OK, not to beat a dead horse (just where do saying like that come from anyway?) but this whole bombs-on-planes thing and how to prevent it, is just not working for me. I know the government is trying to come up with ways to detect threats and deal with them, but I don’t think they have hit the right balance yet. I’ve decided to throw in a few ideas of my own.
1. Have everyone on a flight put to sleep before they are loaded onto the plane, and do not wake them up until they are taken off the plane. This policy could cure a lot of problems for the airlines, like having to sit on the tarmac, noisy children, rude passengers, etc… No one would care.
2. Make it a requirement that everyone deposit their family as hostages while in flight and they would not be allowed loose until you have deplaned. Those flights to Europe and Asia are going to be hell on the family too.
3. Have everyone fly naked, and then try not to laugh.
4. Make it mandatory that a passenger must sign a legal waiver to their right to any and all virgins. That should dramatically cut back on the men willing to commit suicide.
5. Issue spare shoes and X-ray vision glasses to all persons entering an airport. If you detect a strange item you can then beat any suspected bomb totting flyers with the shoe when you find them. But you know they would buy the cheapest shoes possible so we will be beating terrorist with those paper thin flip-flops you get with a pedicure.
6. Instead of the same old safety lecture that the attendants give, how about a briefing on the most effective ways to take down a terrorist? That should cause some second thoughts.
7. All passengers should be handcuffed to each other, like a long chain. No one could do anything without it being noticed. It would also make potty breaks interesting.
Well, there are seven solid actions that could be taken to cut back on this kind of lunacy. I’m sure TSA is at this moment gearing up to incorporate them all. So be prepared the next time you fly. Of course, you might want to consider the train or bus as an alternative.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Bombs and security
OK, how do you get a bomb on a plane? I really want to know the answer to this question because I have yet to get on a plane without having to leave something with security.
In my case, the repeat offender is my pocket knife. I carry a tiny Swiss Army knife. It has a nail file, a pair of scissors, a toothpick, a pair of tweezers and a tiny blade. A blade that is two inches long, max. I could stab you all day long with this blade and never cause you serious damage. If a Navy Seal had his choice between this blade and a piece of paper for defense, he’d choose the paper. If I pulled this on someone, the biggest threat would be that they would laugh themselves to death. And yet, I’ve had to leave dozens of these at air ports, and other security stations. I’m beginning to think this is Swiss Army’s diabolically plan to boost sales.
In my case, the repeat offender is my pocket knife. I carry a tiny Swiss Army knife. It has a nail file, a pair of scissors, a toothpick, a pair of tweezers and a tiny blade. A blade that is two inches long, max. I could stab you all day long with this blade and never cause you serious damage. If a Navy Seal had his choice between this blade and a piece of paper for defense, he’d choose the paper. If I pulled this on someone, the biggest threat would be that they would laugh themselves to death. And yet, I’ve had to leave dozens of these at air ports, and other security stations. I’m beginning to think this is Swiss Army’s diabolically plan to boost sales.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Pregnant soldiers and Prince William
Ok, today I read that the Army commander in northern Iraq has issued a no pregnancy order for all soldiers while in his theater of war. Apparently several female soldiers have become pregnant and they, along with the fathers who are also soldiers, have been issued letter of reprimand. Well, there is just all kinds of flak over this!
I personally think the order was pretty much a no-brainer. Getting pregnant in a war zone, when you have the ability to prevent it, should be regulation. I mean, can we say, “Duh!” For one thing I know for a fact that the military medical plan covers birth control. For another, how stupid are you to be having unprotected sex? (Which is just another whole rant I could go on.) I mean really, who goes to war and thinks getting pregnant is a good family plan? OK, obviously they aren’t thinking.
I’m not naive, I know when you put man and women together, in any way, some of them are going to invariably exercise bad judgment or a total lack of judgment, and end up in a physical relationship. But for Pete’s sakes don’t jump all over the one person who had enough presence of mind to anticipate the problem and try to put something in place to deal with it. If I were the one in charge, all the women would be put on mandatory birth control, and the men too, as soon as it becomes available.
And you just know the Muslim extremists are going to be all over this as an example of American immorality. This behavior just leads to worse treatment for woman soldiers who end up as prisoners of war! It also increases concern about the kind of protection women in the population can really expect from an male American soldier. This kind of blatant behavior should be treated in the same vain as putting a fellow soldier in danger.
I’m really disappointed that this commander is backing off of his policy because of pressure. At least he’s opened the door and hopefully the military will consider a real, and comprehensive policy to address this. Maybe they should hire mothers my age to act as chaperones and house mothers. LOL
Also in the realm of the stupid and bizarre, apparently Prince William spent the night out on the mean streets of London as a homeless person to better understand their plight. Not to take away from his wanting to do good, but really, who believes for a moment that his spending a night as a homeless person is anything like the real thing? It’s just ludicrous!
In the article they talked about how it was 24 degrees out, they had to sleep behind trash bins, and that they could have been roughed up by thugs. Oh please!!!!! The photo says it all. The alley looked like it had been scrubbed within an inch of its life, and they have a lot of bedding laying around for some supposedly homeless guys. And I wonder how many body guards were posted in the area? Homeless experience my tookus! As for the 24 degrees, he wears a kilt in Scotland for mercy’s sake, and he’s been military trained, I’m sure it wasn’t too tough to handle.
I love Prince William, but in this instance, I think his handlers have not done a very good job. He should have cleaned out REI and handed all the stuff out to the homeless, that would have been much more helpful to them.
I personally think the order was pretty much a no-brainer. Getting pregnant in a war zone, when you have the ability to prevent it, should be regulation. I mean, can we say, “Duh!” For one thing I know for a fact that the military medical plan covers birth control. For another, how stupid are you to be having unprotected sex? (Which is just another whole rant I could go on.) I mean really, who goes to war and thinks getting pregnant is a good family plan? OK, obviously they aren’t thinking.
I’m not naive, I know when you put man and women together, in any way, some of them are going to invariably exercise bad judgment or a total lack of judgment, and end up in a physical relationship. But for Pete’s sakes don’t jump all over the one person who had enough presence of mind to anticipate the problem and try to put something in place to deal with it. If I were the one in charge, all the women would be put on mandatory birth control, and the men too, as soon as it becomes available.
And you just know the Muslim extremists are going to be all over this as an example of American immorality. This behavior just leads to worse treatment for woman soldiers who end up as prisoners of war! It also increases concern about the kind of protection women in the population can really expect from an male American soldier. This kind of blatant behavior should be treated in the same vain as putting a fellow soldier in danger.
I’m really disappointed that this commander is backing off of his policy because of pressure. At least he’s opened the door and hopefully the military will consider a real, and comprehensive policy to address this. Maybe they should hire mothers my age to act as chaperones and house mothers. LOL
Also in the realm of the stupid and bizarre, apparently Prince William spent the night out on the mean streets of London as a homeless person to better understand their plight. Not to take away from his wanting to do good, but really, who believes for a moment that his spending a night as a homeless person is anything like the real thing? It’s just ludicrous!
In the article they talked about how it was 24 degrees out, they had to sleep behind trash bins, and that they could have been roughed up by thugs. Oh please!!!!! The photo says it all. The alley looked like it had been scrubbed within an inch of its life, and they have a lot of bedding laying around for some supposedly homeless guys. And I wonder how many body guards were posted in the area? Homeless experience my tookus! As for the 24 degrees, he wears a kilt in Scotland for mercy’s sake, and he’s been military trained, I’m sure it wasn’t too tough to handle.
I love Prince William, but in this instance, I think his handlers have not done a very good job. He should have cleaned out REI and handed all the stuff out to the homeless, that would have been much more helpful to them.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Making a difference, and keeping soldiers safe
As you all know I am a supporter of the Central Asia Institute (CAI), a wonderful organizations that is changing the world, and doing it on a shoe string.
As you all also know, I am the mother of two Army solders. When I donate to CAI, I do so with the firm belief that I am taking a positive action that will keep my children safer, as well as other US soldiers.
For the past 15 years I have worked as a community organizer, and outreach specialist for the City of Portland. It has been clear to me from the beginning of our conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq that military force alone will never solve our problems. I feel strongly that self determination and strong, healthy communities are the answer. Thee Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools are books that follow the life of Greg Mortenson and his work in founding and establishing the CAI. They also chronicle the ongoing work they are doing. Their successes reinforce my belief that I have always been right about the power of community.
In 1993 Greg suffered a life changing failure. As a member of a mounteering team set to make the final assault on the summit of K2, he not only failed to reach his goal, he also failed in fulfilling a promise to leave a memento at the summit in honor of his sister who had recently passed away. Broken in spirit and depleted in body, he had to make his way down the mountain on foot with his guide. As he crossed the glacier, he became lost. Later, sick and at the end of his physical limits, he became separated from his guide and wandered into a very small village in northern Pakistan. He didn’t know where he was, or even who he was. For days this village that could barely feed and cloth itself cared for Greg and nursed him back to health.
From this monumental failure and seemingly divine intervention, Greg discovered his true calling, to build schools for girls in the most remote areas imaginable. His beginnings were rough and it took him years before he recognized the calling he had received. Now the CAI is building schools, literacy centers, water treatment systems, and good will all over Pakistan and Afghanistan. In areas where extremist madrasas have been the main source for education for young males of limited resource, and breading ground for Taliban and Al Quida, CAI is making a difference.
Before CAI will build a school the community must agree to several things, 1) that girls will be allowed to attend just as boys are. 2) that the village will donate the land, 3) that the village will be responsible for monitoring the construction. Together the CAI and the village become partners in the project. In the end the village owns the school, and as a community they are responsible for it’s success with support from CAI.
Greg’s books are required reading at the Pentagon and Special Forces training in counter insurgency classes. The U.S. military have been quick to see that bombs will not win a lasting peace, but education might. The militaries of the U.S., Pakistan, and Afghanistan, as well as local mujahidin leaders have become supporters of the work CAI does because they know how valuable it is.
If you are looking for a great gift to give, consider either Three Cups of Tea, or Stones into Schools, and if you are looking for a worthy organizations to donate to, consider the Central Asia Institute.
As you all also know, I am the mother of two Army solders. When I donate to CAI, I do so with the firm belief that I am taking a positive action that will keep my children safer, as well as other US soldiers.
For the past 15 years I have worked as a community organizer, and outreach specialist for the City of Portland. It has been clear to me from the beginning of our conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq that military force alone will never solve our problems. I feel strongly that self determination and strong, healthy communities are the answer. Thee Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools are books that follow the life of Greg Mortenson and his work in founding and establishing the CAI. They also chronicle the ongoing work they are doing. Their successes reinforce my belief that I have always been right about the power of community.
In 1993 Greg suffered a life changing failure. As a member of a mounteering team set to make the final assault on the summit of K2, he not only failed to reach his goal, he also failed in fulfilling a promise to leave a memento at the summit in honor of his sister who had recently passed away. Broken in spirit and depleted in body, he had to make his way down the mountain on foot with his guide. As he crossed the glacier, he became lost. Later, sick and at the end of his physical limits, he became separated from his guide and wandered into a very small village in northern Pakistan. He didn’t know where he was, or even who he was. For days this village that could barely feed and cloth itself cared for Greg and nursed him back to health.
From this monumental failure and seemingly divine intervention, Greg discovered his true calling, to build schools for girls in the most remote areas imaginable. His beginnings were rough and it took him years before he recognized the calling he had received. Now the CAI is building schools, literacy centers, water treatment systems, and good will all over Pakistan and Afghanistan. In areas where extremist madrasas have been the main source for education for young males of limited resource, and breading ground for Taliban and Al Quida, CAI is making a difference.
Before CAI will build a school the community must agree to several things, 1) that girls will be allowed to attend just as boys are. 2) that the village will donate the land, 3) that the village will be responsible for monitoring the construction. Together the CAI and the village become partners in the project. In the end the village owns the school, and as a community they are responsible for it’s success with support from CAI.
Greg’s books are required reading at the Pentagon and Special Forces training in counter insurgency classes. The U.S. military have been quick to see that bombs will not win a lasting peace, but education might. The militaries of the U.S., Pakistan, and Afghanistan, as well as local mujahidin leaders have become supporters of the work CAI does because they know how valuable it is.
If you are looking for a great gift to give, consider either Three Cups of Tea, or Stones into Schools, and if you are looking for a worthy organizations to donate to, consider the Central Asia Institute.
Tis the season
This past weekend my sister and I did our annual baking marathon. Three days of cakes, fudge, and assorted goodies we share with our friends, neighbors, co-workers and family. After all the cooking was completed we still had to package it all up and make out card to the more than 30 individuals, families and organizations on our list. It’s quite the job, but very rewarding in the end!
Some of this year’s highlights were the constant battle to keep the dog, kids and cat out from under our feet; a few burned fingers, the mystery of the non-rising cake, and the moment when Rusty (the dog) made off with a cake.
I happy to report that we now have dipping and swirling down to an art, and we’ve added a great new Bundt pan to our inventory of cooking tools. Also, our old hand-me-down antique table with six leaves is still indispensible for laying everything out, and working on. It has to be the best investment my great-great grandmother ever made!
The cutest item rendered from a kitchen this weekend did not come from my kitchen, it came from Jason and Emma’s. They made gingerbread men and women holding hands, to represent themselves. They were as cute and Jason and Emma are, which is to say, too cute for words!
Still on my list of things to do this season, is to get a tree in our park decorated. Me and few other neighbors will randomly choose a tree in our park and hang decorations. The idea is to do it when there are as few people as possible in the park, and to do it as quickly as possible. We want it to seem as if it has just appeared. We always have a great time with this. Last year there was almost two feet of snow on the ground so that was different.
As we all know, I am not a fan of interacting with snow on a personal level. I firmly believe that, as for as I am concerned, snow should be enjoyed through glass. However, many among us hold different views for themselves. All the kids and Matt, are on watch for snow, not that there is any inkling of it in the forecast. Matt has his snowmen already planned out and kids just want to play in it. Matt is planning to build a classic snowman, but with a depressed frown, holding a blow dryer to his head. Last year is was a snowman trying to out swim snow sharks.
As a new treat this winter, I have decided to start a snow sculpture contest for our neighborhood. Since snow is something we can never depend on, there is no way of knowing when the contest can be held. I kind of like that!
Have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
Some of this year’s highlights were the constant battle to keep the dog, kids and cat out from under our feet; a few burned fingers, the mystery of the non-rising cake, and the moment when Rusty (the dog) made off with a cake.
I happy to report that we now have dipping and swirling down to an art, and we’ve added a great new Bundt pan to our inventory of cooking tools. Also, our old hand-me-down antique table with six leaves is still indispensible for laying everything out, and working on. It has to be the best investment my great-great grandmother ever made!
The cutest item rendered from a kitchen this weekend did not come from my kitchen, it came from Jason and Emma’s. They made gingerbread men and women holding hands, to represent themselves. They were as cute and Jason and Emma are, which is to say, too cute for words!
Still on my list of things to do this season, is to get a tree in our park decorated. Me and few other neighbors will randomly choose a tree in our park and hang decorations. The idea is to do it when there are as few people as possible in the park, and to do it as quickly as possible. We want it to seem as if it has just appeared. We always have a great time with this. Last year there was almost two feet of snow on the ground so that was different.
As we all know, I am not a fan of interacting with snow on a personal level. I firmly believe that, as for as I am concerned, snow should be enjoyed through glass. However, many among us hold different views for themselves. All the kids and Matt, are on watch for snow, not that there is any inkling of it in the forecast. Matt has his snowmen already planned out and kids just want to play in it. Matt is planning to build a classic snowman, but with a depressed frown, holding a blow dryer to his head. Last year is was a snowman trying to out swim snow sharks.
As a new treat this winter, I have decided to start a snow sculpture contest for our neighborhood. Since snow is something we can never depend on, there is no way of knowing when the contest can be held. I kind of like that!
Have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
When will home be "home"?
You know I moved to the Pacific Northwest, Portland area, from Houston almost 21 years. That’s a long time! I’ve attended college here, raised my children here, bought two homes, and made incredible friends here. So, why do I still refer to Texas as “home”?
I constantly find myself saying things like, “Back home, we would ….” Do other people who have moved her from other places find themselves making the same kind of statements? Will we ever completely move our hearts as far as we have moved our bodies?
Why isn’t here “home”? What is it my mental make up that keeps me rooted in Texas? Is it me or is it Texas? Is it the memories of youth warring with the adult ones? I just don’t know the answer to these questions, but for some strange reason, even though I’ve lived and worked in four states other than Texas, that is were my mind takes me when it thinks “home”. There is still a part of me that still longs for Texas, but when I go for a visit I always come back to the Pacific Northwest happy that I live here instead of there.
There are many things I miss about Texas, and probably just as many things I’m glad to be separated from, like my two ex-husbands. That’s right I’m just like George Strait, all my exes like in Texas, but I don’t feel like I’m stuck here. I really miss the family I still have there. I also miss the indefinable quality of that pervades life there. The pride in your state, a pride that has the whole state covered in state outlines, and state flags. The sense that if you’re in Texas there’s just no other place anyone would want to be.
I also miss the particular flavor of Texas hospitality. People here hospitable, but Texas has different feel to it’s. I’m every place does, but it’s that Texas flavor I miss.
Although there are things about Texas that horrify me now when I return for visits, like everyone’s complete lack of interest in recycling, the constant boasting about Texas, and cultural divisions that aren’t even questions. I realize that I probably have a good portion of all those traits, but I guess I elect not to see them in myself. Funny how that works.
So, I’m going to try to feel more like a Northwesterner, and less like a Texan in the new year. I’m not sure how successful I will be. I guess I’d better get out and visit the nearest REI and practice.
I constantly find myself saying things like, “Back home, we would ….” Do other people who have moved her from other places find themselves making the same kind of statements? Will we ever completely move our hearts as far as we have moved our bodies?
Why isn’t here “home”? What is it my mental make up that keeps me rooted in Texas? Is it me or is it Texas? Is it the memories of youth warring with the adult ones? I just don’t know the answer to these questions, but for some strange reason, even though I’ve lived and worked in four states other than Texas, that is were my mind takes me when it thinks “home”. There is still a part of me that still longs for Texas, but when I go for a visit I always come back to the Pacific Northwest happy that I live here instead of there.
There are many things I miss about Texas, and probably just as many things I’m glad to be separated from, like my two ex-husbands. That’s right I’m just like George Strait, all my exes like in Texas, but I don’t feel like I’m stuck here. I really miss the family I still have there. I also miss the indefinable quality of that pervades life there. The pride in your state, a pride that has the whole state covered in state outlines, and state flags. The sense that if you’re in Texas there’s just no other place anyone would want to be.
I also miss the particular flavor of Texas hospitality. People here hospitable, but Texas has different feel to it’s. I’m every place does, but it’s that Texas flavor I miss.
Although there are things about Texas that horrify me now when I return for visits, like everyone’s complete lack of interest in recycling, the constant boasting about Texas, and cultural divisions that aren’t even questions. I realize that I probably have a good portion of all those traits, but I guess I elect not to see them in myself. Funny how that works.
So, I’m going to try to feel more like a Northwesterner, and less like a Texan in the new year. I’m not sure how successful I will be. I guess I’d better get out and visit the nearest REI and practice.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
