Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Monday, September 12, 2005

http://photos.yahoo.com/frodo2000

Posting New Pictures Soon!!
There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be
the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You
can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say I'm
sorry, the wound is still there. " A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one. Friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us."

Please forgive me if I have ever left a hole.

Sunday, September 11, 2005

4 years ago today, in a few hours the world changed forever. I remember. Do you?

I know where I was and what I was doing and I still can't believe it happened. I mourn not only the individuals who lost their lives, but the innocence and isolationist thought that America lost, though some would say that thinking about the world and how it affects us all is a good thing. I am one of those people. We all need to look beyond our borders and see the world, We need to think of others and help them, even though they might not help us. This is especially true in the wake of so many natural disasters throughout the world. The Tsunami, the Hurricanes that hit the southern America coastline, the stampede that cost a thousand lives in Iraq and so many other events that could have been averted or at least planned better for, yet unfortunately they were not and we cannot dwell upon the past mistakes too long, we must acknowledge and move forward and deal with the situation now. So think about your fellow man and woman and see how you can help them and in the end you will be helping yourself. Thank you.

Saturday, September 10, 2005

In Remembrance of September 11

LTG James R. Helmly
Chief, Army Reserve
Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command

It was 8:46 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on September 11th, 2001, when American Airlines Flight 11 slammed into the first of the twin towers in the World Trade Center of New York, changing our world forever. Unlike the attack on Pearl Harbor, the images of that day were transported instantly to the homes of practically every American -- the approaching second aircraft; the dark billowing smoke; the collapse and the ashes whitening the faces of dazed businessmen; and the Pentagon, a symbol of our nation's military might, in flames. A dark hole in the Pennsylvania countryside marked the spot where valiant American patriots perished to protect still other victims of a vicious terrorist enemy.

The images are imprinted in our minds. But the true lesson of that day was what we learned about ourselves as Americans. We learned how the worst of acts bring out the best in us: firemen and policemen running into burning buildings, leading others to safety. Others running -- not from the city -- but to it, bringing medical help, food, and shelter. Strangers throughout our country asked; How can we help? What can we do? We re-discovered the greatness of the American spirit.

Members of the Army Reserve were among the first casualties of the Global War on Terror and among its first heroes. Nine members of our active and retired ranks would die in the combined attacks that day. Five were New York firefighters who perished rescuing others: they were Capt. Mark P. Whitford; Capt. Michael D. Mullan; Warrant Officer 1 Ronald P. Bucca; Staff Sgt. Frederick J. Ill; and Sgt. Shawn Powell. Retired Col. Rick Rescorla risked death numerous times, while leading hundreds to safety. And much of the military equipment delivered to ground zero was brought by Army Reserve Soldiers from nearby units.

Among the first Soldiers our Army deployed were those of the 311th Quartermaster Company (Mortuary Affairs) from Puerto Rico. They deployed within 72 hours of the attacks to the Pentagon where they reverently and meticulously gathered the remains and personal items of the 184 victims of that attack.

Since that terrible day, more than 140,000 Army Reserve Soldiers have answered our country's call to duty in this war. Eighty-eight of our ranks have paid the ultimate price and 668 have been gravely injured.

Those who attacked us expected to cause financial ruin and panic. They believed they could immobilize or intimidate Americans. Instead, we find America and its spirit as strong as ever. The havens of the terrorists are routed. Two countries that had suffered under the rule of thugs now work to build their own future. Democratic ideals are being nurtured as carefully in Afghanistan and Iraq today as they were in this country a few centuries ago.

The freedom from tyranny many of our grandfathers brought to Europe and Asia during the 20th century, this current generation of American patriots defends for us and secures for those in Southwest Asia.

In the words of our President: There is no greater calling than service in our armed forces. We live in freedom because every generation has produced patriots willing to serve a cause greater than themselves. Those who serve today are taking their rightful place among the greatest generations that have worn our nation's uniform. You, my fellow Army Reserve Soldiers, are that current generation of American patriots.

I am humbled to serve with you. It is your selfless acts of honor and service that remind the world of the greatness and the immense depth of the American spirit. God bless each of you and your families. And God bless this great country of ours, the United States of America.

Sunday, September 04, 2005

Okay, here's what your supposed to do...and try not be LAME and spoil the fun! Just give in. Copy (not reply) this entire page and paste it into a new bulletin/whatever. Change all of the answers so that they apply to you. Then post. The theory is that you will learn a lot of little known facts about your friends. It is fun and easy.

1. FIRST NAME: Hugh
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes, Hugh is a very prominent name in my family and it goes back generations. I was named after my grandfather. Incidentally, he kicked some nazi ass in WWII and paid the price that so many brave men and women did.
3. DO YOU WISH ON STARS? Once upon a time..
4. WHICH FINGER IS YOUR FAVORITE? The index finger, it’s got so many uses it’s amazing.
5. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Not so long ago
6. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? On occasion, though I wish it was better.
7. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Turkey
8. ANY BAD HABITS? Yes, but don't tell anyone.
9. WHAT IS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING CD ON THE SHELF? It’s a toss up between Nsync and the Spice girls, honestly they were gifts! Seriously. What? You don’t believe me?
10. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
fuck yes...I'm a damn good time and the best friend anyone could have.
11. HAVE YOU EVER TOLD A SECRET YOU SWORE NOT TO TELL? Yes and sometimes it’s been for the best, while at other times… not so.
12. DO LOOKS MATTER? Yes, but they aren't everything. I’ve always thought that what is on the inside really and truly matters.
13. HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER? In so many ways, I write, exercise or go punch a wall, because I’m not a confrontational
14. WHERE IS YOUR SECOND HOME? A local coffee shop with good friends.
15. DO YOU TRUST OTHERS EASILY? Sometimes too easily and I have been told I am too forgiving.
16. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD? It’s a toss up between Gi-Joe and Lego’s though once I got into reading well, lets just say that I have a book or two as my constant companion.
17. WHAT CLASS IN SCHOOL DO YOU THINK IS TOTALLY USELESS? That’s tough because you use so much of almost any subject that you learn and it helps you develop and find what you want to do in life.
18. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Sort of, the online type though and it’s rarely updated, though my own writing sometimes mirrors the thoughts that are going on in my life.
19. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Me? Use sarcasm? C’mon, who are you asking, of course I use sarcasm… seriously sometimes I don’t even know why I bother answering these.
20. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN A MOSH PIT? Tons, so many I’ve forgotten half of them, but lets just say I know how to handle myself in a crowd.
21. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY/GIRL? Intelligence, laughter, a great smile and eyes that I can drown in.
22. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES? Huge, Houston, etc.
23. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Sure, strap a giant rubber band to me and jump off a bridge, nothing sounds better.
24. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Not all the time.
25. DO YOU THINK THAT YOU HAVE STRONG POINTS? Absolutely.
26. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Mint chocolate chip, strawberry, vanilla, you know the classics.
27. What is your shoe size? 10.5 or 11 American
28. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE COLORS? Blue, green
29. HOW MANY WISDOM TEETH DO YOU HAVE? All of them?
30. WHO DO YOU MISS MOST RIGHT NOW? Kathryn
31. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS? Sure, why not?
32. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Commercials?
33. LAST THING YOU ATE? Cheeseburger, steak, chips & salsa, veggie platter, I was at a barbeque. Party on Wayne.
34. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My Dad.
35. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE IN THE OPPOSITE SEX? Their physical appearance? How politically correct is that?
36. DO YOU LOVE THE PERSON WHO POSTED THIS? she seems cool, but love? Lets be realistic.
37. HOW ARE YOU TODAY? I’m doing surprisingly well.
38. FAVORITE DRINK? Iced Tea or Dr. Pepper
39. FAVORITE ALCOHOLIC DRINK? Beer, though I am particular.
40. FAVORITE SPORT? Gotta be Football, damn I’m so American.
41. HAIR COLOR? brown
42. EYE COLOR? Brown
43. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Thinking about it.
44. SIBLINGS? A couple, a brother and a Sister
45. FAVORITE MONTH? All the months that I get to spend with…
46. FAVORITE FOOD? Mexican
47. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Theatre or TV? RushHour 2 is on right now.
48. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR? Everyday?
49. ARE YOU TOO SHY TO ASK SOMEONE OUT? Sometimes, but right now I’m not interested in anyone other than Kathryn
50. SUMMER OR WINTER? they both have their strong points
51. HUGS OR KISSES? both please
52. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE NIGHT STANDS? Relationships, of course.
53. WHO IS THE MOST LIKELY TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS? Someone rather random.
54. WHO IS THE LEAST LIKELY TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS? everyone else
55. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, I’m getting them for my niece for her birthday so I want to be all in the know, plus I’m a dork and I’m enjoying them.
56.What color is your mouse pad? don't have one, I use a touch pad mostly and its dark blue.
57. FAVORITE BOARD GAME? Risk
58. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? CNN, the news about Katrina
59. FAVORITE SMELLS? Fresh cut grass, the rain, Kathryn
60. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU WAKE UP? Am I really awake?
Geography fun for everyone!

I don't know if I got them all, but this is most of the states I've visited, check it out.



create your own visited states map
or check out these Google Hacks.

And nothing beats Google Earth! http://earth.google.com/ So much fun I just had to share. An interesting note, just try looking up Federal or Government buildings like the WhiteHouse, they're all blocked out, crazy.

Check this out: http://douweosinga.com/projects/worldsizer This shows the world in relation to GDP, population or some other interesting factoids.
Discover the hidden meaning to your name? lol, either way it is interesting.

Hugh
Heart, mind : Teutonic
You are a visionary with courage and enthusiasm if a little hasty at times. Your ambitious nature can be satisfied when you apply wisdom, patience and self-discipline to your vitality and zest. You have wonderful way with words and may be drawn to the communications arena where there is the potential for great success. Your generous and warm nature attracts many friends and loved ones.
Top 100 Songs of 1996 according to http://www.musicoutfitters.com/. Just go there and type in the year you graduated from High School and it should bring the list up. Enjoy!

1. Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix), Los Del Rio
2. One Sweet Day, Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men
3. Because You Loved Me, Celine Dion
4. Nobody Knows, Tony Rich Project
5. Always Be My Baby, Mariah Carey
6. Give Me One Reason, Tracy Chapman
7. Tha Crossroads, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
8. I Love You Always Forever, Donna Lewis
9. You're Makin' Me High / Let It Flow, Toni Braxton
10. Twisted, Keith Sweat
11. C'mon N' Ride It (The Train), Quad City Dj's
12. Missing, Everything But The Girl
13. Ironic, Alanis Morissette
14. Exhale (Shoop Shoop), Whitney Houston
15. Follow You Down / Til I Hear It From You, Gin Blossoms
16. Sittin' Up In My Room, Brandy
17. How Do U Want It / California Love, 2Pac
18. It's All Coming Back To Me Now, Celine Dion
19. Change The World, Eric Clapton
20. Hey Lover, LL Cool J
21. Loungin, LL Cool J
22. Insensitive, Jann Arden
23. Be My Lover, La Bouche
24. Name, Goo Goo Dolls
25. Who Will Save Your Soul, Jewel
26. Where Do You Go, No Mercy
27. I Can't Sleep Baby (If I), R. Kelly
28. Counting Blue Cars, Dishwalla
29. You Learn / You Oughta Know, Alanis Morissette
30. One Of Us, Joan Osborne
31. Wonder, Natalie Merchant
32. Not Gon' Cry, Mary J. Blige
33. Gangsta's Paradise, Coolio
34. Only You, 112 Featuring The Notorious B.I.G.
35. Down Low (Nobody Has To Know), R. Kelly
36. You're The One, SWV
37. Sweet Dreams, La Bouche
38. Before You Walk Out Of My Life / Like This And Like That, Monica
39. Breakfast At Tiffany's, Deep Blue Something
40. 1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New), Coolio
41. The World I Know, Collective Soul
42. No Diggity, BLACKstreet (Featuring Dr. Dre)
43. Anything, 3t
44. 1979, The Smashing Pumpkins
45. Diggin' On You, TLC
46. Why I Love You So Much / Ain't Nobody, Monica
47. Kissin' You, Total
48. Count On Me, Whitney Houston and Cece Winans
49. Fantasy, Mariah Carey
50. Time, Hootie and The Blowfish
51. You'll See, Madonna
52. Last Night, Az Yet
53. Mouth, Merril Bainbridge
54. The Earth, The Sun, The Rain, Color Me Badd
55. All The Things (Your Man Won't Do), Joe
56. Wonderwall, Oasis
57. Woo-hah!! Got You All In Check / Everything Remains Raw, Busta Rhymes
58. Tell Me, Groove Theory
59. Elevators (Me and You), Outkast
60. Hook, Blues Traveler
61. Doin It, LL Cool J
62. Fastlove, George Michael
63. Touch Me Tease Me, Case Featuring Foxxy Brown
64. Tonite's Tha Night, Kris Kross
65. Children, Robert Miles
66. Theme From Mission: Impossible, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen
67. Closer To Free, Bodeans
68. Just A Girl, No Doubt
69. If Your Girl Only Knew, Aaliyah
70. Lady, D'angelo
71. Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First), John Mellencamp
72. Pony, Ginuwine
73. Nobody, Keith Sweat
74. Old Man and Me (When I Get To Heaven), Hootie and The Blowfish
75. If It Makes You Happy, Sheryl Crow
76. As I Lay Me Down, Sophie B. Hawkins
77. Keep On, Keepin' On, Mc Lyte
78. Jealousy, Natalie Merchant
79. I Want To Come Over, Melissa Etheridge
80. Who Do U Love, Deborah Cox
81. Un-Break My Heart, Toni Braxton
82. This Is Your Night, Amber
83. You Remind Me Of Something, R. Kelly
84. Runaway, Janet Jackson
85. Set U Free, Planet Soul
86. Hit Me Off, New Edition
87. No One Else, Total
88. My Boo, Ghost Town Dj's
89. Get Money, Junior M.A.F.I.A.
90. That Girl, Maxi Priest Featuring Shaggy
91. Po Pimp, Do Or Die
92. Until It Sleeps, Metallica
93. Hay, Crucial Conflict
94. Beautiful Life, Ace Of Base
95. Back For Good, Take That
96. I Got Id / Long Road, Pearl Jam
97. Soon As I Get Home, Faith Evans
98. Macarena, Los Del Rio
99. Only Wanna Be With You, Hootie and The Blowfish
100. Don't Cry, Seal