The next cats we fostered was a Mom, Diamond (centre) and her two kittens, Ruby (left) and Emerald (right). They came into the week of June 6th 2006. Ruby was adopted very quickly at her first adoption event on June 24th. Her brother was with us a lot longer getting his "forever home" on October 25th with their Mom finally following on the 19th of November.

-Richard

I Finished Reading:

"Detained: A Writer's Prison Diary" written by Ngugi Wa Thiong'o.

It was written during and after is forced detainment in Kenya after he was arrested. This book was more a condemnation of the Pre-Independent and Post-Independent Kenya and the atrocities of the British Colonial System in that Country. Very disturbing and eye opening.

-Richard

I had my US Naturalization interview today and managed to pass. So, I am closer to gaining my Citizenship. All I need now is the final approval and then the swearing in ceremony. Hopefully, it will not be too much longer.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Romanov Prophecy" written by Steve Berry.

This falls under what I call my "silly" or "light" reading. I enjoy thrillers and especially spy thrillers, generally if they are based on events or places I am interested in. This one is based on a plot to find the heir the Romanov throne as post-communist Russia wants to bring back the Monarchy. I was a bit disappointed by this book. The concept was good. A clue based search, similar to Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code based on one of my favourite places and history periods, but, it didn't quite work for me. The search for the descendant ironically enough finished in North Carolina between Ashville and Boone.

-Richard

I finished reading the Bible Book of "Nehemiah" as part of my reading a chapter of the Bible every day before work. Nehemiah is one of my favourite books because it goes through the re-building of the City of Jerusalem after Babylon had destroyed it. There are so many lessons to learn from Nehemiah's story of faith.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"L'Assommoir" written by Emile Zola.

I am a big fan of Zola's novel's and enjoyed this one, but, they are a wee bit depressing!!.

-Richard

10:00 pm.

The End!! I finished at 378 of L'Assommoir, leaving me only 45 pages to go.

I read a total of 637 pages today. A good day!!!

-Richard

9:00pm

Starting the last hour. I am up to page 300 of L'Assommoir.

-Richard

8:00 pm

I am up to page 240 in L'Assommoir.

-Richard

7:00pm

I am now up to page 199 of L'Assommier

-Richard

6:00 pm

I am up to page 127 of L'Assommoir

-Richard

5:00 pm

A slow hour. I only read 10 pages as I took a little nap!!

-Richard

4:00 pm (half-way through).

I am up to page 76 of L'Assommoir.

-Richard

3:00 pm.

I finished reading "The Comedians" by Graham Greene. This was a book I thoroughly enjoyed.

I started reading the next book on my list (as always I read the books in the order that I bought them!!), L'Assommoir written by Emile Zola.

-Richard

2:00pm I am now up to page 272 of Graham Green's comdedians.

-Richard

1:00 PM Up to page 193 of The Comedians.

-Richard

I have taken the day of work with the plan to spend the day reading from 10am to 10pm posting my progress every hour. The reason why is simple. We are in the last month of our fiscal year at work and it is very stressful so I figured a day engrossed in my favourite hobby would be a good thing.

Unfortunately due to internet problems I have not been able to post until now, so below is the update from the first couple of hours:

I started at 10:13am on page 28 of "The Comedians" written by Graham Greens.
11:00am - I was up to page 78
12:00pm - I was up to page 134.

Next update (assuming the internet is still working) will be at 1:00pm.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Caravan to Vaccares" written by Alistair MacLean.

-Richard

The next kitten we fostered was Tucker. He was a sweet little grey guy. We actually got him at an adoption event in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Someone had found him and brought him to the event. He came to us on Sunday, May 20th 2006. He was only with us a couple of weeks before getting adopted on June 10th 2006.

-Richard

Memories

So many places
Visited and seen
So wonderful
Too good to be true?
How I'd rather be there
Rather than here.
Is my memory playing jokes
Or was it real?
Probably was for vacation,
But for life?

13th July 1996 - North Acton, London, England.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Growing Up" written by Russell Baker.

It is the Pulitzer Prize winning autobiography written set during the depression by Russell Baker a New York Times columnist. An easy, and enjoyable read.

-Richard

So, the Vice-President choices had been made!!

For the Democrats I was a bit disappointed in the choice Joe Biden for Obama. I understand why. The experience, especially foreign affairs, which a perceived weakness versus McCain. However, Biden has been a Senator for a long time and is part of the Washington fabric so can't really be considered a "change" candidate per se. However, it is a safe choice.

For the Republicans I am confused. Sarah Palin (who?). I have read that this is a brilliant move or a dissaster. It could be good because it give a fresh face outsider and a woman to counter act Obama's change message and try and pick up dissilusioned Hilary supporters. It is a disaster because McCain has given Obama the advantage on one if his best points - experience. Palin has been a Governer for only a couple of years and before that a small town Mayor. I don't see how she could be President if anything happens to McCain. McCain could have gone for a better choice to gain the two edges he was trying to get.

I think a slight advantage to Obama over these picks.

What about Obama's convention speach. I thought it was a "good-ole" political speach. Atacking his opponant, but, with respect aswell as outlining his vision with passion. The last half of it at least sounded like an Evangelical preacher preaching on the Sermon on the Mount. An interesting juxtopostion in this election as the far more Evangelical, Born Again Christian candidate is the Democrat. I am looking forward to what the Republican convention is going to do and especially how McCain and Palin both do.

It's going to be a fun few weeks.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"To Serve Them All My Days" written by R.F. Delderfield.

I chose this book because I really enjoyed the TV dramitisation when I was a kid. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. A pilgrimage of a shell-shocked World War I veteran starting his new life as a Master in a Private English school through various successes, bad times and challenges competing the circle as World War II breaks out in Europe.

-Richard

So, the Olympics are over. What am I going to do with myself now? For the last two and bit weeks it has been work, sleep (not as much as I need), Olympics, work, etc... It's been fun and as always is one of my favourite events.

It was also fun rooting for a successful team (for once) with Britain winning 19 Golds and 47 total medals. These are numbers I thought I would never see. The best since 1908 by a long way. I enjoyed watching my new country succeed. The amazing Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt. Great days. I learnt that Britain produces damn good cyclists!!

Roll on 2012 back in my home country. I am already planning on going home for them. Not, necessarily to go events, although that would be part of it, but, just to be there for the atmosphere..

Now normal life can resume....

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Uncle Tom's Cabin" written by Harriet Beecher Stowe.

-Richard

I finished reading the Bible Book of Ezra.

-Richard

Top of the World

Sitting on top of the world
Or so it feels
Looking down on valleys and trees
And houses e'er so small
People like ants
Milling around.
The only noise a rustling breeze
Or distant drone of aeroplanes.

I feel how God must feel
Looking down on His world
Thinking what beauty surrounds
Until a derelict mill
And man made quarry
Jut into sight:
The proverbial "blot on the landscape."

I could sit here all day
Away from the city and smog
Until in the distance
I spy the expanse
Of Manchester smoking away.

Oh well! I can only dream
About sitting on top of the world.

5th May 1996 - Macclesfield, Cheshire, England.

-Richard

I Finished Reading:

"Sacajawea" written by Anna Lee Waldo.

I guess I would call this book interesting. I am not a big fan of historical fiction where "real" peoples stories are made up.

-Richard

Yesterday was a day of mixed emotions....

The first is the good. The San Jose Earthquakes vanquishing the hated and evil Los Angeles Galaxy 3-2.

The second is the sad. One of my heroes, Alexander Solzhenitsyn died yesterday. He was an incredible 89 years considering what he had to go through in his life.

-Richard

I am a big fan of 30 Days, the Morgan Spurlock Documentary Series on the FX Network. It is were people are put into an "opposite" situation for 30 days to see how they get on, try and understand the other view etc... I find it one of the more thought provoking shows on TV.

We just watched episode 3 of the latest series were a North Carolina Hunter had to spend 30 Days with a PETA actavist in Los Angeles. Very interesting. I think it's difficult to put in to words exactly what I think. I am against PETA's methods, however, agree with many of their causes. I think a summary of my position is no animal should suffer cruelty. I am not a vegitarian or vegan, but, do not understand why the animals have to suffer in providing us with food. I always used to try and buy products that were free range but have slipped badly. This show as now re-inforced how I need to do this, or if I can't find it in a particular store then not to buy and do without.

The other issue this brought back to the forefront of my mind is what I do for a living. Although, the company I work for in no way does any animal activities some of our clients do, be it Pharma, cosmetics and big farming. I guess it's something that I put to the back of my mind. I guess now it's time to re-think about it.....

-Richard

I finished reading the Bible Book of 2nd Chronicles.

-Richard

One Tuesday I took the day off work and we went to Washington D.C. to finally try and see the postponed DC United versus Houston Dynamo Major League Soccer Match. Well, for the second time we did not get too see it because of a power outage that affected RFK Stadium. However, the reason for my post is not this but an observation that both Jenn and I made whilst driving around the City. That is the amount of homeless folks living in and around the parks. It is, in my opinion, criminal, that in the seat of Government of the largest and most powerful Country this can happen. This year we are going through the election where every month the candidates are announcing how many millions of dollars they have all raised and yet, in some cases yards from their offices, homes and legislative buildings there is poverty in the worst case. There has to be something wrong with this picture? I realise I am nieve, utopian and this is a problem World Wide, but, it really struck me and upset me on Tuesday.

-Richard

(as a side note the game was eventually played on Wednesday, but, we could not go. Houston won 2-0 and that was after the game was delayed a couple of hours due to more bad weather and outages)

The next cat we fostered was Henley. He came to us in a really bad way. I got a call from a lady in Charlotte, North Carolina about an injured kitten. He was sick a running a fever. She drove him to to Raleigh, were we took him straight to an emergency vet. It turned out he had been run over by a car and shot with an air-pistol. After a touch and go few hours a pulled through and he came to us. He was about 6 months old and a very sweet and friendly Siamese. He came in on Sunday, May 9th 2006 and after a full and speedy recovery he was adopted out on Saturday, June 24th 2006.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Turn of the Screw" written by Henry James. I did not enjoy this book. It was only 88 pages, but, it was for me a "painful" 88 pages. I think if it had been much longer I would not have finished it.

This book also had lots of commentaries and essays. This is something I do not enjoy and do not read. Why? There was a reason I did not like reading when I was at school because I read for fun not for study.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Jane Eyre" written by Charlotte Bronte. I read this book many years ago, so picked it up and decided to read it again. I enjoyed it as much the second time as the first.

The Bronte's were from the small Yorkshire town of Haworth, which is almost a suburb of The City of Bradford where I spent three very happy years whilst I was College. I visited Haworth several times.

-Richard

Summer Nights

Quiet!
Silence!
Long summer nights
Clear blue skies
Stars twinkling
No cars
No pollution
No bustle
Just birds singing

And hearts beating.

Peace!

4th May 1996 - Sutton, Cheshire, England

-Richard

The next cats we fostered were Root Beer (right) a momma and her two babies, Coke and Pepsi (left, together). They came into the week May 3rd 2006. They were not with us very long before they got adopted. Coke and Pepsi got adopted the week of June 27th 2006 with their Mam following a couple of week later on July 18th 2006.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Grave Secrets" written by Kathy Reichs.

Jenn got me this book because it is the series the TV series Bones is based on. To tell you the truth I did not expect to enjoy it, but, I did and will probably get some more from the series. I also learned something that I was not aware of whilst reading. Namely how bad the troubles where in Guatemala during the 80's and 90's to the point where there was a genocide of the Mayan people. This is something that I will need to research more.

-Richard

I have a Citizenship Update (finally). Yesterday, I got in the mail the notice of when my Citizenship interview will be. It will be in the middle of September, so hopefully, everything will go well and I will get a chance to vote after all. It will be close, as after the interview (assuming that is ok) there is still the swearing in ceremony before I become a Citizen. I guess I need to practice my English and US History between now and then!!

-Richard

The Telephone

Dialing the number I know so well
Hearing the voice I love to hear
What more could I ask?
Our love declared through cables
Holding an impersonal machine
I hate the bloody telephone!!
I want to see her face,
Hold her hands,
Feel her lips.
Hoe can I express how I really fell
To an inanimate object?
Is it all we've got to bridge the miles?
No, we've got our love.
We've got our prayers.
But I still need to tell her
"I love you!".
So like it or not
I need that bloody telephone.

1st May 1996 - Uxbridge, Middlesex, England.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Sacred Clowns" by Tony Hillerman.

See, as my wife says I don't always read "snobby" books. I do enjoy themed mysteries, but, my main enjoyment out side the "classical realm" for want of a better expression are Cold War and WWII spy novels. I think this also links into my fascination with the Russia as well as most the ones I choose have something to do with that. I have enjoyed the Hillerman Navajo Cop series featuring Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee. I think I have only one to go. An interesting thing is that there was a connection between this book and the last I read (The Wayward Bus) as Kit Carson was mentioned in both.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Wayward Bus" written by John Steinbeck.

Although I am a big Steinbeck fan I was a bit disapointed with this book. It just didn't catch me. I can't really say why. I guess, it seemed to meander along and then just stopped.

-Richard

Jesus for President??

I found this interesting article on CNN.com a couple of weeks ago. In essence it talks about young Evangelical Christians and politics. Essentially, it's something that I've been saying for years, that, as a Christian it is impossible to be doctrinally and ethically joined to a particular party on everything. I think people are realizing it. There, in a way is not right or wrong answer as we all fall short of where we need to be in God's image. We live in a flawed world and very flawed society and political system. Again, it's a matter of looking at each candidate individually, on each issue and look at the Bible teaching and make as honest, prayerful compromise as possible.

I have not looked, or had time to look into detail into the groups mentioned in this article, however, some things appeal to me. (I would need to study their theological doctrine (when I get time) to see what I think on these individuals and Churches.) By this I mean looking at the Heart of God. We should be Peacemakers, care about the Poor, needy and sick, care about those without a voice, care for the prisoners etc.. That teaching, or attitude is controversial and considerd in some cases "liberal" by the established Church. Why? It come from the Sermon on the Mount and other teachings of Jesus. I have often myself had my views called "Communist" or "Socialist", which is incorrect because both those systems dismiss and negate Jesus and Salvation. No, my views are the community of the Church following the Heart of Christ to take care of all in this World.

The funny thing is, the study we are currently looking at in our Small Group is going along similar lines.

I guess the question is where do I fit into this in my life? A question I struggle with every day. I have a job, a home, gadgets, don't really struggle financially, well compared to the vast majority of the world. Essentially I (we) are comfortable. I work for a company that cares only about money and profit. Where does that fit in? The conundrum of the Modern World. We need to live and survive or we can't help others, but, where do we draw the line? I wish I knew. All I can do, is my small part of following the Gospel of Christ, which in a very simple break down has two parts...Salvation through the Blood of Christ and trying to be Christlike in everything we do.

Those who say becoming a Christian is a cop out, because you are playing safe with eternity should try being an Evangelical (Bible Believing - following the Word) Christian in today's world where one essentially has to live against the current trends. It is not easy. The easy cop out would by to live an earthly life, with the current value systems of greed, selfishness, money, sex etc... It is easy. I fall short every single day and every day I wake up I try and start again and again and again.

I think, as the election gets nearer and I take a closer look at the candidates and break down who I would have voted for (or for if my Citizenship somehow comes through) some more of the issues will come to the surface.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Custer Died for Your Sins" written by Vine Deloria, Jr. I do not have a photo as this book does not have a front cover.

When I finish a book I am going to start to try and write a little more about them rather than a cursory mention. This will be time dependent as I never seem to have enough time to post on here at the best of times.

This book was a lot better than I thought it would be. I almost passed it over. It was also one I intended to give away when finished. Due to the fact that most of books come from sales I generally give a lot back when finished and only keep those I am likely to read again. Mainly the ones I keep are history, classics and anything to do with Russia. Well, this book kept me interested all the way through with lots of interesting arguments. It is probably somewhat out date now as it was written in 1969, but, never the less it was worth reading.

-Richard

Here is the post read-a-thon questionnaire,

Here are the post-event survey questions:

1. Which hour was most daunting for you?

Anything after 11pm. I went to bed at 12...

2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year? Hard to say. It depends the individual readers interests

3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? Nope.

4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon? Was fun and worked well.

5. How many books did you read? Finished one I was already reading. Completed 3 new ones and started another.

6. What were the names of the books you read? Gulag Archipelago, Volume III by Alexander Solzhentisyn, The Cherokees by Grace Steele Woodward, The Road to Sundance, My Journey into Native Spirituality by Manny Twofeathers, The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemmingway and started And Custer Died for Your Sins, an Indian Manifesto by Vina Delora, JR.

7. Which book did you enjoy most?

Gulag Archipelago, Volume III

8. Which did you enjoy least?

The Road to Sundance, My Journey into Native Spirituality by Manny Twofeathers

9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders? N/A

10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time? Definitely will.

-Richard

Well, it's time for me to stop. I need to get ready to go and work an adoptathon for Snowflake Animal Rescue. This has been fun and has allowed me the rare luxury of not thinking about "life". I am looking forward to doing it again.

My Summary:

Read for Approximately 13 1/2 hours.
Finished 1 book I was already reading , started and finished 3 and am 151 pages into the latest one.
I have read 1007 pages.

-Richard

Is I start what will be undoubtedly be my last book of the 24hr read-a-thon it is interesting what my main theme was. The American Indian. This was not deliberate as, like I mentioned in my first post, I read the books in the order that I bought them so it just happens that three of the five are about that subject. It is something that is near and dear to my heart as my wife is 50% Indian and the vast majority of that Cherokee. I want to learn as much as possible about the subject, including one day the languaue. The way these people were made to suffer and still do make me very, very, angry and ashamed. Why ashamed? Because I am 7/8th English and it was originally the English, or British immigrants that started and encouraged this genocide. Even today, they are still discriminated against, a vast majority are under the poverty line and have numerous problems. Where are the National media and Politicians fighting for them? I could go on and on, but, as I want to keep reading I will close it this for now with one last comment. I am glad I married my wife, not just because I fell in love with her and love her very, very, much, but, also for the things she had taught me and I have gained. One being the Indian heritage the she and her family have.

-Richard

Next up - "And Custer Died for Your Sins, an Indian Manifesto" written by Vine Deloria, Jr. It has 272 pages.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Sun Also Rises" written by Ernest Hemingway. The journey taken in this book reminded me of a similar one I took in 1989 traveling to Pamplona, Spain on train via Biarritz, Bayonne, Hendaye etc...and also visiting San Sebastian. I, however, did not go to the running of the bulls or a bull-fight I am very happy to say.

-Richard

G'morning...up and running again.....

Congrats to all who stayed up all night, very impressive,

-Richard

It's almost midnight eastern and I'm not as young as I used to be and with a busy day tomorrow it's time to hit the sack. I am planning on getting up at 6am to resume...

So far I have finished the book I was reading, finished two others and just started another..for a total of 633 pages.

I will read one more chapter before turning off the light.

G'night.

-Richard

Next up - "The Sun Also Rises" written by Ernest Hemmingway. It has 247 pages

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Road To The Sundance, My Journey into Native Spirituality" written by Manny Twofeathers.

-Richard

8 Hours update....

I took an hour and half of doing something for the animal rescue we volunteer with between 6 and 7:30. I have now read 410 pages.

-Richard

Next up - "The Road to Sundance, My Journey into Native Spirituality" written by Manny Twofeathers. It has 227 pages. But first...I need to run an errand.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Cherokees" written by Grace Steele Woodward.

-Richard

Update after 4 hours.

I am up to page 173 of my current book, which means I have read 230 pages so far.

-Richard

Next book up: "The Cherokees" written by Grace Steele Woodward. This book has 325 pages.

-Richard

I finished reading (at 12:52pm):

"The Gulag Archipelago: Volume III" written by Alexansandr Solzhenitsyn. This Volume contained parts V - VII of his work. I would recommend this complete series to anyone.

-Richard

So, I am about to start this 24 hour read-a-thon and after the end of a very stressful quarter at work it's probably perfect timing.

My plan is to essentially keep reading as I always do. I am very anal and read books in a set order as to when I get them. I don't look ahead so do not know whats coming up, but, also do not deviate (unless I am traveling when I do not take hard backs so go to the next paper back book on the list). I am interested in how much I will actually read, as I am quite a quick reader and average over 50 pages an hour. I will post when I finish reading a book.

I will be starting the the current book that I am reading, Park III of Solzhenitsyn's Gulag Archipelago which I have nearly finished. I am currently at page 472 out of 529.

-Richard

I Finished Reading:

"The Regime", a prologue to the Left Behind series of books. It was written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins.

-Richard

Jenn and I are both participating in a 24 hour Read-a-thon on Saturday. I won't get to 24 hours, but, I will do as long as possible. The idea is post updates on your blog as you go so watch out!!



-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios" a book of four short stories: "The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios", "The Time I Heard the Private Donald J. Rankin String Concerto with One Discordant Violin by the American Composer John Morton", "Manners of Dying" and "The Vita Aeterna Mirror Company" Mirrors to Last till Kingdom Come". They were written by Yann Martel.

I am not really a big fan of short stories, but, I thoroughly enjoyed this short book.

-Richard

The Presentation

Waiting....
Butterflies in my stomach
Thoughts running through my head
I hope it comes out right
I hope it all makes sense.
Waiting....
I've got to be positive
Even though I don't believe all I say.
It's like a Jew preaching Jesus
Or a Spurs fan praising Arsenal.
Waiting...
He'll be here soon
And in five minutes gone.
All this for five minutes
You'd think he was important.
Waiting...
I wonder what it feels like
People creeping around
Saying what he'd like to hear
He must know it's all a front.
Waiting...
Why am I sitting he worrying?
After all he's just a man
Like me a millions of others
He'll one day return to dust.
Waiting....

16th April 1996 - North Acton, London, England.

-Richard

The next cat we fostered was Elton, a big, handsome, boy. He was only with us a week coming to us the week of April 18th 2006 and being adopted out a week later the first time someone saw him.

-Richard

A couple of weeks ago Jenn's friend from Houston game to visit for a week. We planned on going up to Washington D.C. to watch a football game between D.C. United and Houston Dynamo. Then the rains came and came and came to make the pitch unplayable causing the game to be abandoned after 15 mins. I have never seen anything like it at a football game.

We spent the night just south of Richmond, Virginia to break up the trip home. Before we left we went downtown Richmond to an English Pub called Penny Lane. In the bar they had a display of Football Club scarfs from around the world and to my amazement there was one there from Hartlepool United. I would never expected that. After, a cottage pie we headed back home.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Live and Remember" written by Velentin Rasputin.

-Richard

When I was flying home I was thinking about other football (Soccer) teams that I liked from different leagues. I goes without saying the first three. These are the only teams that I am a fan off and probably in this order, but, the first two are possibly interchangeable.
Hartlepool United (England League 1)
San Jose Earthquakes (USA - MLS)
Carolina RailHawks (USA - USL1).

The teams below are the ones that I would consider my favourites, but, under no circumstances do I consider myself a fan of these teams.

English Premier League - Middlesbrough (the nearest team to Hartlepool and there is a historical link between the two teams)
The Championship - QPR. (The only London team I like. The reason is I used to work 10 minutes from their ground so went to a lot of games.)
League Two - Wycombe Wanderers and Bradford City ( I used to live in these towns).
Scotland - Berwick Rangers (A North-East English team)
Germany - Bayern Munich (I went to see the old Olympic Stadium once)
France - Caen (family reasons - where my great-uncle was killed in WWII)
Spain - Atletico Osasuna (I had a great vacation in Pamplona and made friends with a lot of their fans)
Italy - AC Milan (English Roots)
Russia - Zenit Sankt-Peterburg (One of my favourite cities and I have one of their scarfs someone gave me when I was there)
Australia - Melbourne Victory ( A good friend of mine is a big fan).

I think thats it....

-Richard

I have just got back from another work trip. This time I went to a new State, Vermont.

Flying up via Newark, NJ, I got a fantastic view of New York City in the distance including the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. Also we flew right over Giants Stadium where I could clearly see the new stadium being built and the grass being removed from the field after the USA vs Argentina Football Game on Sunday.

This means that I have now been to: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. 35 out of the 50 States. I have also been to Washington DC and Puerto Rico.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Wailing Wind" written by Tony Hillerman.

"The Gulag Archipelago Two", parts III and IV of Alexsandr Solyzenitsyn's mammoth work on the Soviet camp system.

The last track I listened two on my IPOD was the 2nd Movement, Manny's Gym from John Adam's Century Rolls. This is the 5th track.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Young Russia - The Genesis of Russian Radicalism in the 1860's" written by Abbott Gleason.

"The First Eagle" written by Tony Hillerman

The last track I listened to on my IPOD was "You're Only Human (Second Wind) by Billy Joel. It was track # 1546.

-Richard

The Twelve Hour Shift

One hour to go.
My legs ache
My eyes feel like lead
My brain refuses to work
(Although that's not strange).
One hour to go.
To join the traffic queues
Piled up with no where to go
Listening to the radio
Staring into space.
One hour to go.
No time to eat
Take a shower, then bed
To get up and start again.
One hour to go.

15th April 1996 - North Acton, London, England.

-Richard

The next cat we fostered was Curious George. He was the brother of Cherub (Cherub was the last foster cat we fostered. Unfortunately about month or so ago he was returned because we was playing to "roughly" with the people baby. He is back with us and looking for a new home). Curious George came into the week of April 4th 2006. He was with us only for about a month before finding a good home, the week of May rd 2006.

We also received some sad news this week. Sawyer, who we had fostered, only for a week in 2005 and was adopted out died. After leaving us he went to another foster home (so we could foster Olivia ). He got adopted out to a great home and despite having FIV and hearworms lived a happy three years. The lady who adopted him sent us an e-mail this week with the sad news.

The last track I listened to on my IPOD was "The Winner Takes it All" by Abba. This is track # 1529.

-Richard

Yesterday was Jenn and I's eleventh wedding anniversary. We've gone a long way in eleven years, traveled to many places both Literally and Metaphorically. The result? We're still very happy together and still in love. We spend the day, first watching the debate at the DNC meeting about Florida and Michigan then went to a couple of movies and an early dinner. On the way home we stopped at Taco Bell for our "traditional" anniversary Taco Bell. Then when we got home we watched a soccer game and despite the result (a San Jose loss 3-1) it capped a perfect day. A day that is us. Things we enjoy, but, more importantly, we enjoy doing things together more than ever.

-Richard

An issue that I have struggled with, politically and morally over the last few years has been that og Gay Marriage. It seems to be a hot topic, especially in the US, that will not go away. In my mind we can come from this from two approaches and this all depends, in my opinion, on the interpretation of the First Amendment of the Constitution i.e. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..............

The current interpretation of this amendment from The Supreme Court down is that religion, or religious argument has no place at all in Government, therefore a complete separation of Church and State to use the correct jargon. Using this argument the Gay Marriage issue immediately becomes a non-issue. Why? Marriage is a church, or religious sacrament coming through the Judeo-Christian (including Islam) tradition. Therefore, as such the government should have no right to legislate on marriage.Period. Of any description. That includes issuing marriage certificates, filling taxes as married anything to do with the definition of marriage. If the government wishes to legislate on what legally in the eyes of a law constitutes a legal partnership for rights as a couple or individual that is their prerogative as the democratically elected body of the people. This also means that the government has no right to interfere in a religious bodies interpretation of what is right or wrong within a church, synagogue or mosque. Therefore, if a church says homosexuality is wrong so be it. If a church says smoking crack is a religious freedom so be it. This obviously opens a can of worms to where the line is drawn. Back to my original point. Under this argument I do not have an issue with a Gay Civil Union because, whatever my beliefs based on the Bible, I also do not believe in discrimination of any description, however difficult that may seem and no-one has a right to judge anyone only to try and love. Any argument to the contrary is un-scriptural. However, I am against the idea of Gay Marriage, because, marriage is a Sacrament defined by the Bible and that clearly teaches against such a marriage.

Another interpretation of the first amendment with it also taken in to historical context is different. The historical context is simply the first pilgrims left England where they were persecuted for having a differences with the State Church or England and Protestantism itself came from a break from the State Religion the Roman Catholic Church had come in most countries in Europe. As result of this persecution the principle of not having a State Church came. There is nothing stated that the Government should not run on a guiding principle of a religious or moral foundation, in this countries case the Judeo-Christian tradition. The whole of the law is based on this tradition handed down from the English common law. So, in this argument it means that the Government can be based on a religious backbone, but, in no circumstance can set up a State religion or discriminate in any way, shape or form against any religious group. Using this argument the "Christian" definition of marriage could be up-held by the Government in a legal constitutional way so therefore any laws pertaining it to it should go back to the roots i.e. the Bible and what it teaches.

It's impossible to really get into the teeth of these arguments in a little summarizing blog post, but, I tried to at least get to the salient points. My personnel opinion, I think is more leading to the former view for the simple reason leaving the option open to a government to interfere in a religious or church is open to abuse and could lead to discrimination. It is not our right as human beings to judge. That is for God, so let people make their own decision as to how they want to live their life (as long as it does not cause a threat to other living creatures). That's why I am one hundred percent against any form of discrimination. Having said that, as a Christian, I still believe what is right and wrong as taught by the Bible so I may think that something is wrong, but, will try with all my might to love the people and not discriminate. This also means that a Church should not be persecuted for following their doctrines.

As a slightly side issue, the a great many of Liberals in this country who preach tolerance, equality and non-discrimination are totally biased against the Church, especially Christianity when it comes up. They expect the Church to be open to their point of view, yet on the other hand refusing to accept a Christian for their beliefs.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Tony Hillerman Companion - A Comprehensive Guide to His Life and Work" edited by Martin Greenberg.

The last track I listened to on my IPOD was "Whiskey Under the Bridge" by Brooks and Dunn. It was track # 1515.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Chekhov" written by Henri Troyat.

-Richard

I finished reading The Bible Book of First Chronicles.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Gulag Archipelago" written by Alexander Solzhenitsyn. This is part one and two of his epic portrayal of the Soviet prison system.

-Richard

Last week we were back in the Bay Area of California. I had to go for meetings and Jenn decided to join me.

We got of the plane at San Fransisco Airport and literally went to The San Jose Earthquakes first game at their temporary gigs - Buck Shaw Stadium on the campus of Santa Clara Stadium. It was great seeing the team live again, something I really never thought would happen. It wasn't the best game in the world. and finished 0-0 against Dallas. On the way up to our hotel in Pleasant Hill we stopped the place we usually stopped at after games; In-and-Out Burger in San Ramon. It brought back many happy memories of the trip to and from San Jose. We also spend time visiting old friends, visiting old haunts. Sometimes it seems surreal that we actually used to live there. I don't think I could ever go back their to live, but, it is certainly somewhere we enjoy going back to.

We were, of course, reminded how bad the traffic was when we tried to get back to the airport on Sunday to pick up some people. The Bay Bridge was backed right up. We may complain of traffic in Raleigh, but, nothing is ever that bad.

On the way home we went via a new airport for me, Dallas - Fort Worth. There are not many major airports in the States that I have not been to.

The last track that I listened to on my IPOD was the third movement from Sir William Walton's Symphony No.1.

-Richard

I got irritated last night watching some of Hillary Clinton's victory speech in Charleston, West Virginia. I was not irritated that she won, it was a big win that keeps the race going and for a political geek like myself that means more fun. What I got irritated with was two points she made:

1. She was bragging about her great comeback victory in Indiana. Yes, she was down for a limited time in that State, but, for most of the campaign she was leading and the favourite and even the day before the poll she had up to an 8 point lead which in the final figures shrunk to just over 10,000 vote victory.
2. The main gripe I have is about Florida and Michigan. I do not know how she can get up there with a straight face and demand those States delegates be allowed to stand. I think a compromise should be worked out because it is not the individual voters fault that their state parties screwed up, but, that is beside the point. The point is that all candidate INCLUDING Clinton signed off on this. At the time it was done she looked like and thought she was going to win by a landslide so this disenfranchisement would not be noticed and would not have an affect. In fact it meant fewer delegates needed and therefore she would get to her target more quickly. Now it hasn't worked out this way she wants to right this great wrong!! Can you imagine what she would have been saying if it was been the other way around now? I don't know how people can listen to this and take it seriously. I never will. The only credit I will give her is leaving her name on the ballot in Michigan when everyone else took theirs off so the folks had no-one else to vote for (despite that she only took 60% of the vote - that must say something) and in Florida she happened to have a find raiser there. Smart, savvy, cut throated and totally hypocritical. Surely people will see through this facade?

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Rory and Ita" written by Roddy Doyle. It is the story of his parents growing up in Ireland.

The last track I listened to on my IPOD was "Walk Forever by My Side" by The Alarm.

-Richard

Hartlepool United's 2007 - 2008 football season has finished in League 1. In some ways it was a very disappointing year as it started off promisingly and seemed to just dribble away. However, having said that as it was the first Season in a new league safety and not relegation had to be a priority. This was done easily with the team finishing in 15th place with a final record of 15 wins, 9 draws and 22 defeats for a total of 54 points.

The last track I listened to on my IPOD was Veni. Veni. Emmanuel - VIII - Coda - Easter composed by James MacMillan and performed by Evelyn Glennie and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. This was track 972.

-Richard