Winston Churchill was leaving office when Vanderbilt beat Auburn in The Gator Bowl in 1955. They made their last appearance 26 years ago and lost. Today they beat Boston College 16 to 14. It's a very big day in Nashville.
We will have our tickets, and program, and the poster our Coach signed for me framed. It's good to be GOLD!!!!!!!!!
Go Dores!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WhooooooHooooooooooo!!!!!!
Nothing sells cotton candy like having a convict parade it around on a stick,lol!
Even the Evil Grimace was there.
Kevin looks like "Underworld Smurf" with his hoodie pulled up.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We went to the Museum yesterday and saw a few great shows. We saw Rodin Sculptures, Photographs by Lalla Essayadi, and The history of Photography featuring some of the most famous images ever captured. Here's a taste. I would have snuck the camera in but didn't want to spend the week in the Hooskow. They must be well known artwork because I found so many on the Internets. We ran into my friend Bluesy and it was great to see her. She is a hippie. She is a great hippie and I miss her.
We enjoyed all three shows. Rodin was amazing. I was so surprised to see so many sculptures I knew by name.
We went to see the trees at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens yesterday. They were very pretty. They usually don't allow any kind of photography in the buildings. The docent said we could take pictures of the trees, just not the paintings. We apologize in advance for all the artwork that can be seen. We meant no harm!
I took tons of videos but I will spare you all from having to watch them. I did however get some good "under the breath grumbling". I always forget that the microphone is right near my mouth when I am filming and I managed to discuss a few things as crying children and odd looking people passed by,lol.
It was very pretty and we enjoyed it. Kevin remembers them having 50 or 60 trees when he was little. They did them for different countries. I am going to use my video camera and take time lapse photos of flowers blooming. They have a big hill called Daffodil Hill and it supposedly has more Daffodils than any other Botanical Garden. THat should be neat. But my favorite thing is flowering trees. Almonds, Cherries, Apples, Crape Myrtles, and all the others will scatter the hillsides and all the Tulips and Daffodils will be around them.
Today we go to the Frist Center for a photo exhibit done by Arab women and a few other exhibits. There will be no photos though. They probably would grab the camera and smash it,lol. Perhaps a sketch?
The Music City Bowl is only a few days away. I can't wait.
CIA Using Viagra to Bribe Afghan Warlords
Friday, December 26, 2008 2:17 PM
By: Dave Eberhart
The CIA has developed a novel incentive to gain cooperation and support in Taliban-plagued Afghanistan - handing out libido-enhancing Viagra pills to targeted village patriarchs, according to a report in the Washington Post.
“Whatever it takes to make friends and influence people - whether it’s building a school or handing out Viagra,” said one agency operative with multiple tours in that war torn country.
Standard incentives - such as money, jewelry and cars - are too ostentatious, noted another operative to the Post.
“If you give an asset $1,000, he’ll go out and buy the shiniest junk he can find, and it will be apparent that he has suddenly come into a lot of money from someone,” said Jamie Smith, a veteran of CIA covert operations in Afghanistan. “Even if he doesn’t get killed, he becomes ineffective as an informant because everyone knows where he got it.”
The key, Smith said, is to find a way to meet the informant’s personal needs in a way that keeps him firmly on your side but leaves little or no visible trace.
“You’re trying to bridge a gap between people living in the 18th century and people coming in from the 21st century,” Smith said, “so you look for those common things in the form of material aid that motivate people everywhere.”
Enter Viagra.
Sexual performance drugs are generally unavailable in the remote areas where the agency’s teams operate. Viagra, however, has been available in Kabul markets for a number of years and enjoys a relatively wide reputation.
“You didn’t hand it out to younger guys, but it could be a silver bullet to make connections to the older ones,” said one retired operative familiar with the drug’s use in Afghanistan.
Not everyone in the deep Afghanistan outback, however, is intimate with the little blue pill. According to the report, this has led to some inspired educational talks with the target - taking pains not to offend their hosts’ religious sensitivities.
But once the ground is broken, the results have been surprising.
One operative told the Post of a very satisfied customer who subsequently “allowed us to do whatever we wanted in his area.”
© 2008 Newsmax. All rights reserved.
So it looks like we are going after the "TALLYWHACKER" instead of the Taliban? Did anybody ask the women of Afganistan what they think of this? Do they now have to dogde old nasty men as they carry the water back from the stream. "Don't bend over Fatima" (snicker, snicker ).Don't drop the tabouli!
Kevin had the idea several years ago. His theory is that most men are similar, at least in that way. A knot hole, a barnyard animal, any place it will fit. He wanted to wage Operation Tallywhacker where all we do is drop porn near the insurgents. Those sex starved guys would run for the caves and we wouldn't see them for weeks. When they come out all they will want to do is "Make Love not War". PPVU. Personal Porn Viewing Units.
This is your tax dollars hard at work. I am trying to figure out how they tell these Warlords exactly what they are giving them. Do they do a charade and point at their weenie and then make a growing gesture and do a synthetic "humpty hump"? After Tarik takes his pill does the little shepherd boy get dragged kicking and screaming into the tent?
Yes, American Military Might is at it's finest. I am wondering how many women have been brutally raped as a result of our new program. But it is a story from Newsmax so it may be an alien handing out the little blue pills.
The head. It starts to hurt sometimes.
Well, we made it through another one. We had a great time but missed a few folks. Shane and Maggie, Nick, Ryan, Shawn and Kim and Eric but we thought of you all and wished you could have been with us.
Bill and Lauren did a great job. It's not easy having the Paparazzi over for a holiday dinner,lol! The bakers were in full force and so of course the stomach aches badly from eating like a Python. I shouldn't have to swallow a deer whole for at least a few weeks.
I made some movies but am too tired to figure out anything technological. Although Kevin's new GPS was a pisser. It pretty much drove us there. It talks way too much but you appreciate it when you haven't been someplace before.
Verginia was a great sport with the Papier-mache turkey. It was fun and she enjoyed the whole process. She's easy like that. She got me the most beautiful plate from Russia. I'll take a pic and post it. Probably one of the most beautiful and thoughtful gifts I have ever received. It had me written all over it. Travis came from Saint Louis. He's going to be a teacher.
Miss Jessie got a great hat from one of the kids. We thought she had a "Queen Mum" look about her when she had it on. She had the best idea ever. She bought these great orange handled tote bags from the home depot and instead of wrapping everything she put them in the bags and made a huge pile in the corner. We all had something to put our stuff in to get it home.
The little ones are very cute and so much fun. They enjoyed everything. Brielle loved Landen's truck. Landen played with a broom. They are so pleasant and happy all the time. Good moms and dads do that for kids. Give them a happy chance at a good life. Bill and Lauren are doing what many young parents do. Making sure their kids are taken care of and have folks at home to take care of them. Bill's mom and dad did a good job of that themselves.
Kalisa and Pierce are going to a wine tasting in Belle Mead. It's black tie so they are going to have to go home and dress. I know they are a little more homespun than that but when you get invited you enjoy and make the most of it. Kalisa said she nearly froze in Atlantic City.
Charlotte, Randy and Megan and Genna went to Paris last year so I got Megan a few ornaments that are derived from paintings at the Louvre. She will be getting married soon and we are going to help with invitations. It won't be long before she is out looking for a professional position. She will go far. Genna goes back to UT on January 5th.
My sister Kathie called as we were pulling in the driveway. Two of her daughters had babies in the past three weeks. So I am a Great Uncle two more times. That's four already. Can Shady Pines be far away? I was happy to hear from her. She talked to the other kids and filled me in. Nobody got together because we've had a few tough years with mom and dad passing away and everybody just wanted to be home. We usually do the 4th together more than the winter things. It's cold up there and a long ways away for a few of us. I had already been there five times this year and sometimes just overnight. It's a 22 hour drive for me so I get the crap beaten out of me each time I do it.
We got some clothes and French Coffee. A tea brewer and a birdhouse. Some gift cards and a plate that matches Kevin's childhood cowboy plates, wheat plates for his collection, and lots more that I just haven't even seen it all yet.
I was filming so I missed some "openings".
But it was Christmas. Old School Christmas with toys, and babies, and cameras, and lots of laughing and carrying on. So we wind down today with a few episodes of Family Guy and have been laughing since we walked in the door.
Hope you all had a great day. Nitey nite.
Well Mama, it's your birthday and even though you aren't here you have kids in every corner of the country and I will just bet we are all thinking about you. Your holiday decorations are in each of our homes. Your presence is present in each of your children.
Whenever anybody makes a fuss over something I make, say, or do I know that it is really you that they are fussing over. Without you and all you taught me I don't think any of this kind of thing would even matter. You always made holidays special and Christmas was your crowning achievement. It was your birthday and Papa always made sure we celebrated it first.
Of course Tater ran downstairs this morning looking for her presents. She really knows what Christmas is. She sits and looks at her stocking and wimpers. Like you though, we never give in! It's Christmas morning or it ain't Christmas,lol.
I baked a Kalacha for Kevin's mom. She loves Czech food and saw my pictures and asked me to make some for her. I baked a loaf of Rosemary bread also.
Kevin got me a Camcorder for Christmas. I got him an Instinct phone. Oh, and he got me socks and underwear because I haven't gotten any since you died.
You'd be 84 today if you were still with us. Well, you are still with us but you know what I mean.
We're going to Bill and Lauren's house for Christmas. Lauren cooks the way you would love it. Italian Stromboli, baked ziti. You know, all that Yankee stuff.
I worked my little fingers off making stuff for the holidays. I really just wanted to be nearer to you and by doing all the things you loved so much I felt like you were right there guiding me. I hardly burned a thing. I also learned that if I take a hundred pictures at least a few will turn out decent.
Kathie and Tommy went to Papa's grave a few weeks ago. They had a Military Service and laid a wreath on Daddy's spot. I miss him too. I remember the first Christmas without you. He wouldn't let the girls decorate the house and none of us were invited over. But we all showed up, dragged the tree out and made Christmas happen in dad's heart. He was never the same without you. He was a messy slob and had a bachelor meltdown trying to figure out how you did all that you did.
I wish I could be at Most Holy Redeemer and put a Peppermint on your stone. I always did and knew that the other kids would see it when they visited you. I also put a 1960 penny on you each time I visited so you would know I had been there.
So here I am in the deep south loving it the way you did when we lived down here. Cindy had the same idea and moved to Charlotte. The south reminds me of you, your gentility, your grace. You were a Belle. You did things the proper way. You made each gathering about the true meaning of whatever we were gathering for.
I have my Nativity that you made when you were pregnant with me. I have to keep it away until Zola is old enough to not want to swat Baby Jesus into Kingdom Come.
It's my first Christmas without Gully. Sue also. I am melancholy yet looking very forward to seeing my southern family. We have so much fun. No drinking! That's why it never gets all dramatic or ugly the way we would end up sometimes,lol. No waiting for hungover guests. No arguments. No beer runs during dinner. But just as much love and family as there ever was. Just no you or pop or the kids.
So I love you Mama. I cry sometimes when I think of how lucky I was to have had you and dad. I miss Grandma Hart also. Kevin and I were talking about you and her last night and despite what you believe and tried very hard to not have happen, you were just like your mom. Holidaywise that is. Good food, beautiful decorations and more gifts than we could open without getting tired.
Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas mom. And Happy Birthday. I miss you, Kevin misses you, and we think of you more than just your birthday. Each little gift I give is really a gift I'm giving myself. It is a little bit of you and I am flooded with your goodness when I share what I have with anyone else.
I don't know if Kevin notices the way I do but when I have my wire framed glasses on and am sitting at the table painting it could just as easily be you sitting there. I feel you when I do worthwhile things and when I enjoy myself I'm really enjoying all that you and dad gave me.
So, between sniffles I have a few bows to put on presents. Kevin will have to put the top down on the car to get the presents into it. It should be a spectacular holiday. But never as good as it would be if you were here to share it with.
Next year all your troubles will be miles away....................................................
One of the most beautiful holiday memories I have and relive each year Christmas Eve with my family. Hauntingly beautiful and totally what Christmas is all about. Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Let your heart be light. ; )
And that is pretty much it for me. I have been busy for a few weeks and trying to get all the extras done is a little tough sometimes. I'm lucky because I love making stuff so this is like a vacation for me. It's everything else that gets you this time of year.
Kevin and Tater are wrapping some stuff upstairs ( it must be for the kids next door ).
I am going to smoke some eggnog and kick the shoes off. I have a few bows to put on presents and that should pretty well cover me for this holiday. Tomorrow will be fun. We shall drive to Franklin to our niece and nephews house. They have little kids and that makes Christmas even more fun. I hope everybody can make it.
I wish all my Vox friends and neighbors the happiest of holidays and a day full of Peace and Joy. Change is right around the corner and it seems to be positively affecting people in general. You would never know the economy is tanking and two wars are going on. It really feels like Christmas this year. I don't know why exactly but it doesn't matter why as much as that whatever it is I am feeling it.
If you look really close you may see yourself on the platter of cakes. In fact there may be a cat laying on them this very minute but until I go into the kitchen again I'll just assume that they are safe and hairless. They harden and get really cute when the icing dries. The biggest dilemma will be how to get it all in the car.
HoHoHo, Merry Christmas from Myke, Kevin, Tater, Millie, Lolo, and Zola. Have a special day.
For the little ones. A penguin pooper and a moose pooper.
The stockings were hung.... by the studio door with care?
Panettone for French Toast with marmalade and creme cheese stuffing.
To be decorated. Almond cakes covered with Royal Icing and candy junk.
Our first Christmas together without Gully.
The "Kevin" ornament.
Mom called me Henerey Chicken Hawk so Kevin got me Foghorn and Henry.
Turqouise and red. The color scheme this year.
A Black Alder walking stick for Kevin's brother. Still in the hospital after 2 months.
Pecans for a sister who bakes pies all year long.
A little tree with way too much on it. Tin toys and bubble lights.
I will finish my wrapping and baking and Kevin is out looking for something. I wonder what that could be. We will sit down tonight and reflect on the year that has passed and remember those are are no longer with us. Sue and Gully, and Pop. Then we will settle in and have cocoa and cookies and watch "Meet me in Saint Louis". That is the one holiday tradition we have never missed or blown off. May your days be Merry and Bright and may all your Christmasses be Right! (correct, not Republican).
I had a busy week and had to get all my college students ready to go home for the holidays. At least the ones that are going home. Some of them just can't make it either because of money, or alienation from their families, or in the case of some of the student athletes their game schedules.
Kyle was leaving for Chicago yesterday. Pre- Med. Good kid. He showed up before he left because he had a gift for me. I don't ever expect anything from the kids. Hell they wouldn't be working for me if they didn't need money. I don't get the "Trust Fund Babies". Kyle spent the better part of the past few weeks trying to get my gift and when he gave it to me I couldn't conceal my delight. He got me a Vanderbilt Basketball signed by our star player A.J. Ogilvy from Australia. He gets national recognition and I just saw an article about him in ESPN's magazine while I was at the Doctor's office getting my allergy tests done.
I am a very happy guy. He had to drop the ball off at a friend's house who then took it to another friend's house, who then took it to A.J.'s dorm and had him sign it and then it had to come back to Kyle. He had a 10 hour drive to Chicago and the weather was going to be shitty up there but he still went out of his way to let me know he appreciates me. I do him also.
Emma, the lady who runs the beauty salon at Vanderbuilt also got me a special gift. I popped my head in the door and made a few smart alec remarks to Judy and Emma. I then put a pair of ear muffs on like a thong and walked into the salon. After I put them on Judy's ears she asked me if I ever met Coach Johnson, our football coach and I said "No, but he's my hero"! She introduced me to him because Emma was behind me cutting Coach's hair. He had seen the ear muff thing and was already laughing. I proceeded to rattle off some stats and discussed the men's Basketball Coach's temper, the great ability of our Lady Basketball Coach, and all the other Dore gossip I could come up with.
Yesterday morning Emma called me and asked me to pop into the salon and Coach Johnson had come over and signed a football poster for me. We have not been to a "Bowl" game since before any of our current players were even born. Emma told me that I made him laugh really hard. I took a Medical Center T-shirt to him to wear during the "Bowl" game and I bet he probably won't,lol. He has to have Commodore gear on I am sure.
Last night at the ladies basketball game we got free shorts. They are sharp as shit and I was tempted to put them on over my pants,lol. All the other kids did so why couldn't I? There were tons of two foot high kids with three foot high shorts on bouncing around the arena and it was quite a funny sight.
There was a group of young guys sitting behind the visiting bench and Kevin said "That TSU's men's Basketball team". I knew he was right. None of these kids get to go home for Christmas because they have tournaments and games to play so unfortunately they are stuck at school while all the other kids go home for a few weeks.
The girls that work for me have the special privelege of selling Music City Bowl Tickets. They called the ticket office and reported that two had been stolen. I had purchased them but try not to spend money in front of the kids because I know they don't have any. I had put them on my credit card but didn't tell them and when they counted them to see how many they had sold there were two that nobody remembered selling. I told Coach Johnson that they were so dedicated that they turned in their boss for stealing. I bought them for Kevin for Christmas. You see, it's not that I'm a huge sports fan. I have become one but it's really that my partner is a sports nut and because I am nuts about him I always try to do things to let him know that what is important to him is also important to me. I have grown to love the games but it is the backstories that interest me and the dedication and sacrifice and the stories of the players that fascinate me.
None of these kids get to go home for the holidays. I know that because I spend the holidays watching them play. People say that they will make up for it many times over from all their big athletic careers and to that I say "Name a rich and famous female Basketball star". They stand little, or no chance of getting any notoriety from this. They run the risk of killing their grades by spending so much time practicing and playing while the other eggheads sit with book in hand writing papers. So I look at it as though they are doing it for me and I cheer, and I jump, and I scream, and I show up. Usually,lol. Kevin is at a game right now and I am watching it on TV but these kids are here and not home with their families. We have a kid from Australia, one from Sweden, and another from Nigeria. They couldn't afford to go home if they could.
I have huge respect for these kids and I know their stories. They are worthwhile. They are good kids. They are worth far more than the ticket price would indicate. Some of the guys go on to be rich and famous athletes. Most of them go on to be Doctors, or Lawyers, or MBA's or all the other big things that a Vanderbilt Education may provide. Our academic standards are very high and the athletes must make school grades first and be athletes second. Yet they play teams that have illiterate players who are given all kinds of perks and breaks. We don't do that. They get scholarships but they must maintain their grades.
I love these kids and I respect them very much. I enjoy watching them and enjoy learning about them. Their triumphs become mine as a fan. Their heartaches are felt as well. They are a great bunch of kids and I am grateful to have all these college kids in my life. It keeps some of the "old coot" out of me.
The culmination of all this is that Kevin and I will be going to the Music City Bowl on New Year's Eve to see our Dores take on Boston College. This team and this Coach should be so proud. The last time they went to a bowl game was 26 years ago. I was 22 years old and would love to go back but will settle for sitting outside and freezing my ass off to let these kids know that they are terrific. Plus I get to take my handsome partner and watch his eyes twinkle like a little kid. Yeah, it's Christmas and I am a very lucky and happy guy.
The Dores just had another victory over Tennessee Tech. It's good to be Gold!!!!! Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas!
