Donna and I got back a few hours ago from watching the Brooklyn Cyclones (the Mets' "A" division team) playing the Crosscutters, a PA team. The Cyclones won 4-3 in a game that could have gone either way. Add that to the Mets beating the Yankees the last couple of days and I'm a pretty happy baseball fan. Yeah, the Red Sox are still the Red Sox, but it was a lot of fun to sit in the stands in Coney Island (Right under the old Parachute ride) and cheer on a bunch of guys who still seem to enjoy the game.
Happy Fourth of July to my fellow bloggers and anyone else who happens to drop by. A salute to my fellow vets goes along with that.
Sunday, July 04, 2004
Following is my latest review for the JOE BOB BRIGGS site. As, I've said before, the books in the "Thriller" genre I'm sent aren't always the type of thing I'd either classify as that or are books I'd normally pick up on my own.
The review pretty well sums up my feelings on the book, but I can certainly understand why James Carroll has a following.
*******************
SECRET FATHER by James Carroll; reviewed by Steve Chaput
Houghton Mifflin; ISBN 0-618-15284-9
There’s an old fashion feel to this novel, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. For folks of a certain generation I’d be tempted to sum it up in part as “The Adventures of Spin & Marty in Berlin”. An over simplification, for sure, but in the early parts of the novel it captures the sense of innocents abroad.
It’s also interesting that Carroll uses the old Reader’s Digest column “The Most Unusual Character I’ve Met” as sort of a running gag, since except for a few ‘F’ bombs tossed around by the kids, it really wouldn’t be hard to see this entire novel printed in one of those Reader’s Digest Condensed Books that my mother used to have laying around the house. There is barely any sex in the book, and when it appears it isn’t anything along the lines of a Jackie Collins bedroom scene. Like I said early on, this is an old fashioned book with a dated sensibility.
Carroll takes us back to Berlin, Germany in 1961, just before The Wall went up and moved the Cold War to another level. Paul Montgomery, a widower working for Chase Bank in Germany, worries about his son Michael, just like any father. However, in Michael’s case there are also the crippling effects of his childhood polio which have left him more vulnerable in his father’s eyes. Michael doesn’t wish to use his handicap to gain the sympathy of others, and would rather be accepted for who he has become.
When Michael, his friend Ulrich and their fellow schoolmate Katherine ‘Kit’ Carson decide to head to Berlin to see the May Day parade in East Berlin things go terribly wrong. Ulrich, whose father works in the intelligence gathering section of the U.S. Army, brings with him secrets, both knowingly and unknowingly, which endanger far more than three teenagers on holiday. When the kids disappear it is up to Paul and Ulrich’s mother, Charlotte (herself carrying more than her share of secrets) to try and bring the children back safely.
Carroll breaks the story into two parts, moving the narration from the elder Montgomery to Michael as the plot becomes more and more complicated. Writing from the perspective of three decades of hindsight father and son see events unfolding from their own points of view. Since we know that father and son still are around to tell the tale we have to wonder who else in the novel might not be around to see the final chapter.
Carroll’s title, as we discover, has several interpretations as secrets are revealed about several fathers in the tale. He brings to life not only his characters, but also the time in which the story unfolds. While he’s no Le Carre, Carroll is still able to create the atmosphere which must have hung over Berlin in that particular time. It’s no wonder that Carroll is so widely respected, he makes the whole thing seem easy, and the early chapters narrated by Michael read like something you’d find in the Young Adult section of your local library or bookstore. Three stars.
The review pretty well sums up my feelings on the book, but I can certainly understand why James Carroll has a following.
*******************
SECRET FATHER by James Carroll; reviewed by Steve Chaput
Houghton Mifflin; ISBN 0-618-15284-9
There’s an old fashion feel to this novel, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. For folks of a certain generation I’d be tempted to sum it up in part as “The Adventures of Spin & Marty in Berlin”. An over simplification, for sure, but in the early parts of the novel it captures the sense of innocents abroad.
It’s also interesting that Carroll uses the old Reader’s Digest column “The Most Unusual Character I’ve Met” as sort of a running gag, since except for a few ‘F’ bombs tossed around by the kids, it really wouldn’t be hard to see this entire novel printed in one of those Reader’s Digest Condensed Books that my mother used to have laying around the house. There is barely any sex in the book, and when it appears it isn’t anything along the lines of a Jackie Collins bedroom scene. Like I said early on, this is an old fashioned book with a dated sensibility.
Carroll takes us back to Berlin, Germany in 1961, just before The Wall went up and moved the Cold War to another level. Paul Montgomery, a widower working for Chase Bank in Germany, worries about his son Michael, just like any father. However, in Michael’s case there are also the crippling effects of his childhood polio which have left him more vulnerable in his father’s eyes. Michael doesn’t wish to use his handicap to gain the sympathy of others, and would rather be accepted for who he has become.
When Michael, his friend Ulrich and their fellow schoolmate Katherine ‘Kit’ Carson decide to head to Berlin to see the May Day parade in East Berlin things go terribly wrong. Ulrich, whose father works in the intelligence gathering section of the U.S. Army, brings with him secrets, both knowingly and unknowingly, which endanger far more than three teenagers on holiday. When the kids disappear it is up to Paul and Ulrich’s mother, Charlotte (herself carrying more than her share of secrets) to try and bring the children back safely.
Carroll breaks the story into two parts, moving the narration from the elder Montgomery to Michael as the plot becomes more and more complicated. Writing from the perspective of three decades of hindsight father and son see events unfolding from their own points of view. Since we know that father and son still are around to tell the tale we have to wonder who else in the novel might not be around to see the final chapter.
Carroll’s title, as we discover, has several interpretations as secrets are revealed about several fathers in the tale. He brings to life not only his characters, but also the time in which the story unfolds. While he’s no Le Carre, Carroll is still able to create the atmosphere which must have hung over Berlin in that particular time. It’s no wonder that Carroll is so widely respected, he makes the whole thing seem easy, and the early chapters narrated by Michael read like something you’d find in the Young Adult section of your local library or bookstore. Three stars.
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Boy, I'm almost surprised that I still know how to get in here, let alone post anything.
To be honest, the failure (so far) of the job hunt has me pretty depressed and I really haven't felt like posting anything.
Not that I'm not keeping track of world events, etc., but there's probably little I can add to what is already being addressed here in blogland.
Anyway, just wanted any folks out there who might be interested to know that I haven't fallen off the edge of the earth, nor been abducted by alien lifeforms (unlike an old friend, whom we will not mention by name). :-)
As I've said, if you hear of any places desperate for a librarian be sure to drop me a line and let me know, okay?
Oh, and keep your head down and your hands away from fireworks this weekend. We'd hate to hear about one of you loosing a typing hand.
To be honest, the failure (so far) of the job hunt has me pretty depressed and I really haven't felt like posting anything.
Not that I'm not keeping track of world events, etc., but there's probably little I can add to what is already being addressed here in blogland.
Anyway, just wanted any folks out there who might be interested to know that I haven't fallen off the edge of the earth, nor been abducted by alien lifeforms (unlike an old friend, whom we will not mention by name). :-)
As I've said, if you hear of any places desperate for a librarian be sure to drop me a line and let me know, okay?
Oh, and keep your head down and your hands away from fireworks this weekend. We'd hate to hear about one of you loosing a typing hand.
Boy, I'm almost surprised that I still know how to get in here, let alone post anything.
To be honest, the failure (so far) of the job hunt has me pretty depressed and I really haven't felt like posting anything.
Not that I'm not keeping track of world events, etc., but there's probably little I can add to what is already being addressed here in blogland.
Anyway, just wanted any folks out there who might be interested to know that I haven't fallen off the edge of the earth, nor been abducted by alien lifeforms (unlike an old friend, whom we will not mention by name). :-)
As I've said, if you hear of any places desperate for a librarian be sure to drop me a line and let me know, okay?
Oh, and keep your head down and your hands away from fireworks this weekend. We'd hate to hear about one of you loosing a typing hand.
To be honest, the failure (so far) of the job hunt has me pretty depressed and I really haven't felt like posting anything.
Not that I'm not keeping track of world events, etc., but there's probably little I can add to what is already being addressed here in blogland.
Anyway, just wanted any folks out there who might be interested to know that I haven't fallen off the edge of the earth, nor been abducted by alien lifeforms (unlike an old friend, whom we will not mention by name). :-)
As I've said, if you hear of any places desperate for a librarian be sure to drop me a line and let me know, okay?
Oh, and keep your head down and your hands away from fireworks this weekend. We'd hate to hear about one of you loosing a typing hand.
Sunday, June 13, 2004
Every body else has already made their feelings on Reagan and the funeral known, so I figured I would take a few minutes to add my own thoughts on the matter.
It's no secret that I was never a big Reagan fan, but the man was after all the President, so you can understand some of the hoopla. Frankly, I was more bothered by the final shots of Nancy as she went to the coffin following the ceremony at the Library. Couldn't the media have the good taste to not focus in on such a private moment? Perhaps it has something to do with my memories of my mother at my father's funeral, but some things really shouldn't be for public consumption.
It's no secret that I was never a big Reagan fan, but the man was after all the President, so you can understand some of the hoopla. Frankly, I was more bothered by the final shots of Nancy as she went to the coffin following the ceremony at the Library. Couldn't the media have the good taste to not focus in on such a private moment? Perhaps it has something to do with my memories of my mother at my father's funeral, but some things really shouldn't be for public consumption.
I know that I haven't had a chance to post anything the past week or so, but I didn't want folks to start worrying. I'm still among the living, still searching for a job and Donna and I still haven't finished putting the apartment together the way we want.
We spent several hours and a few hundred dollars, just yesterday, at Home Depot picking up paint and painting supplies, so we can get started. We want to do all the rooms, before having the new carpeting and kitchen floor put in. We are going to have somebody to the floors, but figure we can do the painting ourselves. That should be an adventure.
We spent several hours and a few hundred dollars, just yesterday, at Home Depot picking up paint and painting supplies, so we can get started. We want to do all the rooms, before having the new carpeting and kitchen floor put in. We are going to have somebody to the floors, but figure we can do the painting ourselves. That should be an adventure.
Thursday, June 03, 2004
I want to apologize to any folks who have been looking for a new post here the last few days. Donna and I are still working on getting the new apartment up and livable, and have way too many boxes still to be unpacked.
It's strange being back in Brooklyn, but I'm sure once we both have jobs and settle in we'll quickly get back into things.
I'll try to keep you posted and update things as I have a chance.
It's strange being back in Brooklyn, but I'm sure once we both have jobs and settle in we'll quickly get back into things.
I'll try to keep you posted and update things as I have a chance.
Well, George Bush has just announced that George Tenent is resigning, plus the Prez has 'consulted' an attorney regarding the CIA leak investigation. My, my.... Is there really anything we can say about this at this point, except that the chickens may be circling the coop, if not exactly roosting. :-)
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Today is my last day at the University of New Haven, so I'm busy clearing out my print & electronic files. Don't know if I'll have another chance to post today, so I wanted to let folks know what has been happening.
This past Saturday (5/22) we had a combination 'farewell/graduation' party for Kristina and Devin. It was really nice with around 25 or so friends & family in attendance. Yesterday, Kristina graduated from Pace University with a B.A. in computer science. It was held at Radio City Music Hall and we had a nice time later at an Italian place in Hell's Kitchen. (Can't for the life of me remember the restaurant's name, something like Cara Mia?)
Tomorrow the moving men are supposed to show up at around 5:00am, because we want to be out and on the road by 9:00, this way we can be moved into the Brooklyn house and spend some time with Kristina and Devin. They are headed out to California on a 7:30am flight Friday.
Top that off with a job interview Friday at 11:00am and it has made for an exciting week!
I don't know, unless I have a few minutes later today, when I'll post next. We'll probably be busy unpacking stuff and I'll hardly have enough time to check my e-mail, let alone read or publish blogs.
Hope that you'll all keep your fingers crossed that the move goes well!
This past Saturday (5/22) we had a combination 'farewell/graduation' party for Kristina and Devin. It was really nice with around 25 or so friends & family in attendance. Yesterday, Kristina graduated from Pace University with a B.A. in computer science. It was held at Radio City Music Hall and we had a nice time later at an Italian place in Hell's Kitchen. (Can't for the life of me remember the restaurant's name, something like Cara Mia?)
Tomorrow the moving men are supposed to show up at around 5:00am, because we want to be out and on the road by 9:00, this way we can be moved into the Brooklyn house and spend some time with Kristina and Devin. They are headed out to California on a 7:30am flight Friday.
Top that off with a job interview Friday at 11:00am and it has made for an exciting week!
I don't know, unless I have a few minutes later today, when I'll post next. We'll probably be busy unpacking stuff and I'll hardly have enough time to check my e-mail, let alone read or publish blogs.
Hope that you'll all keep your fingers crossed that the move goes well!
Great overview of the G.O.P.'s problems and the idea of a rebellion against G.W.As Bush Collapses, Can McCain Beat Kerry? Rob Kall has quotes and links to some relevant articles on the topic.
Monday, May 24, 2004
I've added Rob Kall's OpEdNews.com over on the left. All sorts of links to editorials and writings from the Progressive/Liberal side of things.
"Pessimism at its best is watchful skepticism."
The above is from this article by
Ron Rosenbaum in this week's New York Oberver column. I loved the quote so much that I wanted to post a link to the entire article, which I found reflects my outlook quite a bit. Being a Pessimist myself, I don't think that my worldview really is totally negative. I think it's the Optimist who doesn't want to face reality.
I mean, suppose this IS the best of all possible worlds? You can have my share!
"Pessimism at its best is watchful skepticism."
The above is from this article by
Ron Rosenbaum in this week's New York Oberver column. I loved the quote so much that I wanted to post a link to the entire article, which I found reflects my outlook quite a bit. Being a Pessimist myself, I don't think that my worldview really is totally negative. I think it's the Optimist who doesn't want to face reality.
I mean, suppose this IS the best of all possible worlds? You can have my share!
Friday, May 21, 2004
Just finished another JOE BOB BRIGGS book review, so without further comment (except to say that some of my reviews can be seen over at the Joe Bob site, if you're interested).
**************************
Target Acquired, by Joel Narlock; reviewed by Steve Chaput
Published by Dorchester Publishing: ISBN – 0843952873
Before reading this book I had a basic understanding of what a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) was. I’d seen photographs and video of the Predator in Afghanistan, supposedly used to hunt down members of Al Quida. After finishing Narlock’s novel I think I know more about them than I wanted to.
It’s apparent that these radio-controlled planes fascinate Narlock and he certainly does his best to make the reader aware of how important they are and will be in the future. Quite possibly this type of vehicle would make it possible for the military to minimize the use of human pilots in bombing and surveillance runs, only utilizing the Top Guns in those situations where the immediate response of a human pilot would be necessary.
The major problem with the story is that Narlock throws in so many characters, some briefly introduced and then dropped, that after a while you start to lose track. There is also the author’s tendency to be writing as if he is already casting the screen version. You have the two CIA agents, straight out of the X-FILES; Denzel Washington as the head of the Secret Service and the latest cute kid from some popular television sitcom playing the President’s son. Seriously, we’ve see this all before and Narlock does have the potential to rise above it.
The story follows the development team for the TIGER, a very, high-tech UAV which would work in almost any terrain (urban, desert and jungle), utilizing not only the latest surveillance innovations but capable of carrying a number of lethal armaments as well. The team is the usual group of brilliant, individuals who are forced by circumstances to work and live together. Just like in all such situations some of the folks just do not get along. There is also the distinct possibility, hinted at early on, that one or the group has a hidden agenda. When the TIGER finally goes off on an ‘independent’ mission, the book hits high velocity, with Narlock doing a nice job of finally bringing so many threads together.
Narlock generally moves his plot along and does a great job of making a few of his major characters very appealing. Unfortunately, he seems to lose focus when he brings in such technical information that you find yourself skimming ahead. This is only Narlock’s second novel and he shows that he has the chops to become much better. He just has to ease off on his fascination with the tech.
Three stars.
*****************
Hey, I liked it!
**************************
Target Acquired, by Joel Narlock; reviewed by Steve Chaput
Published by Dorchester Publishing: ISBN – 0843952873
Before reading this book I had a basic understanding of what a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) was. I’d seen photographs and video of the Predator in Afghanistan, supposedly used to hunt down members of Al Quida. After finishing Narlock’s novel I think I know more about them than I wanted to.
It’s apparent that these radio-controlled planes fascinate Narlock and he certainly does his best to make the reader aware of how important they are and will be in the future. Quite possibly this type of vehicle would make it possible for the military to minimize the use of human pilots in bombing and surveillance runs, only utilizing the Top Guns in those situations where the immediate response of a human pilot would be necessary.
The major problem with the story is that Narlock throws in so many characters, some briefly introduced and then dropped, that after a while you start to lose track. There is also the author’s tendency to be writing as if he is already casting the screen version. You have the two CIA agents, straight out of the X-FILES; Denzel Washington as the head of the Secret Service and the latest cute kid from some popular television sitcom playing the President’s son. Seriously, we’ve see this all before and Narlock does have the potential to rise above it.
The story follows the development team for the TIGER, a very, high-tech UAV which would work in almost any terrain (urban, desert and jungle), utilizing not only the latest surveillance innovations but capable of carrying a number of lethal armaments as well. The team is the usual group of brilliant, individuals who are forced by circumstances to work and live together. Just like in all such situations some of the folks just do not get along. There is also the distinct possibility, hinted at early on, that one or the group has a hidden agenda. When the TIGER finally goes off on an ‘independent’ mission, the book hits high velocity, with Narlock doing a nice job of finally bringing so many threads together.
Narlock generally moves his plot along and does a great job of making a few of his major characters very appealing. Unfortunately, he seems to lose focus when he brings in such technical information that you find yourself skimming ahead. This is only Narlock’s second novel and he shows that he has the chops to become much better. He just has to ease off on his fascination with the tech.
Three stars.
*****************
Hey, I liked it!
I'm reading this article on the amount of money the two major Presidential candidates have raised.iWon - News Personally, I think they have reached the point where they should just give $1 million dollars in cash to each voter. It wouldn't necessarily buy the vote of that person, but it would cut down on the number of polical commercials we had to sit through.
Thursday, May 20, 2004
I thought that folks might be interest in this piece MSNBC - Memos Reveal War Crimes Warnings. I mean we all know that this would never happen, since G.W. would offer pardons/clemency to all his underlings and the next President would be politically obligated to ensure that Bush did not even get near a courtroom. It would after all start a precedent for future administrations to actually be accountable.
I know that it's probably all over the Rec.arts groups and the Firesign Theatre Chats, but it was pretty cool to hear a FST reference on THE WEST WING last night.
For those of you who don't watch the NBC drama, Josh Lyman (played by Bradley Whitford)was meeting an unknown contact in a German bar. When the man sitting across from the table leaves, Josh says into his phone that he's beginning to get a "Nick Danger" feeling about the place. I almost jumped up when he said it.
Just a passing remark, but it is nice for this FST fan to know that there are others out there still making the 'inside jokes.'
Shoes for industry!
For those of you who don't watch the NBC drama, Josh Lyman (played by Bradley Whitford)was meeting an unknown contact in a German bar. When the man sitting across from the table leaves, Josh says into his phone that he's beginning to get a "Nick Danger" feeling about the place. I almost jumped up when he said it.
Just a passing remark, but it is nice for this FST fan to know that there are others out there still making the 'inside jokes.'
Shoes for industry!
So okay,I'm going through my morning e-mail in my Iwon.com account and find this in the Entertainment newsletter. This is for a new 'unscripted series" called THE SWAP.
** "On this show two married women switch places with one another for 10 days, living with the other's family and taking on the other woman's household duties. At the end of the 10 days, the families get together to discuss what they experienced., I'm going through my morning e-mail in my Iwon.com account and find this in the Entertainment newsletter."**
ABC bought the U.S. rights to this British 'reality show' and hope to get it up and running for the fall season. They've changed the name from "Wife Swap", but otherwise the concept is the same. According the the newsletter and a few other articles I found online this show is extremely popular "across the pond."
Personally, I can't begin to list the number of ways in which this is WRONG! Going beyond any sexual tension which may arise (and you know that in some cases there will be some, even if the production crew has to edit it in) what kind of therapy are the children going to need?
Sadly, I'm probably curious enough to actually tune in for at least a few minutes.
** "On this show two married women switch places with one another for 10 days, living with the other's family and taking on the other woman's household duties. At the end of the 10 days, the families get together to discuss what they experienced., I'm going through my morning e-mail in my Iwon.com account and find this in the Entertainment newsletter."**
ABC bought the U.S. rights to this British 'reality show' and hope to get it up and running for the fall season. They've changed the name from "Wife Swap", but otherwise the concept is the same. According the the newsletter and a few other articles I found online this show is extremely popular "across the pond."
Personally, I can't begin to list the number of ways in which this is WRONG! Going beyond any sexual tension which may arise (and you know that in some cases there will be some, even if the production crew has to edit it in) what kind of therapy are the children going to need?
Sadly, I'm probably curious enough to actually tune in for at least a few minutes.
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
Just had to make a few comments re: The Draft, since I've just read Mark Evanier's column on the topic over on his site.
Back in 1968, when I turned eighteen, I was as afraid as any of my friends about going to Vietnam. Still the idea of taking off for Canada never appealed to me, though I don't at this point of my life, deny that the thought didn't cross my mind. But who the Hell did I know in Canada?
Anyway, since I had been a kid my father (a WWII U.S. Navy vet) continually made it clear that as his son I was pretty much destined to follow in his (and his brother George's) footsteps. So a week after my eighteenth b-day I found myself walking into the Selective Service Office at the main Post Office in Norwich, CT.
Immediately after filling out my paperwork, I walked down the hall and into the office of the Navy Recruiter. He was more than happy to sign me up for 'delayed enlistment', which meant that I would have between 3-6 months before I was actually called up.
Nice surprise to get a call a month later from this same smiling First Class Petty Officer telling me that I was scheduled to report two days later to Whitehall Street in New York City, where I would be enlisted. The rest, as they say, is history!
While several of my high school friends did receive 'deferments' I never resented them for that. They were going to college or had legitimate medical reasons for not being called up. I actually received my Draft Letter while attending Navy Boot Camp at the Great Lakes, IL Recruit Training Command.
Basically, I have no problem with the draft, although I do believe that changes should be made to make it a fairer program. There should also be an option for people to do non-military related work in the public sector, allowing these folks to gain many of the same benefits which those who choose the Armed Forces receive.
It goes without saying that the women & men who are serving in uniform are underpaid, insufficiently equipped and ill-rewarded when their terms of enlistment are over. As does Evanier, I think that the members of the Armed Forces should be receiving pay equal or at least near that of people working in related areas in civilian life. If this means a few less B-1 bombers or nuclear subs (because we all know that Al Queda has a fleet of subs just waiting to slip into the coastal waters when our guard is down), well the contractors, lobbyists and Congress folks with their hands out will have to do with a bit less.
I'm sure that folks can shoot holes in my thinking and feel free to do so. It is my blog, though, and I'll rant when I want to.
Back in 1968, when I turned eighteen, I was as afraid as any of my friends about going to Vietnam. Still the idea of taking off for Canada never appealed to me, though I don't at this point of my life, deny that the thought didn't cross my mind. But who the Hell did I know in Canada?
Anyway, since I had been a kid my father (a WWII U.S. Navy vet) continually made it clear that as his son I was pretty much destined to follow in his (and his brother George's) footsteps. So a week after my eighteenth b-day I found myself walking into the Selective Service Office at the main Post Office in Norwich, CT.
Immediately after filling out my paperwork, I walked down the hall and into the office of the Navy Recruiter. He was more than happy to sign me up for 'delayed enlistment', which meant that I would have between 3-6 months before I was actually called up.
Nice surprise to get a call a month later from this same smiling First Class Petty Officer telling me that I was scheduled to report two days later to Whitehall Street in New York City, where I would be enlisted. The rest, as they say, is history!
While several of my high school friends did receive 'deferments' I never resented them for that. They were going to college or had legitimate medical reasons for not being called up. I actually received my Draft Letter while attending Navy Boot Camp at the Great Lakes, IL Recruit Training Command.
Basically, I have no problem with the draft, although I do believe that changes should be made to make it a fairer program. There should also be an option for people to do non-military related work in the public sector, allowing these folks to gain many of the same benefits which those who choose the Armed Forces receive.
It goes without saying that the women & men who are serving in uniform are underpaid, insufficiently equipped and ill-rewarded when their terms of enlistment are over. As does Evanier, I think that the members of the Armed Forces should be receiving pay equal or at least near that of people working in related areas in civilian life. If this means a few less B-1 bombers or nuclear subs (because we all know that Al Queda has a fleet of subs just waiting to slip into the coastal waters when our guard is down), well the contractors, lobbyists and Congress folks with their hands out will have to do with a bit less.
I'm sure that folks can shoot holes in my thinking and feel free to do so. It is my blog, though, and I'll rant when I want to.
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Just caught an online report that actor Tony Randall has passed away. Two different articles list his age as either 83 or 84 yrs. I had read that Mr. Randall underwent some surgery last year, but there is no cause of death listed in either article.
Most of us know Randall from the brilliant job he did on the TV show THE ODD COUPLE as Felix(playing opposite Jack Klugman as Oscar). The show was based on the Neil Simon play, which was also adapted as a wonderful film with Jack Lemon and Walter Matheau in the starring roles.
Randall often came off as rather pompous, but he seemed to have a good sense of humor when he appeared frequently on the David Letterman show.
Rest in peace, Mr. Randall.
Most of us know Randall from the brilliant job he did on the TV show THE ODD COUPLE as Felix(playing opposite Jack Klugman as Oscar). The show was based on the Neil Simon play, which was also adapted as a wonderful film with Jack Lemon and Walter Matheau in the starring roles.
Randall often came off as rather pompous, but he seemed to have a good sense of humor when he appeared frequently on the David Letterman show.
Rest in peace, Mr. Randall.
Monday, May 17, 2004
Speaking of the Center for Defense Information, just today the CDI has released a transcript of a speech given by retired Gen. Anthony Zinni to a CDI Board meeting. In the speech Gen. Zinni (former Commander of the U.S. Central Command outlined "10 Mistakes History Will Record" about the war in Iraq. These mistakes began during the early planning stages of the war and continued through the occupation.
As I said in my previous post, the CDI is not some 'left-wing think tank' which the Administration can easily dismiss. These folks know what they are talking about!
As I said in my previous post, the CDI is not some 'left-wing think tank' which the Administration can easily dismiss. These folks know what they are talking about!
The Center for Defense Information was established by a number of retired military officers and people knowledgeable in matters of the Armed Forces. Unlike many of the folks I've linked to they are certainly not what you would call 'progressive', at least not as an organization. A look at the members of the group will show you that their main interest is that the military in this country be used properly and be equipped correctly.
As a Vietnam Era vet myself, I've never been a believer that the U.S. should simply do away with the military. I think I've read enough history and experienced enough in my fifty plus years to know that every country does indeed need a military to protect itself. On the other hand, I guess you could put me among those who lean towards a more 'hands off' attitude on foreign policy. While we should be willing to aid those countries who request military aid from us (and not for the suppression of their own people's demands for rights), the American people have for too along allowed the administrations in power (both Democrat & Republican) to use the men and women of the military as pawns in whatever power games they have decided to play.
CDI looks at the realistic needs and capabilities of the Armed Forces and allows people to make clear judgments. The link is over there, FYI, as are all the others.
As a Vietnam Era vet myself, I've never been a believer that the U.S. should simply do away with the military. I think I've read enough history and experienced enough in my fifty plus years to know that every country does indeed need a military to protect itself. On the other hand, I guess you could put me among those who lean towards a more 'hands off' attitude on foreign policy. While we should be willing to aid those countries who request military aid from us (and not for the suppression of their own people's demands for rights), the American people have for too along allowed the administrations in power (both Democrat & Republican) to use the men and women of the military as pawns in whatever power games they have decided to play.
CDI looks at the realistic needs and capabilities of the Armed Forces and allows people to make clear judgments. The link is over there, FYI, as are all the others.
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