I got tagged by Anne to do a music meme. Anne tagged me pretty gently and she is a sweetheart, so how can I say no? Its the simplest of memes: List 10 songs you are currently into right now, regardless of genre or even whether the song is any good or not.

The more hip among you will probably roll your eyes. The lovely Thomai will tease me. But I'm a big boy, I can take it! That being said, here is what is tickling my fancy right now!

1. "You Don't Know Me" by Michael Buble. He's done an excellent job of interpreting this timeless classic. I probably listen to it at least once a day.

2. "The House is Rockin" by Stevie Ray Vaughan. Stevie Ray's music is never far from my playlist, and I've been into this one even more lately.

3. "When I'm Gone" by 3 Doors Down. "There's another world inside of me that you may never see. There're secrets in this life that I can't hide". I love the opening guitar solo and I'm drawn to the angst-ridden lyrics.

4. "Hoochie Coochie Man" by Muddy Waters. Its not his best tune, but when you want that authentic bluesy feeling there is no one better.

5. "Zoe Jane" by Staind. Probably just because Aubree and I regard this as "our song". "And I want to hold you. Protect you from all the things I've already endured. And I want to show you, to show you all of the things that this life has in store for you. I'll always love you, the way a father should love his daughter. Sweet Zoe Jane."

6. "Werewolves of London" by Warren Zevon. Yeah, I know. But sometimes I'm just in the mood for it.

7. "Walk This Way" by Aerosmith. I play a mean air guitar to this one and its been known to make all of us in this house dance. Badly. But we dance.

8. "A Song For You" by Leon Russell. Since I did the post on Leon I've been listening to his music a lot more than usual. This song always grabs me.

9. "Round Here" by the Counting Crows. Just because I like it.

10. "My Father's Eyes" by Eric Clapton. I can't list ten songs without including one by the master.

Tagging? Hmmmm

Thomai - because if I show her mine she has to show me hers.
Splendid - because I'm curious. I 'm sure her taste is just..well..splendid!
Kyra - because I've never tagged her before and I know nothing about her musical tastes.
Joan - because she gives me a hard time, and when I wield the power I exact my revenge. :)
Babs - because I'm curious what a fellow Okie is listening to.

Anyone else is of course welcome to participate. Its Sunday. Its an easy meme. You like music. So write! In my very best authoritative school administrator voice I'm saying, "get to it!"

Did I ever mention that I just love music?
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You can tell a lot of things about someone from their blog. You get a sense of someone's passion, their intelligence, and their lifestyle. If they share a picture you see their physical appearance. Perhaps you learn about their taste in music or what they think about the hot issue of the day. You find out about what they do for a living and if they enjoy it or not.

It depends a lot on the blogger, doesn't it? There are blogs on my blogroll on the right that share an enormous amount about themselves. They chronicle their life, their fears, and their hopes. They share with us the most intimate details of their lives. Others share nothing more personal than their favorite recipe. They maintain a large zone of privacy.

I'd like to think I'm one of the fairly open bloggers. I share a lot here. I can't tell you how many times my finger hovers before I click "Publish" and I think to myself, "should I really tell that?". Then I do. I've never regretted it....not even once. Each time I share something of myself I feel stronger. Its almost like an addiction. You do it. It feels good. You want to do it some more. Its changed me in a noticeable way.

But of course there are some things that don't come through here very clearly. At least I don't think they do, but then again I'm not seeing it through the eyes of others. I'm thinking that to have the entire picture of me you would have to understand a few things that are difficult to make clear in posts. What is missing?

• I actually have a very onery streak. I come from a family of practical jokers....my grandfather was the master. I've played many a practical joke in my time.
• I like to tease those close to me, and I like to think I do it in a good way.
• I have something of a wicked, playful sense of humor. It goes along with the teasing. :)
• I can be very moody and thoughtful. Its not all that uncommon to find me sitting quietly and looking out the window.
• My voice is a very deep one with a hint of Oklahoma accent.
• I laugh out loud a lot.
• I'm a bit of a smartass.
• I enjoy a good debate.
  
• I'm a sucker for a hard luck story
• I'm a pretty good judge of people...well, most of the time.
  
• My hands get sweaty when I'm nervous.
• When I get really angry, I get really quiet.
• I don't like to lose an argument.
• I can be stubborn. Too stubborn.
  
• Eye contact is my thing. If you have my interest, you have eye contact from me.
• I multi-task a lot.
  
• I can get totally lost in a daydream.
• I'm a weird combination of caution and risk-taking.

There you go. A few more strokes of the brush fill in more of the picture. How about you? What does your blog fail to tell about you?
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The last weekend in July is here! The dog days of August will soon be upon us. None of that has stopped me from making my weekly trip through the blogworld. Guess what I found?

Lisa was happy that her friend “grew a shiny new set of balls.” Kyra is happy that she’ll be seeing her husband in six weeks.

Stacey shares some things she used to think were cool, and now she’s embarrassed about it. Kim shares before and after sketches of herself.

Monica writes her annual letter to a fallen police officer. Caren writes about going to the Ani DiFranco concert.

Sue’s guy is re-enlisting and staying in Iraq. Aka Monty just wanted a guy to come fix her water leak.

Anne remembers seeing her first naked man….and guess who it was? Kiwi Ana remembers naming the family dog.

Babs took a hard fall but at least no one saw her. Go see Ginger do some blog pimpin.

Karen knew she was forgetting something. (scroll to “What Did I Forget”) T. Marie knew she’d heard something on the radio before. Eerie.

DL needs a job and is looking hard. Chosha needed to take a cold shower.

Interested in parenting issues? Check out Papa and Mama Cool. Interested in the concept of a soulmate? Read what Vickie has to say.

Dawn got a new toy. Restless Angel got the new “Harry Potter” book and read it in one night.

Janine was reminded by a new immigrant how good life is here. Mestiza was reminded of how much she enjoyed going to The Market.

Sara puts herself on the jury. Greek Shadow puts himself on Bill Gates’ case…he doesn’t like the new toolbar for Explorer.

Cyn discovered another use for her IPOD. Mary Lou is discovering some changes.

Sally writes a letter to her great niece. Walker could write a book about tipping.

The tooth fairy is visiting Teresa’s house. The tattoo artist will soon be visiting Jerzee’s body.

Data Monkey doesn’t like people who can dish it out but can’t take it. Trick didn’t like the hot sun but it didn’t stop her from enjoying her daughter’s birthday party.

Bec wanted to do a little introspective thinking. Nicole wants to know how long you could go without some of life’s pleasures. (scroll to “Insert Title Here”)

Muse’s husband was reading her blog over her shoulder. You MUST go read this post by Kristine about her visit to India.

Brenda says don’t ask the question if you don’t want the answer. Joan shits you not….she has the recipe for a good marriage.

Peggy has new additions to her family. Prince Charming has a story to share about a motorcycle wreck in Italy.

Jack discusses things that shouldn’t be said in polite conversation. Thomai discusses her quiz answers.

Andie shares her “ons and offs”. MizKittay shares a little story about the man on the moon.

Janet sets the record straight on New Jersey. Son Son says it straight too…she’s not enjoying the heat.

Splendid wants to know about you. Shirazi wants to make some money off his blog this year. Ten dollars it is!

Annie shares some of her favorite phrases. New Wave Gurly is sharing what she’s thinking….tonight.

Joe waxes poetic about the tangled web of life. Melanie isn’t being poetic but she is being iconic

Grace has been getting some daily motivation. John has memories of feeling like he died and went to heaven.

Annabel is an honest girl. Chet is a guy whose life is falling apart and he wants to share.

Naomi says we are assholes. Pauly says that if blogging was a neighborhood, you’d kill your neighbors.

Inky shares some thoughts about “Big Brother”. Mystic shares some thoughts about her dad.

Laine had a dream. Maddy has some guilt.

LilRed should live to be 91 years old. Old Horsetail Snake shares how he’d live as a celebrity.

Michelle spend a weekend in the Emerald Forest. Redneck Diva spent some time in Wal Mart with her panties falling.

Is Molly crying over spilled beer? Is Simply Satisfied a sheet snob?

Safiyyah has a love/hate relationship with books. Stationery Queen just hates it when people ding her new car!

Sallie discusses the exploration of outer space. Wanda discusses her guilty pleasure.

Sleeping Mommy shares some baby pictures. Steel Cowboy shares some thoughts on his long week.

Stephanie plays a game of “Who Am I”? Veda is playing a guessing game. Is she dreaming about you?

Amanda is looking for some advice on internet dating. Cindra is looking to see her new grandchild.

Batesline isn’t mourning the departure of a local radio host. BeFrank helped a family mourn their murdered daughter.

Black Goddess had some thoughts while riding the subway. Jennifer is sure to have some interesting thoughts after her weekend in D.C.

Chuck wonders about a guy who thinks real men don’t drive Hondas. Dewdrop wonders about having a little time to herself.

Flax’s mom lost her telephone. Jazzy has her inlaws coming for a week.

Faith had a bathroom quickie. A.J. had a nice room at the hospital and she didn’t care for the spinal tap.

Mona reminds us that we are defined by others. Penny reminds herself why she loves teaching first grade.

Roselle got called a brat. Tisha probably has a few names for her problems with HaloScan. Help her out if you can.

Boo had a lovely discussion with her ex-husband’s girlfriend. Bored Housewife is having a lovely time in Maryland.

Snowball had some office banter with a deep voiced guy. OkieDoke had some pumpkins growing.

I shouldn't have to say it by now, but I would like everyone to stop by and comment on at least one of these fine posts. They are worth it.

Savor what remains of the summer and have a great weekend!

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There is a psychological theory known as cognitive dissonance. Some people may remember from high school or college psychology classes. This theory holds that when we have ideas, beliefs, or behaviors in our heads that are contradictory, we seek to find consistency in them. We look for new knowledge or a new way of thinking to resolve our cognitive conflict.

For peace of mind we need to eliminate the dissonance. We either change one of the competing beliefs or behaviors, reduce one of them in importance, or add more "ammunition" to one side so that it clearly outweighs the other. We have to do this to eliminate the conflict in our minds.

Have some competing attitudes or behaviors floating around? I certainly do. I'm guessing that most of the people who read this post do. Its not a bad thing, is it? Part of the way we grow and change is letting new ideas in to compete with the old ones. We either accept the new idea, modify it to fit with the old, or ultimately reject it.

I'd like to play around with a few of these. Some are personal and some are not. All of them are situations many of us have been faced with. Ready?

When my wife decided to end our marriage I begged and pleaded for a chance to keep our family together. I begged like I'd never begged anyone for anything before, and I'm not exaggerating one bit. My very last scrap of pride is probably still embedded in the carpet fibers of that house. I was raised that a man should have dignity and pride and should never beg or humiliate himself. I did it anyway. There are your competing cognitions - my strong desire to keep my marriage and my need to retain a semblance of pride. Either you get rid of one or the other. You make a choice about which of those is most important and it eradicates the other. They can't both co-exist together.

Most of us have a desire to keep on living as long as we can. Its a definite idea we have in our heads. But we also drink, smoke, eat fatty foods, and avoid exercise. How do we resolve the dissonance? We pretend those things aren't that bad or that not living so long isn't such a bad thing. I have a passing familiarity with this one.

You value faithfulness and fidelity, but you find yourself involved in an affair. You want this other person but it violates your belief system. You have choices: A) end the affair and return to your belief system, B) leave your mate to join you lover, resolving the fidelity issue, or C) find a way to justify the competing notions. "He doesn't care about me anyway." "She's probably cheating too." Isn't rationalization just the neatest thing? Its a great help in resolving internal conflict.

You believe in honesty and integrity, but challenges to those values arise all the time. You find a wallet full of money in the parking lot. You look at that tax return and know you could change a couple of numbers and only stand a remote risk of being caught. Someone has a copy of the test. You find yourself in an uncomfortable or embarassing situation and its just much easier to lie.

You remember some of the unpleasant things about your youth and resolve never to inflict those things on your children. Fast forward many years and you're doing it anyway. Maybe you've grown up and realized those things weren't that bad. Maybe you've learned how to make excuses. After all, you are tired and stressed, right?

You wouldn't steal a nickel from Bill Gates but you download music like a fiend. *Raises hand*. You find a way to justify it in your mind. Somewhere you know its wrong, but after all, "those record companies make too much money anyway and charge too much for their CDs". Thats how you resolve the conflict....you introduce a third belief that mitigates the part of you that thinks you're swiping something.

You consider yourself an open-minded person but you cast aspersions on people every day. They belong to a different political party? They've gotta be evil or ignorant. They believe something different from you on some hot button issue? They're stupid. They have a different lifestyle than you do? What the hell is wrong with them? This dissonance is easy to resolve. Its THEIR fault.

We face these internal conflicts...this dissonance...every day of our lives. New things meet the old. We find a way to resolve it. Sometimes for the good and sometimes not. How we resolve our internal conflicts plays a large role in who we are.

Just the fact that we have conflict says something about us. Think Ted Bundy had internal conflict going when he killed those girls? Think Bin Laden lost any sleep over financing the deaths of innocents? When you don't have the conflicts...that is when you should worry.

I had a little cognitive dissonance over putting up this post. How did I resolve it? I clicked...."Publish".
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We walked outside this morning and *gasp*, it was COOL outside. Last night's thunderstorms brought a little relief to the heat that seems to have been going on forever. It'll be good while it lasts!

We've had a problem with wasps getting into the house the past couple of weeks. I could be seen with a rolled up newspaper or magazine hunting them down. A couple of nights ago Patrick told me there was one in his room. I walked in with my rolled up magazine and the wasp was sitting on Patrick's light fixture. Kerwhack! Dead wasp. Dead light fixture too...it won't work anymore!

I went and bought some bee and wasp spray. It promises a guaranteed kill on those little suckers and can shoot them dead at 20 feet. We seemingly had wasps everywhere before I bought the spray. Now? I haven't seen ONE. I haven't got to even attempt to shoot them. How did they know?

I took the kids to see "Fantastic Four" this afternoon. The movie is probably not going to be up for any Oscar awards, but it is fun summertime entertainment. Now I just have to get Patrick to stop saying, "its clobbering time!"

I've been reading Bill Clinton's autobiography, and a quote from Russian president Boris Yeltsin made me laugh. He was asked if he was happy about how things were going at the meeting. His reply? "Happy? One cannot be happy outside the presence of a beautiful woman. But I am satisfied." Those Russians do have a way with words! :)

Aubree goes nuts every time the commercial comes on for the "Country Love Songs" double CD set. Her musical taste tends to run where mine doesn't - country and rap. When we go to Wal Mart, there are two CDs she wants, Kenny Chesney and Bow Wow (Kenny Chesney is her current celebrity crush. I guess thats better than Justin Timberlake). Where did I go wrong?

I've been in "deep cleaning mode". I'm not a very consistent housekeeper. I pick things up, wipe things down, and try to keep the house presentable. Then a burst of inspiration hits and I CLEAN. I clean under things, over things, and inside things. I spent an hour and a half cleaning my computer desk and the area around it. Every speck of dust gone. The kitchen? I've spent a couple of days in there scrubbing every tiny surface. I'm working my way back to the bedrooms. Look out!

The kids have been hooked on a computer game found online at Toontown. The problem? You only get a three day free trial. After that its a monthly fee to play the game. Three days happens to be just long enough to really get hooked. I'm not seeing paying a monthly fee for a game that will become old news pretty quickly. This isn't winning me any popularity awards in my house in recent days, but sometimes a dad has to draw the line!

Thanks to all who took my quiz. Not that easy was it? *grin*. Naomi and Monica both got 80% and MizKittay and Restless Angel got 70%. Not bad!

Aubree got two new pairs of shoes recently and has been wearing what I call her "Cinderella shoes" everywhere. This morning as I prepared to drop her off at Vacation Bible School I noticed she was wearing her new tennis shoes. I said, "no Cinderalla shoes today?" She sighed, rolled her eyes and said, "Dad, its cool outside and I don't want my feet to be cold. You men don't know anything about women do you?" Kid, ain't that the truth?

So how is YOUR week going?
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I came across this yellowed newspaper photo in an old box. I actually found it two pieces and stuck them back together.

There is no date on that I can find, but I'd estimate it to be around 1974. Over thirty years ago. I would've been 13 years old. My brothers would've been 11, 8, and 6. I'm the one holding the cat!

On the back side of the picture a local drugstore is advertising Windsong Cologne for $2.25. A jewelry store is having a sale. A portrait studio is offering nine wallet size pictures for .99 cents. A local church is promoting a "self denial program". That must've been fun.

I remember that shirt I'm wearing. It was a reddish/maroon checkerboard pattern. The vest was maroon as well. I'm wearing jeans and they look new. For that matter, all of the jeans we're wearing look new. I'm guessing we all wore them for the first time that day. I'm sure they are Levis jeans. We always wore Levis.

My dad was running for the local school board and this picture was part of his campaign ad publicity. How could you vote against a guy with nice looking boys like that? My sister would be adopted about a year after this picture was taken. I'm a little fuzzy as to if he won this one or not. He did lose an election before he won later.

The cat I'm holding was Samantha. She was something of a regal cat. See the way she is looking at the dog? She looked at him that way all the time. She didn't hiss and get her back up. She would just look at him with disgust as if to say, "you dare enter my presence?" She could also be a very empathetic cat. One of the games we used to play was to lay down on the floor and pretend like we were crying. She would come over, purr, nuzzle you, and lick your face. She would perch herself on top of the couch and survey the scenery for hours.

Then there is Shadow, the family dog. Shadow was there for almost all of my childhood. I can't remember a time when he wasn't around. I ran in the yard with him as a first grader and was still doing it when I was in high school. He was part cocker spaniel, part something else, and had gorgeous shiny black fur. Leash laws weren't as strict then, and Shadow just ran the neighborhood with us. He went with me to the park. He followed me as I rode my bike up and down the streets. He was aggressive enough for boys to play with a little roughly but gentle enough not to hurt anyone. He did get in his share of mischief. It would've been right around this time that he yanked a Dairy Queen coney right out of my youngest brother's hands in the backyard. He ran behind some bushes and gobbled it down while my brother stood crying with nothing but splotches of chili in his hands. He got older and finally became contrary. He lost most of his earing and loud sounds would startle and anger him. My dad was talking to a neighbor one day and a train whistle blew. Shadow turned and bit the guy on the leg. After that he had to be leashed and chained to a tree. It was sad.

Its amazing how a picture can capture the essence of people. This picture shows a lot of the personalities that we had. There is me, the oldest, thoughtful and reflective, looking down. My brother Scott, wide eyed, creative and artistic. My brother Matt (on my right), the youngest, showing that mischievous grin that we would all see so many times. My brother Kerry (on my left), showing that gregarious smile and winning personality.

You've gotta love the hairstyles. I'm thinking that it looks like we could all stand up and start singing "I Want To Hold Your Hand." At this age we were still getting our hair cut by the local barber. Anyone remember what a real barbershop looked and smelled like? Aftershave. Old men sitting around and telling tales. A big plastic bin of bubble gum sitting behind the counter. The barber wielding a straight razor like an artist's brush.

This picture was taken in the living room of our house. We had a formal living and dining room that was generally off limits to the ruffian boys of the house. We weren't allowed to sit in the living room unless company was there to visit. I always felt like I was getting away with something if I passed through there and sat down on the couch for a couple of minutes. It was always spotless, free of the chaos that a houseful of boys can bring. Immaculate. Ever so formal. Nothing out of place. Right behind me there would be a large white ceramic cat. It got broken one day when SOMEONE was horsing around in there when they weren't supposed to. My dad glued it back together.

Its amazing the tales that one picture can tell.
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This is the next in my series of posts about history. I've chosen someone that most people don't know much about. But the woman in this picture was a tremendous influence in millions of lives. She changed the way a nation viewed its outcasts, its forgotten, and its despised citizens.

Dorothea L. Dix was born in 1802 and her home situation as a child was less than ideal. Her mother was mentally ill and her preacher father was an abusive alcoholic. She was taken to live with her grandmother in Boston, and spent a big part of her childhood there.

She became a teacher at 15 years of age and had a passion for teaching and learning from the start. She taught off and on for many years, served as a nanny, and travelled. She contracted tuberculosis before the disease even had a name, and spent years recovering from it. Her boyfriend broke off his engagement with her because he disliked her devotion to her work. She would never be involved with a man again for the rest of her life.

In 1841 Dorothea began teaching Sunday School classes for women in a local jail. She was shocked by what she found and it was the beginning of her life's work. Murderers and rapists were housed along with mentally ill people and prostitutes. The cells were foul, unsanitary, unsafe, and lacked heating. She was disgusted by this practice and it became her crusade for the next 40 years.

In the mid 1800's no one had a concept of what we call today "mental illness". Schizophrenia? Manic Depressive? Those words meant nothing. "Crazy" people who didn't fit in were thrown in jail cells with common criminals. Many spent their entire adult lives in cages. Jailers threw their food into them like they were dogs. They were beaten if they got too loud. Ignored and out of sight. Their familes were told that this was the best thing for them. Lock them away. They were beyond hope.

No one in the 19th century did more to help the mentally ill than Dorothea Dix. She documented her findings and presented them to the courts and the state legislature. At first laughed at and shunned, she would not give up. She persuaded the legislature and the governor to set aside funds for a first-of-its-kind facility, a state hospital for the mentally ill. Not nuts to be thrown in cages anymore...people to be treated. Citizens with basic human dignity. The treatments of the time were crude by today's standards, but were revolutionary for their time. She urged meaningful work, music, literature, and recreational opportunities for those that were shunned even by their own families.

Not content to make reforms in her home state, she travelled the country making her case for the humane treatment of the mentally ill. She also took her cause to Europe and made a big difference in how European nations treated their mentally ill as well.

Dorothea wasn't just interested in treatment of the mentally ill. She was one of the very first voices in American thought to argue for the humane treatment of all prisoners. Most prisoner were held in local jails no matter how long their sentence. She fought for the construction of the first state penitentiaries. It made no sense to her to dump a criminal in a hole for a few years and then let him out. Dix and her followers believed that most criminals could be rehabilitated and that it was in society's interest to help them become productive citizens upon their release. This was a revolutionary approach for the time. Heated cells. Education for inmates. Job training so that they could be productively employed. Professionally trained wardens and guards. A focus on preparing prisoners to rejoin society.

Dix capped off her career by serving as the Union Army's Superintendent of Nurses during the Civil War. She supervised thousands of nurses who provided care to soldiers on the battlefields of the bloodiest and ugliest war in American history. Although she was in poor health by this time, she sometimes visisted battlefield hospitals and make sure that proper care was being provided.

I guess I have a soft spot for people who take on what seem to be lost causes and win them. Treatment, hospitals, and humane treatment for crazy people? Can you imagine how that must've gone over in 1840? Treating prisoners like human beings? Hell, that doesn't even go over very well today!

Dorothea Dix went places where proper ladies were not supposed to go. She saw things that proper ladies were not supposed to see. She didn't follow the path that was laid out for her. She was supposed to teach school until she met a proper man, get married, make a couple of babies, and spend the rest of her life sipping tea with her friends. What did she do instead? She went to the jails and the dungeons. She demanded to see the worst inmates, the most hard-core, the craziest ones of all. She talked to them. She listened to their stories. She took those stories to the public.

It took a sackful of guts and a ton of courage to do this. She knew that people didn't want to hear about it. She knew that politicians didn't want to spend money on people who had no constituency and no voice. She became their voice. She looked at them as PEOPLE. Not crazy nutcases who just needed to rot away somewhere out of sight. Not as hopeless criminals beyond redemption. Not as animals in cages.

So she became a not-so-quiet conscience of first a state and then a nation. Her message? You aren't allowed to forget these people. I won't let you. They can't speak from their freezing cages so I'll speak here for them. I'll make them listen.

We can say of Dorothea Dix what all of us would like to think of ourselves. She made a difference.
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One of my favorite quotes was this one by George Bernard Shaw. It was used by John F. Kennedy at his inauguration.

"You see things; and you say, "Why?" But I dream things that never were; and I say, "Why not?"

Wouldn't this world be a better place if we all asked "why not" more often? I have some dreams "why nots" of my own.

I dream of people of all faiths and no faith putting aside their differences to work for the betterment of mankind. Why not?

I dream of a world where every child is immunized for deadly diseases and provided minimum basic nutrition. Why not?

I dream of terrorists throwing their weapons away and working for things that actually benefit their own people. Why not?

I dream that everyone will get to hear love's siren song at least once in their life. Its not to be missed. Why not?

I dream of schools where every kid gets a clean, safe, well-equipped classroom taught by a qualified, motivated teacher. Its not too much to ask is it? Why not?

I dream that everyone can find a partner to love them. I think there is someone for everyone. Why not?

I dream that judgemental people will throw away their dark colored glasses and accept people for who they are. We're all in this together aren't we? Again I ask..why not?

I dream that a cure will be found for diseases like heart disease, cancer, muscular dystrophy, and Alzheimer's. We can send people into outer space and we harnessed the atom. We can do this. Why not?

I dream of a day when someone's race won't matter anymore than their shoe size. Why not?

I dream that everyone who has been knocked off their feet like me will be able to stand up proudly again and find their way. Why not?

I dream that everyone who is abusive to their spouse/mate will get help, be arrested, or get the hell out. Why not?

I dream that someday we'll all realize that there is more that brings us together than there is that divides us. Why not?

I dream that we'll all some day look back on the age of terrorism like we do the Cold War. Why not?

I dream that every kid out there will grow up knowing that someone gives a shit about them. Why not?

I dream that some day everyone will realize what Walker says is true. Its PEOPLE that count. Why not?

I dream of a day when people are judged by how they've treated their fellow man and not the size of their bank accounts. Why not?

I dream that all of us will realize that life is too short to be quabbling over the petty shit we do. Why not?

I dream that we can all see our children achieve their dreams and know we helped make it possible. Why not?

I dream that we'll all be able to look at senior citizens and realize they have much to teach us. Why not?

I dream that my children will grow up in a cleaner, safer world. Damnit, we can do it. Why not?

I dream that my friends, online and off, will realize their dreams. Why not?

I dream that love, a force more powerful than the atomic bomb, will be the credo we live by. Why not?

I dream that we'll all some day realize that violence begets more of the same. Why not?

I dream that drunk driving will be a thing of the past. There is no excuse for it in this day and time. Why not?

I dream of the day when I can someday adequately thank those who have been so kind to me. I don't know if I can. I've been given love that hasn't been earned, but why not?

I dream that we all realize the fragility of our existence and live our life to the fullest. We're here for the blink of a cosmic eye. We can. Why not?

I dream of the day when all employers treat their workers with dignity and respect. Why not?

I dream that all of us will resolve the petty feuds that keep us from those we love. Your pride isn't worth that damn much. Why not?

I dream that we all can find the power of forgiveness in our hearts. Most of us have been hurt, burned, and scarred. Forgive them, even if they don't deserve it. Why not?

I dream that all of us can find the courage of a Vickie, the passion of a Satisfied Spouse, the positive attitude of a Karen, the big heart of a Joe, the honesty of an Edge, the spirit of a Redneck Diva, and the wit of an AKA Monty. Maybe thats just me I dream it for. Why not?

I dream of the time when we realize that how we love each other and act on that love is what really matters. Why not?

I dream of the day when wars will only be in the history books for guys like me to study. That sons won't have to send their mothers letters like this. Why not?

I dream that we'll all have the courage to find that person we want in our lives and fight for that love tooth and nail. See above for the fragility of life. Why not?

I dream that I'll leave a legacy that I can be proud of. Its up to me. Why not?

I dream that the many bloggers I admire will keep sharing their wisdom and their lives. Why not?

I dream that we'll all understand that its the small, simple things in life that make all the difference. The smell of a flower. The touch of a hand. The cool breeze in our face. Why not?

I dream that all of us will accept the responsibility for our mistakes and own up to them. Who are we trying to fool anyway? Why not?

I dream of a time when my son will be accepted for the love in his heart and what he has to offer and not by his limitations. Why not?

I dream for myself that the things that haunt me can be put in their grave where such demons belong. What am I waiting for? Why not?

I dream that the person sitting alone tonight realizes that there is someone out there for them, that they are worthy of that love, and that they find that person. Why not?

I dream

and I ask

WHY NOT?
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I stole this from Prince Charming's site and created my own quiz. Lets see how ya do! :)

I made a Quiz for you! Take my Quiz! and then Check out the Scoreboard!

Enjoy!
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Its the weekend already! My daughter is wondering whether its time to shave her legs yet and my son thoroughly enjoyed out trip to see "Batman Begins".

I clicked around the blogosphere and what did I see?

Kathryn covered a speech by the President of the United States. Kyra has met the president too, and she saw him cry.

A.J. shares “10 Signs He’ll Be Good in Bed.” Undergraduate shares some poetry.

Redneck Diva chose to whine on Wednesday. I don’t know if Melanie whined about the crabs.

Mystic wants to know how often you “flick your bean”. Want to know what the worst thing that could happen to Prince Charming is? Find the answer here.

Annabel read the “Harry Potter” book and is left a little disjointed by the experience. Teresa just read a book by Janet Evanovich and loved it.

Jazzy’s husband sold her books without her knowledge. Red Headed Gal might be joining hers in the pool.

Babs needs some organizational tips. Vickie has a tip for us all. Don’t let your past bad choices keep you from making new ones.

Gypsy Soul has some ideas about what she wants in a relationship. She probably wouldn’t want the guy Karen spotted while driving. (Dickie-Don’t)

Old Horsetail Snake thinks you could buy leg irons and handcuffs through him. If he was selling tops, he could sell one to Joan as long as it had a hoodie.

DL gives us her life A through Z. Splendid gives us a glimpse of her life through her summertime memories.

Ginger is a phenomenal woman. Zaza is a pacifist murderess.

Ever seen someone try to get into the wrong car in the parking lot? Restless Angel has. Ever had a problem with a pool pump? Scorpy has.

Dawn is getting a haircut and a manicure. Janine is giving her new house a makeover and it involves orange paint.

Red might be moving to Texas. Grace might be posting now and then. Its good to see her check in.

Paul ponders ideas about death. Greek Shadow ponders ideas about the world’s different legal systems.

There are things Muse would rather be. Trick would probably rather be at her daughter’s first birthday party than anywhere else.

Stationery Queen can’t wait for the Smurf movie to come out. If you can’t wait to read the new Harry Potter book, don’t click on this. Amanda might spoil it for you.

Maddy believes that guilt has its purposes. Nicole believes that one of her acquaintances is just a little “off”.

Kurt wonders if God chooses sides among countries. Candy Tuft wonders if she’ll see a rainbow after the rain.

Thomai is grateful for her friends. Son Son ponders whether kids are grateful for what they have.

Steel Cowboy wonders why people can’t love like dogs do. Bsoholic just wonders about a particular road sign.

FTS lets us get a glimpse into his daily schedule. Molly gives us a glimpse into her kitchen miracles.

Funky Cowboy remembers his grandfather’s passing. Sleeping Mommy will remember moments of dancing with her son.

The Queen pays tribute to “Scottie”. Sallie does the same. Beam me up Scottie!

Jack’s experience at the dentist’s office wasn’t a good one. Chosha’s experience with loneliness isn’t a good one either.

T. Marie is claiming ownership of her job. Cindra went for a walk against doctor’s orders.

CJ’s anger might’ve been sadness instead. Charity needs some alone time when she’s in a relationship.

There are a lot of things Walker doesn’t care about. Steph didn’t care for how she was treated by the car salesman.

Brainpoo shares a handy manual. Edge shares a fantasy involving some of his fellow bloggers.

Is it afflection or inflection? Check out what Pauly thinks. I don’t know what Cyn has, but she is feeling sick as a dog.

Shirazi wants to know what you do about internet usage at work. Penny wants to know if you have any advice about writing.

Stephanie has been in a foul mood lately. Trucker Bob’s moood is good…he’s on the road.

Jennifer finally got her film developed. Safiyyah discusses something bad happening to someone good.

Whatever you do, don’t ask Andie if she likes married life. You might not want to ask Stacey about the durability of home electronics either.

Babs is in a beauty pageant. Sara isn’t in a contest but she is making a quilt.

Kim has some questions about daylight savings time. There’s no question…Shara will be happy when the custody fight is over.

Sue writes about the passing of her aunt’s dog. Joe writes about ice cream.

Lewis tells a tale of a tattoo, a woman’s butt, and B.B. King. Wanda tells us about “Frisky Friday”.

Michelle is getting poked and prodded. Roselle had to give something up.

Tisha need a valium laced Dr. Pepper. Maybe Naomi does too…she’s been a little whiney and mopey.

New Wave Gurly reviews the Duran Duran concert. Maybe Satisfied Spouse will post a review of “Les Miserables”.

Frani is a little bleary eyed after reading “Harry Potter”. Shelli is a little befuddled about businesses who won’t accept $100 bills.

Faith has some drama going on in her life. Chaotic Serenity had a dual viruses.

Rachel thinks she'd trade some inner beauty for some outer. John doesn't think its his blogiversary. He knows it is.

Aka Monty wonders about being underwhelmed....and overwhelmed. Anne wonders what it would be like to tell him what she wanted to.

As always I ask that you find at least one of these posts worthy of your comments. There is some fine writing going on out there this week. Enjoy!

While you're at it, just enjoy your whole weekend? Sound good?
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It is not often that I respond to my own posts, but I wanted to expand my thoughts on my John Brown post. I threw out some thought provoking questions, and this is my effort to address them myself. If you don't mind, I'll just wade right in.

John Brown saw a grave injustice in society. The vast majority of his fellow citizens were either supportive of this injustice or indifferent to it. Most of his northern neighbors yawned and shrugged their shoulders. It didn't affect them. They actually benefitted from the cheap textiles made possible by southern slave labor. We often bash the South, but the northern states were incredibly hypocritical in their condemnation of a practice that they subtly supported. All but the most enlightened of northern citizens saw black people as inferior. They also feared an influx of cheap black labor to northern cities, throwing them out of work in the factories.

Here is what John Brown saw when he cast his eyes to the south. There were over four million slaves in the Southern states out of a total population of about 12 million. Those slaves lacked basic human rights. They had no legal name, could not marry, and in many states were forbidden by law from learning to read. About 1/10th of Southerners owned slaves and only a tiny fraction of that owned more than a handful. But even the majority who were not slave owners defended the practice. Most southerners were just barely eking out a living on their small patches of land. They saw chattel slavery as part of their way of life and could not imagine freeing those four million slaves to live side by side with them as equals.

Northern politicians offered routine condemnations of slavery but advocated restrictions on the growth of slavery. However, the Supreme Court's Dred Scott decision in 1856 made it clear that owning slaves was a Constitutional right and that Congress could do very little to restrict its growth. That Supreme Court decision lit a fire under Brown and other abolitionists. The nation's highest court had made it clear......slaves were property and not citizens, and slave owners could take their slaves anywhere they pleased. This decision cut off many of the democratic approaches to ending slavery that abolitionists had hoped for. The delicate dance of compromises that had kept a lid on the most radical of both sides was thrown out the window.

So what is an ordinary man or woman to do when they see an injustice that appears to have no hope of being corrected through the democratic process?

You can just give up. Sit back and hope someone else will do something. Grouse and complain to your friends and neighbors. Let history takes its course.

One can take the approach of Gandhi, Thoreau, and Martin Luther King Jr. This would be the path of non violent resistance and civil disobedience. Simply refuse to obey the law. Stage non violent sit-ins and protests. Use the economic power of your constitutency to affect the powers-that-be. This path avoids frightening the public and has the advantage of bringing more of them to your side. Anyone remember the video of southern sheriffs spraying non-violent civil rights protesters with water cannons? Those images altered the direction of a nation and awakened an apathetic public into realizing that something was wrong in their country. What would've happened if the northern states had used their economic leverage and refused to buy cotton produced by slave labor?

You can raise hell. There is a proud tradition of that in my country and in many others around the world. Think of Thomas Paine, Mother Jones, and Malcom X. Hellraisers who challenged the established order and through their anger made others rethink long held assumptions.

Then there is direct violent action like Brown did. His murder of pro-slavery settlers in Kansas crossed a line. These were not soldiers of an oppressive government. They were just common men who had a view different from his. Timothy McVeigh did the same thing, didn't he? He blew up a building in Oklahoma City in his war against the American government. He killed secretaries, children, and low level federal workers. What did he accomplish? Eric Rudolph bombed an abortion clinic, killing a police officer and a nurse. He also killed a woman in the 1996 Summer Olympic bombing and set off another bomb at a predominantly gay nightclub. His cause? The decadence and godlessness of American society. John Brown would've approved. He was just acting on his beliefs, right? The bombing of an abortion clinic would prevent a murder perhaps. The Olympic bombing would disrupt what he called a celebration of "world socialism". The nightclub bombing would strike fear in the hearts of those he believed immoral.

John Brown is easier to talk about because slavery is universally condemned now. His cause can be regarded as universally righteous. It wasn't as clear in 1859. Brown was regarded as being on the fringe just as much as McVeigh and Rudolph are today. McVeigh's characterization of an American government controlled by Jews and Rudolph's belief that his country is one giant moral abyss are not in the mainstream of public thought any more than Brown's violent abolitionism was in the 1850's.

Thats the problem with taking matters of morality into your own hands and using violence to solve them. Who decides? Are any of us so righteous and moral that we have the ability to decide that someone's life can be sacrificed for a greater cause? I think not. I'm not that wise or all seeing. No one elected me to make decisions like that. I'm not qualified to do it. Neither are you. Neither is your neighbor or mine.

I look around my world and I see injustice everywhere I turn. I see kids in school on Monday morning who haven't had a decent meal all weekend. Their parents are do busy doing drugs and running around to provide their children basic nutrition. I want to grab them by the collar and shake some sense into them. It makes me angry.

I see women who have been physically abused by those who profess to love them. I see their bruises and hear their muted stories. I think those men are bullies and cowards. It makes me angry.

I see kids who need eyeglasses to read, clean clothes to wear, and loving encouragement to succeed. They don't get it, and that makes me so damn angry.

I see adults who mentally, physically, and sexually abuse children. It makes me angry. Very angry.

Like John Brown, I see injustice and I seethe with anger when confronted with it. The question is what to do about it. I fight those battles every day. In my own way. With all the passion I can bring and with all the tools I have. In my corner of the world. With anger AND love.

Brown could've joined those who helped slaves escape through the Underground Railroad. He could've raised hell on the steps of the Capitol and in statehouses across the nation. He could've offered help to escaped slaves, established schools and provided job training. He could've been the conscience of a nation.

Brown chose a different route. When he hacked an unarmed man to death with his sword he crossed a line that we don't have the right to cross. Had airplanes existed in 1859, Brown might've pulled his own 9-11 off. He would've taken the innocent to their graves along with the guilty. By whose authority and by whose right?

One thing that is ironic is that Brown's actions did indeed help bring about what he wanted. Six years after his death, over 600,000 dead soldiers later, slavery would be made illegal in the United States. It took years of death, carnage, disease, and starvation to purge slavery from American soil. It would've happened anyway, maybe on the same timeline, maybe a little later. Had Brown taken a different path he could've lived to see his dream.

His cause was just. He burned with a hatred for injustice that few people do, but he wasn't God. I sympathize with his passion, but I condemn anyone who thinks they can unilaterally decide that some of us don't have the right to live. John Brown. Tim McVeigh. Eric Rudolph. The London bombers. 9-11 suicide terrorists. They needed to take their passion, their anger, and their intelligence, and use it to help their fellow man. There is so much to be done in this world that doesn't involving choosing some of your fellow human beings to die for your cause.

R.I.P. John. I'm glad your dream was realized and the slaves were freed. I want to sympathize with you. But no man is an island, and none of us have God's warrant to kill in pursuit of our goals. You could've gone down in history as a leader who helped free the oppressed. You took a different path, and the consequences that flowed from that were just by the laws of the time.

Kill injustice. Kill the wrongs. Kill unfairness. Don't kill people. Enlist us. Enlighten us. Cajole us. Wake us up from our slumber. Inspire us to join you.

If your cause is righteous, we'll be there with you. If you kill your brothers and sisters we'll fight you every step of the way.
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Its midweek and it is payday! I love payday. For one day I feel like I actually have money. Then I sit down the next day and begin to pay my bills and that feeling goes away. But for 24 hours? I'm golden. For most of my career I have been paid once a month. In one school I got paid twice a month and somehow it felt better. Its the same amount of money, but psychologically its no fun to look at the calendar and see 26 days before your next cash infusion.

Splendid referred to me in comments as "an enigma wrapped up in a tie" and an "adult Jackie Paper". I loved those descriptions for some reason. The "Jackie Paper" reference made me smile. I love "Puff the Magic Dragon" and used to sing it to my kids as a lullaby.

Dave asked me to write about the questions I asked in my John Brown post. I'd be delighted to. Coming up soon! The next history post coming up will be about someone who also saw injustice in the world but took a far different approach from Brown. Stay tuned.

Slate's slideshow on the history of the vibrator was rather informative. Who knew?

Its blazing hot here, and Patrick insisted on wearing a long sleeve white shirt, tie, and suit jacket yesterday. He said, "I just want to look good today. I think I look like a junior executive." Indeed.

Aubree is the proud new owner of what she calls "pimping shades". She even wears them in the house.

I'm currently reading "White Hot" by Sandra Brown. I'm part way through it and it is good stuff!

One year ago today I wrote this post. I'm glad I decided to bring the dog with us. We've had so much fun with her. She does howl like a wolf at police/ambulance sirens, but she's a pretty good dog.

I'm trying to interest the kids in going on a canoeing trip with me. Both are frightened of the canoe tipping over. *Sigh* I'll keep working on them.

School supply lists greet me when I walk into the local Wal Mart. Its getting closer and closer!

So how is YOUR week going?
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Its been awhile since I've written a music post, so I thought I'd write about one of my favorite all-time musicians. The lovely Thomai thinks my taste in tunes is cheesy, but I do love me some music! In my world, it doesn't get much better than Leon Russell.

I've been a fan of Leon since I was a teenager. I grew up listening to Tulsa's rock station KMOD, aka the "Rainbow Station". One of their signatures was a snippet of Leon singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". I loved it.

My best estimate is that I've seen Leon Russell in concert six times. I've seen no one else more than twice. What is it about this guy's music that draws me back time after time? I've seen him perform in the historic Brady Theater (second row seats for that one!) I've seen him outdoors at a couple of festivals. I saw him in Cain's Ballroom. I caught his act at New Orleans' House of Blues. Every show was a little bit different, and every one has some memories for me.

He defies descriptions and labels. Leon has recorded bestselling pop albums and a couple of classic country albums (under the persona "Hank Wilson"). His music has elements of rock, jazz, the blues, gospel, R &B, and country. He is perhaps the only singer I can think of who can belt out "Jumpin Jack Flash", follow it with "Rollin In My Sweet Baby's Arms", croon "This Masquerade" and have them all sound totally like his style.

Interesting tidbits about Leon:

1. As a teenager he toured with Jerry Lee Lewis.
2. You can hear him playing keyboard on Jan and Dean's "Surf City" and on the Beach Boys "Pet Sounds" album.
3. George Harrison played guitar on Leon's first solo album.
4. He played on a number of producer Phil Spector's albums.
5. He performed on recordings by Bob Dylan, Sam Cooke, The Rolling Stones, Ike and Tina Turner, Frank Sinatra, B.B. King, and The Byrds.
6. Elton John, Charlie Daniels, and ZZ Top were once HIS opening acts.
7. His tours with Willie Nelson were regarded as helping bridge the gap between "hippies and rednecks".
   
8. "Superstar" (The Carpenters), "This Masquerade" (George Benson), and "Delta Lady" (Joe Cocker) were songs written by Leon.
   
9. At the height of his pop career he switched gears and recorded several country albums under the persona "Hank Wilson".
   

Some of my favorite songs? I think the evocative, hauntingly beautiful "A Song For You" is one of the best love songs ever produced. I love the keyboard solo at the beginning and in the middle of the song. My friends, this is a song for lovers.

I know your image of me is what I hope to be ----- but darlin can'’t you see.
There's no one more important to me
Darling, can't you please see through me?
Cause we're alone now and I'm singing this song to you

You taught me precious secrets of truth, withholding nothing
You came out in front and I was hiding
But now I'm so much better and if my words don't come together
Listen to my melodies because my love is in there hiding

But I love you in a place where there'’s no space and time.
I love you for my life, you are a friend of mine.
And when my life is over, remember when we were together
We were alone and now we'’re singing this song for you

The rollicking "Home Sweet Oklahoma" is a song I've listened to a lot in the last year. I didn't leave to seek fame and fortune like Leon did, but I did leave to chase a dream. I was chasing love and happiness, not all that different from what Leon was looking for. I just waited till I was a little older to roll the dice. Like him, I came back, and the lyrics make me smile. Leon is telling my story.

When I was young man, barely 17
I went out to Hollywood to chase my dream
Dusty Oklahoma was all I'd ever seen
And I was getting older

The memories of the Greyhound would fade and quickly pass
In the lonely restaurant windows, the empty hourglass
Reflects the human hunger for the questions never asked
I only had my time suspending

Now I'’m going back to Tulsa just one more time
Now I'’m going on down to Tulsa just one more time
Now I'’m going back to Tulsa just one more time
I'’ve got home sweet Oklahoma on my mind

"The human hunger for the questions never asked"....I love that line.

I've always loved "Magic Mirror", a fun look at how we tend to perceive others and are unable to see how they see us.

To the thieves I'’m a bandit, the mothers think I'm their son
To the preachers I'’m a sinner. Lord, I'm not the only one.
To the sad ones I'm unhappy, to the losers I'’m a fool.
With the students I'’m a teacher, to the teachers I'’m in school.

To the hobos I'’m imprisoned by everything I own.
To the solder I'’m just someone else who's dying to go home.
A general sees a number, the politicians too.
To my friends I'’m just an equal in this world.

Magic mirror, won't you tell me please. Do I find myself in anyone I see?
Magic mirror, if we only could, try to see ourselves as others would.

The wistful "Back To the Island"......well, I could've written it myself if I had Leon's talent.

Now the day is gone and I sit alone and think of you, girl
What can I do without you in my life?
I guess that our good thing just had to end that way
The hardest one to lose of all the games we played

But the time is past for living in a dream world
Lying to myself can't make that scene
Of wondering if you love me or just making a fool of me
Well I hope you understand I just had to go back to the island

I also enjoy singing along with "Lady Blue", "Stranger in a Strange Land", "Roll Away The Stone", "Ballad For a Soldier", "Crystal Closet Queen", "This Masquerade" and "Tightrope".

I find it fascinating how music is such a big part of so many of our lives. I can listen to Leon and feel such a range of emotions.....playful, wistful, sad, mischievous, jovial, and energetic. I can close my eyes and play the air keyboard on "A Song For You" and I'm in a different place. I can pound the steering wheel to "Tightrope" and feel like a boy again, ready to run away and join the circus. I cue up "Home Sweet Oklahoma" and consider what a journey this life has been. I listen to "Back To The Island" and think about the importance of letting go. I can let "This Masquerade" wash over me and ponder the meaning of life.

Hey Leon? You'll never read this, but thanks for the memories dude. You've made my life on this planet just a little bit richer.

(Update: If you're curious, you can listen to snippets of Leon's songs here and here from Amazon)

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Most people who read this blog know that I spent a good part of my adult life as a history teacher. Now I'm not in the classroom anymore, but I still occasionally get the itch. Guess what? I'm going to scratch that itch here by using my blogger's discretion to teach a history lesson. I plan on making this a semi-regular feature of this site (perhaps every other week). My thought is to select a figure out of history and do a feature post on him/her.

Slept through history in high school? Football coach teach it by handing out ditto sheets or word searches? This is your second chance. History is full of fascinating characters and I'd like to bring some of them alive to you here in my own words.

Ladies and gentlemen, meet John Brown. Look into his eyes. Those are the eyes of a man who could cold bloodedly hack another man to death with his sword, with his children cowering in the house. Those are the eyes of a man who believed that God put him on Earth for a reason. Those are the eyes of a man totally dedicated to his cause. Those are the eyes of a man who believed that the ends justified the means. He believed he had a personal responsibility to end slavery in America. It was his destiny, he believed to lead the slaves in a revolt against their owners.

John Brown would be considered a terrorist today by almost any definition. A cold blooded murderer. An insurrectionist against the government. A fanatic devoted to his cause. Think of someone who shoots an abortion doctor in his home. Think of Timothy McVeigh and the Oklahoma City bombing. We have our own John Browns running around today.

But his cause was righteous, wasn't it? How do you square the actions of someone who committed crimes for a cause that was right?

Brown is an unlikely person for us to be discussing almost 150 years after his death. He was born into a strict Calvinist family and grew up in an area known for its abolitionist sentiment. He fathered 20 children by two different wives, went bankrupt, and was a failure in one business venture after another. A loser. A hard luck story. A man whose friends even worried about his sanity.

So why are we talking about him at all? A failed businessman and farmer who many people regarded as insane is regarded as perhaps the individual most responsible for the outbreak of the American Civil War. He was referred to as the "meteor of the war". The song "John Brown's Body" would become an anthem to anti-slavery forces. ("John Brown's body lies a mouldering in the grave.")

By the 1850's there was a growing movement in the United States to end slavery. Much of the rest of the civilized world had already given up the practice, but the American South was not keen to give up what it regarded as the lifeblood of its economy. A coalition of ministers, civic activists, escaped slaves, and advocates of women's rights pushed for slavery's restriction and eventual abolition. Speeches were made. Sermons were given in churches. Rallies were held in the streets of northern cities. Pamphlets were distributed. "Uncle Tom's Cabin" became a bestseller with its depiction of the cruel slavemaster, Simon Legree.

John Brown felt like that all of this activity was simply not enough. He was disgusted with politicians like Abraham Lincoln, who he believed (correctly) would allow the continuation of slavery to prevent a breakup of the Union. Remember, Brown felt personal responsibility for ending slavery. It was his mission. He didn't want to slowly restrict it out of existence as the early Republican Party did. He wanted to END slavery. Now. A century before Malcom X uttered those famous words, Brown wanted to end slavery by "all means necessary".

When violence broke out between pro and anti slavery activists in Kansas, Brown jumped into the center of the action. He took several of his sons with him and went to Kansas to do battle with the forces of slavery. At last Brown had a chance to put his passion into practice. After the city of Lawrence was sacked by pro-slavery forces, Brown and his sons rode to a settlement on Pottawatomie Creek and hacked five men to death with their broadswords. This was war, and Brown believed he was acting as the arm of God.

In 1859 Brown and about 20 men crafted a plan to raid the federal arsenal in Harper's Ferry, Virginia. The plan was audacious. He and his men would seize as many of the 100,000 guns there as possible, ride south, and start freeing slaves. The freed slaves would take up arms with him and free even more. Brown envisioned himself as a general leading an army that would sweep through the South as God's army, wiping out slavery for good.

Things didn't work out that way. When Brown and his men tried to seize the arsenal they were resisted by the locals, who kept them pinned down until the army arrived. The army leader? None other than Robert E. Lee. Yes, that Robert E. Lee. Brown was captured, imprisoned, and put on trial for the crime of treason against the state of Virginia. Treason against a state! His trial drew spectators of all stripes and became a national spectacle. Brown was sentenced to death and had this to say to the court:

Now, if it is deemed necessary that I should forfeit my life for the furtherance of the ends of justice, and mingle my blood further with the blood of my children and with the blood of millions in this slave country whose rights are disregarded by wicked, cruel, and unjust enactments, I submit; so let it be done!

He was hanged a few weeks later at a hastily constructed gallows near the courthouse.

Brown's trial and hanging radicalized both sides of the slavery question. Southerners, seeing the threat of other John Browns, began arming themselves, forming militias, and secessionist ideas gained an even stronger hold. Many in the North viewed Brown as crazy, but his execution was like a clarion call to the abolition movement. He died for the cause. "What can we do to finish his work?", was the cry. A presidential election was less than a year away at Brown's death, and the nation was on edge....a powderkeg.

Look at Brown's life and actions. Was he a hero or a common criminal? Do the ends justify the means? When is it morally acceptable to do the wrong things for the right reason? Think about our own modern-day examples. Think about the line between right and wrong. Just think about it.

Thanks for your attention. Seeya next time.
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Its a lazy weekend and it seems like a perfect time for a meme. I came across this one on DL's blog, commented there, and indicated that I would put it up here. Answer the questions in comments and feel free to stick it up on your own blog if you're feeling as lazy as I am this weekend!

1. Who are you?
2. Are we friends?
3. When and how did we meet?
4. Do you have a crush on me?
5. Would you kiss me?
6. Give me a nickname and explain why you picked it.
7. Describe me in one word.
8. What was your first impression?
9. Do you still think that way about me now?
10. What reminds you of me?
11. If you could give me anything what would it be?
12. How well do you know me?
13. When's the last time you saw me?
14. Ever wanted to tell me something but couldn't?
15. Are you going to put this on your blog and see what I say about you?

Enjoy whats left of your weekend!
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Yes, its that time again. You can fry eggs on the sidewalk here and my vacation grows shorter by the day.

I have had time of course to take a little stroll around blogland. Wanna see my path? Start clicking.

Sue reviews evidence of her grandfather’s deeds in World War I. Trucker Bob thinks back to his own deeds in the Marine Corps.

Jack's son has a sad penis. She may not be sad, but Kim isn’t happy about the heat.

Fly Girl had the urge to literally kick her husband out of bed. Christine probably had the urge to kick her’s somewhere else when he objected to her buying toilet paper.

LitlSassy had sex with her husband and doesn’t remember it. T. Marie jumped off a cliff and definitely remembers that.

Karen has a toilet fan all rigged up. New Wave Gurly has friends coming in to visit.

Greek Shadow thinks his brother is mad at him. Bsoholic is plenty mad at whoever stole his car stereo.

SonSon likes to go to the movies by herself. Mary Lou can go to the movies more often now because she has a new job.

Mestiza has her artistic rituals. Red has a mouse in her house.

Monica gave life to a man’s fantasy in the bookstore. Teresa may not be doing fantasies, but she will be visiting the bookstore to buy the new Harry Potter book.

Bec shares 101 sexual things about herself. Whew! Pauly shares his thoughts about bubble gum ice cream.

Kyra wants a clean heart. Aka Monty wants to find a new boyfriend so she can buy new underwear.

Maddy shares some bits of herself. Hopefully, Penny will be sharing some of the pictures she takes with her new digital camera!

Life’s a beach for Breazy. Life’s not great for Charity right now, but she’s determined to make it better.

Dawn is loving “Big Brother”. Red Headed Gal is loving being sober.

Caren is knitting a pinwheel blanket. Jazzy was commenting while drunk.

Vickie is thinking about time. Splendid is thinking about the concept of happiness.

Walker is sluttier than I am…and that is saying something. Lewis may be crazier than I am….it wasn’t me who was petting a lion.

Cindra remembers summertime play. Stationery Queen remembers watching Live Aid.

Melanie wrote her name in the sand. Andie is writing her name the same way she did before she got married.

Amanda wasn’t thrilled with the car she bought. Sallie was pretty thrilled with this picture she took.

Sally remembers her first true love. John remembers listening to the “Star Spangled Banner”.

Shirazi wonders if blogging is addictive. Michelle wonders if she is going to pull her hair out.

Sleeping Mommy explains why she needs sleep. She should take a page from Mona’s book.

Chosha is looking for ideas for a personalized license plate. Libby is just glad that its Friday!

Candy Tuft got a call from a childhood friend. Stephanie got a meeting with her husband’s pet skunk. Go get’em Chuck.

Funky Cowboy is a real multi tasker. Chaotic Serenity is a real life coach.

Restless Angel has been taking a break from the computer. Babs has been pondering the concept of “belonging”.

Rachel doesn’t believe it when he tells her she is beautiful. Believe me when I tell you that these rainbows of Sara’s are beautiful.

DL is applying for a new job. Janet is attending her first Orthodox Jewish wedding.

Safiyyah gives her thoughts about the London bombings and Muslim deaths. Aubree gives her thoughts about her dog’s hat being too small.

Joe wants to know…what is it about blogging? Faith wanted to know….why did her daughter say that she didn’t play with her.

Janine does some free association. A.J. does some dreaming….and Billy Baldwin is involved.

Jennifer got the N.F.L. Sunday Ticket. Ginger got a very yummy meal.

Bored Housewife was so tired she couldn’t sleep. Inky had a birthday and no one could believe how old she was.

Christine submits a third person biography. Diana submits her next lesson on human sexuality.

Joan is ready to get into her garden. Erin is living on the edge.

Laine has a woman in her life. Lip Schtick has some Lean Cuisine dinners in hers..and she likes them!

Lisa got a raise. Yay! Thomai is rich whether she has money or not.

Nameless is jealous of the kid’s summertime. Undergraduate shares her thoughts about just letting kids…..be.

Prince Charming would like to have sex. Trick would like to have some money.

Roselle got really angry. Tish got really disappointed when she saw “Fantastic Four”.

Satisfied Spouse wonders if he’d miss her if she left. Wanda would miss “Big Brother” if she couldn’t watch it…its her guilty pleasure.

Stacey shares some pictures of Jack. Steph shares some information about Wal Mart.

Chubby Girl isn’t Martha Stewart. Annabel is too sexy for her blog.

Dewdrop isn’t giving her husband sex when he wants it. Edge just wants a vacation. He probably wants sex too.

Muse admits that her husband isn’t the only one at fault. Carol admits that her Imac might be dying.

Mystic has a lot of things going on. Old Horsetail Snake’s writing has a lot going on too.

Scorpy had Worlds of Fun. Diana is having lots of fun becoming a runner.

As always, I ask that you show a little love and appreciation to these fantastic bloggers. They deserve it.

Hey there. Yeah you. Have a great weekend! Ok?
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Money, get away.
Get a good job with good pay and you're okay.
Money, it'’s a gas.
Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash.

I have worked continuously for the past 28 years. During that time I don't believe I have gone a single month without a paycheck. I have earned approximately $750,000....about a weekly paycheck for Shaquille O'Neal. In financial terms what has it all meant? Does it really even matter?

My own poor decision making, two divorces, a low paying profession, and several multi-state moves have taken their toll on me. In material terms I am no better off than when I was 21 years old. I wish I could cast the blame elsewhere, but there is no one to blame but myself now. I can't do anything about the past now, but I can vow to do better in the future.

At age 21 I lived in an apartment with a TV, a stereo, my books, a few items of furniture, and a decent record collection. At age 44 I'm living in a rented house with a TV, a computer, my books that have survived all the moves, and an odd collection of furniture. I've owned four houses during that time, but thats in the past. I don't own a single thing that is worth more than a few hundred dollars. Not a single piece of jewelry. No valuable furniture. My computer is four years old and the rest of my electronics are older than that. In short, I'm a burglar's worst nightmare! I'm picturing a burglar saying to his partner, "geez, that house was a waste of time". Marrying me for my money would be like marrying Bill Clinton for his fidelity.

That I need to get my financial house in good order is without question. I've acquired no new debts in the past year and am slowly paying off the old ones. My salary will increase next year and my prospects for the future are good. This post isn't about complaining or worrying about my financial situation. I'll get there.

What does it mean anyway? This green stuff we get in our hands, pay bills with, go out to eat with, and put gas in our cars with? One of the goals of work obviously is to put food on our tables and a roof over our head. It provides us with the resources to travel or buy that new book or CD.

If the goal of life is to accumulate as much stuff as possible, I've been a miserable failure. I made certain choices when I was younger, and a series of choices since then, that have precluded that. I can't deny that when I see people my own age who have the fancy house, the nice cars, and the other "stuff" that I don't feel a twinge of envy.

But then I think of the choices I could have made to have the "things" they have. A different career. No children. Marrying a high powered wage earner. Some better choices in other areas. You know what? I wouldn't change much of anything except for a few of my boneheaded decisions. Even some of those decisions led to lasting memories that I treasure.

I submit that accumulating "stuff" isn't what its all about. "Yeah Brian", you say, "its easy for someone who doesn't have much to say that. Its like the kid who doesn't make the team saying he didn't really want to play anyway." Maybe so. But I don't want to be judged by how expensive a car I can borrow money to drive. I don't want my legacy to be how fancy a stereo system I have. I don't want to be remembered for that really cool Persian rug in my living room.

I'm a boy and of course I enjoy my toys, but they aren't what is really important. An IPOD wouldn't make life worth living (even though I wouldn't mind finding out). A closet full of designer suits doesn't make me more of a man than the off-the-rack ones I wear now. Jetting off to Paris for the weekend sounds like fun, but I would probably enjoy a camping trip with the kids or a wild weekend getaway just as much.

I'm living more simply now than I have in years. The material quality of my life is dramatically lower. I don't eat out as much. I buy fewer gadgets and fewer books. I spend less on movies and entertainment. I check prices at the grocery store. I've even used a coupon a time or two.

Along the way I've discovered that it isn't that bad. In some ways it is actually good. Its not a bad thing in this life to discover the things you can live without. It makes the things you can't live without all that sweeter. You've prioritized and made choices. Choose to spend your precious dollars on a movie for the kids? A meal at my favorite restaurant? That new book that looks too good to wait for? A lunch date? A new karaoke CD for Aubree and I to sing along to? I've learned to enjoy a simpler, less materialistic life. I can't have it all. I don't NEED it all. I'm here to say today that I don't have a lot of money, but am happier than I've been in quite awhile.

Money won't buy me love. Money won't make me love my work any more than I already do. Money won't make me a better man. Money won't make my kids happy. They don't need every new toy under the sun. Patrick and I have gotten hours of enjoyment out of a checker/chess combo set that cost a few bucks. That frisbee that Aubree and I got for one dollar has gotten a ton of use.

This is a difficult subject to write about because I've always had pride where money is involved. I would cringe when my wife would casually say to another couple, "we can't go with on you on that trip or that evening out. We can't afford it." I preferred to make some excuse instead. Don't admit you don't have the money! Can't do that. Better to say that you're coming down with a virus or have a previous engagement. Pride goeth before the fall.

I still have pride, but I'm not afraid to discuss the issue. I don't have a lot of money. There are worse things than that.

A lot worse.
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Just in case you ever wondered, Wednesday gets its name from the Norse/Germanic God Woden(or Odin). Woden's Day. Wednesday. See it?

I'm currently reading Frederick Forsyth's "Avenger". Another pure fun summer reading experience. I've also been exercising that more geeky/academic part of my brain by reading Studs Terkel's "The Good War" and a biography of Lazar Kaganovich, one of Joseph Stalin's most trusted advisers.

The last two books I checked out of the library. The kids and I visited the library a few days ago and each of us checked out two books. This is the the very same library I spent a great deal of time in as a kid. While we browsed for books, memories of sitting over in that corner during the summer reading program flooded into my head.

This also triggered a memory of meeting Billy Carter in that same library. Billy was President Jimmy Carter's brother. If you don't remember Billy, he was famous for shooting off his mouth and embarassing his presidential brother. I had him autograph a can of "Billy Beer" (which I'd promised never to even think about opening and drinking). I don't know whatever happened to the can. Maybe I did drink it.



In the spirit of openess I reveal a score on one of those silly internet quizzes. Geez, I'm not that bad. Must be some kind of problem with the software!




I've been the picture of domesticity in the last week. Doing little projects. Playing checkers with Patrick. Doing some writing. Tossing the Frisbee around in the yard. Mowing. Cooking. Getting bored yet? I think I am!

Aubree has been having a ton of fun on her new computer. She even made a post to her blog for the first time in months. She tells me that she is going to post more frequently. We'll see.

This post lists eight of the most overrated songs of all time. I must have very poor taste in music because I kinda like all of them! (via Steph). "Stairway to Heaven"? "American Pie"? Oh well!

So how is YOUR week going?
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I can remember teasing my female friends for buying magazines like Cosmopolitan and other women's magazines chock full of advice about men. I've snickered at the article titles while standing in line at the grocery store."How Do I Tell Him I'm Still A Virgin"? "How Do I Know If I'm Having An Orgasm?" . "Sexy Summer Hairstyles" . "The Trick to Meeting Guys". "Spicing Up Your Sack Sessions". They were funnier and more interesting than tabloid headlines about alien abductions, women giving birth to 50 lb. babies, and the President's secret treaty with would-be Martian invaders. I would pick up and scan the articles and try to avoid the amused looks of the people that stood in line behind me.

This article points out that:

You see women have been studying "us" since they were old enough to read. When we're out burning ants, playing ball, or watching cartoons, they're pouring over the latest edition of Seventeen and discovering "New Kissing Techniques that Will Leave Him Drooling."

They're having slumber parties, giggling, and professing the merits of playing hard to get, not returning phone calls, flirting strategies, not looking desperate, body language, or whatever. They're learning the "game" and how to play it... and very very well.

Hey now, burning ants, playing ball, and watching cartoons was fun! How were we to know what you girls were doing at your slumber party?

Of course I did all this snickering in the security of a marriage. Who would pay for advice about how to seduce/please the opposite sex? Isn't this stuff everyone knows? What is it that you really need to know?

Now I'm a single guy and I must bow my head and confess that I have occasionally perused articles about how to attract members of the fairer sex. Yeah, I know. But I thought a guy needs every edge he can get....right? What you find is the occasional kernel of good advice mixed in with some that seems wrongheaded or downright hilarious. Let me take you on a little tour:

"How To Get A Woman's Phone Number The Right Way" gives surefire insights into the psyche of women:

Women prefer men sporting Kobe Bryant's physique, Johnny Depp's Face, Bill Gates' bank account, Barry White's voice, and Ron Jeremy's schlong. Most men, alas, aren't all these qualities rolled up into one pretty little package.

They do? I'm not? My bubble is burst now.

Most women, for example, would love the idea of a man they just met taking them out shopping. But taking a woman shopping will put any attraction she felt toward you on its deathbed. The sight of a pussy whipped man taking a woman he's just met shopping, in my opinion, is more grotesque than seeing a baby calf being slaughtered...

But, but, but....I like shopping! I will however, defer to the experts on this question.

Also - I'm working on a product where I break down step-by-step the subtle behaviors women display when they want you to ask for their number.

I can't wait to get a copy!

"Are You The Jealous Type?" warns against the peril of ever letting her see you sweat.

Jealousy is one of the quickest and surest ways to get dumped. Jealousy is a sign of insecurity. It indicates a lack of confidence on your part. By acting in a jealous fashion you're essentially "telling her" that you don't feel worthy of her love, and that you're worried she's going to find one of the many, many guys out there who are "better than" you.

Who knew? I always thought a jealous rage would get you everywhere.

"The Kiss of Death" warns against obsessing over a woman, reassures guys that understanding women is a lost cause, and talks about "reading women":

Now, no one knows exactly why women give off such mixed signals and deliberately, it seems, attempt to confuse us. Some suspect it's those magazines they read. Others think it has to do with the secret bathroom conferences they hold. Still others propose that their illogical behaviors are due to the wacky hormones they have surging throughout their bodies. The cause is relatively unimportant. You just have to accept it, and plot your strategy to deal with it.

I always knew it had something to do with those bathroom conferences.

Simple: If you're attracted to a girl, then just ASSUME she's attracted to you too. And ACT ACCORDINGLY.

I'll remember that when I run into Angelina Jolie.

"The Seductive Power of the Oxytocin Response Demystified" discusses the importance of touching:

Begin with small touches on the hands and arms to make her oxytocin hormones kick in. As you progress, play footsies with her under table. Take her hand when you walk together (don't ask, just take it). Tell her to sit on your lap and stroke her thighs (again, don't ask just do).

Is this where the old "yawn, stretch, and let your arm fall" approach kicks in?

"Look Into My Eyes" informs of the importance of eye contact and says that you can gauge interest by looking at her pupils:

Thus, you can often tell if a woman is attracted to you by observing her pupils, and noting whether they expand or contract (or maybe do nothing) when she looks at you. (Note: contracting would not be good for you... as it likely means she not only is not attracted to you, but actively dislikes you. Sorry about that.)

I guess all those years of looking at my shoes wasn't the way to go.

"Why Not Just Be Yourself" advises that "being yourself" is the very last thing you want to be if you want to attract a woman.

Undoubtedly, the most common tip I see, whether it's in an article written by some famous relationship guru, or a post to a discussion group by some 15-year old freshman... is JUST BE YOURSELF. If sheer volume were any indication of quality, then this tip would surely be in the Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, volume is no indication of quality when it comes to relationship advice. In fact, much of the time it's just the opposite. "Just Be Yourself" is the one tip I'll never use. Not at the web site. Not in the newsletter. Not anywhere.

Hmmm. Why didn't I think of that? Now I just need to figure out which persona I can adopt. Richie Cunningham earnest? Fonzie cool? "Hawkeye" Pierce sarcastic guy with a heart? Think I could pull off Arnold Schwarzenegger's "I'll be back"?

Maybe I should try and write some advice on my own. Of course, that would be like a bankrupt guy writing about financial management. George W. Bush writing an article about the proper use of the English language. Brittney Spears writing about chastity. Russell Crowe writing about anger management. Richard Simmons discussing how to be macho.

I guess I'll leave the advice to the "experts"!

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I've seen the question in various blogs and comments in the past few weeks. I've wondered about it myself. I've always thought it was just an interesting question. It goes to the very heart of human nature, sexuality, and relationships. Never let it be said that I'm afraid to wade into controversial waters! The question?

Can men and women truly be just friends?

Well, yes of course, would be my first reaction. I've had many female friends in my life from childhood right up to the present day. Good friends. They were people whose company I enjoyed, whose opinions I valued, and who I viewed as an important part of my life.

Lets look at this in two different categories: A) people of the opposite sex that you consider a friend but have never been physical with and B) people of the opposite sex that you have been physical with in the past but are just friends now.

Obviously, category A comprises a much larger group of people for most of us. Lets toss out the casual friends that you say hi to in the grocery store and the people you chat politely with at work. Real friends. The kind you call on the phone to talk about what is going on in your life. The kind that give you gifts at Christmas or your birthday. You email regularly and consider them an important part of your life. You grab a cup of coffee or a drink with them now and then.

I have friends like that. They've caused a few raised eyebrows a time or two. "Look at all the time they spend together. They're always laughing....". I issue the obligatory "we're just friends", roll my eyes, and appear appropriately disgusted that their dirty minds just can't comprehend the idea that a man and woman can be JUST friends. We are, you know. We talk about work, the kids, friendships, life events....whatever it is that brought us together in the first place as friends.

The question might even be.....are you attracted to them? Well, yes of course I am. It might not be the kind of attraction you're thinking though. Maybe I'm really attracted to their sense of humor. Maybe I'm attracted to a common philosophy we share about work. Perhaps she is someone that I really just "click" with and enjoy talking to. I might be physically attracted to her but would never act on it for a variety of reasons. It can be kinda funny. Its ridiculous to try and make people believe that you've NEVER noticed that your female friend is attractive. Of course you notice. You've probably seen or heard of something like this...the wife tells her husband, "coworker A is certainly attractive." The husband responds, "oh yeah, I guess. I haven't really noticed." Dance the dance and say the right things you know :).

I might not be physically attracted to her at all...that certainly makes it easier and less complicated, doesn't it? If there is no physical attraction on the part of either one, that component is removed. What if one person is physically attracted but not the other one? That's more complicated but not lethal. We're not animals...we can control what we do with our attraction. The thought might flicker across your mind but you reject it and move on. That unspoken, not-to-be-acted-on attraction is just part of the fabric of the friendship.

Then there is category B. You've been intimate with them and probably have been in a relationship of some kind with them. They know you well, better than most people out there. Is it possible to have just a friendship with someone like that? Or does the old chemistry always get in the way? You can't undo what happened or erase it from your memory. You might feel jealousy if they are seeing someone else even if you know it is irrational. The pretenses aren't there and intimate conversation is easy. You share a lot of the same friends and probably some of the same interests. They know things that your "regular friends" don't know. But there can also be a certain awkwardness....certain areas that you just can't talk about. Often there is enough history, warmth, and affection to carry you through.

I have some of these kind of friendships as well. We were together and now we're not. But some of the same things that attracted us together in the first place are still there. Can you preserve just those components without having the "other thing" get in the way? I think so, but it takes time and it doesn't work with everyone. There are people I've been involved with that I really would have a hard time being friends with. With others, I treasure that friendship.

These kind of friendships become a little problematic when one or the other of you is involved in another serious relationship. Those friendships can be very threatening to the significant other in your life. Jealousy can rear its big ugly head. I've known people who have made it work and I've known others that had to give up that friendship for the sake of their relationship.

Men and women can be friends. We all know that. But the dynamic of human sexuality make those friendships a little more complicated than our same-sex friendships. That's ok too. Its part of what makes life interesting.
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One of the true loves of my life since a very young age has been the game of basketball. My dad was a former high school basketball coach, and we grew up with a goal in our driveway. Dad taught me how to shoot as soon as I was old enough and strong enough to get the ball to the basket.

He taught me the mechanics of shooting a ball and then it was up to me. I spent thousands of hours in that driveway. Shooting. Over and over. By myself and with others. It didn't matter. I practiced shooting free throws and it wasn't uncommon for me to shoot 1000 without stopping. I built a wooden ramp and placed it under the basket. Make the shot? The ball rolls back to you. Miss? You've gotta chase it.

When I was old enough I started playing competitive basketball. I was scrawny and not the best athlete that ever walked on the court. I rode the bench a lot in elementary and junior high school. "Great stroke", the coaches would say but I wasn't big enough, strong enough, or fast enough to compete with my more athletically gifted classmates. All those hours in the backyard did occasionally pay off. In warmup drills I would put on a ballhandling show for people in the stands while my teammates clapped. I would occasionally get in the game and hit a shot or two.

Finally, in high school I started to grow. I was a 5'7", 115 lb. sophomore and graduated as a 6'4" 170 lb. senior. I finally got to play and became a pretty good high school player. Not a superstar, but a good player. I could dunk the ball. I could shoot very well. I graduated and spent a year playing junior college ball, gave up the game, and moved on with my life.

Now as a grown man I can't walk past a basketball goal without stopping to shoot a few. I do it on the playground at work. I do it every single time I visit my parent's house. I walk into their backyard and the goal is there. A ball is laying on the ground. It calls out to me. I pick it up and start shooting.

Its all about the rhythm. The bouncing of the ball. I dribble it hard and fast, feeling it push back into my fingertips on the up-bounce. I grip the ball and start to rise into the air like I've done literally millions of times. Its not a matter of thought. You don' t THINK, "this is what I'm going to do." You just do it. As I'm rising into the air I'm adjusting the ball in my hands. I'm not a great athlete but my hands are large and strong. When I reach the peak of my jump I flick my wrist and release the ball. It floats through the air toward the goal. Before I even hit the ground again I know if its a good shot or not. You can FEEL it. You know. When the ball swishes through the net its an affirmation. You've still got it. I'm a rhythm shooter. It may take me a few shots to get into that rhythm, but when I do, look out. Its almost effortless, and sometimes it feels like art.

Just like I did when I was a child, I find shooting baskets to be a great way to think about whats going on in my life. Its a helluva lot cheaper than a therapist. Because I'm not really thinking about the shot I can think about other things. That hoop in our driveway got me through a lot of hard times. In trouble with my mom? Go shoot. Get in trouble in school? Go shoot. Having problems with a friend? Go shoot. Girlfriend dump me? Time to go shoot. The rhythm of the ball, the physical activity, sweating, the repetition, and perhaps the affirmation that THIS is something I can do well. I've still got the stroke and I'll keep doing it until I'm to feeble to raise my arms above my head.

In some ways it is a metaphor for life. You know what to do. You know what it takes to make it happen. You've practiced it, learned it, and been taught it. You've seen what happens when you do it wrong. Its a matter of taking all you have learned and applying it. Sometimes you can't buy a basket. Everything rims out. I've certainly had my share of life rim-outs. Sometimes you just can't miss. It feels like you're tossing rocks into the ocean. I've felt those highs too. You know everything won't always go right for you. But you also know that your skill and experience will win out in the end if you let it. Just keep stroking it....everything will be ok. (Yes, I'm aware of the sexual innuendo there. I can't believe y'all have such dirty minds...well, maybe I can :))

Now? I feel like I've been on the injured list. Out of the game. Rusty. But my stroke is coming back. I'm starting to feel the rhythm. I can go left, right, or take it up the middle.

You know what though? It doesn't matter. I'm going to make it just fine.

*Swish*
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Welcome one and all to this weekend's edition of the weekend roundup! I have gone to the trouble of picking out some of blogland's best posts for you. I'm constantly amazed at the quality of writing I find, the eloquence, the sincerity, the passion, and the high quality of people I find out there. Check out these posts and I think you'll agree with me:

Safiyyah gives her thoughts about London from a Muslim perspective. Restless Angel has some random thoughts.

Christine’s husband is a hypochondriac. Redneck Diva’s husband is a South Park character…and so is the rest of her family.

Cedia educates us about the difference between queeb and queebf…in case you were curious. Chosha educates us about a book she just read. It sounds great…check out the author’s blog here.

Shelli is offering some free music on her site. SonSon could be offering you some poison ivy. Apparently she’s grown enough of it.

Monica has some guilty pleasures. Penny has some pleasurable things planned for the summer.

Funky Cowboy has had a weird week. Lisa’s week involved an out-of-town trip and a high maintenance roommate.

Libby spent some time in a lighthouse. Red spent some time driving around with the windows down.

Vickie is undergoing testing. Keep her in your prayers. Ellen’s testing revealed some good news!

New Wave Gurly gives her review of “Hit Me Baby One More Time.” Sara reviews her sex life with her ex husband.

Sally has visitors coming. Karen has a weekend trip to Denver coming.

Breazy is enjoying her new computer. Teresa enjoyed going to see “Bewitched”.

Charity is trying to find a blog for each of the 50 states. Help her out! Bec may not have been trying to remember this experience, but a scent triggered the memory.

Dewdrop celebrates London’s successful bid for the 2012 Olympics. Data celebrates what Kenny Rogers did to that cameraman,

Walker tells a story from the “Don’t Tell” file. Cyn tells the story of her 4^th of July.

Trucker Bob has some ideas for cleaning up American politics. Cindra had an idea for treating mosquito bites and discovered others had the same idea.

Splendid is having a splendid time at the beach. Chaotic Serenity had a good time…a rock-n-roll weekend.

Sleeping Mommy “rudolphed” her husband’s nose. Leslie let her husband serenade her with his new guitar.

Satisfied Spouse isn't feeling well. Anne feels like she shouldn't get pulled into other people's lives.

Shirazi shares his observations on relationships and communication. Zoots Mom shares her observations on the first episode of “Big Brother”.

April needs some help. Why should she be allowed into the club?

Greek Shadow has some ideas about how to treat terrorist attacks. Joe thought he was boring and had some ideas about how to shake his blog up.

Dawn had a meltdown. Maddy just needs to take a break.

Jack hates coupons and club cards. Shara hates having tech problems.

Stationery Queen got interviewed. Think you’d want to interview the world’s ugliest dog? Courtesy of Lip Schtick.

Caren is missing her man. While he is gone, maybe she could read some of Diana’s human sexuality information.

Scorpy’s “hens and chicks” are behaving unusually. Christine wasn’t behaving unusually when she seduced Brandy.

Joan’s brother had a heart attack. Prayers and thoughts her way please. Michelle’s sons are on their way to Missouri.

Brenda celebrated the 4^th in Frog Jump, Tennessee. Gotta love it. Melanie isn’t exactly celebrating her time at the beach.

Mary Lou cried at an Oprah rerun. Lewis isn’t crying but he is too tired to post.

Pauly tells a tale of revenge. Stephanie tells a tale of an unintended snub.

Ginger pays a birthday tribute to Stephanie. Sallie pays a birthday tribute to the United States.

A.J. hates poetry and some kinds of blogs. Erin hates most chip dips but she likes this one.

Aka Monty shares the “Good Wife’s Guide”. Chuck shares his idea for the “greatest invention ever.”

It looks like Flax had a great 4^th of July. It sounds like Laine enjoyed her morning.

Prince Charming is looking for things to do in Hawaii. Juno is trying to get past writer’s block.

Jen is in the middle of buying a house…or trying to. John and his wife were in the middle of running and walking during 4^th of July.

Steph has a question to ask about charity fundraising. Snowball has a quote to share.

Red Headed Gal was feeling a little jittery. Tish was feeling outraged over the events in London.

T. Marie just wants to know….why? Babs wants to know why Typepad was giving her so much trouble.

Wanda is curious to know if you “mentally blog” like she does. (raising my own hand). Sounds like she needs to talk to Jennifer about it.

Undergraduate had the experience of a lifetime. Trick listened to “Red Red Wine” and admits liking it.

Sue could be the lovechild of Yoda and Padme. Old Horsetail Snake could be an author. He’s writing. “Das Book.”

Puglet was feeling rather pissy. Molly was feeling a little frustrated.

Janine would just as soon not see a paintbrush for awhile. FlyGirl is just happy we can find joy in the little things.

Faith is thinking about going after the ex for child support. Inky is NOT thinking about dating this guy. At least I think she isn’t.

Andie got married…again! Carol’s son is applying for a new job.

Annabel shares alternative dating profiles. Cetta shares her weekend in pictures.

There are some things that irk DL. Roselle’s score on the drinking test bother her.

Nameless is planning a wild night. Rachel could be planning a seduction.

Lets say that Janet is a little frustrated with HaloScan. Lets say that Dan Brown has a new fan…and his name is Goody.

Thomai’s father passed away. I’m so sorry Thomai. My condolences and best wishes.

Now there...wasn't that just great?

People always ask me how long this takes to do. All told? Approximately 4-5 hours spread out over a couple of days. It really is a labor of love and my way of giving something back to the blogging community that has given so much to me.

Go visit new blogs and old. Spread some comments their way. There are some superb blogs on this list that don't get much traffic. Show'em some love and tell'em I sent ya!

Have a great weekend everyone! I sure intend to!
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Word comes out of London. Four separate explosions. Three of them in the subway system. Another on a bus. Dozens dead, perhaps more. Hundreds injured. A shadowy group claims "credit" for the explosions.

Credit eh? You want credit? You want to take responsibility for this? You're proud? You really accomplished something didn't you? Its not clear yet whether you just planted bombs or persuaded some sap to strap bombs to his chest and do a "suicide bombing".

I'll give you credit. After all, killing innocent civilians is tough work. Not everyone can do it. How does a person go about removing their heart, eradicating their humanity, and installing a healthy dose of cruelty? Most of us wouldn't do it for any amount of money. We wouldn't do it to further a "cause". A cause!! You have a cause. That makes you special doesn't it? Your cause is worth anything. Any life. All of our lives. Soldiers out of there or a homeland over here. Maybe your cause has some merit. Maybe it doesn't. You know what? What you've done makes me less likely to listen to it and I don't think I'm alone.

I hope you don't think you're original. Fanatics like you having been killing people in the name of God, king, country, state, ideology, and many other reasons for thousands of years. Fanaticism is an unfortunate strain in human nature. History is replete with examples of people who believed that their ideas were the only thing that mattered and that people were just pawns in some game. Those people don't matter, right? They died for your "cause".

Let me tell you about two people who were on the same streets just last week and riding a bus just like the one you blew up. They are my children. Their names are Patrick and Aubree. They were there to visit their mother and to see a country they'd never seen before.

Look at those faces. Just look at them. They know nothing of your cause. He wants to build a robot and dreams of being an inventor. She wants to be a dancer or a singer. They came back talking about castles and getting to see Big Ben. They've never harmed you or anyone else.

They could've been there this week. On that bus or in that subway. Your bombs could've snuffed out their young lives. They don't know anything about any cause you think you believe in. That wouldn't have mattered, would it? You still would've proudly issued that communique. Just bodies in your count. Marks on your scoreboard. Thats what counts, isn't it? You think God is proud of you. You struck a blow for the cause.....for the oppressed. Right?

My children weren't there....and thank God for that. But other people's children were. Other people's husbands or wives. Other people's brothers or sisters. Best friends. Co-workers. People who mattered.....and we all matter. People who were minding their own business. There is a story behind each and every one of those lives, just like there is a story about my children. A father won't see his daughter get married now. A son just lost his mother. A book won't get written. A lover kissed someone goodbye that morning and will never see them again. A tourist who had saved for years for that special trip.

You arrogantly decided that their lives didn't matter. They were part of the "enemy" right? You didn't act on behalf of God. You PLAYED God. You chose to slaughter people...maim them and kill them.

I recognize that a lot of planning and coordination went into your "attack". Why aren't you using that determination and talent to better things for your people? Your country? The rest of the world? Why aren't you planning to build a water treatment plant in a poor village? Creating a food bank? Making sure children get immunized? Helping the elderly? Teaching school? You could be, you know. Not sexy enough for you? You'd rather kill instead?

Now you're just a murderer. A thug. A killer. Your life will never be the same. You'll be hunted down and killed or imprisoned. Your "cause" won't be advanced one iota. Even if you're not caught I believe providence has a way of evening the score. You won't get away with this. I could fill this page with adjectives and names I could think of to call you. Its not worth my keystroke or a breath from my children's lips. You've shown what you are and the words don't even matter.

My heart goes out to the victims, family members, and all the people in Great Britain. Today, we are all citizens of London.
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Is it already Wednesday already? Everything is jumbled up when I'm on vacation. I'm not expecting much sympathy from anyone though!

This picture of the kiddies was taken on a bus somewhere in London. Of course there is the one of Aubree in the back yard.

We had a wonderful 4th of July party at my brother's house. He lives on 5 acres in the country and has an in-ground pool in his backyard. I don't think Aubree left that pool for three straight hours. Patrick was in there a long while too. We ate hamburgers, sausages, and hot dogs, swam, talked and laughed, and just thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We could see the fireworks display in a town a few miles away and set off quite a few of our own. Just a wonderful time. I haven't felt this good at a holiday in a very long time.

I had my daughter home for a few days and now she is off at her friend's house. Such a little social animal she is. I called over there tonight to talk to her and they gave her the phone in the pool. She was having a great time but she was jealous that I had taken Patrick to McDonalds. Aaaah, kids.

We're doing a lot of summer cleaning around here. Aubree had four trash bags of clothing that she had outgrown or wasn't wearing anymore. We'll send those to Goodwill. Next stop is Patrick's clothes, but that won't be so bad.

A guilty blog pleasure I've had recently is 100 Reasons I Hate My Husband. This reads like a how-not-to-do-it manual for guys and the writing is just hilarious. You may think its cold, but oh man is it funny!

Another guilty pleasure? The Sports Illustrated 1995 online swimsuit gallery. I remember that issue! It had some great articles.

I've been getting encouragement from various quarters to write a book. I'm thinking about it. The hard part is congealing so many ideas and inspirations into an idea I want to write about.

Can you believe football season is only a few short weeks away?

I'm currently reading Lee Child's "The Enemy". Pure summer reading fun.

I was trying to check on a technical problem with my comments and came across this statistic. I've received 5495 comments on this blog since December, 2004. Wow. It gives me an idea for a post.

Patrick and I are currently planning a trip to the library. He's read everything in his room and its time to get him some new material. We also plan to go fishing in the near future.

I'm enjoying myself. I'm doing some writing. I'm doing a lot of the little projects around here that are easy to put off in the crunch of the school year. I'm enjoying the kids. I'm doing some reading. We plan on breaking the bikes out and going for some rides. I throw the Frisbee with the dog. You know something? Life isn't half bad.

So how is YOUR week going?
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I was transfixed watching the webcast of Live8 concerts. I was especially enthralled by watching the reunion of Pink Floyd on the stage. Twenty years apart. Reuniting for a special night and a special purpose. I wonder what they felt? All those years apart. What did it feel like to be together again? Their hair was gray and their faces aging, but they sounded great. They had a magical moment in time all those years ago and they revived it this past weekend.

It got me to thinking. Yes, I know, lots of things get me to thinking. What if we could have our own Pink Floyd moments? Bring those people back from our pasts. Relive those magical times? What would it be like?

Lets leave the ex-wives and girlfriends out of this. Get your minds out of the gutter!

I think about my high school basketball team my senior year. Mark, Kent, Sam, David, Tim, Darryl, Willie, and all the rest of the gang. I remember all the funny things...the towel snapping antics of high school boys, peeking into the girl's locker room, laughing at our coach behind his back. But we had our moments. We were a small school one night playing the #3 team in the state. At halftime we trailed by over twenty points. The coach came in at halftime and cussed us out, calling us "gutless". He stormed out and we all sat there in silence. One of the guys looked over at me and said, "fuck him". I said it even louder...."fuck him". Others joined in the chorus. We went back out and played the best basketball the team (and I) ever played. We pulled to within one point of the team that would become state champions that year. The next week we won the conference tournament in a huge upset.

What if we got together and played a game again? Does Mark still have that sweet jump shot from the wing? Does Sam still hit all those funny looking shots? Does Kent still have those quick hands? Will Tim finally pass me the damn ball when I'm open? We're all in our 40's now. I wonder if we still have any game left? What would it be like to anchor that zone defense once more and look around and see all my buddies? Would that locker room camaraderie still be there?

I might suggest a reunion of my dorm buddies from my freshman year in college. Scott, Brett, Brad, David, and Rodney. What are all those guys up to these days I wonder? Those guys corrupted me and I willingly let them do it. Small town boy away from home for the first time. I was sowing some very wild oats and these were just the guys to do it with. We played "Spades" to all hours of the night. Ever played "Spades"? We played games to 10,000 points. I drank more beer in that year than the rest of my life combined. I partook of a sweet smelling illegal substance in pretty decent quantities. Then I played chess with my buddies. Ever played chess when you're messed up? I used to swear that those pieces came alive and were talking to me. We had party after party at the nearby lake. We hit on the high school girls...the college girls. We hit on all the girls as a matter of principle. We went to the all-you-can-eat pizza places and almost ran them out of business.

I'm not sure my body would allow me to re-live those moments. Would we just sit around and talk about jobs, mortgages, and kids? Do you know how far those things were from our minds back then? We were young, invincible, and had the world by the tail. The single biggest concern we had was who had money to buy beer tonight and what girls we could hook up with. I do wonder if David still has that laugh. I wonder if Scott would still throw things at me if I called him "Scat" like I used to. I wonder if Brad still gets high every day before he even brushes his teeth.

How about my Domino's Pizza crew from my college working days? Eric, Sasa, Abe, Beth, Hal, Linda, and all the rest? Eric was the manager and he almost fired me the second night on the job because my car kept breaking down. We later became really good friends. We played jokes on each other and laughed so hard I thought I would cry. Three brothers owned the company and they were all obnoxious jerks. One of them had a favorite plant that he put in the lobby. We didn't like him, therefore we didn't like that plant. We'd drag it to the back of the store every night and abuse it. We peed in it. We poured bleach in the soil. We poured grease in there. We couldn't kill it! It was like him, always around. Finally, after months of abuse the plant began to turn brown. Yay. He kept coming in and watering it and adding fertilizer to it. We kept abusing it. After many months of this the plant died. We were soooo bad.

Think maybe we could do a few pizza runs for old time's sake? Dodge the campus police? Try to explain once more that your pizza wasn't REALLY late? Have water fights in the back of the store? Go to Denny's afterward and sit and laugh until the sun came up? I wonder if Abe still has that temper that caused me to witness him challenge at least three customers to fights over the phone? I wonder if Hal will finally admit that I was a better driver than he was? Think Eric would still get mad at me if I walked by the toppings bar and snagged a couple of jalapeno peppers like I always did? I wonder if I could still roll, sauce, and cheese a large pizza in 30 seconds? (its harder than it looks) Is Beth still the flirt she always was?

It would be fun to find out.
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Well, since my baby left me,
I found a new place to dwell.
It’s down at the end of lonely street
At heartbreak hotel.

Dear Proprietor/Heartbreak Hotel:

I must inform you that I am checking out of your fine institution. I wish to thank you for the fine service you've provided over the last year and I hope my rather long stay didn't extend you too much. I don't know how long your average customer stays but it feels like I've been here a rather long time. I'm glad this isn't the Hotel California. I know I can check out anytime I like, but I really do want to leave. You'll find my generous tip on the nightstand.

Its been a year since I first lugged all my baggage in your front door. I started to explain why I was there, but you smiled and waved me off. You'd heard it all before. I was sure I was the only person in the world who felt this way. You gave me the ten-cent tour, some bedside reading, and an extra toothbrush. "Hey buddy", you said. "You'll get over it some day. We all do."

"Hey man!", I replied, "you just don't understand. My heart is permanently broken. In pieces. I can't even pick it up. I'll need to borrow your whisk broom and dustpan just to get it all in one place again." You puffed on your stogie, and blue smoke swirled around your head when you sighed and said, " my friend, all it takes is time. The human heart has the ability to heal and regenerate itself. You'll see. Now take these clean towels and go find your room."

At first I felt so alone in your well-appointed room. Your staff didn't bother me much. "Sir, would you like some more tissue? Some ice for your drink? Some little streamers for the pity party bash you're putting on perhaps?" I reveled in my isolation, savored the darkness, and turned away from the light. "When you are ready sir", you intoned, "the anti-bitterness potion can be found in the vending machine at the end of the hall. Slot A-3 and be sure to have exact change. You might also want to sip some of the you're-not-a-loser liqueur. Try it on the rocks with a splash of ginger ale." I can't say they tasted great, and they worked pretty slow, but I'm glad I took your suggestion. You didn't even say anything when I grabbed the machine and shook it with all my might to get the damn things to drop down.

That cute little maid that came in to turn my bed down? I wanted to bend her over my bed and have my way with her. She smiled sweetly and said, "Sir, we'd probably both really enjoy that a lot. But that isn't what you need right now. Broken hearts have to be soldered back together slowly. Elmer's Glue won't do the job. What you seek lies within you, not between my legs." I thought she was being a smartass. Young hottie maids..What do they know anyway? But over time I began to see what she was saying.

When I called the front desk in a rage one night you told me, "Sir, seek out friends. People who will listen to you and take the time to know you. You're not alone in this world. You have family who cares about you. Kids that love you. Friends who would drop what they are doing to be there for you. New friends who are just waiting to be a part of your life." "Hey dude, you just run a fricking hotel. What do you know about me?", I yelled. "No one else could possibly comprehend how I feel!" I was enraged when you chuckled and hung up the phone. A few minutes later there was a knock at my door. "Room service sir. The manager asked me to send up a carafe of his special concoction. He calls it his telephone company special. Just reach out and touch someone."

I took your advice. I wondered if a man with no taste in cigars would know anything, but I thought I had nothing to lose. I got in touch with old friends. I kept up conversations with current ones. I met some wonderful new people. Some of them touched my life in ways I could not have imagined. People I could trust. People I could count on. People who taught me things. People who gave me hope. Do you know how powerful it is to realize that so many people give a damn? When people that know you call to see how you're doing? When people you've never even met reach out a hand of friendship? When someone can look at you with all of your warts and find you attractive? I may try one of those cigars of yours.

The bartender downstairs sympathetically poured me a drink and said, "Sir, don't forget your kids in all this. They need their dad and they are smarter than you think. They understand that this is a tough time for you. If you let them, they'll help you through it without even knowing that is what they're doing." I sputtered and said, "hey man, the kids can't see me as not being perfect. Its not right." He chuckled and as he poured me another one said, "you work with kids all these years and you don't understand that perfection isn't what they want? Dude, they want love, and they want you to understand that they are going through it too." I sometimes think that we should fire all the politicians and install bartenders in their place. Those guys seem to understand human nature better than any psychologist. The guy was right. Remind me to tip him on the way out the door too.

So, my cigar chomping friend, its time for me to take my leave. I'm sure there are needier people that need my room now. Thanks for your hospitality and I hope you won't be offended if I say that I hope I don't have to come back.

Don't leave the light on for me.
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Like most good Americans I will celebrate the 229th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence this weekend. How many people do you think don't even know that is what we're celebrating? The Declaration of Independence. Its one of history's most compelling and influential documents. Its adoption laid the path for American independence and the birth of a new nation.

Patriotism. The 4th of July is when Americans let their patriotism hang out there for all to see. We fill the night skies with fireworks. We wave our flags. We celebrate our country. We're proud of who we are.

I was a political science major in college and minored in American History. I could write paeans to the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, democracy, freedom, and the American way. I find much to appreciate and admire in my nation's history. I could write of scientific achievements, life changing inventions, or victories in foreign wars. This nation was founded on ideals that we still struggle to live up to. But you know what? I'm patriotic and I love my country and its people for a lot of reasons that can't be found in textbooks, history books, or political journals.

So what do I love?

I love the pure majestic beauty of this land. Roaring rivers. Soaring mountaintops. Wheat fields. Beaches. Swamps. Grassland. I've driven across large swathes of this country and I am in awe of the beauty I see. National parks. Scenic little turnoffs where you feel transfixed. Those quiet spots that you think no one knows about but you.

I love the accents. "Cahs and bahs" Boston accents. "Mammaw" from small children in Louisiana. A southern drawl. The way New Yorkers enunciate their words. The flat midwestern "non accent". The way a Texan says, "nuh uh!" The way Cajuns mix two languages. The idioms used by young black kids. The way people of all different races and ethnicities manipulate the English language and make it their own.

I love the senior citizens. People who have seen wars, depressions, and tragedy. I love the living history they embody. I love their still strong sense of purpose. I love tall tales about an America that once was.

I love the mix of colors. People of almost every race call this country home. I like watching an event on TV and seeing a see of different hues cheering their team or clapping at a speech. I like going to a PTA meeting and seeing parents of different races all there for the same reason..to help their kid and their school. I like going to the voting booth and seeing the extraordinarily diverse group of people standing in line to exercise their right.

I love the generous nature of its people. When the Oklahoma City bombing occurred in 1995, I lived a short distance away. A police lieutenant that I had an appointment with that day called me to cancel our meeting. He was on his way to Oklahoma City. He told me that another officer who was leaving on a vacation with his family that day had cancelled the trip and was on his way to help people in need after the bombing. It wasn't just the policemen or the firemen. Common people, ordinary people, rushed to help, sent money, offered their services. The same thing happened with floods on the Mississippi River, hurricanes on the east coast, earthquakes in California, and of course, September 11th. We pull together to help each other when tragedy hits. I love that.

I love the soccer fields, the baseball diamonds, the gymnasiums, and the football fields. I love driving by a soccer field on Saturday morning and seeing children run and play. I love seeing their parents cheering them on. High school football on Friday nights. A softball game on a lazy afternoon. Friends playing horseshoes in the backyard. A friendly volleyball game.

I love the quiet rural countryside that you can find almost anywhere. Gravel crunching under your tires as you drive down the dirt road. Farmhouses. Old barns built with blood and sweat. Fields cleared by the plow and the determination to make a better life. Trees that were planted knowing that you'd never live to see them full-grown. The smell of the soil. Cattle cooling off in the pond on a hot day.

I love the vibrancy of the cities. The corner delis. The ethnic restaurants. The hustle and bustle. The busboy who wants to be an actor. Quiet little pubs where neighbors gather. Magnificent buildings that were built at a time when such construction was an extraordinary achievement. Parks that are an oasis from the concrete. Gruff taxi drivers that know the place like the back of their hand. Museums that chronicle the past. You can feel the pulse beat in these cities. I love that.

I love the passion of the American people. The way the fur flies and ideas are debated during elections. The way we argue with our neighbors about the issues of the day or who to vote for. The way ordinary people stand up for what they believe in. I love the noisy, racuous, not-always-pretty dialogue we have. Its a strength my friends. Diversity of ideas and debate make us stronger.

I love our schools. Elementary schools with kids playing on the monkey bars. Middle schools with girls flowering into womanhood and boys going through squeaky voice changes. High schools with still idealistic young people trying to decide what to do with their lives. Home schools where parents take on the awesome burden of personally educating their children. Colleges with backpack-clad people of all ages exploring great books and great ideas.

I love Main Street where the merchants who have withstood Wal Mart's assault still offer personal care along with your purchase.

I love the parades. Mardi Gras parades. Christmas parades. Homecoming parades. St. Patrick's Day parades. The way we gather along the streets with our children and watch the colorful procession go by. Kids scrambling to get candy thrown from the float.

I love the music. Texas roadhouse blues in Austin. Country and western music in Nashville. Live blues in the clubs of Memphis' Beale Street. Pulsing jazz in New Orleans' bars. Hot live rock-n-roll on a Saturday night at a club in Missouri. Summer concerts at a park. Classical music at the Kennedy Center. You can find it all.

I love the friendliness of my people. The man who has just gotten off work but offers to help me change a flat tire. The waitress in Mississippi who coos "darling" and "honey" with my order. The in-a-hurry big city woman who stops to help me find me way and offers a restaurant suggestion to boot. The convenience store clerk who smiles when I come in and says, "whats up my man?" The guy behind me at the grocery store line who talks to me about my kids and the upcoming football season. The carhop at Sonic who always gives me her sweetest smile. The friendly group at a local bar who invite me to sit at their table when I 'm sitting by myself. The attractive woman at the bookstore who sees the book I'm looking at and offers her review of it.

I love the contrast of the old and the new. Independence Hall. Wireless hotspots. Magnificent old churches. Gleaming glass and chrome. A restaurant that has been serving its customers for 100 years. The trendy new place right across the street.

I love the dedication to those who serve our country. The way we support our soldiers overseas whether we agree with whether they should be there or not. Schoolchildren sending them packages and cards. Churches praying for their safe return. Family members finding support right in their hometowns.

There are, of course, things I don't like about my country. But those things will have to wait for a later post. Its the 4th of July weekend and I'm celebrating what is right with this country.

Forget the politicians. We aren't celebrating them. Those guys come and go. Forget how rich this country is. We aren't celebrating that either. Material wealth isn't what makes a nation great. Forget for today some of the mistakes we've made. We'll talk about those tomorrow.

We aren't celebrating what we are anyway. We're celebrating who we are.
(You could've read all this or you could've just looked at John's video. It captures much of what I was trying to say.)
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My daughter wearing lipstick. I'm not sure I like this. She looks...well, mature.








Patrick trying on a helmet at Warwick Castle.








Patrick and Aubree outside Warwick Castle.











Trying out the torture device.











Changing of the guard at Windsor Castle. Aubree said she took this shot.











Outside Highclere Castle.
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Patrick and Aubree arrived home last night. It was something of a comedy I must admit. I arrived in the airport 10-15 minutes before their flight was to arrive. I was met by my ex brother-in-law who said, "hey Brian. Good news and bad news. The good news is that the plane is coming in tonight. The bad news is that its two hours late." Argh! I had thought I would check before I left to see if the flight was on time. Naturally I didn't.

So I spent two hours hanging out with my first wife's family. The cool thing is that I actually get along with all of them. My ex bro-in-law, his daughter, and I made a run to a convenience store to get drinks. I talked to the girl about her first year in college. The bro-in-law and I yakked it up telling some funny old stories. (He's 40 years old now and I've known him since he was 15). I went outside, walked around, and talked to a friend on the phone. Time passed quickly, and before I knew it I was hurriedly hanging up the phone as I saw Aubree walking down the hallway. They're here! Aubree saw me and took off on a dead run and leapt into my arms. I must tell you that there is not a single better feeling in the world than that. I hugged Patrick and walked arm-in-arm with both of them to the baggage claim area.

We stood there for 45 minutes. Bag after bag made its way around the carousel. The place emptied out. Our bags were missing. Nowhere to be seen. One bag did make it...one completely full of the toys my ex-wife bought the kids while they were in England. We trudged down to the ticket counter and discovered that the rest of the bags were still in Chicago. Great. The kids were tired and ready to go home.

They loved the surprises I had for them. Patrick has been wearing that new Spiderman towel all day around his neck. Aubree has been arranging her computer desk. They've been negotiating what they'll do about computer time.

The bags were delivered earlier tonight. Patrick is now wearing his kilt which of course goes great with his Spiderman towel! The kids told me that a lot of pictures were taken and I'll have to take some time to go through them. Their favorite thing while there? Patrick says Big Ben and the boat trip down the Thames. Aubree was pretty enchanted with Windsor Castle. Both liked the train trips. Of course, they enjoyed spending time with my ex.

Patrick and I were talking this afternoon about the trip. He was talking about my ex wife buying him goodies and he said, "I have a mom that spoils me, a dad that sets limits on me, and a stepdad that talks funny!" You can't make this stuff up.

Some of you may remember an earlier post where Aubree's best friend wasn't allowed to spend the night here because...as Aubree was told..."you don't have a mom that lives there." The grandma of her friend has gotten to know me better, gotten comfortable, and her friend is spending the night here tonight. Gotta love it.

The kids are home and I've missed them so much. Now we can settle in and enjoy the rest of our summer together. Tomorrow night we'll go to my brother's house in the country for an evening of swimming, 4-wheeler riding, cooking out, and fireworks. It should be a blast!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!
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Its a holiday weekend! My kids are back home from their England trip with tales to tell.

I did of course take a little time to highlight some of the blogworld's finest moments this week. I may say this all the time, but there are some superb posts in this weekend's roundup. Read them and I'm sure you'll all agree! Please reward me for this labor of love and give these bloggers some holiday weekend cheer.

Sue doesn’t think much of Tom Cruise these days. A lot of people would probably think very highly of Old Horsetail Snake’s proposed invention.

A.J. has a theory. Don’t like chocolate? You must be lousy in bed. Redneck Diva has one too. Partying ain’t what it used to be.

Trick outlines her family’s 4^th of July schedule of festivities. Diana outlines the high points she has learned in her human sexuality class.

Life’s a beach. Just ask Stationery Queen. Sometimes we just need to disconnect. Right Mona?

Red discovers a new band. John discovered the crow and the moon during his early morning walk.

Nicole’s kid just finished first grade. Yay! Faith is going to finish her college degree. Double yay!

Stephanie offers suggestions for talking to someone who has suffered a loss. Shirazi offers suggestions for being a more productive blogger.

Joe wonders if your significant other reads your blog. Phoenix wonders how you’d do on Disney trivia.

Melanie is blogging PMS style. Karen is planning a “Blog Studs Gone Wild” post. (Scroll to June 25)

Monica’s son saved a woman’s life. Restless Angel’s brother went through graduation.

Maddy writes of suffering and compassion. Undergraduate writes a letter to her deceased mother.

Prince Charming wants to know what song lyrics you get wrong. CandyTuft wants to know why we are all here.

Seeing a car sparks a memory for Sara. Something sparked Lisa to jazz up her sex life.

Breazy is ready for vacation. Michelle isn’t getting one….she’s teaching summer school.

Dawn had a birthday! Anne had an appointment with the eye doctor.

Trucker Bob got “called out” by some of his commenters. Some of the emails Edge received from this post made him feel like he was in over his head.

Ellen shares her angel. Wanda shares some of her favorite things about summer.

Cindra’s cell phone got flushed down the toilet. Juno’s fish didn’t get flushed, the poor thing just got knocked out.

Janine is all moved into her new house! Susan is just getting comfortable in her blog and has already received 3000 hits.

SN need to be kissed on about 10,000 places. Joan has probably been rained on in just as many places.

Norma has been thinking about how middle aged women dress. Chosha has been thinking about economic theory…and a guy she discussed it with.

Walker went shopping with his mother and ended up helping a friend. Snowball used some of her “custody capital”.

Muse has been punished enough. Greek Shadow didn’t get punished, but his golfing partner rubbed it in.

Scorpy thinks its party time. It sounds like Satisfied Spouse could use a party after the week she’s had.

Vickie expressed her anger. Sleeping Mommy expresses her frustration.

New Wave Gurly has gone fishin…so to speak. Inky is enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

Rachel faces a difficult surgery decision. It wasn’t much of a decision for T.Marie not to have a bikini wax.

Babs wonders how you measure success. Maybe Angel can measure it if she does the 25 things she wants to do before she dies.

Stacey has a favorite billboard. Caren has a favorite charity and is still raising money for it.

It sounds like Aka Monty had a nice evening with a fellow blogger J It looks like Bored Housewife got a little too much sun!

Bec shares 30 of her secrets. Mary Lou shares some uses for WD-40.

Chaotic Serenity is going back to work. Teresa is getting home…..she’s been to New York City!

SonSon’s husband has changed a lot and that’s not necessarily a good thing. Shelli’s husband can’t believe she has never used the “C” word.

Annabel Lee demonstrates why she is still single. Kim demonstrated great skill when her son asked her if oral sex could cause pregnancy.

Feisty Girl had a close experience of the arachnid kind. Jill had the Loud-Mouthed-Woman-on the airplane experience.

Sally had to wear her bra for fourteen hours. She didn’t like it. Bouncegrrrl didn’t like the way she acted when she had an affair.

Minnetta shares some baby pictures of her son. Dwayne shares stories of parking tickets in Chicago.

RD reports on a biker’s rally. Steph reports on a spoiled brat beauty pageant winner.

Thomai’s father is very ill. Please offer him your prayers. Jazzy isn’t ill but she is talking to herself.

DL paid a little visit to her husband’s workplace. Momma K has visited a few places and learned a few things.

Sallie has been doing a rain dance and it looks like it worked. Jennifer has been thinking a lot about “Dirty Dancing”.

Janet shares the saga of her search for the perfect tan. Data Monkey shares the saga of one helluva 4^th of July celebration.

Need some excuses about why you don’t post? Cyn can help. When is it ok to hit back? Tish has some thoughts…and they involve Michael Landon.

Brenda can diagnose your beer problems. Nameless wonders about the use of genetic testing to diagnose your risk.

Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans! Happy Canada Day to my Canadian friends!

Lets party! Shall we?

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The last month has been the graduation season for high schools and colleges. Young eager graduates go through the rituals of going out to face the world. Robes and sashes. Diplomas. Awards. Certificates. The accoutrements of graduating from a phase in your life and moving to another one.

I've never given a graduation speech (I was once approached to do it but it didn't work out). As a high school teacher I often gave a mini-graduation talk to my seniors. I'm not sure how much attention they paid but..well, you've gotta try!

Twenty six years ago I sat in a folding chair in a football stadium not far from where I sit now. I was a senior in high school. It was graduation night! The speaker was a gentleman named Jack McKenzie. He was a local chief of police and a long time law enforcement officer in this area. I can't tell you anything Jack said except for this: He told my graduation class, "find something you love and keep doing it." Good advice. I'd like to think I followed it.

If I could go back in time, nudge Jack off to the side, and give a speech to my class it might go something like this:

Hey you guys out there. Quit thinking about the six pack you have in the car and how much sex you think you'll get tonight. Listen to me. I'm from the future and I have a pretty good idea about what is ahead of you in this life. I won't give you any bullshit about the world being your oyster or open roads ahead. I'll tell you the truth. Ready?

You're young, but you won't be young forever. Girls? Your breasts won't always stand up like that. Guys? Your equipment won't always work as good as it does now. Your body will age and things that seem easy to you now will become a strain. No pills or plastic surgery will stop nature's process. So what can you do? I'll tell you what you do. Savor your youth...every single minute of it. Go climb some mountains. Surf some waves. Kiss that girl. Take that trip. Don't put it off. Wanna backpack across Europe? DO IT. Wanna chase a dream? Chase it now.

You think you're all done with education. Guys, you haven't even begun. You'll forget 90% of what you were taught in high school. Ask people my age if they remember all the parts of the frog we dissected or all the theorems we learned in math. Those standardized test scores? Forget them. That isn't whats important. Life is all about learning, don't you see? From the moment we suckle our mother's breast till we draw our last gasp of air...we learn. Be open to it and treasure it. There is SO MUCH to learn. So many great books and poems to read. So many wise people that you can draw knowledge from. The Bible. Shakespeare. The great works of so many writers. Don't you dare stop reading and learning. Its what makes us grow. Its what makes us feel alive.

Some day you'll fall in love and find someone you want to spend the rest of your life with. Maybe you already feel that way. Don't get married now. You aren't ready. There are people who get married at your age and do very well, but the deck is stacked against you. Love isn't a fairy tale and Hollywood wouldn't know what it is if it bit a well paid actor in the ass. Throw away those romance novels and forget the movies. Marriage and commitment are HARD work my young friends. It isn't easy. But when you do find it? Its more powerful than any drug. Its brighter than any painting. Love is what separates us from the beasts of the jungle. When you find it....seize it, hang on to it, fight for it tooth and nail. If you falter, get up, find it, and fight for it again. We all need it. We all want it. You know what? We can all have it. Maybe not when we want it. Maybe we have to wait. But its there. Would you like to know something? All the fairy tales, romance novels, and movies can't possibly capture the feeling of someone who loves you resting their hand on your leg.

I'm guessing most of you don't have trust funds to sustain you in the lifestyle to which you are accustomed. Most of you will have to work to pay your way. Don't frown. Work can be one of life's richest and most rewarding experiences. Hey Jack? I'm gonna use your quote again. Find something you love and keep doing it. Forget about money. Don't let that guide what you do. Wanna be a doctor? Do it because you want to save lives not because you want to drive a Mercedes. Wanna work with your hands. Do it and be proud. Find your passion and live it. My passion is to work with kids. I live it and I have loved every single minute of it. You find yours...art, music, writing, medicine, science, teaching, computers, acting....whatever it is, go find it and let it be one of the cornerstones of your life. I'd rather live in a tent and do what I do than live in a mansion and do something else. There is nothing sadder than seeing someone my age drag their ass out of bed every morning, go to work, and hate it. No amount of green paper is worth that. Cars and boats won't make you happy. Fancy vacations won't make you happy. Passion for what you do? That will.

Don't take yourself too seriously. There is laughter to be found everywhere out there. Learning to laugh at yourself is a valuable thing. Hang out with people who make you laugh and smile. Seek out those who live with joy.

I want all of you to turn around and look at those people behind you. Yes, look right now. Your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, family friends, and your siblings. Some of those people won't be around when you come back here for your 10th reunion. Or your 20th. While you're having fun being young take some time to be with them. Tell your friends you can't go to the beach today. You're going to hang out with your grandfather and go fishing. The beach and your friends will be there tomorrow. Your grandfather might not. The people that have loved you, molded you, and help you get here tonight? Don't forget them because you're an adult now. If you do, you'll damn well regret it some day.

I know the ice is probably melting in your coolers right now. I could go on. I could quote poetry or excerpt a speech by a political figure. Hell, you'll forget that before you drive out of the parking lot tonight. But I hope you don't forget this. Life is short and it will go by quickly. Go out there and live every single second of it. You'll have failures. We all do. Its how we face them that determines our destiny.

My young teenage friends? Go kick some proverbial ass. Tell them Brian sent you. Now toss those hats in the air, have some fun tonight, be safe, and get on with your lives.
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