I happened upon this article by Peggy Noonan in the Wall Street Journal. Wacky. Here is an excerpt and a link. I thought it inspired a thought or two.
People Before Prophets
We're making too much of politicians' religious faith.
Friday, November 23, 2007 12:01 a.m. EST
I was talking with an old friend, a longtime Democrat, and she asked if I knew what religion a certain presidential candidate was. I replied that I didn't know and hoped I'd never find out. We started to laugh, and she nodded.
I didn't mean it and yet I meant it, for we have come to an odd pass regarding candidates and their faith. It's not as if faith is unimportant, it's always important. But we are asking our political figures--mere flawed politicians--to put forward and talk about their faith to a degree that has become odd. We push them against the wall and do a kind of theological frisk on them. We didn't use to.
Forty years ago, a firm-jawed, silver-haired Michigan governor made a serious bid for the presidency. He was well-funded, well-credentialed, and was done in by one of those campaign gaffes in which a throwaway line becomes a death knell. He had changed his position on Vietnam, and in explaining his previous support said he'd been "brainwashed" on the issue. Americans don't like their presidents to be people who'd allow their brains to be sent to the dry cleaners. Republicans in particular were not amused. So he was over.
His name was George Romney. He was Mitt's father. And no one back in those narrow-minded, benighted days seems to have cared that much that he was a Mormon.
Now it's an issue. Now we debate the candidate's faith.
This is change. Is it progress?
It doesn't feel like it.
In 1968 we were, as now, a religious country. But when we walked to the polls, we thought we were about to hire a president, not a Bible study teacher.
No one cared, really, that Richard Nixon was a Quaker. They may have been confused by it, but they weren't upset. His vice president, Spiro Agnew, was not Greek Orthodox but Episcopalian. Nobody much noticed. Nelson Rockefeller of New York was not an Episcopalian but a Baptist. Do you know what Lyndon Johnson's religion was? He was a member of the Disciples of Christ, but in what appeared to be the same way he was a member of the American Legion: You're in politics, you join things. Hubert Humphrey was born Lutheran, attended Methodist churches, and was rumored to be a Congregationalist. This didn't quite reach the level of mystery because nobody quite cared.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Question Twenty Three
The importance to question twenty three can be calculated in measures of life and death but rarely is that extreme. Could be considered as important as the Council of Trent or landing a of the lunar module on the moon.
I think it is best we examine the question in parts.
The first section, What is, I believe is self explanatory but I added a hyper link any way. The second part, Captain, Captain Morgan, the preferred is the Spiced Rum, but others in their wacky tastes might go with some other not as good flavor. The next part is coke, truly Coca Cola is the best but may be substituted with other varieties. This falls into the category of why fuck up a good thing. The last part, in a tub, is a carry over from a couple of generations ago, it is the use of a large usually wide glass with no stem. The idea is to get rid of the stupid shit so one can enjoy the drink. This can be especially helpful if you have a large nose.
This is an obvious addition that there should be no junk in the drink. Junk refers to fruit and vegetables. Some people not really interested in the drink believe having junk in their drink enhances it, but in truth they really look naive and probably should be beaten with a wet noodle, something to match the brain power.
This post is not meant to offend anyone, but if it did there are people that can help you and you will win a jacket that will be your last jacket you will ever wear.
I think it is best we examine the question in parts.
The first section, What is, I believe is self explanatory but I added a hyper link any way. The second part, Captain, Captain Morgan, the preferred is the Spiced Rum, but others in their wacky tastes might go with some other not as good flavor. The next part is coke, truly Coca Cola is the best but may be substituted with other varieties. This falls into the category of why fuck up a good thing. The last part, in a tub, is a carry over from a couple of generations ago, it is the use of a large usually wide glass with no stem. The idea is to get rid of the stupid shit so one can enjoy the drink. This can be especially helpful if you have a large nose.
This is an obvious addition that there should be no junk in the drink. Junk refers to fruit and vegetables. Some people not really interested in the drink believe having junk in their drink enhances it, but in truth they really look naive and probably should be beaten with a wet noodle, something to match the brain power.
This post is not meant to offend anyone, but if it did there are people that can help you and you will win a jacket that will be your last jacket you will ever wear.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Vacations, Part II
I think I may need a vacation.
Somewhere that serves chilled beer.
A place where I can talk to a woman and maybe get lucky.
A venue with good music.
A place I can not worry.
Somewhere that knows what a "Captain and coke in a tub" means.
A place with conversation.
Somewhere not close.
Somewhere not far away.
A locale with a massage parlor nearby.
An area with fresh air.
A place that everyone is not carrying a weapon.
An area that has real beds.
Somewhere PDOA is okay.
I think I need a vacation.
Somewhere that serves chilled beer.
A place where I can talk to a woman and maybe get lucky.
A venue with good music.
A place I can not worry.
Somewhere that knows what a "Captain and coke in a tub" means.
A place with conversation.
Somewhere not close.
Somewhere not far away.
A locale with a massage parlor nearby.
An area with fresh air.
A place that everyone is not carrying a weapon.
An area that has real beds.
Somewhere PDOA is okay.
I think I need a vacation.
Group Photo
For those people who have wondered who we are, well, here we are! This is my platoon if that is what makes sense to you.
(Let me tell you this, it was 39 degrees at the time this photo was taken. There was a wind and where we took this photo there was nothing to block it. )
Hope you all enjoy the photo!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Spelling Bee
Apparently, I have been spelling CHAPLIN and been meaning to spell CHAPLAIN for quite some time now.
The chaplain here caught me misspelling the word today and corrected me. I think I have been messing this up for my entire career. No one has even mentioned it before. Boggles the mind, it does. I would like to think I am a decent speller and I use the correct spellings, except for this glitch.
Wacky.
The chaplain here caught me misspelling the word today and corrected me. I think I have been messing this up for my entire career. No one has even mentioned it before. Boggles the mind, it does. I would like to think I am a decent speller and I use the correct spellings, except for this glitch.
Wacky.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Reason Four Hundred Twenty Two
I don't think I could really be a civilian, per se, ever again.
What do you do on your holidays? I don't really know anymore. This is not about me anymore it is really about the young Marines in their first few years of the Corps. Making sure they are as happy as possible.
I really do not know what makes me happy. I know what makes me sad. I know what makes me angry. All the "bad" emotions, I know, what causes them, so I try to avoid it. (Don't call the Chaplin, I like me.) I have just been thinking and now I am writing it down. Think it as a reflection.
If this is fate, so be it. If it is God's will, fine. I can live with it.
What do you do on your holidays? I don't really know anymore. This is not about me anymore it is really about the young Marines in their first few years of the Corps. Making sure they are as happy as possible.
I really do not know what makes me happy. I know what makes me sad. I know what makes me angry. All the "bad" emotions, I know, what causes them, so I try to avoid it. (Don't call the Chaplin, I like me.) I have just been thinking and now I am writing it down. Think it as a reflection.
If this is fate, so be it. If it is God's will, fine. I can live with it.
300th Comment of the Month
Iris of Growing Where I'm Planted has posted my 300th comment of the month!
Your prize is my collection of imaginary elf horns.
Congratulations!
RevGals Friday Five: Post Thanksgiving
Singing Owl writes:
Thanksgiving is the American holiday when the greatest number of people travel somewhere else to celebrate. I am posting this from my son’s home in Minnesota where we are recovering from the food shopping and the preparations and the meal and the clean up. It is difficult to think of anything requiring much energy today, and I am enjoying my sweet baby granddaughter, so I will keep it simple. For those of you not in the USA, I apologize for the nationalistic tone of this Friday Five!
1. Did you go elsewhere for the day, or did you have visitors at your place instead? How was it?
I spent the day in Iraq, I didn't have any visitors so that was good.
2. Main course: If it was the turkey, the whole turkey, and nothing but the turkey, was it prepared in an unusual way? Or did you throw tradition to the winds and do something different?
I actually had a type of steak couldn't tell what kind or from what animal but it tasted okay.
3. Other than the meal, do you have any Thanksgiving customs that you observe every year?
When I am not deployed (and sometimes when I am) I try to enjoy it with someones family.
4. The day after Thanksgiving is considered a major Christmas shopping day by most US retailers. Do you go out bargain hunting and shop ‘till you drop, or do you stay indoors with the blinds closed? Or something in between?
I wrote about this below, no I do not shop. Not a crowd person. If football is on, I will watch that.
5. Let the HOLIDAY SEASON commence! When will your Christmas decorations go up?
There are up. Didn't I post that already? I added stockings on my desk that a nice woman from Washington and a nice woman from Florida sent.
Thanksgiving is the American holiday when the greatest number of people travel somewhere else to celebrate. I am posting this from my son’s home in Minnesota where we are recovering from the food shopping and the preparations and the meal and the clean up. It is difficult to think of anything requiring much energy today, and I am enjoying my sweet baby granddaughter, so I will keep it simple. For those of you not in the USA, I apologize for the nationalistic tone of this Friday Five!
1. Did you go elsewhere for the day, or did you have visitors at your place instead? How was it?
I spent the day in Iraq, I didn't have any visitors so that was good.
2. Main course: If it was the turkey, the whole turkey, and nothing but the turkey, was it prepared in an unusual way? Or did you throw tradition to the winds and do something different?
I actually had a type of steak couldn't tell what kind or from what animal but it tasted okay.
3. Other than the meal, do you have any Thanksgiving customs that you observe every year?
When I am not deployed (and sometimes when I am) I try to enjoy it with someones family.
4. The day after Thanksgiving is considered a major Christmas shopping day by most US retailers. Do you go out bargain hunting and shop ‘till you drop, or do you stay indoors with the blinds closed? Or something in between?
I wrote about this below, no I do not shop. Not a crowd person. If football is on, I will watch that.
5. Let the HOLIDAY SEASON commence! When will your Christmas decorations go up?
There are up. Didn't I post that already? I added stockings on my desk that a nice woman from Washington and a nice woman from Florida sent.
Black Friday
The first thing that comes to mind is a religious connotation. Maybe when Jesus died on the cross or something along those lines. That does not seem the case here. No, what it is, is the start of "holiday" shopping. Is that stupid?
Holiday shopping = whichever holiday you shop for
I think it was originally Christmas shopping, then America added Santa Claus. Then we added political correctness. Then we added (forgive me Mel) California. Then we added, “we are too damn sensitive and on drugs to understand what the reason is to give materialistic items to our children." Then we added GWOT.
Black Friday has its own website, I am not endorsing it, I am just showing the level at which this has come.
I am not trying to end it. I am not trying to bash Californians (really). I am not trying to do anything.
While I am here, abroad, I wonder what kind of chaos ensures the American public. What kind of fever runs the veins of those who could really care less of the purpose of their time off work or school?
I just don't understand anymore.
Holiday shopping = whichever holiday you shop for
I think it was originally Christmas shopping, then America added Santa Claus. Then we added political correctness. Then we added (forgive me Mel) California. Then we added, “we are too damn sensitive and on drugs to understand what the reason is to give materialistic items to our children." Then we added GWOT.
Black Friday has its own website, I am not endorsing it, I am just showing the level at which this has come.
I am not trying to end it. I am not trying to bash Californians (really). I am not trying to do anything.
While I am here, abroad, I wonder what kind of chaos ensures the American public. What kind of fever runs the veins of those who could really care less of the purpose of their time off work or school?
I just don't understand anymore.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Rights - A Look
I did some research on copyrights. What prompted this was a desire to form my ideas in a book at some point in time. I have been working on an autobiography for some time now and have been toying with the idea of put this and other blogs and my website content into this medium.
This is what the government says:
Copyright protects “original works of authorship” that are fixed in a tangible form of expression. The fixation need not be directly perceptible so long as it may be communicated with the aid of a machine or device. Copyrightable works include the following categories:
1) literary works;
2) musical works, including any accompanying words
3) dramatic works, including any accompanying music
4) pantomimes and choreographic works
5) pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
6) motion pictures and other audiovisual works
7) sound recordings
8) architectural works
These categories should be viewed broadly. For example, computer programs and most “compilations” may be registered as “literary works”; maps and architectural plans may be registered as “pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works.”
And this is the cool part:
The use of a copyright notice is no longer required under U.S. law, although it is often beneficial. Because prior law did contain such a requirement, however, the use of notice is still relevant to the copyright status of older works.
This is the part that lets me live forever:
A work that was created (fixed in tangible form for the first time) on or after January 1, 1978, is automatically protected from the moment of its creation and is ordinarily given a term enduring for the author’s life plus an additional 70 years after the author’s death. In the case of “a joint work prepared by two or more authors who did not work for hire,” the term lasts for 70 years after the last surviving author’s death. For works made for hire, and for anonymous and pseudonymous works (unless the author’s identity is revealed in Copyright Office records), the duration of copyright will be 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter.
So I am not going to worry too much today, or tomorrow either.
This is what the government says:
Copyright protects “original works of authorship” that are fixed in a tangible form of expression. The fixation need not be directly perceptible so long as it may be communicated with the aid of a machine or device. Copyrightable works include the following categories:
1) literary works;
2) musical works, including any accompanying words
3) dramatic works, including any accompanying music
4) pantomimes and choreographic works
5) pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
6) motion pictures and other audiovisual works
7) sound recordings
8) architectural works
These categories should be viewed broadly. For example, computer programs and most “compilations” may be registered as “literary works”; maps and architectural plans may be registered as “pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works.”
And this is the cool part:
The use of a copyright notice is no longer required under U.S. law, although it is often beneficial. Because prior law did contain such a requirement, however, the use of notice is still relevant to the copyright status of older works.
This is the part that lets me live forever:
A work that was created (fixed in tangible form for the first time) on or after January 1, 1978, is automatically protected from the moment of its creation and is ordinarily given a term enduring for the author’s life plus an additional 70 years after the author’s death. In the case of “a joint work prepared by two or more authors who did not work for hire,” the term lasts for 70 years after the last surviving author’s death. For works made for hire, and for anonymous and pseudonymous works (unless the author’s identity is revealed in Copyright Office records), the duration of copyright will be 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter.
So I am not going to worry too much today, or tomorrow either.
Green Does Me Well
Your results:
You are Green Lantern
Click here to take the "Which Superhero am I?" quiz...
You are Green Lantern
| You have strong will power and a good imagination.  |
Click here to take the "Which Superhero am I?" quiz...
How My Thanksgiving Ended
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What more can I ask for?
(To watch it would have been nice. I know I am reaching.)
Changes for Fun
I have been doing some more changes to this blog,little things, really. I have added some charities that have helped in a magnitude that I cannot express in words. Should be the third thing down the side there. I am sure there are many others, but these were the ones that directly impacted my life and the lives of my Marines.
I changed my aviator(the picture associated with my user name) to a logo that one of the Marines here drew and painted with is hung by a tori(it sounds like that, not sure of the spelling). The tori is made out of anti-aircraft gun barrels, in which some more Marines made possible. I am sure you can't tell, but the picture is of two separate wolverines. You may have to cock your head a bit to get the idea.
It may sound stupid but I am trying to get people to write a comment in my guestbook on my website. This is why I think it may be stupid, I have a blog and you can comment here. I try to consider the two separate, which is the "why" and people visit the blog or the website for usually completely different reasons. I link both of them together, but the website is really the true story of my life via pictures. This is the story with words and interactions with words. Maybe I just confused my audience here, bottom line is I want a comment for the website.
I changed my aviator(the picture associated with my user name) to a logo that one of the Marines here drew and painted with is hung by a tori(it sounds like that, not sure of the spelling). The tori is made out of anti-aircraft gun barrels, in which some more Marines made possible. I am sure you can't tell, but the picture is of two separate wolverines. You may have to cock your head a bit to get the idea.
It may sound stupid but I am trying to get people to write a comment in my guestbook on my website. This is why I think it may be stupid, I have a blog and you can comment here. I try to consider the two separate, which is the "why" and people visit the blog or the website for usually completely different reasons. I link both of them together, but the website is really the true story of my life via pictures. This is the story with words and interactions with words. Maybe I just confused my audience here, bottom line is I want a comment for the website.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Some Things I am Thankful For.
My list is inspired by the generation that has more than four channels of television to choose from.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
A Christmas Story (1983 film)
DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
I know his list is Christmas type shows, but they all start today and will run until Christmas.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
A Christmas Story (1983 film)
DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
I know his list is Christmas type shows, but they all start today and will run until Christmas.
Between Letters Being Written
If you remember, I said I was behind on my thank yous on a previous post, I still am. I wrote a few more then found a new way to procrastinate, for a little while anyway.
I have church questions, these questions have popped up by reading "my" church newsletter. (The one I grew up with.)
What is an associate pastor? - Is that like a secondary or like a safety?
What is a supply pastor? - Do they just handle rations?
When the church says they are looking a senior pastor, does that mean he or she is in the emerald club? - In other words, what is a senior pastor?
In this letter, there is a section with finances and a big box around a negative number, but there is no negative numbers in the actual logbook area. I just don't understand, what is the point?
I do understand what a "Stephen Minister" is, but who was Stephen?
~~~~~~
These newsletters have come along way, now it is colorful and printed on nice paper and have an advertising page in the back (which I don't understand either), but with all this fancy stuff doesn't it get in the way of the point?
I am not trying to make fun in anyway. I just don't understand some of these things listed in the letter. It must be important, or they wouldn't have put it in there.
I have church questions, these questions have popped up by reading "my" church newsletter. (The one I grew up with.)
What is an associate pastor? - Is that like a secondary or like a safety?
What is a supply pastor? - Do they just handle rations?
When the church says they are looking a senior pastor, does that mean he or she is in the emerald club? - In other words, what is a senior pastor?
In this letter, there is a section with finances and a big box around a negative number, but there is no negative numbers in the actual logbook area. I just don't understand, what is the point?
I do understand what a "Stephen Minister" is, but who was Stephen?
~~~~~~
These newsletters have come along way, now it is colorful and printed on nice paper and have an advertising page in the back (which I don't understand either), but with all this fancy stuff doesn't it get in the way of the point?
I am not trying to make fun in anyway. I just don't understand some of these things listed in the letter. It must be important, or they wouldn't have put it in there.
One Possible Outcome in the States, Part III
I need to go check on my house and do something with "The Truck" that is still sitting there. So, when I go I will have plenty of time to visit with those of you on this side of the hemisphere. This trip most likely will not occur until summer, just because I will be doing my Resident course in late spring.One Possible Outcome in the States, Part II
I highlighted some places that are a possible venues for early spring. I would love to visit some of you when I get back. I figure since I will be travelling north through some of those areas anyway, there is some definite possibilities.
Me being Me
Sometimes while writing I tend to be a little cryptic and do not say exactly what I was thinking. ( I know few of you are going "duh.")
Some of the outcomes(comments) on what I expect others to respond is not even close to what I was talking about. When things like this occur, I worry that maybe my communications skills are lacking somewhere. It really should not bother me, but it does.
Now, after reading this, do not try to find a hidden meaning in my posts. There really isn't one. I just can't tell you everything about me for two main reasons,
A) OPSEC - Operation Security - There are bad guys and gals out there wanting to do bad things to other people.
B) Self Worth - Wanting to get to know me, for me. If I tell you everything, then why would you want to meet me? It is better to keep a few secrets for the encounter.
On another note(Mi maybe La),
Well Wishes for everyone's Thanksgiving.
Some of the outcomes(comments) on what I expect others to respond is not even close to what I was talking about. When things like this occur, I worry that maybe my communications skills are lacking somewhere. It really should not bother me, but it does.
Now, after reading this, do not try to find a hidden meaning in my posts. There really isn't one. I just can't tell you everything about me for two main reasons,
A) OPSEC - Operation Security - There are bad guys and gals out there wanting to do bad things to other people.
B) Self Worth - Wanting to get to know me, for me. If I tell you everything, then why would you want to meet me? It is better to keep a few secrets for the encounter.
On another note(Mi maybe La),
Well Wishes for everyone's Thanksgiving.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Friends and Friends of Friends
This blog world is quite cool.
I really do not know how I managed to find so many great friends by use of this blog. (Or other blogs that I read.)
My coping mechanism or my intellectual curiosity has been best spent involving myself in each small way amongst the fellow bloggers and internet perusers.
"They" bring me laughs, make me mad and give me sadness. It is a drama unto itself that I control how much or how little I want to involve myself in.
If this is not therapy for the masses, I do not know what is.
I really do not know how I managed to find so many great friends by use of this blog. (Or other blogs that I read.)
My coping mechanism or my intellectual curiosity has been best spent involving myself in each small way amongst the fellow bloggers and internet perusers.
"They" bring me laughs, make me mad and give me sadness. It is a drama unto itself that I control how much or how little I want to involve myself in.
If this is not therapy for the masses, I do not know what is.
The Holidays
Hate is such a strong word.
Displeased, unsatisfied, unfulfilling, or something like that.
I really "hate" the time period between mid-November to late December. I am supposed to be happy, in theory. It is not the time period really, it is the presumption that spending time with families, having time off at "work," the giving and receiving, the birth, the Puritans, the shopping, the whatever is going to make me feel better.
I am not a grouch, I am not the guy who goes "bah humbug." That is not me. I give. I don't really want anything. I can "buy" for myself if I need it.
I am really opening up a can of worms with this post. I know it. There is many issues revolving this. I just haven't decided yet if I am going to share it with all of you.
Just know, that I don't like these next few holidays.
Displeased, unsatisfied, unfulfilling, or something like that.
I really "hate" the time period between mid-November to late December. I am supposed to be happy, in theory. It is not the time period really, it is the presumption that spending time with families, having time off at "work," the giving and receiving, the birth, the Puritans, the shopping, the whatever is going to make me feel better.
I am not a grouch, I am not the guy who goes "bah humbug." That is not me. I give. I don't really want anything. I can "buy" for myself if I need it.
I am really opening up a can of worms with this post. I know it. There is many issues revolving this. I just haven't decided yet if I am going to share it with all of you.
Just know, that I don't like these next few holidays.
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