New Years Eve Movie Review

Here are some good and not so good movies for New Years Eve:
"Girl With A Pearl Earring" was a nice simple drama, but I gather from it that the book would have depicted the characters and the emotion with better strength: I give it a B+.
"Starsky and Hutch" was a full blown silly movie. I hat mimes and the idea of Starsky getting away with accidentally shooting a horse is unfathomable! Slight humor but the story fell off the peer like the car did! I give it a B-.
"Twisted" was a great police drama and interesting to play on the little weaknesses we all have. Very interesting movie that I give an A+ to.
"The Last samurai" was superior! I can't believe that this film was partially filmed in New Zealand while Lord of The Rings was finishing up and that much work for the film was done through WETA as well! Interesting that it had to run for Oscars against LOTR, because if it hadn't it would of won! I give it an A++ an equal grade to the LOTR trilogy!

Why Aren't We Doing More?

So Bush spoke about the devastation in Asia, but why aren't we doing more?
We are always playing big brother, look what we are doing, in the cause of aid to the people, in Iraq!
So why aren't we doing some huge aid efforts in Asia?
I say because it doesn't benefit the Bush family pocketbook!
I hope I can be proved wrong in the days to come, but I am highly skeptical of this man.

Bush out of the Limelight!

It is sad to think it takes Mother Nature's major devastation to knock Bush out of the Limelight!
What is that conniving villain doing these days?
I know he didn't visit the troops in Iraq, he never does...sit with the young soldiers like Clinton did in Bosnia and Kosovo.
Rumsfeld went to see the troops,
though I don't call Generals the troops!
Time for us to turn the page on the news a bit and keep an eye on the White house,
he thinks we aren't watching!

Tsunami Death Toll

They say the death toll is up to 80,000!
If this isn't a time for the world to come together to support and care for this devastation, then where is the world going!
I think we can all do something...Like give blood, donate old clothes and household items!
We all need to pitch in and help our brethren of this world!

Quake, tsunamis kill more than 22,000

Asia is having to makeshift morgues and they are still seeking seeking lost missing people after tsunamis swept across the Indian Ocean from Thailand to Somalia, killing more than 22,000 people.
Sometimes Mother Nature brings us back to reality and reminds us we aren't as empowered as we think we are!

There's Something About Giving That Makes you Feel GOOD!

I really enjoy the holidays and friends Birthdays because I enjoy giving of myself in little, but special ways!
I find that the more you give, the more you get in return.
This is how it happened this year.
I really enjoyed the holiday spirit with my VFW & Military Order of The Cooties~The Honor Degree of the VFW, when we went to our state Veterans Home and donated and gave out new sox, toiletries and fresh fruit and goodies to the Vet Patients.
We also gave many items the Vet Home they can use for entertaining the patients, like Boom boxes and other need items.
I also went to the VA hospital and chatted with the Vet patients there and handed out fresh fruit and hard candies.
It was wonderful to see them light up that someone cared enough to spend time with them and chat and smile!
It made a world of difference for both them and us!
So...I find that my giving was returned by my friends and family in VERY dear gifts that will last and be a part of my life and add to its quality!
I hope you all had a splendid time and I hope the New Year brings us happiness and Peace to the world!

No White Xmas Here!

I am so glad we got no snow!
I just moved up here to the Pacific Northwest in the Spring of 2003 and we had a record summer heat wave and then a record winter snowfall!
Some may dream of white Xmas', but this girl don't shovel snow!
Happy Ho Ho!

Few States Ban Cell Phone use while Driving

Why is it that so few US states have banned, or are even debating the ban of cell phone use while driving, when most other countries have!
Talk about this country being behind the times!
How many more people must get injured or die in an accident because a driver wasn't paying attention while talking on a cell phone?
I am sick do death of this issue!
Every time I see a car doing something erratic I look to see the driver and sure enough there's a doggone cell phone in their ear!
Let's get it together folks! If you use a cell phone, don't while driving!

Pets are a part of the Holidays!

I have to say...
this year seems to be the Year of The Pet!
My Cat has gotten her own holiday presents given to her from MY friends!
She has also received her OWN holiday cards!
I would have to say that this is The Year of the Pet!
She is a wonderful cat and I do love her,
just wish she would come up with her half of the rent and she'd be the perfect roommate!
Happy Holidays!

My Favorite Album of 2004

My Favorite Album of 2004 is Halcyon Days from Bruce Hornsby. It has great rhythm & beat with lyrics you can sing to if the mood strikes you!
Bruce has collected a collage of new music styles and incorporated them into his form. The sound is uplifting and smart.
If you haven't tried Bruce Hornsby when he was Bruce Hornsby and The Range, I recommend giving him a try now! You will be delighted!

Losing War...Losing Soldiers

This issue with Iraq needs to be addressed by our politicians.
Some how we have to pump up the volume and let them realize we have to rethink our strategy in Iraq.
Losing 24 Soldier in a Chow hall is unacceptable in my book!

The Best Cook Book for 2004

If you haven't realized yet...I LOVE books!
I also love a great author or Poet.
Dr. Maya Angelou is both.
I was lucky enough to hear her speak at a couple of Southern California universities years ago.
Her latest book isn't of a Caged bird, nor is it poetry.
It is a splendid mix of stories and recipes!
Hallelujah! The welcome table: A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES WITH RECIPES.
If you are still looking for something special for someone this holiday season. Think of this book.

My Favorite Author of 2004

My Favorite Author of 2004 is
Christopher Paolini.
At Fifteen he wrote the first book of the Inheritance Trilogy - Eragon, in 2002.
Now at almost Nineteen he is ready to release his second book of the Trilogy in August 2005 titled Eldest.
The fact that he graduated High School at Fifteen & is a devout Author of fantasy has got me!
I am sold and am enjoying his work!
If you haven't read him...Do so!
Enlighten you kids by giving them his books!
We all need to share our stories and lore!

My Favorite book of 2004

My Favorite book of 2004 is Eragon,
Book one of Trilogy - The Inheritance,
by young Author Christopher Paolini.
The Eldest - Book two, will be released in August 2005.
Eragon was released in 2002, though I have just learned of it.
It speaks Fantasy & reads like a Murder/Suspense Thriller.
Dragons & Magic are abound in this book!
But the most exciting factor is that Christopher, at the age of fifteen & newly Graduated from High School, yes! Graduated at Fifteen! Wrote this book with the idea of a trilogy.
He is now Nineteen & I am very looking forward to Eldest, his 2nd book in this trilogy!

My ALL time Favorite FEEL GOOD Movie!

If you want to see one of the Greatest 'FEEL GOOD' movies ever, go rent
"The Simple Life of NOAH DEARBORN."
It is not out on DVD yet nor is it available for sale on VHS, though you can find places that will sell it at video store purchase prices of $50 & up!
Sydney Portier is Outstanding in this movie,
as he is in all his movies.
This is such a pleasant movie. If you are having a rough time in your life and need a boost, this movie will give it to you!
I just saw it again as I was recording it from my VHS to a DVD; I recently got a very nice Panasonic DVD recorder and am copying over many of my VHS to DVD format.
If you are looking for a good movie, during this holiday season, to watch with the family, then this is it.

How to Locate a Military Retiree

I found this information in my recent Shift Colors, the Navy Retiree magazine.
As that I am a Navy Retiree & have lost friends through the years, I find this information might be helpful to others.
From Shift Colors:
The following procedures should be followed in order to locate a retired military member. However, the Privacy Act prohibits the release of Personal addresses. To locate a former servicemember, simply write a letter to the retiree. Place it in a stamped envelope with the retiree's name on it and your return address.
In a short note, provide what information you have about the person you are trying to locate. Include: complete name, rank, social security number, birth date or approximate age and other information that might help the locator identify the person. State your reason for wanting to contact this person.
Place the postage-pid sealed envelope and your note in another envelope and address it to the appropriate service. a search fee may be required for each name. There is generally no fee charged if the request is from a parent or immediate family member. You will be notified if the retiree cannot be located.
Navy: Navy Worldwide Locator, Navy Personnel Command, PERS-312F,5720 Integrity Drive, Millington, TN 38055-3210, (901) 875-3388, ($3.50 fee. Do not put return address on letter to be forwarded). Make checks payable to U.S. Treasurer.

Air Force: Headquarters, AFPC/MSIMDL, 550 C St., W., Ste. 50, Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4752, (210) 565-2660, Recording, #3.50 fee. Make Checks payable to DAO-DE/RAFB. Parents, spouses, and government officials may call (210) 565-2478.

Marine Corps: HQ Marine Corps, CMC (MMSR-6), 3280 Russell Rd., Quantico, VA 22134, (703) 784-9834 FAX, (no fee - please provide postage).

Coast Guard -
(Or as we Navy call them, Puddle Pirates!):
Commanding Officer (RAS), Coast Guard Human Resources, Services and information Center, 444 S. E. Quincy St., Topeka, KS 66683-3591, 800-772-8724, (785) 339-3779 FAX, (no Fee).
TOTO is there really any reason for ships in Kansas?

Army: National Personnel Records Center, 9700 Page Avenue, St. Louis Missouri 63132-5200. Current addresses are not maintained for separatees who are not serving under reserve obligation.

I hope this information might bring a loved one or friend closer to you in during this holiday season!

I hope for Joy!

With all the fuss in the world, I still have my hopes for a little Joy!
Maybe if we all just smile at the cashier ringing in our groceries, give a pleasant comment to the gas pump jockey, help an elderly person with the door; We might just find & share a little Joy!
I hope I will keep on doing this and then make a point of retaining this habit throughout the year!
Joy to you & yours this season!

The Peterson Jury recommends death

So the jury agrees with the majority of the population.
I have to say I am not certain if he should actually receive the death penalty, not fully believing in it myself.
Though I do believe in his guilt, to sentence a man to death goes beyond my beliefs in justice.
I guess we'll know how this will run after February 25th when he receives final sentencing.

Return of The King Extended Version Review

I was lucky enough to have had the US Postal Service arrive with my pre-ordered copy of Return of The King extened version today!
Of course this means seeing it Today!
I can tell you that my favorite extended scene is one of three scenes.
Either the scene of Gimli & Legolas having a drinking contest; nothing like Dwarf farts to liven up Golden Hall! - Or Eomir wailing at the sight of his fallen sister Eowyn, in battle - Or seeing the beginnings of love between Eowyn & Faramir.
I can't stop wondering how SAG would have voted if they were to have voted, on all eleven Oscars, for the extended version rather than the theatrical version.
The scene of the Palantir is alarmingly different than the book, though we all know P.J. had to create film versions for better suiting.
It is a remarkable piece of work...I now plan to go & watch it yet again!
Enjoy your copy!

There is a Female Surgeon General!

For those of you who don't follow 'The West Wing' you haven't noticed that there is a female Surgeon General now!
Mary Kay Place of fame from 'The Big Chill,' is now onboard at 'The West Wing' as Millie the U.S. surgeon General - or rather Admiral for those of us retired from the Navy.
It is an interesting twist, as the needs of the President increase, as his MS episodes cause loss of arm & leg movement. I believe the writers agree with society, that men are not nurturers & that is why they used a female as Surgeon General to assist the President in his time of personal need.

The Gift of Giving

I had a marvelous experience today!
I & many of my Cootie brothers, members of the Military Order of The Cooties;
The Honor Degree of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; went to our state Veterans Home & passed out bags of goodies.
These were all thoughtful & planned things for these ailing veterans. We had ordered special pin wheels for their wheelchair's & teddy bears.
We also had bags of white sox & white handkerchiefs for the men & a ditty bag with toiletries, white sox, a book and other items for the women vets!
There were tons of cookies and crackers and chips for both Diabetic and non-diabetic patients.
I helped hand out the pin wheels, Teddy Bears & a bag of fresh fruits to each patient, as my Brother Cooties & the Ladies auxiliary wheeled the patients, in their wheelchair's, through the room.
Many of the Vets smiled, though some aren't fully cognizant of their surroundings; it gave still a pleasure to know that someone cares for them!
We also had given parcels with particular clothes the Nurses & Aids had said certain patients needed & we also gave 2 Boom Boxes to be used in each wing of the facility; cases of soda & even beer!
We Cooties know how to tip a beverage in honor of our Brothers!
I was filled with a humbling joy that I hope you all find this holiday season!
Be Well & Take Care!
Share the Joy!

So Congress is Buying Bush a Yacht!

Keith Gaby for the League of Conservation Voters said:
That’s right. Congress is spending $2 million to buy a presidential yacht while, in the very same bill, they slashed the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) budget for sewage treatment by 20 percent.
Tell Congress to get its priorities straight and put our health ahead of luxury cruises for George Bush!
Take Action Now!
At a time of record budget deficits, tell Congress what you think their spending priorities.
Congress slashed EPA's budget by $277 million. The budget-cutting hatchet effects the following programs.
Water, Water, Everywhere (Except in this Budget!) The largest single reduction in the EPA budget is funds for reducing sources of pollution including sewage plants, water purification facilities, and targeted pollution-prevention investments.
Research Takes a Hit.
The Bush Administration frequently talks about basing policy on “sound science,” yet cut EPA’s Science and Technology programs.
Superfund: Polluters Make the Mess, Taxpayers Pay for Cleanup. The Superfund program is based on the principle that polluting companies should be held accountable for the messes they make, yet this budget effectively abandons the “polluter pays” principle by failing to call for reinstatement of the Superfund fees to pay for the program.
Don’t let Congress and the President get away with cutting the EPA’s budget while buying a presidential yacht. Tell Congress to get their priorities straight.
Take Action Now! We should never have to make the choice between funding for sewage treatment, Superfund, research, and a presidential yacht.
Thank you,
Keith Gaby
League of Conservation Voters

Dean Koontz's "Useless News"

My all time favorite author is Dean Koontz;
so it is no surprise that I am on his mailing list to receive his newsletter~USELESS NEWS, that comes our seasonally.
He has some marvelous information about his latest book "Life Expectancy" & you gotta love an author who loves dogs! Trixie Koontz is now an author like her human dad! "Life is Good" by Trixie, Dog & Edited by Dean Koontz is available now!
Trixie says: It is a beautiful book with much dog wisdom...Now must go pee.
If you are a Dean Koontz reader or Fan and would also like to receive his newsletter then send a letter to him at Dean Koontz, USELESS NEWS
Post Office Box 9529, Newport Beach, CA 92658-9529

The First Candle of Hanukkah is Lit

Last night was the first night of Hanukkah!
I hope you all take some time to look inwards & reflect on the possible changes & rededicate your energies to a "Better Self!"
Just like the rededication of our Temple so long ago!

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Today is Pearl harbor Remembrance Day!
Give a little thought & prayer to a time in our history when,
as we say in the VFW,
"All Gave Some~Some Gave All!"

The Five People You Meet in Heaven

I have yet to read Mitch Albom's book; though it is on my TO READ LIST.
I did see the made for TV movie of it & though I like Ellen Burstyn's, Jon Voight's & Jeff Daniel's work; I was left a little empty, to no fault of the acting capabilities, but to the completion of the story.
It left me with only this one thought; wouldn't Eddie have been better off if he knew all these things while he was alive?
That question has left me with an action. To make certain I DO know how I treat people & how people feel about me. I don't want to lose a chance to make the best of my life, here & now!

IN THE SHADOW OF NO TOWERS

You don't have to be a Comix lover to become captivated in Art Spiegelman's work in his book "In The Shadow of NO TOWERS."
It is a composite of oversized comix he has created depicting the horror & trauma he & his family experienced being New Yorkers.
Much of the depictions, all so eloquently revealing, embody the realism of political failure to react appropriately.
My two favorites are his Ostrich Party, the new Revolutionary third political party & the separation of the Country in Democrates & Republicans, known as Blue for Dems & Red for Reps; is depicted in his two flags one of the stars & one of the stripes of our National flag.
It's a must read & even those who aren't readers or have short attention spans will relish the artwork & thought provoking words.
Excellent work; from the only author of comix to win the Pulitzer Prize!