"Another Engine..."

"...for the auctioneer"

No really, I realize that the last couple posts (this one included) have been pretty weak. But in my own defense I have been busy with work and the World Cup. But I have already put my camera in my backpack to take with me tomorrow, so that I can do something of substance.

Now (ideally) would be where I put in some snappy and witty wonder...but I really have nothing. Oh, wait I've got something...I guess there was some tennis match or something that lasted like 3 days or something, right. Well here's what I got...was it a final? Did the winner actually win anything or do they both just plod on in the tournament? I ask because this cements the fact that football (soccer, if you like) has know all along...some days two teams (or people) are just as good as each other. Some days no one wins, like life yeah. A draw is a draw. A draw says, "everyone tried but we are just equal" I realize this isn't the popular stance (especially in America) but it is life.

And if it weren't for draws what would Everton have to play for.

Tomorrow better...promise.

Cheers,
g

20

I know, I know the video is only twenty seconds long. And it is super fast. I don't know what happened, I know I had way more trouble than I would have liked uploading it. But I really don't know what went wrong, it is like all the video is there but only twenty seconds of sound. I guess I will just have to try again.
Until then...
Cheers,
g

Take a "Chance"

So in an effort to make my "Down Day" see like it meant something I pulled out the Flip and thought I'd do a song or something. But in typical Iraq Fashion the Flip's battery was "low" and then "dead." Go figure right...so I pulled out the webcam and the headset and thought, "do something with yourself, even if it sucks." Well hopefully it doesn't suck to bad. For today for no reason in particular (in case you get worried about the "I've never felt so low" bit) I chose "Chance" by Big Country. I think if you listen closely you can hear Argentina pasting South Korea in the beginning. What more could a guy in Iraq ask for...AC works, fried some eggs for breakfast, don't have to deal with anyone, and the World Cup. Now I know the words and pictures might be a little out of time and maybe a bit fuzzy, but it is what it is. Now the guitar I used is a 3/4 thing that I borrowed from the Unit Ministry Team, it's not great but it's not total shite either.




Note: You might want to turn down the volume, it really isn't the greatest sound quality (and it's not just me.)

So I charged up the Flip and I know I have been pretty terrible at taking pictures and stuff around here, so i think we are having a BBQ tonight so maybe I will get some rare footage of Soldiers (gasp) having fun. Crazy I know, but you make the best out of what you have.

While I have your attention...(Note: I stole liberally from my buddy Arne's Blog, but since we are of the same mind and heart on this I am sure he won't mind. {Besides that way I know it has been spell checked, thanks buddy.})

We are raising money for a Fallen Soldier statue for our Brigade Headquarters. This will make certain that for years to come, Soldiers and civilians that enter that armory are reminded of the sacrifices that SFC Isaac S. Lawson and several other Soldiers of the California Army National Guard made during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The statue in and of itself is one that many have probably seen. It consists of a pair of Soldier’s boots, M16 rifle, helmet and dog tags. It is cast from bronze. The real version of these items is used at every memorial of a Fallen Soldier. The bronze version isn’t cheap.

There is one particular artist who makes these bronze statues available in the form that is appropriate for this use. Yes, there are several cheaper “knock-off’s” made in China – out of paper-mâché type materials. But that won’t work. We need a bronze statue – something that will be around long after you and I are gone - that will endure the test of time.

Artist Richard Rist is the guy who makes these bronze statues available to organizations and families who want to do just that. You can see his work at http://largeart.com/detail.aspx?id=107

The cost for this is going to be about $4,500.00 for the statue and an accompanying plaque that will list the names of those that gave their lives. Our Family Readiness Coordinator has made contact with a non-profit organization that we will use to gather the funds. Yes, it is a religious organization, but please do not let your personal religious beliefs sway you in your contribution. This has been done specifically so that your contribution for this project can be tax deductable.

This is your chance to say thank you in a lasting fashion, to all those who gave their lives defending our freedom. Your gift will make sure they will never be forgotten. This statue will be around long after we’re gone. It will become a legacy and those that come after we are departed, to defend us in future wars, will remember those that gave their lives years prior.

Most of you know that when I am not in Iraq I travel and work at the SFC Isaac S. Lawson Armory in F airfield. Right now we have a plague on the outside wall and a picture of Isaac just inside the front doors. Well everyday when I enter the armory I touch the plaque and then the picture and say hello to Isaac, just like I would if I were shaking his hand. On my way home I repeat the process and say goodbye to my friend. (You know what, I haven't even been thinking about it, but I really do miss that.) I guess what I am saying is that I would love to have another talisman to greet me, and say goodbye to me when I am at the armory. (That part is all me, thanks to Arne for the rest {spell check included}.)

Here is The Official Request:

In support of the Family and Friends of all Fallen Soldiers who served the 49^th Military Police Brigade during OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM AND/OR OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. Collections are being sought for a Bronze Memorial Statue to honor the service and ultimate sacrifice made by those who bravely and heroically gave their life while performing their duty. The Memorial Statue will be displayed with Honors at the 49^th Military Police Brigade Headquarters, SFC Isaac S. Lawson Armory, 510 Parker Road, Fairfield, California.

Those wanting to donate to this specific project should make their checks payable to:

Eagles Nest Foundation

231 Market Pl., #193

San Ramon, CA 94583

www.eaglesnestfoundation.org

925-833-8122

Note: please make sure that donors specify in a cover letter and/or on the memo line of the check that the donation is specific to the “Lawson Fallen Soldier Memorial Fund”

Eagles Nest Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3. Tax Exempt number available upon request.

Thanks for letting me take your time. Thanks.

Cheers,

g

If It's Monday It Must Be Chester...

Liverpool-Chester
Week Two
I really didn't expect this to turn into a "My R & R Travelogue" but it seems to be more and more turning into that as it have taken me almost two months to finish a three week vacation (like I said my guys would tell you that it was a month) but I am trying.
So on the advise of our Landlord "James" we decided to take the train over to Chester (now this is one of the places that I had talked about going to way back on our honeymoon, but let someone else tell her about it and it's the greatest idea ever) just 90 minutes or so south of Liverpool. Officially part of Cheshire, but agreed by many these days to be part of Merseyside, works for me it was great. Now what does Chester have you may ask... among it's many charms are some of the most complete and well kept Roman Walls.


ABOVE: The sun peaks through the clouds over the River Dee/Chester Canal. "Lovely," she said.


Really we had a great time and have slated it as one of those places were we would be happy to go back to and spend some more time, maybe even a night or two. They had great pubs all over the place and yeah we even stopped for tea in one of the oldest places around (or somesuch, my mind is going) that unfortunately they had made a little too modern inside for my tastes. The city center was kind of a crazy brick-a-brack of old and new which was actually very cool.. You got to walk around on the Roman walls and if you wanted to go buy a new pair of trainers you could do that too.

ABOVE: The Missus underneath Queen Victoria's Clock and a view from the Roman Walls. "Just Lovely," said the Mrs.

Interlude: Iraq

Where If It's Wednesday It Must Be Tuesday: Part Two Electric Boogaloo


Where yeah it's another day, but they are all so the same. It was the Army's Birthday yesterday which meant we had a luau (I know right) and were actually treated to TWO WHOLE BEERS. Crazy, I know, but we almost got to feel like adults if only for a minute or two. But hey, that's two more beers than I had last time I was here. Actually that make FOUR more beers than I had last time (cos of the Super Bowl) so "I guess I shouldn't complain" and I won't.

It is also (and more importantly) World Cup time. Which is great for football fans like myself. Unfortunately it also means answering the same ridiculous questions day in and day out. I don't know what is wrong with Americans (a generalization, I know but...) why they have to fear and mock what they do not understand. It is the way of the world though, isn't it? Whatever People (another generalization, but in the words of Donald "Duck" Dunn, "If the shit fits, wear it") don't understand they automatically fear and then feel that they must mock. Does it make them feel bigger? better? I don't know. I just know it is tiring. I mean this is the World Cup, which unlike the World Series (don't get me wrong I love baseball...go Giants) where the world actually comes together and compete against each other in sport. Where sport actually brings people together (even the bazillionaires playing the games have to come together for their country and forget about whatever club rivalries they may have {and/or teammates for that matter}) the WORLD embraces football (soccer) and for a month the rest of the eyes are on the teams, the players, the supporters (fans) and wherever they may be playing. Tell me this isn't good for South Africa, I dare you. So why the small mindedness? Who knows? Who cares?

Oh, it's dusty and hot today. Just in case you were wondering. If I don't mention the weather, it's because it is still hot. Again I quote, "Why care about the weather, it always ends in dark"

ABOVE: I stole this from Arne's Facebook. We were the only people to think to bring Hawaiian Shirts to Iraq...go figure.

Tomorrow Is Wednesday, But It Will Still Be Monday

End Interlude

ABOVE: The sun keeps working it's way through over the Chester Canal this time. "Simply Lovely," quote the Missus.

So Chester, yeah. If you get a chance stop by. And if you happen to be in Liverpool, it is worth the 90 minute ride on the MerseyRail. Especially cos you won't have to worry about having too much of the bevy. Right, I did mention all the cool pubs, yeah? Had a great time, got back and moved back into the old apartment to finish out the week (what we thought at the time was our last week in Britain...little did we know.)

Cheers,
g

We Are Gutted

Liverpool
LFC -0 vs. Fulham -0

Right Sunday to the match, yeah. Here we go though...gutwrenching...futile...Campaign 09-10, yeah. All the same really, the highs (like Thursday night) are in the stratosphere and the lows...
We were just never going to score, simple stuff that...looking back anyway. But when your down in there, in the trenches with the players and the other 40,000 Reds in the stands...you believe. You feel your gut twist and turn, you bite your lip, jump up and down, and the Missus beats the Hell outa y'r arm.
Third set of seats at Anfield, probably my least favorite. If you look up into the Main Stand, towards the Kop end, where the three stripes start out the "adidas" that's us. To be fair great to be by the Kop, much better than being by the Away End.

The Kop in full song. "You'll Never Walk Alone"

(Though I think I would have traded these seats for the ones for Benfica, didn't have to worry about the away fans being loud for this one...being fair there was nothing to be loud about for either side.) Even looking back I would have to say I would rather be at this match (that really summed up the whole campaign beyond any other match I think) having my gut bubble, my teeth on edge, and all that than where I am now. Or at any other club's ground rooting for them. Let me try and make this clear, its part of being a Red I think (which is much the same as being a S.F. Giants fan, really. Same kind of underdog even when you shouldn't be, Team and Supporters against the world. Where you can look and see that you are shite today, but keep believing anyway.) being there living and dying with your team. All people bleed red, but a select few bleed Liverpool Red. I can't imagine being a Fulham (or any other shite team) supporter, you know where a goalless draw is a fekin Victory (ugh, I just feel dirty thinking about it...those poor poor Blues...ugh.)

Interlude: Iraq



It's hot and those people who always tell you that, "It's not the heat it's the humidity" well they've never been here. There is no humidity and it is miserable, would humidity make it worse? I doubt it, it's like life in an oven, one of the convection ones that blows hot air all over the food. Touch your clothes and they are hot, you can taste hot here...and it tastes like shite.

My daughter is graduating High School soon, how cool is that? And here I am, in Iraq tasting the heat and dealing with AFN. What's the latest beef? You the dear reader may ask...Well it's President Obama coming on and telling me, "The most important thing a man can do is be a father" (paraphrasing, but that's the gist of it) Really!?!? Thanks for those words of wisdom, maybe you could tell me how to do that. I mean here I am a million miles away, trying..."That's me trying" Maybe you could help me out with my situation, maybe you could tell my daughter that. Between this and the Year of the Air Force Family...fekinel. I spend most of my time between crying and wanting to throw something at the TV. Don't you think we the fathers of the military, the estranged bastards who can't be with there kids, to do "the most important job a man can do" I wish it were that easy, I really do. I really, really do.



End Interlude

The starting 11 and a moment of silence.

Not much more to tell about the game really, don't worry though we'll be back at Anfield again (Hopefully time and time again, yeah. I wonder how long the waiting list for season tickets really is? Maybe if I put in my application now...) In just a couple of days there's the Hillsborough Memorial, this was the match before it so there were black arm bands and a moment of silence, and hopes and wishes that the lads would really go out there and win one for the 96...

Maybe I'm getting too far behind in this thing now, seems hard to remember what went next. You know what'd we do after the match and all that. I am pretty sure it had something to do with ale, trying to fill up that gap that had been twisting in your gut and heart for 90 minutes. I don't remember looking forward or looking back to much after this one. There weren't much left in the tank, there was still the Europa Semi-Final to look to and all that. But I must say if this is how we stack up against Fulham, then the All England Final that the papers seemed to want so much just didn't seem that appetizing. I'll ask the Missus what I've missed and get back with you. Maybe the Prez will get back to me on the other thing too..

Cheers,
g

Say, "So long" to the Gaffer. Thanks for all the memories Rafa. "Siempre Posible" "You'll Never Walk Alone"

"Finally Made Forty..."

"...Still Wearing Jeans"

Iraq- 04 JUNE 2010

I wonder if I should count the birthdays that I've spent here, should they really count? They do I suppose as Indiana Jones said, "It's not the years, it's the mileage." Just like the people 'round here who say how quickly the time has gone by, it hasn't and it has. It's all in the mind you know. I say, "But look at the days, does today seem like it will ever end?" Yeah in hindsight (being 20/20 and all) the months maybe have zipped by, but not the days...and those are the ones that grind you. We live in a world were we view time as linear, but its not. The whole days vs. months, hours vs. years should be enough to tell us that its all relative.

"Globywobly timeywhimy"

It's hard though, "very very very very hard" but you just deal with it and move on. You keep doing the best you can, and somethings you just have to get over, I guess. It's hard when you have to keep hearing about the "Year of the Air Force Family" on AFN, how great and important family is, blah, blah, blah. Don't get me wrong, family is important, but its hard to listen to good news stories, and all the good that the AF is doing for families when you are here. For a year (not 4-6 months or whatever, 2 day, whatever) I don't want to complain, I don't want to bring anybody down, what we have is what we have. I signed up for this, I can take it...part of the job...all that. Besides it's not like it is the Year of the Army/National Guard Family, it never is, it always is...does that make sense. We do the best we can, those of us here, you back there...but it is never going to be right. It changes us all...this. Whether we want to see it or not, whether it boils to the surface or rumbles beneath. I guess a lot of people can't or won't acknowledge this, it doesn't fit into their preconceived notions of what Life is, or whatever.

I am rambling, maybe I should have said this at the beginning, but it's my birthday right. "and i can (ramble) if I want to, cry if i want to"

So what did you get for your birthday?
Pain (Actually already had that)
Quarters (For the pain, not the birthday)
Woken up, early by the Incoming Alarm (Cheers)
Some nice stuff from the Missus (Love you)
Lots of well wishers on Facebook (Thanks)
Rafa Benitez got sacked (Mutual agreement my arse)
Watched The Return of the King (Special Edition...still no Scouring of the Shire)
Not even a whisper from my daughter (...)
Yeah, all in all great.
Yeah.

Started this in the morning, finished with it now. Don't worry about me, I'll just have to have a real gasser of a blow-out for 41.

Love, Thanks, &
Cheers
g

"Sky All Hung With Jewels"

Liverpool
Night -?

So one evening in our new digs... Did I mention we had to move out of our apartment for a couple of days? Well yeah, we did. Being as the Grand National was in town we got moved a little more off the city centre, to a high rise ("deluxe apartment in the sky") up the hill. No big deal we just brought what we needed for a coupla days and they stored the rest for us, rode up there with us, helped carry the bags, all in all too cool. Well the new apartment which had a weird sunken bed feature and we couldn't figure out the dishwasher, had a very good view of the River Mersey so we saw a couple great sunsets.

So one evening we decided to go check out the waterfront by night. I showed the Missus how to take night time pictures (just can't help but get the dig in, yeah. Seeing as she is the photographer in the family and all) and we had a lovely nighttime stroll.

Here's are the Three Graces, you can even see the Liverpool Eye down aways. Don't know what is with the British and their "eyes" (read Ferris Wheel, first introduced at the Chicago World's Fair that I spoke of in a previous blog. It built to rival the Eiffel Tower, that was unveiled at the previous World's Fair in Paris) but there you have it.

And here is the Royal Liver Building. You can see the clock faces, which are big enough for ships to be able to tell time from, seriously like 25ft in diameter (thanks wikipedia) and the Liver birds way up top, it is said the one (the lady bird) looks out towards river and the docks to see the men get home safe, and the other (the man bird) looks inwards to make sure the pubs and bars are open. Classic Liverpool that, yeah. Legend also has it that if these either of the two birds were ever to fly away, the city would cease to exist.

And around the corner from our apartment was this little sculpture and some benches and all along the wall were these faces cast in glass. Well in the little sculpture part were little portholes of Liverpool Original Exports. So among them was one for Echo & the Bunnymen's "Ocean Rain" we never would have know it existed if we hadn't have moved. So pretty cool yeah. The lyrics are out of order for some reason or another, not really sure if they skipped the copyright laws by doing this or what. Or if Mac or Will even know about it, like I said I literally stumbled upon it as I went out for a smoke.



Damn, I could use a pint 'o ale right now.

Cheers,
g