Here's what's on my mind…

While in Turkey last week I discovered a serious problem that I felt I had to address. Eiric and I arrived Friday, June 3rd and spent the week in Bitez, a city just outside of Bodrum where we spent most of our time. On our first morning we took a walk down towards the beach on the Mediteranian Sea and to our surprise walked by a stray dog sitting in the middle of the road. Little did we know at the time there would be a shocking number of strays to follow. Both dogs and cats, every day our count would rise. In the allyways of downtown Bodrum, the cats were dirty, visibly malnurished, and pleaing for food and attention. Dogs that we saw, laying mostly 2-3 in packs along the busy streets of Bitez and Bodrum, looked very rough, (their fur dirty and mangled), likely due to their fight for food and survival. Still, somehow, they appeared to be well-fed, but in their eyes you could feel that they were starved of the love and care they deserve. Before we arrived in Turkey we had read briefly about the stray dog issues in the country, mostly a warning to tourists to stay clear and alert for any danger they might impose. But, despite these warnings, what we saw were helpless, tired, and hungry animals mostly starved of a loving famliy. Every time we turned around we saw at least one stray dog or cat laying or searching the streets of Bodrum; just trying to survive on their own.

On Monday we got up and made our way to the Greek island of Kos to spend the day. I was curious whether we would run into the same problem on the small islands of Greece. When we made it to Kos the very first thing we saw was an entire family of cats living underneath a tree where groups of tourists gathered to watch. It was disheartening to see right away that the stray animal problem in Turkey had indeed stretched across the Mediteranian into Greece, and likely way beyond that point. Although, there was one small glimmer of hope we came across. A much more touristy location than downtown Bodrum, Kos seemed to be heavily populated for a small island of Greece, so we ventured away from the tourist trap and found that a group of locals in Kos run an organization raising money and awareness for the strays of Kos, Greece. The organization is simply called “Friends of the Animals – Kos”. Founded in 1992, the organization was created, according to their website, “in order to alleviate the suffering of the animals on Kos and to improve animal welfare standards by education into all aspects of animal care and protection.” The organization also raises money to treat strays in hopes that locals and others around the world will consider adopting, and according to their website has rescued and treated over 2,000 domestic and wild animals. Seeing this on a very small island of Greece gave me an ounce of hope for what was possible for the strays of Turkey. If a couple of people on Kos, an island with a population of only 30,947, can care enough to create an organization for their strays, why can’t the most westernized country in the Middle East, with a population of over 70,000,000, do the same if not much more for their own?

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On this, the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, NBC’s Anne Thompson takes us back to Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt where women marched in celebration only to be harassed and taunted. Despite their courage, sadly, it goes to show that even in the 21st century women have a long way to go in corrupt nations around the globe.

Related:

Nicholas D. Kristof , The New York Times – “Do Women Leaders Matter?”

The Guardian – An excellent collection of stories focused on International Women’s Day.

Caroline Harper, head of Overseas Development Institute, The Guardian - International Women’s day: A time for celebration mixed with realism

‎Nine years ago today more than 2,000 brave souls were lost and our world was forever changed. Today we honor and remember the victims and heroes of that day and our US troops. Today isn’t about protesting, hate or controversy–it’s about remembering, reflecting,  and honoring those lost on that day and because of that day in our dual wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Will YOU Stand Up To Cancer? Please tune in to NBC, CBS, ABC or FOX at 8 ET. Anywhere and everywhere someone has been touched by cancer. For that and each other we all should tune in tonight and give what we can so that one day someone will ask “What was cancer?” 100% of your donations go to collaborative cancer research: https://www.standup2cancer.org/

To everyone out there that reads my little blog (however small that group may be), my great apologies for my lack of writing to you this Summer. Although I haven’t been writing, it doesn’t mean this Summer hasn’t been such an amazing one so far. My latest post here was a post from Flickr of the photos from our visit to the D-Day Memorial on this year’s 66th anniversary of D-Day. It was a humbling day, and I was so honored to have the chance to meet veterans, young service members, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen.

Something I’ve been meaning to share is the weekend I spent in Washington, D.C. from June 25th to June 29th. It was by far one of the greatest weekend’s I’ve ever had. While I still plan to write about the trip, right now I’ll just share all the photos we took on the trip to tell the story.

DC Trip (Day 1: Departure, DC, Kabul Kabob, DC @ night)

DC Trip (Day 2: Lunch w/ Nancy Trejos, visit w/ Doni’s family)

DC Trip (Day 3: Arlington Nat’l Cemetery, “Restrepo” , Nat’l Mall @ night)

Photos from the D-Day Memorial ceremonies at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia.

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The last time I wrote about this region of the country it was the happiest day it had seen in the five years of recovering from the worst natural disaster to ever touch American soil. It was the night after the New Orleans Saints went home as Super Bowl champions. Watching New Orleanians celebrate their Super Bowl win was like watching the city being reborn again into a new life as if Katrina had never happened. Now, five years after hurricane Katrina, the people of that region are threatened with yet another disaster, devastating their livelihood and destroying the marshes along the coast that protect their state. The Gulf Oil spill has opened up a whole world of discussion. It’s forced us to ask ourselves, should we still be doing this? Is this disaster what it’s going to take to get us to begin to move forward from our traditional energy methods to a new, safer method?

An oil-stained pelican leaves its nest as oil washes ashore on an island that is home to hundreds of brown pelican nests as well at terns, gulls and roseated spoonbills in Barataria Bay just inside the the coast of Louisiana, Saturday, May 22, 2010. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Brian Williams and the NBC Nightly News crew returned to Louisiana for the 27th time for the Tuesday and Wednesday night broadcasts. While I’ve already been greatly appreciating Brian and the crew’s focus on the Gulf, Rachel Maddow also held her show tonight in New Orleans, Louisiana. Before watching, I did not realize how much the city of New Orleans depended on the health of the marshes of Louisiana’s coastline. To think of what a hurricane could do to that city without the marshes protection of the coastline is staggeringly devastating. It’s because of that, mostly, that my thoughts and prayers continue to pour out for the Gulf Coast. We cannot let this happen again. Not to New Orleans, and not to anyone living along the coast. Something short that Rachel said stood out to me. Something like this: “This isn’t some hippie crusade to save the cute baby gators, this is the survival of a piece of our country.”

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Today we honor and remember our fallen heroes, and all those serving in our U.S. military. For them and their families, we are forever grateful for their sacrifices and will support them with everything we have, for as long as it takes. God Bless them all.

Photo of my great uncle, Robert B. Holladay, with his fellow Rover Boys. Their B-29 was shot down over Japan in 1944. (center of the 2nd row)

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

A wonderful day requires a wonderful morning. I had just that yesterday morning.

I got up yesterday morning at 7:45am (later that I planned) and went with my nana to walk with an elderly man who’s a veteran of the coast guard and former preacher, in the mall before store hours. My nana has started to take this man walking at the mall every Tuesday and Thursday morning. It’s a wonderful and generous thing for her to do this for him. I told her I wanted to meet him, so yesterday morning I planned to come along with them. The only trouble in getting to know each other was that we’re both a little shy at first meetings. But as we sat at  a bench my nana told him I wanted to be a journalist, which then led him to ask me what makes me want to be a journalist. That’s what kick-started our conversation. At first I found it hard to pinpoint a specific reason, but after discussion I realized it myself. My nana brought up the earthquake in Haiti and how much that disaster affected me, and affected us all. It’s the power to give those people a voice and gather the attention and help they need through reporting that make me love journalism. Without it, how would we know what we know? But still, like anything we love, it’s hard to give a reason why. My nana is my #1 supporter and believer, and now I have another in this old man I just met yesterday morning. It was the extra boost of confidence and support I needed.

That’s what Today Show anchor Matt Lauer asked this morning after NBC News correspondent Mark Potter was reporting on the oil spill from Louisiana where he swallowed a giant fly during a live report. It didn’t come too much as a surprise because when Brian Williams traveled back down to anchor Nightly News from Venice, Louisiana for the 26th time, he sat in with Rachel Maddow where they were battling the bugs. Although this (and many other things) happens to correspondents almost on a regular basis it seems while reporting live, it did not deter me from my dream. Oddly, it was a little inspiring the way Mark Potter just kept on going as if nothing had happened. A real pro!

Enjoy the clip, or squirm:

*How to help fight the oil spill*

As I sit at the desk, with a load of homework on my lap, I hear the pitter-patter of one chocolate Lab who’s been cooped up in a condo for far too long. My mom, brother and I are having a sleep-over at my papa’s (mom’s father’s) in the middle of the week. Although he’s heading to bed now, at just 10:20pm, we’ve been enjoying a good visit. Most of our time’s been spent telling Charlie to calm down, poor thing. It also happens to be Charlie Brown’s 7th Birthday. That makes him 54 in dog years. Dogs must mature much later than humans…

Happy Birthday Charlie Brown!

It’s 1:32 a.m. on a Tuesday morning, and I’m just in from taking Charlie outside for a quick bathroom break before (finally) heading to bed. I’ve made it a habit now to grab my Blackberry, put on my headphones and turn on Pandora before heading out with him. While it’s windy and a little chilly out (just cold enough to shiver a little, but not cold enough to want to run in), I couldn’t resist the big hill by the side of the condos where there’s a perfect spot for moon-watching. The clouds were rolling by quickly across an almost full moon. Bright enough to make you squint just to see the craters on the surface. As I stared up at the moon with the clouds rushing by, I listened to the melancholy music from my earphones and sat in the cool grass holding Charlie under my left arm as he nibbled at the grass.  It was such a simple peaceful moment. Something I hadn’t done since last Summer. I don’t take those moments for granted. Many of us may not realize how lucky we are just to have a small peaceful moment like that. I’m grateful for every one.

So my message tonight (or this morning considering the time) is to take in and cherish every moment you have. Try and take a moment to get away from it all by sitting in the grass on a nice night and staring up at the moon and the stars. It’s the most simple peaceful thing we have.

Happy Thursday, everyone!

Okay, yes, I have some explaining to do. It’s been quite a long time since I’ve posted, and must say I highly regret it. I guess college has been keeping me busy, even though it really would only take a few minutes to write a simple post a day. But when did I ever say this was a daily blog? Who am I apologizing to? I kid. In all seriousness, I hereby promise to cut out a few minutes of my day to post something a day. ANYTHING. Or at least more than once a month…

My day today has only consisted of waking up and getting ready five minutes before having to leave (I hate those kinds of mornings), going to U.S. Government class to take a quiz, and coming home to catch up on news of the day, followed by an unintended long nap. I tried 20 minutes, but it just didn’t cut it…apparently.

About a week ago, my family started talking about very possibly having to put to sleep our oldest four-legged member of the family: our 15 year-old cat, Nicky. (who happens to be sitting with me now as I write this)

And yes, I am wearing Christmas PJs in April...

It’s something I’ve yet to have gone through in life. The only pet I’ve lost has been my hamster. Possibly the sweetest, most laid back hamster you’d see.  But Nicky has been getting old, showing all the signs that cats go through as they start getting to that point. But for some reason, it comes as a shock to be finally at that stage where we have to talk about this. It’s a really tough thing to go through, but as is it for all animal-lovers, it’s something we all have to go through at some point. Besides, she’s had a great last 6 years smacking around our chocolate lab, Charlie Brown.

Taken from my Blackberry. I'm very jealous of iPhone users...

From earlier today.

In just a few minutes the beginning of my Thursday night rundown begins:

NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams

Parks and Recreation

The Office

30 Rock

Only…just now I am realizing the Thursday night comedy line-up on NBC is all reruns tonight…so I don’t know what I’ll be doing in that time. Most likely studying for the exam portion of my U.S. History test for tomorrow, watching Rachel Maddow, and maybe catching up on LOST (I was crazy about the show from the start, and now have missed this entire last season), all before catching the great Tina Fey on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon tonight! D0 I watch to much TV!?

Just a laid-back posting on this rainy Thursday night.

I hope all of you enjoyed the day, and have a great Friday.

U.S. soldiers pray in a circle before leaving Camp Victory for their patrol mission on the streets of Baghdad. REUTERS/Nikola Solic (IRAQ)

Today marks the seven year anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Seven years ago today I was thirteen years old, and sitting on the living room floor watching the news. I remember so clearly seeing the images of the first explosions in Baghdad, Iraq – that night-vision camera footage of bombs exploding in the night sky. It was an image (like the invasion in Kabul, Afghanistan) I never thought I’d see, and a moment that would change the course of history for so many.

Tonight I dedicate my post to all of our Iraq war veterans – those at home, and those who didn’t make it home – and all of the war correspondents who risked their lives for so many years to report what mattered most. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten. God Bless our troops and all the people who’ve gone to Iraq to work to bring them peace.

My favorite war correspondent, Richard Engel (NBC News), who spent five years reporting in Iraq during it’s most active years, has written an analysis of the Iraq war where he reminisces of his years reporting there, on this seventh anniversary of the invasion.

In an interview with NBC News’ Richard Engel, U.S. troops discuss their current role in Iraq.

Actually, not only do I love that movie (“Barefoot in the Park”), but I’m just realizing the title fits because I was actually barefoot in the park today.

My friend and I decided to take advantage of one of our first beautiful Spring-like days by heading to the park with two baseball gloves and a baseball, a basketball, and two tennis rackets with a few tennis balls (all along with my new camera of course). It was a beautiful, messy, and exhausting day. It was messy mostly because a hard pitch of the baseball landed it in the creek where both my friend and I fought to get the ball back like it was made of gold or something. Funny thing is, that’s where most of the fun started. That all led us to sitting by the creek and taking in a beautiful and peaceful day at the park.

A few reminders that we’re not really kids anymore:  Getting messy doesn’t seem to bother you as much as a kid as is does when you’re older. (Don’t get me wrong – getting dirty while playing and having fun doing it is still as fun as it was, but it’s not as fun going home like that and cleaning up as it used to be.) Another reminder of our age (or maybe just the shape we’re in as college students) was how sore and exhausted we got so quickly. My throwing arm is great, but every pitch was painful. Anything for fun!

Tomorrow morning we (along with my brother this time) head up for a hike at Peaks of Otter to the Sharp Top. Carpe diem!