...when am I gonna hear it?
I am so deaf it's not funny.
Thank you again, Pete Townshend.
I pretty much blame him - he started this tinnitus kick :)
I have to say that Pete is right to be concerned about the present headphone generation of kids...from the time the Walkman came out (early 80s?) ,I was plugged in every moment I could. Of course I had the volume on full blast (the better to tune out the Reagan years). Then, to add insult to injury, I used to go to small divey clubs to hear bands 2-3 times per week (before my mom days!) and I never would wear earplugs, (I wanted to hear eery note!).. So no wonder I have severe hearing loss in one ear.
It started the year "W" was elected...an omen, perhaps?
Anyway - the moral is - take care of your ears - and your kids' too!
Hoping all you guys are well,
I remain,
Yours truly in blogland,
Sue
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Don't jiggle on a rickshaw
I really must apologize for slacking off in blogland. My time has been devoted mostly to getting rid of STUFF and packing (in my mind).
The other day I was at a redlight, thinking, yeah this is boring, but contemplating my wardrobe for the next 6 months in Asia - mostly Taipei but also India.
I was having the same old "scary" flashblack - thinking back to last spring, when during a visit to India to see my in-laws, I was chastized for wearing a (sleeveless, yet conservative) dress with a "western bra" while travelling with my mother-in-law on a bicycle rickshaw. You see, an "Indian bra" (*) is really an unspoken wardrobe requirement when full-figured Western gals, (like myself) visit India.
I was called on the carpet for "jiggling on the rickshaw" which was "horribly embarrasing." If only I was wearing an "Indian bra" she would have been able to have waltzed through the townsquare with her head up, proud of her western daughter-in-law.
But no..
All eyes were upon ME, the girl with the va - va voom, jiggling her way "to market, to market."
This...brought to you by the country that gave the world the Kama Sutra, and temples laden with relief sculptures of man and woman doing it in every position known to man, woman, and beast.
I have a feeling Indians actually ENJOY sex and, the female form. I don't know what it is, just a little hunch.
So, as I was saying, this little exchange, if you will, between my beloved, embarrassed mom-in-law and I is going through my head, and I am thinking, "gosh, should I bring the ugly silwar-chemise that she made for me because it's 'less embarassing' to be seen in it (with or without an Indian bra) than a western style dress?"...and in the same split second, I see a woman, who had been jogging, but she paused and jogged in place at the previously mentioned red light...and she removed her t-shirt to reveal, a very, very skimpy jog bra... and.... my head exploded.
* An Indian bra is kind of like Madonna's "Cone bra" from the early 90s...only not as pointy. They are very flattering and Marilyn Monroe inducing (if you are well endowed).
The other day I was at a redlight, thinking, yeah this is boring, but contemplating my wardrobe for the next 6 months in Asia - mostly Taipei but also India.
I was having the same old "scary" flashblack - thinking back to last spring, when during a visit to India to see my in-laws, I was chastized for wearing a (sleeveless, yet conservative) dress with a "western bra" while travelling with my mother-in-law on a bicycle rickshaw. You see, an "Indian bra" (*) is really an unspoken wardrobe requirement when full-figured Western gals, (like myself) visit India.
I was called on the carpet for "jiggling on the rickshaw" which was "horribly embarrasing." If only I was wearing an "Indian bra" she would have been able to have waltzed through the townsquare with her head up, proud of her western daughter-in-law.
But no..
All eyes were upon ME, the girl with the va - va voom, jiggling her way "to market, to market."
This...brought to you by the country that gave the world the Kama Sutra, and temples laden with relief sculptures of man and woman doing it in every position known to man, woman, and beast.
I have a feeling Indians actually ENJOY sex and, the female form. I don't know what it is, just a little hunch.
So, as I was saying, this little exchange, if you will, between my beloved, embarrassed mom-in-law and I is going through my head, and I am thinking, "gosh, should I bring the ugly silwar-chemise that she made for me because it's 'less embarassing' to be seen in it (with or without an Indian bra) than a western style dress?"...and in the same split second, I see a woman, who had been jogging, but she paused and jogged in place at the previously mentioned red light...and she removed her t-shirt to reveal, a very, very skimpy jog bra... and.... my head exploded.
* An Indian bra is kind of like Madonna's "Cone bra" from the early 90s...only not as pointy. They are very flattering and Marilyn Monroe inducing (if you are well endowed).
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Life is a Daring Adventure or Nothing at All
I haven't been posting much - been frantically preparing for a 6 month stint in Taipei. I've told some of you in blogland that my family are moving to Taiwan, temporarily.
My husband is trying to start a new company with one of his company's customers.
So we will live in Taipei from February - August, then, if this new start up is a sure thing, we'll go back sometime in the fall (?) and live there for 1-2 years!
I've been spending alot of time on-line, trying to find a school for Anjoli. I think I found a good one. It's small, in a beautiful area called Yang Ming Shan. It's a very exclusive area - so let's hope we can find affordable housing! I'm sure we will.
When I'm there I plan on studying Mandarin, hopefully taking classes in Chinese Medicine, tai chi and Qi Gong. I also want to take cooking lessons - even if they're given by friends. (We know one family there - they're WONDERFUL people). I'm bringing my guitar and keyboard...I want to take piano lessons along with my daughter. I think I'll have lots of time to study music and finish songs I've started. I hope!
Thank God for this blogging business - 'cuz I'm sure I'll get homesick after a month or so!! I'll be sure to post regularly when I'm there, I promise!
(The above picture is a view from the Su-Hua Highway on the east coast).
Friday, January 06, 2006
Ruminating on Rumi
Don't let your throat tighten
with fear. Take sips of breath
all day and night, before death
closes your mouth.
Pale sunlight,
pale the wall.
Love moves away.
The light changes.
I need more grace
than I thought.
~Rumi
with fear. Take sips of breath
all day and night, before death
closes your mouth.
Pale sunlight,
pale the wall.
Love moves away.
The light changes.
I need more grace
than I thought.
~Rumi
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
O Christmas Tree!
Ok it's not the 12th day of Christmas yet, so I can still post these pictures! It's been hectic around here, so now that the troops are at work and school, I can share these. Our tree was a little crooked, but still pretty!
These are two of my favorite ornaments.Not that I'm vain or anything, but they revolve around, well, ME! The first one was given to me by my roommate when I was a freshman at the University of Rhode Island in 1980 (yikes!). She christened me "swho" because I am a Who freak. The second I bought in Quebec City when my husband and I were living in Montreal back in 1996. We both thought it looked like, um, ME!!! Yeah, I'm such an angel. ;)
These are two of my favorite ornaments.Not that I'm vain or anything, but they revolve around, well, ME! The first one was given to me by my roommate when I was a freshman at the University of Rhode Island in 1980 (yikes!). She christened me "swho" because I am a Who freak. The second I bought in Quebec City when my husband and I were living in Montreal back in 1996. We both thought it looked like, um, ME!!! Yeah, I'm such an angel. ;)
The Wall Part 2
Ta da! Yes, I know all of you have been waiting with baited breath for a follow-up to my "Stripping for Pleasure" post.
Well, my friends, wait no more.
A few weeks ago, our dear friend Scott took us one step closer to creating our dream kitchen by putting up our wallpaper! He did an awesome job. It really looks beautiful. It took a good 4 hours to do (including beer breaks!). He is so patient and meticulous (unlike moi). My kitchen is slowly taking on a bistro look!
You know you have found a true friend when they put wallpaper up for you!
We are very lucky to have a friend like him. THANK YOU SCOTT!!!!
The finished product
Anjoli, her friend Kristen and Kristen's dad, Scott.
The Power of Eternity
I started my New Year with a bang. Yeah! I came home from Boston on New Year's day -a day early because I missed my sweeties so much...
While I was on the plane I set my new watch (I never wear them but Sujoy gave me one for our anniversary) back to central time while I was flying. Ok - so I get to Houston and have to walk five miles to my connecting flight - what a horrible airport. The gates aren't in order - it's very confusing. So anyway, I got to the gate but it was super crowded, so I found a chair, made some phone calls home, then became quite engrossed sending a text message to my friend Laura who I want to get in touch with badly - I missed her call while I was away. So...while waiting, I hear all these calls for Palm Springs over and over...so I went to the desk at the gate and saw "Palm Springs" on the board...OMG, I couldn't believe it - I missed my freakin' flight! Turns out I set my watch 1 hour back instead of two! Duh!! And I was looking at my cell phone and I noticed the time was different, but I thought it was my cell phone that was wrong (yeah that GPS is so unreliable) and not my watch. Oh the ego, Sue! Get over it. I'm never wrong! Nope. That's the Leo in me, I guess.
I never heard the call because the gate was to my left and I have severe hearing loss in my left ear, thanks to Pete Townshend. (Kidding!) I have tinnitus something fierce !
So I flew standby - didn't make it on the first try (they told me I did, then they yanked me off the plane - cruel and unusual punishment! wah!) but the second time I just squeeked in. New Year's Day is INSANE to travel...oh man I was praying like CRAZY that I didn't have to spend the night in the airport.
I owe God big time!
While waiting for my last standby flight I called my sister (yes I set my watch correctly) and I told her that I had our father (who art in the hospital in pretty bad shape) sign a Power of Attorney form. I incorrectly called it a "Power of Eternity" form...and I thought to myself, well, that's a cool slip, because
there really is power in eternity.
I've had a rough year - lost my mom last year, now my dad has cancer. So I've been thinking alot about death and thinking about my life...mistakes I've made, wasting so much time, taking people for granted...I've been in panic mode lately, quite fearful about the future. I'm reading a really great book that's helping me though...It's called the Power of Intention
by Wayne Dyer. He talks about death and the soul, and I believe, as he does, that the soul never dies. We are eternal - and earth is our schoolroom, and we just keep coming back until we get it right - that is, when we learn that we are not separate from God. Knowing that we are eternal makes life in the present much easier, I think. I just can't wait until I get to that place where I no longer worry, because when you realize that your are Divine - worry and fear will no longer exist.
I don't know if that makes sense to anyone, but it does to me!
While I was on the plane I set my new watch (I never wear them but Sujoy gave me one for our anniversary) back to central time while I was flying. Ok - so I get to Houston and have to walk five miles to my connecting flight - what a horrible airport. The gates aren't in order - it's very confusing. So anyway, I got to the gate but it was super crowded, so I found a chair, made some phone calls home, then became quite engrossed sending a text message to my friend Laura who I want to get in touch with badly - I missed her call while I was away. So...while waiting, I hear all these calls for Palm Springs over and over...so I went to the desk at the gate and saw "Palm Springs" on the board...OMG, I couldn't believe it - I missed my freakin' flight! Turns out I set my watch 1 hour back instead of two! Duh!! And I was looking at my cell phone and I noticed the time was different, but I thought it was my cell phone that was wrong (yeah that GPS is so unreliable) and not my watch. Oh the ego, Sue! Get over it. I'm never wrong! Nope. That's the Leo in me, I guess.
I never heard the call because the gate was to my left and I have severe hearing loss in my left ear, thanks to Pete Townshend. (Kidding!) I have tinnitus something fierce !
So I flew standby - didn't make it on the first try (they told me I did, then they yanked me off the plane - cruel and unusual punishment! wah!) but the second time I just squeeked in. New Year's Day is INSANE to travel...oh man I was praying like CRAZY that I didn't have to spend the night in the airport.
I owe God big time!
While waiting for my last standby flight I called my sister (yes I set my watch correctly) and I told her that I had our father (who art in the hospital in pretty bad shape) sign a Power of Attorney form. I incorrectly called it a "Power of Eternity" form...and I thought to myself, well, that's a cool slip, because
there really is power in eternity.
I've had a rough year - lost my mom last year, now my dad has cancer. So I've been thinking alot about death and thinking about my life...mistakes I've made, wasting so much time, taking people for granted...I've been in panic mode lately, quite fearful about the future. I'm reading a really great book that's helping me though...It's called the Power of Intention
by Wayne Dyer. He talks about death and the soul, and I believe, as he does, that the soul never dies. We are eternal - and earth is our schoolroom, and we just keep coming back until we get it right - that is, when we learn that we are not separate from God. Knowing that we are eternal makes life in the present much easier, I think. I just can't wait until I get to that place where I no longer worry, because when you realize that your are Divine - worry and fear will no longer exist.
I don't know if that makes sense to anyone, but it does to me!
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Happy New Year Everyone!
First of all, my apologies for my rant and negativity.
It was very disrespectful, and I was going to delete it, but maybe it's best that I reveal my true self, warts and all. It's not all peace, love and lollipops all the time for any of us, right?
I actually had a good visit with my dad, and my cousin and her boyfriend were so supportive of me. They live in a beautiful house that they built last year in Plymouth, MA on Cape Cod. I stayed with them and my cousin lent me her car. It snowed last night...I DROVE in the snow. OMG California has spoiled me. It was fine - no skidding.
The drive into Boston this morning was SO beautiful. All the bare trees covered with snow. Just heavenly. I love the smell of snow...
My dad is ok - but he contracted a very nasty staph infection from an IV that was inserted incorrectly...and it's awful because he complained about pain and swelling early on, but his concerns were ignored (natch) and it wasn't addressed until the infection got out control and his hand ballooned. So he's angry and I don't blame him. Staph is highly resitant to antibiotics, so now they're playing the "let's try this antiobiotic" game - he's on a second one for 2 weeks. It really worries me, because antiobiotics wipe out all the good bacteria and before you know it your're looking at infection after infection...and his liver is already compromised. It's pretty scary. And he can't re-start his treatment until the infection clears. The first round of treatment was effective - the tumor responded to it, so that's hopeful. They used a biological agent instead of chemo, so that made me feel good. I know chemo is helpful, but I have mixed feelings about it. It can destroy the immune system, as everyone knows, so many people die from infections, rather than the cancer itself.
I wish he would consider alternative or rather, "complementary" natural therapy, but he won't have any of it. Oh well.
He was happy that I came and I took care of him as best I could - went shopping for pjs and slippers, etc (those johnnys are hideous!). He was thrilled. He kept saying the slippers I bought him were "sexy!" hmm... I even bought a toe nail clipper and scissors and clipped his toenails (YUCK! but I used surgical gloves). So that makes up for my mean post, right?
He's a pain in the butt, but he's actually a good patient. He just talks too much and asks a million questions. I'm sure he drives most of the nurses crazy!
I wasn't able to talk to his doctor (or any doctor). His oncologist was away - but she'll be back today, I think, so I'll know more in a day or two.
I'm flying back today...one day early. They're supposed to get more snow and I don't want to get stuck here - my daughter has a school performance this Wednesday and I can't miss that! Plus I'm volunteering in the Green Room -that should be fun!
I wish only good things to all of you...and if you are lucky enough to have healthy parents, give them lots of hugs!
It was very disrespectful, and I was going to delete it, but maybe it's best that I reveal my true self, warts and all. It's not all peace, love and lollipops all the time for any of us, right?
I actually had a good visit with my dad, and my cousin and her boyfriend were so supportive of me. They live in a beautiful house that they built last year in Plymouth, MA on Cape Cod. I stayed with them and my cousin lent me her car. It snowed last night...I DROVE in the snow. OMG California has spoiled me. It was fine - no skidding.
The drive into Boston this morning was SO beautiful. All the bare trees covered with snow. Just heavenly. I love the smell of snow...
My dad is ok - but he contracted a very nasty staph infection from an IV that was inserted incorrectly...and it's awful because he complained about pain and swelling early on, but his concerns were ignored (natch) and it wasn't addressed until the infection got out control and his hand ballooned. So he's angry and I don't blame him. Staph is highly resitant to antibiotics, so now they're playing the "let's try this antiobiotic" game - he's on a second one for 2 weeks. It really worries me, because antiobiotics wipe out all the good bacteria and before you know it your're looking at infection after infection...and his liver is already compromised. It's pretty scary. And he can't re-start his treatment until the infection clears. The first round of treatment was effective - the tumor responded to it, so that's hopeful. They used a biological agent instead of chemo, so that made me feel good. I know chemo is helpful, but I have mixed feelings about it. It can destroy the immune system, as everyone knows, so many people die from infections, rather than the cancer itself.
I wish he would consider alternative or rather, "complementary" natural therapy, but he won't have any of it. Oh well.
He was happy that I came and I took care of him as best I could - went shopping for pjs and slippers, etc (those johnnys are hideous!). He was thrilled. He kept saying the slippers I bought him were "sexy!" hmm... I even bought a toe nail clipper and scissors and clipped his toenails (YUCK! but I used surgical gloves). So that makes up for my mean post, right?
He's a pain in the butt, but he's actually a good patient. He just talks too much and asks a million questions. I'm sure he drives most of the nurses crazy!
I wasn't able to talk to his doctor (or any doctor). His oncologist was away - but she'll be back today, I think, so I'll know more in a day or two.
I'm flying back today...one day early. They're supposed to get more snow and I don't want to get stuck here - my daughter has a school performance this Wednesday and I can't miss that! Plus I'm volunteering in the Green Room -that should be fun!
I wish only good things to all of you...and if you are lucky enough to have healthy parents, give them lots of hugs!
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Happy Holidays to all you lovely bloggers!
Enjoy yourselves, make merry while ye can and have a safe and wonderful season!
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Happy Horrordaze!
This Santa is either wasted or deaf. Maybe a little of both!!!
Ok I feel just like this little girl. Christmas shouldn't scare me, but it does!
I need to send my presents and cards! Why does it always creep up on you?
I am not in the spirit at all. Something is just off about Christmas in California. It will never feel like Christmas to me, no matter how many lights or cheezy decorations I see (and in California, we only get the extra cheezy supreme decorations!).
I miss New England...alot.
Poor poor Sue in the 70 degree weather. (Actually, it's a chilly 64 degrees during the day now).
Once we get a tree, I'll be much more chipper, I think!
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Liberty Cabbage
Liberty Cabbage*
by Rufus Wainwright
Sometimes I think You're trying to kill me
With your stars and stripes
And sometimes, sometimes your Liberty Cabbage goes dry
But still your arms are strong
Your blood runs furies inside me.
Cities of gold, mountains of purple,
Hot dogs and hamburgers eaten on your laps,
While you sit and watch them kill me with their stars and stripes
And sometimes, sometimes your liberty cabbage goes dry
But tears do flow from those eyes blue as the Pacific
Your table cloths checkered as chessboards
And your smile is wider than the Continental Drift
But why do you,
Why do you sit and let them stone my friends and loved ones?
Sometimes I think you're trying to kill me
With your stars and strips
And sometimes, sometimes I think you might succeed
Click to hear Liberty Cabbage ~ Rufus Wainwright
*Liberty Cabbage was the alternative name created during World War I, used to refer to Sauerkraut, to avoid using words from the enemy’s language. A hamburger was referred to as a 'Liberty Sandwich,' and German Measles were 'Liberty Measles.'
And the silliness continued...with "Freedom Fries."
(This is the first song that Rufus had written - he was still a teenager when he wrote it. He's speaking of prejudice and violence against gays, but I think it can be understood on many levels).
by Rufus Wainwright
Sometimes I think You're trying to kill me
With your stars and stripes
And sometimes, sometimes your Liberty Cabbage goes dry
But still your arms are strong
Your blood runs furies inside me.
Cities of gold, mountains of purple,
Hot dogs and hamburgers eaten on your laps,
While you sit and watch them kill me with their stars and stripes
And sometimes, sometimes your liberty cabbage goes dry
But tears do flow from those eyes blue as the Pacific
Your table cloths checkered as chessboards
And your smile is wider than the Continental Drift
But why do you,
Why do you sit and let them stone my friends and loved ones?
Sometimes I think you're trying to kill me
With your stars and strips
And sometimes, sometimes I think you might succeed
Click to hear Liberty Cabbage ~ Rufus Wainwright
*Liberty Cabbage was the alternative name created during World War I, used to refer to Sauerkraut, to avoid using words from the enemy’s language. A hamburger was referred to as a 'Liberty Sandwich,' and German Measles were 'Liberty Measles.'
And the silliness continued...with "Freedom Fries."
(This is the first song that Rufus had written - he was still a teenager when he wrote it. He's speaking of prejudice and violence against gays, but I think it can be understood on many levels).
Friday, December 09, 2005
Thursday, December 08, 2005
As seen in a Shanghai taxi
My husband just got back from a trip to Asia, and I just had to share this one.
He saw this posted inside a cab:
"Drunkards and psychos are not allowed to travel without a guardian."
He saw this posted inside a cab:
"Drunkards and psychos are not allowed to travel without a guardian."
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Is anyone else having problems with word verification?
My bloggy's gone batty!
I can't leave comments...I type the freakin' word verification letters exactly as I see them, but I'm still getting error messages. oh man...I'm not happy right now!
I can't leave comments...I type the freakin' word verification letters exactly as I see them, but I'm still getting error messages. oh man...I'm not happy right now!
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Stripping for Pleasure
And so...we drift from the sacred to the profane...
Last week, I had a WONDERFUL dream. I was stripping, and I tell ya, I was having the time of my life! I gotta try it in real life someday! (I'm from New England, ah now you get it...). I think I was stripping for my husband, because I see SOMEONE'S smiling face in my mind's eye. I'm pretty sure it was him. Yeah - it was.
Well, next I found myself wandering around a Home Depot kind of place - I was in a showroom looking at these gorgeous walnut kitchen cabinets. Oooooh...ahhhhhh. I think I had put my clothes back on at this point!
I woke up laughing, and I didn't need to call 1-800-ASK-JUNG for an interpretation. You see, I have taken up a little project...that's right I HAVE A DREAM, that one day, I will have a kitchen worthy of a spread in Architecture Digest.
Yes,Sue, the blob of suburbia, has taken on a pretty ambitious home renovation project: wallpapering (ONE WALL!) of my kitchen. Yes, those who know me, I hear your gasps of disbelief. But 'tis true.
I enlisted the help of my dear friend Jo (well she volunteered without me even asking) and together we steamed off the wallpaper with a rented steamer. This was a step up from the warm water/vinegar solution and curved end of a vegetable peeler that I was initially using!
It was a bit of a fiasco at first. The guy at the rental store gave me explicit instructions: "it's filled with 15 gallons of water, just plug her in and you're good to go." Ok! So...I plugged it in. Then 20 minutes later...no steam. Jo asks if there's an ON/OFF switch. Didn't see one. It was Sunday and the rental place was closed, so I went on-line to see if I could find a manual...which, oddly enough I did! I found out that it was made in the UK (like all good things!) and the directions said: (drumroll please) "Plug in unit and switch ON." Oh...ok! So I looked and looked and sure enough, I found it, but it really truly didn't look like an AMERICAN switch! You know, no neon letters pointing to it or anything. Those Brits and their stuffy little conservative buttons! It had a square plastic cap over it and I'm blind as a bat as it is!
Jo hit me with the Sunday paper.
Oh and Boston University called, they'd like their degree back...
Anyway, it was quite the chore...took about 5 hours, roughly...I finally got the hang of it near the end, after Jo left...I was getting off these huge chunks and I was literally salivating.
Yeah, it feels GOOD to strip!
(Pictures to follow! NO...not THOSE kind of pictures, in your dreams! Or ...my dreams!).
THE WALL
Last week, I had a WONDERFUL dream. I was stripping, and I tell ya, I was having the time of my life! I gotta try it in real life someday! (I'm from New England, ah now you get it...). I think I was stripping for my husband, because I see SOMEONE'S smiling face in my mind's eye. I'm pretty sure it was him. Yeah - it was.
Well, next I found myself wandering around a Home Depot kind of place - I was in a showroom looking at these gorgeous walnut kitchen cabinets. Oooooh...ahhhhhh. I think I had put my clothes back on at this point!
I woke up laughing, and I didn't need to call 1-800-ASK-JUNG for an interpretation. You see, I have taken up a little project...that's right I HAVE A DREAM, that one day, I will have a kitchen worthy of a spread in Architecture Digest.
Yes,Sue, the blob of suburbia, has taken on a pretty ambitious home renovation project: wallpapering (ONE WALL!) of my kitchen. Yes, those who know me, I hear your gasps of disbelief. But 'tis true.
I enlisted the help of my dear friend Jo (well she volunteered without me even asking) and together we steamed off the wallpaper with a rented steamer. This was a step up from the warm water/vinegar solution and curved end of a vegetable peeler that I was initially using!
It was a bit of a fiasco at first. The guy at the rental store gave me explicit instructions: "it's filled with 15 gallons of water, just plug her in and you're good to go." Ok! So...I plugged it in. Then 20 minutes later...no steam. Jo asks if there's an ON/OFF switch. Didn't see one. It was Sunday and the rental place was closed, so I went on-line to see if I could find a manual...which, oddly enough I did! I found out that it was made in the UK (like all good things!) and the directions said: (drumroll please) "Plug in unit and switch ON." Oh...ok! So I looked and looked and sure enough, I found it, but it really truly didn't look like an AMERICAN switch! You know, no neon letters pointing to it or anything. Those Brits and their stuffy little conservative buttons! It had a square plastic cap over it and I'm blind as a bat as it is!
Jo hit me with the Sunday paper.
Oh and Boston University called, they'd like their degree back...
Anyway, it was quite the chore...took about 5 hours, roughly...I finally got the hang of it near the end, after Jo left...I was getting off these huge chunks and I was literally salivating.
Yeah, it feels GOOD to strip!
(Pictures to follow! NO...not THOSE kind of pictures, in your dreams! Or ...my dreams!).
THE WALL
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
When in doubt...improvise
My daughter has been taking a voice class amd they're learning Christmas songs. Pretty lame songs (not just carols), so she quit, and I can't say I blame her.
I can do a better job than that boring old teacher. (I'm so humble!).
We sing alot in the car, and one day she was asking me about the lyrics to "O Come O Ye Faithful," so I taught her. A few days later I hear her sing: "Come, let me hold him, born the King of Angels." (Instead of "Come and behold him..."). An honest mistake! I mean who "beholds" anyone these days anyway? And when you see a baby, well, of course, you wanna hold him...
I can do a better job than that boring old teacher. (I'm so humble!).
We sing alot in the car, and one day she was asking me about the lyrics to "O Come O Ye Faithful," so I taught her. A few days later I hear her sing: "Come, let me hold him, born the King of Angels." (Instead of "Come and behold him..."). An honest mistake! I mean who "beholds" anyone these days anyway? And when you see a baby, well, of course, you wanna hold him...
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Go Ask Shakespeare (Video)
If you grew up in the 60s/70s like I did, chances are Burt Bacharach's music was the soundtrack of your life, like it or not! Well, I liked his music, ALOT and I still do. I guess I'm just a sucker for a great melody. I used to think he was the most handsome man on earth too, and he's still pretty hot for a 77 year old man.
When I heard that the "dreamy" Rufus Wainwright(this hunky guy to the left) was adding his one-man Greek choir vocals to a new Bacharach composition, I was a mighty happy camper. When I heard Burt's song, "Go Ask Shakespeare" earlier this month, I wasn't disappointed.
Roger Bourland, a composer and music professor at UCLA describes this beautiful compostion as follows: " 'Go ask Shakespeare' is a two-part composition. Part one functions like an introduction, or like the head of a jazz tune or like opening credits to a film, or a morph of all three.
Part two begins after the minor susp7th piano chord (the very same one Joni Mitchell begins "Woodstock" with BTW), and then the muted trumpet melody comes in. That's the intro to part two. It's like PRELUDE AND A SONG. This is a Bacharach "composition" as opposed to a Bacharach song.
I, and perhaps others, might wish to squash this piece into what we traditionally know as a song, but it doesn't work, and we are disappointed. We've just got to accept it like it is, even if it doesn't conform to a traditional song form. This, perhaps, is Bacharach's tip-of-the-hat to Rufus, as Rufus's sense of form is also quite eccentric."
Here, for your viewing pleasure is a live performance of Go Ask Shakespeare from the UK show Later with Jools Holland. (Note: you may need to update your Windows Media Player, I had to). The intro is very long, Rufus starts to sing at 2:28. It's a large file, so be patient while waiting for it to download!
Go Ask Shakespeare
One more featuring Rufus: Message to Martha
THANK YOU SO MUCH KID RIC FOR HELPING ME POST THIS VIDEO!!!!
Here's a short article on Rufus from the Montreal Mirror, if you're interested.
October 27th, 2005
Montreal Mirror
Reeling in Rufus
Richard Burnett
I like Rufus Wainwright. Considering the celebrity microscope he's lived under for the better part of the last decade - and, for the most part, happily so - he's grown up into a decent man. I've interviewed Wainwright a good 11 or 12 times now, so you can darn well ask, What more is there to know?
Well, Rufus is always good for a pithy quote, and the world-class name-dropper has a Rolodex of celebrity anecdotes, of which he tells me another over the phone last week from Heathrow Airport in London where the night before he'd taped an episode of the Jools Holland TV show for the BBC.
And he sang with one of his idols, Burt Bacharach.
"It was amazing!" Rufus says. "It was one of the high points of my career. When I was a kid I saw a documentary on Dusty Springfield talking about singing with the master, and yesterday I was pinching myself! The most incredible thing was we were talking in a simultaneous interview and we were asked what are some common elements in our lives. I started talking about classical music and it turns out he [also] went to McGill [University]. We both went to the McGill music school and we both dropped out!"
It takes a lot for Rufus to be awestruck by a star. After all, over the years he's hung out with everybody, from Liza (they had lunch in the Big Apple) and Elton John (who once bought Rufus a diamond ring) to Sean Lennon and Elijah Blue, the drag-loving son of Gregg Allman and Cher.
Rufus has always appreciated celebrity and its currency, and he knows how to work it.
"I definitely feel celebrity on its own is quite vapid and silly," he says. "On the other hand I do think that we have to realize it wields a lot of influence. It's like a revolver. You just don't want to turn it on yourself."
Which is precisely what Rufus did when he filmed the recently released DVD doc All I Want about growing up in Montreal and NYC.
"I tend to put myself out there in general. I've never really known how to maintain a lot of privacy. I still manage to hold onto that young Rufus, where for hours I can sit in a café in big sunglasses waiting for people to recognize me. I'm doing okay with the whole [celebrity] thing because I've got nothing to hide."
No kidding. When he signed his first record contract with DreamWorks, he told the label boss he was a big ole fag and there was no way he was going back into the closet to sell more records. All these years later, does Rufus think if he was straight he'd sell more records in America?
"I think if I had some other strategy - say an asexual persona, which I can't imagine possible - I could have been the biggest thing on earth. That said, I don't think I would have been able to handle it emotionally. What saved me is my ability to be honest with myself and others."
While Rufus is somewhat saddened by the imminent closing of CBGB's in New York, where he used to stay at the Gramercy Hotel ("It's also closed, so it's the end of an era"), Rufus is happy that next week he gets to perform in a Montreal venue he's never played in before, Théâtre St-Denis. "I'm super-excited - I've walked past that theatre my whole life."
As Rufus prepares to check in at Heathrow for his flight back to New York, he's happy to discuss Burt Bacharach. But ask him about Elton John calling him the greatest songwriter alive today, and he uncharacteristically clams up.
"I'm very honoured to receive that compliment," Rufus says. "On the other hand I try not to respond in any way. I treat it like anyone [else] saying it because I don't want to get too arrogant. I'm arrogant enough as it is."
I simply adore Rufus. "So what if I like pretty things!"
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Happy Thanksgiving to all you lovely bloggers!
Looking at Your Empty Plate:
My plate, empty now,
will soon be filled
with precious food.
Looking at Your Full Plate:
In this food,
I see clearly the presence
of the entire universe
supporting my existence.
Contemplating Your Food:
This plate of food,
so fragrant and appetizing,
also contains much suffering.
Beginning to Eat:
With the first taste, I promise
to offer joy.
With the second, I promise to
help relieve
The suffering of others.
With the third, I promise to
see others joy
as my own.
With the fourth, I promise to
learn the way
of non-attachment and
equanimity.
Finishing Your Meal:
The plate is empty.
My hunger is satisfied
I vow to live
for the benefit of all beings.
Washing the Dishes:
Washing the dishes
is like bathing a baby Buddha.
The profane is the sacred.
Everyday mind is Buddha’s
mind.
~Thich Nhat Hanh
(Photo taken at Anza-Borrego Desert, San Diego,CA 2/25/05)
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Please Read This!!!
I know this is long, but it is VERY IMPORTANT...and not just for us Americans!
Dear Citizens of the world,
I want to tell you about John Murtha. He's a Democratic Congressman from Pennsylvania. He's also a combat veteran and retired Marine Corps colonel.
Murtha spent 37 years in Marine Corps, earned the Bronze Star, two purple hearts, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. And for the last thirty years he's been one of the most respected voices in Congress on military issues -- universally respected by Democrats, Republicans and military brass alike.
Until now.
Republicans have disgraced themselves by viciously attacking John Murtha with such disrespect that not only veterans, but every decent American should be angry.
What did Murtha, a decorated combat veteran, do to draw fire from a White House led by a president and vice president who evaded service in Vietnam? He questioned their management of the war in Iraq. Here's part of what he had to say:
The war in Iraq is not going as advertised. It is a flawed policy wrapped in illusion. The American public is way ahead of us. The United States and coalition troops have done all they can in Iraq, but it is time for a change in direction. Our military is suffering. The future of our country is at risk. We cannot continue on the present course. It is evident that continued military action is not in the best interests of the United States of America, the Iraqi people or the Persian Gulf Region. ...
For two and a half years, I have been concerned about the U.S. policy and the plan in Iraq. I have addressed my concerns with the Administration and the Pentagon and have spoken out in public about my concerns. The main reason for going to war has been discredited. ...
I have been visiting our wounded troops at Bethesda and Walter Reed hospitals almost every week since the beginning of the War. And what demoralizes them is going to war with not enough troops and equipment to make the transition to peace; the devastation caused by IEDs; being deployed to Iraq when their homes have been ravaged by hurricanes; being on their second or third deployment and leaving their families behind without a network of support.
Shameless Republicans immediately went on the attack. Dick Cheney, who has said that he had "other priorities" and collected 5 deferments while people like Murtha served in Vietnam, called Murtha's comments "irresponsible" and regretted that "the president and I cannot prevent certain politicians from losing their memory, or their backbone." The White House spokesman, who has also never worn the uniform, pronounced himself "baffled" that Murtha, who volunteered for two wars, wanted to "surrender to the terrorists". A Republican Congressman said Murtha and others "basically are giving aid and comfort to the enemy".
Shame on them. Every one of us -- right now -- needs to let Jack Murtha know that we respect his service, respect his leadership, and respect his right to speak the truth. This man has spent his life serving us. The very least each one of us can do is let him know that no matter what dishonorable smear campaign Republicans wage we will be there with him.
Send Congressman Murtha a note telling him that you will not be silent while he is attacked:
http://www.democrats.org/shameonthem
I will deliver your message to him personally, along with my own thanks for his service to our country and his continuing courage in the face of threats.
Lies and manipulation characterized the Republican case for war, and lies and manipulation have been the primary weapon against anyone who questions their failed leadership.
First it was Senator Max Cleland, who left limbs in Vietnam, being savagely attacked in 2002. Then John Kerry, who received three purple hearts, being smeared in 2004. The history of this war has shown that Republicans value political posturing more than the service of America's veterans.
Republicans don't want a serious debate about Iraq because they know the American people are simply not with them. They cannot respond to the substance of Murtha's criticism -- or any criticism -- because they are wrong.
Jack Murtha is already fighting back. When told of Cheney's comments he reminded people where Cheney was while he was in Vietnam: "I like guys who got five deferments and have never been there and send people to war, and then don't like to hear suggestions about what needs to be done."
But Jack can't beat this back alone. Show him that Americans know that Republicans should be ashamed of themselves:
http://www.democrats.org/shameonthem
Enough is enough -- we cannot allow another veteran to be smeared by George Bush's cronies.
Thank you for taking a stand.
Governor Howard Dean, M.D.
P.S. -- Here is the full text of Murtha's statement yesterday:
"The war in Iraq is not going as advertised. It is a flawed policy wrapped in illusion. The American public is way ahead of us. The United States and coalition troops have done all they can in Iraq, but it is time for a change in direction. Our military is suffering. The future of our country is at risk. We cannot continue on the present course. It is evident that continued military action is not in the best interests of the United States of America, the Iraqi people or the Persian Gulf Region.
"General Casey said in a September 2005 hearing, 'the perception of occupation in Iraq is a major driving force behind the insurgency.' General Abizaid said on the same date, "Reducing the size and visibility of the coalition forces in Iraq is part of our counterinsurgency strategy."
"For two and a half years, I have been concerned about the U.S. policy and the plan in Iraq. I have addressed my concerns with the Administration and the Pentagon and have spoken out in public about my concerns. The main reason for going to war has been discredited. A few days before the start of the war I was in Kuwait - the military drew a red line around Baghdad and said when U.S. forces cross that line they will be attacked by the Iraqis with Weapons of Mass Destruction - but the US forces said they were prepared. They had well trained forces with the appropriate protective gear.
"We spend more money on Intelligence that all the countries in the world together, and more on Intelligence than most countries GDP. But the intelligence concerning Iraq was wrong. It is not a world intelligence failure. It is a U.S. intelligence failure and the way that intelligence was misused.
"I have been visiting our wounded troops at Bethesda and Walter Reed hospitals almost every week since the beginning of the War. And what demoralizes them is going to war with not enough troops and equipment to make the transition to peace; the devastation caused by IEDs; being deployed to Iraq when their homes have been ravaged by hurricanes; being on their second or third deployment and leaving their families behind without a network of support.
"The threat posed by terrorism is real, but we have other threats that cannot be ignored. We must be prepared to face all threats. The future of our military is at risk. Our military and their families are stretched thin. Many say that the Army is broken. Some of our troops are on their third deployment. Recruitment is down, even as our military has lowered its standards. Defense budgets are being cut. Personnel costs are skyrocketing, particularly in health care. Choices will have to be made. We cannot allow promises we have made to our military families in terms of service benefits, in terms of their health care, to be negotiated away. Procurement programs that ensure our military dominance cannot be negotiated away. We must be prepared. The war in Iraq has caused huge shortfalls at our bases in the U.S.
"Much of our ground transportation is worn out and in need of either serous overhaul or replacement. George Washington said, "To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace." We must rebuild out Army. Our deficit is growing out of control. The Director of the Congressional Budget Office recently admitted to being "terrified" about the budget deficit in the coming decades. This is the first prolonged war we have fought with three years of tax cuts, without full mobilization of American industry and without a draft. The burden of this war has not been shared equally; the military and their families are shouldering this burden.
"Our military has been fighting a war in Iraq for over two and a half years. Our military has accomplished its mission and done its duty. Our military captured Saddam Hussein, and captured or killed his closest associates. But the war continues to intensify. Deaths and injuries are growing, with over 2,079 confirmed American deaths. Over 15,500 have been seriously injured and it is estimated that over 50,000 will suffer from battle fatigue. There have been reports of at least 30,000 Iraqi civilian deaths.
"I just recently visited Anbar Province Iraq in order to assess the condition on the ground. Last May 2005, as part of the Emergency Supplemental Spending Bill, the House included to Moran Amendment, which was accepted in Conference, and which required the Secretary of Defense to submit quarterly reports to Congress in order to more accurately measure stability and security in Iraq. We have not received two reports. I am disturbed by the findings in key indicator areas. Oil production and energy production are below pre-war levels. Our reconstruction efforts have been crippled by security situation. Only $9 billion of the $18 billion appropriated for reconstruction has been spent. Unemployment remains at about 60 percent. Clean water is scarce. Only $500 million of the $2.2 billion appropriated for water projects have been spent. And most importantly, insurgent incidents have increased from about 150 per week to over 700 in the last year. Instead of attacks going down over time and with the addition of more troops, attacks have grown dramatically. Since the revelations at Abu Ghraib, American causalities have doubled. An annual State Department report in 2004 indicated a sharp increase in global terrorism.
"I said over a year ago, and now the military and the Administration agrees, Iraq can not be won 'militarily.' I said two years ago, the key to progress in Iraq is to Iraqitize, Internationalize and Energize. I believe the same today. But I have concluded that the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq is impeding this progress.
"Our troops have become the primary target of the insurgency. They are untied against U.S. forces and we have become a catalyst for violence. U.S. troops are the common enemy of the Sunnis, Saddamists and foreign jihadists. I believe with a U.S. troop redeployment, the Iraq security forces will be incentivized to take control. A poll recently conducted shows that over 80% of Iraqis are strongly opposed to the presence of coalition troops, about 45% of the Iraqi population believe attacks against American troops are justified. I believe we need to turn Iraq over to the Iraqis. I believe before the Iraqi elections, scheduled for mid December, the Iraqi people and the emerging government must be put on notice that the United States will immediately redeploy. All of Iraq must know that Iraq is free. Free from United Stated occupation. I believe this will send a signal to the Sunnis to join the political process for the good of a "free" Iraq.
"My plan calls:
To immediately redeploy U.S. troops consistent with the safety of U.S. forces.
To create a quick reaction force in the region.
To create an over-the-horizon presence of Marines.
To diplomatically pursue security and stability in Iraq.
"This war needs to be personalized. As I said before, I have visited with the severely wounded of this war. They are suffering.
"Because we in Congress are charged with sending our sons and daughters into battle, it is our responsibility, our obligation, to speak out for them. That's why I am speaking out.
"Our military has done everything that has been asked of them, the U.S. can not accomplish anything further in Iraq militarily. It is time to bring them home."
Dear Citizens of the world,
I want to tell you about John Murtha. He's a Democratic Congressman from Pennsylvania. He's also a combat veteran and retired Marine Corps colonel.
Murtha spent 37 years in Marine Corps, earned the Bronze Star, two purple hearts, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. And for the last thirty years he's been one of the most respected voices in Congress on military issues -- universally respected by Democrats, Republicans and military brass alike.
Until now.
Republicans have disgraced themselves by viciously attacking John Murtha with such disrespect that not only veterans, but every decent American should be angry.
What did Murtha, a decorated combat veteran, do to draw fire from a White House led by a president and vice president who evaded service in Vietnam? He questioned their management of the war in Iraq. Here's part of what he had to say:
The war in Iraq is not going as advertised. It is a flawed policy wrapped in illusion. The American public is way ahead of us. The United States and coalition troops have done all they can in Iraq, but it is time for a change in direction. Our military is suffering. The future of our country is at risk. We cannot continue on the present course. It is evident that continued military action is not in the best interests of the United States of America, the Iraqi people or the Persian Gulf Region. ...
For two and a half years, I have been concerned about the U.S. policy and the plan in Iraq. I have addressed my concerns with the Administration and the Pentagon and have spoken out in public about my concerns. The main reason for going to war has been discredited. ...
I have been visiting our wounded troops at Bethesda and Walter Reed hospitals almost every week since the beginning of the War. And what demoralizes them is going to war with not enough troops and equipment to make the transition to peace; the devastation caused by IEDs; being deployed to Iraq when their homes have been ravaged by hurricanes; being on their second or third deployment and leaving their families behind without a network of support.
Shameless Republicans immediately went on the attack. Dick Cheney, who has said that he had "other priorities" and collected 5 deferments while people like Murtha served in Vietnam, called Murtha's comments "irresponsible" and regretted that "the president and I cannot prevent certain politicians from losing their memory, or their backbone." The White House spokesman, who has also never worn the uniform, pronounced himself "baffled" that Murtha, who volunteered for two wars, wanted to "surrender to the terrorists". A Republican Congressman said Murtha and others "basically are giving aid and comfort to the enemy".
Shame on them. Every one of us -- right now -- needs to let Jack Murtha know that we respect his service, respect his leadership, and respect his right to speak the truth. This man has spent his life serving us. The very least each one of us can do is let him know that no matter what dishonorable smear campaign Republicans wage we will be there with him.
Send Congressman Murtha a note telling him that you will not be silent while he is attacked:
http://www.democrats.org/shameonthem
I will deliver your message to him personally, along with my own thanks for his service to our country and his continuing courage in the face of threats.
Lies and manipulation characterized the Republican case for war, and lies and manipulation have been the primary weapon against anyone who questions their failed leadership.
First it was Senator Max Cleland, who left limbs in Vietnam, being savagely attacked in 2002. Then John Kerry, who received three purple hearts, being smeared in 2004. The history of this war has shown that Republicans value political posturing more than the service of America's veterans.
Republicans don't want a serious debate about Iraq because they know the American people are simply not with them. They cannot respond to the substance of Murtha's criticism -- or any criticism -- because they are wrong.
Jack Murtha is already fighting back. When told of Cheney's comments he reminded people where Cheney was while he was in Vietnam: "I like guys who got five deferments and have never been there and send people to war, and then don't like to hear suggestions about what needs to be done."
But Jack can't beat this back alone. Show him that Americans know that Republicans should be ashamed of themselves:
http://www.democrats.org/shameonthem
Enough is enough -- we cannot allow another veteran to be smeared by George Bush's cronies.
Thank you for taking a stand.
Governor Howard Dean, M.D.
P.S. -- Here is the full text of Murtha's statement yesterday:
"The war in Iraq is not going as advertised. It is a flawed policy wrapped in illusion. The American public is way ahead of us. The United States and coalition troops have done all they can in Iraq, but it is time for a change in direction. Our military is suffering. The future of our country is at risk. We cannot continue on the present course. It is evident that continued military action is not in the best interests of the United States of America, the Iraqi people or the Persian Gulf Region.
"General Casey said in a September 2005 hearing, 'the perception of occupation in Iraq is a major driving force behind the insurgency.' General Abizaid said on the same date, "Reducing the size and visibility of the coalition forces in Iraq is part of our counterinsurgency strategy."
"For two and a half years, I have been concerned about the U.S. policy and the plan in Iraq. I have addressed my concerns with the Administration and the Pentagon and have spoken out in public about my concerns. The main reason for going to war has been discredited. A few days before the start of the war I was in Kuwait - the military drew a red line around Baghdad and said when U.S. forces cross that line they will be attacked by the Iraqis with Weapons of Mass Destruction - but the US forces said they were prepared. They had well trained forces with the appropriate protective gear.
"We spend more money on Intelligence that all the countries in the world together, and more on Intelligence than most countries GDP. But the intelligence concerning Iraq was wrong. It is not a world intelligence failure. It is a U.S. intelligence failure and the way that intelligence was misused.
"I have been visiting our wounded troops at Bethesda and Walter Reed hospitals almost every week since the beginning of the War. And what demoralizes them is going to war with not enough troops and equipment to make the transition to peace; the devastation caused by IEDs; being deployed to Iraq when their homes have been ravaged by hurricanes; being on their second or third deployment and leaving their families behind without a network of support.
"The threat posed by terrorism is real, but we have other threats that cannot be ignored. We must be prepared to face all threats. The future of our military is at risk. Our military and their families are stretched thin. Many say that the Army is broken. Some of our troops are on their third deployment. Recruitment is down, even as our military has lowered its standards. Defense budgets are being cut. Personnel costs are skyrocketing, particularly in health care. Choices will have to be made. We cannot allow promises we have made to our military families in terms of service benefits, in terms of their health care, to be negotiated away. Procurement programs that ensure our military dominance cannot be negotiated away. We must be prepared. The war in Iraq has caused huge shortfalls at our bases in the U.S.
"Much of our ground transportation is worn out and in need of either serous overhaul or replacement. George Washington said, "To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace." We must rebuild out Army. Our deficit is growing out of control. The Director of the Congressional Budget Office recently admitted to being "terrified" about the budget deficit in the coming decades. This is the first prolonged war we have fought with three years of tax cuts, without full mobilization of American industry and without a draft. The burden of this war has not been shared equally; the military and their families are shouldering this burden.
"Our military has been fighting a war in Iraq for over two and a half years. Our military has accomplished its mission and done its duty. Our military captured Saddam Hussein, and captured or killed his closest associates. But the war continues to intensify. Deaths and injuries are growing, with over 2,079 confirmed American deaths. Over 15,500 have been seriously injured and it is estimated that over 50,000 will suffer from battle fatigue. There have been reports of at least 30,000 Iraqi civilian deaths.
"I just recently visited Anbar Province Iraq in order to assess the condition on the ground. Last May 2005, as part of the Emergency Supplemental Spending Bill, the House included to Moran Amendment, which was accepted in Conference, and which required the Secretary of Defense to submit quarterly reports to Congress in order to more accurately measure stability and security in Iraq. We have not received two reports. I am disturbed by the findings in key indicator areas. Oil production and energy production are below pre-war levels. Our reconstruction efforts have been crippled by security situation. Only $9 billion of the $18 billion appropriated for reconstruction has been spent. Unemployment remains at about 60 percent. Clean water is scarce. Only $500 million of the $2.2 billion appropriated for water projects have been spent. And most importantly, insurgent incidents have increased from about 150 per week to over 700 in the last year. Instead of attacks going down over time and with the addition of more troops, attacks have grown dramatically. Since the revelations at Abu Ghraib, American causalities have doubled. An annual State Department report in 2004 indicated a sharp increase in global terrorism.
"I said over a year ago, and now the military and the Administration agrees, Iraq can not be won 'militarily.' I said two years ago, the key to progress in Iraq is to Iraqitize, Internationalize and Energize. I believe the same today. But I have concluded that the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq is impeding this progress.
"Our troops have become the primary target of the insurgency. They are untied against U.S. forces and we have become a catalyst for violence. U.S. troops are the common enemy of the Sunnis, Saddamists and foreign jihadists. I believe with a U.S. troop redeployment, the Iraq security forces will be incentivized to take control. A poll recently conducted shows that over 80% of Iraqis are strongly opposed to the presence of coalition troops, about 45% of the Iraqi population believe attacks against American troops are justified. I believe we need to turn Iraq over to the Iraqis. I believe before the Iraqi elections, scheduled for mid December, the Iraqi people and the emerging government must be put on notice that the United States will immediately redeploy. All of Iraq must know that Iraq is free. Free from United Stated occupation. I believe this will send a signal to the Sunnis to join the political process for the good of a "free" Iraq.
"My plan calls:
To immediately redeploy U.S. troops consistent with the safety of U.S. forces.
To create a quick reaction force in the region.
To create an over-the-horizon presence of Marines.
To diplomatically pursue security and stability in Iraq.
"This war needs to be personalized. As I said before, I have visited with the severely wounded of this war. They are suffering.
"Because we in Congress are charged with sending our sons and daughters into battle, it is our responsibility, our obligation, to speak out for them. That's why I am speaking out.
"Our military has done everything that has been asked of them, the U.S. can not accomplish anything further in Iraq militarily. It is time to bring them home."
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