The Hardest Working Man ...

"The Hardest Working Man in Show Business" died today in Atlanta.

I was born in Atlanta in 1948, and though growing up white in the South in the 50's and 60's, my music was soul music. There were the Tempatations, The Four Tops, Smokey, Marvin Gaye, and all the rest of "soul" musicians, BUT there was only one person who transcended the cultural barriers for my age group, and that was James Brown.

To this day, whenever I hear a James Brown song, I CANNOT stay still. He will be missed for his music, his live performances, and also (if I may be so bold to try and speak for my black friends of a similar age) for his pride in his race. The man will be missed.

Been A While

OK..

It's been one month since the election... anyone care to make a comment before the new Congress takes over?

I recently read an article in Smithsonian Magazine about the 1946 election, in which the R's won handily due apparently to the fact that HST was seemingly inept and not FDR (Historical note: this was the Congress that welcomed the newly elected JFK, Tricky Dick, and "Tail Gunner" Joe McCarthy). However, only two years later the D's regained the majority, because the R's only wanted to continue fighting Truman, and failed to get the economy back on track. This should be a lesson to the D's: don't let Shrub-hating make you loose sight of the bigger picture !

Is this year strange, or what ?

I don't know what the rest of you have found in your lives this year, but from my point of view, this is one that could approach the top of the scales for weather, general surprises, and all-round strangenesss.

F1
Alonso now finds himself in the cat bird seat with a near insurmountable lead after Japan, with only one race (Brazil) remaining. Schumacher's engine blows at the mid-point of the Suzuka race, and Alonso cruises to a first place and a 10 point lead ... the last time a Schumacher-driven Ferrari lost its' engine was in 2000! The only way Alonso can lose the title in Brazil is to DNF and Schumacher take first -- then it would only be a tie. And, looking at next year, Alonso goes to MacLaren (whose cars were not exactly on a par with the red & blue cars this year), Schumacher retires and Raikkonen takes his place. Alonso is going to be facing a real challenge unless the boys from Woking make major strides over the winter.

Baseball
The Braves sailed into the sunset after 14 straight playoffs, and the Tigers beat the Yankess to go the the ALCS. Detroit may face the Mets in the Series... strange.

Political Corruption
It looks as if John Q public has begun to see through the smoke and mirrors of Shrub and his cronies and are asking some questions about where this country finds itself, and if there is any reasonable plan for getting back on some kind of even keel. Bill Moyers had an excellent show on PBS last week: "Capitol Crimes" . This was an enlightening piece on just how monetarily corrupt Washington has become. Now comes the Foley debacle for the Republicans -- if the Dems can't pick up the flag and ram all this down our throats and regain control of the House (and Senate?), then they should give up and let some other organization carry the fight.

Reunion, Michael, and Teen Drivers

BHS66
The 40th Reunion was outstanding ! So many people that I haven't seen in 40 years, and a few I had managed to stay in contact with though the years. The memories, good and bad, that came flooding back as we all squinted to see the class picture and names on the name tags were priceless. Add to that the realizations of how so many of us had changed (mostly for the better) as we lived our lives scattered across the country. I even managed to extend an apology to a lady whom I had "ditched" in a not very nice way oh so long ago; I am so happy that she has a wonderful family and found her calling as a teacher in WV.

F1 Circus
I was without the Speed Channel during the reunion, and didn't see Schumacher win in Italy, nor make his announcement that he will retire from F1 after this season. As much as I hate the red cars, one has to respect the man's achivements. I don't think there will be anyone who can come close to his numbers for wins, poles, and obviously the number of championships. Good machinery is critical of course, but the driver remains the most important piece of equipment in the car, and Michael has raised the standard to an impossible level for anyone to reach.

Teen Drivers
AutoWeek Magazine devoted nearly their entire Sept. 4th issue to the subject of teenage drivers, and how we as a nation have failed to provide adequate training for them. The issue also provides a telling statistic from Phil Beradelli, author of Safe Young Drivers: A Guide for Parents and Teens: "Since the March 2003 invasion of Iraq, about 2600 American troops have been killed in war-related incidents. The count is well-known and updated regulary in news reports. Did you know during the same 41-month period, more than 22,000 teenagers, ages 15 to 19, died in traffic accidents on U.S. roads"?

The articles written on this subject in the issue are of great importance to all of us, not just those with offspring. I will confess to being as guilty as everyone else in not providing our daughter with the best training and understanding of a driver's responsibilities. But we must recognize our failure and begin the process to correct it.

PLEASE: go to the magazine's web site, or find a printed version to read all the related articles; and visit the web sites listed for additional information on how we can reduce the horrifying statistic with which I began this section. We as a nation so automobile dependent have an obligation to provide new (and current !) drivers the best training available.

Finally
I've added a link for my brother's web site to the template. He writes well, and the "musings" he provides will probably make you stop and think... not a bad thing, whether you agree with his positions or not.

Astonishment

First, a pic of our "backyard":

then the regular musings, and finally a moment to reflect on an e-mail I received.

F1
Alonso-Schumacher apparently will take it to the end as to who will take the 2006 F1 championship. Turkey was a good race, with Alonso picking up two points more than Schumacher; he'll need those for the final 4 races. I'll be in ATL for the Italaian race with no access to the Speed Channel, and I REALLY hate to miss that - if Alonso can finsih ahead of both red cars, it will be SWEET !

Braves
Ignominious, humiliating, disgraceful ... you chose the term. The question now is: Next Year ?

BHS66
Only three days until I fly south ... once again, I am quite surprised with the intensity of my anticipation. Except for 5 or 6 of those 500-odd people, I haven't attempted to follow any others. Now, with the "news" postings on the web site, I find myself uncharacteristically wanting to see these people and discover how the past 40 years of their lives compares to mine. Is this a natural reaction ?

One item of interest within this topic: The website now has a blog, and there have only been three or four folks posting there ( myself being one). But, the other posters seem to share at least some of my feelings about the condition of the country, "Shrub's" presidency, and a question as to how my generation could have let this happen. I offered up the suggestion of reverting to the idea which the writers of the constitution had in mind at that time: Citizen representation -- that is, instead of professional politicians, true representation by the ordinary citizenry. I mean that everyone, no matter what role one plays in this society, gets "drafted" to represent their fellow citizens for a set period. No continuous office holding, no obscene campaign contributions from businesses, PACs, or individuals, just debate the issues and vote according to the majority of those you represent. There are people with much better minds than mine who could figure a way to accomplish this ... but we, the citizens of this nation have to be willing to admit that it is time to make corrections.

Then, let's tackle the executive and judicial branches. Our democracy was an experiment when first conceived; what do you do when the experiment fails? You try a different approach. I know ... I am probably incredibly naive about this, but we (THE PEOPLE) have got to stop the mindless continuation of a broken, corrupt system of government.

Apprehensive
I received an e-mail today from The Enlightened Hillbilly, letting me know there is now a link to this blog on that site. Talk about feelings of inadequacy ! That site and many, many others are soooo much more observant, conversant and well written about this society that I am thinking I should say "thanks, but have you fully thought this one out"? Maybe my brother's site The Questing Parson would be a better choice, even though it seems have more appeal to the clergy.

I'm Baaack

F1 Circus
Wow, the last month has been interesting. Alonso/Renault have lost "the touch", and Schumacher/Ferrari seem to have found theirs. Then, today in Hungary, it all went out the window - Button finally wins, Maclaren's tester takes 2nd, and Heidfeld sees a podium. Schumacher managed to get 1 point when the Polish driver was penalized for not making the post-race weight. It's going to be hard to wait 3 weeks for the next race; and, I'll be in ATL for Italy, and I don't think anyone I know there has the Speed Channel. Too bad, cause that promises to be an interesting race for Alonso/Renault and Schumacher/Ferarri.

Baseball and the Braves
I'll go out on a limb here with a September headline: "Braves Not in Playoffs". Maybe those in ATL can explain it to me? Besides no pitching, there's just too many times when the runs weren't there. Can Scheurholz pull out a miracle over the winter, and trade for whatever they need? Better yet, will the owner shell out $$ ?

BHS 66
Registrations are over 200 - this is looking better every week. There's a couple of folks that I wish would be there, but for personal or business reasons, cannot make it. I think they'll miss a really good time.

Happy 4th of July !

How to Begin the 4th
Lisa and I began the 4th at a movie -- Superman Returns. I thought it was pretty good, especially the special effects. Kevin Spacey is a pretty good Lex Luthor, also. Lisa wonders when I'm going to reveal my true identity and fly her away to my Fortress of Solitude.

Formula 1
I think McLaren should begin to concentrate on the new car for the 2007 season. Renault & Ferrari are clearly the best, and right now, I wouldn't bet against Schumacher taking another championship.

Braves' Agony
I just can't imagine how the veteran Braves must be feeling - to be clearly so bad this year. The farm system apparently continues to turn out quality position players, but the pitching has just vanished. I also suspect it is hard for them to trade for a good pitcher, as other teams don't want to give them anything.

Cool Alaska Summer
It has been a cool, mostly cloudy summer, so far. Is it payback for the recent gloriously warm and sunny summers, or just back to "normal".

Is This The Twilight Zone ?

OK ... deal with the "normal" first:

F1
Alonso continues his march to another championship, and the Renault just does not break. Looking to 2007 - will Michael & Kimi be teammates, and, if so, can Kimi play as #2 ?

The Twilight Zone: My Frat Bro'
In the span of about 10 days: I see a pic in the Anchorage Daily News of my fraternity brother, Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, dancing with teenagers at a graduation party; the Kappa Sigmas name him "our" Man Of The Year; and I get an invitation to attend a $250 per plate party for him at another frat brother's house in ATL. Sorry, but I just don't see Brother Perdue in the first two scenarios (and the photo of him dancing with the teenagers just makes him look like a dirty old man), and no matter how strong the fraternity bond should be, not only would I not go to that party, nor would I send him $$. For God's sake, don't they look at the addresses on the invitations ?

Braves
Deja Vu from pre-1991 ? Today, the Braves are 10 games behind... are we entering another era of at best mediocre baseball in the Big A ? Maybe Bobby Cox can motivate them one more time.

BHS66
The 40th Reunion continues to gather momentum... and the e-mails and posts to the website (in links list to the right) are more and more interesting. As I told R this morning, I'm getting a little excited about this thing every day.

Spanish GP, Baysbole, BHS66

F1
Alonso runs away with his home race ... this is shaping up to be a repeat of last year, 'cause it appears the blue cars from Renault are extremely reliable and fast, plus, have the fuel strategy figured out quite well. The boys from Maranello are almost on an equal footing, but maybe not as fast. McLaren is sucking BADLY and just can't get it figured out with the engine or suspension set-up.

Baseball
I'm trying very hard not to write the Braves off this year, but normally by this time, they've got the kinks worked out, and are putting distance between the other teams. Not so this season; but I will keep the faith as long as I can. And, I hope the juiced-up bat in SF doesn't come close to Aaron.

BHS66
The 40th reunion for BHS Class of 66 is gathering steam daily, and will hopefully prove to be fun and a hoot for all attending. What has been a real treat so far has been finding out what everyone has been up to in the past 40 years. Lots of e-mail flying as folks make contact with long lost friends and (even) girl/boy friends. I already have my mileage ticket on Delta, and fervently hope they stay in the air through September.

Back to the blog

I was feeling that this blogging thing was becoming more trouble than I was will to tolerate, and consequently, stayed away for a few weeks. But, after much thought and deliberation, it's once more into the swamp.

F1
GP of Europe -- Schumacher in the red car win again. Alonso (Renault) and Raikonnen (McLaren) never seriously challenged. It doesn't look good for my boys in the chrome cars, as they are seriously down in power with the current Merc engine. I was glad to see the unskilled and unsafe Super Aguri driver has been relaced -- before he caused a serious incident.

Another Oily Boy
There was a very brief blurb in the local paper last week that Bush's choice to head the US Geological Survey is a former oil industry muckety-muck and Murkowski (AK governor) administration bureaucrat. USGS absorbed my agency's biological research division a few years back -- I'm apprehensive of what this appointment (if true) will mean. Can we anticipate muted or never-assigned biological research and assessments of "contreversial issues"? This really could be bad.

Enlightened Hillbilly blog
The 6 May post on "The Enlightened Hillbilly" (link to the right of this blog) was great. I'm in agreement that there are many people who see themselves at one end or the other of the political spectrum, yet support causes or organizations which would seem to be 180 degrees opposite of their political stance.

Alaska Spring
Yes, it's the 7th of May and there are still fair-sized piles of snow around. One of the cooler April/Mays we've experienced and hopefully not a harbinger of a cool, drizzly summer. Or maybe that would be payback for the recent sunny and warm summers ? If so, forget tomatoes growing out on the deck !

Family, BHS66, and Misc.

Family:
My oldest cousin (on the Mathesson/Chapman side) and his wife just left to drive back to Anchorage, and then fly to ATL. It is always good to see them, although we cannot understand why they visit in winter/spring, not summer. Guess it's the desire not to have to deal with the summer hordes which descend on us every year; but we tried to convince them to try it next time, so maybe they will.

I enjoy them immensely ... and sometimes think that's because of all the cousins, only four of us have "left the nest" and lived outside GA. Him (even tho' he's back in GA) because of the military, his brother for business and social reasons, another because (I think) of a desire to live in a less socially-conservative environment, and me for a combination of all those reasons. The upshot is I think the four of us can have discussions about political & social topics without fear we'll be ostracized by other family members. Don't misunderstand, there are differences in attitudes and views, but a shared "wider view" allows us to converse without fear of repercussion. NOTHING against those who stayed in GA ... but I don't think Lisa & I will ever move back, primarily due to conservative attitudes there, and the climate.

R finally disclosed what her intentions are after school... in a scholarship application, no less, not direct conversation. Was I unaware because I never asked, or some other reason? It doesn't matter, because I'm glad to finally know what direction she wants to head after school. I know she will be successful at whatever she tries, because of her intelligence, determination, and creativity... I continually regret not telling her that in the past, and never enough presently. I literally burst with pride when I talk about her with friends. (I know you read this occasionally, but sweetheart, I'm not trying to stroke you, I really do feel that way) Anyway, summer school and a (possible) autumn in Paris will increase her independence from us, which both saddens me and increases my love & admiration as she grows and matures.

BHS66 continues to gain momentum for Sept. 9th ... I must secure airline reservations and tickets ... just hope Delta is still flying then, and the pilots (or others) don't strike.

No F1 race until next weekend...

F1, hillbillies, memories, and ?

Melbourne Mayhem -- the F1 circus nearly self-destructed in Oz. Numerous punting, wild rides after bouncing over curbs and hitting walls, engine explosions and more. All that fazed Alonso not one bit and he continues his march toward champrionship #2. Raikkonen's 2nd place doesn't indicate how thoroughly Alonso/Renault ran away from everyone.

A friend from ATL pointed out a blog written by two "enlightened hillbillies" which had me laughing quickly. These two seem to share a lot of my political, social, and other philosophies; and they view it all from the perspective of southerners still living in the south, unlike me. Since I can't figure out how to insert a link into this paragraph, I hope you'll get it when I say: enlightenedhillbilly dot com. I think I could sit down and drink with these guys ... not something I can say for many (most?) of my peers from down there who stayed.

Looks like the BHS66 reunion is developing into an actual event on Sept. 9th. One of the "committee" was even able to secure the same locale where the last off-campus prom was held. That will certainly bring back a flood of memories. Had a little e-correspondence with one guy who made the Navy a career -- that image just doesn't compute, as the guy drove a hearse to school every day. And, I need to call and see if I can get a mileage ticket to get me there and back. The hard part is deciding how long to stay ... lots of family to piss off if I don't make the effort to visit, but I really don't want to stay very long.

Observations

I LOVE baseball... was I unhappy that Team USA got no further than they did in the WBC? No, 'cause I never thought the prima donnas couldn't get their act together enough to get any further. I mean, hockey-heaven Canada beat them for God's sake; and I think Korea and Japan were using them for practice. And, I can't imagine what the result would have been if they had played and lost to Cuba ... W probably would have gone looking for WMDs again. Anyway, congrats to Japan, the keepers of our national game; those guys really play the game with skill and attention to the details. I really enjoyed watching them, and the Koreans play the game the way it should be played.

Formula 1 has completed two races, and it looks like Renault is this year's class act ... again. That's OK, I just hope McLaren is working to improve . Of course, it wasn't Kimi's fault he never completed a lap, due to getting punted by Klein. It could have been interesting with him going head to head with the Renaults though. On to Oz.

Will the new Secretary of Interior be any better than Norton? I am not holding my breath. Oh, how I wish I could retire... politics has come to rule management of NWRs, and it just makes me sick.

Racin': Good start to the F1 season, the competition should be good if this race is any indication. Even tho' MacLaren didn't win, the Flying Finn placed third -- from dead last on the starting grid... the boy can fly!
Baseball: Team USA got a good wakeup call courtesy Team Canada ... altho' it probably won't change the self-important view most of them have. Pundits are saying the Braves will take the NL East again ... I don't share their opinion, but will always (?) root for them.
Gail Norton: my almost ultimate boss (only W & my wife are higher on my food chain) is resigning... "don't let the door hit you on the way out" ... I'm sure someone equally pro-development will be nominated as her replacement; I only hope that person isn't as well schooled in behind the scenes intrigue as she was. In my opinion, she is a prime example of the rape & pillage believers who were educated by the James Watt period: they learned not to be so up front about their disregard for conservation of the country's natural resources; by the time you or I heard about their newest "conquest", it was a done deal, with no opportunity for a reasoned debate on merits.
Life: reading other blogs has made me thankful I was born when I was ... some of the things I read on blogs of younger folks I know are so full of declarations of seemingly unending stress. Or perhaps, I was too ignorant to recognize my own shortcomings (for lack of a better term) at that age, and went on blissfully unaware ? I don't know the answer, but wish I could tell each of them to try and not let things stress them so... an ulcer at twenty-something just isn't worth it.

Anticipation

Anticipation:
-- Formula 1 season's first race (Bahrain) is this Sunday ... will I stay up until 2am, or wait for the
replay at 8:30am ?
-- Baseball season is here: World Classic and spring training are underway... next thing you
know, it'll be the All Star Game, then the Series.
-- More and more daylight here in the Last Frontier ... the summer will be here soon ! I would not
be upset if I did not have to start the plow truck again until next October.
-- My high school class is trying to get a reunion for later this year ... latest date is Sept. 9th ... still
uncomfortably hot in GA... but, I think I'd like to go.
-- My daughter is planning on spending fall quarter in Paris; a UW-sponsored education/life
experience. Question: can we also afford to go there while she's there ?

that's all

Deja Vu

11:30pm; "Echoes" is on NPR and it is sooo wierd to me, but strangely soothing. wish I had my daughter's ability to listen to out of the (my) norm music.
Speaking of her, i see where she has "hit the wall" with winter quarter... oh deja vu ! I made a comment to her that that's how i wound up with a "free" trip to SE Asia. I know it's hard for her to keep up her interest, but I'm confident she will find a way to make the next two weeks pass without serious meltdown.
My brother's blog has a very moving post about unborn children of my nephew and his wife... he & I had a brother who only lived a day or two ... i don't really remember that, but the babies he wrote about were very real to me, and i have to wonder if the pain D&S felt was a down payment (can't think of another word) for their beautiful adopted daughter. I know, i'm not making much sense, but that is what went through my head.

Been A While

More than a week since I was here ...
-- was part of a briefing for my regional "director" on a plan being developed that is a direct result of his being without a clue and testosterone-less. He decided the plan would be develloped to respond to the state ignoring a 25 year agreement for one of the areas on my Refuge. He's leaving for a new position in DC where hopefully he can't do any great harm ... but it is Dc, so God only knows what may result.
-- My wife is frantically trying to complete a major art show she committed to months ago. Later this week, I will connect a rented U-Haul trailer to my truck and we will journey to Homer to hang the show and have the opening on Friday. The show will be up for a month, at which time I get to repeat the process, in reverse. I want to be / am trying hard to be supportive.
-- The Formula 1 season begins March 12, in Bahrain ... I absolutely can't wait to see if Maclaren has its' act together this entire season, or if they'll muddle about and manage to lose both championships (driver & manufacturer) once again.
-- Aston Martin now has a V8 version of the DB9 which, to me, is even better looking than the V12. If I ever win a lottery, or inherit lots of $$ from an unknown relative or other person, I think that would very well be the first purchase made after paying off all the bills/loans/etc. The car is absolutely gorgeous: www.automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/0503_2007_aston_martin_v8_vantage >
-- can the Braves win without Leo Mazzone's presence ? The ride could very well be coming to an end in Hot'Lanta... and it's going to be interesting to see if that batch of last year's rookies can continue to produce.

10,777 Mobile Homes

There was an article in the paper on Saturday, stating that 10,777 fully furnished mobile homes, intended for Katrina victims' housing, are sitting in Hope, Arkansas, and not being delivered to Louisiana ... when asked, FEMA officials say federal and local Louisiana regulations are preventing the trailers being sent to where they are needed.

What the hell is that about ...? Somebody in the federal and state administrations needs to pull their collectives from where the sun don't shine and alleviate those "roadblocks" ; or, perhaps thousands of folks living intents is better than hving a (semi-permanent) roof over their heads.

We're just going to see more and more evidence of ineptitude and inefficiency as investigations into the actions of those who should have been in charge and making decisions. My own agency's offer of boats and personnel for search and rescue immediately before and after the hurricance hit were never acted upon .... "Great job, Brownie".

My Bad

The #2 Renault driver is Giancarlo Fischicella not Jarno Trulli ...
my apologies.

I have been thinking about the upcoming F1 season and how the respective teams will perform this year:

• Renault - Will Alonso's move to Maclaren next year mean Trulli will get the best car?
• Ferrari - Are they back to form ?
• Maclaren - will the loss of so may important design & engineering staff mean self-destruction ... and, will the Merc V-8 be reliable ?
• Honda - have they gotten their act together ... at last ?
• Williams - engines will be their (biggest) weakness
• Toyota - will they continue the progress made last year ?
• Can/will any of the rest really offer competition ?
• Will the US GP be another fiasco, or will Michelin bring a "compatible" tire ?

Ok... this is new territory for this old guy, but if my 65 year old brother can do it, so can I.
This blog will ramble all over the place, but I guess that's the idea: to post what you are thinking, feeling, and obtain some release from things that may stress me out.

I'm sure there will be musings on:

• Formula1 racing
• Baseball
• Life as a bureaucrat
  
• How & Where our "leaders" seem to be taking us

Test Drive

Test driving a new blog.