Happy Thanksgiving Day!

I do hope you are all getting Thanksgiving Day and Friday off this week, whether or not you are American, or in a country that makes this a National Holiday.

Just for fun, NatGeo's, "Thanksgiving 2010 Myths and Facts"

And now....

The precise historical origin of the holiday is disputed. Although Americans commonly believe that the first Thanksgiving happened with the Pilgrims and local indigenous tribes (Indians) in 1621 at Plymouth [Rock], Massachusetts, there is strong evidence for earlier celebrations in Canada (1578) and by Spanish explorers in Florida (1565).

In the United States the word "Pilgrims" usually refers to the English settlers of New England, who celebrated the "First Thanksgiving" with the Native Americans in 1621.


Plymouth Rock was founded by a group of separatists and Anglicans, who together later came to be known as the Pilgrim Fathers, Plymouth Colony was, along with Jamestown, Virginia, one of the earliest successful colonies to be founded by the English in North America and the first sizable permanent English settlement in the New England region. Aided by Squanto, a Native American of the Patuxet people, the colony was able to establish a treaty with Chief Massasoit which helped to ensure the colony's success. The colony played a central role in King Philip's War, one of the earliest of the Indian Wars. Ultimately, the colony was annexed by the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1691.

Despite the colony's relatively short history, Plymouth holds a special role in American history. Rather than being entrepreneurs like many of the settlers of Jamestown, a significant proportion of the citizens of Plymouth were fleeing religious persecution and searching for a place to worship as they saw fit. The social and legal systems of the colony became closely tied to their religious beliefs, as well as English custom. Many of the people and events surrounding Plymouth Colony have become part of American folklore, including the North American tradition known as Thanksgiving and the monument known as Plymouth Rock.

- From Wikipedia

THE FIRST THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION - JUNE 20, 1676
On June 20, 1676, the governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts, held a meeting to determine how best to express thanks to God, for the good fortune that had seen their community securely established. By unamimous vote they instructed Edward Rawson, the clerk, to proclaim June 29 as a day of thanksgiving, our first. That proclamation is reproduced here in the same language and spelling as the original.

"The Holy God having by a long and Continual Series of his Afflictive dispensations in and by the present Warr with the Heathen Natives of this land, written and brought to pass bitter things against his own Covenant people in this wilderness, yet so that we evidently discern that in the midst of his judgements he hath remembered mercy, having remembered his Footstool in the day of his sore displeasure against us for our sins, with many singular Intimations of his Fatherly Compassion, and regard..."

The Council has thought meet to appoint and set apart the 29th day of this instant June, as a day of Solemn Thanksgiving and praise to God for such his Goodness and Favour, many

By Jennie A. Brownscombe [1914] The Pilgrim Society

Particulars of which mercy might be Instanced, but we doubt not those who are sensible of God's Afflictions, have been as diligent to espy him returning to us; and that the Lord may behold us as a People offering Praise and thereby glorifying Him; the Council doth commend it to the Respective Ministers, Elders and people of this Jurisdiction; Solemnly and seriously to keep the same Beseeching that being perswaded by the mercies of God we may all, even this whole people offer up our bodies and soulds as a living and acceptable Service unto God by Jesus Christ."
From: ThanksgivingDay.com

History notwithstanding, and for whatever reason you have a feeling to give thanks for your life, have a great Holiday!

North Korea produces Taepo Dong? Still watch out for No Dong.

Happy Thanksgiving!

To all those who are celebrating and also to those who do not celebrate American Thanksgiving Day, Thanks, for all of you being there. Consider giving, to others in some way today, to show your Thanks for being alive.

And now for something completely different.


It would see that the newer North Korean, Taepo Dong 2, is a bigger dong than the dong North Korea fired over Japan in 1998. We must stop this donging behavior. For an in depth (humorous) report here is:

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert on the Typo Dong from North Korea.

Have a great Holiday!

Murdock

Networking Tips

Times are hard. Many are out of work. Maybe YOU are out of work (then why are you reading this stupid blog, get out there and put out a million resumes!). But just in case you need some help and are merely taking a break from your job search, or in case you are trying to better your position, or make it as a specific talent, here are a few tips on networking.

Networking, is not a social myth. Networking, meeting people face to face, or in some way either online, or through friends, coworkers, family, whomever, meeting people connected to specific topics, talents, or what have you, is one of the most powerful tools there are in making it beyond where you find yourself now.

Here are a few tips from the book, "Getting Started as a Freelance Writer", by Robert W. Bly. In that book he says that "networking expert Donna Fisher estimates that 70 percent of jobs, for example, are found through networking." Then he quotes Steve Fishman in "Success" magazine, as defining Networking as, "the single-minded pursuit of useful contacts at every convention, seminar, or neighborhood barbecue. To the networked, every strange represents an opportunity, the chance to find prospects, reach targets, or meet friends."

Then Robert offers some additional networking tips:

• Determine the mode of attendance with which you're most comfortable. Some of us are most comfortable going to our first meeting of a group accompanied by a friend who is already a member.I am most comfortable networking at events where I am an exhibitor or speaker.
• Don't be a wallflower. Walk over to people and make conversation.
• Get a drink from the bar and hold onto it, even if you don't drink. Having a glass in hand can help shy people overcome nervousness.
• Do not sell while networking. Your purpose is to make contacts, not to get clients to sign a purchase order.
• Listen more than you speak. Focus on what others are interested in, "When you have your attention on something other than yourself, your self-consciousness will disappear and others will be more likely to remember and appreciate you," says Fisher.
• Dress in proper business attire. Your comfortable, well-worn writing clothes are not appropriate for a business gathering.
• Don't rush out the door as soon as the event is over. "The best contacts I've made have happened after an event--in the bathroom, elevator, lobby, or even on the street." notes Benun. "That's when people's minds are open to it. That's when their defenses are down."
• When you get home, follow up by sending people a short note that says, "It was a pleasure meeting you; let's keep in touch." You might also enclose another business card, a brochure about your services, or a reprint of a recent article you wrote.

This is specific to writers, but many of these elements are effective in many other careers. Hang in there, but get out there, and do something to further your interests.

And, best of luck!

"Ugly Betty" actor Michael Brea charged with Matricide Tuesday morning

The "Ugly Betty" actor accused of killing his mother with a sword has been charged with 2nd degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon, law enforcement sources told TMZ.

Apparently it was not a Katana (Samurai) sword as rumor has it. Why in the world does THAT matter?

Personally, being a Martial Artist, I'd love to know what this is all about. My condolences on the passing of his Mother.

Michael Brea was taken into custody early Tuesday morning after allegedly stabbing his mother to death in her Brooklyn apartment.

According to the Washington Post he was arrested for allegedly decapitating his mother with a sword while screaming bible verses. Needless to say, he's been taken to Kings County Hospital for a psychiatric exam.

According to Haitian web site BelFim.com:

Haitian-American movie star and entrepreneur Michael L Brea told doctors he saw the devil inside his mother.

Michael Brea "told the doctors that he saw the Devil, and that the Devil was somehow in his mother," a police source told the Daily News after the gruesome slaying.

The young actor was heard by neighbors repeating bible verses during his rampage. While his mother, Yannick Brea, was screaming for help, he was yelling "Sinner! Sinner! Repent!"

Yannick was found in a kneeling position "as if offering a final prayer" the daily news says.
Michael L Brea was found by police holding a bible and the alleged murder weapon, a three foot sword, police say.

For the BelFim Biography

End of The King of Beers?

I have a long legacy of drinking beer. I've never been a big drinker. Well, maybe in high school, a little in college, just to maintain the stress levels and the parties.

I first drank beer in High School.My first "cool" beer, was Budweiser. It just sounded right, "Please grab me another 'Bud', Bud." We loved it, my friends and I. But then I began to learn there were other beers. And alcohol content was important (too much for a while, actually).

NPR reports that Bud, has had a "hostile' take-over by Brazilian-Belgian InBev company that the figureheads of the 150-year-old Budweiser company, were unable to stop from happening.

The end of a legacy? Maybe. But perhaps not. After all, the new owners will want Bud to continue making money, and changing their image could break the company.

Bud was one of my first beers. But I grew out of it before I even got out of High School. When I got to college, one of my Prof.s said he was going to teach us how to think. He said, pick a subject. People yelled things out. I said, Beer. Kind of as a joke, but he said, "Yes, good, Beer. I'm going to teach you about beer. You all probably drink beer to get drunk. But there are elements about beer that are not unlike wine. Let me explain...."

And he did. It was a real eye opener. You could drink beer for flavor. I knew that already. I mean I switched beers because some were better tasting. But there was so much more to it than that. But that's getting off track.

We had one party, where there was a guy from Germany there. Through several of us who spoke various European languages (and he spoke four), we were able to talk to him. His comment on our American beers back then (in the 80s)? He said it tasted like Rain Water. We had to laugh and agree. I told me, typically people said it tasted like "bunny piss", which he thought was quite funny. But rain water was about right. Little body to it. Not that much taste. Chilled to the point that there's hardly any flavor at all.

Every wonder why they drink beer warmer than we do in Europe? Because they want to TASTE it, because it TASTES good! Yeah, a cold beer can be good, but a good beer, is just going to waste. When I heard about Cold Guinness, I just about choked. Why did they come up with it? Because they wanted to open the market up and the way to do that was craft a beer that stupid Americans would drink, cold. Because they were too stupid to enjoy the taste of a good beer at a temperature that allowed you to actually taste it. Sad. I hate being the laughing stock of any culture.

So now, I drink mostly, locally crafted "micro" brews.

I have, for a long time, called "Bud", "celery beer" for a long time, for obvious reasons. Taste it, see if you can taste what I'm tasting. Its much like I call another German brand, that replaced Bud for me (after a brief stint with Lowenbrau), as "skunkweed beer". :)

Can you guess what beer that was? It comes in a green bottle.


NPR article

Here's a list in order, of the beers I've gone through loving, then exchanged for a new brand I learned to love even more:

1. Olympia
2. Ranier
3. Budweiser
4. Michelob
5. Old English 800 ("Brown death" high alcohol content)
6. Ranier Ale ("Green death" high alcohol content, tastier to our tastes that "Brown Death")
7. Lowenbrau (thinking we were now, "classy")
8. Heineken
9. Elephant
10. Negro Modelo
11. Dos Equis
12. Coronas
13. Guinness

And then the roof was blown off

• Celebrator
• Chimay

Then the local Micro Brews hit the market and things really opened up.

Now, life is good. Small breweries are all over the place. I have several within a few miles of my home. One, Hood Canal Brewery, I usually ride my motorcycle down to; its right up the street, one right turn, one left turn, and I'm there. Its a ferry ride across Puget Sound from Seattle.

But there are plenty of others around here. Silver City Brew Pub in Silverdale at Kitsap Mall. Now we also have Hale's Ales Brewery of Seattle. Both have excellent food and excellent beers. The bartender at Hale's told me, that Hale's flew in a retired Brewmaster from Guinness for their stout, and it tastes like it, its excellent. I was at Tisley's Europub in Poulsbo the other day for lunch, and they told me there is even a newer brewery up and running, just out of that town.

Loving it.

So, am I going to miss Bud? Not really. Although, I do have good memories about it. Thought mostly it has to do with getting drunk and having wild adventures in High School.

But I've grown up, I've moved on, and the world of beer is wide open now.

IS Afghanistan a lost cause? Could the Taliban make a come back?

This is the most positive report I've heard in a long, long time. And the nice thing about it, is if you think about it, its just logical. With all the changes, with all the efforts, change happens. Whenever we have moved into a country, we have had change, people get to like the new changes, the new technologies they are given and that filter in, regardless. But this isn't always true. However, just consider what Jackie Northam has to say.

Jackie Northam, foreign affairs correspondent, NPR is interviewed by NPR's Neal Conan:

CONAN: We're talking with NPR foreign correspondent Jackie Northam, recently back from a visit to Kabul. You're listening to TALK OF THE NATION from NPR News.
And does it feel different in Kabul this time around?

NORTHAM: Yes, sure. I mean, it changes. I go there quite regularly and it changes every time that you go there. I think one of the things this time that sort of stuck with me is that you got the sense that everyone was positioning themselves, you know, with this, quote, unquote, "transition" that is coming up in July 2011. Now, combat troops, they're saying, out by 2014.

You know, normally when I go there, no matter who you talk with, Pakistan comes into the conversation, what Pakistan - is doing, how it's all Pakistan's fault, frankly. And now what you're hearing increasingly is Iran is coming into the conversation as well, whether it's interference from Tehran or whether it's how President Karzai is dealing with Iran, and that type of thing with the leadership in Iran as well. So that's pretty curious to see how that is.

But I got to tell you, every time you go back as well, there's just more and more progress in that city, and all the various other cities as well. Certainly, there's more cars, the traffic is astonishing, but more computers, more - everything has become more Westernized, more Western music, people are wearing Western clothes. It's just - the city, the country, for the most part, is progressing. It's moving along.

CONAN: You read the dispatches from the battlefields and you say, this is going to be extremely difficult, the Taliban seems to be so well positioned, the government is corrupt and inefficient, yet you report - and you see them in terms of the evidence of movies like "Afghan Star" and things like that.

NORTHAM: Mm-hmm.

CONAN: The culture in Afghanistan, at least in Kabul and the big cities, has changed.

NORTHAM: It certainly has. And that's one of the things that, you know, I really talked to a lot of people about this time, is whether the Taliban could come back in a big way to Afghanistan. And they say, a lot of people, you know, and talking to, like, 20-year-olds, 30, 40, analysts, major thinkers, that type of thing - and it's probably no, because this country has advanced so much more than when the - you know, when the Taliban first came in back in the '90s, there was nothing there. There was no running water. Even in the capital city there was no electricity. There was nothing. Now, there is.

CONAN: After the Russian invasion and then civil war which followed and the war of Iraq.

NORTHAM: Absolutely. And the country had gone through decades of war and it was devastated. There was nothing. Now there is. Now there is something that people have. They've all got cell phones. Again, they've got access to computers, to the open world, everything else like that. And people I spoke with said, no, we're not willing to give that up very easily, which in turn means, could the Taliban come back as it once was? And I think it would be a much greater struggle than the first time around.


Listen to the full interview here: NPR article

Tom Lehrer - musical genius and jello shot inventer

I used to see this guy on TV from time to time throughout my childhood and his performances off and on throughout my life, on PBS and in the odd places on TV, and now on YouTube. He was brilliant, refreshing, mocking, and I stopped everything I was doing when I noticed him on somewhere. I also was a fan of political satirist, Mark Russell.

Here is a summary article from the Onion's A/V Club site:

"Tom Lehrer's creative legacy is far greater than the size of his catalog: The singer, pianist, teacher, mathematician, and political satirist influenced countless humorists and remains a staple on Dr. Demento's radio show, but his body of work consists of only a few dozen different songs; perhaps most notably, his Periodic Table Elements Song.

"Those songs, most of them recorded and released between 1953 and 1965--though he wrote a few for the children's TV show The Electric Company in the early '70s--remain widely circulated, with more than two million albums sold. The material still sounds fresh today: "The Vatican Rag" joyously lampoons Catholicism, "The Old Dope Peddler" sings the praises of drug dealers, "Folk Song Army" chides self-righteous activists, "National Brotherhood Week" mocks racism and political correctness in one fell swoop, and so on.

"Whether he's dealing in the darkly absurd ("Poisoning Pigeons In The Park") or the politically pointed ("Who's Next?"), Lehrer's snide delivery remains a constant throughout his music, virtually all of which has been compiled (along with three new songs) on Rhino's new three-disc box set, The Remains Of Tom Lehrer.

"Since 1972, Lehrer has refrained from performing--he officially retired in 1967 but made a few appearances over the next five years--choosing instead to focus on his work teaching mathematics and a course in the American musical at the University of California at Santa Cruz." -- from Stephen Thompson at the Onion A/V Club (2000) where there is an interview with Tom Lehrer.

Want some more about Tom?