Saturday, January 27, 2007
Into the Woods
So I am going to see one of my favorite musicals this weekend. I am a huge Sondheim fan and although Assassins is my favorite musical, Into the Woods comes in a close second.
For those of you who don’t know the story, it is basically all of the fairy tales together – literally. The Bakers Wife makes out with Prince Charming, Jack (of the beanstalk) and Cinderella end up lost in the woods together, there is bean bargining and the Witch, oh the Witch (Originally played by Bernadette Peters)basically, it’s a jolly good mess.
Sondheim does have a way of putting life lessons into the mix however, thusly… Sing it Cinderella…
He's a very smart Prince,
He's a Prince who prepares.
Knowing this time I'd run from him,
He spread pitch on the stairs.
I was caught unawares.
And I thought: well, he cares-
This is more than just malice.
Better stop and take stock
While you're standing here stuck
On the steps of the palace.
You think, what do you want?
You think, make a decision.
Why not stay and be caught?
You think, well, it's a thought,
What would be his response?
But then what if he knew
Who you were when you know
That you're not what he thinks
That he wants?
And then what if you are?
What a Prince would envision?
Although how can you know
Who you are till you know
What you want, which you don't?
So then which do you pick:
Where you're safe, out of sight,
And yourself, but where everything's wrong?
Or where everything's right
And you know that you'll never belong?
And whichever you pick,
Do it quick,
'Cause you're starting to stick
To the steps of the palace.
It's your first big decision,
The choice isn't easy to make.
To arrive at a ball
Is exciting and all-
Once you're there, though, it's scary.
And it's fun to deceive
When you know you can leave,
But you have to be wary.
There's a lot that's at stake,
But you've stalled long enough,
'Cause you're still standing stuck
In the stuff on the steps...
Better run along home
And avoid the collision.
Even though they don't care,
You'll be better of there
Where there's nothing to choose,
So there's nothing to lose.
So you pry up your shoes.
Then from out of the blue,
And without any guide,
You know what your decision is,
Which is not to decide.
You'll leave him a clue:
For example, a shoe.
And then see what he'll do.
Now it's he and not you
Who is stuck with a shoe,
In a stew, in the goo,
And you've learned something, too,
Something you never knew,
On the steps of the palace.
For those of you who don’t know the story, it is basically all of the fairy tales together – literally. The Bakers Wife makes out with Prince Charming, Jack (of the beanstalk) and Cinderella end up lost in the woods together, there is bean bargining and the Witch, oh the Witch (Originally played by Bernadette Peters)basically, it’s a jolly good mess.
Sondheim does have a way of putting life lessons into the mix however, thusly… Sing it Cinderella…
He's a very smart Prince,
He's a Prince who prepares.
Knowing this time I'd run from him,
He spread pitch on the stairs.
I was caught unawares.
And I thought: well, he cares-
This is more than just malice.
Better stop and take stock
While you're standing here stuck
On the steps of the palace.
You think, what do you want?
You think, make a decision.
Why not stay and be caught?
You think, well, it's a thought,
What would be his response?
But then what if he knew
Who you were when you know
That you're not what he thinks
That he wants?
And then what if you are?
What a Prince would envision?
Although how can you know
Who you are till you know
What you want, which you don't?
So then which do you pick:
Where you're safe, out of sight,
And yourself, but where everything's wrong?
Or where everything's right
And you know that you'll never belong?
And whichever you pick,
Do it quick,
'Cause you're starting to stick
To the steps of the palace.
It's your first big decision,
The choice isn't easy to make.
To arrive at a ball
Is exciting and all-
Once you're there, though, it's scary.
And it's fun to deceive
When you know you can leave,
But you have to be wary.
There's a lot that's at stake,
But you've stalled long enough,
'Cause you're still standing stuck
In the stuff on the steps...
Better run along home
And avoid the collision.
Even though they don't care,
You'll be better of there
Where there's nothing to choose,
So there's nothing to lose.
So you pry up your shoes.
Then from out of the blue,
And without any guide,
You know what your decision is,
Which is not to decide.
You'll leave him a clue:
For example, a shoe.
And then see what he'll do.
Now it's he and not you
Who is stuck with a shoe,
In a stew, in the goo,
And you've learned something, too,
Something you never knew,
On the steps of the palace.
Friday, January 26, 2007
The Weather Outside is Frightening...
It is officially SNOWING in DC!
I believe the official weather report was 'possible afternoon snow flurries'. Any amount of snow makes me happy. At this point, enough snow to shut down the Federal Government would be good.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
And the Smackdown...er...I mean the Democratic Response
(If you don't want to read it all, or saw the address, and just want to remember the exact phrasing of the smackdown...skip to the last paragraph.)
I'm Senator Jim Webb, from Virginia, where this year we will celebrate the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown an event that marked the first step in the long journey that has made us the greatest and most prosperous nation on earth.
It would not be possible in this short amount of time to actually rebut the President's message, nor would it be useful. Let me simply say that we in the Democratic Party hope that this administration is serious about improving education and healthcare for all Americans, and addressing such domestic priorities as restoring the vitality of New Orleans.
Further, this is the seventh time the President has mentioned energy independence in his state of the union message, but for the first time this exchange is taking place in a Congress led by the Democratic Party. We are looking for affirmative solutions that will strengthen our nation by freeing us from our dependence on foreign oil, and spurring a wave of entrepreneurial growth in the form of alternate energy programs. We look forward to working with the President and his party to bring about these changes.
There are two areas where our respective parties have largely stood in contradiction, and I want to take a few minutes to address them tonight. The first relates to how we see the health of our economy how we measure it, and how we ensure that its benefits are properly shared among all Americans. The second regards our foreign policy how we might bring the war in Iraq to a proper conclusion that will also allow us to continue to fight the war against international terrorism, and to address other strategic concerns that our country faces around the world.
When one looks at the health of our economy, it's almost as if we are living in two different countries. Some say that things have never been better. The stock market is at an all-time high, and so are corporate profits. But these benefits are not being fairly shared. When I graduated from college, the average corporate CEO made 20 times what the average worker did; today, it's nearly 400 times. In other words, it takes the average worker more than a year to make the money that his or her boss makes in one day.
Wages and salaries for our workers are at all-time lows as a percentage of national wealth, even though the productivity of American workers is the highest in the world. Medical costs have skyrocketed. College tuition rates are off the charts. Our manufacturing base is being dismantled and sent overseas. Good American jobs are being sent along with them.
In short, the middle class of this country, our historic backbone and our best hope for a strong society in the future, is losing its place at the table. Our workers know this, through painful experience. Our white-collar professionals are beginning to understand it, as their jobs start disappearing also. And they expect, rightly, that in this age of globalization, their government has a duty to insist that their concerns be dealt with fairly in the international marketplace.
In the early days of our republic, President Andrew Jackson established an important principle of American-style democracy that we should measure the health of our society not at its apex, but at its base. Not with the numbers that come out of Wall Street, but with the living conditions that exist on Main Street. We must recapture that spirit today.
And under the leadership of the new Democratic Congress, we are on our way to doing so. The House just passed a minimum wage increase, the first in ten years, and the Senate will soon follow. We've introduced a broad legislative package designed to regain the trust of the American people. We've established a tone of cooperation and consensus that extends beyond party lines. We're working to get the right things done, for the right people and for the right reasons.
With respect to foreign policy, this country has patiently endured a mismanaged war for nearly four years. Many, including myself, warned even before the war began that it was unnecessary, that it would take our energy and attention away from the larger war against terrorism, and that invading and occupying Iraq would leave us strategically vulnerable in the most violent and turbulent corner of the world.
I want to share with all of you a picture that I have carried with me for more than 50 years. This is my father, when he was a young Air Force captain, flying cargo planes during the Berlin Airlift. He sent us the picture from Germany, as we waited for him, back here at home. When I was a small boy, I used to take the picture to bed with me every night, because for more than three years my father was deployed, unable to live with us full-time, serving overseas or in bases where there was no family housing. I still keep it, to remind me of the sacrifices that my mother and others had to make, over and over again, as my father gladly served our country. I was proud to follow in his footsteps, serving as a Marine in Vietnam. My brother did as well, serving as a Marine helicopter pilot. My son has joined the tradition, now serving as an infantry Marine in Iraq.
Like so many other Americans, today and throughout our history, we serve and have served, not for political reasons, but because we love our country. On the political issues those matters of war and peace, and in some cases of life and death we trusted the judgment of our national leaders. We hoped that they would be right, that they would measure with accuracy the value of our lives against the enormity of the national interest that might call upon us to go into harm's way.
We owed them our loyalty, as Americans, and we gave it. But they owed us sound judgment, clear thinking, concern for our welfare, a guarantee that the threat to our country was equal to the price we might be called upon to pay in defending it.
The President took us into this war recklessly. He disregarded warnings from the national security adviser during the first Gulf War, the chief of staff of the army, two former commanding generals of the Central Command, whose jurisdiction includes Iraq, the director of operations on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and many, many others with great integrity and long experience in national security affairs. We are now, as a nation, held hostage to the predictable and predicted disarray that has followed.
The war's costs to our nation have been staggering. Financially. The damage to our reputation around the world. The lost opportunities to defeat the forces of international terrorism. And especially the precious blood of our citizens who have stepped forward to serve.
The majority of the nation no longer supports the way this war is being fought; nor does the majority of our military. We need a new direction. Not one step back from the war against international terrorism. Not a precipitous withdrawal that ignores the possibility of further chaos. But an immediate shift toward strong regionally-based diplomacy, a policy that takes our soldiers off the streets of Iraq's cities, and a formula that will in short order allow our combat forces to leave Iraq.
On both of these vital issues, our economy and our national security, it falls upon those of us in elected office to take action.
Regarding the economic imbalance in our country, I am reminded of the situation President Theodore Roosevelt faced in the early days of the 20th century. America was then, as now, drifting apart along class lines. The so-called robber barons were unapologetically raking in a huge percentage of the national wealth. The dispossessed workers at the bottom were threatening revolt.
Roosevelt spoke strongly against these divisions. He told his fellow Republicans that they must set themselves "as resolutely against improper corporate influence on the one hand as against demagogy and mob rule on the other." And he did something about it.
As I look at Iraq, I recall the words of former general and soon-to-be President Dwight Eisenhower during the dark days of the Korean War, which had fallen into a bloody stalemate. "When comes the end?" asked the General who had commanded our forces in Europe during World War Two. And as soon as he became President, he brought the Korean War to an end.
These Presidents took the right kind of action, for the benefit of the American people and for the health of our relations around the world.
Tonight we are calling on this President to take similar action, in both areas. If he does, we will join him. If he does not, we will be showing him the way.
Thank you for listening. And God bless America.
January 23, 2007
Democratic Response of Senator Jim Webb
Democratic Response of Senator Jim Webb
to the President’s State of the Union Address
Good evening.I'm Senator Jim Webb, from Virginia, where this year we will celebrate the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown an event that marked the first step in the long journey that has made us the greatest and most prosperous nation on earth.
It would not be possible in this short amount of time to actually rebut the President's message, nor would it be useful. Let me simply say that we in the Democratic Party hope that this administration is serious about improving education and healthcare for all Americans, and addressing such domestic priorities as restoring the vitality of New Orleans.
Further, this is the seventh time the President has mentioned energy independence in his state of the union message, but for the first time this exchange is taking place in a Congress led by the Democratic Party. We are looking for affirmative solutions that will strengthen our nation by freeing us from our dependence on foreign oil, and spurring a wave of entrepreneurial growth in the form of alternate energy programs. We look forward to working with the President and his party to bring about these changes.
There are two areas where our respective parties have largely stood in contradiction, and I want to take a few minutes to address them tonight. The first relates to how we see the health of our economy how we measure it, and how we ensure that its benefits are properly shared among all Americans. The second regards our foreign policy how we might bring the war in Iraq to a proper conclusion that will also allow us to continue to fight the war against international terrorism, and to address other strategic concerns that our country faces around the world.
When one looks at the health of our economy, it's almost as if we are living in two different countries. Some say that things have never been better. The stock market is at an all-time high, and so are corporate profits. But these benefits are not being fairly shared. When I graduated from college, the average corporate CEO made 20 times what the average worker did; today, it's nearly 400 times. In other words, it takes the average worker more than a year to make the money that his or her boss makes in one day.
Wages and salaries for our workers are at all-time lows as a percentage of national wealth, even though the productivity of American workers is the highest in the world. Medical costs have skyrocketed. College tuition rates are off the charts. Our manufacturing base is being dismantled and sent overseas. Good American jobs are being sent along with them.
In short, the middle class of this country, our historic backbone and our best hope for a strong society in the future, is losing its place at the table. Our workers know this, through painful experience. Our white-collar professionals are beginning to understand it, as their jobs start disappearing also. And they expect, rightly, that in this age of globalization, their government has a duty to insist that their concerns be dealt with fairly in the international marketplace.
In the early days of our republic, President Andrew Jackson established an important principle of American-style democracy that we should measure the health of our society not at its apex, but at its base. Not with the numbers that come out of Wall Street, but with the living conditions that exist on Main Street. We must recapture that spirit today.
And under the leadership of the new Democratic Congress, we are on our way to doing so. The House just passed a minimum wage increase, the first in ten years, and the Senate will soon follow. We've introduced a broad legislative package designed to regain the trust of the American people. We've established a tone of cooperation and consensus that extends beyond party lines. We're working to get the right things done, for the right people and for the right reasons.
With respect to foreign policy, this country has patiently endured a mismanaged war for nearly four years. Many, including myself, warned even before the war began that it was unnecessary, that it would take our energy and attention away from the larger war against terrorism, and that invading and occupying Iraq would leave us strategically vulnerable in the most violent and turbulent corner of the world.
I want to share with all of you a picture that I have carried with me for more than 50 years. This is my father, when he was a young Air Force captain, flying cargo planes during the Berlin Airlift. He sent us the picture from Germany, as we waited for him, back here at home. When I was a small boy, I used to take the picture to bed with me every night, because for more than three years my father was deployed, unable to live with us full-time, serving overseas or in bases where there was no family housing. I still keep it, to remind me of the sacrifices that my mother and others had to make, over and over again, as my father gladly served our country. I was proud to follow in his footsteps, serving as a Marine in Vietnam. My brother did as well, serving as a Marine helicopter pilot. My son has joined the tradition, now serving as an infantry Marine in Iraq.
Like so many other Americans, today and throughout our history, we serve and have served, not for political reasons, but because we love our country. On the political issues those matters of war and peace, and in some cases of life and death we trusted the judgment of our national leaders. We hoped that they would be right, that they would measure with accuracy the value of our lives against the enormity of the national interest that might call upon us to go into harm's way.
We owed them our loyalty, as Americans, and we gave it. But they owed us sound judgment, clear thinking, concern for our welfare, a guarantee that the threat to our country was equal to the price we might be called upon to pay in defending it.
The President took us into this war recklessly. He disregarded warnings from the national security adviser during the first Gulf War, the chief of staff of the army, two former commanding generals of the Central Command, whose jurisdiction includes Iraq, the director of operations on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and many, many others with great integrity and long experience in national security affairs. We are now, as a nation, held hostage to the predictable and predicted disarray that has followed.
The war's costs to our nation have been staggering. Financially. The damage to our reputation around the world. The lost opportunities to defeat the forces of international terrorism. And especially the precious blood of our citizens who have stepped forward to serve.
The majority of the nation no longer supports the way this war is being fought; nor does the majority of our military. We need a new direction. Not one step back from the war against international terrorism. Not a precipitous withdrawal that ignores the possibility of further chaos. But an immediate shift toward strong regionally-based diplomacy, a policy that takes our soldiers off the streets of Iraq's cities, and a formula that will in short order allow our combat forces to leave Iraq.
On both of these vital issues, our economy and our national security, it falls upon those of us in elected office to take action.
Regarding the economic imbalance in our country, I am reminded of the situation President Theodore Roosevelt faced in the early days of the 20th century. America was then, as now, drifting apart along class lines. The so-called robber barons were unapologetically raking in a huge percentage of the national wealth. The dispossessed workers at the bottom were threatening revolt.
Roosevelt spoke strongly against these divisions. He told his fellow Republicans that they must set themselves "as resolutely against improper corporate influence on the one hand as against demagogy and mob rule on the other." And he did something about it.
As I look at Iraq, I recall the words of former general and soon-to-be President Dwight Eisenhower during the dark days of the Korean War, which had fallen into a bloody stalemate. "When comes the end?" asked the General who had commanded our forces in Europe during World War Two. And as soon as he became President, he brought the Korean War to an end.
These Presidents took the right kind of action, for the benefit of the American people and for the health of our relations around the world.
Tonight we are calling on this President to take similar action, in both areas. If he does, we will join him. If he does not, we will be showing him the way.
Thank you for listening. And God bless America.
The State of the Union
It is important to know what the President is saying... he is the President after all.
But if you are like me and are not from Texas (not that I have anything against people from Texas - there are some lovely people from Texas) and do not care for the articulation and pronounciation of the POTUS...you can just READ the "highlights" and save your ears the pain.
(And yes, I do have moles on the 'dark side'.)
_____________________________________
From: GOP Conference Press Office
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 5:30 PM
Subject: AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY: STATE OF THE UNION EXCERPTS
(Courtesy of The White House)
Office of the Press Secretary
___________________________________________
Immediate Release January 23, 2007
STATE OF THE UNION EXCERPTS
As Prepared for Delivery
The American people expect their elected leaders from both parties to work together on the important issues facing the Nation. Tonight the President will lay out an ambitious agenda, driven by bold and innovative concepts. He will discuss the importance of forging common ground with the new Congress and explain that to keep America safe, we must prevail in the war on terror.
“Some in this Chamber are new to the House and Senate – and I congratulate the Democratic majority. Congress has changed, but our responsibilities have not…We are not the first to come here with government divided and uncertainty in the air. Like many before us, we can work through our differences, and achieve big things for the American people.”
“Our citizens don’t much care which side of the aisle we sit on – as long as we are willing to cross that aisle when there is work to be done. Our job is to make life better for our fellow Americans, and help them to build a future of hope and opportunity – and this is the business before us tonight.”
On our growing economy:
“A future of hope and opportunity begins with a growing economy – and that is what we have…Unemployment is low, inflation is low, and wages are rising. This economy is on the move – and our job is to keep it that way, not with more government but with more enterprise.”
On the importance of strengthening and re-authorizing No Child Left Behind this year:
“Five years ago, we rose above partisan differences to pass the No Child Left Behind Act…And because we acted, students are performing better in reading and math, and minority students are closing the achievement gap.”
“Now the task is to build on this success, without watering down standards ... without taking control from local communities ... and without backsliding and calling it reform…And we can make sure our children are prepared for the jobs of the future, and our country is more competitive, by strengthening math and science skills.”
On the President’s new health care initiatives:
“[I]n all we do, we must remember that the best healthcare decisions are made not by government and insurance companies, but by patients and their doctors.”
On comprehensive immigration reform:
“Extending hope and opportunity in our country requires an immigration system worthy of America – with laws that are fair and borders that are secure. When laws and borders are routinely violated, this harms the interests of our country… Yet…we cannot fully secure the border unless we take pressure off the border – and that requires a temporary worker program.”
On strengthening America’s energy security:
“Extending hope and opportunity depends on a stable supply of energy that keeps America’s economy running and America’s environment clean. For too long our Nation has been dependent on foreign oil. And this dependence leaves us more vulnerable to hostile regimes, and to terrorists – who could cause huge disruptions of oil shipments ... raise the price of oil ... and do great harm to our economy. It is in our vital interest to diversify America’s energy supply – and the way forward is through technology.”
On the war on terror:
“For all of us in this room, there is no higher responsibility than to protect the people of this country from danger…[T]o win the war on terror we must take the fight to the enemy. From the start, America and our allies have protected our people by staying on the offense. The enemy knows that the days of comfortable sanctuary, easy movement, steady financing, and free flowing communications are long over. For the terrorists, life since Nine-Eleven has never been the same.”
“[O]ur military commanders and I have carefully weighed the options. We discussed every possible approach. In the end, I chose this course of action because it provides the best chance of success. Many in this chamber understand that America must not fail in Iraq – because you understand that the consequences of failure would be grievous and far reaching.”
“The war on terror we fight today is a generational struggle that will continue long after you and I have turned our duties over to others. That is why it is important to work together so our Nation can see this great effort through.”
“Both parties and both branches should work in close consultation. And this is why I propose to establish a special advisory council on the war on terror, made up of leaders in Congress from both political parties. We will share ideas for how to position America to meet every challenge that confronts us. And we will show our enemies abroad that we are united in the goal of victory.”
On American foreign policy:
“American foreign policy is more than a matter of war and diplomacy. Our work in the world is also based on a timeless truth: To whom much is given, much is required. We hear the call to take on the challenges of hunger, poverty, and disease – and that is precisely what America is doing. We must continue to fight HIV/AIDS, especially on the continent of Africa.”
# # #
But if you are like me and are not from Texas (not that I have anything against people from Texas - there are some lovely people from Texas) and do not care for the articulation and pronounciation of the POTUS...you can just READ the "highlights" and save your ears the pain.
(And yes, I do have moles on the 'dark side'.)
_____________________________________
From: GOP Conference Press Office
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 5:30 PM
Subject: AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY: STATE OF THE UNION EXCERPTS
(Courtesy of The White House)
Office of the Press Secretary
___________________________________________
Immediate Release January 23, 2007
STATE OF THE UNION EXCERPTS
As Prepared for Delivery
The American people expect their elected leaders from both parties to work together on the important issues facing the Nation. Tonight the President will lay out an ambitious agenda, driven by bold and innovative concepts. He will discuss the importance of forging common ground with the new Congress and explain that to keep America safe, we must prevail in the war on terror.
“Some in this Chamber are new to the House and Senate – and I congratulate the Democratic majority. Congress has changed, but our responsibilities have not…We are not the first to come here with government divided and uncertainty in the air. Like many before us, we can work through our differences, and achieve big things for the American people.”
“Our citizens don’t much care which side of the aisle we sit on – as long as we are willing to cross that aisle when there is work to be done. Our job is to make life better for our fellow Americans, and help them to build a future of hope and opportunity – and this is the business before us tonight.”
On our growing economy:
“A future of hope and opportunity begins with a growing economy – and that is what we have…Unemployment is low, inflation is low, and wages are rising. This economy is on the move – and our job is to keep it that way, not with more government but with more enterprise.”
On the importance of strengthening and re-authorizing No Child Left Behind this year:
“Five years ago, we rose above partisan differences to pass the No Child Left Behind Act…And because we acted, students are performing better in reading and math, and minority students are closing the achievement gap.”
“Now the task is to build on this success, without watering down standards ... without taking control from local communities ... and without backsliding and calling it reform…And we can make sure our children are prepared for the jobs of the future, and our country is more competitive, by strengthening math and science skills.”
On the President’s new health care initiatives:
“[I]n all we do, we must remember that the best healthcare decisions are made not by government and insurance companies, but by patients and their doctors.”
On comprehensive immigration reform:
“Extending hope and opportunity in our country requires an immigration system worthy of America – with laws that are fair and borders that are secure. When laws and borders are routinely violated, this harms the interests of our country… Yet…we cannot fully secure the border unless we take pressure off the border – and that requires a temporary worker program.”
On strengthening America’s energy security:
“Extending hope and opportunity depends on a stable supply of energy that keeps America’s economy running and America’s environment clean. For too long our Nation has been dependent on foreign oil. And this dependence leaves us more vulnerable to hostile regimes, and to terrorists – who could cause huge disruptions of oil shipments ... raise the price of oil ... and do great harm to our economy. It is in our vital interest to diversify America’s energy supply – and the way forward is through technology.”
On the war on terror:
“For all of us in this room, there is no higher responsibility than to protect the people of this country from danger…[T]o win the war on terror we must take the fight to the enemy. From the start, America and our allies have protected our people by staying on the offense. The enemy knows that the days of comfortable sanctuary, easy movement, steady financing, and free flowing communications are long over. For the terrorists, life since Nine-Eleven has never been the same.”
“[O]ur military commanders and I have carefully weighed the options. We discussed every possible approach. In the end, I chose this course of action because it provides the best chance of success. Many in this chamber understand that America must not fail in Iraq – because you understand that the consequences of failure would be grievous and far reaching.”
“The war on terror we fight today is a generational struggle that will continue long after you and I have turned our duties over to others. That is why it is important to work together so our Nation can see this great effort through.”
“Both parties and both branches should work in close consultation. And this is why I propose to establish a special advisory council on the war on terror, made up of leaders in Congress from both political parties. We will share ideas for how to position America to meet every challenge that confronts us. And we will show our enemies abroad that we are united in the goal of victory.”
On American foreign policy:
“American foreign policy is more than a matter of war and diplomacy. Our work in the world is also based on a timeless truth: To whom much is given, much is required. We hear the call to take on the challenges of hunger, poverty, and disease – and that is precisely what America is doing. We must continue to fight HIV/AIDS, especially on the continent of Africa.”
# # #
The Oscars...
I realize that I have been somewhat obsessed with snow, snowboarding, boards etc...
So I'm trying to break out of that...with...the Oscars....
I know I'll be watching for the winners in these categories!!!
Achievement in sound editing:
APOCALYPTO
BLOOD DIAMOND
FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS
LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST
Not to be overshadowed by...
Achievement in sound mixing:
APOCALYPTO
BLOOD DIAMOND
DREAMGIRLS
FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST
Truly, could ANYTHING be more riviting than SOUND EDITING?
So I'm trying to break out of that...with...the Oscars....
I know I'll be watching for the winners in these categories!!!
Achievement in sound editing:
APOCALYPTO
BLOOD DIAMOND
FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS
LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST
Not to be overshadowed by...
Achievement in sound mixing:
APOCALYPTO
BLOOD DIAMOND
DREAMGIRLS
FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST
Truly, could ANYTHING be more riviting than SOUND EDITING?
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Warm fuzzies...literally.
Hampster Hero - Bob Putney, Jr.
Firefighter Bob Putney Jr. Rescued nine people from a blazing house in Napa, California... but realized there was still more work to do when he found the family's pet hampster gasping for life. As smoke billowed about the fire scene, Captain Putney massaged the tiny pet's heart, gave it oxygen and even used mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
You only live once.
I've always liked this poem. Although everyone reads it and says, 'oh yes, the road he took was so great and look how well that all turned out!' I actually think it is a sad poem about regret and the fact that once you take a path you can never turn back. He never says that 'the difference' is a good thing.
The Road Not Taken - Robert Frost (1874 - 1963)
TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth; 5
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same, 10
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back. 15
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference. 20
The Road Not Taken - Robert Frost (1874 - 1963)
TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth; 5
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same, 10
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back. 15
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference. 20
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Pow Pow Pics
Powder Mountain.... (the most skiable acres of any resort in NORTH AMERICA.) Did I mention that they do not make any snow. None of that unnatural icy crap on this mountain.
Wolf Mountain (Where the potential convert to the religion of The Board fell and cracked the ribs.) As you can see from the pictures they make snow and as the injured convert can tell you - it is NOT the same as real snow.
Solitude (I am not a fan of this resort - far too many beautiful people in fur hats, and not nearly enough actual riders.)
Me, as I succumb to the powder.
My board and a little lesson in visibility - this is actually REALLY good for this particular day.
The lift to get up the mountain to get to the nice new lift (the high speed quad, which cut the lift ride from 22 minutes to SIX!)
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Bora Bora
Sometimes, on really crappy days... I wish I was here (third palm tree on the left).
Today was one of those days.
Today was one of those days.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
A tour of the Acedemia... I mean water pressure
Silly you may think, but when you are away from home, what do you miss most? You miss your bed and your shower.
So here it goes, my trip to Ewe-taah via water pressure. Shampoo bottles are on a 1 out of 4 scale.
Shower #1: The water pressure is good and even Nixon would like the temperature. The downfall to shower #1 is the hard water. There is nothing more annoying than attempting to wash off soap that does not wash off.
I give shower #1, 3 out of 4 shampoo bottles.
Shower #2: Shower #2 resides in a nice cosy house. It is the kind of house that you just hang around in green slippers - which I do. When the slippers come off, the shower is pretty good. Water pressure is good and they have a water softener, so that is pretty good as well. Nothing is perfect however, the hot and cold faucets are to tempremental that you can never really get the temperature just right. And if you do happen to get the temp right, I swear it changes as you stand there vulnerable.
Shower #2 gains 2 1/2 shampoo bottles.
Shower #3: This shower is in a beautiful historic house more than 80 years old. Although the house is stunning with hardwood floors and crown molding that would make Bob Villa proud, the water pressure is HORRIBLE. It is like being baptized - but not the good dunk you in the river baptism, more the father, son and holy ghost - drip a couple drops on your head kind of baptism. The temperature is pretty good, but you hardly get to enjoy the heat.
Shower #3 gains 1 1/2 shampoo bottles.
Shower #4: This bathroom was cleaned especially for my arrival - so that is a good sign right there. Apparently the bathroom hadn't been cleaned in quite some time, so I REALLY appreciate the clean towels. Shower #4 has good water pressure and temperature. There were even face cloths set out in bathroom number #4 to make the experience complete. THe only thing that would make the shower/bathroom experience perfect would have been slippers - maybe next time.
Shower #4 receives 3 1/2 shampoo bottles!
So here it goes, my trip to Ewe-taah via water pressure. Shampoo bottles are on a 1 out of 4 scale.
Shower #1: The water pressure is good and even Nixon would like the temperature. The downfall to shower #1 is the hard water. There is nothing more annoying than attempting to wash off soap that does not wash off.
I give shower #1, 3 out of 4 shampoo bottles.
Shower #2: Shower #2 resides in a nice cosy house. It is the kind of house that you just hang around in green slippers - which I do. When the slippers come off, the shower is pretty good. Water pressure is good and they have a water softener, so that is pretty good as well. Nothing is perfect however, the hot and cold faucets are to tempremental that you can never really get the temperature just right. And if you do happen to get the temp right, I swear it changes as you stand there vulnerable.
Shower #2 gains 2 1/2 shampoo bottles.
Shower #3: This shower is in a beautiful historic house more than 80 years old. Although the house is stunning with hardwood floors and crown molding that would make Bob Villa proud, the water pressure is HORRIBLE. It is like being baptized - but not the good dunk you in the river baptism, more the father, son and holy ghost - drip a couple drops on your head kind of baptism. The temperature is pretty good, but you hardly get to enjoy the heat.
Shower #3 gains 1 1/2 shampoo bottles.
Shower #4: This bathroom was cleaned especially for my arrival - so that is a good sign right there. Apparently the bathroom hadn't been cleaned in quite some time, so I REALLY appreciate the clean towels. Shower #4 has good water pressure and temperature. There were even face cloths set out in bathroom number #4 to make the experience complete. THe only thing that would make the shower/bathroom experience perfect would have been slippers - maybe next time.
Shower #4 receives 3 1/2 shampoo bottles!
Powder "we don't make no stinking fake snow" Mountain
That 14 inches came last Thursday...
New Powder: (last 24 hours) 0"
New Powder: (last 48 hours) 0"
Seven day total: 14"
Mid-mountain Base: 48"
Total snowfall this season: 108"
New Powder: (last 24 hours) 0"
New Powder: (last 48 hours) 0"
Seven day total: 14"
Mid-mountain Base: 48"
Total snowfall this season: 108"
Ewe-taah
So much to report.
Thanks to an unfortunate incident involving some snow, my mother's Lexis and I-15, I stayed in Utah for an extra day.
Thanks to the extra day (and 14 inches at Powder Mt.) some wicked awsome pictures are forthcoming.
Did I mention the bruise the side of a cantalope on my leg from going off a jump and ALMOST landing it?!
Thanks to an unfortunate incident involving some snow, my mother's Lexis and I-15, I stayed in Utah for an extra day.
Thanks to the extra day (and 14 inches at Powder Mt.) some wicked awsome pictures are forthcoming.
Did I mention the bruise the side of a cantalope on my leg from going off a jump and ALMOST landing it?!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Day 5 and no snow
Riding today was iffy at best. There is snow up there, but it's been riden over for almost a week now, and I can't find my usual patches of powder. Apparently, other people know about my patches of powder.
The brand new 6 million dollar lift stopped a few times on the way up Hidden Lake. If the lift breaks, the snow patrol must get you off using a rope and a piece of pipe shaped like a 'T' that you sit on and they shimmy you down through thin air. My riding buddy says it's not that bad, but I'll pass, thank you very much.
In other news, my toe warmers got so warm today that I had to stop in the middle of the run, take off my boot and jettison them into the powder. Hopefully, no deer or antelope will eat them come summer.
The brand new 6 million dollar lift stopped a few times on the way up Hidden Lake. If the lift breaks, the snow patrol must get you off using a rope and a piece of pipe shaped like a 'T' that you sit on and they shimmy you down through thin air. My riding buddy says it's not that bad, but I'll pass, thank you very much.
In other news, my toe warmers got so warm today that I had to stop in the middle of the run, take off my boot and jettison them into the powder. Hopefully, no deer or antelope will eat them come summer.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Powder Report
New Snow 24hrs : 0"
New Snow 48hrs : 0"
7 Day Total : 10"
Mid-Mtn. Base : 39"
Today's Temps : 18-35
New Snow 48hrs : 0"
7 Day Total : 10"
Mid-Mtn. Base : 39"
Today's Temps : 18-35
The Mountain Report
I have been up in the mountains a few times and riding is as fabulous as I remember it to be. It is, unfortunately, an off year for Utah in terms of snow - global warming or something like that, so there isn't a lot of snow, but like grandma always says, 'a bad day snowboarding is better than a good day anywhere else'.
Two tales quickly.... I'll give you teasers and you can make up any details you see fit...
ONE: Me and my 72 year old political mentor at Solitude. First run, he breaks his 30-year-old ski boot and we ride down (read: go REALLY fast nearly hitting trees) the mountain sitting on my snowboard nearly killing ourselves...
TWO: I, and my buddy (who taught me to snowboard), at Wolf Mountain (where 90% of all Utah snow fanatics learn to ride because of the prime and most awsome bunny hill) tried to teach a potential convert to the religion 'a la snowboarding' to ride. The new convert ate some serious edge and cracked 4 ribs.
Hoping for some fresh powder early in the week... Stay tuned... details at 11:00.
Two tales quickly.... I'll give you teasers and you can make up any details you see fit...
ONE: Me and my 72 year old political mentor at Solitude. First run, he breaks his 30-year-old ski boot and we ride down (read: go REALLY fast nearly hitting trees) the mountain sitting on my snowboard nearly killing ourselves...
TWO: I, and my buddy (who taught me to snowboard), at Wolf Mountain (where 90% of all Utah snow fanatics learn to ride because of the prime and most awsome bunny hill) tried to teach a potential convert to the religion 'a la snowboarding' to ride. The new convert ate some serious edge and cracked 4 ribs.
Hoping for some fresh powder early in the week... Stay tuned... details at 11:00.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)