tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58356501473034016652024-02-20T15:34:18.875-08:00My Year in AfghanistanUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-47194560250781719002009-10-29T02:33:00.000-07:002009-11-24T07:59:54.109-08:00SuspendedUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-61790854116247253802009-10-25T08:46:00.005-07:002009-10-25T08:51:50.189-07:00Journal 19-25 Oct<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">19 Oct 09</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Bible Reading: I Kings 22b – II Kings 2<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">TAPA</span></i></b> 1781, Lord Cornwallis surrenders his British army at Yorktown, Virginia, effectively ending the Revolutionary War. “Out of this rabble has risen a people who defy kings.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Lunch: BBQ Ribs, cole slaw, fruit salad, V-8, diet coke<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Supper: Taco salad, V-8, cranberry juice</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">20 Oct 09</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Bible Reading: II Kings 3-4<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">TAPA</span></i></b> <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>1803, The U.S. Senate ratifies the Louisiana Purchase.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Breakfast: oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Lunch: Chili over rice, bean salad, jello, V-8, diet coke<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Supper: Vegetable salad, Pulled pork sandwich, grapes, V-8, diet pepsi<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">21 Oct 09</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Bible Reading: II Kings 5-7<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">TAPA</span></i></b> <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>1797, The Navy frigate USS <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Constitution</i>, “Old Ironsides,” is launched in Boston.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Lunch: Tuna wrap, bean salad, fruit salad, V-8, diet pepsi<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Supper: BBQ rib salad, Mac/Cheese, grapes, Cranberry juice, pineapple juice</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">22 Oct 09</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Bible Reading: II Kings 8-9<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">TAPA</span></i></b> <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>1836, Sam Houston is inaugurated as president of the Republic of Texas.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Lunch: Spaghetti/meat balls, corn, garlic bread, cherry pie, OJ, diet pepsi<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Supper: Salmon, rice, steamed veggies, grapes, AJ, CJ</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">23 Oct 09</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Bible Reading: II Kings 10-12<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">TAPA</span></i></b> <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>1864, Union forces prevail in the Battle of Westport, near Kansas City, Missouri, one of the largest Civil War engagements west of the Mississippi. I have had many meals at that site, now crowded with shops, restaurants and bars.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Breakfast: Sausage/egg bagel, waffle, melon<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Lunch: Tuna wrap, chili beans, apple, banana, plum<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Supper: Crab cakes, 4 oz. steak, green beans, potato/carrot salad, apple</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">24 Oct 09</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Bible Reading: II Kings 13-15<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">TAPA</span></i></b> <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>1781, In Philadelphia, Congress hears a report of the American victory at Yorktown and processes to a nearby church to give thanks. (Guess there wasn’t separation of church and state, yet, huh?)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">1861, The first transcontinental telegraph message is sent from San Francisco to President Lincoln in Washington, D.C.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Breakfast: Oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Lunch: Rotisserie chicken, green beans, corn, sweet potatoes, grapes, diet pepsi<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Supper: Chicken enchilada, Refried beans, mexirice, fruit salad, cranberry juice, apple juice</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">25 Oct 09</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Bible Reading: II Kings 16-18A<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">TAPA</span></i></b> <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>1812, Captain Stephen Decatur becomes a national hero when his ship, the USS <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">United States</i>, defeats the British frigate <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Macedonian</i> of the Moroccan coast.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Breakfast: 3 egg omelet w peppers, jalapenos, cheddar, biscuit w gravy, grapefruit juice, coffee<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Lunch: Chicken wrap, bean salad, diet coke<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Supper: Jambalaya over rice, grapes, Snapple<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Chapel service: Prayer hour with Brent Sanders. One of the soldiers started snoring loudly about 14 minutes into the very monotonatic prayer.</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-20220284330877942262009-10-18T05:05:00.001-07:002009-10-18T05:31:02.930-07:00Journal 12-18 October 2009<em><strong>Click on the TAPA entries for more information!</strong></em><br /><br /><u>12 Oct 09</u><br />Bible Reading: I Kings 4-7<br />TAPA <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Columbus">1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue and landed at San Salvador, Bahamas.</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Cole_bombing">2000, In Yemen, al-Qaeda suicide bombers in a small boat ram into the destroyer USS </a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Cole_bombing">Cole</a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Cole_bombing">, killing 17 sailors. I visited survivors at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Virginia later that Fall while on a Joint Doctrine Working Group meeting for USSTRATCOM. There were lots of cards, letters and stuffed animals and flowers in every room.</a><br />Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching<br />Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<br />Lunch: Tuna salad wrap, fruit salad, V-8, diet coke<br />Supper: Taco salad, strawberries, V-8, diet pepsi<br /><br /><u>13 Oct 09<br /></u>Bible Reading: I Kings 8-10<br />TAPA <a href="http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq31-1.htm">1775, The Continental Congress authorizes an American naval force. Happy Birthday, Navy!</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1903_Boston_Americans_season">1903, the Boston Americans beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-0 to win the first World Series prevailing 5 games to 3, best of seven, but must win by two??</a><br />Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching<br />Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<br />Lunch: Turkey bacon wrap, fruit salad, V-8, diet pepsi<br />Supper: NY Strip (6 oz), Fried Scallops, broccoli, grapes, Navy Birthday Cake! Iced Tea<br />Helped Amanda Pete with Threat Finance Brief today.<br /><br /><u>14 Oct 09<br /></u>Bible Reading: I Kings 11-12; Pay heed to the lesson of Rehoboam who forsook the counsel of the wise elders for that of young whippersnappers.<br />TAPA <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiliam_Penn">1644, William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, is born in London.</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Yeager">1947, Air Force test pilot Chuck Yeager becomes the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound. He liked Beamon’s chewing gum. At least that’s what I remember from “The Right Stuff.”</a><br />Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching<br />Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<br />Lunch: Chicken wrap, Shrimp salad, V-8, diet pepsi<br />Supper: Fried chicken, peas/mushrooms, sweet potatoes, ice cream w strawberries, V-8, diet coke, chicken machado, squid Filipino, rice<br />Maj Andy Knight lost his 9mm pistol today.<br /><br /><u>15 Oct 09<br /></u>Bible Reading: I Kings 13-14<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_Bedell">TAPA</a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_Bedell"> 1860, Grace Bedell of Westfield, NY writes Abraham Lincoln, urging him to grow a beard. He did. And, on his way to the White House the next year, he stopped in</a> Westfield, gave Grace a kiss, and thanked her for her advice.<br />Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching<br />Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<br />Lunch: Turkey, dressing, corn, peas, V-8, diet coke<br />Got a couple nice letters from mom and a really nice one from Lora!<br />Supper: Chicken Parmesan, mixed veggies, garlic toast, V-8, diet coke, pecan pie!<br />SSG James and I had a meeting of the minds tonight. We butted heads, but I prevailed upon him the importance of the work I wanted him to do.<br /><br /><u>16 Oct 09<br /></u>Bible Reading: I Kings 15-17<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noah_Webster">TAPA</a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noah_Webster"> 1758, Lexicographer Noah Webster is born in West Hartford, CT. Oh, if you don’t know what ‘lexicographer’ means, look it up.</a><br />Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching<br />Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<br />Lunch: I don’t remember<br />Supper: Steak, scallops, green beans, salad, triple strawberry ice cream, V-8, Cranberry juice<br /><br /><u>17 Oct 09<br /></u>Bible Reading: I Kings 18-20<br />TAPA <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Arizona_(BB-39)">1916, The USS </a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Arizona_(BB-39)">Arizona</a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Arizona_(BB-39)"> is commissioned at the New York Naval Shipyard.</a><br />Breakfast: oatmeal w peaches & honey, coffee<br />Lunch: chicken machado and afghan flatbread, chicken enchilada, salad, V-8, diet coke<br />Met with CZ minister of finance/foreign affairs representative today. Discussed projects and corruption.<br />Supper: Pasta night! Grapes. V-8, cranberry juice<br />Texas beats OU in the ugliest game I’ve ever not actually watched – I got the play-by-play from Lora, Gary and Jesse via Skype/web cam hook up.<br /><br /><u>18 Oct 09<br /></u>Bible Reading: I Kings 21-22a; Note in I Kings 21:27 how God saw Ahab humble himself and repent, even after all the evil Ahab and his wife Jezebel had done, and God relented from punishing Ahab at that time. Gives us all hope that all we need to do is humbly ask forgiveness, no matter what we have done, and God will hear us.<br />TAPA <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mason_Dixon">1767, Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon complete their survey of the boundary between Pennsylvania and Maryland, the Mason-Dixon line.</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaska_Purchase">1867, the United States takes possession of Alaska from Russia.</a><br />Chapel Service: 1Lt Paul Walker gave his first sermon today. Quite a heart-felt message based in I John 1.<br />Breakfast: three egg omelet (jalapenos, cheese, bell pepper), biscuit w gravy, honeydew melon, coffee, juice<br />Lunch: Chicken saute, tuna casserole, carrots, broccoli, jello, V-8, Snapple<br />Supper: TBD<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/18/weekinreview/18bumiller.html?_r=3">Remembering Afghanistan’s Golden Age</a><br /><br />NYT 18 Oct 09<br /><br />WASHINGTON — From presidential confidants in the White House Situation Room to anchors on cable television to ruminators at the city’s think tanks, the view has settled in: <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/afghanistan/index.html?inline=nyt-geo">Afghanistan</a> is an ungovernable collection of tribes that has confounded every conqueror since Alexander the Great. Like a lot of received wisdom, it may well be correct.<br /><br /><a name="secondParagraph"></a>But as <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/o/barack_obama/index.html?inline=nyt-per">President Obama</a> debates whether to send more American troops to Afghanistan, and whether, more pointedly, he might be sending them down a black hole of civic hopelessness, American and Afghan scholars and diplomats say it is worth recalling four decades in the country’s recent history, from the 1930s to the 1970s, when there was a semblance of a national government and Kabul was known as “the Paris of Central Asia.”<br /><br />Afghans and Americans alike describe the country in those days as a poor nation, but one that built national roads, stood up an army and defended its borders. As a monarchy and then a constitutional monarchy, there was relative stability and by the 1960s a brief era of modernity and democratic reform. Afghan women not only attended Kabul University, they did so in miniskirts. Visitors — tourists, hippies, Indians, Pakistanis, adventurers — were stunned by the beauty of the city’s gardens and the snow-capped mountains that surround the capital.<br />“I lived in Afghanistan when it was very governable, from 1964 to 1974,” said Thomas E. Gouttierre, director of the Center for Afghanistan Studies at the <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/u/university_of_nebraska/index.html?inline=nyt-org">University of Nebraska</a>, Omaha, who met recently in Kabul with Gen.<a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/m/stanley_a_mcchrystal/index.html?inline=nyt-per">Stanley A. McChrystal</a>, the top <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/n/north_atlantic_treaty_organization/index.html?inline=nyt-org">NATO</a> commander in Afghanistan. Mr. Gouttierre, who spent his decade in the country as a <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/p/peace_corps/index.html?inline=nyt-org">Peace Corps</a> volunteer, a Fulbright scholar and the national basketball team’s coach, said, “I’ve always thought it was one of the most beautiful places in the world.”<br /><br />Afghans today say that the view of their country as an ungovernable “graveyard of empires” is condescending and uninformed. “Unfortunately, we have a lot of overnight experts on Afghanistan right now,” said Said Tayeb Jawad, the Afghan ambassador to Washington. “You turn to any TV channel and they are experts on Afghan ethnicities, tribal issues and history without having been to Afghanistan or read one or two books.”<br /><br />“Afghanistan,” Mr. Jawad asserted, “is less tribal than New York.”<br /><br /><a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/k/zalmay_khalilzad/index.html?inline=nyt-per">Zalmay Khalilzad</a>, an Afghan-American and the former American ambassador to Afghanistan who grew up in Kabul and the northern Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif, said that calling a country ungovernable was a standard reaction when Americans do not want to engage in a conflict, like Iraq or the Balkans. The response, he said, is articulated as, “We were wrong to have the objectives that we had because this place is unhelpable, they’ve been at war for a thousand years, who the hell do we think we are that we can solve this problem?”<br /><br />Mr. Khalilzad would be the first to acknowledge that Afghanistan was always fractious politically, and that there were assassinations and coups even during the era of relative peace. But the current downward spiral did not begin until 1978, when the prime minister, Sardar Mohammad Daoud Khan, was killed in a Communist coup, setting off three decades of conflict.<br /><br />In 1979, the Soviets invaded, occupied Afghanistan for the next decade and were finally driven out by American-backed mujahedeen fighters, some of whom went on to form the<a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/t/taliban/index.html?inline=nyt-org">Taliban</a>, an Islamic student militia, which took control in Kabul in 1996. The Taliban in turn were toppled by the Americans in 2001, but fighting continued.<br /><br />And by the end of the 1970s, many of the educated elite had fled and resettled across Europe, Asia and the United States. Gone with them was the promise of those earlier decades, when Kabul solicited foreign aid from both Washington and Moscow that brought in electricity, dams and irrigation, and when a young Parliament was trying out a fledgling democracy.<br /><br />“There was definitely what was developing to be a newer tradition of a more open society and trained people” in those earlier years, said Paula Newberg, director of <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/g/georgetown_university/index.html?inline=nyt-org">Georgetown University</a>’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy, who was an adviser to President <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/k/hamid_karzai/index.html?inline=nyt-per">Hamid Karzai</a>’s government in Afghanistan from 2002 to 2004.<br /><br />J. Alexander Thier, an expert on Afghanistan at the United States Institute of Peace who lived in the country during the takeover by the Taliban in the 1990s, said that some Afghans returned to the country after 2002, but that many still lived abroad. He said he was not “incredibly optimistic” about Afghanistan after eight years of the current war, but that he supported robust reconstruction aid and American help to bolster regional governments throughout the country. “I lived in Afghanistan in the absolute darkest days, when if Afghanistan was ever going to break apart into separate states, it would have happened,” he said. Now, he said, “the alternatives are so much more bleak and dangerous for us that we do need to keep trying.”<br /><br />Frederick W. Kagan, a military expert at the <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/a/american_enterprise_institute_for_public_policy_research/index.html?inline=nyt-org">American Enterprise Institute</a>, made a related point: “Our enemies,” he said, “believe that Afghanistan is governable in its current state, because that’s what they’re trying to do.”<br /><br />For now, administration officials say that much of the debate in the Situation Room is centered on whether the United States should focus less on the weak central Afghan government or put more money and effort into the provinces, where warlords have traditionally ruled. “We shouldn’t worry so much about Karzai, we should worry about empowering the governors and getting better district chiefs and police chiefs,” said a senior State Department official.<br /><br />“I think Afghanistan is governable,” the official said, “but the question is at what level?”<br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />For argument’s sake, let’s suppose NYC is actually more “tribal” than Afghanistan and that by extrapolation, the US is more tribal than NYC, as the honorable AFG AMB says. If I remember my math, if A is greater than B and B is greater than C, then A is greater than C by association, correct? So, if you accept that the US is more tribal than NYC and NYC is more tribal than AFG, then, US must be more tribal than AFG, correct?<br /><br />So, why can’t the AFG government rule effectively outside Kabul if the US, being more tribal than AFG, and much larger geographically, can do so? AFG has been around for thousands of years. US – a couple hundred and some change.<br /><p><br />I have some questions for the honorable Ambassador from AFG to the US:<br /></p><p>What are your proposed solutions for the governance of your country?<br />What are your proposed solutions for the education of your people?<br />What are your proposed solutions to deal with the enemies of your country?<br />What are your proposed solutions to improve the infrastructure of your country?<br />What are your proposed solutions to deal with corruption at all levels within your country?<br />What are your proposed solutions to create a sense of nationalism within your country?<br /></p><p>I quite agree with the senior State Department official quoted at the end of the Times’ article. I will add a caveat to his last question, though: AFG is governable, but at what level and what form will that government take?<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-11851231755956312502009-10-12T22:42:00.001-07:002009-10-12T22:56:03.730-07:00Journal 05-11 Oct<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Click on the TAPA entries for more information!<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Calisto MT', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">05 Oct 09</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Bible Reading: II Samuel 14-15<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Edwards"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;">TAPA</span></i></b> 1703, Theologian Jonathan Edwards is born in East Windsor, Connecticut</a><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Lunch: Pastrami wrap, pineapple chunks, V-8, diet coke<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Supper: Taco salad, buffalo wings, V-8, diet pepsi<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">06 Oct 09</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Bible Reading: II Samuel 16-18<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reno_Gang"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;">TAPA</span></i></b> 1866, In Indiana, brothers John and Simeon Reno stage the first robbery of a moving train in the United States.</a><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Lunch: Turkey wrap, fruit salad, V-8, Diet Coke<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Supper: Chicken wings, chili beans, broccoli salad, V-8, diet pepsi<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Box from Lora!: LS Shirts, wintersilks, Kabul Beauty School book<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Box from Drugstore.com: liquid soap, deodorant, vitamins, alka-seltzer cold, papaya enzyme (protein digestion), waterpik flosser!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Was asked (told) I was going to Bagram Saturday with the S2 (Major Violand) at his request to attend an Intelligence sharing conference with him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">When asked whether I had any restrictions along those lines, I whimpered, “I promised my wife that I would not leave the FOB any more than I absolutely had to…” I am going.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">07 Oct 09</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Bible Reading: II Samuel 19-21<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Enduring_Freedom"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;">TAPA</span></i></b><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"> 2001, U.S. troops launch Operation Enduring Freedom, the campaign to destroy terrorist training camps in Afghanistan.</span></a><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w peach yogurt, coffee<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Lunch: Chicken enchilada, chicken quesadilla, fruit salad, pecan pie, V-8, diet coke<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Supper: Beef stew over noodles, steamed cauliflower, collard greens, V-8, diet pepsi<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">08 Oct 09</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Bible Reading: II Samuel 22-23<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvin_C._York"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;">TAPA</span></i></b><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"> 1918, Alvin York almost singlehandedly kills two dozen German soldiers and captures 132 prisoners in France’s Argonne Forest.</span></a><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Lunch: Buffalo wings, cheese enchilada, carrots, fruit salad, V-8, diet pepsi<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Calisto MT', serif;">Supper: Jambalaya, corn, pecan pie, cranberry juice, pineapple juice</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">09 Oct 09</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Bible Reading: II Samuel 24 – I Kings 1a<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Graham_Bell"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;">TAPA</span></i></b><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"> 1876, Alexander Graham Bell, in Boston, and Thomas Watson, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, hold the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">first</i> telephone conversation over outdoor wires.</span></a><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Lunch: Cheeseburger w sautéed mushrooms and onions, chili beans, fruit salad, pecan pie, V-8, diet coke<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Two bouts of diarrhea, trip to medic for Immodium and Pepto Bismol. Hope I am not still sick in the morning when I take a helo ride!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Supper: Crab cakes, green beans, rice, grapes, V-8, diet pepsi<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">10 Oct 09</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">What a wonderful way to start the day: No diarrhea!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Bible Reading: I Kings 1b - 3<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Naval_Academy"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;">TAPA</span></i></b><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"> 1845, The U.S. Naval Academy opens in Annapolis, Maryland, with 56 students.</span></a><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Breakfast: Oatmeal, coffee<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Just after breakfast, I boarded an up-armored HumVee with full “battle-rattle” (Kevlar helmet and Individual body armor – all 53 pounds of it.) The four of us, Major David Violand, Sgt Kimberly Zelton, Specialist Howell and I drove across the street to the helicopter boarding area. We waited a few minutes, weighed our baggage and ourselves, and then boarded the helo. All 14 of us got situated, there were others, and were told we were to take a 30 second flight to the refueling station, disembark, refuel, then head to Bagram. That we did. Once in the air, we were told we were all on the wrong bird. So, we turned around and exchanged passengers and baggage with another helo, same model, Sikorsky S-61, Russian. Then, we got as far as FOB Airborne, where we had to land, refuel <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">that</i> bird then onto Bagram. There were several firsts for me during that two hour period: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>First time I ever flew backward<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>First time I ever flew sideways<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>First time I ever flew on two helicopters in the same day<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>First time I ever refueled two helicopters in the same day<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>First time I ever was in Wardak province (FOB Airborne)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">I made sure Major Violand knew about all these “firsts.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">While attending the National Intelligence sharing conference in the Jirga Center at Bagram Air Base, an Afghani Police chief was telling a joke. All the Afghanis (and the interpreter) laughed. Then, when the interpreter finished the retelling in English, all we English-speakers laughed – at which point I leaned over to Major Violand and uttered, “That’s the first time I ever laughed at an Afghani joke.” The rest of the conference was not so funny.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">I spent the evening with the Task Force Paladin, ORSA director and some 82<sup>nd</sup> Airborne Division Analysts talking shop. Then, again the next morning. Got some Burger King, Dairy Queen and Popeye’s while there. Even though there are thousands of people at Bagram, they are mostly transient, therefore, without a real mission. The place has no heart, no soul. I felt very alone there and could not wait to get back to Shank (words I never thought I would utter.)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Lunch: Beef/chicken fajita meat, cheese enchilada, salad, mexicorn, mexirice, soda<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Supper: Whopper, Chicken Sandwich, Strawberry Shake (Burger King and ‘Diary’ Queen – the locals mispelled Dairy)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">11 Oct 09</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Bible Reading: I Kings 4-7<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reykjav%C3%ADk_Summit"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;">TAPA</span></i></b><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"> 1986, President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev open two days of arms-control talks in Reykjavik, Iceland.</span></a><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Breakfast: two eggs over hard (that’s the only way they make them at Bagram) biscuit, turkey bacon, turkey sausage, bread/raisin pudding, coffee, GJ Juice<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Lunch: Popeye’s 3 piece meal: spicy!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Flight back to Shank was quite welcome. Took only one helo, and no refueling stops, to get there, this time!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Supper: Spaghetti w meat sauce, Italian sausage, corn, fruit salad, V-8, diet coke<o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-55127038618191133412009-10-04T08:10:00.003-07:002009-10-04T08:24:47.467-07:00Journal 28Sep - 04Oct<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Click on the TAPA entries for more information!<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">28 Sep 09</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Bible Reading: I Samuel 23-25<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Yorktown">TAPA:<span style="font-weight:normal;font-style:normal"> 1781, American and French troops begin a siege of the British at Yorktown, Virginia. (I have walked through that battlefield…)</span></a></span></i></b><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Lunch: Tuna salad wrap, broccoli salad, fruit salad, V-8, diet coke<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Supper: Taco salad, Grapes, V-8<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">29 Sep 09</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Bible Reading: I Samuel 26-28<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Marion">TAPA:<span style="font-weight:normal;font-style:normal"> 1780, Patriots under General Francis Marion (aka, “Swamp Fox”) surprise loyalist forces on Black Mingo Creek, South Carolina.</span></a></span></i></b><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Lunch: Turkey wrap, fruit salad, V-8<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Supper: Italian sausage, meatballs, corn, broccoli, grapes, V-8 </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">30 Sep 09</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Bible Reading: I Samuel 29-31<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_Blockade">TAPA:<span style="font-weight:normal;font-style:normal"> 1949, The fifteen-month-long Berlin Airlift comes to an end. During that time, American and British planes made more than 277,000 flights delivering some 23 million tons of food, coal, medicine and other supplies after Stalin had closed all roads and train tracks leading into the free Western part of the city.</span></a></span></i></b><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Lunch: Tuna salad wrap, broccoli salad, fruit salad, V-8, Snapple<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Supper: Chicken enchiladas (2 small), chili beans w cheddar & onions, cole slaw, V-8, Gatorade<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">SSG James said that I mentally stimulate him, that I make him think. I thanked him, but not after the joking quip: “You know, that’s actually kinda disturbing…” To which he said, “Why you always gotta be like that?” (He’s a large man of color from Tennessee and a hip-hop way of talking.) </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">01 Oct 09</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Bible Reading: II Samuel 1-4<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">TAPA:</span></i></b><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"> <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09067/954003-426.stm">1811, The first steamboat to travel down the Mississippi River, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">New Orleans,</i> reaches its namesake city after a month-long trip from Pittsburgh.</a> (The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">New Orleans</i> just happened to be built by Nicholas Roosevelt, Theodore’s great uncle.) <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Lunch: Salmon, broccoli, peas/mushrooms, V-8, diet coke<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Supper: chicken enchilada, corn dog, pulled pork, V-8, Snapple </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">02 Oct 09</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Bible Reading: II Samuel 5-8<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Andr%C3%A9">TAPA:<span style="font-weight:normal;font-style:normal"> 1780, In Tappan, New York, British major John Andre is hanged as a spy after he is captured carrying papers for traitor Benedict Arnold.</span></a></span></i></b><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><a href="http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/TT/qdt1.html">1835, The Texas Revolution against Mexico begins as American settlers resist Mexican troops at Gonzales.</a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Lunch: Tuna salad wrap, Fruit salad, V-8, diet coke<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Supper: Steak & shrimp, corn on cob, green beans, V-8, Snapple<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">I received word from Rich Callas of the Newport Booz Allen Hamilton office that Mark Perry, an office colleague, died of a suspected heart attack while on business travel in Hawaii. He was in his hotel room and discovered after his wife, Cindy, was unable to reach him and had another colleague on the same trip go to his hotel and make inquiries. Mark was a good guy. Very helpful. Very intelligent. He knew a lot about American History and was an avid Civil War buff, as is his wife. He leaves behind 3 children, including a son who flew home from Iraq for the funeral. Mark Perry, dead at 51.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">I used this occasion to remind Jordan and Jaclyn how fragile and short life is; that every day is a gift. We should end each day on good terms with everyone within our sphere. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">03 Oct 09</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Bible Reading: II Samuel 9-11<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_McLeod_Bethune">TAPA:<span style="font-weight:normal;font-style:normal"> 1904, Mary Mcleod Bethune opens the Daytona Literacy and Industrial School for Training Negro Girls.</span></a></span></i></b><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Massage: $30 (with $10 tip)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Lunch: Chicken wrap, fruit salad, V-8, Diet Pepsi<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Supper: Roast chicken breast, peas, steamed mixed veggies, grapes, V-8, gatorade </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">04 Oct 09</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Bible Reading: II Samuel 12-13<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Rushmore">TAPA:<span style="font-weight:normal;font-style:normal"> 1927, Carving begins on Mount Rushmore National Memorial</span></a></span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Chapel Service: Philippians 3:1-16; v. 13 sums it up for me: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” I have the choice, just as Paul did, to put aside old/bad habits and take hold of new/good ones. It really is a choice. Sometimes, oftentimes, not an easy one.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Breakfast: three egg omelet (jalapenos, cheese, bell pepper), biscuit w gravy, French toast sticks, coffee<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Lunch: Tuna salad wrap, fruit salad, V-8, Diet Pepsi<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Supper: Pulled chicken sandwich, 3 deviled egg halves, chicken salad, onion rings, V-8<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><o:p> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">At the request (urging) of someone very near and dear to my heart (Lora), I will aim to write more about what goes on during my day, to include, especially, humorous anecdotes, which almost always occur, daily, around here.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">This week at a glance (since I won’t necessarily be able to remember/capture details of events had I written sooner afterward than now):<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">The incoming Brigade leadership visited this week. I met with the S2 OIC (Intelligence Officer in Charge) for 173<sup>rd</sup> Airborne. He likes what I have already been sending them as far as analysis products and wants me to review the Brigade campaign plan for their deployment from an operations analysis perspective, to wit, ensure the metrics they have set are, indeed measurable and have a timeline associated with them. No matter to them that I am a submariner looking at an Airborne Brigade campaign plan.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">This week, one of the female staff sergeants was going back to her dorm-tent with her pink 2 foot diameter exercise ball under one arm and a bottle of water in the other. When she rounded the corner, a LTCOL (Lieutenant Colonel) was just coming the other way. (Note: Army must salute officers no matter what either is wearing. I have not asked about birthday suits, though.) Needless to say, she did not really have time to drop everything and render a salute. Instead of just saying Hoo-Rah! Carry on, Soldier, seeing she was obviously encumbered, the LTCOL says Just forget it, you probably don’t want to “effing” salute me anyway and even when she did put her gear on the ground, come to attention and salute, her merely took her name and reported her to the First Sergeant. Meanwhile, soldiers are dying every week around here from IEDs, corrupt Afghan National Police, separated from families (this female soldier has 2 or 3 kids and is a single mom) and this LTCOL has the gall to make a big deal out of whether he got saluted by a soldier with stuff in both hands?!? Talk about insecurity…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">On a lighter note, I am rewriting the lyrics to “Ghost Riders in the Sky” to tell the story of certain aspects of life and operations around here. More to follow.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Friday night, I shared the evening meal with Joe the Seal and Jack the COIC (analyst). Joe was telling the story about a time when he was in college and he and his buddies were at the convenience store stocking up on football watching ingestables. All the guys grabbed their 6, 12, 24 packs, except for Joe, who arrived at the cashier with a tub of ice cream and that chocolate sauce that hardens on the ice cream, you know? The fellows all looked at him and quipped, “Hey Joe, are you turning into a girl? Is there something you need to get off your chest?” To which I added, “Yeah, your hair. What? Were you having your man-period or something? Feeling a little confused? Was it one of those times when you weren’t sure who looked better: SGT Fuller (a balding, Charlie Chaplin look alike, sans moustache) or SGT Zelton (a gazelle of a woman who was most recently labeled “Hottest chick on the FOB”)?” Jack spewed whatever was in his craw at the time: it was Friday night, so it could have been surf or turf. Joe, tried to look hurt and shocked, also busted a gut drawing the attention of other tables in our orbit.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">There were other, much funnier events, I am just not recalling them, presently.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">A typical day has me up around 4:30-5 when I talk with Lora for 30-60 minutes on Skype (oh thank Heaven for VoIP!) By 6, I am in the Brigade Intelligence Support Element Fusion Center where I spend 30-60 minutes preparing for the day, catching up on overnight emails/taskers and then head to the gym. 60 Minutes on the elliptical (usually around 5 miles) and sit-ups/stretching to cool down before the highlight of my day: O A T M E A L<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>W I T H<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>F R U I T<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Y O G H U R T<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>! ! ! That’s how they spell yogurt over here. Rich Gonzalez makes fun of my six-days-a-week breakfast selection, to which I usually respond with something like, “We old guys like our food as liquidinous as possible – as little chewing necessary. Taste? Schmaste! At this point, I am merely eating to live.” (all said with my best Yiddish accent.) Then he usually spews his ShMuffin back onto his plate. (McDonalds = McMuffin; Shank = ShMuffin.) Breakfast is out of the way in under 60 seconds, most mornings. Back to the BISE Fusion Center for some Tassimachine made coffee. Oh yeah, another highlight of my day. And in the afternoons, I make Lattes!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Work til 1130, then lunch! (Since you already know my menu, I will not repeat here, except for the aforementioned oatmeal.) Back to the BISE for another 4 hours and the latte, then dinner! Actually, lately, I leave around 4:30PM for the MWR Call Center, from whence I call Lora on the much better connected SPAWAR run computers. The Gonzalez boys grab me around 5:30 for the evening meal. We chat about the day, what’s going on at home, why Rich makes gay Freudian slips all the time. Back to the BISE for a couple hours, prepare for the 8PM meeting, have the 8PM meeting, then head back to B-Hut #27 for some quiet time, at least until Jerry the foghorn tunes up his apno-snoring box, which I actually <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">feel</i> more than <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">hear</i>. Jerry is an older, DOD civilian with the USAID project. Oh, he’s not the oldest guy out here: there is evidently an Army Captain (O3) who first joined in N I N E T E E N<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>S I X T Y<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>S E V E N<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>! ! !<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He fought in Viet Nam and rejoined to come over here. Perhaps he just wanted to get away from his wife. Anyway, that’s a typical day for me. I will keep you apprised of any changes…<o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-63824859345081797112009-09-27T07:52:00.000-07:002009-09-27T23:14:56.894-07:00Journal 21-27 September<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">21 Sep 09<br />Bible Reading: I Samuel 4-6<br />TAPA: 1780, Benedict Arnold betrays his country when he gave the British information that could allow them to capture the American fort at West Point on the Hudson River in New York. His British accomplice was captured, however, before he could provide the information to British Forces. Arnold did this because he was resentful at promotions of other officers and hungered for money to support the lifestyle he and his young wife enjoyed. He died in England in 1801, scorned by many even there.<br />Workout: 60 mins on elliptical (5 miles); sit ups, stretching<br />Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<br />Lunch: Tuna salad wrap, fruit salad, V-8, diet coke<br />Letter from Lora: Joshua 1:7-9, 18 “Be strong and of good courage” good words to live by.<br />Box from Cousin Nancy : Cracker Jack (3), Sunflower Seeds (2 big bags), Beef Jerky (big bag), Twizzlers (big bag) and the piece de resistance: Home Made Brownies!!! (ate two right away – very delicious and still moist!) Thanks, Nancy!<br />Supper: Taco salad, V-8, Gatorade<br /><br />22 Sep 09<br />Bible Reading: I Samuel 7-9<br />TAPA: 1776, Nathan Hale hanged by British in New York City for spying. His last words: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”<br />Breakfast: oatmeal w peach yogurt, coffee<br />Lunch: Chili con carne over rice, grilled cheese, pickles, fruit salad, V-8, diet coke, brownie<br />Supper: Chicken wings, pork and beans, onion rings, grapes, V-8, diet coke (felt good to eat bad!)<br /><br />23 Sep 09<br />Bible Reading: I Samuel 10-12<br />TAPA: 1779, John Paul Jones declares from the decks of the foundering Bonhomme Richard, “I have not yet begun to fight!” after British forces on Serapis asked if he was ready to surrender. Jones and the Richard went on to defeat Serapis.<br />Workout: 60 mins (5 miles) elliptical; sit ups, stretching<br />Breakfast: oatmeal w strawberry yogurt, coffee<br />Lunch: Chicken wrap, fruit salad, crab salad, V-8, diet coke<br />Box from Jaci and Jordan: 2 UMKC Shirts, 1 UT shirt, a Bulldog book, Cards, and a very nice picture of Jaci in a frame w an anchor on it!!<br />Box from Mom and Jim: Altoids, Chapstick, Playing cards (w Maxine on them), Floss sticks, Kleenex, Almonds, Quaker Crispy Oat Bars (strawberry!), Books: Glenn Beck’s Common Sense, Garth Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain, Magazines: National Geographic and Sports Illustrated<br />Box 2 from Mom and Jim: Nutrition Nuts, Warm socks, Brown Old Rye shirt (really comfy!), some clothes hanging devices, a cable turtle, some toothpaste, assorted newspaper articles, a nice bookmark, a tee-shirt and pair of pants, magazines and a pencil from Mrs. C’s Class. Quite a haul from The Felkners!!!<br />Supper: Polish sausage and sauerkraut, corn/bean/pepper salad, grapes, onion rings, V-8, Gatorade<br />Massage ($30 with $10 tip); Gave $50 for Filipino meal ingredients<br /><br />24 Sep 09<br />Bible Reading: I Samuel 13-14<br />TAPA: Not a banner day for Americana, but in 1789, Congress passed the Judiciary Act, establishing the U.S. Supreme Court and federal judicial system.<br />Workout: 60 mins (5 miles) elliptical; sit ups, stretching<br />Breakfast: oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<br />Lunch: Tuna wrap, fruit salad, corn/bean/pepper salad, V-8<br />Peach-banana smoothie ($4 with $1 tip)<br />Supper: Pork chop suey, broccoli, carrots, V-8<br />Bought Mike Hoffheinz’ Bosch Tassimo Suprema Hot Beverage System and 30 T-disks of various coffees as he was summarily dismissed by the Brigade Intelligence Support Element for “conduct unbecoming” for a civilian contractor and “mistreatment of soldiers of low rank” through intimidation of ideas. I bear no ill will toward him, and he is happy to be leaving.<br /><br />25 Sep 09<br />Bible Reading: I Samuel 15-17<br />TAPA: 1775, Patriot Ethan Allen is captured by the British during an attack on Montreal. 1789, Congress sends twelve amendments to the Constitution to the states for ratification; ten are later ratified and become the Bill of Rights.<br />Workout: 60 mins (5 miles) elliptical; sit ups, stretching<br />Breakfast: oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<br />Lunch: Pastrami and Provolone wrap, fruit salad, noodle salad, V-8, diet coke<br />Ice copy ($5 with $3 tip)<br />Manicure ($12 with $5 tip)<br />Supper: Crab legs, crab cakes, corn on cob, broccoli, V-8, turtle ice cream<br /><br />26 Sep 09<br />Bible Reading: I Samuel 18-19<br />TAPA: 1774, John Chapman, a.k.a. Johnny Appleseed, is born in Leominster, Massachusetts. 1789, George Washington names Thomas Jefferson as the first Secretary of State.<br />Workout: 60 mins (5 miles) elliptical; sit ups, stretching<br />Breakfast: oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, coffee<br />Lunch: Chicken quesadilla, cheese enchilada, chili beans, kidney bean and corn salad, fruit cocktail, V-8, diet coke<br />Massage ($30 with $10 tip)<br />Supper: Spaghetti w polish sausage and tomato sauce, cheese tortellini, V-8, turtle ice cream w fruit cocktail<br /><br />27 Sep 09<br />Bible Reading: I Samuel 20-22<br />TAPA: 1777, Lancaster, Pennsylvania becomes the national capitol for one day as Congress flees from British-held Philadelphia to York, Pennsylvania.<br />Breakfast: Three egg scramble w jalapenos and cheese, biscuit w gravy, mixed berry yogurt w fruit cocktail, pineapple juice. Ate with Dave, the ex-Marine, local national interpreter manager. He always asks about the Patriot Almanac quote of the day. Told him about Ethan Allan (25 Sep) and GW setting up TJ as SoS (26 Sep). He thinks I should form my own business…<br />Chapel service: Sanders led service. Theme was Maintaining Integrity using the Hebrews in the wilderness as examples.<br />Lunch: Chicken enchilada, “Maxican” rice (Afghanis can’t spell, I guess), refried beans, fruit salad, V-8, diet coke<br />Box 1 (Lora): pedicure stuff/magazine<br />Box 2 (Lora): coffee stuff/magazine<br />2 Cards from Lora: very nice. Made me watery.<br />Supper: BBQ Brisket, Carrots, Steamed mixed veggies, Strawberries, V-8<br />Here are a few projects I am working:<br /></span><a href="http://www.carlisle.army.mil/ietcop/2007_workshop/TCAF%20Counterinsurgency.ppt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tactical Conflict Assessment Framework (PowerPoint)</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/global_partnerships/ma/tcaf.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">USAID TCAF (website)</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/AMMF-6NRCV6?OpenDocument"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Afghanistan’s Uncertain Transition argues that Afghanistan is still far from stability.</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />While the country has reestablished basic institutions of government, it has barely started to make them work. The government and its international supporters are challenged by a terrorist insurgency that has become more lethal and effective and that has bases in Pakistan, a drug trade that dominates the economy and corrupts the state, and pervasive poverty and insecurity. The Afghanistan Compact, approved in January 31, 2006, provides a road map for security, governance, and development over the next five years. The United States should take the lead in ensuring full funding and implementation of the Afghanistan Compact, and develop a coherent strategy toward the Afghanistan-Pakistan relationship. This strategy would entail pushing the Pakistani government to arrest Taliban leaders whose locations are provided by intelligence agencies and taking aggressive measures to close down the networks supporting suicide bombers.<br /><br />My part in all this is to help develop the metrics for measuring success and failure of stability operations and then track and analyze the results.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-59489938134719833282009-09-20T07:34:00.000-07:002009-09-20T07:45:30.463-07:00<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">BLUF: (Bottom Line Up Front) Tassimo T-disks make a great cup of coffee. If anyone is looking for care package ideas, the troops in my office are all hooked on them. Can’t keep enough in stock! </span><a href="http://www.google.com/products?q=tassimo+T-discs&spell=1&oi=spell"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;">Click here</span></a><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"> for more information. They are also available at Target!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">14 Sep 09</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Bible Reading: Judges 8-9a<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">TAPA</span></i></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">: This is quite an interesting day of Americana: President William McKinley died from assassination in Buffalo, NY in 1901. Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office in a friend’s library and became the 26<sup>th</sup> president. 1847 saw U.S. forces, including Marines, capture Mexico City and raise the flag over the “halls of Montezuma.” He’s been getting revenge ever since… 1716: Boston Light, the first lighthouse in America, is kindled for the first time (kindled means burned for those who don’t know their King James’ English.)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Also included is one of Roosevelt’s more famous quotes: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:1.0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:1.0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="Calisto MT","serif";font-family:";color:black;">It is not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or how the doer of deeds might have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with sweat and dust and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, if he wins, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.</span></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Workout: 45 min elliptical, chest/arms, situps<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Breakfast: oatmeal w strawberry yogurt, Protein Shake</span></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Lunch: Turkey wrap, fruit salad, V-8, diet coke</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Dinner: Taco Salad, V-8, Filipino food after Melody came looking for me… the squid was really good!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">15 Sep 09</span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Bible Reading: Judges 9b-11 (Judges 10:16 says “And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the Lord: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I find interesting that God reveals himself so personally to us through the writers of the Bible. There are a few instances where we see right into the heart of God: his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel. Interesting…<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">TAPA</span></i></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">: 2001, President George w. Bush names Osama bin Laden as the prime suspect in the September 11 terrorist attacks and warns Americans that a long, hard war against terrorism lies ahead. <eight> Oh, the Marines again: 1950, stormed ashore at Inchon, South Korea and retook Seoul in 11 days ultimately saving millions of Koreans from a totalitarian regime.<o:p></o:p></eight></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Workout: suspended due to back spasm (Lora’s orders); taking ibuprofen from med clinic. Though there is supposed to be no sex going on, guess what is most prominently displayed as soon as one walks into the clinic?</span></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="apple-style-span">Breakfast: Was going to have oatmeal w some type yogurt, but Holly Charlevoix of Upper Midwest (Wisconsin, maybe) saw me while she was in the omelet line and asked me if I would take the everything omelet she accidentally ordered so she could get just a ham and cheese omelet. Even though it was an egg white only omelet (something I vowed never to order remembering the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">citidiots</i> who frequented J Harper Poor and their dietary eccentricities), I deferred and took the omelet off her conscience, realizing I did not actually order it, thereby allowing me to maintain my perfect record of never ordering one myself.</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="apple-style-span">Lunch: Tuna salad wrap, fruit salad, V-8</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="apple-style-span">Dinner: Chicken enchilada, V-8</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">16 Sep 09<o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Bible Reading: Judges 12-15: 12: 6 Interesting how Jephthah of Gilead used a single word test “Shibboleth” to determine whether his captives were Ephraimites. 42,000 could not pronounce it correctly (they said “Sibboleth”) and were slain. Kinda mean for a guy with three H’s in his name to pick a word like Shibboleth…<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">TAPA</span></i></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">: 1893, In one of the wildest land runs in history, about 100,000 settlers pour into a section of Oklahoma called the Cherokee Strip, to claim homesteads. Now they just run like heck to get out of there as soon as they can… Lora, this one is for you, my little Sooner! Oh, the Mayflower set sail on this date in 1620.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Workout: 60 min elliptical (5 miles), sit ups, stretching</span></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="apple-style-span">Breakfast: oatmeal w strawberry yogurt, Protein Shake</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="apple-style-span">Lunch: Chicken wrap (lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions/peppers/mushrooms, ranch, Heinz 57), fruit salad, V-8<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Dinner: Chicken breast, sweet potatoes, mexicorn, grapes, V-8, diet Pepsi</span></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">17 Sep 09<o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Bible Reading: Judges 16-18<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">TAPA</span></i></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">: 1787, The Constitutional Convention approves the final draft of the U.S. Constitution at Independence Hall, Philadelphia, PA.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Workout: 60 min elliptical (5 miles), sit ups, stretching</span></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="apple-style-span">Breakfast: oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, Protein Shake, GJ</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="apple-style-span">Lunch: Tuna wrap, cauliflower and bacon salad, fruit salad, V-8, diet pepsi<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Box from Aunt Linda: Bora Bora Bars! (Almond Sunflower, my favorite!!!)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Dinner: chicken cordon bleu, mashed sweet potatoes, roasted asparagus, grapes, V-8, diet coke</span></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">18 Sep 09<o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Bible Reading: Judges 19-20<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">TAPA</span></i></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">: 1793, George Washington lays the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol; 1947, Happy Birthday, Air Force!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Workout: 60 min elliptical (5 miles), sit ups, stretching</span></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="apple-style-span">Breakfast: oatmeal w strawberry yogurt, Protein Shake</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="apple-style-span">Lunch: Chicken wrap, chili beans, fruit salad, V-8<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Dinner: 4 oz. Steak, scallops, broccoli salad, pecan pie, V-8<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Today is a good day. Our B-hut is getting flame-retardant, insulating foam applied, today. Should help in the coming winter months. Also will dampen sounds, like outgoing gunfire. Sang Elvis’ rendition of “Can’t Help Falling In Love” on Karaoke at Oasis Filipino Hut. My back is feeling better (wrenched it during weight-lifting: pec-flys – went too far out – not in high school anymore!) I walk through the motor pool every day on the way to the dining facility and the fitness center (6 times a day.) I try to remember to pray for the soldiers who go on patrol every time I walk through there. Sometimes, I forget, lost in my own thoughts. Bought a cup of coffee for Peter the Czech Liaison officer who leaves tomorrow for CZ REP. He’s been here 6 months – wanted to stay longer, but extension was not approved. Told him we will drop him a note when we visit to see if he is “in town.” Just got word that POTUS (President of the United States) will not fund a missile shield for CZ nor POL. Mentioned this to Peter – we both agreed that there’s no real need for one, now and that when there is a need, US will be there to help, just like we always do. Took a 360 degree set of pictures of my room for an update:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 11px; white-space: pre; "><table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/golddolphins62/Shank091809?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_3-Yn_akfg-g/SrNXS3qnSwE/AAAAAAAABiM/1tPHoTjvp3E/s160-c/Shank091809.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/golddolphins62/Shank091809?feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Shank 091809</a></td></tr></table></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">19 Sep 09<o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Bible Reading: Judges 21 – Ruth 4<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">TAPA</span></i></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">: 1796, George Washington’s farewell address is published:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></p> <h1 align="center" style="margin-top:3.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:.75pt; margin-left:0in;text-align:center;line-height:24.75pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif";font-weight:normalfont-family:";font-size:21.0pt;color:#AD8431;">George Washington's<br />Farewell Address<o:p></o:p></span></h1> <h3 align="center" style="margin-top:1.5pt;text-align:center;line-height:15.75pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif";font-weight:normalfont-family:";color:#AD8431;">To the People of the United States</span><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif";font-weight:normalfont-family:";font-size:13.5pt;color:#AD8431;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3> <h3 align="center" style="text-align:center;line-height:15.75pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif";font-weight:normalfont-family:";color:#AD8431;">FRIENDS AND FELLOW-CITIZENS:<o:p></o:p></span></h3> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">1 The period for a new election of a citizen, to administer the executive government of the United States, being not far distant, and the time actually arrived, when your thoughts must be employed designating the person, who is to be clothed with that important trust, it appears to me proper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I should now apprize you of the resolution I have formed, to decline being considered among the number of those out of whom a choice is to be made.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">2 I beg you at the same time to do me the justice to be assured that this resolution has not been taken without a strict regard to all the considerations appertaining to the relation which binds a dutiful citizen to his country; and that in withdrawing the tender of service, which silence in my situation might imply, I am influenced by no diminution of zeal for your future interest, no deficiency of grateful respect for your past kindness, but am supported by a full conviction that the step is compatible with both.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">3 The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto in, the office to which your suffrages have twice called me, have been a uniform sacrifice of inclination to the opinion of duty, and to a deference for what appeared to be your desire. I constantly hoped, that it would have been much earlier in my power, consistently with motives, which I was not at liberty to disregard, to return to that retirement, from which I had been reluctantly drawn. The strength of my inclination to do this, previous to the last election, had even led to the preparation of an address to declare it to you; but mature reflection on the then perplexed and critical posture of our affairs with foreign nations, and the unanimous advice of persons entitled to my confidence impelled me to abandon the idea.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">4 I rejoice, that the state of your concerns, external as well as internal, no longer renders the pursuit of inclination incompatible with the sentiment of duty, or propriety; and am persuaded, whatever partiality may be retained for my services, that, in the present circumstances of our country, you will not disapprove my determination to retire.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">5 The impressions, with which I first undertook the arduous trust, were explained on the proper occasion. In the discharge of this trust, I will only say, that I have, with good intentions, contributed towards the organization and administration of the government the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment was capable. Not unconscious, in the outset, of the inferiority of my qualifications, experience in my own eyes, perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has strengthened the motives to diffidence of myself; and every day the increasing weight of years admonishes me more and more, that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it will be welcome. Satisfied, that, if any circumstances have given peculiar value to my services, they were temporary, I have the consolation to believe, that, while choice and prudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not forbid it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">6 In looking forward to the moment, which is intended to terminate the career of my public life, my feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep acknowledgment of that debt of gratitude, which I owe to my beloved country for the many honors it has conferred upon me; still more for the steadfast confidence with which it has supported me; and for the opportunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my inviolable attachment, by services faithful and persevering, though in usefulness unequal to my zeal. If benefits have resulted to our country from these services, let it always be remembered to your praise, and as an instructive example in our annals, that under circumstances in which the passions, agitated in every direction, were liable to mislead, amidst appearances sometimes dubious, vicissitudes of fortune often discouraging, in situations in which not unfrequently want of success has countenanced the spirit of criticism, the constancy of your support was the essential prop of the efforts, and a guarantee of the plans by which they were effected. Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me to my grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing vows that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence; that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the free constitution, which is the work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained; that its administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom and virtue; than, in fine, the happiness of the people of these States, under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete, by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing, as will acquire to them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the affection, and adoption of every nation, which is yet a stranger to it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">7 Here, perhaps I ought to stop. But a solicitude for your welfare which cannot end but with my life, and the apprehension of danger, natural to that solicitude, urge me, on an occasion like the present, to offer to your solemn contemplation, and to recommend to your frequent review, some sentiments which are the result of much reflection, of no inconsiderable observation, and which appear to me all-important to the permanency of your felicity as a people. These will be offered to you with the more freedom, as you can only see in them the disinterested warnings of a parting friend, who can possibly have no personal motive to bias his counsel. Nor can I forget, as an encouragement to it, your indulgent reception of my sentiments on a former and not dissimilar occasion.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">8 Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the attachment.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">9 The unity of Government, which constitutes you one people, is also now dear to you. It is justly so; for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquillity at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very Liberty, which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee, that, from different causes and from different quarters, much pains will be taken, many artifices employed, to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth; as this is the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment, that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national Union to your collective and individual happiness; that you should cherish a cordial, habitual, and immovable attachment to it; accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as of the Palladium of your political safety and prosperity; watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion, that it can in any event be abandoned; and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together the various parts.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">10 For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of american, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the Independence and Liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts, of common dangers, sufferings, and successes.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">11 But these considerations, however powerfully they address themselves to your sensibility, are greatly outweighed by those, which apply more immediately to your interest. Here every portion of our country finds the most commanding motives for carefully guarding and preserving the Union of the whole.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse:collapse;mso-yfti-tbllook:1184;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 0in"> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow:0;mso-yfti-firstrow:yes;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes"> <td valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">12 The North, in an unrestrained intercourse with the South, protected by the equal laws of a common government, finds, in the productions of the latter, great additional resources of maritime and commercial enterprise and precious materials of manufacturing industry. The South, in the same intercourse, benefiting by the agency of the North, sees its agriculture grow and its commerce expand. Turning partly into its own channels the seamen of the North, it finds its particular navigation invigorated; and, while it contributes, in different ways, to nourish and increase the general mass of the national navigation, it looks forward to the protection of a maritime strength, to which itself is unequally adapted. The East, in a like intercourse with the West, already finds, and in the progressive improvement of interior communications by land and water, will more and more find, a valuable vent for the commodities which it brings from abroad, or manufactures at home. The West derives from the East supplies requisite to its growth and comfort, and, what is perhaps of still greater consequence, it must of necessity owe the secure enjoyment of indispensable outlets for its own productions to the weight, influence, and the future maritime strength of the Atlantic side of the Union, directed by an indissoluble community of interest as one nation. Any other tenure by which the West can hold this essential advantage, whether derived from its own separate strength, or from an apostate and unnatural connexion with any foreign power, must be intrinsically precarious.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">13 While, then, every part of our country thus feels an immediate and particular interest in Union, all the parts combined cannot fail to find in the united mass of means and efforts greater strength, greater resource, proportionably greater security from external danger, a less frequent interruption of their peace by foreign nations; and, what is of inestimable value, they must derive from Union an exemption from those broils and wars between themselves, which so frequently afflict neighbouring countries not tied together by the same governments, which their own rivalships alone would be sufficient to produce, but which opposite foreign alliances, attachments, and intrigues would stimulate and embitter. Hence, likewise, they will avoid the necessity of those overgrown military establishments, which, under any form of government, are inauspicious to liberty, and which are to be regarded as particularly hostile to Republican Liberty. In this sense it is, that your Union ought to be considered as a main prop of your liberty, and that the love of the one ought to endear to you the preservation of the other.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">14 These considerations speak a persuasive language to every reflecting and virtuous mind, and exhibit the continuance of the union as a primary object of Patriotic desire. Is there a doubt, whether a common government can embrace so large a sphere? Let experience solve it. To listen to mere speculation in such a case were criminal. We are authorized to hope, that a proper organization of the whole, with the auxiliary agency of governments for the respective subdivisions, will afford a happy issue to the experiment. It is well worth a fair and full experiment. With such powerful and obvious motives to Union, affecting all parts of our country, while experience shall not have demonstrated its impracticability, there will always be reason to distrust the patriotism of those, who in any quarter may endeavour to weaken its bands.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">15 In contemplating the causes, which may disturb our Union, it occurs as matter of serious concern, that any ground should have been furnished for characterizing parties by Geographical discriminations, Northern and Southern, Atlantic and Western; whence designing men may endeavour to excite a belief, that there is a real difference of local interests and views. One of the expedients of party to acquire influence, within particular districts, is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts. You cannot shield yourselves too much against the jealousies and heart-burnings, which spring from these misrepresentations; they tend to render alien to each other those, who ought to be bound together by fraternal affection. The inhabitants of our western country have lately had a useful lesson on this head; they have seen, in the negotiation by the Executive, and in the unanimous ratification by the Senate, of the treaty with Spain, and in the universal satisfaction at that event, throughout the United States, a decisive proof how unfounded were the suspicions propagated among them of a policy in the General Government and in the Atlantic States unfriendly to their interests in regard to the mississippi; they have been witnesses to the formation of two treaties, that with Great Britain, and that with Spain, which secure to them every thing they could desire, in respect to our foreign relations, towards confirming their prosperity. Will it not be their wisdom to rely for the preservation of these advantages on the union by which they were procured? Will they not henceforth be deaf to those advisers, if such there are, who would sever them from their brethren, and connect them with aliens?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">16 To the efficacy and permanency of your Union, a Government for the whole is indispensable. No alliances, however strict, between the parts can be an adequate substitute; they must inevitably experience the infractions and interruptions, which all alliances in all times have experienced. Sensible of this momentous truth, you have improved upon your first essay, by the adoption of a Constitution of Government better calculated than your former for an intimate Union, and for the efficacious management of your common concerns. This Government, the offspring of our own choice, uninfluenced and unawed, adopted upon full investigation and mature deliberation, completely free in its principles, in the distribution of its powers, uniting security with energy, and containing within itself a provision for its own amendment, has a just claim to your confidence and your support. Respect for its authority, compliance with its laws, acquiescence in its measures, are duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true Liberty. The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their Constitutions of Government. But the Constitution which at any time exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish Government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established Government.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">17 All obstructions to the execution of the Laws, all combinations and associations, under whatever plausible character, with the real design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental principle, and of fatal tendency. They serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force; to put, in the place of the delegated will of the nation, the will of a party, often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community; and, according to the alternate triumphs of different parties, to make the public administration the mirror of the ill-concerted and incongruous projects of faction, rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome plans digested by common counsels, and modified by mutual interests.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">18 However combinations or associations of the above description may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, and to usurp for themselves the reins of government; destroying afterwards the very engines, which have lifted them to unjust dominion.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">19 Towards the preservation of your government, and the permanency of your present happy state, it is requisite, not only that you steadily discountenance irregular oppositions to its acknowledged authority, but also that you resist with care the spirit of innovation upon its principles, however specious the pretexts. One method of assault may be to effect, in the forms of the constitution, alterations, which will impair the energy of the system, and thus to undermine what cannot be directly overthrown. In all the changes to which you may be invited, remember that time and habit are at least as necessary to fix the true character of governments, as of other human institutions; that experience is the surest standard, by which to test the real tendency of the existing constitution of a country; that facility in changes, upon the credit of mere hypothesis and opinion, exposes to perpetual change, from the endless variety of hypothesis and opinion; and remember, especially, that, for the efficient management of our common interests, in a country so extensive as ours, a government of as much vigor as is consistent with the perfect security of liberty is indispensable. Liberty itself will find in such a government, with powers properly distributed and adjusted, its surest guardian. It is, indeed, little else than a name, where the government is too feeble to withstand the enterprises of faction, to confine each member of the society within the limits prescribed by the laws, and to maintain all in the secure and tranquil enjoyment of the rights of person and property.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">20 I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the state, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party, generally.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">21 This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">22 The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">23 Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind, (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight,) the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">24 It serves always to distract the Public Councils, and enfeeble the Public Administration. It agitates the Community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which find a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">25 There is an opinion, that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the Government, and serve to keep alive the spirit of Liberty. This within certain limits is probably true; and in Governments of a Monarchical cast, Patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular character, in Governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose. And, there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be, by force of public opinion, to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">26 It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution, in those intrusted with its administration, to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism. A just estimate of that love of power, and proneness to abuse it, which predominates in the human heart, is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position. The necessity of reciprocal checks in the exercise of political power, by dividing and distributing it into different depositories, and constituting each the Guardian of the Public Weal against invasions by the others, has been evinced by experiments ancient and modern; some of them in our country and under our own eyes. To preserve them must be as necessary as to institute them. If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way, which the constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for, though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed. The precedent must always greatly overbalance in permanent evil any partial or transient benefit, which the use can at any time yield.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">27 Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens. The mere Politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connexions with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked, Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">28 It is substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government. Who, that is a sincere friend to it, can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric ?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">29 Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">30 As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is, to use it as sparingly as possible; avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, but remembering also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it; avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge the debts, which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burthen, which we ourselves ought to bear. The execution of these maxims belongs to your representatives, but it is necessary that public opinion should cooperate. To facilitate to them the performance of their duty, it is essential that you should practically bear in mind, that towards the payment of debts there must be Revenue; that to have Revenue there must be taxes; that no taxes can be devised, which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant; that the intrinsic embarrassment, inseparable from the selection of the proper objects (which is always a choice of difficulties), ought to be a decisive motive for a candid construction of the conduct of the government in making it, and for a spirit of acquiescence in the measures for obtaining revenue, which the public exigencies may at any time dictate.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">31 Observe good faith and justice towards all Nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all. Religion and Morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be, that good policy does not equally enjoin it? It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and, at no distant period, a great Nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can doubt, that, in the course of time and things, the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any temporary advantages, which might be lost by a steady adherence to it ? Can it be, that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a Nation with its Virtue? The experiment, at least, is recommended by every sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas! is it rendered impossible by its vices ?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">32 In the execution of such a plan, nothing is more essential, than that permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular Nations, and passionate attachments for others, should be excluded; and that, in place of them, just and amicable feelings towards all should be cultivated. The Nation, which indulges towards another an habitual hatred, or an habitual fondness, is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest. Antipathy in one nation against another disposes each more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable, when accidental or trifling occasions of dispute occur. Hence frequent collisions, obstinate, envenomed, and bloody contests. The Nation, prompted by ill-will and resentment, sometimes impels to war the Government, contrary to the best calculations of policy. The Government sometimes participates in the national propensity, and adopts through passion what reason would reject; at other times, it makes the animosity of the nation subservient to projects of hostility instigated by pride, ambition, and other sinister and pernicious motives. The peace often, sometimes perhaps the liberty, of Nations has been the victim.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">33 So likewise, a passionate attachment of one Nation for another produces a variety of evils. Sympathy for the favorite Nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest, in cases where no real common interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of the latter, without adequate inducement or justification. It leads also to concessions to the favorite Nation of privileges denied to others, which is apt doubly to injure the Nation making the concessions; by unnecessarily parting with what ought to have been retained; and by exciting jealousy, ill-will, and a disposition to retaliate, in the parties from whom equal privileges are withheld. And it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens, (who devote themselves to the favorite nation,) facility to betray or sacrifice the interests of their own country, without odium, sometimes even with popularity; gilding, with the appearances of a virtuous sense of obligation, a commendable deference for public opinion, or a laudable zeal for public good, the base or foolish compliances of ambition, corruption, or infatuation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">34 As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable ways, such attachments are particularly alarming to the truly enlightened and independent Patriot. How many opportunities do they afford to tamper with domestic factions, to practise the arts of seduction, to mislead public opinion, to influence or awe the Public Councils! Such an attachment of a small or weak, towards a great and powerful nation, dooms the former to be the satellite of the latter.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">35 Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you to believe me, fellow-citizens,) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake; since history and experience prove, that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of Republican Government. But that jealousy, to be useful, must be impartial; else it becomes the instrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defence against it. Excessive partiality for one foreign nation, and excessive dislike of another, cause those whom they actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots, who may resist the intrigues of the favorite, are liable to become suspected and odious; while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people, to surrender their interests.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">36 The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connexion as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">37 Europe has a set of primary interests, which to us have none, or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves, by artificial ties, in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics, or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">38 Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course. If we remain one people, under an efficient government, the period is not far off, when we may defy material injury from external annoyance; when we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality, we may at any time resolve upon, to be scrupulously respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation; when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">39 Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation? Why quit our own to stand upon foreign ground? Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor, or caprice?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">40 It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world; so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it; for let me not be understood as capable of patronizing infidelity to existing engagements. I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy. I repeat it, therefore, let those engagements be observed in their genuine sense. But, in my opinion, it is unnecessary and would be unwise to extend them.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">41 Taking care always to keep ourselves, by suitable establishments, on a respectable defensive posture, we may safely trust to temporary alliances for extraordinary emergencies.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">42 Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest. But even our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand; neither seeking nor granting exclusive favors or preferences; consulting the natural course of things; diffusing and diversifying by gentle means the streams of commerce, but forcing nothing; establishing, with powers so disposed, in order to give trade a stable course, to define the rights of our merchants, and to enable the government to support them, conventional rules of intercourse, the best that present circumstances and mutual opinion will permit, but temporary, and liable to be from time to time abandoned or varied, as experience and circumstances shall dictate; constantly keeping in view, that it is folly in one nation to look for disinterested favors from another; that it must pay with a portion of its independence for whatever it may accept under that character; that, by such acceptance, it may place itself in the condition of having given equivalents for nominal favors, and yet of being reproached with ingratitude for not giving more. There can be no greater error than to expect or calculate upon real favors from nation to nation. It is an illusion, which experience must cure, which a just pride ought to discard.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">43 In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and affectionate friend, I dare not hope they will make the strong and lasting impression I could wish; that they will control the usual current of the passions, or prevent our nation from running the course, which has hitherto marked the destiny of nations. But, if I may even flatter myself, that they may be productive of some partial benefit, some occasional good; that they may now and then recur to moderate the fury of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigue, to guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism; this hope will be a full recompense for the solicitude for your welfare, by which they have been dictated.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">44 How far in the discharge of my official duties, I have been guided by the principles which have been delineated, the public records and other evidences of my conduct must witness to you and to the world. To myself, the assurance of my own conscience is, that I have at least believed myself to be guided by them.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">45 In relation to the still subsisting war in Europe, my Proclamation of the 22d of April 1793, is the index to my Plan. Sanctioned by your approving voice, and by that of your Representatives in both Houses of Congress, the spirit of that measure has continually governed me, uninfluenced by any attempts to deter or divert me from it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">46 After deliberate examination, with the aid of the best lights I could obtain, I was well satisfied that our country, under all the circumstances of the case, had a right to take, and was bound in duty and interest to take, a neutral position. Having taken it, I determined, as far as should depend upon me, to maintain it, with moderation, perseverance, and firmness.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">47 The considerations, which respect the right to hold this conduct, it is not necessary on this occasion to detail. I will only observe, that, according to my understanding of the matter, that right, so far from being denied by any of the Belligerent Powers, has been virtually admitted by all.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">48 The duty of holding a neutral conduct may be inferred, without any thing more, from the obligation which justice and humanity impose on every nation, in cases in which it is free to act, to maintain inviolate the relations of peace and amity towards other nations.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">49 The inducements of interest for observing that conduct will best be referred to your own reflections and experience. With me, a predominant motive has been to endeavour to gain time to our country to settle and mature its yet recent institutions, and to progress without interruption to that degree of strength and consistency, which is necessary to give it, humanly speaking, the command of its own fortunes.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">50 Though, in reviewing the incidents of my administration, I am unconscious of intentional error, I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may tend. I shall also carry with me the hope, that my Country will never cease to view them with indulgence; and that, after forty-five years of my life dedicated to its service with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:14.25pt"><span style="Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;color:black;">51 Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by that fervent love towards it, which is so natural to a man, who views it in the native soil of himself and his progenitors for several generations; I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat, in which I promise myself to realize, without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good laws under a free government, the ever favorite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labors, and dangers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Workout: 30 min elliptical (2.5 miles), stretching</span></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="apple-style-span">Breakfast: oatmeal w peach yogurt, Protein Shake</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="apple-style-span">Lunch: Turkey wrap, broccoli salad, fruit salad, V-8<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">2 Boxes from Lora: Starbucks T-Disks (wow!!) Book about Navy SEALs (Lone Survivor), Pedicure stuff, 5th Season of 'The Wire'<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Box from Aunt Linda: Bora Bora Bars! (Almond Sunflower, my favorite!!!)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Massage: $30 ($10 tip)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Dinner: Baked Pollock, mac and cheese, veg medley, V-8</span></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">20 Sep 09<o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Bible Reading: I Samuel 1-3<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">TAPA</span></i></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">: 1863, <a href="http://www.northnet.org/stlawrenceaauw/walker.htm">Mary Edwards Walker</a>, the only female recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, is serving as a volunteer field surgeon near Union lines at the Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Breakfast: 3 eggs over medium w cheddar/jalapenos, biscuit/gravy, coffee<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Lunch: Tuna Noodle Casserole, Carrots, Broccoli, Sweet Potatoes, V-8, Snapple Tea<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Dinner: Jambalaya and rice, Peas, Corn on cob, pecan pie, V-8, diet coke</span></span></p></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-6615975341069541862009-09-15T01:54:00.000-07:002009-09-15T02:26:39.983-07:00173rd Brigade, Vicenza, Italy<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border="0" width="0" height="0" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyNTMwMDYwMjc2MDkmcHQ9MTI1MzAwNjI5MTM*MyZwPTIyMTY*MSZkPSZnPTEmbz*1OTNjMDJkZTZlMDM*NDU1ODdiMDQ5ZDM*NWVhZjc2OSZvZj*w.gif" /><br />When the 3rd Brigade / 10th Mountain Division Spartans leave Afghanistan, their replacements are the 173rd Airborne Brigade of Vicenza, Italy, seen below. I think I would rather visit Vicenza than Watertown, NY (home of Fort Drum and the Spartans) though I hope very much to see some of the Spartans, again someday.<br /><div><br /><div id="container" style="background-image: url('http://p.webshots.net/images/logo/footer_background_sn_1x1.gif'); width: 425px;"><br /> <a href="http://travel.webshots.com/photo/1297070320060630698BoKcrt" target="_new"><br /> <div><img src="http://image48.webshots.com/49/7/3/20/297070320BoKcrt_ph.jpg" border="0" width="425" /></div><br /> <div style="text-align: right;"> <img src="http://p.webshots.net/images/logo/footer_logo_webshots_sn_185x24.gif" border="0" /></div><br /> </a><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.173rdairborne.com/menu.htm">Unofficial Website</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.173abnbde.setaf.army.mil/">Official Website</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-26077162651956563912009-09-14T02:27:00.004-07:002009-09-14T05:47:24.759-07:00Journal 07-13 Sep 2009<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">My favorite selections from The American Patriot’s Almanac (hereinafter referred to as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">TAPA</i>), a daily journal by Bill Bennett of Americana:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">September 1, 1773</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"> Phillis Wheatley’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Poems</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral</i>, was published: the first volume of poetry by an African American poet. “In every human breast, God has implanted a principle, which we call love of freedom. It is impatient of oppression, and pants for deliverance.” I can think of no greater cause to be here in Afghanistan right now than to help restore freedoms to these people.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">September 2, 1944</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"> George Herbert Walker Bush, the only one of three survivors in his Avenger torpedo bomber crash after taking AntiAirArtillery (“triple A”), is rescued by what? The USS Finback, a submarine! He returned shortly after recovering from his ordeal to the front lines.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">September 3, 1777</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"> Captain John Paul Jones raises the Stars and Stripes for the first time on an American warship, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Ranger</i>, in Portsmouth Harbor, New Hampshire. The flag was given him by a group of young ladies who made it out of gowns.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">September 4, 1609</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"> Henry Hudson explores New York Harbor before sailing up the Hudson River to present day Albany, New York when he figured out that was not a short cut to China. He would be killed by a mutinous crew along with his son John and seven other just two years later by being set adrift in a small boat in the vast inland sea of Canada, now known as Hudson Bay.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">September 5, 1836</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"> Gotta go with “Sam Houston elected president of the Republic of Texas!” Runner-up: 1774, The First Continental Congress assembles in Philadelphia to draw up a declaration of grievances against Britain. Just think, we may all be crumpet-eating, tea-sippers if King George had been a little wiser in his handling of “the colonies.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">September 6, 1781</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"> British troops under Benedict Arnold burn New London, Connecticut. Wonder if we could do that again and start over??</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">07 Sep 09</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Calisto MT';">Bible Reading: Joshua 11-14</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">TAPA</span></i></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">: 1899, In Newport, Rhode Island, 19 cars decorated with flowers and flags participate in the first automobile parade in the United States. One of my grandfather’s brothers used to decorate floats for parades in Central-North Texas. Don’t remember which parades, though…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="apple-style-span">Workout: 45 min elliptical, chest/arms, situps<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="apple-style-span">Breakfast: oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, Protein Shake</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Lunch: Pastrami/cheddar wrap w garlic mustard, fruit salad</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Dinner: Turkey breast, shrimp salad, steamed cauliflower, strawberry ice cream</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">08 Sep 09</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Calisto MT';">Bible Reading: Joshua 15-17</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">TAPA</span></i></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">: 1763, The oldest standing synagogue is the Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island (been there, but they don’t do Tee-shirts – just yamulkas.) In a famous letter to the congregation about religious liberty, George Washington avowed that the United States “gives to bigotry no sanction,” and that when anyone wishes to worship God in his own way, “there shall be none to make him afraid.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"> <span class="apple-style-span">Workout: 45 min elliptical, shoulders/back, situps</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"> <span class="apple-style-span">Breakfast: oatmeal w peach yogurt, Protein Shake</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Lunch: Chicken wrap, fruit salad, shrimp salad, V-8</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Dinner: Cheese tortellini pesto, shrimp salad, corn cob, fruit salad, V-8</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">09 Sep 09<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Bible Reading: Joshua 18-21</span></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">TAPA</span></i></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">: 1776, The Second Continental Congress makes official the term “United States.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="apple-style-span">Workout: 45 min elliptical, chest/arms, situps<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="apple-style-span">Breakfast: oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, Protein Shake</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Lunch: Chicken breast, green beans, carrots, fruit salad, V-8, diet coke<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="apple-style-span">Dinner:</span> Turkey breast, potatoes au gratin, asparagus (of which I was reminded later when urinating), fruit salad, V-8, iced tea </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">10 Sep 09<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Bible Reading: Joshua 22-23</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">TAPA</span></i></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">: 1813, Following the Battle of Lake Erie (versus the British in the War of 1812), Oliver Hazard Perry sends the message, “We have met the enemy and they are ours.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"> <span class="apple-style-span">Workout: 45 min elliptical, shoulders/back, situps</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"> <span class="apple-style-span">Breakfast: oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, Protein Shake, GJ</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Lunch: Chicken wing, pulled chicken, tossed salad, V-8, diet pepsi</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Dinner:</span> Chicken breast/wing, jambalaya, corn, broccoli, V-8, butter pecan ice cream</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">11 Sep 09<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Bible Reading: Joshua 24</span></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">TAPA</span></i></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">: 1941, A groundbreaking ceremony takes place for construction of the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"> <span class="apple-style-span">Workout: 45 min elliptical, chest/arms, situps</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Breakfast: oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, Protein Shake</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Lunch: Chicken Enchiladas, fruit salad, V-8</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"> <span class="apple-style-span">Dinner: Shrimp, crab legs, green beans, Beck’s NA beer</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calisto MT'; ">It’s surreal to be spending any day in Afghanistan, but on this particular day, I am proud to be here doing my part to help make our country, this country, our world a little bit safer.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">12 Sep 09<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Bible Reading: Judges 1-4</span></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">TAPA</span></i></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">: 1782, Betty Zane, 16, runs for more gunpowder under a hail of gunfire from British and Indians during the siege of Fort Henry (was part of Ohio, now Wheeling, WV).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"> <span class="apple-style-span">Workout: 45 min elliptical, shoulders/back, situps</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"> <span class="apple-style-span">Breakfast: oatmeal w peach yogurt, Protein Shake</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Lunch: Tuna salad wrap, wilted lettuce salad, fruit salad, V-8, diet coke</span><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Ice Coppee: $3 ($1 tip)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Massage: $30 ($10 tip)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"> <span class="apple-style-span">Dinner:</span> Pasta, Broccoli salad, Iced Tea</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style=" ;font-family:'Calisto MT', serif;color:black;">13 Sep 09</span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Bible Reading: Judges 5-7</span></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">TAPA</span></i></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">: 1814, A British fleet bombards Fort McHenry at Baltimore, Maryland, as Francis Scott Key looks on. The following morning, overcome with emotion, he would scribble a few lines that began, “O say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light…”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"> <span class="apple-style-span">Breakfast: 3 eggs over medium w cheddar/jalapenos, biscuit/gravy, coffee</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Chapel Service: Ch Sanders used all of Deut 8 as his text wherein God was reminding the Hebrews to do what he said or they would suffer lack. What do we gain during times of lack? Humility, fewer distractions, dependence on God, privilege of focus on God. What are my idols? Where is my Egypt that I want to return to?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"> <span class="apple-style-span">Lunch: Chicken enchilada w jalapenos, refried beans, maxican corn (that’s how it was spelled on the dry erase menu board…) and Spanish rice. Dined w my favorite Cuban: Rich Gonzalez.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Nice letter from Lora on marriage vows dated 3 Sep and a box w James Patterson <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Beach Road</i>, 2 boxes of Bora Bora bars and the sleeve for the speaker system we gave to Melody.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;">Box of office supplies from Paige at Leonie via Ray at Fenty.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="apple-style-span">Dinner: Rotisserie chicken, carrots, green beans, fruit salad, V-8, diet pepsi</span></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-31516830781429737762009-09-11T18:04:00.000-07:002009-09-11T18:12:14.254-07:00Journal 31 Aug - 6 Sep<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif; "><o:p>Based on what I have seen, learned and read I have an opinion on US involvement in Afghanistan. I can certainly see why we did not stand idly by while the Taliban (TB) shunned women. I can understand why we got involved in order to provide more security and freedom to those who did not believe or practice as did the TB. I can even understand, from a US AND a global perspective why a more stable Afghanistan is a good thing: it’s the least expensive path for oil and gas pipelines from the land-locked Central Asian Republics (CARs). What I don’t understand is why it took so long for us to act: then I looked back at the history of US policy toward TB since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Up until almost 2000, US policy was to side with TB in the hopes they would be the ruling organization in AFG, in spite of what we knew about their beliefs and practices and continued to learn. This stand was against all CARs and Iran and Pakistan and Russia and other Anti-TB nations. It was also US policy to “turn the other cheek” when blatantly attacked (embassy and WTC bombings of the early 1990s for which we provided a very limited, narrow response.) This made us weak in the eyes of the TB (and Al-Qada) – so, they never took us seriously and blew us up again: 09/11/2001. US policy quickly changed to a much more aggressive posture against terrorism wherever it was found a threat to national security (Iraq) and an affront to human rights (AFG). So, let’s go to AFG. Now, eight years later, TB is out of power and mostly conducting hit and run or guerilla warfare tactics with remote-detonated IEDs, shooting from mosques, dressing as women – many cowardly, yet effective attacks.</o:p></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">31 August 2009</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"">Bible Reading: Deut. 28<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"">Breakfast: oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, Protein Shake<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"">Lunch: grilled chicken wrap, fruit salad, V-8<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"">Dinner: taco salad, diet pepsi<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><br /></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">01 September 2009</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif""><o:p>Bible Reading: Deut. 29-30</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><o:p>Money Spent: $60 Roshan Calling Cards; Ice Coppee</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calisto MT'; ">Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w strawberry yogurt</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">Lunch: turkey wrap, fruit salad, V-8, diet pepsi<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calisto MT'; ">Supper: Chicken Enchiladas, veggie salad, fruit salad, V-8</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">02 September 2009</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">Bible Reading: Deut.31-32<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Money Spent: $2 ice coppee, $1 tip<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calisto MT'; ">Breakfast: oatmeal w strawberry yogurt, Protein Shake</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Lunch: Pastrami/provolone wrap, fruit salad, veggie salad, V-8, diet coke<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><span class="apple-style-span">Dinner: Chicken/broccoli Chinese style, steamed veggies, strawberries,V-8, snapple</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">03 September 2009</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">Bible Reading: Deut. 23-Joshua 1</span></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Money Spent: $4 ice coppee; $2 tip (bought one for Christal, an army interrogator who was having a bad day...)</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, Coffee</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Lunch: Grilled trout, broccoli, mac & cheese, black-eyed peas, fruit salad, V-8, Snapple Tea</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Supper: Turkey, dressing, carrots, yogurt, V-8, Snapple<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><o:p>Bible Study: The Purpose Driven Life, Chapter 30</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">04 September 2009</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><br /></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calisto MT'; ">Bible Reading: Joshua 2-5</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><span class="apple-style-span">Money Spent: $2 ice coppee, $1 tip</span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calisto MT'; ">Breakfast: Protein shake, Bora Bora Peanut Peanut bar</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">Lunch: Tuna salad wrap, pineapple czunks (that’s Czech for chunks),</span></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"> <span class="apple-style-span">V-8, snapple lemon tea</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"> <span class="apple-style-span"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">Dinner: Lobstah tail, shrimp, salad, green beans, ice cream w strawberry drizzle and strawberries, V-8, Snapple.</span></span><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">05 September 2009</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calisto MT'; ">Bible Reading: Joshua 6-8</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><span class="apple-style-span">Money Spent: $20 massage, $10 tip</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Breakfast: Protein shake, oatmeal/peach yogurt, snapple</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Lunch: Baked salmon, vegetable lo mein, steamed mixed veggies, collard greens, fruit salad, V-8, Snapple tea</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Supper:</span> Pasta, grapes, 2 x V-8<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calisto MT'; "> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">06 September 2009</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calisto MT'; ">Bible Reading: Joshua 9-10</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calisto MT'; ">Breakfast: Omelet, biscuit/gravy, coffee</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calisto MT'; ">Chapel service: God is the god of the Unexpected. Ex 2-4. Moses lived 40 years in Pharoah’s house; 40 years in desert around Midian as shepherd; 40 years in wilderness with Hebrews.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calisto MT'; ">Lunch: Tuna salad wrap, cold veggie salad, fruit salad, V-8, Snapple</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"><o:p>Supper: forgot.</o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-4733239725962250422009-09-11T03:16:00.000-07:002009-09-11T03:23:09.844-07:00Attended 9-11 Memorial Service, todayQuite moving with prerecorded songs and picture presentations.<div><br />One of the readers delivered part of G.W. Bush SOU speech on 9/20/2001:<br /><br /></div><div>"On September the 11th, enemies of freedom committed an act of war against our country. Americans have known wars, but for the past 136 years they have been wars on foreign soil, except for one Sunday in 1941. Americans have known the casualties of war, but not at the center of a great city on a peaceful morning.<br /><br /></div><div>Americans have known surprise attacks, but never before on thousands of civilians. All of this was brought upon us in a single day, and night fell on a different world, a world where freedom itself is under attack.<br /><br /></div><div>Americans have many questions tonight. Americans are asking, "Who attacked our country?"<br /><br /></div><div>The evidence we have gathered all points to a collection of loosely affiliated terrorist organizations known as al Qaeda.The terrorists practice a fringe form of Islamic extremism that has been rejected by Muslim scholars and the vast majority of Muslim clerics; a fringe movement that perverts the peaceful teachings of Islam.The terrorists' directive commands them to kill Christians and Jews, to kill all Americans and make no distinctions among military and civilians, including women and children. It is not only repressing its own people, it is threatening people everywhere by sponsoring and sheltering and supplying terrorists. The terrorists are traitors to their own faith, trying, in effect, to hijack Islam itself. The enemy of America is not our many Muslim friends. It is not our many Arab friends. Our enemy is a radical network of terrorists and every government that supports them. Our war on terror begins with al Qaeda, but it does not end there. It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated.<br /><br /></div><div>Americans are asking "Why do they hate us?"<br /><br /></div><div>They hate what they see right here in this chamber: a democratically elected government. Their leaders are self-appointed. They hate our freedoms: our freedom of religion, our freedom of speech, our freedom to vote and assemble and disagree with each other. They want to overthrow existing governments in many Muslim countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. They want to drive Israel out of the Middle East. They want to drive Christians and Jews out of vast regions of Asia and Africa. These terrorists kill not merely to end lives, but to disrupt and end a way of life. With every atrocity, they hope that America grows fearful, retreating from the world and forsaking our friends. They stand against us because we stand in their way. We're not deceived by their pretenses to piety. We have seen their kind before. They're the heirs of all the murderous ideologies of the 20th century. By sacrificing human life to serve their radical visions, by abandoning every value except the will to power, they follow in the path of fascism, Nazism and totalitarianism. And they will follow that path all the way to where it ends in history's unmarked grave of discarded lies.<br /><br /></div><div>Americans are asking, "How will we fight and win this war?"<br /><br /></div><div>We will direct every resource at our command -- every means of diplomacy, every tool of intelligence, every instrument of law enforcement, every financial influence, and every necessary weapon of war -- to the destruction and to the defeat of the global terror network. Now, this war will not be like the war against Iraq a decade ago, with a decisive liberation of territory and a swift conclusion. It will not look like the air war above Kosovo two years ago, where no ground troops were used and not a single American was lost in combat. Our response involves far more than instant retaliation and isolated strikes. Americans should not expect one battle, but a lengthy campaign unlike any other we have ever seen. It may include dramatic strikes visible on TV and covert operations secret even in success. We will starve terrorists of funding, turn them one against another, drive them from place to place until there is no refuge or no rest. And we will pursue nations that provide aid or safe haven to terrorism. Every nation in every region now has a decision to make: Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists. From this day forward, any nation that continues to harbor or support terrorism will be regarded by the United States as a hostile regime. Our nation has been put on notice, we're not immune from attack. We will take defensive measures against terrorism to protect Americans. Today, dozens of federal departments and agencies, as well as state and local governments, have responsibilities affecting homeland security. Many will be involved in this effort, from FBI agents, to intelligence operatives, to the reservists we have called to active duty. All deserve our thanks, and all have our prayers. And tonight a few miles from the damaged Pentagon, I have a message for our military: Be ready. I have called the armed forces to alert, and there is a reason. The hour is coming when America will act, and you will make us proud. This is not, however, just America's fight. And what is at stake is not just America's freedom. This is the world's fight. This is civilization's fight. This is the fight of all who believe in progress and pluralism, tolerance and freedom. We ask every nation to join us. We will ask and we will need the help of police forces, intelligence service and banking systems around the world. The United States is grateful that many nations and many international organizations have already responded with sympathy and with support -- nations from Latin America to Asia to Africa to Europe to the Islamic world. Perhaps the NATO charter reflects best the attitude of the world: An attack on one is an attack on all. The civilized world is rallying to America's side. They understand that if this terror goes unpunished, their own cities, their own citizens may be next. Terror unanswered can not only bring down buildings, it can threaten the stability of legitimate governments.<br /><br /></div><div>And you know what? We're not going to allow it.<br /><br /></div><div>After all that has just passed, all the lives taken and all the possibilities and hopes that died with them, it is natural to wonder if America's future is one of fear. Some speak of an age of terror. I know there are struggles ahead and dangers to face. But this country will define our times, not be defined by them. As long as the United States of America is determined and strong, this will not be an age of terror. This will be an age of liberty here and across the world. Great harm has been done to us. We have suffered great loss. And in our grief and anger we have found our mission and our moment. Freedom and fear are at war. The advance of human freedom, the great achievement of our time and the great hope of every time, now depends on us. Our nation, this generation, will lift the dark threat of violence from our people and our future. We will rally the world to this cause by our efforts, by our courage. We will not tire, we will not falter and we will not fail. It is my hope that in the months and years ahead life will return almost to normal. We'll go back to our lives and routines and that is good. Even grief recedes with time and grace. But our resolve must not pass. Each of us will remember what happened that day and to whom it happened. We will remember the moment the news came, where we were and what we were doing. Some will remember an image of a fire or story or rescue. Some will carry memories of a face and a voice gone forever. I will not forget the wound to our country and those who inflicted it. I will not yield, I will not rest, I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people. The course of this conflict is not known, yet its outcome is certain. Freedom and fear, justice and cruelty, have always been at war, and we know that God is not neutral between them. Fellow citizens, we'll meet violence with patient justice, assured of the rightness of our cause and confident of the victories to come.<br /><br /></div><div>In all that lies before us, may God grant us wisdom and may he watch over the United States of America. Thank you."<br /><br /></div><div>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div>And this from Leonard Pitts, Jr. of the Miami Herald:<br /><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We'll go forward from this moment</span><br />BY LEONARD PITTS JR.</div><div><br />"It's my job to have something to say.<br /><br /></div><div>They pay me to provide words that help make sense of that which troubles the American soul. </div><div>But in this moment of airless shock when hot tears sting disbelieving eyes, the only thing I can find to say, the only words that seem to fit, must be addressed to the unknown author of this suffering.<br /><br /></div><div>You monster. You beast. You unspeakable bastard.<br /><br /></div><div>What lesson did you hope to teach us by your coward's attack on our World Trade Center, our Pentagon, us? What was it you hoped we would learn? Whatever it was, please know that you failed.<br /><br /></div><div>Did you want us to respect your cause? You just damned your cause.<br /><br /></div><div>Did you want to make us fear? You just steeled our resolve.<br /><br /></div><div>Did you want to tear us apart? You just brought us together.<br /><br /></div><div>Let me tell you about my people. We are a vast and quarrelsome family, a family rent by racial, social, political and class division, but a family nonetheless. We're frivolous, yes, capable of expending tremendous emotional energy on pop cultural minutiae - a singer's revealing dress, a ball team's misfortune, a cartoon mouse. We're wealthy, too, spoiled by the ready availability of trinkets and material goods, and maybe because of that, we walk through life with a certain sense of blithe entitlement. We are fundamentally decent, though - peace-loving and compassionate. We struggle to know the right thing and to do it. And we are, the overwhelming majority of us, people of faith, believers in a just and loving God.<br /><br /></div><div>Some people - you, perhaps - think that any or all of this makes us weak. You're mistaken. We are not weak. Indeed, we are strong in ways that cannot be measured by arsenals.<br /><br /></div><div>IN PAIN<br /><br /></div><div>Yes, we're in pain now. We are in mourning and we are in shock. We're still grappling with the unreality of the awful thing you did, still working to make ourselves understand that this isn't a special effect from some Hollywood blockbuster, isn't the plot development from a Tom Clancy novel. Both in terms of the awful scope of their ambition and the probable final death toll, your attacks are likely to go down as the worst acts of terrorism in the history of the United States and, probably, the history of the world. You've bloodied us as we have never been bloodied before.<br /><br /></div><div>But there's a gulf of difference between making us bloody and making us fall. This is the lesson Japan was taught to its bitter sorrow the last time anyone hit us this hard, the last time anyone brought us such abrupt and monumental pain. When roused, we are righteous in our outrage, terrible in our force. When provoked by this level of barbarism, we will bear any suffering, pay any cost, go to any length, in the pursuit of justice.<br /><br /></div><div>I tell you this without fear of contradiction. I know my people, as you, I think, do not. What I know reassures me. It also causes me to tremble with dread of the future.<br /><br /></div><div>In the days to come, there will be recrimination and accusation, fingers pointing to determine whose failure allowed this to happen and what can be done to prevent it from happening again. </div><div>There will be heightened security, misguided talk of revoking basic freedoms. We'll go forward from this moment sobered, chastened, sad. But determined, too. Unimaginably determined.<br /><br /></div><div>THE STEEL IN US<br /><br /></div><div>You see, the steel in us is not always readily apparent. That aspect of our character is seldom understood by people who don't know us well. On this day, the family's bickering is put on hold.<br />As Americans we will weep, as Americans we will mourn, and as Americans, we will rise in defense of all that we cherish.<br /><br /></div><div>So I ask again: What was it you hoped to teach us? It occurs to me that maybe you just wanted us to know the depths of your hatred. If that's the case, consider the message received. And take this message in exchange: You don't know my people. You don't know what we're capable of. You don't know what you just started.<br /><br /></div><div>But you're about to learn.<br /><br /></div><div>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div>It’s surreal to be spending any day in Afghanistan, but on this particular day, I am proud to be here doing my part to help make our country, this country, our world a little bit safer.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you to all who are serving and who are at home supporting them!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-9394879286742059682009-09-09T21:52:00.001-07:002009-09-09T21:57:55.526-07:00Journal 24-30 August24 August 2009<br /><br />Bible Reading: Deut. 7-9<br /><br />Money Spent: $2 (ice coppee); $3 peach/mango smoothie (celebrating the return of the internet)<br /><br />Breakfast: oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, Protein Shake (100 calories), iced Coffee<br /><br />Lunch: tuna/egg salad wrap w the Montezuma hot sauce (wow!!! Thatsa spicia stuff!), fruit salad, diet pepsi<br /><br />Dinner: Filipino chicken w pineapple, rice, puto<br /><br />25 August 2009<br /><br />Bible Reading: Deut. 10-12<br /><br />Money Spent: $20 haircut / facial (but no eyebrow plucking!!!) Hey - you may be laughing, but I talked a the very male Navy SEAL lieutenant into a mani-pedi!<br /><br />Breakfast: Protein Shake (100 calories), Coffee<br /><br />Lunch: turkey wrap w lettuce, tomato, carrots, jalapenos, raisins, tuna, potato, ranch, heinz 57, fruit salad, V-8, diet coke<br /><br />Supper: Filipino food: chicken, rice, noodles, Montezuma Hot Sauce! Fruit Salad<br /><br />26 August 2009<br /><br />Bible Reading: Deut. 13-15<br /><br />Money Spent: $3 Strawberry/Banana smoothie, $1 tip<br /> <br />Breakfast: oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, Protein Shake (100 calories), coffee<br /><br />Lunch: Tuna salad wrap, fruit salad<br /> <br />Dinner: BBQ riblet tossed salad w Bleu Cheese<br /><br />27 August 2009<br /><br />Bible Reading: Deut. 16-18<br /><br />Money Spent: $5 Laundry<br /><br />Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, Coffee<br /><br />Lunch: turkey wrap w lettuce, tomato, onion, ranch, heinz 57, fruit<br />salad, V-8, Snapple Tea<br /><br />Supper: catfish, cauliflower, pasta salad, strawberries, Snapple<br /><br />Bible Study: The Purpose Driven Life, Chapter 29<br /><br />28 August 2009<br /><br />Got severe diarrhea in the night. Helluva way to wake up – barely made it outside. Did NOT make it to the toilet 100 yards away.<br /><br />Bible Reading: Deut. 19-21<br /><br />Money Spent: $3 Smoothie<br /><br />Breakfast: sesame raisin bar<br /><br />Lunch: sesame raisin bar<br /><br />Dinner: mango smoothie; Czech doctor gave me immodium and local antibiotics... the directions on the box were in Czech. No, wait, it was just upside down..<br /><br />29 August 2009<br /><br />Bible Reading: Deut. 23-25<br /><br />Money Spent: $3 Smoothie<br /><br />Breakfast: Sausage biscuit, cranberry juice<br /><br />Lunch: Peach/mango smoothie (just ice and fruit in these smoothies... more of a fruit slushee); cream of mushroom soup, grilled cheese<br /><br />Supper: Filipino food: beef machado, chicken tossino, puto, leche flan<br /><br />Sang "Sir Duke" and "Georgia on My Mind" karaoke along with MSgt Gonzalez, Michael Hoffenheifer (grossly misspelled) and most of the Filipinos. Herbert, aka Cristal, serenaded me with “Thank You” and Melody sang to me as well - I forgot the title, something about not wanting to be alone… These Filipino women have young children back in the PI and do not have husbands for one reason or another. These women work hard and send the money home while their children are raised by other family members. Tough life, but their choice.<br /><br />30 August 2009<br /><br />Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 25-27<br /><br />Money Spent: $0<br /><br />Breakfast: sausage biscuit, strawberry yogurt, GJ, coffee<br /><br />Chapel service. “Caleb: Finishing Strong” Joshua 14:6-15 <br />A Different Spirit: Vv8-9 Followed the Lord wholeheartedly; Numbers 14:20-25 Different Spirit: 2 out of a million Threw his all into following God<br />A Different Perspective: Num 13:26-30 Perspective of fear, perspective of faith, Caleb’s conviction was that Israelites would prevail.<br />A Different Ethic: Joshua 14:10-11 85 years old, no easy life, no retirement, ready to do battle, a man of faith, had seen what God could do whereas many had seen but not believed. (What has God done in my life?) Had believed God would defeat enemies, and later believed that God would drive out the Anakites.<br />Caleb expected God to act and prevail, he was in partnership with God, he wanted to be involved in God’s work/plan: God has a plan that includes me and my time in AFG.<br />Caleb was willing to do his part: in God’s work, followed God wholly (followed God’s orders, not just asked for what he wanted.)<br />Like Caleb, in transitions – follow God wholly with intent and attitude of finishing strong.<br /><br />Lunch: Chicken and Rice, Corn, Collard Greens, V-8, diet coke<br /><br />Box 1 (Lora): Odetah hat, Air Freshener, Pumpkin Seeds (could I get a return authorization on those, please), Hawaiian Money Folding Book<br />Box 2 (Lora): Universe Atlas, swiffer, wash cloths, miracle foot repair<br />Box 3 (Gayla Kinder): The American Patriot's Almanac (Gayla is one of mom's high school friends whose son and daughter were 1 year behind and 2 years ahead of me.)<br /><br />Supper: didn’t write it down, but who really cares at this point what the hell I had for supper on 30 August??? :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-62971775326174005062009-09-09T17:57:00.001-07:002009-09-09T20:46:17.499-07:00Pentagon Keeps Wary Watch as Troops Blog By JAMES DAO NYTOver the course of 10 months in eastern Afghanistan, an Army specialist nicknamed Mud Puppy maintained a blog irreverently chronicling life at the front, from the terror of roadside bombs to the tyrannies of master sergeants.<br /><br />Often funny and always profane, the blog, Embrace the Suck (military slang for making the best of a bad situation), flies under the Army’s radar. Not officially approved, it is hidden behind a password-protected wall because the reservist does not want his superiors censoring it.<br /><br />“Some officer would be reviewing all my writing,” the 31-year-old soldier, who insisted that his name not be used, said in an e-mail message. “And sooner or later he would find something to nail me with.”<br /><br />There are two sides to the military’s foray into the freewheeling world of the interactive Web. At the highest echelons of the Pentagon, civilian officials and four-star generals are newly hailing the power of social networking to make members of the American military more empathetic, entice recruits and shape public opinion on the war.<br /><br />Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of American forces in Iraq, is on Facebook. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, has a YouTube channel and posts Twitter updates almost daily.<br /><br />The Army is encouraging personnel of all ranks to go online and collaboratively rewrite seven of its field manuals. And on Aug. 17, the Department of Defense unveiled a Web site promoting links to its blogs and its Flickr, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube sites.<br /><br />The Web, however, is a big place. And the many thousands of troops who use blogs, Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites to communicate with the outside world are not always in tune with the Pentagon’s official voice. Policing their daily flood of posts, videos and photographs is virtually impossible — but that has not stopped some in the military from trying.<br /><br />The Department of Defense, citing growing concerns about cybersecurity, plans to issue a new policy in the coming weeks that is widely expected to set departmentwide restrictions on access to social networking sites from military computers. People involved with the department’s review say the new policy may limit access to social media sites to those who can demonstrate a clear work need, like public information officers or family counselors.<br /><br />If that is the case, many officials say, it will significantly set back efforts to expand and modernize the military’s use of the Web just as those efforts are gaining momentum. And while the new policy would not apply to troops who use private Internet providers, a large number of military personnel on bases and ships across the world depend on their work computers to gain access to the Internet.<br /><br />To many analysts and officers, the debate reflects a broader clash of cultures: between the anarchic, unfiltered, bottom-up nature of the Web and the hierarchical, tightly controlled, top-down tradition of the military.<br /><br />“We as an institution still haven’t come to grips with how we want to use blogging” and other social media, said Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, the commander of the Army Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.<br /><br />One of the Army’s leading advocates for more open access to the Web, General Caldwell argues that social networking allows interaction among enlisted soldiers, junior officers and generals in a way that was unthinkable a decade ago.<br /><br />He requires students at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth to blog, and the college now sponsors 40 publicly available blogs, including his own, where policies are freely debated.<br /><br />But getting approval for those blogs, as well as for YouTube and Facebook access at the college, was a struggle. “At every corner, someone cited a regulation,” General Caldwell said. In recent months, however, “the Army has made quantum leaps” in embracing the Web, he added.<br /><br />Noah Shachtman, editor of Wired.com’s national security blog, Danger Room, which has reported extensively on the new policy review, said he recently asked students at West Point whether they would allow soldiers to blog. Almost every cadet said no.<br /><br />“Then I asked, ‘How many of you think you can stop the flow of information from your soldiers?’ ” Mr. Shachtman recalled. “Everybody agreed there is no way to stop this information from going out anyway. So there is this sort of dual-headedness.”<br /><br />Skeptics of the Pentagon review say it is motivated partly by a desire among certain officials to exert control over the voices of troops on the Web.<br /><br />Since the advent of military blogging during the Iraq war, some commanders have remained uncomfortable with the art form, citing concerns about both security and decorum.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-47048856237309134042009-09-03T23:01:00.000-07:002009-09-04T04:08:09.920-07:00Journal 17-23 August<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/golddolphins62/Shank090409?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_3-Yn_akfg-g/SqDw4d68YcE/AAAAAAAABfQ/tuoMGvUQF1U/s160-c/Shank090409.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/golddolphins62/Shank090409?feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Shank 090409</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="mso-no-proof:yes"><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_5" spid="_x0000_i1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style="width:326.25pt;height:3in;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\JEFFRE~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg" title="200px-070520-Bagram_Airfield_from_the_Air_Traffic_Control_Tower's_catwalk_3"> </v:imagedata></v:shape></span><b><span style="font-family:Botanical; mso-bidi-text-shadow:auto;mso-no-proof: yesfont-family:Botanical;font-size:22.0pt;color:#0080FF;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">We were in a communications blackout for 3 days 17-20 August, due to multiple KIAs...</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">17 August 2009</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Bible Reading: Numbers 26-28</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:";"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Money Spent: $5 (laundry)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:";"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';color:#000099;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Breakfast: Protein Shake, Coffee</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:";"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Lunch: (did not write it down)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:";"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Dinner: (did not write it down)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:";"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">18 August 2009</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:";"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:";"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 32px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Bible Reading: Numbers 29-31</span></span></span></o:p></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:";"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 32px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Calisto MT';">Money Spent: $27 - laptop to Lora; $2 ice coppee; $12 - pedicure (yes, pedicure - Melody is quite adept.)</span></span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:200%"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Breakfast: oatmeal w strawberry yogurt, Protein Shake</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Lunch: card deck of pork roast, carrots, peas, corn on cube, broccoli salad, fruit salad, diet pepsi</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Supper: grilled chicken breast on tossed salad, bleu cheese dressing, grapes, V-8, diet coke</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:";"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">19 August 2009</span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:";"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Bible Reading: Number 32-33</span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Money Spent: $5 (laundry)</span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Breakfast: Protein Shake, Coffee</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Lunch: </span></span></span><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">(did not write it down)</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Supper: </span></span></span><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">(did not write it down)</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">20 August 2009</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Bible Reading: Numbers 34-35</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Money Spent: $0</span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Breakfast: oatmeal w yogurt, Protein Shake</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Lunch: Filipino style chicken and rice noodles</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Supper: Chicken Parmesan, steamed mixed vegetables, fruit salad, imitation crab salad, V-8, diet coke</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Bible Study: The Purpose Driven Life, Chapter 28: It Takes Time</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">There are no shortcuts to maturity. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Why does it take so long? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">We are slow learners.</span></span></span></u><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"> We often have to relearn a lesson forty or fifty time to really get it. The problems keep recurring, and we think, “Not again! I’ve already learned that!” – but God knows better. The history of Israel illustrates how quickly we forget the lessons God teaches us and how soon we revert to out old patterns of behavior. We need repeated exposure.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">We have a lot to unlearn.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">We are afraid to humbly face the truth about ourselves.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Growth is often painful and scary.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Habits take time to develop.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Don’t get in a hurry.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Believe God is working in your life even when you don’t feel it.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Keep a notebook or journal of lessons learned.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Be patient with God and with yourself.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Don’t get discouraged.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">21 August 2009</span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:";"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 1-2</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br />Money Spent: $110 – Roshan cellular network calling cards</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w peach yogurt</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Lunch: Tuna salad wrap, fruit salad, V-8, diet coke</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Supper: Crab cakes, potato salad, strawberry ice cream w drizzle, V-8</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">22 August 2009</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 3-4. Chapter 4 is Moses telling the Israelites how God wants them to worship him and him alone beginning, like, yesterday and especially when they get to the Promised Land b/c if they don’t, he’s gonna kick them back out and scatter them across the nations. Which, well, happened. What is interesting about this chapter is how prophetic it is, even up to the tribulation and how Israel was to suffer during that time as well.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Money Spent: $30 massage</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Breakfast: Protein Shake, oatmeal w yogurt</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Lunch: Chicken wrap, vegetable salad, fruit salad, V-8, diet coke; Got to hear both Gonzalez’ tales of how they came to be in the positions they are here at TF Spartan.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Supper: 2 Tablespoons each of pesto tortellini and carbonera noodles, 1 cup spaghetti w tomato sauce, grapes, V-8</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">23 August 2009</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 5-6</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Money Spent: $0</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Breakfast: 3 real egg omelet w ham/cheese, biscuit w gravy, waffle, PJ, coffee</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Chapel service: Philippians 3-4, Luke 10: 38-42 – the most important activity we ever have is to spend time w Jesus.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Lunch: Pastrami wrap w tomato, onion, garlic mustard and Heinz 57, fruit salad, diet coke</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Got two boxes from Lora containing:</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calisto MT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Electric toothbrush, sheet stays, batteries, hot sauce, gum, long sleeve shirts, Johnson Controls jacket, cute bulldog card, some mailed magazines.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Supper: Jambalaya w sausage and chicken, grapes, V-8</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Ok. So I am still mostly writing about what I eat, but meal time is the highlight of my day!!!</span></span></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-77223207821753923172009-08-29T22:17:00.001-07:002009-08-29T23:50:28.879-07:00Journal 081009_081609<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/golddolphins62/Shank29Aug09?authkey=Gv1sRgCOP1w7DttLmLSQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3-Yn_akfg-g/SpodBmZ4yIE/AAAAAAAABdo/YBROKYwohqQ/s160-c/Shank29Aug09.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/golddolphins62/Shank29Aug09?authkey=Gv1sRgCOP1w7DttLmLSQ&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Shank 29 Aug 09</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Weekly journal entries, also known as Jeff's Eating Diary...<br /><br />It may seem like i am eating alot, since that's what I mostly write about. Oddly, I have actually lost about 30 pounds since getting in country 1 July. Admittedly, about a third of that weight is dysentery related... butt, it's weight loss nonetheless.<br /><br />10 August 2009<br /><br />Breakfast: oatmeal/strawberry yogurt, 2 x OJ, Protein Shake, Coffee<br /><br />Bible Reading: Numbers 5-7<br /><br />Lunch: Grilled chicken, green beans, cottage cheese, fruit salad, 2 x V-8, water<br /><br />Dinner: Taco salad, 2 x V-8, water<br /><br />11 August 2009<br /><br />Breakfast: oatmeal w strawberry yogurt; 2 x GJ, Protein Shake<br /><br />Bible Reading: Numbers 8-10<br /><br />Lunch: Tuna wrap w lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, relish, olives, fruit salad, 2 x V-8<br /><br />Supper: beef fajita meat, peas, sauted cabbage, water, strawberry smoothie (made at dining facility!) Out of V-8 until resupply.<br /><br />Today, I decided only to go to specialized focus meetings since most of the rest don’t help me do my job any better (Staff Sync, CUB, BUB).<br /><br />12 August 2009<br /><br />Breakfast: oatmeal w strawberry yogurt; OJ, AJ, Protein Shake<br /><br />Bible Reading: Numbers 11-13<br /><br />Lunch: chicken breast, tossed salad, fruit salad, diet coke<br /><br />Supper: beef stew w noodles, potatoes au gratin (wanted some starch for the stomach.) Diet Pepsi<br /><br />13 August 2009<br /><br />Breakfast: oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt, Protein Shake<br /><br />Bible Reading: Numbers 14-16<br /><br />Lunch: Turkey and swiss wrap w lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, fruit salad, diet coke<br /><br />Supper: Rotisserie chicken / jambalaya, steamed pumpkin, V-8, Diet Pepsi<br /><br />Bible Study: The Purpose Driven Life, Chapter 27: Defeating Temptation. I need to refocus my attention on other things when the wrong thoughts start percolating. I also should have someone to whom I am accountable with my deep darkies. I am not invulnerable. Finally, I need to remember to resist the devil – God always provides a way out.<br /><br />14 August 2009<br /><br />Breakfast: oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt; Protein Shake<br /><br />Bible Reading: Numbers 17-19<br /><br />Lunch: chicken wrap w lettuce, tomato, onion, ranch dressing, fruit salad, diet pepsi, pecan pie<br /><br />Supper: Fried scallops, pickles, tossed salad, ice cream w strawberry drizzle<br /><br />15 August 2009<br /><br />Breakfast: Protein Shake<br /><br />MASSAGE!!<br /><br />Bible Reading: Numbers 20-22<br /><br />Lunch: chicken adobo and rice, puto<br /><br />Supper: Lasagna, Carrots, Succotash, Strawberries<br /><br />Had a good day: finished the July 09 CIED Summary and Analysis. S2, Maj Violand really likes the product and wants me to include and brief in future CIED WGs.<br /><br />Other projects I am working on:<br /><br /> - <a href="http://www.state.gov/p/inl/rls/nrcrpt/2005/vol2/html/42380.htm">Threat Financing</a> (following the money) - this is a huge effort country-wide. Task Force Spartan is leading the way across Afghanistan at the brigade level to institute a Threat Finance Cell. SSgt Tia Williams is a very smart young NCO who will do well in her role as NCOIC with CWO4 David Slyman as OIC. Slyman, by the way, wants to run for Mayor of San Antonio some day. I wrote a draft organizational charter for Tia and got her pointed in the right direction. One of the things I like about being a contractor/consultant is that I am not "in-charge", but only advise those who make the final decisions.<br /><br /> - <a href="http://www.rferl.org/content/Article/1051546.html">Mine proliferation</a>. When the Soviets were here, they left behind millions of land mines which affect nearly every family in the country. These mines are still here. Talibanistas are using those mines against the coalition and local national civilians and security forces. I am trying to isolate who is using them and where.<br /><br /> - We are seeing a rise in the use of home made explosives (HME) in IEDs. Each HME batch has a chemical fingerprint. With the help of explosive forensics labs, I am trying to isolate where these HMEs are manufactured and by whom.<br /><br /> - On a more positive note, I am analyzing survey data from the Afghanistan Perceptions and Attitudes data collection effort. Military patrols are going village to village anyway, so we loaded them with a bunch of 11 question surveys and having them ask the village people to fill them out. Interesting results and breakouts by age/gender.<br /><br /> - Through Ramadan, and I expect ad infinitum, I am working up daily and cumulative significant activity numbers for the Task Force AOR (area of responsibility.)<br /><br />That's a nutshell view of some of the work I am doing here...<br /><br />16 August 2009<br /><br />Breakfast: Ham, cheddar, onion, salsa, sour cream omelet (half), biscuit w sausage gravy, OJ, coffee<br /><br />Bible Reading: Numbers 23-25<br /><br />Chapel service: A Request God Grants: The prayer of Jabez (1 Chron. 4:9-10)<br /><br />Only one life, ‘twill soon be past.<br />Only what’s done for Christ will last.<br /><br />The Code of Chaplain Brad West:<br /><br />1. I will be a man of integrity<br />2. I will not allow myself to become comfortable, I will take risks and push the envelope<br />3. I will be self-disciplined<br />4. I will seek wisdom<br />5. I will seek simplicity, limit clutter and complexity<br />6. I will be a compassionate man<br />7. I will be humble<br />8. I will be a leader<br />9. I will be a man of faith<br />10. I will be a man of honor<br /><br />Bruce Wilkinson Book: Walk Through the Bible study courses plus the Prayer of Jabez<br />Bless me Indeed! Ask – Expect – Watch – Give Thanks. (James: Ye have not, because ye ask not.)<br /><br />Enlarge my territory (what is my impact for God?)<br /><br />Your hand be with me (Ps 16:11) in strength and companionship<br /><br />Keep me from evil: Uninterrupted fellowship and usefulness<br /><br />I need to maintain the desire to make an impact for God.<br /><br />Lunch: Chicken wrap w lettuce, tomato, onion, ranch dressing, fruit salad, V-8, diet pepsi<br /><br />Supper: Beef cardonala, chicken pancit, rice, puto (Filipino birthday celebration for MSgt Gonzalez - I gave him a MORS - Military Operations Research Society coin and a copy of Imperial Grunts by Robert Kaplan.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-78818415722040223882009-08-22T21:41:00.000-07:002009-08-22T22:03:13.895-07:00Journal 080809_080909So, we have had some casualties within Task Force Spartan that have prevented me from getting on the internet. Whenever a soldier falls, the leadership imposes a "blackout" on all outgoing communications until the famil(ies) are notified. Sometimes that takes a while and sometimes there are more than one over several days.<br /><br />That said, I will try to do better at keeping the blog going.<br /><br />August 8, 2009<br /><br />0500 Workout<br />Breakfast: oatmeal w peach yogurt; 2 x GJ, Protein Shake<br /><br />1 Hour Massage by Melody ($30 with tip.) Someone stole her iPod. I reported it to Porvost Marshall Office for her (there is a continuing story here.) Reloaded Roshan network cell phone w $55 = 3+ hours<br /><br />Bible Reading: Numbers 1-2<br /><br />Lunch: Grilled Chicken wrap w lettuce, tomato, onion, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, fruit salad, olives, pickles, 2 x V-8<br /><br />Supper: Chicken Cordon Bleu, Peas, CArrots, pecan pie w whipped cream, 2 x V-8<br /><br />August 9, 2009<br /><br />Lora Call: She waited up for me to call (around 9:30 her time) Tough day for her. She had people coming and going and got nothing done.<br /><br />Breakfast: Ham, cheddar, onion omelet, biscuit w sausage gravy, fruit cocktail, 2 x GJ (Sundays are my "blow-out" for breakfast day.)<br /><br />Chapel Service: Brent Sanders gave message: Do we need a mountaintop experience to be close to God? No, we don’t. We need to be in his will to be close to him, no matter where we are physically.<br /><br />Lunch: Tuna Salad wrap w lettuce, onion, tomato, relish, olives, fruit salad, V-8, OJ<br /><br />Walked w Rich Gonzalez to Haji mart. He wanted some iPod speakers. Then went to Oasis and walked Melody to Provost marshall office so she could make a statement about her stolen iPod.<br /><br />Supper: taco salad, 2 x V-8<br /><br />Finally, thank you to my dear mother and aunt who are concerned about my eating habits. Aunt Linda, you will be happy to know that I am down to a 2 x 6 ounce V-8 habit a day (gotta watch that sodium!) and Mom, i have lost 30 pounds since I arrived in country July 1, so I am not eating "a lot."<br /><br /><table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/golddolphins62/ShankAugust132009?authkey=Gv1sRgCK3T4NqSyIGJUw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3-Yn_akfg-g/SoPcpYZuO1E/AAAAAAAABTc/AXdjMI22T28/s160-c/ShankAugust132009.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/golddolphins62/ShankAugust132009?authkey=Gv1sRgCK3T4NqSyIGJUw&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Shank August 13, 2009</a></td></tr></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-28997921064199301842009-08-08T04:57:00.000-07:002009-08-08T05:09:06.163-07:00Journal 3-7 Aug 20093 August 2009<br /><br />Workout<br /><br />Breakfast: oatmeal/strawberry yogurt, 2 x GJ, Protein Shake<br /><br />Lora Call: She had her headset on. She was tired from traveling back from Keene, NH.<br /><br />Bible Reading: Leviticus 13-14; God taking care of his people, teaching them how to live, what is clean and unclean.<br /><br />Purchased an internet booster antenna for $60 in the hopes of better connectivity when internet restored.<br /><br />Lunch: Pastrami and Swiss wrap with lettuce, tomato, onion and garlic mustard sauce. Fruit salad. V-8 and GJ<br /><br />Dinner: Turkey breast, dressing, glazed carrots, fruit salad, 2 x V-8<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />4 August 2009<br /><br />Lora Call: Got her on Skype today. She’s ordering webcams for both of us. She’s loving her life at the trailer and with the dogs. She joined WOW (fitness center).<br /><br />Workout.<br /><br />Breakfast: Oatmeal/mixed berry yogurt. 2 x grapefruit juice, Protein Shake<br /><br />Received some nice validation from Maj Violand, the new S2. He liked the product I gave yesterday and was impressed how fast I had turned it around.<br /><br />Bible Reading: Leviticus 15-17<br /><br />Lunch: Fried catfish, cauliflower, green beans, fruit salad, 2 x V-8<br /><br />Dinner: Turkey Roast, dressing, glazed carrots, fruit salad, 2 x V-8<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />5 August 2009<br /><br />Lora Call: Skype is working well!<br /><br />Workout.<br /><br />Breakfast: oatmeal/strawberry yogurt, 2 x GJ, Protein Shake<br /><br />Lunch: Grilled Salmon, broccoli, peas/mushrooms, 2 x V-8, water<br /><br />Bible reading: Leviticus 18-21<br /><br />Got a box from Mom with lots of reading material, nuts and beef jerky. Thanks Mom!<br /><br />Supper: Turkey Breast, tossed salad, thousand island dressing, strawberries, 2 x V-8<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />6 August 2009<br /><br />Lora Call: She’s already in bed.<br /><br />Workout.<br /><br />Called Jaci, Mom: Jaci may go to Colorado w her friend Hannah.<br /><br />Breakfast: oatmeal / peach yogurt, GJ, OJ, Protein Shake<br /><br />Laundry $5<br /><br />Melody made some Nilagong Baka for me today, since I had told her I was sick (boiled beef strips, onion, lettuce, salt pepper)<br /><br />Lunch: Black-eyed peas, Steamed Mixed veggies, cottage cheese w applesauce, 2 x V-8<br /><br />From “Expect Good Things” a book sent by Mom:<br />“Don’t give up, don’t give in to feelings of failure; doubts come and go, just as seasons do… when all that is good seems lost, remember that life is a circle, and promise is on the horizon.”<br />“Set a gold and keep on track, don’t let life’s misfortunes make you doubt your course… press on, diligence and hard work never go unrewarded, and dreams really do come true.”<br /><br />Got a box from Lora with my Israeli sandals, some gum and some vitamin C cough drops.<br /><br />Supper: Small pieces of grilled fish and prime rib, carrots, succotash, 2 x V-8<br /><br />Bible Study: The Purpose Driven Life, Chapter 26<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />August 7, 2009<br /><br />Lora Call: good chat...<br /><br />Workout.<br /><br />Breakfast: oatmeal/mixed berry yogurt, 2 x GJ, coffee<br /><br />Snack: Handful peanuts<br /><br />Lunch: Tuna salad wrap, cold veggie salad, fruit salad, olives, V-8, OJ<br /><br />Got foam mattress from Lora today! Will be some much better sleeping, now!<br /><br />Snack: Handful peanuts<br /><br />Dinner: two small lobstah tails, tossed salad, thousand island dressing, strawberries and vanilli ice creamUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-32104798336421423972009-08-08T04:51:00.000-07:002009-08-08T04:56:50.300-07:00Journal 31 Jul - 02 Aug 2009July 31, 2009<br /><br />0500 Workout<br /><br />Breakfast: oatmeal w peach yogurt, 2 x GJ, Protein Shake<br /><br />0615 – 0645 Lora call<br /><br />Bible Reading: Leviticus 1-5<br /><br />Lunch: Fried chicken, Black-eyed Peas, Steamy Mixed veggies<br /><br />TPDL reading: Chapter 7, The Reason for Everything.<br />It’s all for him. The ultimate goal of the universe is to show the glory of God. Jesus honored God by fulfilling his purpose on earth. We honor God the same way. When anything in creation fulfills its purpose, it brings glory to God. We bring glory to God by worshipping Him. Worship is our first responsibility to God. We worship God by enjoying him. C.S. Lewis said, “In commanding us to glorify him, God is inviting us to enjoy him.” God wants our worship to be motivated by love, thanksgiving, and delight, not duty.<br /><br />Dinner: Two small lobstah tails on tossed greens w Thousand Island Dressing, Crab Cake, 2 x V-8, triple strawberry delight: ice cream, drizzle, berries.<br /><br />1900 Staff Sync / Meet with S5: C-IED Initiative/CONOP/Metrics<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />August 1, 2009<br /><br />0500 Workout<br /><br />0615 Lora Call – she was getting ready for the MA/NH dog shows upcoming weekend.<br /><br />Breakfast: oatmeal w strawberry yogurt, 2 x GJ, Protein Shake<br /><br />0930 Formation and promotion ceremony in front of Med Clinic<br /><br />1000 Haircut and massage by Melody. She told me a sad story about how her mom spent all the money she had sent back while working in Iraq and how she had to come back to work here to make more but that the work here was not nearly as good as in Iraq where there was a larger customer base. I told her she should look at going somewhere else… ($25 total)<br /><br />Bible Reading: Leviticus 6-8 (caught up to yearly plan yesterday – reading 4 pages a day, now)<br /><br />Lunch: Chicken cordon bleu, niblet corn, collard greens, fruit salad, 2 x V-8; Gonzalez brothers: topic of discussion was age, 1968 assassinations, Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.<br /><br />Put together an analysis of Afghani Perceptions and Attitudes from surveys taken in Baraki Barak and Pul-E-Alam. Leadership liked the analysis and format – wants me to keep this project as more surveys come in.<br /><br />BMR: Ghosts of War (article about Texas battlefields – really good.) “Martha goes to Prague” – gave it to my new Czech friends.<br /><br />Dinner: BBQ brisket, grilled chicken (these are small portions, now), steamed mixed veggie tales, farfennuggins (just checking to see who is actually reading this stuff)<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />August 2, 2009<br /><br />Breakfast: oatmeal w mixed berry yogurt and strawberry drizzle, 2 x GJ, ice coppee ($2)<br /><br />Bible Reading: Leviticus 9-12<br /><br />Chapel Service: God’s Answer to Sin (Gen 3:14-15)<br />My Story: Ephesians 2:1-3, 12, 19; Romans 2:5-8; John 3:36; Hebrews 9:27<br />His Story (Jesus): 1 John 4:10; II Corinthians 5:21; Isaiah 53:4-6; Colossians 1:19-22, 2:13-15<br />My Story in Christ: I Thessalonians 5:9-11; John 5:24; Romans 5:9-11; Colossians 3:1-4<br />We had communion and Chaplain West played a very nice (Scottish?) communion song – want to find out who did.<br />Spent some time with ‘Milan’ a young Czech officer who was saved 15 years ago in a Baptist church. He speaks little English, some Russian, but is very happy to be in the chapel service. I will sit with him henceforth. We are already teaching each other the language.<br /><br />Lunch: Rotisserie chicken, cauliflower au gratin, candied carrots, fruit salad, V-8, OJ<br /><br />Got a box from Lora today: Army coffee cup from Fort Benning, trash bags, a card w two middle agers facing away w no pants on(cartoon figures and something about wise cracks), packs of gum, razor blades, magazines, batteries<br /><br />Dinner: Beef Stir Fry, Peas and Mushrooms, Corn on Cob (decent length this time – not a cube), mac & cheese, strawberries w drizzle and cookies/cream, V-8, OJ<br /><br />Hiram G. and I mentored young Rich G. today on how to deal with superiors not in his chain of command: leverage his boss, stay within what he knows, don’t get thrown off balance, walk away (find an exit) when getting too heated. Always remember “Welcome to Wal-Mart” for ISR requests: maintain a service attitude.<br /><br />Tasking: find correlation between Route Clearance Patrols and IED events.<br /><br />Lora was at dog shows in Mass and Keene, NH this weekend. Gertie got no points, but Lora likes the distraction. She will show her in the open bitch class. At least in the open bitch class, you know where they stand. It’s those closed bitches you gotta watch out for…Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-7129058248486050452009-08-03T04:40:00.000-07:002009-08-03T04:46:29.845-07:00Journal July 30, 2009July 30, 2009<br /><br /><br />0500 Workout<br /><br />Breakfast: oatmeal/strawberry yogurt/2 x GJ<br /><br />Lora Call: talked for about 30 mins on Skype. She had been home an hour from meeting and had been invited to go out in service next morning. Glad she is involved and people are engaging her.<br /><br />0830 Brigade Update Brief: room full of snake eaters talking war stuff.<br /><br />Bible Reading: Exodus 36-40; Moses was careful to write all of God’s instructions for building the tabernacle, etc. to be sure future generations would have the same plans. God commanded Moses to build the tabernacle in order to renew the relationship between God and his people. I like verse 36:2 where “…in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it.” And 36:5-6 where the people brought more than was needed for the construction. Imagine if Christians today would bring “enough” to the church how much more the church would be able to do.<br /><br />Picked up Laundry and Melody had made Putto for me! It’s a Filipino bread/cake made with rice flour, milk, sugar and butter. She had heated it with cheese on top. Very tasty! She made two, but I could only eat one and took the other one to the Fusion Center and shared. Putto is about 2 inches tall and 3 inches across and round. Oh, Mira Luna made me an ice coppee to go with it. Spent $5 on laundry and $2 on coppee. Protein shake.<br /><br />Lunch: small piece of grilled fish (tuna?), carrots and cottage cheese w pineapple chunks.<br /><br />TPDL reading: Chapter 6, Life is a Temporary Assignment.<br /><br />In order to keep us from becoming too attached to earth, God allows us to feel a significant amount of discontent and dissatisfaction in life – longings that will never be fulfilled on this side of eternity. We’re not completely happy here because we’re not supposed to be! Earth is not our final home; we were created for something much better.<br /><br />Realizing that life on earth is just a temporary assignment should radically alter your values. Eternal values, not temporal ones, should become the deciding factors for your decisions. As C.S. Lewis observed, “All that is not eternal is eternally useless.” The Bible says, “We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”<br /><br />BMR: Book review Bonnie & Clyde/ Sea glass / Oldest farm in America: Appleton Farm, Ipswich, MA/Star-gazing (multiple sittings)<br /><br />Dinner: Rotisserie chicken, pinto beans, steamed mixed veggies, 2 x V-8<br /><br />Bible Study: TPDL Chapter 25, Transformed through Troubles. Instead of asking, “Why me?” when troubles arise, ask, “What would you have me learn, Lord?”Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-11367354629140304212009-08-01T18:45:00.000-07:002009-08-01T18:49:49.519-07:0029 July 2009<br /><br />0530 Woke to alarm. Called Lora and talked a bit. She was still up doing stuff. <br /><br />Worked out.<br /><br />Called her back and said her goodnight.<br /><br />Breakfast: oatmeal/strawberry yogurt. Fruit cocktail nectar/GJ/coffee<br /><br />Mid-morning snack: 1 scoop chocolate whey protein shake w water and water chaser.<br /><br />Bible reading: Exodus 30-35. God made Moses wait until he finished telling him all the stuff he wanted Moses to build/construct/fabricate to let him know that he had help: Bezaleel and Aholiab (31:2-11, 35:30-35). God filled these two “…with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship… And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he and Aholiab.” God told Moses what to do then gave him pre-motivated foremen to do AND teach. Who says those who do can’t teach, too? What does that say about what God asks of us?<br /><br />Why did God change his mind about killing all the Hebrews when Moses interceded? (32:11-14)<br /><br />Why did Aaron make the golden calf? Was he more afraid of the people than of God? (32:21-24)<br /><br />33:3 – God sends his angel ahead of the people instead of going himself as before because he might “consume thee in the way.” God was fed up with the griping of the Hebrews. He had shown them so many mighty works, yet they continued to disbelieve.<br /><br />33:11 – “And the Lord spake unto Moses, face-to-face, as a man speaketh unto his friend…” Imagine that.<br /><br />33:19 – “…and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.” I want to be on the right side of those decisions!!!<br /><br />34:1 – God made Moses hew new tablets of stone since Moses “brakest” the first set. 34:24 – God promised to protect the Hebrews land when they would leave to worship three times a year.<br /><br />34:29 – God performs the first facial. “And it came to pass, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone and they were afraid to come nigh him.” Another reason to go to Heaven – our faces will shine in the presence of God.<br /><br />35:23 – Here we are with the badger skins, again. AND people just happened to have some lying around…<br /><br />Lunch w Gonzalez twins: meatball primavera (broccoli/corn), cottage cheese w applesauce, 2 x V-8<br /><br />Mid-afternoon snack: Peanut-Peanut Bora Bora bar (7 out of 10)<br /><br />Also, grapped an ice coppee at Filipino clup. My name is Jepp.<br /><br />TPDL reading: Chapter 5, Seeing Life from God’s View.<br /><br />"Character is both developed and revealed by tests and all if life is a test. You are always being tested. God constantly watches your response to people, problems, succss, conflict, illness, disappointment, and even the weather! He even watches the simplest actions such as when you open a door for others, when you pick up a piece of trash, or when you’re polite toward a clerk or waitress."<br /><br />"We don’t know all the tests God will give us, but we can predict some of them, based on the Bible. Wewill be tested by major changes, delayed promises, impossible problems, unanswered prayers, undeserved criticism, and even senseless tragedies. In my own life, I have noticed that God tests my faith through problems, tests my hope by how I handle possessions and tests my love through people."<br /><br />Bowel Movement Reading (henceforth, BMR): Book reviews on Thomas Jefferson: Architect (been to Monticello with Lora – cool place), Dear First Lady: Letters to the White House, including one from Maria von Trapp (aka Julie Andrews) to Betty Ford, and The American Patriot’s Almanac: Daily Readings on America, which I would not mind having a copy of. Also, an article on St Augustine, Florida. Both articles from Southern Lady magazine with a distinctly feminine slant. I’ve been to St Augustine, too. Nothing like Monticello.<br /><br />Heard a car alarm – been a long time – headed for the bunker before I realized what it was.<br /><br />Rich complained about all the Hajis clearing their nostrils into sinks and phlegming on shower walls. I asked him, “Do you mean to tell me that you don’t wear your rubber gloves when you shower? I have an extra pair if you need them.” He chuckled and turned to Yael Caligiuri, a New York Jewess - married to an Italian, and asked her the Hebrew word for “booger”. Without missing a beat, I said “schmutz” as in “Hey, schmuck, you spritzed schmutz on my schmatta.”Those Yiddish – such kidders. Rich and Yael and all others within earshot pee’d themselves.<br /><br />First of many bi-weekly pedicures by Melody, today. I took more pictures of the Filipinos: Lorna (who does my laundry), Mira Luna (who does my iced coppee), Melody who does my feet, massage and hair cutting and all the he-she’s who start singing “How do I get you alone…” every time I go in there. Melody wants me to help her find a close male friend she knows from Iraq. Jay Addington, supervisor of DFACs.<br /><br />Dinner: Fried catfish, cauliflower au gratin, sweet potatoes, V-8 x 2<br /><br />Attend first of many to come staff synchronization meetings. TF Spartan is test-bed for CIED experiment proof of concept. I hope to be a big part of that and will ask Ed Negrelli for backfill if he has it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-37690177775043010642009-07-30T04:25:00.000-07:002009-07-30T04:31:59.757-07:0028 July 2009<br /><br />0445 Lora Call: She was beat from 3 days of getting ready for and visiting with Michael Dunkley, and Katrina/George. She went to sleep around 9PM right after we talked about nothing stuff for 30 minutes. I love her so much.<br /><br />0515 Workout<br /><br />0615ish Breakfast: Oatmeal/mixed berry yogurt. 2 x grapefruit juice (these juice boxes are 200 ml each. Ate with Chaplain Brad West – we discussed The Purpose Driven Life and the Chaplaincy at Fort Drum, NY.<br /><br />Work: Nothing on email. Nothing at the 0730 meeting. I went and got my three boxes which came in yesterday: One from Lora, One from Mom and the last of three I sent myself back on June 29. Of course, Ray Robison had to forward them all to me from Jalalabad adding an unknown number of days.<br /><br />Snack: Almond Sesame Seed Bora Bora Bar.<br /><br />Anyone reading this who wants to send food items to me, send Bora Bora bars! You can find them on Amazon.com. Any flavor is fine!<br /><br />So, the one from Mom had lots of reading material (magazine articles), a couple puzzle books, some postcards from Central Coast California, but what I cherished most were the three letters she had written. She asks in all three if there is anything I want or need: cookies, for instance, but not homemade she is careful to point out. My mom says some of the cutest things.<br /><br />She asks the question in her letter of 17 July, “Do we ever know during our life what real happiness is?” I believe that everyone defines what happiness is for them. The apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:11-12, “Not that I speak in respect of want, for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” Note, his use of the word ‘learned’. Paul learned how to be content which to me implies we should take an active part in being happy/content. Happiness eludes those who do not actively seek it and learn to be content no matter what the circumstances. So, Mom: That’s my answer and I’m sticking to it. J <br /><br />I decided that I would keep all the reading material together and take it to the stall every time and read a little each visit. Today, I read the July 19-25, 2009 First Baptist Dallas newsletter: Dr. Robert Jeffress, Pastor, says that Criswell College is spinning off FBD. I wonder why? I read a page on “Five Things We Learned from Books This Month”: you should glue a bunch of oyster shells to your fireplace mantel to achieve a ‘dazzling focal point’ effect. We can blame 1960’s A&W for bacon on hamburgers: as if they weren’t fattening enough already. And, my favorite, a blurb on a book called ‘Deeply Rooted’ in which unconventional farmers bring their intellects, consciences, and concerns for the future to their work. I read an article about ‘seven stylish campsites that allow travelers to embrace their inner Thoreau – without actually roughing it.’ My favorite campsite name is the Huckleberry Tent & Breakfast of Clark Fork, Idaho. There’s a big animal skin on the bed… And finally, an article about some people who moved from their ‘hectic Fort Worth, Texas existence for a slower pace’ by moving into a Hill Country barn. It does not resemble a barn, now, but there are some cool decorating ideas, such as, bull horn towel hooks. So, I will read a little and comment on it each day or each bowel movement, depending on what kind of day it is…<br /><br />Lora’s box: took me 23 minutes to separate the toothpicks from the Papaya Extract tablets which had mostly all come to rest in the bottom of the box. Some were in the already opened boxes of Bora Bora bars, some were in the protein shaker bottle, which, incidentally, turned out to be a great separating device! Very happy to get all she sent, though. She is such a good wife. I really can’t complain. Oh, I can, but I’d be lying. She is absolutely the best wife I could ask for. She hates shopping. She loves me. She likes being around me. She loves my family. She is creative and insightful. She loves God – and that one is HUGE!!! A woman who loves and wants to please God is a woman to keep around… No nagging, no selfishness, no woe is me – she is darn near the perfect woman!<br /><br />1030ish Bible Reading: Exodus 26-29; For the first time, while reading all the regulations and preparations God required of the Hebrews and of Moses and Aaron, I got the feeling that God was being specific because He could and wanted there to be no doubt what was expected and also wanted to give the people the opportunity to do the right thing according to his word.<br /><br />Lunch: General Tso’s Chicken (half-portion), steamed mixed veggies, collard greens, fruit salad, V-8, orange juice. Dined w the Gonzalez’. We discussed submarine anchors, Talcuhano, Chile, One Ton Tomatoes, and other stuff.<br /><br />Bought the big bed spread and pillow cases and small rug and a jeweled frog that opens to store stuff and two dolphin bookends made out of some sort of carved stone. $42. Sending the small rug, frog and another purchase to Lora (see picture.)<br /><br />Forgot to take picture of frog before packing…<br /><br />1430ish The Purpose Driven Life Reading: Not read, today.<br /><br />1600 Lora Call (0730 her time)<br /><br />Dinner: Cheese enchilada, very small turkey leg, tossed salad, strawberries, 2 small V-8sUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-60233421769883686952009-07-29T03:47:00.000-07:002009-07-29T03:57:58.316-07:00Journal July 27, 200927 July 2009<br /><br /><table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/golddolphins62/ShankJuly272009PartII?authkey=Gv1sRgCP_cp8_iot3VFQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_3-Yn_akfg-g/Sm62rHAj5GE/AAAAAAAABJ8/YCFIJRNSmA4/s160-c/ShankJuly272009PartII.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/golddolphins62/ShankJuly272009PartII?authkey=Gv1sRgCP_cp8_iot3VFQ&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Shank July 27, 2009 Part II</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />0500 Workout <br /><br />0615ish Breakfast: oatmeal/mixed berry yogurt, grapefruit and orange juice<br /><br />0630 Lora Call (2200 her time): She was almost asleep. Joe and that gang had just left from strawberry shortcake, after Katrina, George and Michael had spent all day w her.<br /><br />1030ish Bible Reading: Exodus 19-25. Why was God so specific with the construction of the ark of the tabernacle, the candlesticks, the table, the tabernacle, etc.? Why did He ask for skins of rams and badgers, specifically (v. 25:5)? Rams’ skins dyed red I can almost understand, but badgers? Did he just not like badgers and was instituting a badger reduction program?<br /><br />Lunch: Chili con carne w jalapenos, onions, lettuce, sour cream, cheddar cheese. Corn off cob, green beans (all tossed together, of course), fruit salad, V-8, Orange Juice, water.<br /><br />1430ish The Purpose Driven Life Reading: Chapter 4 Made to Last Forever. <br /><br />“God has planted eternity in the human heart.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 <br /><br />“Surely God would not have created such a being as man to exist only for a day! No, no, man was made for immortality” Abraham Lincoln. <br /><br />C.S. Lewis said, “There are two kinds of people: those who say to God ‘Thy will be done’ and those to whom God says, ‘All right then, have it your way.’ Tragically, may people will have to endure eternity without God because thy chose to live without him on Earth. <br /><br />When you live in light of eternity, your values change. You use your time and money more wisely. You place a higher premium on relationships and character instead of fame or wealth or achievements or even fun.<br /><br />What is it going to be like in eternity with God? Frankly, the capacity of our brains cannot handle the wonder and greatness of heaven. It would be like trying to explain the Internet to an ant. It’s futile. Words have not been invented that could possibly convey the experience of eternity.<br /><br />1600 Lora Call (0730 her time): Not a restful night. Thunderstorms. Can’t believe how much it rains there! None here, except the one time. I mentioned the travel plan for my first trip stateside: leave Shank around 6 Nov and hopefully arrive by 9 Nov (Monday). Spend a week or so with Lora and dogs, then drive to Texas for a few days then up to Missouri for a few days. Then, I could fly out of Kansas City back to Afghanistan and Lora could drive on down to Oklahoma for a while. Perhaps someone would drive back with her.<br /><br />Almost forgot about this funny story: I was sitting at Filipino General Care shoppe and in walks this huge African-American soldier in uniform with weapon. He uttered words I just knew for a fact I would never hear from such a one's mouth, “Say, I heyah I’s kin git me a pet-ee-cure aroun’ heyah.” I was enjoying my ice coppee (Filipino for coffee) to that point and darn near fell off the couch. Melody chimes in and says, “I kin do.” She ‘grapped’ her foot bath and utensils. He took off his desert boots, sat down and commenced soaking. I decided right then and there that if he can ask for one, I will, too! Effective this Wednesday, every 2 weeks, I will pay Melody $7 (plus $3 tip) for a pet-ee-cure.<br /><br />Went to Afghani Bazaar on base, again, today. Selected three blue and gold tapestries and a couple dolphin book ends. Haji-mon carefully boxed the dolphins and put all into a sack and said fittee dollah, plee. I handed him a $20 and he laughed and said you got the big one (meaning tapestry) – I can show you smaller for cheaper. I said no thanks and walked out. I will try again tomorrow. (Post-script: I did. Different Haji-mon. Same stuff, plus a really cute bejewelled gold frog whose upper body opens to hold small jewelry for Lora! She never reads this, so I know I'm safe writing about it before she gets it. Lora if you are reading this before you get the frog, I'm sorry that I said you never read this blog - have a frog.)<br /><br />Dinner: Blackened trout, corn on cob (about one and one-half inches long – it was more like a cube of corn on the cob), steamed mixed veggies, potato salad, grapes, V-8 x 2 w Texas Pete added (that's an every time occurrence).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-49133292386867000442009-07-28T03:24:00.000-07:002009-07-28T03:29:40.280-07:00Journal July 26, 200926 July 2009<br /><br />Breakfast: Instant Oatmeal w strawberry yogurt, 2 x grapefruit juice, coffee.<br /><br />Had instant oats this morning since breakfast line was not open, yet. Got up early to call Lora. Missed her. She picked up Michael, grabbed a bite, then stopped at Larry/Laura’s where Joe/Maureen were. Michael was mostly beat and wanted to turn in. He is starting a company that does interactive applications via the web. Quite the innovator and entrepreneur. Later, Katrina and George are coming over for light lunch, meeting and early supper. They are bringing Lucas’ crate, also. While I was talking w Lora, I was standing outside. I saw a large yellow dog come around the corner, then another large black dog. There were no human escorts. I gave them a wide berth and came back into my B-hut. I will bring this up at the next homeowner’s association meeting. There are big passive traps out there, but they aren’t set.<br /><br />Chapel Service: Sin. Romans 5:12, Genesis 1:1, Isaiah 29:16, Romans 1:20, Colossians 1:16-17, Genesis 1:25-27, 28. We were designed in the image of God. We are his Creation and under his Authority and Rule. Autonomy or self-law breaks this pattern. The lie, “You will be like God” was satan’s lie to himself and to man that caused both to fall (Isaiah 14 show Lucifer’s fall and Genesis 3 shows man’s fall.) “I will be like God,” is the heart of sin. 2 concepts of sin: Missing the mark (practical) and Rebellion (personal).<br /><br />Bible Reading: Exodus 14-18; Moses initially complained to God that he would not be able to speak to Pharaoh. Some preachers have said this may have been because he had a speech impediment. Yet, in chapter 15 he breaks out into song in front of the whole assembly of Hebrews he just brought out of Egypt. Six hundred thousand men, alone! (see Exodus 12:37) So, I ask you, would a man with a speech impediment break out into song in front of what must have been over a million, probably almost TWO million people?? Evidently, that was the first rock concert. Who in modern times has drawn two million at one event? I ask you. I know, I know, he was singing to God because his heart was full of thanks. I would, too. Notice in chapter 16 when the Israelites complained about not having any flesh or bread to eat as they did in Egypt, what God provided them: flesh and bread. When they cried out because of thirst, He opened the first mineral water stand in Horeb (chapter 17.) Then he made Moses raise his arms so that Joshua could defeat the Amaleks. When Moses put his arms down, the Amaleks dominated, but as soon as he showed his pits, they started losing. Was that the first time a biological weapon (Moses’ pits) was used in warfare? I stay up at night pondering these issues…<br /><br />Lunch: grilled turkey, fruit salad, steamed broccoli, V-8, gatorade<br /><br />Dinner: Chicken stir fry, 2 chicken wings, pinto beans, steamed mixed vegetables, V-8, grapefruit juice, strawberries<br /><br />Lora entertained Michael Dunkley, and Katrina and George today, from 1000-2030. They had a light salad, went to the meeting, then back for steaks and roasted potatoes on the grill and strawberry shortcake. Joe, Maureen, Larry and Laura came over for dessert and stayed until around 2130. Lora and Michael were beat! Michael leaves tomorrow with Lucas, the PBGV.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-73829773410138081442009-07-27T17:45:00.000-07:002009-07-27T17:47:11.550-07:00Jaclyn's Facebook Pictures of Boo and Greta<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_aJ45v9y4iwRaQE0NbgYOw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3-Yn_akfg-g/Sm5JunUhgDI/AAAAAAAABHI/7UB6C9EWuG0/s144/Boo%20and%20Jaci.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/golddolphins62/Bulldogs?feat=embedwebsite">Bulldogs!</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zxBfMYBQFfu74flPoC-bag?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3-Yn_akfg-g/Sm5JuvNPYOI/AAAAAAAABHM/2Vtw9V1LIdI/s144/Greta.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/golddolphins62/Bulldogs?feat=embedwebsite">Bulldogs!</a></td></tr></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835650147303401665.post-2008273261000440642009-07-27T05:45:00.000-07:002009-07-27T06:01:32.502-07:00Journal 25 July 2009<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/golddolphins62/SHANKJuly242009?authkey=Gv1sRgCMu0uZjB8oyK1gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3-Yn_akfg-g/Sml2aB42PcE/AAAAAAAABF8/PGI-TQZGJBM/s160-c/SHANKJuly242009.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/golddolphins62/SHANKJuly242009?authkey=Gv1sRgCMu0uZjB8oyK1gE&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">SHANK July 24, 2009</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />25 July 2009<br /><br />Breakfast: oatmeal/strawberry drizzle/strawberry yogurt, grapefruit juice x 2, coffee<br /><br />Rich Gonzalez asked why I ate tutti-fruitti breakfast all the time. Told him it kept me regular. When you get to be my age, the next BM is something to look forward to. Offered him some counseling on how to handle seniors and juniors: told him that relationship building was one of the most important things anyone could do for any career advancement.<br /><br />SSgt Kim Zelton was voted the “hottest chick on the FOB” by 3/10 staff - she was embarrassed.<br /><br />Wrote friends at CSDS-12.<br /><br />Saw Saturday morning Czech formation on way to/from shower.<br /><br />Requested information from CEXC Paladin re: UBE/HME proliferation in Spartan AOR.<br /><br />1030 Bible Reading: Exodus 8-13. Why were Pharoah’s enchanters able to do the rods-to-serpents, blood and frog things, but not the lice? Why did God require “cutting” of the foreskin to separate his people from others?<br /><br />Lunch: Grilled turkey, steamed broccoli, black-eyed peas, fruit salad, V-8 x 2, water Gonzalez’ twins and Dave the TERP supervisor. Rich asked me if I knew any good Navy jokes. I said, “Yeah – a lot. There’s a lot of Navy jokes walking around.” I just happened to have my hat with the back folded into the front and sitting on top of my head such that the bill was point straight up, like a tiara. When he and Hiram (MSgt Gonzalez) looked up from eating at my answer about Navy jokes and saw me with hat up – they both busted guts. The best jokes are well-delivered in verse and in time.<br /><br />Fur coats for $100-$400 (without negotiating): fox, wolf, chinchilla, mink, sheep, goat. Bought a $15 lamp, plug adaptor and bulb for my desk at work. Though it worked at the Afghani bazaar, when I plugged it at my desk, it did not. I took it back and traded it for the jewelry set I wanted for Lora.<br /><br />1430 The Purpose Driven Life Reading: Chapter 3: What on Earth Am I Here For? “Knowing your purpose focuses your life. It concentrates your efforts and energy on what’s important. You become effective by being selective.<br /><br />It’s human nature to get distracted by minor issues. We play Trivial Pursuit with our lives. Henry David Thoreau observed that people live lives of “quiet desperation” but today a better description is aimless distraction. Many people are like gyroscopes, spinning around at a frantic pace but never going anywhere.<br /><br />Without a clear purpose, you will keep changing directions, jobs, relationships, churches, or other externals – hoping each change will settle the confusion or fill the emptiness in your heart. You think, Maybe this time it will be different, but it doesn’t solve your real problem – a lack of focus and purpose.<br /><br />The Bible says, “Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly,. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.”<br /><br />The power of focusing can be seen in light. Diffused light has little power or impact, but you can concentrate its energy by focusing it. With a magnifying glass, the rays of the sun can be focused to set grass or paper on fire. When light is focused evern more as a laser beam, it can cut through steel.<br /><br />There is nothing quite a potent as a focused life, one lived on purpose. The men and women who have made the greatest difference in history were the most focused. For instance, the apostle Paul almost single-handedly spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. His secret was a focused life. He said, “I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.”<br /><br />If you want your life to have impact, focus it! Stop dabbling. Stop trying to do it all. Do less. Prune away even good activities and do only that which matter most. Never confuse activity with productivity. You can be busy without a purpose, but what’s the point? Paul said, “Let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us.”<br /><br />Earlier today, I wrote in a note to some friends at DEVRON-12 that it’s refreshing to work with young, professional soldiers who have the privilege of focus to overcome the insurgency. I wonder, though, if the focus is sharp enough? I wonder if my focus is sharp enough? How can I refine my own life focus to be sure I am accomplishing everything God wants me to accomplish?<br /><br />Dinner: Sausage and Chicken Jambalaya, corn, cauliflower, grapes, V-8, diet Coke.<br /><br />Lora says Gertie did not win anything, today. There were 4 champions. Not sure how much longer Lora will keep this up with her. It’s almost like a gambling addiction. You keep playing, hoping to win, but knowing it’s really a crapshoot based on the judge and the field and the judge’s relationship with the field and how the judge is feeling that day, blah, blah, blah. I don't think Lora is addicted like this - she's learning and having fun, but I have seen others who probably are...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0