|
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
BRAM, RICHARD C.
Name: Richard C. Bram
Rank/Branch: USMC, E6
Unit: VMFA 225 MAG 12
Date of Birth: 25 November 35
Home City of Record: Cleves, OH
Date of Loss: 08 July 65
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 1084630E 152114N
Status (in 1973): Missing
Category: 4
Acft/Vehicle/Ground: Ground
Remarks: SVN POL SAY PP/KK SEARCH NEG-J
Other Personnel In Incident: John. F. Dingwall (still missing).
Source: Compiled by THE P.O.W. NETWORK 02 February 1993 from the
following published sources - POW/MIA's -- Report of the Select Committee
on POW/MIA Affairs United States Senate -- January 13, 1993. "The Senate
Select Committee staff has prepared case summaries for the priority cases
that the Administration is now investigating. These provide the facts about
each case, describe the circumstances under which the individual was lost,
and detail the information learned since the date of loss. Information in
the case summaries is limited to information from casualty files, does not
include any judgments by Committee staff, and attempts to relate essential
facts. The Committee acknowledges that POW/MIAs' primary next-of- kin know
their family members' cases in more comprehensive detail than summarized
here and recognizes the limitations that the report format imposes on these
summaries."
On July 8, 1966, Staff Sergeant Bram and Gunnery Sergeant Dingwall
left their unit at Chu Lai Air Base for a hike in the surrounding
countryside. They were last seen in a local hamlet.
Local South Vietnamese police reported on July 8th that the Viet
Cong had captured and killed two Americans and then buried their
bodies. This report led to a muster of the unit and the discovery
that Sergeants Bram and Dingwall were missing. A search of the
area in which they were last seen produced hearsay information that
the two had been captured, but there was conflicting information on
their fate. They were never seen alive again, and their remains
were never located.
Both individuals were initially declared missing. In September
1978 they were declared dead/body not recovered. Returning U.S.
POWs were unable to provide any information on their survival in
captivity, and U.S. investigation teams in Vietnam have been unable
to learn anything further concerning their precise fate.
---- Copied and pasted whole from POW/MIA search.
(Yes, I know the date in the first paragraph is incorrect)
posted by Bohica at 3:48 PM
Saturday, November 27, 2004
Chimera de Christina...
This article --Scientists debate creation of hybrids of animals, humans -- is the most interesting thing I have read all week. Possibly all month.
Seriously.
Scientist are calling the creatures melded from human and animal cells Chimera.
Kewl term.
It reminds me of Piers Anthony's books. Not due to content since Anthony's stuff was light and fluffy. There wasn't much "science" in his writing. It's just that several of his books -- from the Xanth and the Adept series, if I recall correctly from my elementary school cotton candy fantasy phase -- used the word.
Since I have always thought animals have intelligence and feelings and are more "human" than most humans like to admit, none of the compatibility of cells mentioned in the article below surprises me.
Or maybe the better way to put it is -- Humans are more animal than we like to admit.
Either way, it is interesting to contemplate my cells and those of my siblings infecting my mother's body. I wonder how much of me is running around in her?
Could it be that this cellular invasion is part of the reason moms "bond" with babies? When it goes "wrong" is postpartum depression the result?
Having read news reports of postpartum depression possibly contributing to a Texas mother killing her infant daughter by sawing off the baby's arms this week, I wonder... was it caused by bad blood? (not meant to be funny)
It's just that as more research is being done on cells of all varieties, it makes me wonder if some DNA may be invasive like that of a virus. If quail brain cells can cause quail behavior in other animals, what keeps other donated cells in check? (Think marrow, skin, organs, blood...)
Considering I routinely donate platelets which I am told go straight to those with compromised immune systems at the neonatal and cancer wards of San Antonio area hospitals -- how many Texans are running around with a bit of Christina up to no good in their systems?
Which of my characteristics might be most likely to seize hold? The physical -- such as junk in the trunk, no cavities ever, or a pale pinky complexion? Behavioral -- argumentative, highly verbal, or overly analytical? Or would the transfered traits be blood specific like a super high platelet count?
The whole thing makes those silly horror movies about grafted parts up to no good -- think The Hands of Orlac, The Eye, Body Parts and Angel Heart to name a few -- a little more eerie.
It also brings to mind what is probably the most applicable sci/fi book on this topic -- something I read back in high school -- a Heinlein titled I will fear no evil -- in which the protagonist has his brain transplanted to a healthy donor corpse only to discover the animus of the new body has not left. This is quality Heinlein -- think Stranger in a Strange Land.
Googling Heinlein just now, it is interesting to see he started an organization to encourage blood donation back in the 70s -- which continues to this day -- long after his death.
I've always liked Heinlein and most of his fiction. He was one of the first "public figure" Naval Academy grads I ran across who was completely egalitarian regarding women. Considering he graduated prior to WW II, this was remarkable to me.
Most of my elder fraternity brothers are complete asses regarding equal rights and are quite offended that I wear the ring without the proper plumbing. But having just skimmed the biography of Heinlein's wife, I am no longer surprised at the strength of his female characters.
Also interesting to note is how Heinlein's class rank at Annapolis was dropped 75% -- from 5 to 20 -- due to discipline problems. Having suffered a reduction in my class rank for the same reason, I had to laugh. Some things never change. Kill Joys continue to flourish. (Heinlein's bio is on the same page as his wife's.)
posted by Bohica at 9:12 AM
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Far East Compendium
I've been back for three days, but I am still two thousand miles from the casita.
The overseas part of the trip was fabulous.
I'm too lazy at the moment -- blame jet lag -- to provide fresh detail.
Instead, I'm recycling these all call emails I sent along the way:
9 Nov
We are having such a good time that it may be one of those have to take a flat for a month and come back and do it right sort of countries.
It is all 1st class. For example, the hotel tonight is totally teak -- everything is gloss wood from floor to ceiling except for the throne room which is marble. The shower reminds me of the Rambo First Blood prison strip scene with the high pressure hose -- the sort of shower all showers should be like.
Had a Thai traditional massage with heated herbs at the Wat Po Massage school in Bangkok last week and am in love. I was bent like a pretzel and poked with thumbs of steel. The next day I went back and said, "Please may I have another?" I'd fly the thousands of miles just to go there again, and again and again...
Saw a textile museum which I pillaged for neat clothes and then a ceramic kiln that is over 2000 years old today.... plus a wax technique traditional Buddha casting studio. Very artsy fartsy.
The food is wonderful, the hotels deluxe and the guide fluent and informative. Had the best bacon ever, ever, ever at the hotel in Bangkok. Thai pig tastes good.
This AM the pick of the buffet litter was a spicy Chinese sausage with mixed veggies dish -- sweet and hot and oh, so good. Plus so far it has been six days of perfect eggs to order. I love the spicy food, although I think all of the concentrated wasabi hits from sushi eating over the years have ruined me for mere peppers.
15 Nov
Landed in Siem Reap last night.
Spent the morning in the ruins of Angkor. It is really amazing and worth the journey. This afternoon is the main temple complex -- Angkor Wat. (Wat is temple)
Thailand was wonderful. I want to go back next year and get a flat from mid December until the end of January. Bangkok rocked and Chiengmai was also fabulous. There is a swimming pool at the Rimkok resort in Chiengrai that also deserves special mention. I spent three hours paddling, soaking, and basking one afternoon and could have spent days. If the diving in the South is as good as folks were telling me, Thailand might be the vacation spot of choice for a little while.
D and I have lots of tales and many goodies. The shopping is amazing. I have also made a few good acquaintances (some local) -- all potential travel buds when the best baby is at sea or otherwise occupied.
My Thai was progressing from non-existent to bad, but functional -- I was picking up five to ten words/phrases a day and the reactions of the locals to me popping off in their vernacular were cute.
To the parents -- Realizing I probably have emails from you asking about "the long time no email situation" buried somewhere in this stack of spam that just uploaded from RoadRunner's server --- but I haven't sorted through yet and wanted to get an "everything is OK" message out first...
W -- Happy birthday -- good news about the tickets, I'll take care of the hotel from Cali when we make CONUS. (Yes, I was in Thailand when I wrote about running away to Thailand -- I meant in the future....) Have you gone diving here before?
M -- expect two boxes from Chiengmai --- UPS air -- full of Thai silk. D hit the birthday bonanza.
Miggy -- operation something kewl for the girl friend's Xmas present was accomplished and how -- but we busted your budget by five whole dollars. I think you will like it regardless... it is from Gems Gallery -- the top jewelry chain of Thailand.
Regarding the "long time, no email" -- I've just been having too much fun and have not had the opportunity to grab a keyboard since Chiengrai. Yes, I am a rat... but everyone already knew that, right?
19 Nov
Once again I'm writing from the airport in Seoul, Korea. There was an eight hour layover between the flight from Bangkok till the final leg to LAX. I've managed to kill two hours at the internet cafe, catching up on assorted neglected geekage.
D is asleep on the seats next door, covered with a woolly. It is much colder here than it was in Cambodia.
Due to the time zone changes, this will be the longest birthday ever -- taking up well over thirty hours. It was my birthday when we got on the plane in Bangkok and it will still be my birthday when I disembark in LA at 0900 in the morning. What a kick.
D bought my "cake" yesterday at the bakery of the Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor in Siem Reap. It's a deluxe chocolate brownie with half a pecan on top. Five of us stopped there to check out the elephant bar our last afternoon in Cambodia. We had a late lunch in the conservatory waiting for the three o'clock opening and I admit to having a several cocktails, the two most notable being the Femme Fatale and a Brass Monkey.
Angkor Wat was amazing. It deserves to be one of the wonders of the world. I found it much more impressive than Machu Picchu, but then again -- I have an Asian bias. My only regret is not having more time there. It would have been kewl to stay a little longer.
Over all the trip was two thumbs up. I've never traveled with a tour group before, so in some ways it was a little confining. However, it was equally nice having Thai and Cambodian guides who were street savvy and able to add valuable cultural commentary.
Four of the group stayed behind in Bangkok. Ten or so have left on a flight for NY. The rest of us are roaming the airport seeking amusement -- or are wisely snoozing like D.
The counter just alerted me to only having two minutes left -- so enough with this...
19 Nov
When I last left you, I was running out of time on the Internet cyber pass.... and so my epic journey began.
Up I pop to find an ATM -- which one would think would be a simple task in a large international airport, hmmm?
But nothing about this mission was simple. I had to go through immigration and customs twice -- getting more than my share of unhealthy X-ray dosage. Once out -- which took some doing as I had to be logged out by security as well as processed through the normal desks -- I had to hit five different machines before I found one that would take my USAA card...
All to get more local currency to continue to use the Internet....
You would think they would have an ATM within the secure international departure zone -- but no.
While I was gone, D woke up and was solicited to survey the airport. She gave it high marks -- well deserved as it is impressive -- but suggested they add cash machines within the secure zone.
Since I had excess wan, we went off get lattes and inspect the duty free offerings. At which time, I found my birthday present to myself -- a very snazzy roller board combo set -- hard sided in red with buff leather accents. It is petite and very chic.
Madame Butterfly -- D's grandmother -- adores red and may like it and I thought originally that I might give it up if she admired it sufficiently, but it is growing on me -- to the point that I may feel too possessive to be generous.
I only have 20 more minutes until we board. (yeah!)
And once again -- the cyber pass time warning is blinking...
posted by Bohica at 2:56 AM
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Living With Regret...
Is depressing.
So I have resolved not to think about the domestic situation.
As soon as I can, I'm picking up a maple leaf flag t-shirt and a cheesy Canadian accent.
Thus disguised, I'll be that less likely to be blown up by Islamic terrorists while abroad and I may be spared having to waste time not defending US foreign "policies" in thoughtful conversation with new acquaintances.
Take off, hosehead, ay...
To set the scene, I'm cooling my heels at an airport internet cafe in Korea. The flight for Bangkok boards in 57 minutes. An hour of surfing is only 2 bucks.
This concept of inexpensive internet access has yet to reach the US. (sigh)
The flight from LAX was uneventful and pretty decent for a long haul international. Snagging an exit row window seat, constant movie entertainment, and having made the right choice with the Korean dining option made for relative happiness and contentment.
I know it will just piss me off, but I feel the need to read the news.
So enough of this silly blogging, ay!
posted by Bohica at 4:06 AM
Friday, October 29, 2004
Put Your Money and Time Where Your Mouth Is
Don't live with regret for four more years.
Contribute,
Volunteer,
Vote.
It's crunch time.
posted by Bohica at 11:35 AM
Thursday, October 21, 2004
For The Lucky Few
A box of goodness arrived yesterday courtesy of the USPS.
It was full 100% cotton baby doll silk screened "T"s.
The fronts are embossed with:
STOP ABORTION!!!
Get a vasectomy
The left sleeves are printed with the Bohica Internationale URL.
Christina propaganda at its finest.
With this posting, I have spoilt Christmas for most of my buddies, but I wanted the shirts on the street before Nov 2.
A reminder for all of you -- Vote for Choice!
I'm already gleefully anticipating reactions from sanctimonious hypocritical asses as I bop about with this latest Bohica Tee on...
posted by Bohica at 2:33 PM
Sunday, October 10, 2004
America, Fuck Yeah!!!
Yesterday was special in so many ways.
There was fire, flood, feast, marionette sex, transexual transylvanians...
It's just too damn hard to pick the best moment.
So starting with the fire... The yahoos living behind me across the urban creek set fire to its bank. The county mowed about two weeks ago, and the dried grass quickly whipped the little conflagration up beyond their ability to control with their garden hose. Sparks, flying ash, a wall of flame about four feet high and ten feet wide marching along. High drama at its best. After calling 911, I took station to watch the spectacle hoping to see hot firemen with hoses.
Of interest -- the first responder was a chick. She did the majority of the work and although I was disappointed at missing out on beefcake, it rocked to see her competence.
(Her wetting down the forty by forty burn path was the flood. )
The feast was a trip out for cocktails and snackage in between a sneak viewing of Team America: World Police (America, Fuck Yeah!!!) and catching Rocky Horror on stage at the Woodlawn.
The snarf was good to great. We ordered one of every hot tapas offered at Cohiba. For me, the pick of the litter was Champiñones Salteados al Ajillo -- aka: mushrooms of fire. D preferred the Calabacinos Rellenos con hongos which were good, but I am now and forever will be a spice queen. So that bias was in force.
Beverage choices were a bottle of Alamo Golden Ale for me and one of Unibroue's Ephemere fruity ale series for D.... the one brewed with apple juice, coriander, and Curacao. Since she is a wimp when it comes to beer, I ended up with most the Ephemere as well... just one of those wingwoman burdens I bear.
Regarding the entertainment... Team America: World Police (America, Fuck Yeah!!!) was wonderful.
Hands down it is the must see movie of 2004. You may quote me.
I will be catching it again when it comes to the Drafthouse -- which is totally unprecedented. I've never bothered to see a movie twice in a theatre venue. Yes, I found it that amusing.
Think riffs stolen from Jim Henson movies, Star Wars, Conan the Destroyer, Blade, Predator, James Bond, the Matrix, Rent, and every bit of cheesy action ever made a la Bruckheimer and then add the considerable talents of the South Park Team focused on offending EVERYONE, their MOTHER and their DOG.
Five silly frumps actually got up and walked out of the theatre -- the rest of us stayed and laughed our asses off.
The homages are just a tiny part of the fun. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but my absolute favorite scene involved regurgitation. You'll know it when you see it. The marionette kama sutra was also hysterical. I can't wait to get my hands on the DVD so I can see the golden shower scene that was cut to get a "R" -- which I am sure the MPAA rating board is going to regret giving. (snicker)
Remember, "You're either a dick, a pussy or an asshole."
posted by Bohica at 9:50 AM
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
The words of Vice President Dick Cheney, in a speech on Aug. 26, 2002, 6 1/2 months before the invasion -- yes, six and a half months before:
"Simply stated, there is no doubt that Saddam Hussein now has weapons of mass destruction," Cheney said then. "There is no doubt he is amassing them to use against our friends, against our allies and against us."
posted by Bohica at 10:21 AM
More like minutes...
From the tail end of a piece of CBS post debate analysis:
"The Kerry-Edwards campaign, after the debate, sent out an e-mail that included a C-Span screenshot from a February 2001 National Prayer Breakfast that shows Cheney and Edwards standing together."
So? Liar or Senile old man? Let the spin begin.
posted by Bohica at 1:44 AM
Post Debate Musings...
I'd like to see the Bush twins in uniform on the "front lines" in Iraq. Tomorrow would be nice.
If Kerry wins, he will be our first divorced president. Haven't heard a squeak out of the religious right about that one yet. Guess our rampant divorce rate makes even conservative's houses a little too vitreous for sanctimonious rock hucking on that particular issue.
I'm calling the biggest faux pas right now -- Cheney saying he'd never met Edwards. It will be merely hours until there is something dug up showing they have met. So... will the media then label Cheney a liar or merely forgetful? The spin should be lovely to watch.
Edwards is charming and sexy -- not to mention damn smart.
Not a word tonight on the shortage in flu vaccine -- which is a potential health disaster. As I wrote in a post way back on 8/10/03 concerning out national statistical myopia regarding the anthrax scare, influenza is responsible for over 36,000 deaths a year here in the USA. That beats the World Trade Center by a magnitude of 10. Not having enough vaccine can only drive that number higher -- killing potentially thousands more.
Gosh -- it must be a terrorist plot!
Save us, Shrub... from Britain?
posted by Bohica at 1:08 AM
Sunday, October 03, 2004
Fast, Cheap and Out of Control
Took in an Errol Morris documentary on DVD this AM. I was very impressed... The editing and music were particularly competent.
"...and he said the world has to have lion tamers too." -- Animal trainer
"..its this incredible mammal that breaks the rules." -- Mole rat expert
"I switch it on and it (the robot) does what is in its nature." -- Robot engineer
"We've traveled world wide and never seen anything exactly like Green Animal." -- fans of the work of the US's foremost topiary gardener.
Ultimately -- it was about life and the search for meaning.
Well worth checking out.
posted by Bohica at 11:14 AM
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
A Nonpartisan Joke
While crossing the street a US Senator and a Congressman are tragically hit by a truck and die. They arrive in Heaven and are met by St. Peter.
"Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a dilemma. We seldom see politicians around these parts, so we're not sure what to do with you."
"No problem, just let us in," say the man and woman.
"Well, I'd like to but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in Hell and one in Heaven. Then you can choose were to spend eternity."
"Really, we've made up our minds. We want to be in Heaven," say the Senator and the Congressman.
"I'm sorry but we have our rules." And with that, St. Peter escorts them to the elevator and they go down, down, down to Hell.
The doors open and they find themselves in the middle of a green golf course. There is a club in the distance and standing in front of it are all their friends, other politicians who had worked with them, and everyone who had contributed millions to their campaigns. All are very happy and in evening dress... They run to greet them, shake their hands, and reminisce about the good times they had getting rich at expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne. Also present is the Devil -- a very friendly guy having a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are enjoying themselves so much that before they realize it is time to go.
Everyone gives them a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises. The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for them. "Now it's time to visit Heaven."
So, the Senator and Congressman join a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before they realize it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.
"You've spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now choose your eternity."
The Senator and Congressman reflect for a minute, then answer: "Well, we would never have said it before, we mean Heaven has been delightful, but we think we would be better off in Hell."
So St. Peter escorts them to the elevator and they go down, down, down to Hell. The doors open and they are in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. They see all their friends dressed in rags, picking up trash and putting it in black bags. The Devil comes over to them and puts his arms around their shoulders.
"We don't understand," stammer the Senator and Congressman. "Yesterday we were here and there was a golf course and club, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now all there is a wasteland full of garbage and our friends look miserable. What happened?"
The Devil looks at them, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning...... Today you voted!
posted by Bohica at 9:40 AM
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Live By the Cross, Die By the Cross....
ROME (Reuters) - A 67-year-old woman was killed when a three-meter tall metal crucifix fell on her head in a small southern Italian town on Wednesday, police said.
The cross, which has been in the main square on Sant'Onofrio for decades, fell on Maddalena Camillo while workers were setting up lights for an annual religious festival. Italy, home to the Vatican City, is a predominantly Roman Catholic country where crucifixes and religious icons and effigies are a common sight in most towns and villages.
Gotta conclude poor Ms. Camillo must have pissed God off some how, hmmm?
I wonder if her estate will sue?
If her family does decide to go to court -- they better move quickly. Every time you turn around another diocese is going belly up here in the states. :-)
(Yes, I know its only been two so far -- Oregon and Tucson -- but one can hope)
Also, if these Church weezils can declare bankruptcy -- a legal right for an individual or corporation -- shouldn't they be paying taxes?
With rights should come the attendant responsibilities.
posted by Bohica at 4:01 PM
Saturday, September 11, 2004
Blasphemer
Reading this Bush quote today -- "One thing about Senator Kerry's position is clear. If he had his way, Saddam Hussein would still be in power and would still be a threat to the security of America and the world." -- I was struck by what sheeple the majority of us Americans are.
Baaa...... Baaaa.....
Was Hussein really a threat to our security -- let alone the world's? None of the 9-11 hijackers hailed from Iraq. No financial links have been brought forward to show Hussein's support of Al Qaeda. North Korea and Pakistan have far more advanced WMD programs -- if you could call Iraq's pathetic efforts a program -- and we have yet to invade.
Why do we have such a hard time questioning our leaders in the area of war? Why do we take statement's like this one of Bush's and swallow the pablum down like good children?
Many would consider what I just wrote treasonous or unpatriotic at the least. We don't want to believe that we could be wrong. We bury our mistakes deep in the national psyche. Our "crimes against humanity" are there -- we've just always been too powerful to be held to account.
Which doesn't mean I'm packing my bags and heading overseas. Despite our flaws, America is the best thing going. I just wish we weren't so easily duped and so desperate to think well of ourselves.
posted by Bohica at 11:39 AM
Friday, September 10, 2004
"For the military officers in the Navy, the message is clear: If you fail, you're fired... Who is accountable? Who should be fired? Should it be Sanchez? Abizaid? Myers? Wolfowitz? Rumsfeld? The president? The buck has to stop somewhere."
-- Sen. Edward M. Kennedy commenting on the Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal
Kennedy is right on several levels, but the only one I want to comment on is the tradition of accountability in the Navy.
It was drilled mercilessly into my pointly little head that while you could delegate authority, you could never delegate responsibility. Yes, the Captain of a ship was despot of his floating kingdom, but he was also responsible for every action of every man at all times. The Captain could be asleep when the ship runs aground and he will still take the hit.
Of course, I saw flag officers allowed to shuffle off to retirement in "disgrace" more than once, but I also saw them courts-martialed.
posted by Bohica at 11:15 AM
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Decisions, Decisions....
Yesterday, I had a coversation with my travel demon. He said I really ought to fly off to Thailand and Cambodia for 17 days. Casually reeling off justifications like birthday, my long time goal of exploring Angkor Wat, exotic Christmas shopping opportunities, and so on.
Travel is not a hard sell in Bohica land -- so he didn't break a sweat.
Somehow I resisted my base nature, managing to not book the excursion willy nilly. So of course, over night the usual happened -- my Inner John woke up and started gibbering.
Think of the things you could do with that money.
All familiar with Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice -- "it's a fee, just a fee, just a fee nothing more..."
In truth -- the princely sum required would allow for a complete overhaul of the downstairs flooring situation. To include eradication of carpet, cool concrete staining, area rugs... for about 1200 square feet of space. Plus it would cover various incidentals like a new pool table and light, wrought iron for the upstairs deck, and possibly even stretch for two new leather love seats for the fireplace room.
Not to be undone, the travel demon speaks: The carpet is fine. You just cleaned it. It could last several more years and even endure a tenant before it really needed replacing. Your mom offered up her way cool and underutilized pool table -- which only requires moving and a light is a piffle of an expense. You spend zero time on the deck -- so why waste cash on furniture? Further, the leather in the fireplace room is just fine and dandy. Do you -- who is constantly angsty about the amount of crap you own as it is -- really need to acquire more?
All true. Damn his black heart.
But Inner John is not done with me either.
Why spend at all? Invest instead. Every dollar you spend now is four dollars you won't have when you retire.
Bleh.
Then again, I could die tomorrow without seeing Angkor Wat and I'm already retired.
posted by Bohica at 2:43 PM
Friday, August 13, 2004
Oh, Happy Day
I love movies, but loathe the theatre experience.
Why? I could rant at length, but essentially its all those rude bastards chattering with each other like magpies, kicking the back of my seat, and making every surface sticky and gross with soda and popcorn. Not to mention cell phones and children. Plus the ticket price -- seven bucks or more per person. The crap that is today's megaplex is just not worth the cash compared to the many pluses of DVDs.
The average DVD costs eighteen bucks or less if bought from half.com, is available for encore viewings, allows reverse and scan for missed action or just scenes that demand immediate rewatching, can be shown around my schedule in comfort with pauses for snackage and bathroom runs, and comes chock full of all those "extras" unavailable anywhere else. The creation of Netflix just made it all even better.
So I picked up a DVD player six years ago and only darken the theatre door for that rare handful of movies that demand the big screen. For those, even after plotting the movie times around prime packed hours and for maximum kid avoidance, I never really enjoyed it like I felt I should.
But the Drafthouse made it different. It tends to attract a higher quality of film going bastard, has extra space between the aisles for the wait staff which coincidentally provides the lebensraum required to prevent any rhythmic tapping on my seat back, and offers a decent menu with beer, wine and cappuccino. Plus it has a great vibe.
My first look was for a QT film festival and ever since, I've road tripped for the few flicks worth the bother and have always had a good experience. Of course, generally having the company of my favorite Austinites -- the twin bros -- and our sharing buckets of Schaeffer's (the epicurean's delight) might contribute to the warm glow of the memories.
So... the point of all this is that after years of saying -- "I wish San Antonio had an Alamo Drafthouse of its own, why do those rats in Austin have all the luck?" -- tonight is the night!!! (Sorta)
Less than ten minutes away from my casita is the first San Antonio Drafthouse (SADH) establishment, courtesy of some wise people who finally realized the greatness of the Drafthouse concept and are spreading the joy to the people too discerning to live in Austin.
(Yes, nitpickers -- I know there is a Drafthouse in Houston and I have been there -- once -- but Houston isn't home and I'd rather live in Austin then that swamp... but I digress.)
Tonight as the first SADH event, they are showing Friday the 13th part four in the parking lot -- construction delays have pushed the opening off until the 23rd. But this sort of thing is the hallmark of the good vibe of the chain. I expect much future happiness.
posted by Bohica at 8:12 PM
Friday, April 09, 2004
A Good Cause
MS is a horrible disease and one of my best friends does something about it every year.
She raises money for a cure through the Cheasapeak Bay Challenge Walk.
Even a small pledge helps and her rather spiffy web page makes donating easy.
posted by Bohica at 1:44 PM
Reposting...
Yes, this is a post from last year.
Why did I pull it up from the archive?
Because the URL for the Sly Horse Tavern's web site has changed and their web master was conscientious enough to drop me a line today.
And the place really is that fabulous.
[ Wed Feb 19, 07:27:35 AM ]
Q: Why are there so few Irish lawyers?
A: The majority of them can't pass a bar...
Blizzard, anyone?
Yesterday was my first trip out since Saturday night.
Going somewhere became extraordinarily urgent -- only because tons of snow blocked my progress.
Funny how that works.
*A bored Christina is a bad thing.*
The roads were in better shape than I thought they would be -- if only the people on the road had been driving sane. Mostly a bunch of evil mother fu@#ers going way too fast for conditions. Being in a Suburban, I refused to be crowded or pushed. Lets hear it for the law of gross mass tonnage and the urban assault vehicle known as the Texas Cadillac.
The day's highlight was dinner at the Sly Horse Tavern.
I actually posted a review:
The Sly Horse Tavern is on my short list for must visit restaurants when in the Baltimore/Annapolis/Washington area. It is so consistently wonderful that I recommend it without hesitation to friends visiting the east coast. The food is fabulous and the service -- outstanding. The menu is small -- but the wine list is just right and not pretentious. The daily `Horse Sheet` provides variety -- excellent seafood and a solid NY Strip. I started going in 1993 and have never had a bad experience. The fireplace room is great for small gatherings, the booths provide intimacy for more romantic meetings, and the upstairs room complete with gable windows is perfect for parties. Well worth the trip to Crofton. A restaurant you will return to...
And I do!
Yum.
posted by Bohica at 1:31 PM
Sunday, February 15, 2004
Mrs. Lee
So that crappy, overcommercialized Hallmark "holiday" went down yesterday. Quotations are appropriate, because in the world of Bohica, its not really a holiday unless the sheeple get the day off.
As usual, I'm taking in the news this morning. All my favorite online sources with CNN headline on in the background. Gotta feed the monkey. Every 25 minutes, a local station breaks in with San Antonio news. One of their bits was so darkages sexist I was surprised no one at the station realized and pulled it. I'm actually thinking about calling and complaining.
Here is the set up: evidently a hundred or so romantics tie the knot on V-day at City Hall. KSAT had a crew go down and get some shots.
The offensive bit involves the public humiliation of Maria Heidi Garcia Lee. Someone off camera asks her what her name is.
She replies, "Maria Heidi."
Asked again, she repeats, "Maria Heidi."
Her busband who is standing next to her starts to react and looks at her funny.
After the third query, Maria Heidi says, "Maria Heidi Garcia."
Now the husband says something to the effect of didn't you just get married?
On the fourth go, a flustered Maria Heidi gives the answer sanctioned by the patriarchy, "Maria Heidi Garcia Lee." Shivering from the cold, she adds apologetically, "I'm cold."
This tripe is airing on the half hour all day long. Its pretty humiliating for Maria, making her look like a confused little woman.
I wish Maria Heidi had had the self-confidence to say right off the bat -- "My name is Maria Heidi Garcia and merely getting married doesn't change it."
But if she had, I doubt KSAT would be airing the footage.
I thought the whole woman giving up her name at the alter bit went out as a given years ago. To see the local media publicly flogging poor Maria Heidi in this day and age is rather sad.
posted by Bohica at 3:27 PM
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Three paramedics were boasting about improvements in their respective ambulance team's response times. "Since we installed our new satellite navigation system," bragged one, "we've cut our emergency response time by ten percent."
"Not bad," the second paramedic commented. "But by using a computer model of traffic patterns, we we cut our average time by 20 percent."
"That's nothing said the third paramedic. "Since our ambulance driver passed the bar exam, we've cut our emergency response time in half!"
posted by Bohica at 2:32 PM
Friday, February 06, 2004
"If you're still hanging onto a dead dream of yesterday, laying flowers on its grave by the hour, you cannot be planting the seeds for a new dream to grow today."
- Joyce Chapman, Author
(Hear, hear....)
posted by Bohica at 11:17 AM
Monday, January 19, 2004
How Appropriate...
...that Japanese troops arrived in Iraq to rebuild schools and provide medical care today -- MLK day.
How Horrible...
...to read the Human Rights Watch Report on prison rape. I've read about the problem before and who hasn't seen or heard of the graphic rape scenes of HBO's OZ -- so the occurrence is no big shocker.
However, it is impossible not to be struck by the reverse racism occurring in U.S. prisons -- white men targeted for rape by blacks and Hispanics because they are white. The behavior includes sexual slavery -- the renting and selling of other prisoners. This pimping for cash was found especially prevalent in Texas. Dammit. Why does my state have to be the worst???
Its a given that prison is never a good place to be, but if you're white and not a super tough guy -- its really, really not a good place to be. As the report makes clear, you're out numbered and its plain prison officials are only too willing to look the other way. This subjugation of Caucasian men is ironic considering the power that demographic wields in U.S. society.
A quick current events musing: If Michael Jackson is convicted, sentenced and incarcerated as a kiddy diddler -- the possibilities boggle. Pederasts are usually targeted for special sexual brutality by other inmates, but blacks tend to protect their own. Only blacks can rape other blacks with impunity. But is Michael black? He has morphed so much over the years. Hard to tell. Of course, Jackson may not be guilty, but you'd think he'd have learned by know how dangerous it is to sleepover with young nubile boys. Being a cynical weezil, I think Jackson's money will buy a get out of jail free card yet again... rendering it moot, but what if??? Whose bitch will he be?
Then there is the whole gay sex angle of this behavior. Which it seems is dealt with in typical "hole is a hole" guy fashion. A concept illustrated perfectly by this quote: The theory is that you are not gay or bisexual as long as YOU yourself do not allow another man to stick his penis into your mouth or anal passage. If you do the sticking, you can still consider yourself to be a macho man/heterosexual, according to their theory. This is a pretty universal/widespread theory.
What blows me away is that more prisoners aren't suing and that money hungry trial lawyers aren't knocking on prison gates to sign up clients for a huge class action suit. Yes, inmates aren't the most sympathetic plaintiffs, but it would be hard to find a jury not sympathetic to someone who went to prison for a 3rd DWI and ended up with an AIDs death sentence. Besides -- rape -- even between men in prison is still a crime. The report addresses the indifference of prison officials, but you'd think they would stop this activity cold if only due to the liability issues -- which are potentially $$HUGE$$.
Another current events digression: Now I'm wondering about the anal virginity of the two Arizona prisoners currently holding guards hostage. What if they are rape victims who were finally pushed over the edge? If I was being violated daily, taking guards hostage to stop it would be the least of my potential actions.
Think about this one:
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
-- Martin Luther King Jr.
posted by Bohica at 8:02 AM
Sunday, January 18, 2004
Super Platelets...
By nature, I'm not terribly altruistic. Years of military service taught me the perils of volunteering.
However -- as I mention below in the August 29th post -- folk with my blood profile are always in demand at the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center. Due to a donation habit ingrained while at Annapolis, I overcome a general aversion to needles and am usually pretty good about giving. Its about the only truly decent thing I do on a routine basis.
Note: I have no problem with others getting stuck by needles and would not hesitate to stick others or even myself if required.... I'm just not partial to getting stuck. Chalk it up to the way too many Novocain injections required for the 15 dental extractions inflicted on me during my formative years. Yuck.
Anyway... I gave platelets the week before taking off for Europe and since my return have admittedly been lackadaisical about scheduling an appointment. As an uber procrastinator, I have no problem admitting this personal failing.
After receiving pleading emails detailing a critical shortage and a phone call from my representative, I finally found myself with a needle in my arm this past Wednesday. Nothing unusual there -- my blood is always needed and the screening process tends to be a breeze.
The biggest stumbler for most women is the iron screening which I ace -- this time pegging a 15.7 g/dL -- well above the minimum required Hemoglobin score of 12.5 g/dL. I've only failed the finger tip prick test twice -- both times when I was clocking over 30 miles a week and eating too little my plebe year.
The only thing unusual about this particular donation process is I was asked for red blood cells as well as platelets. Normally I donate a double unit of platelets. (My platelet count is always pretty high -- usually in the high 380s -- allowing them to suck out extra. Normal is from 150 to 400.) But this red blood thingie was a first.
The tech explained the blood shortage is really acute right now -- what with the Holidays and flu season -- that my cells were really, really needed and they would be tagged for the Santa Rosa neonatal. Put that way -- how could I say no?
So -- you may be wondering what makes my blood so great. Well for one thing -- I'm an O+ -- universal donor, yada yada.
But more important than that -- I'm negative for the Cytomegalovirus (CMV).
For those too lazy to click the link above and read up on CMV -- here are the essentials: 50% to 80% of the adult population in any given region is positive. San Antonio is evidently on the high side. CMV is a lifelong infection and the initial symptoms are flu-like. CMV can be transmitted through transfusion. Exposure can be dangerous, possibly fatal for patients with compromised immune systems.
So my grade A universal donor prime crude is that much more valuable due to its CMV negative status -- fit for the sickest premature babies and folk undergoing organ and tissue transplant surgery.
Since CMV status can change without any symptoms, my donation is tested each time for the virus. What with the negative impact of CMV on the blood supply, you would think there would be a vaccine out there....
But no dice. Yet another medical priority considered less important than developing Viagra.
posted by Bohica at 5:59 PM
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
Adult Education
I've just made a commitment.
Shocker, I know. But 'tis true. I have.
By mailing off the registration form today, I am locked into classes through March.
An eight week foray into basic woodworking. How basic you ask?
Ahem... Here is the course description:
Basic Woodworking, cabinet Making and Furniture Building: This course is for the beginning woodworker. (That's me!) Learn what is involved in planning and building cabinetry, furniture and other wood projects. We'll cover safety, selection of lumber and materials, project planning, joinery, wood working equipment, and types of finishes. You will learn to use saws, routers, drills, sanders, shapers, jointers and planners. Each student will build a shop project selected by the instructor, and then build his or her own project. The use of the jigs and fixtures will also be covered.
I also registered for two one nighters -- Fused Glass 101 and 102. Might as well, considering I will be bound over for two months busily making saw dust.
This is really a big step for me. I've been putting off this sort of self-improvement for several years now -- preferring to remain free to jet off.
It is telling that I'm already planning on skipping a class to hang out in Peru and see Machu Picchu. Seems the Japanese are predicting it is about to fall off the cliff or something. So gotta get while the getting is good. Plus -- it just wouldn't be me if I wasn't truant just a little.
In other news.... Just found out my 8 ball team is shooting in the first round of the league session finals tonight. Guess I'll have to put my game face on.
Grrrr....
posted by Bohica at 1:31 PM
Saturday, January 03, 2004
New Year's Concepts of Note
I wish you all the joy that you can wish.
-William Shakespeare, playwright and poet (1564-1616)
Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds.
-George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans), novelist (1819-1880)
posted by Bohica at 6:28 PM
Friday, January 02, 2004
Holiday Happiness
I've spent most of this week on my back.
Under sinks changing out faucets and other plumbing parts, you dirty minded people.
Out of the gutter for a second, please.
Essentially the old family Homestead emptied of renters for the first time in five years and when my mom asked if I would help her work on it last fall, I said yes. No fool, mom is cashing that blank check while she can. So this year's gathering of the clan occurred in the miniscule Southwest Texas town my father retired from the Navy to over 25 years ago.
Miniscule to the point I was gleeful to escape to military boarding school for my freshman year. You know a town is small when every book in the mystery and SCI/FI section of the public library has your signature in it before you're out of elementary school. All kidding aside, its not that horrible -- to visit -- but I am too much of a big city rat to ever live somewhere like this (again). And when I was a kid, I was a minor and had no say in the matter.
Anyway... I'm playing hookey at the local library typing this up and should get back to work. But before I go -- it warmed my heart to read this -- Smokers, some eatery owners and cigarette foes all fume at new rules -- over at the SA Express.
Cigarettes and the people who puff on them in public suck.
posted by Bohica at 2:53 PM
Thursday, December 18, 2003
I recognize my limits, but when I look around I realise I am not living exactly in a world of giants.
- Giulio Andreotti
(Interesting man -- this short bio is worth a gander)
posted by Bohica at 8:19 AM
Sunday, December 14, 2003
The Language of the Fan
Having cornered the market in Spanish fans while in Madrid, this information is key.
Imagine the trouble ignorance could get you into -- especially if you drop the fan -- sorta like dropping the soap.
1) The fan placed near the heart: "You have won my love."
2) A closed fan touching the right eye: "When may I be allowed to see you?"
3) The number of sticks shown answer the question: "At what hour?"
4) Threatening movements with a fan closed: "Do not be so imprudent"
5) Half-opened fan pressed to the lips: "You may kiss me."
6) Hands clasped together holding an open fan: "Forgive me."
7) Covering the left ear with an open fan: "Do not betray our secret."
8) Hiding the eyes behind an open fan: "I love you."
9) Shutting a fully opened fan slowly: "I promise to marry you."
10) Drawing the fan across the eyes: "I am sorry."
11) Touching the finger to the tip of the fan: "I wish to speak with you."
12) Letting the fan rest on the right cheek: "Yes."
13) Letting the fan rest on the left cheek: "No."
14) Opening and closing the fan several times: "You are cruel"
15) Dropping the fan: "I am yours."
16) Fanning slowly: "I am married."
17) Fanning quickly: "I am engaged."
18) Putting the fan handle to the lips: "Kiss me."
19) Opening a fan wide: "Wait for me."
20) Placing the fan behind the head: "Do not forget me"
21) Placing the fan behind the head with finger extended: "Goodbye."
22) Fan in the right hand in front of face: "Follow me."
23) Fan in the left hand in front of the face: "I am desirous of your acquaintance."
24) Fan held over the left ear: "I wish to get rid of you."
25) Drawing the fan across the forehead: "You have changed."
26) Twirling the fan in the left hand: "We are being watched."
27) Twirling the fan in the right hand: "I love another."
28) Carrying the open fan in the right hand: "You are too willing."
29) Carrying the open fan in the left hand: "Come and talk to me."
30) Drawing the fan through the hand: "I hate you!"
31) Drawing the fan across the cheek: "I love you!"
32) Presenting the fan shut: "Do you love me?"
posted by Bohica at 7:17 PM
Monday, December 08, 2003
Grappa Thoughts
This article below from the Times -- A Dynamo and Her Daughters Turn Leftovers to Gold --illustrates many things I observed while in Italy.
For example, it seemed that most businesses are still family owned and operated. It was not uncommon to enter an establishment and have three or four generations represented.
Also -- Grappa has become very chic. I have a story about it from this trip...
...but first a small digression into the past:
My first Grappa encounter was in the early law school era. In those days, I occasionally frequented a bar called The Clipper which is located across the Eastport bridge by the Naval Academy in Annapolis.
The Clipper is the only establishment with a respectable dance floor and decent live music within walking distance of the Yard. All the other bars are tiny in comparison with postage stamp sized areas masquerading as dance floors.
Coincidently -- at the time -- I add this qualifier as I have not danced at the Clipper for years.... But, at the time -- the owner of the Clipper was a damn good real estate attorney who hailed from the same town in Pennsylvania as my father's family. This man was familiar with my grandfather´s bar and other businesses from the 1950s and 60s.
He was also Italian -- who´d have thought? -- and loved the Grappa. He used to inflict a glass on me ever so often.
Ack.
The stuff smells like really old stinky cheese and can take your head off. Not for the timid.
I prefer the mellow flavors of Lemoncello, Baileys or other aperitifs -- but Grappa sure can fix what ails you in a hurry.
End of digression.
The Grappa experience from this trip was while in Florence. A bohemian business fellow from Rome that I met while shopping near the Plaza Navarone drove up to have dinner with us. We went to a fab restaurant and ate and ate... I think I mentioned this adventure below about Florence.
Well... much to my surprise, he ordered Grappa as his post dessert beverage.
Yes, Grappa has come a long way.
Also of interest in the Times article is how the lady broke her wrist while trying to beat her table mates to the check.
D and I play a very competitive game of "snake the check" with certain relatives -- who are reading this -- you know who you are. However, our pouncing and maneuvering to ensure the check comes to one of us has yet to result in physical injury.
Although there was one recent dinner at The Red Barn -- the best place for steak in San Antonio -- which comes to mind. The placement of the check required an agressive sudden dive by Deatra which almost -- but not quite -- flipped the table over... (heh)
But enough of my jabbering.
We are back in Madrid. Currently, I am trying to get a table at Lhardy´s for lunch, and thanks to a Spanish friend have had a dinner table at Casa Lucio secured for weeks. All is well.
Tomorrow we leave for Texas. Which is probably a good thing.
I miss my dog and I am sure my yard needs some attention.
posted by Bohica at 3:51 AM
|
|
|
