My first reaction to the news of Obama's speech was to wonder why Mr. Valerie Plame would call Obama a liar. Weren't they supposed to be on the same anti-Bush team? I'm sure Joe Wilson is a common name, but how many could there be in the national political arena? My second thought was of Wilson's wife: how mortifying to recognize your husband's lone voice in the middle of the President's speech.
We all agree that calling the President a liar in any forum isn't the classiest thing a person could do. Hence the appropriately quick apology to Obama. On the other hand, the yelling from the rest of the audience was equally as tacky. Maybe it's my Aggie upbringing, but I don't yell "boo" at anyone. The entire evening was one big campaign rally complete with a speech meant to convince people instead of provide specifics, heckling from the opposition, and a raucous defense by the President's peeps.
After the speech, Wilson's opponent for next year's race received some nice donations. Has anyone even heard his name yet? From what I hear, that money is going to paying down his campaign account's debt. (Nice. Even the politicians who haven't been elected run on a deficit. No wonder the large numbers tossed around this year haven't bothered anyone.)
I think the freshman Joe Wilson knocked one out of the political park last night! This has little to do with political leanings and everything to do with how to play the game. Yesterday, nobody outside of Wilson's district knew who he was; today his website is down due to high volume. The Master Card commercial comes to mind as I consider the publicity that this guy bought for himself: Priceless. After the last 18 months, the Republican base is clammering for someone who will throw the emergency brake on the Obama Train. Whether or not they agree with Wilson's actions, Republicans will flock to his courage. Millions will consider him the maverick that John McCain could never be. As an incumbent in a Republican district, his campaign is off to a formidable start. The other guy, ol' what's his name, doesn't stand a chance.
The Democrats in Congress, are, of course, shocked and outraged by the egregious* behavior. Blah, blah, blah. We all know the Democratic leadership wishes someone on their team had done this to Bush years ago. Cindi Shehan didn't generate this kind of publicity and they know it.
(*BTW, I know egregious is the correct word for this situation, but would you appalled to learn that I've never used it in a sentence and had to guess at the correct usage? Sorry, Dad & Dr Black.)
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Tired
Remind me never to blog when I am tired. Please refer to this morning's post, or spare yourself and just trust me. I don't think clearly when I am tired and this led to a less than thorough editing and rewriting job today. Sorry for the unimaginative sentence structure, using "like", and talking instead of writing.
As an update, Audrey asked many times today to be changed back into a little baby so that she could have her paci. Eventually she soothed herself by talking for 40 minutes straight. She was telling us all about the princess haunted house that she and her dad were going to build, how she was going to dress up as a mermaid, and all about her teachers at Three-School. From what I could tell, she's pretty sure they're going to throw her in a trash can tomorrow. It was a long time to listen and to acknowledge her comments, but I prefer the random thoughts to whining.
Sydney discussed the four types of sentences today in English. The teacher asked for examples from the class and here is what they came up with: "Are you going to taser the dog?" The "exclamation" sentences: "I'm going to beat Collin up!" and "Oh, no you di'nt!" (BTW, I'm not sure how to spell did'nt when I'm not pronouncing the middle D.) Here's my question: Do those examples correlate to the fact that Sydney was the only one in math class today who could demonstrate what a decimal was? One more-Is tasering a dog a learned behavior?
Zach's soccer practice was uneventful today. I'm certain that playing goalie kept Zach from harassing the girls. He felt proud when he blocked one goal; which was one more than the other goalie blocked. Zach did get in trouble today for using his lunchbox to hit another child on the nose. He explained to me after school that since he hit himself on the head as well, that should make up for it. Fortunately, he has a soft lunchbox and not one of the retro metal ones.
Ainsley enjoys her tennis lessons and her new friends. If I had to guess her favorite part of tennis, I would say getting to wear cute tennis skirts and her pink tennis racket. Also, it is cool enough now that she doesn't break much of a sweat. According to Ainsley's adorable style, fashionable uniforms, pink accessories and not breaking a sweat are all integral components of any sport worth playing.
I spent enough time in my car running errands, getting lost, and carpooling to have driven to visit my friend, Ellyn, in Augusta, GA. That is wrong on so many levels. After today, I am looking forward to Audrey's day at school tomorrow. I'm trying to convince myself that I should go take a 2 hour walk instead of a 2-hour nap.
As an update, Audrey asked many times today to be changed back into a little baby so that she could have her paci. Eventually she soothed herself by talking for 40 minutes straight. She was telling us all about the princess haunted house that she and her dad were going to build, how she was going to dress up as a mermaid, and all about her teachers at Three-School. From what I could tell, she's pretty sure they're going to throw her in a trash can tomorrow. It was a long time to listen and to acknowledge her comments, but I prefer the random thoughts to whining.
Sydney discussed the four types of sentences today in English. The teacher asked for examples from the class and here is what they came up with: "Are you going to taser the dog?" The "exclamation" sentences: "I'm going to beat Collin up!" and "Oh, no you di'nt!" (BTW, I'm not sure how to spell did'nt when I'm not pronouncing the middle D.) Here's my question: Do those examples correlate to the fact that Sydney was the only one in math class today who could demonstrate what a decimal was? One more-Is tasering a dog a learned behavior?
Zach's soccer practice was uneventful today. I'm certain that playing goalie kept Zach from harassing the girls. He felt proud when he blocked one goal; which was one more than the other goalie blocked. Zach did get in trouble today for using his lunchbox to hit another child on the nose. He explained to me after school that since he hit himself on the head as well, that should make up for it. Fortunately, he has a soft lunchbox and not one of the retro metal ones.
Ainsley enjoys her tennis lessons and her new friends. If I had to guess her favorite part of tennis, I would say getting to wear cute tennis skirts and her pink tennis racket. Also, it is cool enough now that she doesn't break much of a sweat. According to Ainsley's adorable style, fashionable uniforms, pink accessories and not breaking a sweat are all integral components of any sport worth playing.
I spent enough time in my car running errands, getting lost, and carpooling to have driven to visit my friend, Ellyn, in Augusta, GA. That is wrong on so many levels. After today, I am looking forward to Audrey's day at school tomorrow. I'm trying to convince myself that I should go take a 2 hour walk instead of a 2-hour nap.
Audrey went to her 3 year old check-up yesterday. We think that the guy taking her vitals, etc, mismeasured her height at 44 inches because that puts her height off of the growth chart. All of our kids are tall for their age, but not that tall. I'm going to measure her again at home and I'll let you know how tall she really is. If I had to guess, maybe 40. Four inches is a big deal when you're 3.
The doctor told Audrey that she was big now and didn't need her pacifier anymore. Once I saw that she had listened to the dr, I threw the pacifiers out while she wasn't looking. Every time Audrey asked for a paci, I would just remind her that's she's a big girl. She even got on the phone to tell Dad that "she's big now." Later in the evening, she asked me to change her back to being little and she told me that Daddy would want her to be little again. She may be right, but we didn't get a pacifier. She fussed when it was time to sleep, so I let her fall asleep on the couch. I guess that could be substituting one cruch for another, but that way she didn't keep Ainsley awake. Audrey climbed in bed with me right before my alarm went off, but never asked for the pacifier. We'll see how today goes without it, but at least it's a start.
While we were at tennis yesterday, I was surprised to see two huge holes in the back of Zach's uniform shorts. I called him over for a better look. It turns out that he decided to slide down a concrete hill on his bum. At bathtime, we discovered that his unders had holes as well. And his bum had a slight road rash. Poor guy! Hopefully he'll remember that the next time he wants to slide across concrete.
Neil has slept like 5 hours in the last day or so. They are having a busy patch right now, which isn't good for anyone involved. His life is pretty much like being on call all the time. Apparently they are located near one village that loves them and one not so much. He might post video of artillery fire (giving it to the bad guys, not taking itfrom them) on his blog. I'll let you know when he does.
Sydney signed up to play cello at school. They have orchestra in 5th grade, if you want to do it. She is excited. My only condition is that it is not my responsibility to get that cello back and forth to school twice a week. My vote was for the violin since Sydney walks to and from school every day, but I didn't want to stifle her dreams. Ainsley is sad that Sydney will be practicing instead of playing with her. Ainsley has been teaching herself piano songs out of one of my old books, so I told her I would give her piano lessons. She taught herself how to play the tune of the clock chime in my Mamaw's miniture grandfather clock. I have to go find a suzuki book for her when I'm getting Sydney's cello.
Off to fill an empty schedule. Most of my days are either empty until the kids get home or involve activities for Audrey. It's a nice change from last year. My blood pressure is down 20 points. Today we're going to the gym, to the post office, look for a cello, and find out about Neil's October bonus.
Zach found a friend from his class that lives a short walk out of our back yard gate. He's enjoyed having a friend to play with and hasn't asked for a brother, yet, this week.
The doctor told Audrey that she was big now and didn't need her pacifier anymore. Once I saw that she had listened to the dr, I threw the pacifiers out while she wasn't looking. Every time Audrey asked for a paci, I would just remind her that's she's a big girl. She even got on the phone to tell Dad that "she's big now." Later in the evening, she asked me to change her back to being little and she told me that Daddy would want her to be little again. She may be right, but we didn't get a pacifier. She fussed when it was time to sleep, so I let her fall asleep on the couch. I guess that could be substituting one cruch for another, but that way she didn't keep Ainsley awake. Audrey climbed in bed with me right before my alarm went off, but never asked for the pacifier. We'll see how today goes without it, but at least it's a start.
While we were at tennis yesterday, I was surprised to see two huge holes in the back of Zach's uniform shorts. I called him over for a better look. It turns out that he decided to slide down a concrete hill on his bum. At bathtime, we discovered that his unders had holes as well. And his bum had a slight road rash. Poor guy! Hopefully he'll remember that the next time he wants to slide across concrete.
Neil has slept like 5 hours in the last day or so. They are having a busy patch right now, which isn't good for anyone involved. His life is pretty much like being on call all the time. Apparently they are located near one village that loves them and one not so much. He might post video of artillery fire (giving it to the bad guys, not taking itfrom them) on his blog. I'll let you know when he does.
Sydney signed up to play cello at school. They have orchestra in 5th grade, if you want to do it. She is excited. My only condition is that it is not my responsibility to get that cello back and forth to school twice a week. My vote was for the violin since Sydney walks to and from school every day, but I didn't want to stifle her dreams. Ainsley is sad that Sydney will be practicing instead of playing with her. Ainsley has been teaching herself piano songs out of one of my old books, so I told her I would give her piano lessons. She taught herself how to play the tune of the clock chime in my Mamaw's miniture grandfather clock. I have to go find a suzuki book for her when I'm getting Sydney's cello.
Off to fill an empty schedule. Most of my days are either empty until the kids get home or involve activities for Audrey. It's a nice change from last year. My blood pressure is down 20 points. Today we're going to the gym, to the post office, look for a cello, and find out about Neil's October bonus.
Zach found a friend from his class that lives a short walk out of our back yard gate. He's enjoyed having a friend to play with and hasn't asked for a brother, yet, this week.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Agendas, both literally and figuratively
I took the kids to see Eddie Murphy's most recent movie, Imagine That, this afternoon. After reading the poor reviews the movie received, I wasn't expecting much. To be sure, Audrey and Zach started getting restless halfway into the movie. However, my older girls liked the movie and could relate to the little girl. The movie isn't action-packed, it's not an intellectual movie; it's supposed to be a feel-good movie for families. I enjoyed it. For the $2 theater, it was a great way to spend the afternoon.
My favorite part was when Murphy shows up dressed up as a King to help his daughter have the courage to sing in front of an audience. Was it predictable? Yes. Has it been done before? Surely it has. But I'd rather take my kids to see a movie about a parent who learns not to take themselves so seriously as opposed to what Hollywood considers a typical movie for it's "Christian" base. "Evan Almighty" was a poor excuse for what Hollywood thinks Christians would like to see at the movie theater. We don't need to see parts of the Bible acted out on the big screen to agree with the values portrayed in a movie or to enjoy it. That's a manifestation of how small-minded and unintelligent the studios think the Christian movie-going base is.
The critics who wrote the reviews for Eddie Murphy's movie mourned the days of his Beverly Hills Cop era. They wonder why he has fallen upon his sword to make family movies instead of more of his well-known blockbusters. Could it possible that Murphy, having made his bazillions, decided to make movies that he could take his kids to? Or that push an agenda that he thinks is important: parents taking time to listen to their children. If you think about it, this is the theme of most of his recent movies. Heaven forbid.
Hollywood, on the other hand, works many different angles in their choices of movies to produce. That's old news. Most critically-thinking adults can find the messages a movie studio wants to promote and then decide whether it's something they value or not. It's probably been so ingrained in us, that we do this subconciously. In my opinion, the people who review and reward a movie and it's cast/technical staff, are the ones whose agenda slips under the radar.
For example, Halle Berry's won an Academy Award, or Emmy, a few years ago. Until the script came along that eventually won her the award, Halle Berry said that she would never appear completely nude in a film. For whatever reason, this script made her realize that she "had to be true to herself", not her fans. (I read that quote in an interview after the award show. Whatever stops the tears, Halle.) There are myriad reasons why actors win these awards. I'm sure Berry's movie was good, but I think this was Hollywood's way of positively reinforcing her choice of scripts.
This is why I own a DVR. At it's most basic, a DVR allows people to watch what they want, when they want to watch it. On a philosophical level, it allows us to free ourselves from someone else's ideas of what we should watch. And I definitely don't let my kids watch live tv after Halloween and no commercials: they end up with serious cases of the Christmas Gimme's. On a less conspiracy-theorist note, I DVR tv shows so that I don't have to choose between putting my kids to bed properly or rushing it so that I can watch my favorite show. I know it's sad that it's even a question in my mind.
My favorite part was when Murphy shows up dressed up as a King to help his daughter have the courage to sing in front of an audience. Was it predictable? Yes. Has it been done before? Surely it has. But I'd rather take my kids to see a movie about a parent who learns not to take themselves so seriously as opposed to what Hollywood considers a typical movie for it's "Christian" base. "Evan Almighty" was a poor excuse for what Hollywood thinks Christians would like to see at the movie theater. We don't need to see parts of the Bible acted out on the big screen to agree with the values portrayed in a movie or to enjoy it. That's a manifestation of how small-minded and unintelligent the studios think the Christian movie-going base is.
The critics who wrote the reviews for Eddie Murphy's movie mourned the days of his Beverly Hills Cop era. They wonder why he has fallen upon his sword to make family movies instead of more of his well-known blockbusters. Could it possible that Murphy, having made his bazillions, decided to make movies that he could take his kids to? Or that push an agenda that he thinks is important: parents taking time to listen to their children. If you think about it, this is the theme of most of his recent movies. Heaven forbid.
Hollywood, on the other hand, works many different angles in their choices of movies to produce. That's old news. Most critically-thinking adults can find the messages a movie studio wants to promote and then decide whether it's something they value or not. It's probably been so ingrained in us, that we do this subconciously. In my opinion, the people who review and reward a movie and it's cast/technical staff, are the ones whose agenda slips under the radar.
For example, Halle Berry's won an Academy Award, or Emmy, a few years ago. Until the script came along that eventually won her the award, Halle Berry said that she would never appear completely nude in a film. For whatever reason, this script made her realize that she "had to be true to herself", not her fans. (I read that quote in an interview after the award show. Whatever stops the tears, Halle.) There are myriad reasons why actors win these awards. I'm sure Berry's movie was good, but I think this was Hollywood's way of positively reinforcing her choice of scripts.
This is why I own a DVR. At it's most basic, a DVR allows people to watch what they want, when they want to watch it. On a philosophical level, it allows us to free ourselves from someone else's ideas of what we should watch. And I definitely don't let my kids watch live tv after Halloween and no commercials: they end up with serious cases of the Christmas Gimme's. On a less conspiracy-theorist note, I DVR tv shows so that I don't have to choose between putting my kids to bed properly or rushing it so that I can watch my favorite show. I know it's sad that it's even a question in my mind.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Sydney's favorite story, trivia, & a glossary
When I was growing up, my dad used to call me the littlest angel because I rarely got in trouble, at least at school. Sydney's favorite story about when I was in high school is about the only time I really got in trouble with a teacher. The person behind me was leaning back in their chair and I was turned around in my seat talking to them. They started to lose their balance, so I put my hand on his desk to push it back down. Apparently the teacher didn't catch the whole episode and yelled at me for pushing the guy over in his chair. As if. It's funny now, though. For some reason, Sydney loves this story.
I was reminded of that story because I recently learned a few things about North Carolina, and geography in general, that I either wasn't taught or was too busy talking to people behind me to learn. Somehow I never knew that Fayetteville NC actually existed; I only knew of the city in Arkansas. I learned this Fayetteville existed when Neil called to tell me that we were moving here back at the end of last February. I learned yesterday that Fayetteville is named after a Frenchman, Lafayette, who faught with the Americans in the Revolutionary War. Of course, I'd heard of the guy, but never thought about it enough to realize the connection with the name of the city. I learned that this Fayetteville is the only city named after him that Lafayette ever visited. Today I read that there is a little town in NC called Washington that was the first town to ever be named after George Washington. Interesting but seemingly useless information.
Back in the day, I enjoyed history class. I only decided to study Spanish instead of history because I thought you could have more fun in a Spanish class than you could in a history class. I can remember teachers' rooms at Stratford invariably had posters about the need to learn history so that we wouldn't repeat it. There's another reason to study history that I discovered the hard way quite a few years ago: if you are going to interact intelligently with people who played a role in forging our nation's history, you need to know what happened and have an idea of where it happened.
Neil and I were at the VA in Houston doing a service project with the other military medical students. We were speaking with an older patient who was obviously well educated and successful. He was in the hospital for less serious reasons than many of the other patients in the room. As we spoke, he began telling us what it was like to march in the Batan death march. In all my years of school, I had never heard of this, and I couldn't believe it. Needless to say it was mortifying when I had to acknowledge that I'd never heard of this event. We need to learn history, even military history, so that we can appreciate the sacrifices of those who've gone before us.
In an effort not to repeat that experience, I've read many books on military history. If you'd ever like a list, let me know. You just need to be prepared to take a black sharpie to most of the books as you read. Apparently the saying about a sailor's mouth is true of soldiers as well. That way you can let your children or spouse read them without worrying. I know the world thinks Tom Hanks is a genius, but watching Saving Private Ryan or Band of Brothers on Spike isn't the same as reading the book.
In that spirit of teaching military history, I've decided to give you a glossary of terms/Army acronyms that I use on a regular basis. They might not be history, but they are useful:
KISS-my favorite acronym and the words I live by: Keep It Simple, Sweetheart. (In some circles, read: the regular Army, it's "Stupid", but I like my version better.)
Down Range-Neil tried to explain to me why they say this, but I don't remember. Nice, I know. But it means to be in a combat zone. As in "We'll send that to the guys down range."
POC- Point of Contact; this a useful acronym for doing business
PX-Post Exchange or the place to go shopping on Post. This isn't the Commissary. It's more like a Target. It is run by AAFES.
AAFES-Army Air Force Exchange System. They run all shopping/dining establisments on Post or Base.
FOB-Forward Operating Base (This is what Neil is stationed on. Not to be confused with a CASH)
CASH-Similar to a MASH from back in the Korean War. Combat Aid Support Hospital.
MEDEVAC-Medical Evacuation. This is the transport for the patients that Neil receives or sends on for further care.
OPTEMPO-Operational Tempo; The rate at which units are deployed. For example, the last I heard, the OPTEMPO for general surgeons was 6 months every 18.
SOP-Standard Operating Procedures; again this is useful for business.
V/R-This is specifically used on official emails and I never understood it until I just looked it up: Very Respectfully. How many of you would use that as a closing in an email? I imagine that this is one of the more recently created acronyms.
I also happen to write times like they do in the army and I tell my kids on a regular basis to turn to their 3 o'clock.
I was reminded of that story because I recently learned a few things about North Carolina, and geography in general, that I either wasn't taught or was too busy talking to people behind me to learn. Somehow I never knew that Fayetteville NC actually existed; I only knew of the city in Arkansas. I learned this Fayetteville existed when Neil called to tell me that we were moving here back at the end of last February. I learned yesterday that Fayetteville is named after a Frenchman, Lafayette, who faught with the Americans in the Revolutionary War. Of course, I'd heard of the guy, but never thought about it enough to realize the connection with the name of the city. I learned that this Fayetteville is the only city named after him that Lafayette ever visited. Today I read that there is a little town in NC called Washington that was the first town to ever be named after George Washington. Interesting but seemingly useless information.
Back in the day, I enjoyed history class. I only decided to study Spanish instead of history because I thought you could have more fun in a Spanish class than you could in a history class. I can remember teachers' rooms at Stratford invariably had posters about the need to learn history so that we wouldn't repeat it. There's another reason to study history that I discovered the hard way quite a few years ago: if you are going to interact intelligently with people who played a role in forging our nation's history, you need to know what happened and have an idea of where it happened.
Neil and I were at the VA in Houston doing a service project with the other military medical students. We were speaking with an older patient who was obviously well educated and successful. He was in the hospital for less serious reasons than many of the other patients in the room. As we spoke, he began telling us what it was like to march in the Batan death march. In all my years of school, I had never heard of this, and I couldn't believe it. Needless to say it was mortifying when I had to acknowledge that I'd never heard of this event. We need to learn history, even military history, so that we can appreciate the sacrifices of those who've gone before us.
In an effort not to repeat that experience, I've read many books on military history. If you'd ever like a list, let me know. You just need to be prepared to take a black sharpie to most of the books as you read. Apparently the saying about a sailor's mouth is true of soldiers as well. That way you can let your children or spouse read them without worrying. I know the world thinks Tom Hanks is a genius, but watching Saving Private Ryan or Band of Brothers on Spike isn't the same as reading the book.
In that spirit of teaching military history, I've decided to give you a glossary of terms/Army acronyms that I use on a regular basis. They might not be history, but they are useful:
KISS-my favorite acronym and the words I live by: Keep It Simple, Sweetheart. (In some circles, read: the regular Army, it's "Stupid", but I like my version better.)
Down Range-Neil tried to explain to me why they say this, but I don't remember. Nice, I know. But it means to be in a combat zone. As in "We'll send that to the guys down range."
POC- Point of Contact; this a useful acronym for doing business
PX-Post Exchange or the place to go shopping on Post. This isn't the Commissary. It's more like a Target. It is run by AAFES.
AAFES-Army Air Force Exchange System. They run all shopping/dining establisments on Post or Base.
FOB-Forward Operating Base (This is what Neil is stationed on. Not to be confused with a CASH)
CASH-Similar to a MASH from back in the Korean War. Combat Aid Support Hospital.
MEDEVAC-Medical Evacuation. This is the transport for the patients that Neil receives or sends on for further care.
OPTEMPO-Operational Tempo; The rate at which units are deployed. For example, the last I heard, the OPTEMPO for general surgeons was 6 months every 18.
SOP-Standard Operating Procedures; again this is useful for business.
V/R-This is specifically used on official emails and I never understood it until I just looked it up: Very Respectfully. How many of you would use that as a closing in an email? I imagine that this is one of the more recently created acronyms.
I also happen to write times like they do in the army and I tell my kids on a regular basis to turn to their 3 o'clock.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Soccer, golf and details
Zach is playing soccer for the first time this Fall. He loves his coach and loves to scrimmage. The only problem is that he doesn't like it when people beat him to the ball. Yesterday he tripped a girl and grabbed another girl's jersery to pull her back towards him. Zach's only defense was that he didn't want to lose. Since Zach's coach hadn't seen either one of these things happen, I asked him to talk to Zach about it. Zach still doesn't want to loose. We'll see how that works out in a game when some parent gets mad at me because Zach has done that to their sweet precious little girl.
Today is the Fisher House Golf Tournament here at Ft Bragg. After all of my work in SA, this is an organization that is dear to my heart. Last week I decided to call the FH manager to see if I could help out the day of the tournament. During the course of our phone call, I could tell that the manager didn't think she needed any more help. In my experience at the golf tournaments, last minute things always poppped up, so we welcomed extra hands. I made a compromise with the FH manager: I would show up at the tournament, and if they didn't have anything for me to do, I wouldn't stay. I kept wondering how she could be so confident that there wouldn't be anything for me to do. She mentioned something about having a detail out there to help.
Today is a perfect day for a golf tournament: the weather turned out to be a beautiful, sunny 70, with a slight breeze. The "detail", I figured out, included people to set up tables, tents, unload all of the goodie bags, raffle prizes, extra give aways, fill coolers, and man the check-in/registration table. One other volunteer showed up, and we handed out goodie bags and arranged coffee mugs on a table. I could see why the manager knew she didn't need my help. Who needs untrained volunteers when you've got a paid staff ready to go? (Especially when someone else is paying that staff.) On the whole, it was a well-run tournament with free food, free water and gatorade, and most importantly to the players, free beer. A local Bud Light distributor donated a truck that turned into a mobile tap, so the guys had free beer on tap starting at 10:30 this morning. That doesn't include the free beer in the beverage carts that rolled out at 9am. I tried to get the FH manager to ask for donations for the beer. IMO, that could be a huge money maker. Isn't that the whole point of a bar? I'm just saying. One of the GS employees informed me that it would be ghetto to ask someone to pay for that which had been donated. We found something to hold donations for the beer and someone volunteered to sit there, but got busy and so no one left a donation. I could just see the dollar signs being poured into those styrofoam cups. All in all, it seemed to be a successful tournament. The players were happy; their $55 was well worth it. No worrying on the part of the organizers about how much the raffles, mulligans, auctions, etc would bring in.
I have no idea how much money this tournament will raise, but I could see that the civilian sector stepped up with sponsorships and paid for their entire teams to play. While it wasn't $40K, the Dominion, two meals, and amazing prizes/auction items, everyone seemed much happier and much more relaxed. I don't think the FH manager was developing an ulcer like Elizabeth, JimmieAnn and I did. I remarked to my golf tournament friends how fabulous it felt to just show up and volunteer instead of being in charge of the tournament!
What I can't figure out is how we missed out on that "detail" at Fort Sam. I'm working on how to turn my kids into a "detail."
Today is the Fisher House Golf Tournament here at Ft Bragg. After all of my work in SA, this is an organization that is dear to my heart. Last week I decided to call the FH manager to see if I could help out the day of the tournament. During the course of our phone call, I could tell that the manager didn't think she needed any more help. In my experience at the golf tournaments, last minute things always poppped up, so we welcomed extra hands. I made a compromise with the FH manager: I would show up at the tournament, and if they didn't have anything for me to do, I wouldn't stay. I kept wondering how she could be so confident that there wouldn't be anything for me to do. She mentioned something about having a detail out there to help.
Today is a perfect day for a golf tournament: the weather turned out to be a beautiful, sunny 70, with a slight breeze. The "detail", I figured out, included people to set up tables, tents, unload all of the goodie bags, raffle prizes, extra give aways, fill coolers, and man the check-in/registration table. One other volunteer showed up, and we handed out goodie bags and arranged coffee mugs on a table. I could see why the manager knew she didn't need my help. Who needs untrained volunteers when you've got a paid staff ready to go? (Especially when someone else is paying that staff.) On the whole, it was a well-run tournament with free food, free water and gatorade, and most importantly to the players, free beer. A local Bud Light distributor donated a truck that turned into a mobile tap, so the guys had free beer on tap starting at 10:30 this morning. That doesn't include the free beer in the beverage carts that rolled out at 9am. I tried to get the FH manager to ask for donations for the beer. IMO, that could be a huge money maker. Isn't that the whole point of a bar? I'm just saying. One of the GS employees informed me that it would be ghetto to ask someone to pay for that which had been donated. We found something to hold donations for the beer and someone volunteered to sit there, but got busy and so no one left a donation. I could just see the dollar signs being poured into those styrofoam cups. All in all, it seemed to be a successful tournament. The players were happy; their $55 was well worth it. No worrying on the part of the organizers about how much the raffles, mulligans, auctions, etc would bring in.
I have no idea how much money this tournament will raise, but I could see that the civilian sector stepped up with sponsorships and paid for their entire teams to play. While it wasn't $40K, the Dominion, two meals, and amazing prizes/auction items, everyone seemed much happier and much more relaxed. I don't think the FH manager was developing an ulcer like Elizabeth, JimmieAnn and I did. I remarked to my golf tournament friends how fabulous it felt to just show up and volunteer instead of being in charge of the tournament!
What I can't figure out is how we missed out on that "detail" at Fort Sam. I'm working on how to turn my kids into a "detail."
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
The Dan Brown Challenge
Dan Brown, of DaVinci Code fame, has a new book that is due to be released fairly soon, if it isn't out already. I've read his two well-known books and two of his lesser known titles. After reading the last book, I have a theory about the ending of Brown's new book. I don't know what the book is about or what the title even is, but here is my official prediction of the story line:
There's a beautiful girl involved, a man that is older, and a man whose age falls between the two. He might or might not be as beautiful as the leading lady. The older man is a mentor or father figure to one of the two. There is action during which the young couple falls for each other. They are involved in an extremely complicated line of work, only normally undertaken by someone incredibly brilliant. In fact, brilliant may be an understatement. They are on the brink of disaster, skirting danger and death which are dealt to them by an unknown hand. It's could be someone equally as old as the father figure/mentor, but who will obviously gain from the failures of the beautiful brilliant couple. And then, in the end, it will be discovered that the father figure was the bad guy all along. In his defense, he was motivated by some noble virtue and was attempting to protect an institution for which he cared deeply. This, when combined with too much zeal, made him cross over to the Dark Side. He ends up either being killed or sacrificing himself to save either one of the other main characters. The lovely couple rides off into the sunset. The end.
If I am wrong, I will go without Coke for a month. Anyone who reads the new book can post the end of the book as a comment and I won't publish it. For those of you who wish read yet another Dan Brown novel, I won't be a spoil sport. Or maybe I'll publicize when I will be posting so that you know not to read my blog that day. Either way, I will need someone to tell me the story line and ending since I'm not going to be reading the book.
I understand that writing a novel is difficult, to say the very least. Well written dialogue takes such skillful use of the language that a good author can follow the maxim "Don't say it, show it" with their characters' interactions. I haven't figured out how to do that yet. Writing dialogue requires an understanding of how people converse in various settings as well as how that best comes across in writing. Brown's characters are well written, believable, memorable, and evoke from the reader either empathy or a desire to emulate.
In addition, the depth of Dan Brown's knowledge and research are apparent in the story lines he creates. However, one could ask whether such an immense amount of detail in a novel adds to it's complexity or, instead, showcases the knowledge of the author as an individual. Action thrillers are not meant to drag on like the songs and genealogies of The Lord of the Rings. Back story, supporting details, and creating suspense are one thing. When I start to forget that the book is a mystery and not a narrative on the NSA, computer codes and software, it's a bad sign.
I won't bore you with my opinion of Brown's treatment of the Catholic Church and the mainstream media's attempts in the movies to push an agenda that tears down faith wherever they find it. Okay, so maybe you know my opinion now, but that's just the tip of the iceburg as far as the two movies are concerned. It has relatively little to do with my theory.
You should know that I can't stand diet Coke; it's huge that I am willing to go without Coke. I am just that confident that Dan Brown won't change the SOPs that have made him so well-known.
Here's what to do if you're up for the challenge: Post a comment stating whether or not you agree with my prediction. Come up with something you're willing to go without if you lose and post that, too. We're all adults here, so we'll use the honor system. I haven't read the book; obviously, you'll need to cast your vote before you read the book.
The only caveat is that my month without Coke has to end before Christmas. Everybody knows that "Christmas Coke" tastes better. Maybe it's those cute little polar bears and penguins on the commercial preaching world peace that bring tears to my eyes or maybe it's that adorable vintage Santa on the Coke can. Whichever it is, I don't want to miss out. I'm just saying...
There's a beautiful girl involved, a man that is older, and a man whose age falls between the two. He might or might not be as beautiful as the leading lady. The older man is a mentor or father figure to one of the two. There is action during which the young couple falls for each other. They are involved in an extremely complicated line of work, only normally undertaken by someone incredibly brilliant. In fact, brilliant may be an understatement. They are on the brink of disaster, skirting danger and death which are dealt to them by an unknown hand. It's could be someone equally as old as the father figure/mentor, but who will obviously gain from the failures of the beautiful brilliant couple. And then, in the end, it will be discovered that the father figure was the bad guy all along. In his defense, he was motivated by some noble virtue and was attempting to protect an institution for which he cared deeply. This, when combined with too much zeal, made him cross over to the Dark Side. He ends up either being killed or sacrificing himself to save either one of the other main characters. The lovely couple rides off into the sunset. The end.
If I am wrong, I will go without Coke for a month. Anyone who reads the new book can post the end of the book as a comment and I won't publish it. For those of you who wish read yet another Dan Brown novel, I won't be a spoil sport. Or maybe I'll publicize when I will be posting so that you know not to read my blog that day. Either way, I will need someone to tell me the story line and ending since I'm not going to be reading the book.
I understand that writing a novel is difficult, to say the very least. Well written dialogue takes such skillful use of the language that a good author can follow the maxim "Don't say it, show it" with their characters' interactions. I haven't figured out how to do that yet. Writing dialogue requires an understanding of how people converse in various settings as well as how that best comes across in writing. Brown's characters are well written, believable, memorable, and evoke from the reader either empathy or a desire to emulate.
In addition, the depth of Dan Brown's knowledge and research are apparent in the story lines he creates. However, one could ask whether such an immense amount of detail in a novel adds to it's complexity or, instead, showcases the knowledge of the author as an individual. Action thrillers are not meant to drag on like the songs and genealogies of The Lord of the Rings. Back story, supporting details, and creating suspense are one thing. When I start to forget that the book is a mystery and not a narrative on the NSA, computer codes and software, it's a bad sign.
I won't bore you with my opinion of Brown's treatment of the Catholic Church and the mainstream media's attempts in the movies to push an agenda that tears down faith wherever they find it. Okay, so maybe you know my opinion now, but that's just the tip of the iceburg as far as the two movies are concerned. It has relatively little to do with my theory.
You should know that I can't stand diet Coke; it's huge that I am willing to go without Coke. I am just that confident that Dan Brown won't change the SOPs that have made him so well-known.
Here's what to do if you're up for the challenge: Post a comment stating whether or not you agree with my prediction. Come up with something you're willing to go without if you lose and post that, too. We're all adults here, so we'll use the honor system. I haven't read the book; obviously, you'll need to cast your vote before you read the book.
The only caveat is that my month without Coke has to end before Christmas. Everybody knows that "Christmas Coke" tastes better. Maybe it's those cute little polar bears and penguins on the commercial preaching world peace that bring tears to my eyes or maybe it's that adorable vintage Santa on the Coke can. Whichever it is, I don't want to miss out. I'm just saying...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
