Oregon Symphony Gospel Christmas

MTF invited me some time ago to enjoy Oregon Symphony's Gospel Christmas last night.  The symphony, a 100 member choir composed of singers from local gospel choirs, rousing gospel music, and the Christmas spirit.  Great combination!

The work week was difficult for the whole company, but particularly for me on Thursday and Friday.  After work yesterday I only wanted to go home, get into bed, eat a lot of chocolate, and think about how much everyone hates me!  Ha!  I think you know where my head was at.

People who don't hate me encouraged me to buck up and go to the event.  I'm glad I did.  I forgot about my own frustrations and enjoyed the music and appreciated everything about the evening.

There was a good combination of rousing and peaceful.  At the end the crowd wanted so much more.  Unfortunately, they had not prepared any additional songs so they did the first song over again.  It was good the second time as well.  It was especially enjoyable to see everyone enjoying the music the way they wanted to.  Some stood up, some clapped, some just listened.  I did a lot of seat dancing and head bobbing along with silent clapping.

I'm grateful to MTF for inviting me, and BL for encouraging me to attend, and the participants for giving me an enjoyable experience.

I'm also grateful the expected freezing rain did not materialize.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!  

Reality Bites

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Stacey Blackburn-Hoelscher, of Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan's Female Engagement Team, gives a beverage to an elderly Afghan man during a patrol in the Helmand province of Afghanistan Nov. 18, 2009. (DoD photo by Sgt. Evan Barragan, U.S. Marine Corps/Released) 


As of Saturday, at least 4367 members of the US military have died since the start of the Iraq war and at least 852 have died as a result of the Afghan war and related operations, according to the Associated Press.

The Unemployed

Oregon’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged at 11.3 percent in October from the revised September figure of 11.3 percent

I'm grateful to be employed.  I feel bad for those unemployed who, like me, have tried to play by the rules and do the 'right' thing to be responsible citizens.  Through no fault of their own they find themselves in a difficult position. 

The reminder I take from our current economic crisis is that the only things I control exclusively are my actions and reactions.  

I send all good wishes to each of us, particularly the unemployed, for good actions and reactions. 

Whoops - I did it again!

At the end of a long Friday work day, I wanted nothing more than to go home and relax.  Instead, my car wouldn't start.  Luckily, people were still at the office so help was at hand.  MTF's husband looked under the hood and we discovered the most battery corrosion he'd ever seen - ever.  He took me to Enterprise so I'd have transportation for the weekend.  Friday night I went shopping and spent more money.   This morning, I arranged for a tow truck to get my car from the office to the service department at my dealer.  I spoke to the mechanic and he said he'd call me later to tell me what the price will be.  I went shopping and spent a bunch of money.
I just got a call from the mechanic and he said its the most battery corrosion he's ever seen - ever.  And, the oil level was quite low.  He tried to politely say I'd not been taking very good care of the car.
Fair enough.

Here's what I'd like to say about this experience:
1.  I expected the car to show some signs of distress that would give me a clue there was a problem.  The fact that it just stopped working one day is disconcerting.

Along the same lines, I expect my body to show signs of distress to give me a clue there's a problem as well.  I hope it doesn't just decide to quit working on me one day.

My lesson is that I need to eat more fruits and vegetables, and make sure my car has the equivalent of more fruits and vegetables.

2.  Did I win the lottery?  I've been on a spending spree of late.  I'm out of control.  I'm grateful to have a job and the means to take care of myself.  I'd hate to blow it on a few months of overspending.
Could I be reacting without awareness to the release of anxiety because the economy MIGHT be on an upswing?  The key to the question is "without awareness".  I'm spending money emotionally.
I will stop.
It was much easier when I worked from home and I wasn't 'in the marketplace'.
I'll do better because I choose to be financially secure.
Besides, I think I've bought everything I could need.  I tend to buy electronics and books and DVD's.  I have enough of all of it to last me a good long time.
Except I'm going to buy Season Five of 'Lost' on Tuesday.
Then, I'll be done.
Oh - and I might need a couple more gifts for my niece and nephew for Christmas.
Then, I'll really be done.
Really.

Afghanistan and Barack Obama

Full text of Obama speech...

I listened to Obama's speech on the radio while driving home from work today.  I thought it was a good speech.  The framework of the speech made sense to me - the ideas were laid out in a logical way.  I think he made all the points I would hope to have heard.

At the end, I liked that he encouraged us to believe we were embarking on a distinctly American mission.  I felt inspired.

Yet, I'm not sure this plan will work.  I hope it does, but it relies on the Afghanistan government and citizenry to do exactly as we'd expect them to.  We have no control or authority over this.

The people of Afghanistan have to contend with realities of daily life so different than our own (corruption, poppy production, tribal affiliations to name a few) I wonder if we can impose our own will on how they resolve what we've decided is their problem.

I'm not clear what the Afghani people think is their problem.

Is it the Taliban?  Is it violence?  Is it Al Qaeda?

Is the United States goal equivalent to Afghanistan's goal?  Are our enemies the same enemy that Afghanistan sees?

I don't get it.

I suggest a Gandhi inspired strategy of civil disobedience by the Afghani people.  When they create change for themselves, they'll be willing to fight for it.

My suggestion implies that the end goal for Afghanistan people is a country like mine.

Tragic

Left to Right:  Mark Renninger, Tina Griswold, Ronald Owens, Greg Richards

Renninger, 39, with 13 years of law-enforcement experience, is survived by his wife and three children.
Griswold, 40, a 14-year veteran officer, is survived by her husband and two children.
Owens, 37, who spent 12 years in law enforcement, is survived by a former wife and a daughter.
Richards, 42, who had eight years of law-enforcement experience, is survived by his wife and three children.

Details

*****
I'm so sorry for the families of these four officers, and the law enforcement community at large.  I'm filled with respect and gratitude for the bravery police officers show on a daily basis on behalf of strangers; on behalf of me.  Who would I be without the feeling of safety I enjoy because police officers are on duty?

Police officers have special obligations and a heightened level of responsibility is required.  They, more than most of us, have to live to a higher standard of professionalism and ethics because of the power their badge represents.  As a society we ask much of them.
I suspect the large majority live up to our high expectations. 

As a country, I wish we offerred better support to our police men and women.  We could support them with consistent and well written laws, a court system that follows sentencing requirements or is 'judicial' in passing out meaningful sentences, and a penal system that helps offenders see a different path for their life. 

Yay - I finished!

I completed NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) last night!  Final word count 50,587!

Here is what I learned:
1.  I can finish something.
2.  I don't want to write a novel.  Not now.  Maybe someday.  Not now.
3.  Keep my fingers flying - over the keyboard.  If a sentence doesn't sound right, type it over and over making small word adjustments here and there until the truth of what I'm trying to say is reflected in the sentence.
4.  I use pronouns way too much.  'It's' is my favorite word.  Blech.  Substitute for the more descriptive detail, or change the sentence structure entirely.  This tip works well in conjunction with #3.
5.  I may continue writing a stream of consciousness journal because it helps me find the core of truth related to whatever wacky idea is rumbling around in my head at the moment.  However, writing 50000 words in one month leads to a lot of repetition and emptiness.  I'll consider 30000 words a month, with an option to change it whenever and however I want.

I'm glad I started NaNoWriMo, I'm glad I finished NaNoWriMo.

Attack of the Virus!

This link is to a story on NPR (with video) that features animation of a virus attacking our bodies.  Cool.

1968

Me and my sister

Hello Saturday Morning

When I was quite young, my mother had three prints of Degas ballerina paintings on a rectangle 'canvas' with light blue fabric over it hanging on the wall in my bedroom.  This was one of the prints.  It was the theme of my bedroom.  I took ballet class one year when I was about 6 or so.  Frankly, I was too lazy - even at that tender age - and too skittish about being in public to pursue it beyond that.  In fact, when it came time for our recital, I got upset and chickened out and all I did, in my pretty yellow tutu, was walk the flowers out to the dance teacher at the end.  Or, maybe I did one dance as well.  I remember looking up at tall people trying to make me feel better and suggesting I carry the flowers out at the end.  But, there are two pictures of me in the ballet recital - one during a dance, and one bringing out the flowers.  I don't remember that whole story.  Maybe I'll ask my Mom when I next talk to her.

More Kate and Cary in "Holiday"

I decided to watch another Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant movie this morning.  I don't know how I missed "Holiday" all these years.  Its another 1938 movie made after "Bringing Up Baby".  Its a charming movie that will never go out of style because the topic is forever timely.  The themes or topics are:  money, is that all there is?  What's life for?  Freedom vs Conformity, Obligation vs Individual Desire.  What do you give up for love?  Big ideas.

I loved Cary Grant's character, Johnnie Case - He's a nonconformist who's wants to be happy more than he wants to fit in.  And, he enjoys life.
Katherine Hepburn's character, Linda Seton,  has always been stuck in a conformist cage yearning to be free.
Excellent work by both actors.
The movie maintained a nice balance between instrospection and entertainment.
I enjoyed it; its more my style than "Bringing up Baby" (though as I suspected, I'm liking it more in retrospect...there WERE a lot of funny lines in that movie).


 

Bringing Up Baby - Classic Screwball Comedy

I just finished watching "Bringing Up Baby" starring Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant, directed by Howard Hawks.

I expected to enjoy this screwball comedy from 1938 because I've enjoyed them before (It Happened One Night, The Awful Truth, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, His Girl Friday, My Favorite Wife, and The Philadelphia Story).

There were humorous moments throughout and the chemistry between Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant is fun. I think I'll enjoy the movie more in retrospect because this screwball comedy went just a bit over the top for me.

Unfortunately, I found myself irritated by the excessive screwball antics in this movie. Everything that happened could have been easily solved if people had any consideration for other people, or communicated clearly, or not been so concerned with appearances and being overly polite. Its hard to tell whether the screenwriter's drove the plot based on those attitudes of the day and the characters they've created, or if, subversively, the plot is driven by the idea that women manipulate men (Susan Vance trying to get David Huxley to marry her). Either way, I'm a bit offended by it. (And I'm not even going to think too much about the animals. Did they have animal welfare back then?)

After the movie I listened to a few minutes of Peter Bogdanovich's commentary on the movie. In the commentary, Bogdanovich references an interview he did with Howard Hawks at least partly about this movie (he also mimics Howard Hawks voice).
I learned an important thing in that commentary - Howard Hawks said there was one fault of the screenplay and its that there were no 'normal' characters. Every single person was a little wacky because they ALL jumped to conclusions and wouldn't listen to anybody and kept things secret. He felt that if he'd had at least one character who was normal - even if it was a secondary character such as the Constable or the Gardener - it wouldn't have been as over the top.
The movie didn't do all that well at the box office in its time, and that might explain it.
It does for me. Now I feel I can appreciate the movie more because I understand the problem. Phew. I love Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn and I'd hate to not like this movie.

Here are some excerpts from Eric Barker's review on Shotgun Reviews:

"...Working closely with Hawks and the story’s original writer, Hagar Wilde, Nichols turned Bringing Up Baby into the silliest of odysseys, a topsy-turvy fantasy of modern courtship and sex where everything is also something else: a dinosaur skeleton (read: extinct ideals) represents a man’s life’s work, it’s only missing the final “bone” that would complete the assembly, a bone he cherishes but which keeps getting lost; an uninhibited heiress, who should embody the financial stability and material resources the man desperately needs for his work, becomes chaos made flesh, the utter destruction of identity in the whirlwind of attraction; and a wandering leopard named Baby is the prickly and troublesome equivalent of a newborn, the inevitable, disruptive offspring of the couple’s forbidden desires."

"In particular, the film’s madcap heiress Susan is an unqualified terror — one unforgettable sight gag makes plain that she’s more dangerous than any wild leopard. She is wantonly destructive in her pursuit of the mild mannered David, while her ditziness, which might be charming on an actress less talented and eccentric than Katharine Hepburn, begins to assume a very calculating, garish fit. In fact, Nichols tailored the role specifically for Hepburn, inspired by watching her ill-fated romance with John Ford a couple of years before on the set of Mary of Scotland. Hepburn was fully aware of this and she hides nothing in her characterization, including Susan’s pathological neediness and the very real aggression behind everything she says and does. It’s an incredible star performance, patently uninterested in appearing chic or lovable, every moment placed in service of telling a most ridiculous story."

"Cary Grant had only just become a top box-office attraction, in Leo McCarey’s comedy of post-nuptial errors The Awful Truth (1937), and he was clearly ready to cut loose after years of toil in films that made little use of his talent. With Baby he proved himself a sublime comedian, equally adept at both slapstick and rapid-fire one-liners, an indefatigable master of timing and inflection. Just as unconcerned as Hepburn with courting audience sympathy, he cajoles and seduces instead, the most dashing of nerds in a pair of Harold Lloyd glasses (see Notes), falling on both his face and ass with equal aplomb, turning exasperation and even anger into a special, manic grace."

"Hawks directed one-and-all with the decree to make it fast no matter what was happening, infusing every scene with his own brand of overlapping dialogue, an almost musical style in which everyone seems to be talking at once, even though the important lines still get heard. It feels theatrical at first, and it is, but it is also refreshing and exhilarating, Hawks drawing attention to the way people actually communicate in the real world, which is too often not at all. Mistake piles upon mistake, calamity upon calamity, and all could be averted if only the characters would just stop and listen to each other for a second. But no one ever listens to anyone else in this film, which makes it more realistic than most dramas if you ask me, certainly more so than the average contemporary romantic comedy, a cacophonous, rolling wreckage of a movie bounding happily toward its final, astounding, knee-slapping crash."

 

More Peace

All that you think say and do

Shapes the world with your truth

 

Peace

Its an interesting dichotomy, isn't it, that we live in a world in which we can experience two things simultaneously...we can know how beautiful and miraculous life is and we can know there are people who believe life is so disposable they use threats of loss of life as a weapon.  (I'm struck, in particular by the hope and love in the Symphony of Science posting, and the despair and wanton disregard for life that we're dealing with daily in our war against terrorism and violence in the More on Afghanistan post)

“When a thought of war comes, oppose it by a stronger thought of peace.”

‘Abdu’l-Bahá

More on Afghanistan

A U.S. flag flies half-mast, in honor of the 13 dead and 30 wounded in the shooting rampage at Fort Hood Army post in central Texas, at an outpost for soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division in the Pech Valley of Afghanistan's Kunar province Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

On November 5, 2009 NPR's "All Things Considered" aired 11 segments about our war in Afghanistan.

As a commenter mentioned in a letter to the show (listen to it here, 8th segment from the top), tactics based on peace and Gandhi are not even considered as an option in the debate about what's next for us in Afghanistan. Even on a show of reasonable people like "All Things Considered".
I feel sad and discouraged about that.

Symphony of Science

Each of us share a life that is awe-inspiring and fantastical.
Our experience of life is more profound than our words can express. 
You know this because in every day and night you live it.
Live this moment and feel this moment.
You know.

More at Symphony of Science

 

The Big Bang Theory

Last night I finished rewatching season 1 and season 2 of Big Bang Theory as my end of the day DVD's. Good show. I developed an even greater appreciation for Jim Parsons as Sheldon. The only two characters who have mannerisms that bother me are Leonard and Penny. I like them, and I like the actors who play them...its only the mannerisms that sometimes make me cringe or I get a little tired of.
Before watching this recent repeat of the episodes on DVD, I would sometimes become irritated by Sheldon's bizarre nature, but for some reason - watching it this time, it all felt good and I liked it.
Honestly, the whole show is great - the writing and acting in particular.
Good job all involved!
What will my next end of the day DVD be?  I don't know yet.

No more troops in Afghanistan

Dear President Obama,

I do not believe we should send more troops into Afghanistan. Please do not decide to do so.

I think we can come up with some better strategies that do NOT involve the military.

The military solution should NOT be the first solution.

Let's take a step back and think about what military campaigns have gotten us over the last 50 years. Not much.

War is hell and I don't want to live in a country that thinks its okay to live in hell.

Thank you

*****

I should have also mentioned that this whole election fiasco is not a good sign.  Abdullah Abdullah dropped out of the runoff election because Karzai wouldn't accept changes to the voting process that could help eliminate fraud.
Something's fishy there, and whatever it is - it ain't good.
 

Reality Bites

U.S. soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division go on an early morning patrol in the Pech Valley of Afghanistan's Kunar province Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

A U.S. Army vehicle fires on Taliban positions on a mountain side, outside a base held by the Army's 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division in the Pech River Valley of Afghanistan's Kunar province, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

I screwed up and lost the caption for this image, and I can't find the image anymore...though I remember its a picture of Afghan Army troops taken October 27, 2009 by David Guttenfelder of the Associated Press.  

CEREMONIAL FIRST - U.S. troops, civilian agencies, Afghan officials and locals attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the first high school for females in the Shajoy region in Zabul province, Afghanistan, Oct. 22, 2009. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Angelita Lawrence

As of Saturday, at least 4,354 members of the US Military have died since the start of the Iraq war and at least 831 have died as a result of the Afghan war and related operations, according to the Associated Press.


More information from Defenselink (the Department of Defense website):

In Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), 31,545 military personnel and Department of Defense civilians have been wounded.  Of those, 17,671 were returned to duty within 72 hours.

In Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF, Afghanistan), 4,399 military personnel and Department of Defense civilians have been wounded, Of those, 1,799 were returned to duty within 72 hours.

NaNoWriMo 2009 Begins!

I wanted to be cool about starting NaNoWriMo so I don't feel overwhelmed by the task ahead and give up before I start; no plans for a midnight start, sleep regular, wake regular, write without pressure.

Then, my upstairs neighbor loudly dropped things on the floor (that's what it sounded like) that woke me from my sleep.  And I forgot to set my clocks back last night, so its still only 4am.

And I'm awake.

Still awake.

Awake.

I might as well start.

 

TaDaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-I've started!

 

"Community"

I've been enjoying Community. 

Sometimes in spite of the two lead characters, Jeff Winger (played by Joel McHale) and Britta (played by Gillian Jacobs). 

I don't understand why Jeff is obsessively interested in Britta.  It doesn't seem he'd have trouble finding other women to date.

And, I don't love that Jeff is ALWAYS the one they turn to for help.

I like the Britta character, but not as a love interest for Jeff.

The scene stealer of the show is Abed (played by Danny Pudi).  He's a strange and unique character.

The rest of the cast is interesting and well-crafted also.  Good mix of people.

Ragtime at the Portland Center Stage

I saw "Ragtime" at Portland Center Stage tonight.  I only had the vaguest idea before the play what it might be about - something about early race relations.  When I found out I was going, I decided to learn nothing more about the play and walk into it without any preconceptions.

I did hear it was a long play though and became concerned that I'd be so tired I couldn't stay awake for the whole play.

I had nothing to fear.

The play is about the confluence of new immigrants, African Americans, and wealthy white people at the turn of the 20th century.  Its based on an E L Doctorow story.

My thoughts...

First, the play was done on a nearly bare stage, which I thought worked.  There were so many different scene locations, if they'd used a fully decorated set...well, that sounds like a lot of scene changing and kerfuffle when the songs are the star of the play and are showcased beautifully without anything but the actors.

Second, the play was staged and choreographed well.  Some of the songs had creative and fun movements, particularly "The Crime of the Century" and "Henry Ford". 

Third, the play didn't even seem like it took 2 hours and 50 minutes.  I thought time would crawl by.  That was not the case at all.

Fourth, I was blown away by the clarity and the strength of the actor's singing voices.  What a gift.  I wish I could sing.  It was quite stunning. 

Fifth, I liked how most of the actors played multiple parts.

How fortunate am I to have seen an outstanding live performance?  Very fortunate indeed.

All Good Men

Obama salutes the casket of Sergeant Dale Griffin, who died in Afghanistan. Photograph: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

Barack Obama meets coffins of soldiers killed in Afghanistan

War is Weird - I have to think about this stuff

Justice Richard Goldstone was the guest on Bill Moyers on 10/23/2009.  He investigated possible war crimes related to the bombing between Israel and Gaza in December 2008 (or so).

He described some acts to have been war crimes because 'innocent' civilians seemed to be targeted for retaliation.

*****
Some points to ponder:

1.  I understand the idea of retaliation (though isn't all war the threat of retaliation?), but the 'innocent' civilians part causes me trouble.

2.  In this specific scenario, Israel feels victimized and Gaza feels victimized.
They go toe to toe trying to decide who's the biggest victim.
First of all, that's the best way to not get anything accomplished - competing to see who has more to complain about.
Second, I hold Israel to the same standard I hold the United States. 
As the Kennedy's say, from those to whom much is given, much is expected. 
The Israelis and citizens of the US are pretty lucky in terms of standard of living and education and available resources and a stable economy and a (roughly) democratic society based on the rule of law.
The Palistinians haven't had the same chances, and don't have the same resources.
If you believe in a dog eat dog world, then I guess you think that's okay - only the strong survive and its fine to kick 'em when they're down.
But, I don't see it that way.  We should be bending over backwards to help these people feel good about themselves and respected and valued by all of us. 
What do we lose?
And we gain so much?

3.  I'd like to think about the nature of innocent civilians in a war zone, and trying to make rules in a war zone. 
I think both concepts are strange.
What constitutes an innocent civilian? 
I don't support the Iraq war, but its being fought in the name of my country.
Am I innocent?
I could have tried harder to get Bush out of office earlier, I could have marched in the street more, I could have supported peace groups in the area. 

Am I innocent just because I don't have a weapon, and I've essentially 'paid' for my armed protectors with tax money?

And why should we ever consider war to have rules about 'right' and 'wrong'.  That seems so odd.  You can't sign an illegal contract and then complain to the authorities when the rules of the contract are not abided by.
It seems to me if you're having a war - both sides have to agree its a war and what the rules are.  I don't see that happening in the current conflicts the US is participating in.

4.  Another aspect I'd like to think more about is how terrorists use the threat of violence to get what they want.
Their plan only succeeds because we won't do what they so willingly do.
From their perspective, we aren't willing to die for our cause.
From our perspective, we aren't willing to indiscriminantly kill masses of people on the hope we catch one or two terrorists.
So, the terrorists count on that. 
They know they're the biggest bullies on the block willing to use their muscle.

They're really just a bunch of loser thugs; just like street gangs who fight for turf over their drug territories, and mafia families who kill to defend their honor.
Crazy.

All we are saying is Give Peace a Chance.

Who looks like me...

In a previous post I wrote about the five people who look like me. 
A friend also told me I look like the character played by Jane Adams in "Hung":

He said a lot of it had to do with the mannerisms (my hair is not at all that curly). 
Coincidentally, Jane Adams spent some time in the town I grew up in (Bellevue Washington).  She's 6 years younger than me so she could be my younger half sister!
I still think Daphne Prevoo more closely resembles me, but I can't find any images of her anywhere on the internet. 

My moment of fame

Go here to see my short moment...
Look carefully.
 

Afghanistan

Mujahedin in 1984

Twenty-five years ago!

Islamic Conquest of Afghanistan 637 - 709
First Anglo - Afghan War (1839 - 1842)
Second Anglo - Afghan War (1878 - 1881)
Third Anglo - Afghan War (1919)
Reforms of Amanullah Khan and civil war (1929)
Civil War I - leads to Soviet invasion (1978)
Soviet war in Afghanistan (1979 - 1989)
Civil War II - collapse of governement (1989 - 1992)
Civil War III - Anarchy (1992 - 1996)
Civil War IV - Taliban period (1996 - 2001)
War in Afghanistan - ISAF/NATO involvement
From Wikipedia

This article by Scott Shane in the New York Times 10/22/2009 describes the complexity of our efforts in Afghanistan. 

I don't think we can solve the problem.
I'm not sure we should try.
Yes, its painful (and frightening) to watch people live in an unsettled and unsafe area knowing their lack of security affects my lack of security.
The bottom line is history has shown that weapons and war are not the answer.
Ever.
Change comes from within each of us individually, which leads to change in how a country operates.
The Afghani people will effect change in their own country based on their experiences, their influences, and the people they come in contact with.  (In fact, weren't they making some headway against the Taliban prior to 9/11?  I vaguely recall news reports about women's rights, for instance.)

I think the United States should begin to realize that our military might is not what wins the hearts and minds of the world; its our integrity. 
Our military should leave Afghanistan and Iraq.

America will win more converts to its ideal of a civilization based on the rule of laws, civil liberties and human rights if we interact with each other and the world community with truth and respect - not guns and ammo.

Be not afraid.

Reality Bites

As of Saturday, at least 4351 members of the US Military have died since the start of the Iraq War and at least 807 have died as a result of the Afghan War and related operations, according to the Associated Press.

I Coulda' Saved Christmas!!!

Okay - so I have rosacea on my nose.  Its exacerbated, I think, by the flushing hot flashes I'm experiencing periodically. 

I just saw my reflection in the mirror with lights out, and sure enough, I could have led the way on Santa's Sleigh. 

Red Alert!

I like Star Trek

Yeah, I said it.

I meant it.

I'm here to represent it.

It all began in the 1970's with Star Trek reruns every night at 6pm on Channel 12. 

How many times have I seen those original series episodes?

I looked forward to each incarnation of the series until 'Enterprise'.  (I tried to like it, I really did.)

I don't know all the details of ships and planets and stardates or anything, but I know plots and I can usually remember a Star Trek story that correlates with almost anything in life.  Either Star Trek or Twilight Zone - definitely between the two of them the mysteries of life have been fully explored.

My ranking of the series are: 

Voyager (strong female characters)

Deep Space Nine (interesting story development/combination of serious and fun)

The Next Generation (it was exciting to get a new Star Trek and see the updates to the Enterprise - the holodeck was fun)

The Original Series (great series, but I've seen it so many times it doesn't have the same appeal it used to)

Enterprise (they gave an explanation for how Klingon's appearance changed from TOS to TNG - that was a great episode).

 I'm willing to look past the goofiness, the plot holes, the excessive sense of righteousness, and the unexplainable decisions and solutions that are conveniently used in one episode, but forgotten in the next.

I forgive it all that because the future's a cool place to think about.  I like that quite often they present a story about an intriguing idea.  What if our minds/consciousness could go into new bodies?  What if someone had godlike powers and was bored?  What if a new evolution of being was treated like a tool instead of a sentient being?

"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,

Than are dreamt of in your philosophy."

Hamlet, Act I, Scene 5

My e-mail to the President today...

Today I wrote an e-mail to President Obama.  Sometimes I wonder if its even useful to send these e-mails, so I had to ask, as you'll read a little lower in this post. 

It reminds me of the time my Dad was in the hospital.  He was never demonstrative and I didn't remember that he told me he loved me while I was growing up.  That was just his way.  I assumed he loved me to the best of his ability though.

Because I knew my father was dying, I decided I would ask. 

Its a big deal to ask someone if they love you - to show your need and vulnerability so openly.  I guess its like asking 'is all this effort in vain?". 

On the face of it, I wish I didn't need to know. 

I wish I'd had the confidence of his love already. 

Or, that I'd just given him my time and energy because I knew I loved him and that's all that matters.   

I knew he was dying though.  So, I asked.

"Dad, do you love me?"

"Yes, I love you."

He died two days later.

I'm glad I asked. 

I know I put him on the spot - what is anybody going to say to that question? 

And his kidneys were starting to fail him so he might have been kind of out of it.

But, it still felt good to hear him say it out loud.

Obviously I don't have the same emotional ties to Obama that I had to my Dad and I don't have the same needs and requirements. 

Its still nice to know my voice and opinions are being acknowledged though. 

So, I asked. 

(Honestly, I still expect no response, but I gotta try).

"Dear President Obama,

First, I hope my periodic comments are being combined with other like-minded comments people send and you're being made aware of them. I would like you to always make decisions that I agree with, but since that seems unrealistic, I would like to know you at least have taken my ideas into consideration.

For today, I'd like to say that I think you're making the right decision to wait until we know we have a stable government in Afghanistan as a partner before deciding about troop levels and continued US involvement.

Please do not be swayed or influenced by the political firestorms people will try to brew to influence you one way or the other. You have already made the right decision - to wait, so wait until we know what's happening in Afghanistan.

It makes no sense to continue the same mission in Afghanistan if the 'side' we're supporting is corrupt and working at cross-puposes. We've done that too many times in the past and it always negates the benefits.

If the government isn't supported by the majority of the people after the run-off election then we should not be supporting the government either.

Thank you - and as always, I send you much respect and appreciation for your hard work. I believe in you.

Vicky"

 

New Link List...

Interview with Eckhart Tolle on Krista Tippett's 'Speaking of Faith' radio show.
Interview originally conducted in 2008, replayed last weekend.

The Mountain Men's Three Moon Short Sleeve Tee...reviews on Amazon
Clever people.  How do they all find each other?  This is the kind of thing that makes me happy about the world and wonder why anyone wants to fight or bother with war or nuclear weapons or making other people unhappy.  What's the point when life can be so much fun?

NPR's Morning Edition story on the new Music Intelligence software
What is the world coming to?
And Bob Dylan music is being used for commercial purposes.
I'm sad about music being used in marketing campaigns for really regular items.

Links of Interest to Me

Op-Ed column in the New York Times by Paul Krugman called "The Politics of Spite"

Style of discourse has replaced civil discussion as the main point of 'debating' an issue.  The issue itself isn't discussed because the style is so outrageous.  I guess that's how conmen distract us from what they don't want us to think about.

Parade Magazine excerpt from Capt. Sullenberger upcoming book "Highest Duty:  My Search for What Matters"

A.  I'm emotionally overwhelmed and nearly brought to tears when I read or see or think about people who are forced to unexpectedly confront the end of their lives.  B.  Integrity means doing the right thing even when its inconvenient.

November is National Novel Writing Month - NaNoWriMo

My next attempt to test my powers of perseverence.  I have no ideas and not a huge desire to write a novel.  I used to like the idea of creating fiction with meaning, but got frustrated by how unoriginal my thoughts are.  I'm doing this not for the novel, but because I like the idea of learning to focus, persevere, and get something (anything) finally accomplished.  In this case, nobody has to see the novel so I don't have to live up to anyone's expectations.

ScotusBlog and CSpan and SupremeCourtus.gov
The Supreme Court started their term last Monday.  Time to start paying attention!

The Pioneer Woman - Ree Drummond - My Prayer
I like how she describes the strange ways life moves on and life changes and life stops - all at the same time - when a loved one dies.
On the day my father died, I remember driving in the car and looking at other drivers around me.  I marvelled at how odd it was that not only were they not changed by my father's death, but they didn't even notice that I'd been changed either.
Today, somebody's Dad has died and I could be sitting right next to them.  They're looking at me the same way I did on that day in 1984.
The best we can do for each other is have compassion and patience for the journey we're embarking on - the adjustment and transitions of grief.
The Pioneer Woman says it better than I.

Ricky Gervais interviews Larry David (part I of VI)
Two reasons this is good...1)  Its funny to watch both of these people individually, I have high expectations that it will be laughs a' plenty watching them together.  2)  They had a clip from the episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm show where Larry opens a restaurant.  I remember it being funny when I originally saw it, but it really struck me as HIGH-LARE-EE-US just now. WARNING - there is language some may find offensive (especially in the clip from CYE)

Letters of Note.
Letters both historic and interesting. Its a glimpse into a moment.

From 10/11/09 Oregonian:  Margie Boule's column about the blog Things You Would Have Said, and the story of Rancher Joe
When I was still a young teenager, an acquaintance's father died unexpectedly. My mother was also acquainted with the man's wife. My mother told me that the husband and wife had a fight before he left that morning. And then he died.
I took that story to heart. I make it a point to tell people what they mean to me during the regular, ordinary times (sometimes to their annoyance!). I don't want things to go unsaid, even if the only reason we lose touch is because I change jobs.
The website collects letters people would write if they could now say what they wish they had said.
The story of Rancher Joe Fitzgerald struck me because I read the story wanting to pay tribute to an older gentleman who's worked his whole life in a tough business and has now been hit by the economic times. He doesn't live my lifestyle and probably doesn't agree with many of my political or life philosophies. But, he's 76 years old and it seems sad that he has to worry about money after all these years of hard work. And I'm interested by the fact that he and his wife live what sounds like a really hardscrabble life, but they must find some happiness in it (right?).
It was surprising, then, to read the few comments that seemed like an Old West range war...the farmers vs the cattle ranchers. Except now its environmentalists vs farmers vs cattle ranchers. And the name calling continues. It was sad.

Gary Yonge's column from The Nation: Obama and the Decline of White America
The only part of this column I disagree with is that not all White Americans are afraid. For many people, the separation between races is not as visible as the separation between economic classes, which cuts across all racial distinctions. Diversity breeds economic health. Part of the reason we have the economic problems we do is because we have companies 'too big to fail'. Small businesses are swallowed up by Wal-Marts. Every strip mall looks the same across America. We could use a little diversity and regional distinctions. Let's appreciate each other's differences and value each of us equally.

President Barack Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize

Now this is a surpise, isn't it?  I bet Barack Obama is more surprised than anyone.

Although I wonder if this might be a bit premature, I understand the Nobel committee's point...Obama is being recognized for giving the world hope again.  None of us can work for peace if we don't have hope.  For a time it seemed hope was gone and peace was a pipe dream.  It may still be a long, slow, difficult process to get to a world of peace, but the first step is hope - the belief that its possible.  And Obama gave the world hope, he made many of us believe again.  God bless the ones who have always believed, but the truth is many of us had given in to despair.

Can you imagine the pressure Obama must feel?
I believe he'll maintain his sense of humility, but I'd find it difficult to be a regular person amid all the accolades and high expectations. 

I will continue to have faith in his true friends and family to help him keep things in perspective.

Strangely, I feel uncomfortable thinking about him actually participating in the Nobel ceremony and accepting the prize.  It seems awkward.  He could say "I know you are encouraging me in my efforts and expressing support for the peace movement, but..." and then I don't know what he'd say.  What should he do?  It seems awkward no matter what he does.  He's going to speak at 7:30 this morning - it'll be interesting to hear.

From the announcement by the Nobel Peace Prize committee:

"The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 is to be awarded to President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. The Committee has attached special importance to Obama's vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons.

"Obama has as president created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play. Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts. The vision of a world free from nuclear arms has powerfully stimulated disarmament and arms control negotiations. Thanks to Obama's initiative, the USA is now playing a more constructive role in meeting the great climatic challenges the world is confronting. Democracy and human rights are to be strengthened.

"Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future. His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population.

"For 108 years, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has sought to stimulate precisely that international policy and those attitudes for which Obama is now the world's leading spokesman. The Committee endorses Obama's appeal that "Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges."

UPDATE I: I like this comment in response to a Peter Beinart piece on The Daily Beast in which Beinart says the President has done nothing to deserve the award and it plays into the right's arguments that Obamamania bears no relation to reality.

And, I think Mickey Kaus from Slate makes a good point...
 

Eight Years

The eighth anniversary of a war is a convenient time to review where we are, where we're going, and where we're trying to be.  But, it shouldn't be the only time we think of it.  Every day is an anniversary of something in someone's life vis a vis the war in Afghanistan.

We're paying the price every day. 

And what should we do?  Obama is working on a long term strategy to deal with the ineffective Afghanistan government, the influence of Pakistan, the resurgent Taliban, and the new alliance between Al Qaeda and the Taliban.  Are we fighting insurgents or terrorists?  Are we going to prop up the current government?  What about the infrastructure?  the Afghanistan people?Nobody knows.  And the reality is, there's probably no perfect answer.

This morning on GMA, Wesley Clark had a reminder of the three lessons we should have learned from Vietnam:  a) if we increase the troop levels, casualties will increase, which will affect American support .  b) if the enemy has a sanctuary, we can't win unless we take the fight to the enemy.  c) We can't fix their government for them.

The best next step will be clear when it becomes clear what the United States wants to accomplish.

All I ask is that we proceed with integrity. In fact, I think I'll send a message to President Obama that says that.

 

First Monday in October - Supreme Court is in Session

C-SPAN has a nice documentary about the Supreme Court airing this week. I watched the first viewing of it this evening and found it informative and easy to watch.



The first two oral arguments this term are Maryland v Shatzer and Mohawk Industries v Carpenter.

The Social Conservatives make no sense to me at all

 

I find it peculiar that Conservatives who believe in the dog eat dog world of independence and personal responsibility above all else, are the same Conservatives who denounce Darwin’s theory of Survival of the Fittest because they think it doesn’t take into account that God may have created life on this Earth.

So, they live by the idea that each to his own survival based on his own efforts, but they also believe that God will provide when they follow God’s rules of worship.

The Conservative crowd pay special attention to the admonition that God helps those who help themselves, but forget that Jesus said “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brother’s, that you do unto me.”

The Conservatives believe that everyone should give to the charities of their choice without the government taking their money and giving it away instead. But, they forget the decades and millennia when men were given that opportunity but chose to line their own coffers at the expense of people who had nothing - they devalued life over the pursuit of wealth and power. We live within a historical context and we can’t be oblivious to it.  We are where we are because of what came before - cause and effect didn't start this morning. 

It’s odd to me that while the Conservatives want personal freedom, they want everyone to follow their rules about government, and marriage, and health decisions. They feel no hypocrisy whining that Christians are being persecuted while at the same time they are persecuting homosexuals, people of color, immigrants, outspoken people, women who choose abortions…all these people who make choices about their own lifestyles are persecuted because their lifestyle choices aren’t fundamentalist Christian. How can they not see their hypocrisy?

The Conservatives are more interested in being in power, and staying in power than in governing. The people who follow the Conservatives don’t see that as being ‘anti-American’? How can that be missed?

I accept that many Conservatives don’t fall into any of these characterizations. But, can those Conservatives drown out the voices of the ones who do? Will they? Who will win? Unfortunately, I think all our lives depend on a positive outcome – that the constructive Conservatives will be courageous and stand unified against the fear mongering, power hungry, hypocritical conservatives who have taken over their party.
 

It turns out I have nothing of interest to say...

I've started a couple blog posts today, and in both cases I realized what I was writing was boring. What do I think about the news in the Sunday paper? What television shows am I watching or not watching this year? What is the Supreme Court going to be doing this year (First Monday in October is tomorrow)? All of that COULD be interesting if I had something fresh and new to bring to the table. I don't. Or, if I had a writing style that is unique, funny, or easy to read. I don't.
While on other days I might have let it go that I have no talent and given in to my compulstion to write...today, I'm not going to. Have a great one!