Mondays 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad (The Late Edition)- January 26, 2004

[undergroundrailroad]

Mondays 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad January 26, 2004

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Good Monday everybody and welcome to Mondays 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad. Yes, I'm back from a one week vacation and I missed everybody.

This is such an exciting time at DU! We're watching the political process unfold right before our eyes and it was very refreshing to watch the IOWA Caucuses on C-Span. I hope this marks the beginning of an open process that is good for democracy. With that victory, let's celebrate democracy, open democracy!!

So let's decorate Monday's IN The Undergroundrailroad today!

Let me see what I can find! Well, first, as always, we have a dessert of the day. So how about a Strawberry Harvest sheet cake, enough to feed all of the regulars and newcomers (and don't forget, I will bring out the red carpetfor newcomers) in the Undergroundrailroad!



Also some popcorn for us to munch on!

And we need color down here:



So, everyone, have a seat and welcome to Mondays 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad.

---

Shoshana Johnson

One soldier carried on a stretcher
She stood and waved flags of her countries
The world watched, waited
To once again see,
Smiling now,
The face of Shoshana
 
Marlie Makynen

___________________________________________________


Shoshana Johnson, looking good.

Girlfriend is OUTTA. Shoshana Johnson, a former POW, has become something of a celebrity. Now retired from the Army with an injury to both ankles, she's pondering her future and it looks exciting and prosperous. Prior to her retirement from the Army, Shoshana was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and the Prisoner of War Medal for her service in Iraq. Also, there was controversy about her disability award. While her colleague, Jessica Lynch, was scheduled to receive 80-percent disability for her injuries, Shoshana was only scheduled to get 30 percent. She felt that she deserved more and her family suggested race might be a factor. The Army has since changed its mind and has increased her disability to 50 percent. Not what she expected, but better, much better.

Now it seems like the public wants MORE Shoshana. She is considering a book and movie deal. Shoshana was invited by New York's Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, to join him in Times Square to bring down the ball that marks the New Year. The Philadelphia Flyers presented her with a jersey with her name on the back and BET.com named her as PERSON OF THE YEAR! Wow!

Shoshana, YOU GO!

---

Robert Parris Moses



I want you to travel back to a time in 1964 in the deep deep south. There were no cell phones, or computers, or public telephones or taxies, or buses or public bathrooms, or Holiday Inn's, or Burger King drive-thru restaurants for blacks. In a clandestine operation, I would travel to Mississippi with my parents, civil rights activists to participate in Freedom Summer. The person that would coordinate our efforts in Mississippi was Robert Parris Moses who was nicknamed "God". He was the head of The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and organized voter registration campaigns in the heavily black, rural counties of Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. But Bob Moses made things happen and his life is truly a remarkable one.

Robert Moses was born in 1935 in Harlem. His family was poor but Robert had strong academic skills and was very motivated. Because of his good grades he was able to attend a private high school. He then attended Hamilton College and went on to earn a master's degree in philosophy from Harvard University. During his studies, Robert traveled abroad and was exposed to the ideas of pacifism. He also became acquainted with the works of the French philosopher Camus, whose ideas were an important influence on what was soon to become an important component of African-American history. Suddenly, Robert had to return home after his mother died and his father became ill. Now back in the United States, Robert was reading about various "sit-ins" that were taking place in the South. In the spring of 1960, while he was visiting his uncle in Hampton, VA, he witnessed a sit-in in progress in Newport News and slipped into the middle of it. When Robert returned to New York, he decided that he would go south that summer to help. He moved to Atlanta, GA and began working with the SNCC. It was from his base in Atlanta that Robert Moses would travel to Mississippi meeting with other civil rights organizations. Together they planned a campaign to begin registering African-Americans in Mississippi to vote. Not only was this a huge endeavor, it was a very dangerous one. Robert Moses spent four years in Mississippi working on voter registration, tutoring share croppers to learn to read so that they could complete the very complicated registration tests that were required of blacks at that time. His other objective was to develop self-reliant organizations and leaders who could continue the struggle after SNCC organizers departed. In 1964 he departed Mississippi.

After a period as a draft resister against the Vietnam War, and as a math teacher in Tanzania in East Africa, Robert Moses began the second phase of his remarkable domestic civil rights career. In 1976 he returned to the United States to attend Harvard University to pursue Doctoral Studies in the Philosophy Department. He became the recipient of the prestigious Mac Arthur Fellowship in 1982. He utilized the grant to lay the foundation for the The Algebra Project, a national program employing constructivist methods to reinforce mathematical literacy as a means of enhancing college preparation and participation.  In his view, proficiency in algebra was the key to participating in the evolving information society of the 21 st century, and to first-class citizenship. In many instances, African Americans continue to be steered away from the mathematics classes that lead to college, math, science, and engineering careers; to high-level employment; and to civic participation.  

How I love this! An award winning civil rights worker whose life led him to education reform that required communities to become involved and active in support of their children's education. Very similar to the dream Robert Moses had for communities in Mississippi. To become self-sufficient and PROACTIVE in your community as an activist!

By its tenth year, The Algebra Project was reaching more than 9,000 youth across the nation, winning accolades from the National Science Foundation. In 1992, Robert Moses and his former SNCC colleague, David J. Dennis, Sr. initiated the Delta Algebra Project of Mississippi, eventually expanding the program to Louisiana, Arkansas, and Kentucky.  

His accomplishments are chronicled in numerous books, articles and films.

---

The Boondocks by Aaron McGruder

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Questions Of The Day

1. If you had the ability to project yourself anywhere in the world, right now, where would you go?

2. What was the happiest year of your life?

3. What are your plans for Super Bowl Sunday ?

---

OK, I'm OUTTA. See you next Monday 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad

[GOPisEvil]

1. Now my Monday is complete!

As always, an educational, colorful and TASTY ride on the UGRR! :D

Where's Shoshanna's movie? She's as deserving as Jessica Lynch! I might watch the Shoshanna movie. What do you want to bet hers is REAL?!

1. Can we just have the alternate universe Texas? It really is lovely here today, except for politically. So, I vote to stay in Texas and replace the government with a liberal one! :D

2. Can't say I've ever really had years that stood out from the rest.

3. Bearfan454 is throwing a Super Bowl party at his house. A bunch of DUers are going to eat well and bash the shrub! :bounce:

[undergroundrailroad]

2. And you have your front row seat, as always :-)

Thanks for all those nice things you just said. I appreciate those kind words so very much.

Yep, I bet (as in a pony bet and don't forget, KD Day approaches, and I'll look forward to your picks, as always!) her's is the real deal.

So if you could project yourself anywhere today, you would remain in Texas and just hope for a different government, a liberal one. I just love that! And it's true, home is a nice place to be.

But, I see that Bearfan is throwing a Super Bowl party and you will attend along with other DUers. Wow, sounds like fun. Super Bown and shrub bashing! I wish I could attend just to meet everybody. But have a great time GOP !

Have a great rest of your week.

Love ya,

Mina :loveya:

[GabysPoppy]

3. Now it's officially Moday

Once again your choice of dessert shows little concern for my blood sugar number. (drool) Damn your a good cook.



1. If you had the ability to project yourself anywhere in the world, right now, where would you go?

Wherever it's warm. Enough already with this cold weather. I am getting so desparate for warm weather I may accept the free to trip to Disney World I keep winning in my Emails.

2. What was the happiest year of your life?

Hmmm, let me think. Gaby is four years old this year, take a wild guess.

3. What are your plans for Super Bowl Sunday ?

We will be celebrating our niece's Bat Mitzvah this weekend and the party is on Sunday. I will save you a knish.

[undergroundrailroad]

13. Ha, ha, ha. GP, you always make me smile. I don't need that much sugar!

Well, in the world of "magic cakes", let's pretend that it's sugar free, low carb and contains "lite" ingrdients. How do you like the icing decorations that I made by hand?

I see that you would project yourself to warm weather. Well, you know a "HUGE" storm is headed for the east coast. I do understand how you feel. I'm getting sick and tired of snow, ice, wind and cold weather. So I agree, I want out of this cold winter weather.

So Gaby is four! I get it.

Save that knish (with a bit of mustard please) for me!

Love ya,

Mina :hi:

[jus_the_facts]

4. HEY Mina....was startin' to worry 'bout ya....so glad you're back....

....and a GREAT thread this week too....I started a thread last week and another today askin' where you were Woman!!! :loveya:

Questions Of The Day

1. If you had the ability to project yourself anywhere in the world, right now, where would you go?

uhm...well...another state here in the US...but I can't tell! :evilgrin:

2. What was the happiest year of your life?

1985 the year I graduated high school has to be it!

3. What are your plans for Super Bowl Sunday ?

ahh...prolly just watch the game at home!

So glad you're here today Mina...you were missed!! Wishin' you and the rest of DU a good week ahead! :grouphug: :loveya: :yourock:

[undergroundrailroad]

15. You are so sweet! I appreciate your concern Jus the Facts. I think of

our group as a family and I do think of each and everyone of you. Jus the Facts, your one of the Monday regulars and I consider you a member of the UGRR's extended family. So I'm back where I belong :)

Now, let me check out your responses.

If you could project yourself, you would travel to another state in the US. Wow, your the second person, no actually third (me) who said that. I wonder if we become unhappy with our lives and where we live, should we change that. Sometimes, I know it's a gamble to just relocate yourself and/or family. But, perhaps be true to yourself. I think that wins at the end of the day.

The happiest year of your life was your senior year in high school. I have to agree with that. I felt so good about life that year, it was magical.

Finally, your going to watch the Super Bowl game at home. Sounds like my plans.

You know, we have a lot in common today.

Once again, thanks for your shout out and I will see you next Monday.

Love,

Mina :loveya: :hug:

[ZenLefty]

5. Mina! We missed you.

Loved the piece about Shoshana!! And I'd never heard of Robert Parris Moses so thanks for introducing me. :)

1. If you had the ability to project yourself anywhere in the world, right now, where would you go?

It's 18 degrees outside. I'm thinking Maui.

2. What was the happiest year of your life?

2004.

3. What are your plans for Super Bowl Sunday ?

I don't have any. When is it?

Keep yer stick on the ice! :hi:

[undergroundrailroad]

17. Well Zen=T, I missed you too. ((hug))

Your welcome. Robert Moses is such an interesting person.

Zen, it's so cold in New York. Maui sounds so nice. Nice music, food and fancy blended fruit drinks and yes, warm weather.

2004 is the happiest year of your life. I can tell you that it's a year that I've been waiting for since 2000.

Here's a little side issue in regard to the Super Bowl and Houston, TX that I thought might interest you:

Houstonians are still smarting from the collapse of Enron and are thirsty for the stature routinely denied them by those who consider the metropolis to be a massive backwater. That Texas-sized pride is exactly what businessman Robert C. McNair tapped when he spent $700 million of his own fortune four years ago to buy the Texans. The deal concluding the purchase of the team, which replaced the departed Houston Oilers, included becoming host for the 2004 Super Bowl.

---

Love you Zen-T.

Mina :loveya:

[ZenLefty]

22. Ah, the Houstonians.

Are they one of the teams playing in the Super Dish? They must be very proud.

And I would never, ever call Houston a massive backwater. I've been to some very nice massive backwaters in my time and believe me, I would never think they were like Houston. :o

[undergroundrailroad]

28. No, no, no. The Enron Part. Ya know, politics and all.

I thought that was interesting. Houstonians not quite happy with the nightmare called ENRON. Yuck!

Mina

[supernova]

6. (((UGRR)))

Happy Snowy Monday, Mina! :hi:

Thanks for all the scrumpious, colorful goodies. My what a beautiful cake! That's almost too pretty to eat.

It's so nice to learn about Dr. Moses. I didn't know much about him. Thank you. Interesting he picked algebra. My mother would have been pleased to know about his work. She spent most of her professional life as an algebra teacher. Unfortunately that skill did not rub off on me. :P There are so many deserving students who don't get the chance to study the sciences, even today.

I think Shoshonna deserves a book/movie deal as much as anyone does. It's amazing she survived. I'd certainly love to see how events unfolded from her POV.

Questions Of The Day

1. If you had the ability to project yourself anywhere in the world, right now, where would you go?

Any Carribean island. I need sun and warmth. It's too cold! x(

2. What was the happiest year of your life?

Wow! I've never thought of that before. I hope my happiest year is still before me! :D

3. What are your plans for Super Bowl Sunday

Being at home, barring any invitations to SB parties.

[undergroundrailroad]

21. Hi Supernova! Here's a tight ((((hug)))) from me!

This is my supernova of the week just for you! Do you like it?

I'm so happy that your enjoying the refreshments and the articles posted today in the UGRR Supernova. I do it for you, for everyone who is kind enough to visit me and say hello. Here's another :hug: (((((Supernova))))).

OK, let's check you out.

If you could project yourself, right now, it would be to a sunny, warm Caribbean island. Oh, how I wish that so much! I agree with that.

Your happiest year. You know, I've thought about this question as I read all the responses from DUers. I think that the here and now is important. We made it just one more day from yesterday to survive in a difficult world. I wish you so much happiness and may you have many, many wonderful years now, and always.

You can hang out with me in the lounge on Super Bowl Sunday. Consider that an invitation.

Love ya,

Mina :hug: :loveya: :yourock:

[ScreamingMeemie]

7. Good to see you Mina...I needed cheering up on a blustery day!

Funny thing about the popcorn. Just this weekend I was craving movie theater popcorn so I begged my husband to take the kids to the show. He was complaining about the cost of a movie ticket..so I told him, take the kids in, I'll sit in the lobby and eat popcorn. ;) It was a good movie though...Big Fish.

Today, we need more people like Robert Moses to carry on the torch...to ensure his work is not undone or compromised.

My answers:

1. Right now, I'd go to California to visit my brothers and my little niece and niece/nephew to be. It's quite warm there and I've had enough of sub zero temps.

2. The happiest year of my life was the year my son was born. It was also nerve wracking and full of fear, but it was well worth all of that. I'll never forget it. The Packers also went to the Super Bowl that year as an added bonus. (they lost to Denver :( )

3. Absolutely nothing. The Packers aren't in it. :(. My daughter has to bowl in her league that morning...then if it's still snowy, I'll wrap up in a down quilt and read...

Have a wonderful week, wonderful Mina!!!

:loveya: Laura :hug:

[undergroundrailroad]

23. Hi Mrs. G, my friend. Well, we both can use some cheering up on this

bad weather day.

I love popcorn and it always taste better when watching a movie.

And I do agree, we need more role models like Robert Moses. He is really something else!

If you could project yourself, anywhere right now you would travel to California to visit your family members and enjoy warm weather. Again, this is the most popular response so far, and that includes me!

The happiest year of your life is the year your son was born. How as mothers can we forget that day. For me is was difficult for several reasons. One was being diabetic. With one of my children, it was a very bad labor. I don't even like to think about it. But it made me think of another issue that needs to be addressed in our over burdened health care system and that is the dignity of women in labor. With pain management, there is no reason a woman should be screaming in pain.

I see you are a Packer's fan!

I dedicate Super Bowl Sunday to reading, wrapping in a warm quilt and reading DU. :)

Love,

Mina :loveya: :hug:

[blazinjason]

8. Mina! I was worried about you!! OK my Monday has started.

I posted in ATA about the Monday UGRR. Glad your OK, your back where your belong (like Hello Dolly, a musical). I can hear that music as you appear on top of the stair case. Your swinging and swaying.

Like the festive decor today.

I was amazed to learn so much about Robert Moses, what an interesting person he is.

I was glad to see Shoshana Johnson out of the uniform. I'm glad her future looks good.

Now, on to the questions.

1. If I could project myself, I would take my wife on the new Queen Mary boat.
2. I think I was always happy in my youth, in college and my Kappa days.
3. Super Bowl party with my friends at work.

Mina, I'm just so glad your back. As usual, I'm going to print out the column and circulate it among my co-workers. My wife also reads Mondays in the UGRR.

I'll see you next week and have a good week DU.

BJ

[undergroundrailroad]

24. Hi BJ and thanks so much for your concern! I'm here in the flesh.

I am so humbled by the welcome back of my extended family in the UGRR. Thank you so much BJ. Thank you for distributing Mondays IN The UGRR. Wow, I'm glad everyone enjoys it!

I'm glad your enjoying the festive colors and good today. I also see you've read the articles. I agree with you about Shoshana. I wanted to post a picture of her as a POW but as a woman of today, a beautiful woman. We both agree that Shoshana's future looks good and I wish her good luck with healing.

OK, let me check you out.

Projection in the UGRR today has been consistent. You want to travel as most DUers have responded today.

You enjoyed your college years the most and you will attend a Super Bowl Party with friends.

Enjoy the party and I hope your team wins!

Thanks for visiting me today BJ and have a great rest of your week. Please say hello to your co-workers and wife.

Love,

Mina :loveya: :hi:

[Breezy du Nord]

9. Yum, strawberries...

:9

1. I would definitely go back to Mexico, where I spent my summer. I stayed in Cuernavaca, a reall beautiful place (The city of the Eternal Spring, it's called)

2. Probably the year I went to Mexico :) I had an awesome time.

3. Some good old-fashioned partying. :)

:hi: Happy Monday, UGRR!

[undergroundrailroad]

29. Breezygirl! Hello, hello, hello! (((hug)))

Like that cake! I know, it does look good!





So let's project your to Mexico, Cuernavaca, a beautiful warm city. Oh that does sound very nice.

So your best year is when you went to Mexico.

And Super Bowl Sunday? Get your party "on"!

Oh, I just love it when you visit me Breezy, I'll see you next week.

Love,

Mina :hug: :loveya:

[BigMcLargehuge]

10. Welcome back Mina :)

And Hello to you Mina on this fine Monday afternoon! I can’t express in words how glad I am to have this week’s Monday’s In up on my screen!

Great looking cake, seems a shame to even cut into that!!! And, please, pass the popcorn. It's become the keystone of my personal food guide pyramid.

I am of two different minds with regard to Shoshanna Johnson's disability pay. On one hand I am thrilled she was able to get the Army to raise it, on the other, "Why in the hell is it only 50%!!!" I hope she recovers fully from her injuries. I remember the day I saw the footage of her limping into the transport truck. How angry I was that this administration put our young people in such a predicament, and for such selfish reasons. Her face betrayed all the anger and worry that we non-combatants felt.

The world cannot be allowed to forget any of those wounded and killed in service to our country. I hope she successfully sells her story, and that it is both personally rewarding, and illustrates the hard lives of our youth placed in harms way.

Live long and prosper Shoshanna!

Thanks for the wonderful article and link for Robert Moses! I will definitely add him to my list of fun people to research! How amazing it must have been to be part of the Freedom Summer, to know that you were part of a nationwide movement for change with actual, tangible results. It’s a shame that so many in power work to hard to drag us back to pre-equal rights days.

I wonder how Mr. Moses views the backslide in American race relations, especially now that the current administration seems intent of rewarding pro-segregation judges with appellate court appointments. I fear it’s going to get worse before it gets better. But, rest assured, when the time comes to take to the streets, I will be there with my fist raised high to face down the dogs, water hoses, and cops.

To quote Zach Delarocha of Rage Against the Machine, “We gotta take the power back.”

Questions Of The Day

1.If you had the ability to project yourself anywhere in the world, right now, where would you go?

Hmmmm…. Right now?.. I guess I’d project myself to my Dad’s apartment so I could harangue him about his writing projects. It would have the added benefit of letting me hang around with him for a while, which I haven’t had the chance to do in a few months.

2. What was the happiest year of your life?

Is it okay to have a tie? I would have to say this year and last year for several reasons. These include:

Spending time with my son. He’s 2.5 years old and the absolute love of my life. I cannot even remember life before he entered the world. As Roger Water’s puts it, he “is my everyday excuse for playing dead, dumb, and blind”.

I’ve become an active member of the DU community, and for all the grousing I do about modding-induced frustration, I have absolutely LOVED working here with you.

Last year Cindy lost a pregnancy so I have a pretty good barometer for the worst a year has to offer, but our ability as a couple to overcome that setback, refocus, and grow together has been one of the best experiences of my marriage. It also raises my appreciation for my son by several orders of magnitude.


3. What are your plans for Super Bowl Sunday ?

We are tossing around the idea of having a second annual “To Hell with the Superbowl” party in which several non-gridiron interested friends gather, eat a dangerous amount of spaghetti, and settle in for a marathon of bad movies. I am thinking of showing the two newest Godzilla flicks available in the US this year (this week actually!), a fitting substitute for football, and with no commercials.

I usually reserve my sports related parties for the World Cup.

[undergroundrailroad]

30. Hi Big Mac! I missed you too! Here's your popcorn!

I'm glad your enjoying the festive food and decorations in the UGRR today.

I think we can both agree that Shoshanna's got her groove back. As I witnessed, live, her limping to the airplane, I can't imagine why they would not giver her the same rate of disability than any soldier who received an 80% disability. I mean 30% was just unfair and I'm sure the doctor who gave her that disability was confronted. Of course, this happens to people all over this country. They do not receive their fair disability rate. I hope our new President addresses this concern.

I'm also glad that you will place Robert Moses on your research list. I tried, I hope successfully, to compact as much information about him, highlighting the important fact and supporting those with clickable links. I think you will be amazed and wonder where as this person been? Robert Moses is truly remarkable.

I also appreciate you remarks about being there to support the civil rights causes that mean so much to African-Americans, including myself, in this country. I have seen the dogs and fire hoses in a personal way and it is very hurtful. Thanks for standing with me Big Mac in this fight for justice. You are just the best!

Now, let me check out the responses:

Now, why does this not surprise me, LOL. Of course, you would want to be with your Dad. I have learned so much about him and he sounds like a wonderful person. How is the iMac?

Yes, it is OK to have a tie. Your favorite year(s) would be the birth of your son and the time, 2.5 years, you have spent being "Dad". AND, drum roll please, your time spend at DU as a member/moderator. Well, it has been such a JOY working with you.
But I take credit for discovering you FIRST;-)

Thanks for dropping in to say hello, :hug:

Love,

Mina :loveya: :yourock:

[GoGo1]

11. Yummy, what a beautiful cake Mina.

The UGRR looks beautiful today and thank for the informative articles that you provide. Each Monday, I can learn something new from you and it's always interesting and informative. Thank you.

1. If I could project myself it would be to my past when my Mother was alive. I miss her so much.

2. Again, my time with my mother, every single year, was solid gold.

3. Super Bowl? What's that?? Just joking. Oh well, I'll watch the half-time show and go back to Life Time.

Mina have a great week.

Love,

GoGo :yourock:

[undergroundrailroad]

31. Hi GoGo! Here's a go go (((hug)))!

You know, you gave such a beautiful answer about your Mother. I just loved that.
I dedicate this thread to your Mother, in fact, to all who have a favorite memory about their Mother. O8)

Super Bowl, we'll both enjoy the Super Bowl Half-Time Show.

Have a wonderful rest of your week gogo. I always love your posts and YOU!

Love,

Mina

[proud patriot]

12. I miss Carol already

mostly that beautiful smile of hers :hi:

Questions Of The Day

1. If you had the ability to project yourself anywhere in the world, right now, where would you go?
Kauai

2. What was the happiest year of your life?
I hope I haven't lived it yet .

3. What are your plans for Super Bowl Sunday ?
None , probably laundry :shrug:

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

25. Two words to cheer you up on CMB

Cabinet position.

[undergroundrailroad]

32. Hi Proud Patriot. Our super fab moderator of the DU Lounge and I must

tell everyone how Proud Patriot helped me when I first came to DU. I followed HER everywhere (HOW did you put up with me PP?) but really, she taught me so much and I appreciate her contributions to DU especially our DU Lounge. She has graciously hosted Mondays IN The UGRR and I want to give her a bouquet of flowers.

May I present these to you with a heartfelt "thank you"!

---

Now on to the questions:

If you projected yourself to another place in the world you would go to Kauai! Very nice selection PP. But what I love is your response for what your plans are for Super Bowl Sunday. Your response? The laundry! I heard THAT PP! It's a regular day and things have to get done.

Thanks again for being such a great friend.

Love,

Mina :loveya: :hug: :yourock:

[Kamika]

14. heyhey

That's some nice facts about Shoshana, while I do think she deserves tons more attention and probably more then what Lynch got, I wish some more attention would go to the people that's been killed sofar, both military and civilians.

questions..

If I could go anywhere anytime, I'd be resting on a white sandy beach of Hawai during summer :D

I think the happiest year of my life was when I graduated HS, I have no love for school and it felt great to be able to go to work and not having to study anymore (yes I know how lame that sounds, and when I have kids they BETTER go to college)

Ahh Superbowl is like a family tradition for my family.. we all go to Corpus Christi to my cousin where all the guys usually watches the game while we make food, and just hang out. It sounds horrible but it is really a great yearly family reunion


edit: I missed UGRR last Monday

[pmbryant]

16. Mina's back!

Woohoo! :-)

1. If you had the ability to project yourself anywhere in the world, right now, where would you go?

2. What was the happiest year of your life?

3. What are your plans for Super Bowl Sunday ?

(1) I'd go to Bloomington Indiana to be with my S.O., who's on a nerve-wracking business trip and could probably use some emotional support.

(2) I've been fortunate to have so many to choose from. I can't pick any of the last few years, though, due to the political situation of the world at large, which has been heart-breaking to me.

(3) None. We don't watch football. There's an outside chance a friend of ours who does like football, and owns a giant-screen TV, will invite us over to have a party at his place. If not, we'll probably be cycling somewhere on backroads in the hill country.

Glad to have you back, Mina. :hi:

--Peter

[cally]

18. Hi Mina

I missed you! I learned something new in Boston. Did you know one of the first men to die for the American revolution was a runaway slave? He was killed in the 'Boston Massacre' and has a statue of him on the Boston freedom trail.

1. I would probably go to campaign in NH for a few days. After the primary, I would go to either Mexico or Turkey for a vacation.

2. I've had many happy years. I can't pick one.

3. We're going to watch with friends at their house.

[UrbScotty]

19. MIIIIIIIINAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1. Capitol Hill, to see what in the world those Republicans are thinking.

2. I'd say 1998. It was just a good time for me, an "Era of Good Feeling."

3. I'm going to a party put on by the Grand Knight of the local Knights of Columbus hall. He's done a great job over the last couple years.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

20. YESSSSSS!!!! The Train is BACK!!!

And what a cool choice of feature personalities! Anyone who is BOTH a Math teacher AND a civil right leader is über-cool in my book.

Candy looks good... but I must admit the sweet potato pie had me salivating more.

Oh-kayyyyy... the questions.

1) Anywhere with snow. I want to feel real snow in my hands before I die.

2) The 12-month period from May 2000 to April 2001. That spanned me meeting again my Dad after 7 years (he moved to Spain in 1993) and the birth of my daughter. I use to say hearing your child's first wail is like being hit by a train, only it's GOOD!

3) Ho hum. American "foot" "ball" (which is neither) is a curious thing to watch every now and then, but here we get our sports fixes elsewhere. Oddly, I like to watch the F1 season opener (March 7, in Australia) in a hotel room with my wife, in circumstances that would make Skinner lock this thread should I describe them in too much detail. The timezone helps.

(Edit to correct "Is our children learning"-like error in title. And again for ANOTHER grammar error. Argh!)

[indigo32]

26. Yeah it's Monday again :)

your Strawberry Harvest sheet cake looks wonderful.

1. If you had the ability to project yourself anywhere in the world, right now, where would you go?
I'd project myself south to be with my family that are in AZ for a little while

2. What was the happiest year of your life?
hmmm hard to say... maybe 1988 my freshman year of College.

3. What are your plans for Super Bowl Sunday ?
I'll be at a friends house watching the game.

[scarlet_owl]

27. Hey Mina! I'm glad you're back!

That cake is GORGEOUS! I bet it tastes great, too! Thank you for posting about Robert Moses. What an amazing life!

Here are my answers to your question:

1. I would love to go anyplace in Europe right now. I can't decide on just one locale.

2. This year is going pretty well so far. I think I'm in the happiest time of my life right now.

3. I don't really care for football, so it will just be another day for me. I'll probably curl up with a good book and my ferrets.

Have a great week! :hug:

[Brewman_Jax]

33. Welcome back, Mina!

Hope that you enjoyed your vacation! I missed you last week. Now, the week may continue!

I like the historical facts and bios. One has to learn more to be more. On the historical notes, I rented Deacons For Defense starring Forest Whitaker and Ozzie Davis. Though Hollywood-ized, the story is based on fact. The Deacons in the mid-1960's took up arms to protect themselves and neighborhoods from the Night Riders and others who would attack them.

I went to work last Monday. When asked, I simply answer that Dr. King's work allowed me to have a good job and career and I'm not condemned to only being a farmer, janitor, garbage hauler, ditch digger, cook, or any laborer without hope of advancement or recourse of grievance.

I'm glad that Shoshanna Johnson is finally getting a fair shake. I wonder why it's such a mental stretch for some to acknowledge that it is NOT okay to share the misery and not share the rewards.

That cake looks excellent! Just looking at it makes me want to...go workout today! Weights was yesterday, aerobics today.

Now, to answer your questions:

1. This moment, a winter weather advisory in N. Ga, I'd like to go to the Caribbean. Maybe Jamaica, Virgin Is., or Bahamas--or the ABC islands. I've never been there on vacation.

2. Happiest year? Hopefully, I haven't seen it yet, and I'm looking forward to it.

3. I'll be at my brother's house in a house full of people, in front of a 61" television, raising a racket with the following Monday off. His wife will be VERY unthrilled, but she knew the job was dangerous when she took it.

Glad to see you again, and a Merry Chinese New Year to you, Mina!
:hug: