that he is their personal cash machine and yet they would not life a finger to get the house ready to put on the market so he could sell it. For that matter, it cost us an additional $1000 just to pay a professional cleaning service to clean their part of the house after we had to get all of their trash out of it.
It is absolutely SHAMEFUL that anyone would do that to him. It is an absolute embarrassment that my father would let people who would no more lift a finger to help him drive him even faster into financial ruin. Especially since once he has no more money, my brother and I will be the only ones responsible for him. That is what children do. They take care of their parents. But that in no way means that I am willing to let other people leach off of him. I don't care how bad their conditions are. If they have to live in a car, in a homeless shelter, on the street and scrounge in dumpsters to feed themselves. I do not care.
I am furious with him, for being so gullible. I am absolutely disgusted with them for being so selfish.
Oh, and as for the adjunct teaching he'll be doing, it will barely cover his expenses. If that. Much less anything like car repairs, vet bills, additional medical costs, insurance.
Adri, I love you. But you've left a fine mess.
I love you. You know that. But you've left Dad in a fine mess.
The house in Cleveland still hasn't sold and the cost of it is sucking away more than his social security and his retirement pension brings in. He makes draws from what he has left in his savings to make up the difference so that he can pay his bills and no go deeper into debt. But the savings will run out. The house will need significant roof work before winter and that will likely leave him with almost nothing to live on for the rest of his life. The price of the house has been reduced again to get him out from under it. If he breaks even with the mortgage at this point, I'll be impressed.
In the meantime, Bill and I have not been paid the more than $6000 it cost to move him (not including our time and energy). He lives with us and we pay 95% of the food costs. We have not accepted any money in rent, nothing towards utilities, or otherwise because we know how dire his finances are. He is doing well, but still, his health is not great. Even he says it is likely that it won't get better.
And yet once again, the greed of some people does not cease to amaze me.
I got a call today from a check cashing company in Cleveland asking if he has written a check for $900? I said I did not know but he didn't have the money in the first place to be giving away. While he may beg to differ, since he has withdrawn money AGAIN from his dwindling savings, he is a 73 year old man who is digging himself into debt at my expense and yet he sends cash to two people too lazy to get off their fat asses and get to work.
Sure I know it is hard. I've been there. I've been so broke I couldn't afford to pay attention. I know how frightening it is not to know if I could pay rent month to month or buy groceries week to week. But I also know that when there are wolves at the door, it is a great motivator to deal with it, myself and on my own.
But how dare they even approach him for money when their own parents make a decent living? Why do people who have no relation to my father perpetually think that he is their personal cash machine and yet they would not life a finger to get the house ready to put on the market so he could sell it. For that matter, it cost us an additional $1000 just to pay a professional cleaning service to clean their part of the house after we had to get all of their trash out of it.
It is absolutely SHAMEFUL that anyone would do that to him. It is an absolute embarrassment that my father would let people who would no more lift a finger to help him drive him even faster into financial ruin. Especially since once he has no more money, my brother and I will be the only ones responsible for him. That is what children do. They take care of their parents. But that in no way means that I am willing to let other people leach off of him. I don't care how bad their conditions are. If they have to live in a car, in a homeless shelter, on the street and scrounge in dumpsters to feed themselves. I do not care.
I am furious with him, for being so gullible. I am absolutely disgusted with them for being so selfish.
Oh, and as for the adjunct teaching he'll be doing, it will barely cover his expenses. If that. Much less anything like car repairs, vet bills, additional medical costs, insurance.
Adri, I love you. But you've left a fine mess.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Hi A!
Okay, it's obviously been a while. Been busy. Been on other side of the planet. Made it back.
A couple of new developments:
Bill is now working at Peach Mac - the local Apple store and it pretty happy about it. We're all glad he's out from under the fundamentalist folks he was working for, since they were pretty much convinced they were saving immortal souls by not fixing computers for Unitarians. They were even leery of Lutherans. Enough said.
James has his driver's licence and continues to be an impressive young man. He worked as a life guard all summer at a community pool in a local housing project. It was a good experience for him. He's now enjoying being able to go out and drive and be a bit more independent. He's also an excellent errand runner... He's a senior this year, and seems to enjoy his classes - Literature Honors, Journalism II, Drama III, and AP Physics.
We're looking at options for him next year. He maintains he wants to be a pirate when he grows up. Oddly, I think he could do it. But I can see myself at some cocktail party saying something like "My son, the Pirate..."
Well, at least we all can laugh about it.
Dad is getting ready to start teaching Anatomy and Physiology at Athens Technical College. He'll be teaching all the students who are going into the medical programs - Nursing, EMTs, radiology, physical therapy, etc. The pay will be low, but something. And more importantly, it will give him something to do with his time. He's been going to Quaker Meeting here in Athens, playing music with one of our neighbors regularly, and otherwise doing a lot of crossword puzzles, reading the newspaper, all the mail he gets, the National Enquirer, and generally just hanging out. The house still hasn't sold, but we keep hoping... ugh.
And I'm doing well too. I've been working my touchas off, as always, which is good, especially since Bill took a temporary pay cut with the new job. Had 2 weeks in South Africa and Namibia, which was great. Working with Tim continues to be a blast. We were in Cape Town for a big International Waters meeting a few weeks ago, and that was very exciting. I think I may have some new business coming in as a result of it. (Inshallah!) My new office space is progressing and I've gotten a structural engineer to sign off on my plans with a few minor adjustments. It will be interesting, but that's another blog.
We all miss you lots.
I guess we always will...
Kissy kissy
Okay, it's obviously been a while. Been busy. Been on other side of the planet. Made it back.
A couple of new developments:
Bill is now working at Peach Mac - the local Apple store and it pretty happy about it. We're all glad he's out from under the fundamentalist folks he was working for, since they were pretty much convinced they were saving immortal souls by not fixing computers for Unitarians. They were even leery of Lutherans. Enough said.
James has his driver's licence and continues to be an impressive young man. He worked as a life guard all summer at a community pool in a local housing project. It was a good experience for him. He's now enjoying being able to go out and drive and be a bit more independent. He's also an excellent errand runner... He's a senior this year, and seems to enjoy his classes - Literature Honors, Journalism II, Drama III, and AP Physics.
We're looking at options for him next year. He maintains he wants to be a pirate when he grows up. Oddly, I think he could do it. But I can see myself at some cocktail party saying something like "My son, the Pirate..."
Well, at least we all can laugh about it.
Dad is getting ready to start teaching Anatomy and Physiology at Athens Technical College. He'll be teaching all the students who are going into the medical programs - Nursing, EMTs, radiology, physical therapy, etc. The pay will be low, but something. And more importantly, it will give him something to do with his time. He's been going to Quaker Meeting here in Athens, playing music with one of our neighbors regularly, and otherwise doing a lot of crossword puzzles, reading the newspaper, all the mail he gets, the National Enquirer, and generally just hanging out. The house still hasn't sold, but we keep hoping... ugh.
And I'm doing well too. I've been working my touchas off, as always, which is good, especially since Bill took a temporary pay cut with the new job. Had 2 weeks in South Africa and Namibia, which was great. Working with Tim continues to be a blast. We were in Cape Town for a big International Waters meeting a few weeks ago, and that was very exciting. I think I may have some new business coming in as a result of it. (Inshallah!) My new office space is progressing and I've gotten a structural engineer to sign off on my plans with a few minor adjustments. It will be interesting, but that's another blog.
We all miss you lots.
I guess we always will...
Kissy kissy
Friday, June 15, 2007
Hi Adri!
It's been a while since I've posted. I guess our regular conversations have been more direct, less on the internet lately. Things have been crazy busy. Crazy crazy busy.
Martin, our second partner has decided to cut back on his work so Tim and I have picked up even more. Things with GEF SEC are absurd. And I've been on the road. So far this year I've hopped the Atlantic 6 times, been on 4 continents and stayed in more hotels than I care to remember.
But all in all it's going well. You know that.
Actually, I'm writing to let folks know I've put up a new blog. I'm building a new office on our property, and it's a good challenge. I'm looking for constructive feedback (hee hee) and thought folks might be interested.
The address is: http://greened-house.blogspot.com/
Oh, the house still hasn't sold. I don't want to talk about it.
James is working as a life guard and assistant manager at a city pool in a low income neighborhood. It will go well with his anti-poverty work he was involved with last year.
Bill is fine. He's a trooper if ever there was one. He saved the nest of Carolina Wren eggs in a plant on our front porch from a snake last night and then turned the snake loose in a wilderness area near by. Momma bird was very happy. Bill was very happy. He's been muttering "save the birds, save the snake, next save the cheerleader, save the world." Too much TV maybe?
Dad is doing well. He's finding things to do. He's been walking regularly, and playing music with a neighbor friend of ours. He's also been running James to work a lot, which is a big help. (He'll get his licence next month - James, not Dad) He's got a roof over his head, and food in his belly.
Sam and crew are coming down next week. That should be good fun.
And I'm hanging in there. I'm working a lot. Too much probably. But I still really like it.
I managed to wash my passport in the laundry. Yes, it was ruined. So I had to get another one. I sent off for it about three weeks ago - expedited. This morning, I heard a report that even with expedited requests from Congress, people were still waiting 10 weeks!!! HOLY CRAP!!! And then wonder of wonders, miracles of miracles, it came in the mail today!!! YIPEEE!!! I'm not grounded any more!!!
And so it goes... like sand through the hour glass, so are the days of our lives... What ever that means.
Must go,
TTFN
Kissy Kissy
It's been a while since I've posted. I guess our regular conversations have been more direct, less on the internet lately. Things have been crazy busy. Crazy crazy busy.
Martin, our second partner has decided to cut back on his work so Tim and I have picked up even more. Things with GEF SEC are absurd. And I've been on the road. So far this year I've hopped the Atlantic 6 times, been on 4 continents and stayed in more hotels than I care to remember.
But all in all it's going well. You know that.
Actually, I'm writing to let folks know I've put up a new blog. I'm building a new office on our property, and it's a good challenge. I'm looking for constructive feedback (hee hee) and thought folks might be interested.
The address is: http://greened-house.blogspot.com/
Oh, the house still hasn't sold. I don't want to talk about it.
James is working as a life guard and assistant manager at a city pool in a low income neighborhood. It will go well with his anti-poverty work he was involved with last year.
Bill is fine. He's a trooper if ever there was one. He saved the nest of Carolina Wren eggs in a plant on our front porch from a snake last night and then turned the snake loose in a wilderness area near by. Momma bird was very happy. Bill was very happy. He's been muttering "save the birds, save the snake, next save the cheerleader, save the world." Too much TV maybe?
Dad is doing well. He's finding things to do. He's been walking regularly, and playing music with a neighbor friend of ours. He's also been running James to work a lot, which is a big help. (He'll get his licence next month - James, not Dad) He's got a roof over his head, and food in his belly.
Sam and crew are coming down next week. That should be good fun.
And I'm hanging in there. I'm working a lot. Too much probably. But I still really like it.
I managed to wash my passport in the laundry. Yes, it was ruined. So I had to get another one. I sent off for it about three weeks ago - expedited. This morning, I heard a report that even with expedited requests from Congress, people were still waiting 10 weeks!!! HOLY CRAP!!! And then wonder of wonders, miracles of miracles, it came in the mail today!!! YIPEEE!!! I'm not grounded any more!!!
And so it goes... like sand through the hour glass, so are the days of our lives... What ever that means.
Must go,
TTFN
Kissy Kissy
Monday, April 09, 2007
Hi A!
Now that's a way to get ahead... though perhaps that's already the case... It would make an interesting study, wouldn't it? In terms of do children who take responsiblity for the care of their parents tend to be more professionally advanced? After all, there is an entire skill set needed to do this, including time management, diplomacy, dedication, patience... I mean really, these folks may be on to something here.
Or as you might say "Or, Mary, You're full of crap!"
But we take it as it comes.
Kissy kissy
Ta ta
Filial piety key to Chinese jobs
Family values used to be very strong in ChinaWorking hard is no longer enough to warrant a promotion in one Chinese county, according to state media.
New rules state that government employees in Changyuan county, in Henan province, must be nice to their parents as well as being good at their jobs.
Assessors will interview relatives and friends of employees, to see if they espouse the values of filial piety.
Analysts say that as China modernises, traditions such as caring for parents have started to fade away.
The new proposal is an indicator that China's leaders are worried about supporting the country's ageing population.
Eroding values
For thousands of years, being a good son or daughter has been an important part of Chinese culture.
Filial piety was one of the main criteria for the selection of officials as early as the Han Dynasty (from 206 BC to AD 220).
Now it looks set to gain importance again. Special investigators in Changyuan county will grill relatives, friends and colleagues on each official's behaviour, including their family values and whether they have any drinking or gambling habits.
Only those with a perfect record will be promoted.
"The assessment teams will have a lot of work on their plate, but the new measures are an impartial way of appraising officials' image in the eyes of the public," Su Jingquan, a county personnel official, told the China Daily.
from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6538243.stm
Now that's a way to get ahead... though perhaps that's already the case... It would make an interesting study, wouldn't it? In terms of do children who take responsiblity for the care of their parents tend to be more professionally advanced? After all, there is an entire skill set needed to do this, including time management, diplomacy, dedication, patience... I mean really, these folks may be on to something here.
Or as you might say "Or, Mary, You're full of crap!"
But we take it as it comes.
Kissy kissy
Ta ta
Filial piety key to Chinese jobs
Family values used to be very strong in ChinaWorking hard is no longer enough to warrant a promotion in one Chinese county, according to state media.
New rules state that government employees in Changyuan county, in Henan province, must be nice to their parents as well as being good at their jobs.
Assessors will interview relatives and friends of employees, to see if they espouse the values of filial piety.
Analysts say that as China modernises, traditions such as caring for parents have started to fade away.
The new proposal is an indicator that China's leaders are worried about supporting the country's ageing population.
Eroding values
For thousands of years, being a good son or daughter has been an important part of Chinese culture.
Filial piety was one of the main criteria for the selection of officials as early as the Han Dynasty (from 206 BC to AD 220).
Now it looks set to gain importance again. Special investigators in Changyuan county will grill relatives, friends and colleagues on each official's behaviour, including their family values and whether they have any drinking or gambling habits.
Only those with a perfect record will be promoted.
"The assessment teams will have a lot of work on their plate, but the new measures are an impartial way of appraising officials' image in the eyes of the public," Su Jingquan, a county personnel official, told the China Daily.
from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6538243.stm
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Friday, March 02, 2007
Dear A,
News flash - Just talked to Dad. The sale of the house didn't go through. Lots of problems including needing some serious roof work. He's not totally freaked out yet. I'm taking care of that for him at the moment. Anyone interested in showing their love and support for him are welcome to send cash. It can be anonymous, if needed.
Adrianne? Is this your idea of a joke, because if it is, it's not funny!
KK,MM
News flash - Just talked to Dad. The sale of the house didn't go through. Lots of problems including needing some serious roof work. He's not totally freaked out yet. I'm taking care of that for him at the moment. Anyone interested in showing their love and support for him are welcome to send cash. It can be anonymous, if needed.
Adrianne? Is this your idea of a joke, because if it is, it's not funny!
KK,MM
Dear Adri,
HI!! I'm in Botswana at the moment. It is amazingly beautiful in a very arid sort of way.
South Africa was interesting. Some parts I loved - the friendly people and some of the landscapes, but also there were parts I was far less enamoured with - the phenomenal crime rate, poverty and lingering hateful racism from some folks. Not everyone by any means, but the whole PC thing must have just blown on by in the dust.
Still Botswana is amazing. It's far more relaxed. It's friendly and the people here are open and trusting. And much more environmentally aware. The entire economy currently depends on diamond mining so DeBeers et al are a big presence here. But the people are sweet and friendly and kind to one another. And NO ONE honks their horns on the street.
Work is going well. I think I am finally getting this one figured out. I've had some delightful interviews and really have a better sense of what it going on. I'm beating the drum of climate change - because it is a huge issue and in a country as arid as this, a 20%-40% decline in rainfal is catastrophic.
Speaking of which, so is the whole HIV/AIDS thing here too. In South Africa it's about 30% of the people, about 40% here. Next I go to Lesotho where it is even higher. Damn it is tragic.
Anyway, Botswana is dear and the people are lovely. I'm working with the Kalahari Conservation Society at the moment and having a lot of fun.
Tomorrow I go back to JoBerg in the evening and then Maseru Lesotho the next morning, and then Tuesday go to Windhoek Namibia through JoBerg again.... (No, I do not expect to see Brangelia - HOPEFULLY!!)
But again, it should be interesting.
Must dash- Hope all is well!!
Kissy kissy!
Mary
HI!! I'm in Botswana at the moment. It is amazingly beautiful in a very arid sort of way.
South Africa was interesting. Some parts I loved - the friendly people and some of the landscapes, but also there were parts I was far less enamoured with - the phenomenal crime rate, poverty and lingering hateful racism from some folks. Not everyone by any means, but the whole PC thing must have just blown on by in the dust.
Still Botswana is amazing. It's far more relaxed. It's friendly and the people here are open and trusting. And much more environmentally aware. The entire economy currently depends on diamond mining so DeBeers et al are a big presence here. But the people are sweet and friendly and kind to one another. And NO ONE honks their horns on the street.
Work is going well. I think I am finally getting this one figured out. I've had some delightful interviews and really have a better sense of what it going on. I'm beating the drum of climate change - because it is a huge issue and in a country as arid as this, a 20%-40% decline in rainfal is catastrophic.
Speaking of which, so is the whole HIV/AIDS thing here too. In South Africa it's about 30% of the people, about 40% here. Next I go to Lesotho where it is even higher. Damn it is tragic.
Anyway, Botswana is dear and the people are lovely. I'm working with the Kalahari Conservation Society at the moment and having a lot of fun.
Tomorrow I go back to JoBerg in the evening and then Maseru Lesotho the next morning, and then Tuesday go to Windhoek Namibia through JoBerg again.... (No, I do not expect to see Brangelia - HOPEFULLY!!)
But again, it should be interesting.
Must dash- Hope all is well!!
Kissy kissy!
Mary
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Hi A!
Back from one trip - Tbilisi, and Istanbul, geering up for another - South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Italy, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkey again and again, maybe the Caucasus, back down to South Africa, possibly to Cheltenham, probably back to Turkey and then home eventually - looks like a late May early June return... more or less kind of sort of.
Will base out of Verona Italy for 3 weeks while teaching. Bill and James will join me there for a week for a much needed vacation. Then I'll probabably base out of Istanbul, sharing a flat with my friend Iozefina, while doing a zillion other projects.
Suffice to say, work is busy as hell at the moment. I'd complain, but damn, I don't even have time for that.
Dad signed papers on the house yesterday. We'll know how much he got for it once the check arrives next week. He's not too thrilled but that's probably because even after selling the house he'll be so poor he can't afford to pay attention.
At least no one can be after him for his money, 'cause he ain't got none.
He's always been uncomfortable having money. I suspect that is one reason he's always given it away to every grasping hand he can. Now he'll be appreciated for just who he is, not for the cash flow he can provide.
Bless his heart, he deserves to be loved for being a good person. Because he really is. I just hope he stays healthy, because if he doesn't things will become very difficult.
Bill, James, dogs, etc. all doing well. I'm holding up.
And so it goes...
Take care, ya'll
Kissy kissy,
Mary
Back from one trip - Tbilisi, and Istanbul, geering up for another - South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Italy, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkey again and again, maybe the Caucasus, back down to South Africa, possibly to Cheltenham, probably back to Turkey and then home eventually - looks like a late May early June return... more or less kind of sort of.
Will base out of Verona Italy for 3 weeks while teaching. Bill and James will join me there for a week for a much needed vacation. Then I'll probabably base out of Istanbul, sharing a flat with my friend Iozefina, while doing a zillion other projects.
Suffice to say, work is busy as hell at the moment. I'd complain, but damn, I don't even have time for that.
Dad signed papers on the house yesterday. We'll know how much he got for it once the check arrives next week. He's not too thrilled but that's probably because even after selling the house he'll be so poor he can't afford to pay attention.
At least no one can be after him for his money, 'cause he ain't got none.
He's always been uncomfortable having money. I suspect that is one reason he's always given it away to every grasping hand he can. Now he'll be appreciated for just who he is, not for the cash flow he can provide.
Bless his heart, he deserves to be loved for being a good person. Because he really is. I just hope he stays healthy, because if he doesn't things will become very difficult.
Bill, James, dogs, etc. all doing well. I'm holding up.
And so it goes...
Take care, ya'll
Kissy kissy,
Mary
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Dear Adri,
Well, it's been a year today since you took off. What is the protocol? Do they throw wild parties there to celebrate? Send cards? Have cake and blow out candles?
I just have to wonder if you were the reason that Dad flooded the toilet, just as Boston Legal was starting and just I found this picture...?
A new hole was found in the roof, and the buyers are pushing the price lower.
Dad just wants to sell the house. I can't blame him. Nothing final yet. Just holding our collective breath.
Anyway, A, I miss you lots. There are so many times I wish I could pick up the phone and dial, and know you'd be there. I miss your wicked laugh and your "what in the hell will you do now?" fretting, that I always reassured you, and myself, that it would be okay, I'd figure it out. Your worrying made me realize how strong I could be. I wonder if you ever realized that?
And you know, I still feel like I'll figure it out. You don't see many dead cats in trees, eventual you figure it out.
I head to Tbilisi this Friday. I'll get there Saturday night. Be there a week, and come back home.
Then I'm home for a few days and gone again. I'll go to South Africa, Namibia, probably Lesotho and Namibia, before going to Italy to teach for 3 weeks. Then I'll be in Istanbul, and then I've got a project on the Tisza river, so I'll go to Romania, Hungary, Ukraine, Serbia, and Slovakia. Probably to Azerbaijan after that. Maybe up to Russia. I'll probably be back mid-May.
Mid-May. The boys will figure it out.
The fun part is now you can travel with me.
Of course right now, as the Yankee Yartzite candle makes my house reek of the Macintosh Apples, I'd just ask you to watch over Dad. He needs it.
He's in relatively good frame of mind lately, but will be better once the house sells. So please, stop whatever it is that is putting new holes in the roof and blowing out the pilot light in the furnace. Please?
I miss you A.
Very much love,
Kissy Kissy
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Hi A,
Just came across this. Somehow, I think it may be better that you went before Dad... especially around SuperBowl time...
The perfect Super Bowl seat
Rod received a free ticket to Super Bowl XL from his company. Unfortunately, when Rod arrived at the stadium, he discovered that the seat was in the very last row in the corner of the stadium. He was closer to the Goodyear Blimp than the field!
About halfway through the first quarter, Rod noticed that there was an empty seat just ten rows off the field, right on the 50-yard line. He decided to take a chance and made his way through the stadium and around the security guards to the empty seat.
As he sat down, he asked the gentleman sitting next to him, "Excuse me, is anyone sitting here?" The man said, "No."Very excited to be in such a great seat for the game, Rod exclaimed, "This is incredible! Who in their right mind would have a seat like this at the Super Bowl and not use it?
"The man replied, "Well, actually, the seat belongs to me. I was supposed to come with my wife, but she passed away. This is the first Super Bowl we have not been to together since we got married in 1967."
"That is really sad," said Rod. "But still, couldn't you find someone to take the seat? A relative or a close friend?"
"No," replied the man. "They are all at the funeral."
Just came across this. Somehow, I think it may be better that you went before Dad... especially around SuperBowl time...
The perfect Super Bowl seat
Rod received a free ticket to Super Bowl XL from his company. Unfortunately, when Rod arrived at the stadium, he discovered that the seat was in the very last row in the corner of the stadium. He was closer to the Goodyear Blimp than the field!
About halfway through the first quarter, Rod noticed that there was an empty seat just ten rows off the field, right on the 50-yard line. He decided to take a chance and made his way through the stadium and around the security guards to the empty seat.
As he sat down, he asked the gentleman sitting next to him, "Excuse me, is anyone sitting here?" The man said, "No."Very excited to be in such a great seat for the game, Rod exclaimed, "This is incredible! Who in their right mind would have a seat like this at the Super Bowl and not use it?
"The man replied, "Well, actually, the seat belongs to me. I was supposed to come with my wife, but she passed away. This is the first Super Bowl we have not been to together since we got married in 1967."
"That is really sad," said Rod. "But still, couldn't you find someone to take the seat? A relative or a close friend?"
"No," replied the man. "They are all at the funeral."
Hi Adri!
Well, we are sitting here watching the Super Bowl. Bill and James wanted to watch it for the commercials. Dad wanted to watch it in your memory. And so we are.
It's sort of a typical situation. Dad is pretending to read his new phone manual*, but staring at the TV consumed with the flashing lights and big muscley people tossing each other around. Bill and James are both watching the commercials but also playing various computer games on their computers. And I'm here too.
It was a year ago tonight that I spoke to you last. Sort of strange to remember. You were weary. That I remember. You sounded so tired then. I hope you've been getting a lot of peaceful rest. That's what you are supposed to be doing.
So anyway, went to run errands with Dad, Bill and James today. James drove which was funny if only because all of us were telling him what to do. We went to Bed Bath and Beyond, to get my goya Yankee Yartzite candle for you. It Macintosh Apple, since you liked those a lot. Dad has the kosher ones too, but I just couldn't resist...
We went to Best Buy, and picked up a few more things, and then by the time James and Bill started fencing with some decorative rods at Pier One, I knew it was time to go home.
And of course, we get home to the Realtor freaking out because the furnace at the house has gone out again. This is the second time in 3 days the pilot light has blown out. Are you behind this?
Fortunately, the very nice next door neighbor went to turn the faucets on and to put a space heater in the kitchen, or something. The very nice heater repair man is going over to fix it tomorrow.
Dad has agreed to a price on the house, and even though it's a good deal lower than he's hoped, but his mood is drastically improved since the sale seems to be going through (fingers crossed, Inshallah, knock on wood). I think we'll know if a few more weeks. He's going to be pretty deep in debt still, but it will give him a chance to realize that people love him for who he is and now the money he has. I think that will be a wonderful gift for him.
Yesterday, was Bill's birthday, and my mother came in to town. She was on very good behavior, as she has been for a while. Bill had to work, so Mom, Dad and I went to see "Dream Girls". Now that I am finally getting over being very spooked about them being in the same room together, I'm coming to appreciate that they actually get along well, share a common childhood and youth, and really are both pretty good people. They also know one another so well, that after 35 years of being divorced, and the animosity has dissipated, they can be good to each other.
Now of course, I am not even at the verge of beginning to think anything could come of it, except that I think as people get older, having someone who remembers them when they were young. And they shared that, and still do.
And so it goes Big A.
We miss you.
And even though I didn't say it the last time we spoke, I love you too.
Kissy Kissy
Well, we are sitting here watching the Super Bowl. Bill and James wanted to watch it for the commercials. Dad wanted to watch it in your memory. And so we are.
It's sort of a typical situation. Dad is pretending to read his new phone manual*, but staring at the TV consumed with the flashing lights and big muscley people tossing each other around. Bill and James are both watching the commercials but also playing various computer games on their computers. And I'm here too.
It was a year ago tonight that I spoke to you last. Sort of strange to remember. You were weary. That I remember. You sounded so tired then. I hope you've been getting a lot of peaceful rest. That's what you are supposed to be doing.
So anyway, went to run errands with Dad, Bill and James today. James drove which was funny if only because all of us were telling him what to do. We went to Bed Bath and Beyond, to get my goya Yankee Yartzite candle for you. It Macintosh Apple, since you liked those a lot. Dad has the kosher ones too, but I just couldn't resist...
We went to Best Buy, and picked up a few more things, and then by the time James and Bill started fencing with some decorative rods at Pier One, I knew it was time to go home.
And of course, we get home to the Realtor freaking out because the furnace at the house has gone out again. This is the second time in 3 days the pilot light has blown out. Are you behind this?
Fortunately, the very nice next door neighbor went to turn the faucets on and to put a space heater in the kitchen, or something. The very nice heater repair man is going over to fix it tomorrow.
Dad has agreed to a price on the house, and even though it's a good deal lower than he's hoped, but his mood is drastically improved since the sale seems to be going through (fingers crossed, Inshallah, knock on wood). I think we'll know if a few more weeks. He's going to be pretty deep in debt still, but it will give him a chance to realize that people love him for who he is and now the money he has. I think that will be a wonderful gift for him.
Yesterday, was Bill's birthday, and my mother came in to town. She was on very good behavior, as she has been for a while. Bill had to work, so Mom, Dad and I went to see "Dream Girls". Now that I am finally getting over being very spooked about them being in the same room together, I'm coming to appreciate that they actually get along well, share a common childhood and youth, and really are both pretty good people. They also know one another so well, that after 35 years of being divorced, and the animosity has dissipated, they can be good to each other.
Now of course, I am not even at the verge of beginning to think anything could come of it, except that I think as people get older, having someone who remembers them when they were young. And they shared that, and still do.
And so it goes Big A.
We miss you.
And even though I didn't say it the last time we spoke, I love you too.
Kissy Kissy
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Dear Adri,
Dad made it home last night. He seems good.
This candle was burning on out kitchen counter this morning.
I thought it was a bit odd, but figured he was just being strange.
He is my father after all.
So when he was about to leave the house, I blew it out.
"You blew my candle out" he pouted cheerfully.
"Well, yes, we are all leaving the house" I replied. It seemed logical enough.
"But that's my Yartzite candle for Adri." He said.
"Um, Dad, it's a little early, isn't it? She died on the 6th of February."
I said, wondering if Alzheimer's was kicking in early.
"Well, by the standard Caesarian calendar, yes. But but the Jewish calendar, it's actually today. We can light another one on Februaruy 6th." He pronounced, proud to know this little bit of information.
As I relit the candle, I had to wonder to myself, Adri, would you have even known that??
Anyway, what does one say? "Happy Anniversary"???
But don't worry, I assured him we'd light another one to last the full 24 hours while he went to his brother's house in Decatur.
I couldn't find the official Yartzite candle at Kroger's so I decided to get one in cheery melon. Don't worry, I'll get a nice jarred Yankee Candle for you for the 6th.
Oh, and we had an offer on the house.
I think we may be at an agreement. It's much lower than we hoped, but at this point, not having to pay for the uncertainty of when it will sell may be worth the difference.
Keep your fingers crossed.
Much love,
Kissy kissy!
The Wicked Step Daughter
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
A, et. al.,
FYI: It's listed!
NM on the road, due in late tonight. Will be with siblings in Decatur tomorrow.
Getting over the flu and COMPLETELY swamped with work here.
Will let you know when I'm up for air.
Updates forthcoming, PRN.
KKBBMM
FYI: It's listed!
NM on the road, due in late tonight. Will be with siblings in Decatur tomorrow.
Getting over the flu and COMPLETELY swamped with work here.
Will let you know when I'm up for air.
Updates forthcoming, PRN.
KKBBMM
Monday, January 15, 2007
24 on Fox vs. Rome on HBO?
Is that like even a REAL question? Well given the airtimes for both, yes.
Okay this is the deal. Two popular shows. Two reasonably good shows. Both about politics and societies in transition, one based in historical fact and firmly rooted in riveting drama, the other a propaganda laden fear fest masking as entertainment. It's a pity that they should even be in the same league, because really the superiority and depth of one makes the other sallow, tepid and utterly predictable by comparison.
I recall you thought Rome was too bloody to watch A, though Dad and I were as addicted to it as you were to Monday night football or the Sapranos. (And you thought Rome was too bloody??) Last night the Season II premier picked up immediately after the brutal stabbing of Caesar by select members of the Roman Senate. The scenery was compelling and the story line was as rich and dramatic as any regardless of the era. It was truly a time when men (and women) were tested and when the foundations of modern society were molded by brilliance, cunning and ruthlessness.
The acting in Rome is spell-binding. It's hard to fathom a show more lush with raw talent. And that it is only television, is like saying Beethoven's Ode to Joy is just a song. It's better than that. Casting for Rome found actors who personify these familiar characters and make them achingly familiar.
Last night, I swear I could smell the sweat of that covered Brutus as he recounted the stabbing to his eager mother, or taste the salt of the blood on the faces of the soldiers battling for the lives of their children. The smoke and ash of the funeral pyre was as real as the stench of the streets of ancient Rome. One could feel the coarseness of the fabric they wore and hear the din of horse hooves on stone roads.
But more than that, wrapped in this wash of extraordinary reality of ancient Rome, the story line slid gracefully as the emerging characters vied for power and position in the empire devoid of it's emperor
.
Nothing was contrived in the execution of the storyline. It fit together as well and enduringly as the stones of the Apian Way.
24, and the adventures of Jack Bauer were flat by comparison. Yes, of course, it's easy to get caught up in the adrenaline high that is packed in to the 40 minutes of each hour of another one of Jack's very bad days. Plot twists and turns in season 6 are not only expected now, they become the reason we get on the roller coaster again. Quickly, building up the first hill and then plunging down an abyss and around a thrown against the sides and through blind curves. But beyond the suspense, what is there?
The dialog is so predictable, and repeatable it verges on comic. After shooting his devoted partner Jack wretches and says "I don't know if I can do this anymore" to which the President says "You will because you have to". Oh, yeah. That's right. Duty. Let's hear it for duty to the country. That what it always comes down to, isn’t it?
But what 24 fails to acknowledge is that the duty for freedom, is closely tied to logic for getting rid of those very freedoms they claim to protect and cherish.
Detention centers for Islamic Americans serving as a prime source of information to save the country. The devilish Presidential Security Advisory played by Peter MacNicol is almost a re-enactment of his role as the fiendish museum director in Ghost Busters 2. The use of Kumar for the newly turned terrorist delivery boy is strange - there is no compelling reason to think he'd quickly turn against his obvious American upbringing. And even the normally feisty character Chloe is insipid in trying to get the two colleagues she works with to stop sparring over her affections.
Normally, the romp of 24 would be good fun. But it’s getting a bit tired. And at what point do we grow weary of the blatant propaganda?
Propaganda like the “I want my death to be for something!” Jack grumbles heroically before being left chained to a sewage grate for the terrorist? Anyone ever see the sacrifice of an animal? Not too different, but generally better surroundings?
Propaganda like staging the scene in front of a back lit American Flag where the American can’t bring himself to torture a prisoner, because he nobly doesn’t believe it will bear fruit, while the bestial Muslim guts his former comrade to get the information?
Propaganda like stating that all the prisoners held in the tropical detention facility are colleagues of the terrorist bad guys, while the all white American family are victims lead to the slaughter by their evil tawny skinned neighbor.
And of course the propaganda that comes with the sound cues that tell us how to feel and how we should react to the characters. In the episode where the small nuclear weapon is introduced, (9 – 10) listen as Karen Hayes (Or real life White House Advisory Karen Hughes?) explains that the soviets devised a nuke so small it is known as a “suitcase bomb” … cue muffled explosion!
Oh come on.
Listen folks, I enjoy the cheap thrills of 24 as much as the next adrenaline junky, but there is a reason that the White House loves this show. There is a reason that in the world of 24 the good guys listen watch Fox News and the bad guys watch CBN. There is a reason that this particular show gets top billing and is pushed at us as if our lives depend on it.
It’s blatant jingoistic fear mongering propaganda.
Watch it, enjoy it even. But please make the effort to be aware of the messages it is sending. Because as it has been said, those who ignore the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them. And if you need a refresher course on those, HBO Rome is a richly rewarding treat to cleanse the palate.
Is that like even a REAL question? Well given the airtimes for both, yes.
Okay this is the deal. Two popular shows. Two reasonably good shows. Both about politics and societies in transition, one based in historical fact and firmly rooted in riveting drama, the other a propaganda laden fear fest masking as entertainment. It's a pity that they should even be in the same league, because really the superiority and depth of one makes the other sallow, tepid and utterly predictable by comparison.
I recall you thought Rome was too bloody to watch A, though Dad and I were as addicted to it as you were to Monday night football or the Sapranos. (And you thought Rome was too bloody??) Last night the Season II premier picked up immediately after the brutal stabbing of Caesar by select members of the Roman Senate. The scenery was compelling and the story line was as rich and dramatic as any regardless of the era. It was truly a time when men (and women) were tested and when the foundations of modern society were molded by brilliance, cunning and ruthlessness.
The acting in Rome is spell-binding. It's hard to fathom a show more lush with raw talent. And that it is only television, is like saying Beethoven's Ode to Joy is just a song. It's better than that. Casting for Rome found actors who personify these familiar characters and make them achingly familiar.
Last night, I swear I could smell the sweat of that covered Brutus as he recounted the stabbing to his eager mother, or taste the salt of the blood on the faces of the soldiers battling for the lives of their children. The smoke and ash of the funeral pyre was as real as the stench of the streets of ancient Rome. One could feel the coarseness of the fabric they wore and hear the din of horse hooves on stone roads.
But more than that, wrapped in this wash of extraordinary reality of ancient Rome, the story line slid gracefully as the emerging characters vied for power and position in the empire devoid of it's emperor
.
Nothing was contrived in the execution of the storyline. It fit together as well and enduringly as the stones of the Apian Way.
24, and the adventures of Jack Bauer were flat by comparison. Yes, of course, it's easy to get caught up in the adrenaline high that is packed in to the 40 minutes of each hour of another one of Jack's very bad days. Plot twists and turns in season 6 are not only expected now, they become the reason we get on the roller coaster again. Quickly, building up the first hill and then plunging down an abyss and around a thrown against the sides and through blind curves. But beyond the suspense, what is there?
The dialog is so predictable, and repeatable it verges on comic. After shooting his devoted partner Jack wretches and says "I don't know if I can do this anymore" to which the President says "You will because you have to". Oh, yeah. That's right. Duty. Let's hear it for duty to the country. That what it always comes down to, isn’t it?
But what 24 fails to acknowledge is that the duty for freedom, is closely tied to logic for getting rid of those very freedoms they claim to protect and cherish.
Detention centers for Islamic Americans serving as a prime source of information to save the country. The devilish Presidential Security Advisory played by Peter MacNicol is almost a re-enactment of his role as the fiendish museum director in Ghost Busters 2. The use of Kumar for the newly turned terrorist delivery boy is strange - there is no compelling reason to think he'd quickly turn against his obvious American upbringing. And even the normally feisty character Chloe is insipid in trying to get the two colleagues she works with to stop sparring over her affections.
Normally, the romp of 24 would be good fun. But it’s getting a bit tired. And at what point do we grow weary of the blatant propaganda?
Propaganda like the “I want my death to be for something!” Jack grumbles heroically before being left chained to a sewage grate for the terrorist? Anyone ever see the sacrifice of an animal? Not too different, but generally better surroundings?
Propaganda like staging the scene in front of a back lit American Flag where the American can’t bring himself to torture a prisoner, because he nobly doesn’t believe it will bear fruit, while the bestial Muslim guts his former comrade to get the information?
Propaganda like stating that all the prisoners held in the tropical detention facility are colleagues of the terrorist bad guys, while the all white American family are victims lead to the slaughter by their evil tawny skinned neighbor.
And of course the propaganda that comes with the sound cues that tell us how to feel and how we should react to the characters. In the episode where the small nuclear weapon is introduced, (9 – 10) listen as Karen Hayes (Or real life White House Advisory Karen Hughes?) explains that the soviets devised a nuke so small it is known as a “suitcase bomb” … cue muffled explosion!
Oh come on.
Listen folks, I enjoy the cheap thrills of 24 as much as the next adrenaline junky, but there is a reason that the White House loves this show. There is a reason that in the world of 24 the good guys listen watch Fox News and the bad guys watch CBN. There is a reason that this particular show gets top billing and is pushed at us as if our lives depend on it.
It’s blatant jingoistic fear mongering propaganda.
Watch it, enjoy it even. But please make the effort to be aware of the messages it is sending. Because as it has been said, those who ignore the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them. And if you need a refresher course on those, HBO Rome is a richly rewarding treat to cleanse the palate.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Hi A,
Thought you might like this:
What does Love mean? A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?"
The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think :
And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.
As you would say: WHAAAAAAAA!!
Kissy Kissy
Thought you might like this:
What does Love mean? A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?"
The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think :
- "When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love." Rebecca- age 8
- "When someone loves you, the way they say your name is differen t. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth." Billy - age 4 (I love this one)
- "Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other." Karl - age 5
- "Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs." Chrissy - age 6
- "Love is what makes you smile when you're tired." Terri - age 4
- "Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK." Danny - age 7
- "Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss" Emily - age 8
- "Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen." Bobby - age 7
- "If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate," Nikka - age 6 (we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)
- "Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday." Noelle - age 7
- "Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well." Tommy - age 6
- "Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken." Elaine-age 5
- "Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford." Chris - age 7
- "Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day." Mary Ann - age 4
- "I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones." Lauren - age 4
- "When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." (what an image) Karen - age 7
- "Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross." Mark - age 6
- "You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget." Jessica - age 8
And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.
- The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry"
As you would say: WHAAAAAAAA!!
Kissy Kissy
Monday, January 08, 2007
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
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