News from the International Space Station

Ms Giffords;
Please vote NO on HR 1586!!  In no way do I favor the payment of these bonuses, however, to see a specific segment of our population legislatively targeted this way is CHILLING.  It is time for Congress to stop governing by crisis, slamming bills through with minimal committee review and closed rules!  Please be part of getting back to the basics of congressional oversight and the timely formulation of authorizations and appropriations.  Thank You.

This was first published to my blog page in November 2007.  I still miss living in AZ! :)  LLD

Anyone else still waking up an hour early in the morning?  This clock re-set business twice a year sure is a pain, traveling about my home to change all the various clocks and timers I live with -from the coffee maker to the VCR.  I grew up taking it all for granted until my parents delivered me to my dorm at the University of Arizona an hour early; that was when we found out that not everyone takes part in Springing Forward and Falling Back.  For seven years I got to live on Mountain Standard time year-round.  I got to where I didn't need to set an alarm for the morning because my body knew when to get up.  It strikes me as a much more natural way to live.  As the majority of us re-set our clocks, the earth continues to rotate on its axis as it has for millions of years.  I am often amazed at our species endless curiosity, our need to understand, and then desire to apply what we have learned.  Long ago we sought to measure time, and then tricked ourselves into thinking we could "control" the day by changing our clocks.  The simple truth about "daylight savings" is that no daylight is saved, rather human behavior changes.  How many folks noticed that the parameters of Daylight Savings Time were changed by an Act of Congress last year?  The premise was that we could save energy by keeping to Daylight Saving for more of the year.  The bill was passed and signed into law without much notice, and we all re-set our clocks when told to.  I believe humans have been diminished by all this somehow; first of all by being less connected to the natural rhythm of our planet home, and then by not realizing the sheer power of the human race when we all put our minds to the same goal....large or small.  One of my favorite moments in the movie "Apollo 13" is when Jim Lovell tells his wife that going to the Moon wasn't a miracle, we had simply made up our minds to do it.  As routine as the changing of clocks may seem, I don't believe it should be viewed that way at all; rather, it should be recognized as what can happen when communities agree to act together to accomplish a common goal.  It is time for the United States to become a nation of common cause and achievement again.  It is also time for my family to move home to Arizona.

Time to share some stories from Casa Dugie :)  The Vals and I celebrated Presidents Day 2009 at Monticello.  Valerie and I had the chance to drive down last March, it was time to show Colonel Val some of the fun we had.  We recommend to all avoiding I-95, and drive Highway 29 instead...much more relaxing!  Along the way there was an exit for a town called Summerduck, which had us wondering about having Summerduck, VA as an address.  It could also be fun to live on Margaritaville Road in the Sierra foothills of CA, not far from Beale AFB.  We enjoyed lunch at Michie Tavern, a little expensive but good for a first visit - offers 18th Century southern fare in a setting to match.  The new Visitor's Center at Monticello is a short drive from the Tavern.  We had to wait an hour for our guided tour; that was when I had my camera out!  Some of those photos can be found in a new album at the bottom of my web page.

February 24th was another day of Presidents for us....originally billed as "University of Arizona Night on Capitol Hill", the Capitol Cats were to meet within the Capitol complex to hear from UofA President Robert N. Shelton...but POTUS scheduled his first address to Congress....so we moved our event to Bullfeather's...a nearby watering hole. The President and Executive Director of the UA Alumni Association, Chris Vlahos, began the evening with a few remarks, then introduced our Capitol Cats President, Eric Hochman.  So, dear readers, think we had enough Presidents around the other night????  Perhaps it was lucky, though ----

A few weeks ago, Valerie and I discovered ringtones :)  I've programmed my phone so that when I get a call from Colorado, my phone plays John Denver singing Rocky Mountain High.  This is made even more fun when Dad calls me from the slopes at Loveland ski basin.  When one of the Vals calls, I get to hear a song by Gaelic Storm.  Jon Bon Jovi and his band had fun putting together a play list of ringtones to sell.  In addition to song clips, they have some commentary as well.  

Back at Bullfeather's, Eric wanted to introduce his Board - and we were invited to stand next to him at the front of the room.  Thankfully, I'd had the foresight to reset my phone ...because, of course, while I was standing at the front of the room Val sent me a text message to let me know he was on the way.  If I had not silenced my phone before putting it in my pocket, the voice of Jon Bon Jovi would have started yelling, "Hey, let me outta here!  Let me outta here!"  Ever so glad to have escaped that possible embarrassment.  The turn out was great for our Alumni event, and it was very interesting to hear from President Shelton about how the UofA is dealing with budget cuts.   We live in interesting times.

Other bits:  yesterday was our 25th Wedding Anniversary...where has the time gone?  Val has been on leave this week, a nice change from the many occasions he would be in another hemisphere on February 25th.  He has planned a Super Date for tomorrow night.  Valerie had softball try-outs this week, and has made the Varsity team.  Spring Training already....the "new"  year isn't so very new anymore, is it?

Here is the email I am attempting to send to my U.S. Representative, Gabrielle Giffords - AZ 8th.  Seems the Write Your Rep feature at House.gov has gone down.

Thank you for voting NO on HR 3997! I am writing to urge that you and other Blue Dogs join forces with the Republicans who also voted NO to amend the bill that came back from the Senate; please trim away the nonsense! I believe there is plenty of time to craft the bill that our nation requires in these troubled economic times. Bringing HR 3997 to the floor under a closed rule was unpardonable!

I am guessing that more folks are watching C-SPAN these days, as citizens we deserve to see thoughtful discussion about the options still available. Please stand up to the "Leadership" and the Rules Committee to provide for a rule that allows at least one amendment that trims away the unrelated measures (wooden toy arrows??). Our nation deserves full debate and responsible crafting of this legislation.

A short while ago, President Bush spoke about how the measure brought before the House yesterday (The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008) had been negotiated between his administration and the leadership of both parties in the House.  I believe that is part of the problem.  HR 3997 came to the floor for debate under a closed rule that did not allow for amendment.  While Wall Street is all about accepting or rejecting offers, that simply is not what our Congress is designed to do.  From committee hearings, to floor debate, to conferences; our legislative process is about listening to various points of view and crafting the best course for our nation.  The majority of Members of Congress are not part of the leadership that was in negotiation with the Administration; and when confronted with a "take it or leave it" scenario on such critical legislation, of course it was rejected!  Yes, passage of a stabilization measure must happen soon; and the House Leadership wasted time  by not allowing the House to do what is is designed to do.  Please follow this link Roll Call Vote 674 to see the bi-partisan defeat of this measure. 

One of Senator McCain's campaign phrases is "Country First"....that is exactly what Capitol Hill is called to do.  Even though we are in a campaign season, our Members of Congress must come back in session by the end of this week to listen to their constituents and to each other to craft a better bill.  Bring amendments to the Floor for debate and vote.  I believe "Country First" is also a call to America.  Thanks to C-SPAN, our citizens can follow the proceedings, hear the variety of opinions and solutions offered, watch the votes.  We all have a stake in this Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.   

H.R. 3997 came to the Floor with no possibility for amendment...the Leadership only have themselves to blame for not allowing further work to continue on the House floor rather than offering up an all or nothing situation.  As badly as these politicians wanted to get home to campaign, thanks to C-SPAN, many citizens were watching to see them not step up the work they were elected to do.  In speeches today, Members from both sides offered additional ideas for this fix!!!  Amendments should have been allowed.  The Leadership must keep the House in session to continue their work, no matter how the timing may conflict with their campaign schedules. 

A Prayer for Congress

Most gracious God, we humbly beseech thee, as for the people of these United States in general, so especially for their Senate and Representatives in Congress assembled; that thou wouldest be pleased to direct and prosper all their consultations, to the advancement of thy glory, the good of thy Church, the safety, honour, and welfare of thy people; that all things may be so ordered and settled by their endeavours, upon the best and surest foundations, that peace and happiness, truth and justice, religion and piety, may be established among us for all generations.  These and all other necessaries, for them, for us, and thy sole Church, we humbly beg in the Name and mediation of Jesus Christ, our most blessed Lord and Saviour.  Amen.

A Prayer for the President of the United States, and all in Civil Authority.

O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world; We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace.  Grant to the President of the United States, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will.  Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness; and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.  Amen.

I am a registered voter of Arizona and believe that the suspension of Senator McCain's  presidential campaign to be on Capitol Hill is the correct course of action!  John McCain was elected to represent my state in the United States Senate, not to be a presidential candidate.  He should be involved in the current legislative negotiations and votes towards correcting the course of our national economy.  The Debate to be engaged in over the next few days is on the Senate floor...and I am proud that my senator knows this!  Presidential debates have become such packaged and over-produced "events"; what do viewers truly expect to see?  Dear readers, please understand that we have the opportunity to witness leadership in action.  Thank God for C-SPAN!  Every voter should be tuned in during the next few days.  "Senator" Obama has been campaigning for the office of President since since being elected to the office of United States Senator; is that really what the voters of Illinois intended??  Of course he would resist engaging in the job he was elected to do, he is not capable of being a responsible legislator....we have his votes of "present" in the Illinois State House for proof of that.  And to think he had the nerve to play at the job of POTUS during his visit to Germany last summer.  Thank  you, thank you, thank you, Senator McCain for having the good judgement to be on Capitol Hill these days, and for selecting Sarah Palin to be your running mate.

Time for an early July update from Casa Dugie.  Sadly, the title is not about the western Route 66 leading to California.  For fun, I have added a bit of a recent version of that song to my Facebook page...perhaps I can include a link Laura's Facebook Page???  If the link worked, scroll down to the section with my favorite songs.  I have included a clip of the John Mayer recording;  Valerie and I have declared that to be our Theme Song for July 2008.  The reason is because Valerie has begun an internship at an engineering firm in Chantilly, VA which requires her chauffeur (yours truly) to commute back and forth on I-66.  At least I am moving in the opposite direction from most of the traffic, and Valerie's internship will only last through July....just in time for the summer gas prices...ah well.  I believe this experience will be terrific for Valerie.  Many of you may know what a fan of science fiction she is, especially Star Wars.  I believe it is time for some science/engineering fact to catch my daughter's imagination.  While Las Chiquitas de Omaha (a phrase I might explain someday, if asked) get their kicks on Route 66...Colonel Val is transitioning to a new job!  It is official (would clip in a trumpet fanfare if I knew how) Val will leave the planning/programming scene of A8 for A3, the HQAF Operations Directorate.  He is ready for the change.  I am not offering my usual translation to our civilian friends...if you want to know more about this new job you will have to ask Colonel Val yourself.  After 20+ years I know the difference between Looking Glass and Rivet Joint, and understand TMO, TDY, PCS, PSAB, U-2, SR-71; various flavors of 135...EC,KC, RC, WC.....and phrases like DITY-move, Whiz Wheel, Crew Dog, Bags, etc.  and so....when it comes to all things DOD (the fine organization it is)  I grant myself a pass and suggest you take it up with Val.  The best part of this is that our address does not change; Valerie continues her studies at Wash-Lee and I don't have to look at a single wardrobe, dish pack, or roll of packing tape.  HUZZAH!

Will post this for now, and endeavor to tell our latest stories with photos.....when I am not motoring between Crystal City and Chantilly.  Have recently added a Facebook page to my many distractions, Friends are always welcome.

Happy Fourth of July...a prayer For Our Country

From the 1928 Book of Common Prayer

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage;  We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will  Bless our land with honourable industry, sound learning, and pure manners.  Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogancy, and from every evil way.  Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues.  Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth.  In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

*Another wonderful 35th Birthday...thanks to all for the good wishes!  Anyone familiar with "The Importance of Being Earnest" will appreciate my chosen age. 

*No PCS orders as yet, will be renewing the lease on our Crystal City flat for another year.

*Colonel Val finally experienced a weekend!  For nearly two months he and his staff worked seven days a week.  It was way past time for a break.

*Valerie has taken her AP Government Exam.  We had a bit of fun studying together, will see how much it helped when her scores arrive sometime in July.  She continues to believe I should be a History/US Government teacher when I grow up.

*The USA Softball team was in town for a game against the Washington Glory last Saturday as they prepare for Olympic competition in Beijing this August.  The Capitol Cats got to meet with fellow AZ Wildcats:  Jennie Finch, Alicia Hollowell, Lovieanne Jung, Caitlin Lowe, and Head Coach Mike Candrea.

*Our Mother's Day/Pentecost "Feast" was at our favorite Greek restaurant, Athena Pallas.....Bravo!! 

*My latest DVD acquisition is the series "From the Earth to the Moon".  It is included on my DVD list at my website.

*Please follow my featured links (also at my website) to follow all sorts of other happenings....the Phoenix is scheduled to land on the surface of Mars on May 25th; Shuttle Discovery launches on May 31st for a mission to the ISS.  In the Do Nothing 110th Congress, no Appropriations Bills have cleared the House.  June used to be the target month for completion of this work.  No doubt Fiscal 2009 will begin with funding under a Continuing Resolution!

*Arlington Public Schools remain in session till June 18th!  Our favorite General will endeavor to stay focused till then as she completes her Sophomore year at Washington Lee, and then gets to look forward to her IB studies.

Because we live in the NCR, one of the really great opportunities available to Valerie is to participate in the Secondary School Shakespeare Festival at the Folger Library.  It is her third Festival visit; the first was with her seventh grade English class....and now for two years she is part of the cast from Washington-Lee.  I look forward to watching from the Balcony of the Elizabethan Theatre , and so had better post this an be on my way into town.

By the way....the phrase to "break a leg" expresses the hope that the troupe will receive such applause as to bow/bend the knee....break a leg....so it really is pleasant thing to wish an actor!

On "Fox and Friends" this AM, some comparisons were made between the Presidential Election that closed the television series "The West Wing" and our current Democratic primary season.  Film was spliced together of Barack Obama and Congressman Santos (Jimmy Smits)....the "West Wing" character who wins a brokered Democratic convention and then goes on to win a "West Wing" election.  It was kinda fun to watch, but can be no more than the entertainment that the television series was.  The Barlett Administration was a wonderfully imaginative, safe place to play out all sorts of interesting scenarios.  Nothing could top the shows that built up to one season's cliff-hangar where Bartlett's VP has resigned in disgrace and before the vacancy can be filled, his college-age daughter is kidnapped from a Georgetown bar and held hostage by a terrorist group.  President Bartlett invokes the 25th Amendment, and because there is no VP....the Speaker of the House (John Goodman) arrives at the "West Wing" to assume the presidency while Bartlett (Martin Sheen) focuses on recovering the First Daughter.  Fellow Americans,  Never, never, NEVER.....would we want to have to live through this....watching it play out in a fictional setting was an interesting game of pretend !  Would I want a Jed Bartlett-type president in the White House?  Probably not.  And Jimmy Smits played a very charismatic Democratic candidate...but not so sure I would ever vote for Congressman Santos....besides, the series ended with the Santos Inauguration.  Let's go the the voting booth with clarity about what we really need in our next President of the United States rather than be swept away by the imaginative possibilities that just won't hold up in the world we live in.

As long as I am writing about one of my favorite TV shows......

I will share with you my favorite episode of "The West Wing".  A Supreme Court Justice passes away unexpectedly while an elderly, weary Chief Justice feels he can not retire because he is afraid of what/who would follow him; not so much as a matter of politics as capability.  A number of candidates visit the White House, the one who seems the most likely to be confirmed is in fact a mediocre jurist.  Sadly, the most able candidates are those who would not make it through a highly political confirmation process because they had dared to hold to their positions....the brightest and best would surely be borked.  Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman quietly manages to have the most able "liberal" candidate and the most able "conservative" candidate cross paths in a crowed White House hallway and all within earshot are treated to a thoughtful, courteous, vigorous  debate held by two highly capable and intelligent jurists.  It becomes clear that both would grace the Supreme Court and serve the country well; so Josh brokers a deal that allows the aged Chief Justice to retire and then the two court vacancies are filled the two best candidates.  I thought it was a very interesting commentary on how our federal judges are selected/confirmed; and find the solution rather sad...there should be a point where doing what is best for our nation is paramount to scoring political points.