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)
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.”
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)
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!
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…
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.
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!
Okay, not really a “Manic Monday”, but a day that I seem to have a lot on my mind…
It’s been a while since I’ve posted, and I apologize for slacking behind lately.
Today, as some of you may know, is International Women’s Day. To all of the Women around the world, I salute you. Sadly, not all women around the world are given the same respect and rights as human beings as we would all like to think. And for that, I say we all stand up for each other and pray that someday soon all women around the world will be loved and respected equally.
Another thing that has been fresh on my mind, and that I’ve been tracking all weekend are the elections in Iraq. This Iraq election is the most important to the Iraqi people, and to our U.S. troops who are scheduled to pull-out by 2011. One of my favorite journalists, NBC News Chief Foreign Correspondent Richard Engel, has returned to Iraq to cover the Iraqi elections. He recently left Iraq after spending five long years reporting during the height of the Iraq war from 2003 to 2008, in which he wrote of in his “War Journal” (a compelling, and terrifically written journal I’m currently reading). Because of his knowledge of Iraq, and years spent in the Middle East, I suggest turning to his reporting on the Iraq elections. He recently wrote an excellent piece for the NBC News World Blog, and lately you can always find him updating via Twitter at @richardengelnbc.
On a less serious note:
Also over the weekend was possibly the best Saturday night in a long time. Saturday Night Live that is… If you caught Zach Galifianakis hosting Saturday Night Live, most of you would agree. Sometimes the show just feels like it’s missing something, but this time Zach brought us back to realizing why it’s the greatest comedy show of all time! (many of you may have realized that he actually shaved his beard during the show.) Here’s the hilarious digital short, “Zach Drops By The Set”:
And last night was Oscar night. While I’m happy for all those who were nominated, and cheered on everyone who won an Oscar, I am mostly happy for all of the wins The Hurt Locker took home last night. It’s a very powerful (and lately controversial) film about members of the Army’s EOD squad (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) during the early years of the Iraq war. While it’s controversial, and there are several inaccuracies, it’s a powerful and compelling film, and most importantly raises the public’s awareness of a soldier’s life.
Finally, I wanted to share a few songs that I’ve been playing on a loop:
“Much Farther To Go” - Rosie Thomas = A lovely, lovely song that just makes me melt.
“Wedding Day” – Rosie Thomas = Leaves me speechless.
“The Man With No Skin” – Great Lake Swimmers = The greatest group (in my opinion) that BriTunes has ever shared! (so far)
Those are the words I read when I was told to visit the Today Show’s “allDay blog: Today’s Family Blog” this afternoon. This morning I walked straight into the college cafe, picked up my coffee, and speed-walked over to the vacant couch in front of the TV where the Today Show was on. (It’s rare that that seat is ever vacant in the mornings, so I’m always excited for the chance to sit there and watch my favorite morning people! ) Then I snapped a quick photo of my morning ritual: Coffee, Today Show, NewYorkTimes.com, and this time…a bagel. I sent it out as a tweet and later this afternoon was told by Ryan Osborn, a Today Show producer, that he had put it up on the Today Show blog as the “Tweet of Today”! I wasn’t expecting this at all, and as a loyal viewer and great admirer of the people at Today, it made my day! Thanks again, Ryan!
Last night another great American city went out on top, and went home with the Super Bowl victory. Only this year, it wasn’t just another great American city, it was New Orleans. Just five years ago eighty percent of New Orleans was underwater after it was hit with the worst natural disaster to ever touch American soil. The New Orleans Saints Super-dome turned into a ’safe-haven’ for only those lucky enough to be held in a shelter. But luck was not seen in that city after hurricane Katrina hit. Those of us watching the reports from home would think we were watching footage of a suffering third world country, and those reporting in New Orleans just in the aftermath of the storm actually forgot they were in the United States of America for a moment. In a documentary of compiled reports from Brian Williams’ reporting on hurricane Katrina, Brian says that while they were reporting in New Orleans he would say “, when we get back to the states…”, explaining that “there was absolutely nothing that would lead you to believe this is the United States”. Ever since I watched the documentary, that line has stuck with me. As an American, I was ashamed to see that we could let things get so awful and desperate for our fellow Americans that needed our help right away.
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