Monday, November 26, 2007

Future postings

Please visit this site for any future postings:

http://marianna68.wordpress.com/

Polling on topics

Seems more people wish to see blogging on world travel. (A fav topic of mine). I will do my best to post more about this subject so dear to my heart...thanks to all who participated.......

What is Joy?

Is it the anticipation of seeing one's heart? The thrill of dreams coming to fruition...the essence of one's life...fulfilling all expectations...the rush of sweetness, the culmination of fantasies come to life?

Is joy found in the smile of a child, watching an elderly couple holding hands on a breezy summer day? The sunshine and rainbows that cross our paths? The smell of the ocean, the whistling of the wind...the changing colors of the leaves?

Can joy be found in the eyes of your child? The passing of the days in tranquility?

What is joy? Can you smell it, touch, feel it all around you? Can you taste it, crave it, long for its touch?

Visiting Puerto Rico


I LONG TO RETURN TO MY ISLAND...and visit my family. I really miss my grandmother. She is 87. I wish she was able to fly up here but due to poor health she cannot.

I love that I come from a large family. That my mom is the eldest of 12 and my cousins are numerous. I can easily count over 60. They have great get-togethers during the holidays. They always find an occasion to celebrate life.


When I used to visit on a more regular basis as a child I remember laughter and singing. My family was always busy. We always had things to do, people to visit. Cousins to play with. If I got bored with one I moved to another.

I yearn to return...to immerse myself in the culture. To smell the ocean, hear the wind gently passing through the palm trees. To visit Old San Juan, the mountains, the rainforest....to taste the succulent food and taste the essence of Puerto Rico....



I love spending Christmas in Puerto Rico....with the pastelles, the parandas, the merriness of my family. "Navidad is the best of Puerto Rican culture. Nowhere else is Christmas celebrated like in Borinquen. Navidad is the time of tradition, aguinaldos, décimas, y de ser jíbaro Puertorriqueño."

(A favorite song of mine when I was growing up)...........

Romance del Campesino
Roberto Cole,



En las montañas de Borinquen bella
entre la sombras de un platanar,
vive mi amada linda doncella
la jíbarita de mi cantar.
Cantan las aves en la enramada
murmura el río una oración.
Y en la ventana de mi adorada
se oyen las notas de mi canción.
Ven aca jíbarita mia
que yo voy caminito a la ciuda'
que mañana nos vamos a pasia
en tu labio fecundo amor y rosa.
Ay lara lara lara lay, lo re lo lai lerola
Mi jíbarita de tez rosada
de negros ojos y gracias mil
esta esperandome en la ventana
y sonriendo me dice asi . . .
Dios te bendiga mi dulce amadote
doy ansiosa mi bendición
y con mis besos sueño adorado
se va contigo mi corazón.
Ven aca jíbarito mio,
no te vaya a quedar en la ciudad
que mañana nos vamos a casar
y te espero solita en el bohío.
Lara la raila relo lai, lo re lo lai lerola.
No hay otra tierra como mi tierra
de ricas mieles y buen café
por eso siempre mi vida entera
en mi bohío yo vivire.
Lerolay jíbarita hermosa
no te vaya a quedar en la ciuda'
que mañana nos vamos a casar
y te espero solito en el bohío.
Ay lara lara lara la lo relo lai lerola.


Website:

Saturday, November 24, 2007

My Experiences in the Middle East

When I decided to visit the Gulf I received quite a few hard stares, well-meaning and at times very ignorant advice.

I always felt that we do not live in a vacuum. There are many cultures, creeds, and religions out there. We are not the center of the Universe. There are billions of people out there.

I was quite excited to visit UAE and Oman. I have always been enthralled with Middle Eastern culture since I was say 5 years of age.

I prepared myself mentally for the trip. Not only was it a long one...at least 24 hours to arrive...but to handle the animosity I was told I would receive since I was an American. Since 9/11 and the Iraqi and Afghani wars the reputation of America has been sullied.

I was told by more than one person to not reveal my nationality. Instead to say I was from Canada or even Puerto Rico (since my family is from the latter). I was adamant. I replied that I would let everyone know I was American. WHY hide this fact?

And when I arrived I was not spat upon or viewed in some kind of ill manner. Instead I was embraced and yes I was asked many questions but the Gulf Arabs I did meet were pleasantly surprised by my demeanor and enthusiasm for their culture and life in general. I did not have to veil. I did not have to "walk behind a man" as someone told me I would HAVE to do....all the preconceived notions that some of my co-workers and friends had were dispelled during my brief stay.

I loved the hospitality I received, knowing I was actually in the Gulf...that I was in the middle of such a historical site........I fell in love all over again.

I could easily tell that stereotypes about Americans and about Arabs is common and looks to be part of human nature (sadly)...but am glad that I was able to dispel some preconceived notions of what Americans are all about and show them the hospitality and friendliness that a lot of individuals from my own culture are infamous for........

Friday, November 23, 2007

Man fights for Parental Rights.............

I had to post this story....I feel the rights of fathers will increase in the future. And rightly so. I am all for capable fathers (if the mother is incompetent) to raise the children. WHY shouldn't he???? There are many fathers out there who would make a better parent than the mother. Yet................It is still a taboo even in this open US society where men are not granted certain rights just because well.......they are a man. I have seen mothers gain full custody of a child just becaues they ARE the mother (& not even a good one) while at the same time the father would have made a more than capable full time parent.

I am in agreement when it comes to the lawyer of Daryl Hendrix who stated that in the end it will be the children who will be losing out on a possible relationship with the so-called "sperm donor". I become upset over selfish decisions made regarding artificial fertilization. Granted not all decisions made for this type of pregnancy are wrong...but when a parent is excluded because of selfish reasons...well I have seen as a single mom the sadness in my own child's face not being able to see her father. WHY someone would CHOOSE to go down this path and forgo any guilt regarding the absence of a parent is beyond me.......

Story:

A Topeka man is fighting a legal battle over parental rights, because his babies' mother says he is just the sperm donor.

Instead of enjoying parenthood, he said, he is spending his time trying to change a Kansas law.
Daryl Hendrix said, "All I can do is look forward to the future and holding my children."
Hendrix is a gay man who didn't think he would ever become a father. Then in 2004, the Topeka resident said a longtime female friend named Samantha Harrington approached him and asked if he would father a baby for her through artificial insemination.

...The twins were born in May 2005 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka. Hendrix said when he went to the hospital to see the infants, a boy and a girl, he was turned away.

Website:

http://www.kctv5.com/news/14673759/detail.html

What is on my desktop now


'What would Jesus buy?'


I agree with Bill Talen. Will love to see this movie. The older I get the more I want to put my life and life in general into a semblance of normalcy.

I think Christmas has become far too commercialized to the point the true meaning is lost between the long lines at the dept. store to the mounds of presents one receives (then discards a few days later). I love getting presents but does a person has to go broke for goodness sake just to prove their love to someone? Seems to me that special Christmas magic has been lost to the dogma of commercialization of this treasured holiday. I would much rather have the gathering of family, a nice dinner and presents that don't break the bank. Going into debt well..............THAT does not make sense:

New York-based performance artist Bill Talen assumes the persona of Reverend Billy, often accompanied by a gospel choir, to use the histrionics and cadences of a televangelist (think Jimmy Swaggart) in an anti-consumerism effort to convert people to his "Church of Stop Shopping."

And for this year's Black Friday shopping frenzy, Talen is upping his profile with a colorful campaign promoting a new documentary film about his efforts, "What Would Jesus Buy?"
It will feature "Four Horsemen of the Shopocalypse" riding down Madison Avenue in New York and "elves on strike" at the Grove outdoor mall in Los Angeles, said Morgan Spurlock, who produced the film.

Website:

LOVE this photo!!


This is posted on Cat in the Gulf's blog. I find it a wonderful piece of photography!
Website:

Christmas tree going up this Sunday

Yes, you read this correctly. Decided to put it up. Some people will do it right after Thanksgiving. I usually waited until December 1st but this year said the hell with it....going up on the 25th...

Simba has a bad habit of climbing the tree and then pissing on the tree blanket. I am at my wit's end as to how to stop him from doing this "tradition" each year. This will be his 3rd Christmas you would have thought he learned by now as many times I sprayed him with water when I "caught him in the act".......he would have a look of such ecstasy on his face when he plants himself on my blanket. I don't know how many times I have had to wash it......sigh........maybe this year we shall break it OR I will end up having to buy a new one and finding creative ways to keep him OFF!
I remember when mom would decorate the whole house with her decorations gathered through all the years of marriage. I miss that. She does not decorate any more. It tires her out. This year my sister has the honors of gathering everyone together at her house in Chicago and my parents will be riding with me...dad shotgun. With his health I do not think it wise for him to drive all that way from Indiana. My brother is flying in from Florida with his girlfriend and my car will be packed along with my parents 'Scottish Terrier, Lexy. Should prove to be a "fun" 5 hour drive.........

Gym routine starts this Sunday

I am meeting with the fitness manager this coming Sunday to review the weights and the other anemities of the facility. I am glad they have showers (in case I work out and want to do something afterwards)....it is in a great location.

I just have to start setting my psyche into thinking I HAVE to do this........like brushing one's teeth...just something ya gotta do. I will be posting pictures of my progress through each month up to when I reach my desired goals.


The Mayo Clinic lists 7 benefits to exercise................(let's hope I keep this in the forefront so I continue to do it):


1. self-esteem. Exercise even reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.


2. Exercise combats chronic diseases.

Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent osteoporosis? Regular exercise might be the ticket.

Regular exercise can help you prevent — or manage — high blood pressure. Your cholesterol will benefit, too. Regular exercise boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol while decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad," cholesterol. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the buildup of plaques in your arteries.
And there's more. Regular exercise can help you prevent type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.


3. Exercise helps you manage your weight.


Want to drop those excess pounds? Trade some couch time for walking or other physical activities.

This one's a no-brainer. When you exercise, you burn calories. The more intensely you exercise, the more calories you burn — and the easier it is to keep your weight under control. You don't even need to set aside major chunks of time for working out. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk during your lunch break. Do jumping jacks during commercials. Better yet, turn off the TV and take a brisk walk. Dedicated workouts are great, but activity you accumulate throughout the day helps you burn calories, too.

4. Exercise strengthens your heart and lungs.

Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Don't throw in the towel. Regular exercise can leave you breathing easier.
Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. In fact, regular exercise helps your entire cardiovascular system — the circulation of blood through your heart and blood vessels — work more efficiently. Big deal? You bet! When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you'll have more energy to do the things you enjoy.


5. Exercise promotes better sleep. (DEFNITLY need this....I suffer from insomia)......

Struggling to fall asleep? Or stay asleep? It might help to boost your physical activity during the day.

A good night's sleep can improve your concentration, productivity and mood. And, you guessed it, exercise is sometimes the key to better sleep. Regular exercise can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. The timing is up to you — but if you're having trouble sleeping, you might want to try late afternoon workouts. The natural dip in body temperature five to six hours after you exercise might help you fall asleep.


6. Exercise can put the spark back into your sex life.

(oooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...a hidden perk????????)

Are you too tired to have sex? Or feeling too out of shape to enjoy physical intimacy? Exercise to the rescue.

Regular exercise can leave you feeling energized and looking better, which may have a positive effect on your sex life. But there's more to it than that. Exercise improves your circulation, which can lead to more satisfying sex. And men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don't exercise, especially as they get older.

7. Exercise can be — gasp — fun!

Wondering what to do on a Saturday afternoon? Looking for an activity that suits the entire family? Get physical!

Exercise doesn't have to be drudgery. Take a ballroom dancing class. Check out a local climbing wall or hiking trail. Push your kids on the swings or climb with them on the jungle gym. Plan a neighborhood kickball or touch football game. Find an activity you enjoy, and go for it. If you get bored, try something new. If you're moving, it counts!
Are you convinced? Good. Start reaping the benefits of physical activity today!

Black Friday Deals

According to Ask.com:

Definition: What is Black Friday? The day after Thanksgiving in the United States, is frequently referred to as Black Friday.

General Use: One of the major U.S. holiday shopping days. The day many U.S. consumers begin Christmas shopping. The day is heavily promoted by retailers.

Origin: The origin of Black Friday comes from the shift to profitability during the holiday season. Black Friday was when retailers went from being unprofitable, or "in the red," to being profitable, or "in the black", at a time when accounting records were kept by hand and red indicated loss and black profit.

Also Known As: The day after Thanksgiving.

I am not much on shopping...but I bet a few co-workers who are not here today are. I found this comprehensive list regarding this "tradition" and thought I would share:

Websites:


What I have learned from being single

As mentioned in a previous posting, being single in the 21st Century is none too easy...(like it ever was)...but it appears to me that men and women (at least here in the good ol' USA) have these high unrealistic expectations of the opposite gender. Whatever happened to compromise, or just simply enjoying being together with no hidden agendas. Is Hollywood to blame? The high divorce rate? The Economy? Why not blame it on Bush...hey he is the scapegoat for many things (rightly so in some cases)...might as well tack on another.

Seriously though, what I find highly offensive is that there are some men out there who seem entitled to or expect an "extra treat" once they have dated you a few times. (And especially if they paid for your meal)...ladies always be courteous and offer to pay your half once in a while...I mean come on. There are women out there who want equal rights (and we should) yet expect a man to pay every single time on a date.......................What is all this? Is it part of natural selection? Desperation? What?????? (Talking about both men and women here)................

I remember when my parents met. They knew each other just for 8 months and now married 41 years. They were chaperoned the entire time together. With her coming from another country and a strict religious family dad was not getting to third base with her........

Anyway, it seems to me men and women are in such a rush to get to third base or even the alter some times (of course not all)........they fail to see the garden for its roses so to speak.....

People ask me why at 39 I have never married. I admit I have my own expectations but I will not settle and end up a grim statistic for the divorce rate here in my country. I would much rather never have married then be divorced.

It is 6:19am and have not had my morning cup of coffee as yet. Decided to come in to work in order to save my leave for Christmas. I promise my next posting will be much brighter.............

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Email from our director

Got this from the Director at NARA...today just do not feel like working. Must be turkey fever:



May each of you enjoy tomorrow with a loved one or close friend,
May each of you find a reason for truly giving thanks,
May each of you find the table with zero calorie turkey and "fixins", and
May each of you return safely to work.
Happy Thanksgiving,


Ron Hindman

Crock Pot Recipes

My mom bought me a crock pot for my 39th and I am planning to use it. My daughter is almost in tears now (though she is 19 and can cook if she wants also) because I rarely cook. I asked for kitchenware for Xmas. I will endeavour to become more motivated when it comes to cooking.

A co-worker sent me this site for recipes and will plan on using them for sure:


Easy Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Recipe


Vegetables
Choose your favourite mix of vegetables from:-


Frozen - these cook up just fine, will be soft but still seem to hold together.

Canned - same as frozen. Though tin peas really loose their color and go a grey sort of color.

Pre-Cut - fresh, pre-cut from the super-market (for when feeling lazy).

Fresh - cut into about 1 inch square pieces. Feel free to prepare the night before.

Meat
Legs (drumsticks), wings, maryland pieces. Even breast or thigh, if you don't like bones. 2¼–3¼lb (1–1½kg) this will serve 4 – 6.

Flavouring
Your favourite flavour of tin soup. Use the ‘Cream of ...’ type soups. Our favourite is cream of corn. Alternatively use one of those ‘Simmer Sauces’ – the ones you use for stir fry’s. We have found that the no name brand ones (which I don’t like in stir fry’s), work well and; they are cheap. Try ‘Honey Mustard’ – my favourite.

Optional Extras

Crushed garlic and/or ginger - teaspoon or two.Herbs - best put in during last hour of cooking- teaspoon or two.Salt and Pepper - added at end - to taste.

DIRECTIONS
Chuck the Vegies in first, put the chicken on top, pour in the soup and pop on the lid. That’s it. Nothing else.Do not add any water, the enclosed slow cooking will retain heaps.Add any of the optional extras.Cook for about 3–4 hours on high OR 6-8 hours on low.


Websites:

Joined this gym today

This one is close also. They have discounts on what I want to do so will encorporate it in my regime. Mid life crisis people........time to get into shape. :-p

Army Beats Navy every time............

Turkey Trivia



How much do you know about the turkey? Take Aristotle's Turkey Trivia Quiz and find out!








1. When was the first American Thanksgiving celebration?



1492


1567


1621


1777


2. Where was the turkey first domesticated?


Canada


Mexico and Central America


New Zealand


India



3. What is a female turkey called?



a rooster


a cuckooa


a chick
a hen



4. What is a male turkey called?




a larry


a clark


a harry


a tom



5. What great American statesman lobbied to make the turkey the national symbol?



Benjamin Franklin


Thomas Jefferson


John Adams


Andrew Jackson




6. What sound does a female turkey make?



gobble


click


chirp


peep




7. What sound does a male turkey make?



gobble


click


chirp


peep




8. About how many feathers does a mature turkey have?



1,500


2,000


3,500


5,000




9. Which state produces the most turkeys annually?



Kansas


Ohio


Arkansas


North Carolina




10. How fast can wild turkeys run? (this one stumped me)



5 mph


15 mph


25 mph


45 mph




11. How does Arkansas rank among the other states in turkey production?




first


third


eighth


fourteenth



12.What Native American tribe celebrated the first Thanksgiving with the colonists?





the Wampanoag tribe


the Sioux tribe


the Choctaw tribe


the Arapaho tribe




13. Can wild turkeys fly? If so, how fast?



No.


Yes, up to 25 mph


Yes, up to 40 mph


Yes, up to 55 mph




14. Approximately what percentage of American homes eats turkey on Thanksgiving? 49%




67%


82%


90%




15. Approximately what percentage of American homes eats turkey on Christmas?




34%


50%


67%


89%





16. What is the name of the skin that hangs from a turkey's neck?




snark


wattle


garble


swag





17. Which U.S. president specified that Thanksgiving would fall on the fourth Thursday of November?





Martin Van Buren


Andrew Jackson


William H. Taft


Abraham Lincoln




18. Which president attempted to move the Thanksgiving holiday to the next to last Thursday in November to create a longer Christmas shopping season?





Franklin D. Roosevelt


Dwight D. Eisenhower


Harry S. Truman


Gerald R. Ford





19. Which country consumes the most turkey per year per capita?




The United States


Israel


Spain


The United Kingdom



20. What is the fastest way to defrost a turkey?



with a hair dryer


in the refrigerator


in cold water


in the microwave oven





Scroll down for answers.........................






















































1. 1621





2. Mexico and Central America





3. a hen





4. a tom





5. Benjamin Franklin





6. click





7. gobble





8. 3,500





9. North Carolina





10. 25 mph





11. third





12. the Wampanoag tribe





13. Yes, up to 55 mph





14. 90%





15. 34%





16. wattle





17. Abraham Lincoln





18. Franklin D. Roosevelt"





19. Israel





20. in cold water




Websites:




Working with military records

Part of my job with the National Archives is working with Archival records which date back 1945 and prior. (See my previous post regarding how NARA determines what records are determined archival).

What I find fascinating is reviewing the lives of people who served our country during the Great Wars. When I hold a piece of aged document in my hand my mind hearkens back to the days when this soldier served...what was racing through his mind? Was he afraid of not returning home? I had serviced families whose loved ones fought in Iwo Jima, Pearl Harbor and the Pacific Theatre.

I work cases from all branches of service but not for the Army and parts of the Air Force...unless retired due to the fire we had at NARA in 1973.

With all the records we have, according to NARA, "...laid side to side, pages in our holdings would circle the Earth over 57 times!" It is amazing the wealth of information stored here!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Okay....it isn't until tomorrow but figured I would go ahead and say it today since the next few days I will not be posting. Uncle Sam always has the good graces to give federal workers a paid day off. :-)

My parents are coming to visit from Indiana, and I will be making dinner. (Hope they brought the Tums)....I bought my turkey at this awesome grocery store Aldi's. I like shopping there more so than regular grocery store chains because their prices are better. If I cannot find something there I usually go to Dollar Deals or the Shop-n-Save. I think Schnuck's is just too expensive (little note...I think you pay more for their ambiance than anything else)....

Anyway, have to finish my shopping today and I KNOW it will be crowded. Shame on me...I just kept putting it off. I really am not a shopping kind of gal for anything.

I do look forward to seeing my parents. Christmas we are off to Chicago to stay with my sister and her husband for a couple of days. That will be fun. My sister is a riot.

My hearts goes out to the families and to the soldiers deployed right now and pray that they are safe and have a halfway decent Thanksgiving.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Pretty sure mom is Santa...

Loving One's Country

Some people think I am nuts to try and return to the Army especially during these chaotic times. I know I have a little bit of a danger streak in me...and yeah there is the possibility I could be deployed but I join for many reasons. One is that yes, I want that retirement check, another is that I really miss wearing the Camis and finally...just the sheer love I have for my country.
I feel that the USA is the grandest experiment on this planet. We have individuals from all walks of life, faiths, creeds...albeit there is crime...there is prejudice...I will not dispute that. But where else can you find such a diversity of mix of people from all corners of the globe?

In addition, we do have a stable economic base. Yes, we are having some issues and I think partly is because of ill-spent money on the war and other areas. But all in all I find that I would much rather live in this land of plenty then suffer the uncertainty many other citizens face within their country when it comes to basic necessities.

I have a bumper sticker on my car entitled Freedom Isn't Free. It comes from the following poem.


"LAND OF THE MORNING CALM"
(By Dillon Staas)


Oh gentle, loving people of the land of morning calm,

Hold sacred your new freedom, and listen to my psalm,

The seed of many nations came from far across the sea,

And paid a price on your behalf,

for freedom isn't free.

The gripping fear, the stench of death,

no longer fill your mind.

The horrors of the battle field have all been left behind.

Your children,

dreaming peaceful dreams,

safe in your arms each night,

Wake with a smile of innocence, to face the morning light.

Your homes, secure,

on quite streets, bring comfort to the soul,

From verdant hillside terraces to valleys down below.

Your mountain streams,

now running clear,

without a trace of red,

No sound you hear,

no crying from the dying and the dead.

So when good fortune smiles on you and fills your heart with cheer,

Remember those who fought and died and left their futures here.

Give thanks to them and make a special place within your heart,

That you and they, forever friends, shall never drift apart.


I feel that people take their freedoms for granted and should be grateful to live in this wondrous country the United States of America...

Death of a Literary Lion

Norman Mailer, who died Saturday morning, said it himself: In his younger days, "fiction was everything. The novel, the big novel, the driving force. We all wanted to be Hemingway ... I don't think the same thing can be said anymore." His generation is almost gone now. Saul Bellow, Bernard Malamud, James Jones, Joseph Heller, William Styron, Kurt Vonnegut -- the young turks who came out of World War II to challenge Hemingway and Faulkner and Steinbeck -- are all dead. Of that generation of American literary titans, those figures whose new works used to inspire intense scrutiny, only John Updike, Philip Roth and J.D. Salinger -- with Updike and Roth a half-generation younger, and the long-silent Salinger preferring the smaller stage of the short story -- remain. It's no slight against E.L. Doctorow, Joyce Carol Oates, Thomas Pynchon, John Barth, John Irving, Toni Morrison and the other great elder statesmen and -women of today to feel that the literary world is diminished nowadays -- there are so many books, yet so little attention. And with the possible exception of Roth, with his trilogy of "American Pastoral," "I Married a Communist" and "The Human Stain," nobody's attempting the so-called Great American Novel. Few writers try anything so expansive anymore. (Among recent works, perhaps Michael Chabon's "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Klay" or Jonathan Franzen's "The Corrections" come closest.) Indeed, there is a bittersweet symbolism in the timing of Mailer's death. He was a member of the print generation, when the pages of newspapers and magazines were the arena for big ideas and raging arguments, and he died on a Saturday morning, assuring himself the front page of the that great novel-sized bargain, the Sunday New York Times. (He would have loved that.)

'"I decided the only explanation is that God and the Devil are very attentive to people at the summit. I don't know if they stir much in the average man's daily stew, no great sport for spooks, I would suppose, in a ranch house, but do you expect God or the Devil left Lenin and Hitler and Churchill alone? No. They bid
for favors and exact revenge. That's why men with power sometimes act so silly."' (from An American Dream, 1965)
Quotes:

"I take it for granted that there's a side of me that loves public action, and there's another side of me that really wants to be alone and work and write. And I've learned to alternate the two as matters develop."

"There are two kinds of brave men: those who are brave by the grace of nature, and those who are brave by an act of will."

Further reading

Norman Mailer, by Michael K. Glenday. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1995.Radical Fictions and the Novels of Norman Mailer, by Nigel Leigh. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1990.Critical Essays on Norman Mailer, edited by J.Michael Lennon: Boston, G.K.Hall and Co., 1986.Norman Mailer, by Richard Poirier, New York: Viking,1972. One of the best studies of Mailer's writing, tracking his career through the early Eighties.Norman Mailer, by Richard Jackson Foster, University of Minnesota Press, 1968.The Structured Vision of Norman Mailer, by Barry H. Leeds, New York University Press,1969.Norman Mailer, by Robert Merrill, Twayne, 1978.Mailer: His Life and Times, edited by Peter Manso, New York: Simon and Schuster, 1985. Highly readable "oral" biography of Mailer created by cross-cutting interviews with friends, enemies, acquaintances, relatives, wives of Mailer and Mailer himself.Conversations with Norman Mailer, edited by J. Michael Lennon. Jackson, MS: University Press of Mississippi, 1988.The Portable Beat Reader, edited by Ann Charters, Penguin Books. New York. 1992. ISBN 0-670-83885-3 (hc); ISBN 0-14-015102-8 (pbk).

Websites:

http://edition.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/blogs/marquee/2007/11/death-of-literary-lion.html

http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/nmailer.htm

Returning to the military

I may be reenlisting back into the Army (National Guard side). Just waiting on the recruiter to look at my paperwork. I would love to get back in so I can finish my years and earn that retirement check when I am ready. I will not be able to do my intial choice, Intelligence since no slots are currently available. Shall wait and see what happens.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Being the Center of Attention

Sometimes people think (I guess because of the way I look and what I accomplished in the past??????????????????????????????????) that I like to be at the center of attention (sometimes I do). To be honest most often I do not. I love working behind the scenes. I work on a team with the feds. I enjoy my autonomy and a sense of invisibility. Yeah, there are times I want that electrifying sensation of all eyes on me but not 24/7. Maybe if I had half of this narcissistic type of personality I would be more successful. I have often wondered at that. Me the dreamer...for I know that I am...if I had dreamt less and did more....my my my....what mountains I would have climbed and conquered.

What makes a person crave attention in this way? Are they missing some kind of modesty gene? Are they filled with some kind of gnawing hole where they must fill it with constant attention getting tactics to keep it at bay?


I am at a loss.


Someone please explain this to me.

Generations of Valor


The older veteran is a WWII Pearl Harbor survivor (James of Dallas) embracing the young Marine (SSGT Mark Graunke Jr.) lost his hand, a leg and an eye when he defused a bomb in Iraq.

The Quintessential Essence of Being...

It should be defined as an individual, his/her personification...the make up of elements which creates the nature of being. The deeply defined...the purity of one's life. The extraordinarily beautiful found in the heart...living life with a freedom which brings about a smile, laugh...enjoying the ultimate of our days and the passion of our nights...

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Saving our planet

What is the Greenhouse Effect?

According to Sustainable Travel International, the greenhouse effect is the rise in temperature that the Earth experiences because certain naturally occurring gases and gases emitted as a result of human activities are released into the atmosphere including water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, which become trapped on the ground. Because these gasses stay below the earth's atmosphere, they warm the Earth causing disastrous effects on the Earth's natural ecosystem. The combination of these effects is referred to as greenhouse gases.

Seems to me that economic benefits are currently outweighing the future of this planet. As the earth's resources are quickly becoming tapped out due to overpopulation and mishandling of current resources, Mother Nature is violently striking back.

In the news we are seeing more and more disasters. Everything from earthquakes, to melting polar icecaps to cyclones are becoming front page news....as they should be. This planet is on loan.

Countries like India and China are promising as far as experiencing an economic boom at what cost? Is the government going to apply the necessary regulations to maintain a safe environment? According to Cnn, China is regarded as a developing nation, it is not required (???) to curb emissions. Instead, it would be eligible to earn credits by setting up emission-reducing projects and other so called clean development mechanisms. I know that the USA is not perfect in this regard but gains have been made as far as reducing gas house emissions.


According to the Evidence of Accelerated Climate Change:

...we’ve already reached greenhouse gas atmospheric levels equivalent to 450 parts per million of carbon dioxide, the point at which the IPCC says we risk slipping into “dangerous climate change.” While the IPCC assessment acknowledges carbon dioxide-equivalent levels are around 455 parts per million, it assumes the actual climate impact is still below the danger point thanks to the cooling effects of atmospheric aerosols and pollutants. The Climate Institute report notes those aerosol levels are dropping — thanks to pollution-control efforts — while greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise.


Of course we have to look at the other side and discover why they think that our planet is not suffering from this climatic change:

Climate change computer models that predict warming often rely on assumptions and simplifications that raise questions about their reliability. Example: one model effectively moved the Earth's orbit 2 million miles closer to the sun.
  • Models do not accurately account for the influence of important climate factors, such as the behavior and effect of clouds and oceans.

There are shortcomings in the data. Example: temperature records over the last century may incorrectly suggest warming because many weather stations are close to growing cities.




  • Temperature observations over the last century are inconsistent with the predictions of global warming theories.



  • A competing theory, based on the hypothesis that solar activity may be the major factor in climate change, is more consistent with temperature observations in the northern hemisphere during the last century.

In summary, I feel that as a society and as an individual, we should take responsibility over our own pollutants. We should strive for a better planet, reduce emissions and population overgrowth for many many reasons besides the global warming theory. I believe there is solid evidence out there regarding the warming of our planet. I believe that with the melting of the polar icecaps we human beings are partly responsible for the disappearance of this treasure. Everyone is, of course entitled to their opinion and I just like voicing mine.

(Still under constructive thought)

Websites:

http://www.planetsave.com/
http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org/documents/op_carbonoffsets_about.html#q2
http://www.nationalcenter.org/NPA233.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emissions_trading
http://www.whitehouse.gov/ceq/global-change.html
http://www.heritage.org/Research/EnergyandEnvironment/BG896.cfm
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/306/5702/1686
http://www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/qthinice.asp

The onset of life...

As I reach the pinnacle of my years...I think back to the accomplishments I made in my life and realize I still yearn to do so much more. An uncle of mine is currently studying for his Ph.D. in psychology. He plans to practice and develop his own clinic in Puerto Rico.

I admire this. I look up to people who strive to better themselves. My uncle, well he has faced many hardships yet despite this he continues moving forward.

I feel that no matter what your life circumstance is, if you have that fire burning within you....you will find a way to make your dreams come true...to pull yourself up by the bootstraps so to speak, and accomplish your goals.

I am currently fixing my resume to tailor it towards teaching. I want to make my past education and job experience as attractive as possible for a local college. I would like no.......I would love to teach part time. Since the 2nd grade I have always wanted to teach. Down the road through my journey that path was made more difficult. However, that yearning is still there...to partake in the academic process of creating a mindful of individuals who seek to better themselves and the world around them. To become part of the Ivory Tower again....God I miss it!

Blog format change

I got bored with the old look. Lost the image that goes with this skin. Ah well....hey cannot make up my mind... :-p

Found my gym

Well, after some careful thought and finding a place relatively close to my home I discovered this gym which offers the martial arts' classes I am searching for. I pray I don't get my a$$ kicked :

St. Louis Gym Centre is the oldest private gymnastic club in St. Louis, established in 1973 as a not-for-profit organization. The 21,000 square foot training center provides instruction for approximately 800 gymnastic students each week. Remodeling during the Summer of 2007 included the addition new carpet, new flooring and new lighting throughout the facility.
Martial Arts Prices:
Little Dragons - 1 x per week $88.00 (I would love to see some of this going on too cute)
7-17 Year Olds - $118.00

Adults (18 & Up) - Unlimited Classes $174.00

ALL FEES APPLY PER SESSION
Annual Family Registration Fee: $50.00

Website:

Islam, Christianity and the Veil


Never has there seemed to be such a hot topic as this since the world has become "more aware" of Muslims. And out of this population, the practicing Muslima (woman who is of Islamic faith)...stands out more than anyone else I know.

I wonder if the average world citizens knows that even Christian women wore the veil and even pre-dating Christianity? The first recorded instance of veiling for women is recorded in an Assyrian legal text from the 13th century BC which restricted its use to noble women and forbade prostitutes and common women from adopting it. Greek texts have also spoken of veiling and seclusion of women being practiced among the Persian elite and statues from Persepolis depict women both veiled and unveiled, and it seems to be regarded as an attribute of higher status. For me, veiled women have this ethereal beauty about them. A dignity found in the simplicity of the garment.


Biblical references to veils

The Tabernacle (reconstruction) showing the veils which covered the sanctuary and the courtyard Hebrew mitpahath (Ruth 3:15; marg., "sheet" or "apron;" R.V., "mantle"). In Isaiah 3:22 this word is plural, rendered "wimples;" R.V., "shawls" i.e. wraps.
Massekah (Isaiah 25:7; in Isa. 28:20 rendered "covering"). The word denotes something spread out and covering or concealing something else (comp. 2 Cor. 3:13-15).

Masveh (Exodus 34:33, 35), the veil on the face of Moses. This verse should be read, "And when Moses had done speaking with them, he put a veil on his face," as in the Revised Version. When Moses spoke to them he was without the veil; only when he ceased speaking he put on the veil (comp. 2 Cor. 3:13, etc.).

Paroheth (Ex. 26:31-35), the veil of the tabernacle and the temple, which hung between the holy place and the most holy (2 Chr. 3:14). In the temple a partition wall separated these two places. In it were two folding-doors, which are supposed to have been always open, the entrance being concealed by the veil which the high priest lifted when he entered into the sanctuary on the day of Atonement. This veil was rent when Christ died on the cross (Matt. 27:51; Gospel of Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45).

Tza'iph (Genesis 24:65). Rebekah "took a veil and covered herself." (See also 38:14, 19.) Hebrew women generally appeared in public without veils (12:14; 24:16; 29:10; 1 Sam. 1:12).
Radhidh (Cant. 5:7, R.V. "mantle;" Isaiah 3:23). The word probably denotes some kind of cloak or wrapper.

Women's headcoverings


Traditionally, in Christianity, women were enjoined to cover their heads in church, just as it was (and still is) customary for men to remove their hat as a sign of respect. This practice is based on 1 Corinthians 11:4-16, where St. Paul writes:

Any man who prays or prophesies with his head covered brings shame upon his head. But any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled brings shame upon her head, for it is one and the same thing as if she had had her head shaved. For if a woman does not have her head veiled, she may as well have her hair cut off. But if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should wear a veil. A man, on the other hand, should not cover his head, because he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; nor was man created for woman, but woman for man; for this reason a woman should have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels. Woman is not independent of man or man of woman in the Lord. For just as woman came from man, so man is born of woman; but all things are from God. Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head unveiled? Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears his hair long it is a disgrace to him, whereas if a woman has long hair it is her glory, because long hair has been given (her) for a covering? But if anyone is inclined to be argumentative, we do not have such a custom, nor do the churches of God (New American Bible translation)

I understand that certain feminists and some Muslim women see the wording of women being the glory of man as being sexist. I personally feel anyone can take an interpretation of the Bible or any religious texts to make it suit his or her own needs. What needs to be done is to take this text into the context it was intended.




"Why do Muslim women wear the hijab?"

Canadian Muslimah Sumayyah Hussein explains: It's not the first time this has happened and it is certainly an issue that needs to be addressed.

One of the major misconceptions about the hijab (covering of the body except the face and hands) is that young women are forced to wear it by their parents or by male family members.
Sumayya Syed, 16, says that what parents or men want have nothing to do with it. In fact, she astounds people who ask by saying that every woman should have this form of liberation.
Syed maintains that when a woman is covered, men cannot judge her by her appearance but are forced to evaluate her by her personality, character, and morals. "I tell them that the hijab is not a responsibility, it's a right given to me by my Creator who knows us best. It's a benefit to me, so why not? It's something every woman should strive to get and should want."


Another viewpoint

According to Akim in his blog akim.blog-city, he states that: "What we need to note here is the article and possession, it says the head of every man is Christ, however, NOT that the head of every woman is man." This honestly makes more sense to a Roman Catholic like myself.

The woman’s prerogative


"For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
Now, this fouls up every authority man tries to exercise over the woman because it says it is the prerogative of the woman to decide on whether to cover her head or not. There is no duty of man to impose this on the woman.

This is usually read as the man ought to have power of the head of every woman and force them to appear in a wifely role or subservient role."





In regards to Islam, I think certain forms of of the hijab such as total cover is more of a tribal customary issue rather than religious. Within Islam women are not supposed to feel forced to cover their heads, (however in certain Islamic societies I think there is religious and societal compulsion to do so)...I think again, it is all in the interpretation:

According to Dr. Ibrahim B. Syed, Hijab (head cover) for Muslim women is not mandated in the Qur’an. If it is, it is only the subjective interpretation of an ayah (verse) on the part of the reader. Hence, many Islamic scholars say that according to hadith, a woman should cover her whole body, except her face and hands. The majority of Muslims do not know in which hadith this is mentioned. A very limited number of Muslims know that this is in Sunan Abu Dawud. The English translation of Sunan Abu Dawud is in three volumes. Again, nobody ever mentions that it is in Volume Three. Actually, it is in Volume 3, Book XXVII, Chapter 1535, and Hadith number 4092, titled: "How Much Beauty Can A Woman Display?" For the benefit of the readers, the exact hadith is reproduced below:



(4092) 'Aisha said: Asthma', daughter of Abu Bakr, entered upon the
Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) wearing thin clothes. The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) turned his attention from her. He said: O Asthma', when a woman reaches the age of menstruation, it does not suit her that she displays her parts of the body except this and this, and he pointed to her face and hands. (Note 3523).

The veil has many critics and just as many supporters. It can be seen as either a liberation for the Muslim woman, (not being the object of sexual desire and basing her self-worth on looks) or as some might see it, as a repression of her spirit. I believe that it takes a strong woman to veil, especially these days within a Western country due to generalizations about Muslims. I see Muslimas as being in the forefront of their religion because when they practice hijab they are a visible symbol of their faith. Unlike some Muslim men I have known over the years, one cannot immediately recognize if they are Muslim unless they tell you. Unlike a woman....her faith is displayed for all to see...






(still under constructive thought)


Websites:















Friday, November 16, 2007

Is Christianity a religion of terrorism?

I do not think it is. I think there were leaders in place through history that promoted death and hedonistic views in the name of Christianity but if you look at the tenants of the faith...no I do not think so. I even blame the Catholic Church leadership for some of its own transgressions through the years regarding fellowship and religious compulsion. I posted this because I found the issue of interest and read this thread regarding my religion:

http://www.englishsabla.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50101

Interesting conversation had at work today

My team is comprised mostly of retired veterans (Air Force, Navy and Army). We discussed how soldiers when deployed overseas the ratio of men to women in certain stations is very one-sided. Especially Korea. My teammate relayed a story of how this woman was deployed to Korea for a year (normal unaccompanied tour). Anyway, she met this man over there and fell in love. She went home on leave after being there for 8 months and demanded a divorce. LEFT her children and husband for this man.

I wonder if they are still together now? The divorce rate within the military is high. And with the frequent deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan I am pretty sure the rate is even higher now, especially among the Army personnel:


Between 2001 and 2004, divorces among active-duty Army officers and enlisted personnel nearly doubled, from 5,658 to 10,477, even though total troop strength remained stable. In 2002, the divorce rate among married officers was 1.9 percent — 1,060 divorces out of 54,542 marriages; by 2004, the rate had tripled to 6 percent, with 3,325 divorces out of 55,550 marriages.


Websites:





Trans Siberian Orchestra

Favorites

Wizards in Winter (*******)
Christmas Eve in Sarajevo

Website:

http://www.trans-siberian.com/multimedia/index.shtml

Mi décima aunque no tiene


elegancia literariaes poesía legendaria


que de siglos atrás viene.


A veces quizás no suenecomo vibrante campana,


per es de raíz hispanay lleva en sus expresionescultural


es conexionescon la lengua castellana.




Ángel Pacheco AlvaradoEl Jíbaro de Peñuelas (1879-1965)





Websites:

http://www.ncteamericancollection.org/assets/pdf/aaw_poetry_essay.pdf
http://topuertorico.org/culture/litera.shtml
http://www.witchvox.com/vn/po/uspr_po.html
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/features/feature.onpoets.html?id=179552
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Rican_literature
http://www.fortunecity.com/victorian/churchmews/1216/Aguinaldo.htm

Living in the Midwest

I have been asked by friends overseas what it is like where I live. Some of them have a generalization of what America is like. Understandable....I am quite sure there are a few out there (well, more than a few) who have this vision of say how the Middle East is like. A preconception of culture, religion and mores. Never generalize to the point of being anal about it.

What is interesting about Missouri is that I feel pretty safe. Albeit St. Louis is really not the safest city to live in but I choose to live within a neighborhood (did my research while in college before moving) which has a low crime-rate and a great school system. I made sure to do my homework before moving here.

I had previously posted an entry which discusses some generalities regarding Midwestern living and they are pretty much true.

I find St. Louis is large enough for me to explore yet small enough where I do not feel intimidated by traffic. (Like Chicago...LOVE the city....HATE the traffic)...Though I270 does have its moments.

I grew up in Indiana and Missouri really is no different. Less cornfields...lol...I have noticed a rise in immigration here. There is a sizeable Bosnian population. There is a Hispanic minority...I do not see much of "my kind" here.



shows the greatest concentration of Hispanic population in 2004 was in Jackson County having an estimated Hispanic population of 43,268. The Hispanic population in Jackson County increased by 23.1 percent from 2000-2004. Other large concentrations of Hispanics in 2004 included St. Louis County with 17,244, Clay County with 8,354, St. Louis City with 7,917, St. Charles County with 5,968, Jasper County with 5,358 and Greene County with 5,349. Together those seven counties were home to 93,458 Hispanic people in 2004 – 63 percent of Missouri’s total Hispanic population.



I really enjoy the Midwest because we are pretty laid back, friendly, (at least to me they are), and I enjoy the large "openness" of living in this part of the country. There is a Puerto Rican society here which holds annual events and is a great place to network. The key is being active in your community regardless of where you live...make the most of your neighborhood...your city is only as boring as what you make it out to be. Networking, exploring entertainment opportunities, volunteering all are important regarding where you decide to live and how you live it.

Websites:

http://stlrising.blogspot.com/2007/11/midwest-cities-top-forbes-living-well.html

http://www.alliantenergy.com/docs/groups/public/documents/pub/p014609.hcsp

Things to Remember



Your presence is a present to the world.


You're unique and one of a kind.


Your Life can be what you want it to be.


Take the days just one at a time.


Count your blessings, not your troubles.


You'll make it through whatever comes along.


Within you are so many answers.


Understand, have courage, be strong.


Don't put limits on yourself.


So many dreams are waiting to be realized.


Decisions are too important to leave to chance.


Reach for your peak, your goal, your prize.


Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.


The longer one carries a problem the heavier it gets.


Don't take things too seriously.


Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.


Remember that a little love goes a long way.


Remember that a lot ... goes forever.


Remember that friendship is a wise investment.


Life's Treasures are people ... together.


Realize that it's never too late.


Do ordinary thing in an extraordinary way.


Have health and hope and happiness.


Take the time to wish upon a star.
And don't ever forget...for even a day ... how very special you are.




Author: Colin McCarty

What is dignity?

Is it being able to look yourself in the mirror? To know that you are allowing yourself a life worth living?

Is dignity found within your husband, in your wife...children? Can it be found deep inside your heart...do you live it? Feel it? Is it found in one's word? Your name? Family? Job?

Having integrity in all that you do, an infinite grace found within yourself conveyed by actions.

I love this quote by Albert Einsten: "The most important human endeavor is the striving for morality in our actions. Our inner balance and even our existence depend on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to live."

My Dream Job


If I could pick anyplace to work (besides National Geographic--sigh...) I would love to be an employee for the Ford Foundation.

The Ford Foundation is a resource for innovative people and institutions worldwide. Our goals are to:


  • Strengthen democratic values,

  • Reduce poverty and injustice,

  • Promote international cooperation and

  • Advance human achievement
This has been our purpose for more than half a century.
Created with gifts and bequests by Edsel and Henry Ford, the Foundation is an independent organization, with its own board, and is entirely separate from the Ford Motor Company.
A fundamental challenge facing every society is to create political, economic and social systems that promote peace, human welfare and the sustainability of the environment on which life depends. We believe that the best way to meet this challenge is to encourage initiatives by those living and working closest to where problems are located; to promote collaboration among the nonprofit, government and business sectors; and to ensure participation by men and women from diverse communities and at all levels of society. In our experience, such activities help build common understanding, enhance excellence, enable people to improve their lives and reinforce their commitment to society.

I have always wanted to be part of something greater than myself, (maybe why I joined the Army). I believe in the mission of this organization and what it stands for (the promotion of the human spirit). I feel that I have been blessed with a relatively good life and would like to give back a piece of myself in an organization such as this one.
And what is the human spirit? The essence of of life, of life eternal. And organizations such as the Ford Foundation allow human beings to live in dignity, to receive aid, to teach them how to sustain themselves in stricken conditions. Who would not want to be a part of this cycle???

Website:

http://www.fordfound.org/