Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I'm off to Tahoe for Turkey Day. Back on Saturday.

Perfect Homes

Isn't this exactly where you imagine me to be living When I'm 64 ...

My fella would play golf 3 or 4 times a week and once a week or so I'd join him ...

I'd walk down to the beach every morning and collect sea shells ...

I'll become Social Chair of the Monterey County Republican Party and one of the Field Marshals for the AT&T Pro-Am Golf Tournament. The very lovely knickers worn by the volunteers will become the ultimate in fashionable wear.

Breakfast at Katy's whenever I had secrets to share ...

If my fella wanted to brag on his golf score we'd go hang with the caddies at the Jack London's Bar and Grill

But a night out would always end at the Mission Ranch Piano Bar and we'll sing


A long, long time ago...
I can still remember
How that music used to make me smile.
And I knew if I had my chance
That I could make those people dance
And, maybe, they’d be happy for a while.

But february made me shiver
With every paper I’d deliver.
Bad news on the doorstep;
I couldn’t take one more step.

I can’t remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride,
But something touched me deep inside
The day the music died.

So bye-bye, miss american pie.
Drove my chevy to the levee,
But the levee was dry.
And them good old boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
Singin’, "this’ll be the day that I die.
"this’ll be the day that I die."

Did you write the book of love,
And do you have faith in God above,
If the Bible tells you so?
Do you believe in rock ’n roll,
Can music save your mortal soul,
And can you teach me how to dance real slow?

Well, I know that you’re in love with him
`cause I saw you dancin’ in the gym.
You both kicked off your shoes.
Man, I dig those rhythm and blues.

I was a lonely teenage broncin’ buck
With a pink carnation and a pickup truck,
But I knew I was out of luck
The day the music died.

I started singin’,
"bye-bye, miss american pie."
Drove my chevy to the levee,
But the levee was dry.
Them good old boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
And singin’, "this’ll be the day that I die.
"this’ll be the day that I die."

Now for ten years we’ve been on our own
And moss grows fat on a rollin’ stone,
But that’s not how it used to be.
When the jester sang for the king and queen,
In a coat he borrowed from james dean
And a voice that came from you and me,

Oh, and while the king was looking down,
The jester stole his thorny crown.
The courtroom was adjourned;
No verdict was returned.
And while lennon read a book of marx,
The quartet practiced in the park,
And we sang dirges in the dark
The day the music died.

We were singing,
"bye-bye, miss american pie."
Drove my chevy to the levee,
But the levee was dry.
Them good old boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
And singin’, "this’ll be the day that I die.
"this’ll be the day that I die."

Helter skelter in a summer swelter.
The birds flew off with a fallout shelter,
Eight miles high and falling fast.
It landed foul on the grass.
The players tried for a forward pass,
With the jester on the sidelines in a cast.

Now the half-time air was sweet perfume
While the sergeants played a marching tune.
We all got up to dance,
Oh, but we never got the chance!
`cause the players tried to take the field;
The marching band refused to yield.
Do you recall what was revealed
The day the music died?

We started singing,
"bye-bye, miss american pie."
Drove my chevy to the levee,
But the levee was dry.
Them good old boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
And singin’, "this’ll be the day that I die.
"this’ll be the day that I die."

Oh, and there we were all in one place,
A generation lost in space
With no time left to start again.
So come on: jack be nimble, jack be quick!
Jack flash sat on a candlestick
Cause fire is the devil’s only friend.

Oh, and as I watched him on the stage
My hands were clenched in fists of rage.
No angel born in hell
Could break that satan’s spell.
And as the flames climbed high into the night
To light the sacrificial rite,
I saw satan laughing with delight
The day the music died

He was singing,
"bye-bye, miss american pie."
Drove my chevy to the levee,
But the levee was dry.
Them good old boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
And singin’, "this’ll be the day that I die.
"this’ll be the day that I die."

I met a girl who sang the blues
And I asked her for some happy news,
But she just smiled and turned away.
I went down to the sacred store
Where I’d heard the music years before,
But the man there said the music wouldn’t play.

And in the streets: the children screamed,
The lovers cried, and the poets dreamed.
But not a word was spoken;
The church bells all were broken.
And the three men I admire most:
The father, son, and the holy ghost,
They caught the last train for the coast
The day the music died.

And they were singing,
"bye-bye, miss american pie."
Drove my chevy to the levee,
But the levee was dry.
And them good old boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
Singin’, "this’ll be the day that I die.
"this’ll be the day that I die."

They were singing,
"bye-bye, miss american pie."
Drove my chevy to the levee,
But the levee was dry.
Them good old boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
Singin’, "this’ll be the day that I die."


If you want more suggestions of Things You Should Do in California, be sure and click on over to my other site. There are lots of good times and suggestions listed.

My Favorite TV Show

I know you're shocked ... it's not Martha (that's my second favorite tv show). It's e-ring. How can you not love ...

Sexy Benjamin Bratt
The Special Forces as heroes
Bratt says "Once a Marine, Always A Marine"
The military always saves the day
There are some bad people in the CIA
When the marines were accused of a crime they were innocent

I think we should ALL be watching this show, Wednesdays at 8:00pm and try to improve it's Nielsens. Watch it. Blog about it.

Jonathan at the Castle Argghhh! has some episode ideas. They're good. Check 'em out.

Episode 5: CFC Campaign [Combined Federal Campaign Campaign - the feds United Way campaign, as written by the Department of Redundancy Department]. As the new guy, the Major is assigned the additional duty as the Combined Federal Campaign officer of OSD. He struggles to meet the SECDEFs goal of 100% participation in the office. Knowing that this could jeopardize his future, he get on the secure SATCOMM and calls his buddies deep in the mountains of Afghanistan to get them to contribute. He then jacks up the Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs and his staff saying "even my guys in the field donate". The Chairmen congratulates him, awards him an impact JSCOM [Joint Service Commendation Medal], and reprimands his staff for not supporting the CFC.

Blogging about the E-Ring

nif
Mind In the Qatar
Blackfive
CDR Salamander
Silent Running
The Stupid Shall Be Punished
Wild Thing
Eagle1
jcrue
The Fastest Squirrel
Diary of a Hollywood Refugee
Poor Schmuck

Veterans Day Week

*Update

B.T.'s sister, Maureen Collins Baker, will be at the Sacramento Fair Oaks Blvd Borders on Wednesday, June 4th, at 7pm autographing her new book, Outrageous Hero, The B.T. Collins Story. See you there!

Here's info about the book

http://tinyurl.com/3jwaz6

Last March, on the anniversary of his death, I blogged a weeklong tribute to B.T. Collins, a favorite person of mine. My good friend, former State Senate Republican Leader Jim Nielsen wanted to add his thoughts.

Special to The Irish Lass
B.T. Collins-A Simple Truth

Often I remember and rejoice the life and times of B.T. Collins. Our paths crossed and my life is far richer for the twain that met.

I was a not so worldly and only a little wise Senator then. B.T. was not yet a legend and was shaking things up at the formerly backwater California Conservation Corps. We fancied our mutual frankness. Knowing his heart I was surprised when he took the job of Chief of Staff to Governor Jerry Brown. B.T. seemed everything Governor Brown wasn’t. B.T. loved maximum challenge and that was a challenge.

The farmer in me loved his Malathion cocktail as he scorned doubters during the Mediterranean fruit fly wars. We bonded in spirit January 1980 when B.T. sent me a Bill Bennett column titled “Simple Truths.” Bennett defined “Simple Truths” as those life maxims that “are simply utterly true no matter how many mental somersaults one turns to deny them and cast them as problems.” B.T. penned, “Thought of you when I read this-you are not alone!” B.T. A picture of B.T. his wry smile and a laughing senator at his side, his note and the column are treasures that grace my library wall. He lived by “simple truths!”

Reverently irreverent-that was B.T. He took life seriously, but not so often himself or others. A master at turning the tides his way, he remained unpretentious- a leader. He conquered adversity with aplomb, with dignity even relish and reveled in his quests. His crusty demeanor belied his tender, generous heart. He was a man of quiet kindnesses, quick to lend a hand to pick up a fallen foe and he never forgot your own thoughtfulness towards him.

His inimitable left slanted signature, B. T., adorns many memorials. His greatest memorial is in our hearts, the hearts of the many lives he enriched.
"No whining! No crying! We are the fortunate ones. We lived when so many better men all around us gave up their lives for us. We owe them an obligation to live every day to its maximum potential; to work every day to make this country and this world a better place for our children, and their children."
- B.T. Collins

Full B.T. Collins Tribute

• Of Better Men - Geoff Metcalf
• The Courage of Sam Bird - by B.T. Collins - Reader's Digest
• The California Viet Nam Veterans Memorial
• Joseph Galloway's Speech at the Wall
• My Friend in Need - by B.T. Collins - The Wall Street Journal
• Burying Tradition: More People Opt for "Fun" Funerals - The Wall Street Journal
• B.T. Collins Captain Hook Scholarship - Santa Clara University
• B.T. Collins: A Simple Truth by Assemblyman Jim Nielsen
• He Always Remembered Your Birthday
• If B.T. Were Here, He'd Call Me a Candy-Assed Marine and Tell Me To Pull Myself Together

President Bush May Send Up To 5 Marines For French Assistance

President Bush has authorized the Joint Chiefs to begin drawing up a battle plan to pull France's ass out of the fire again. Facing an apparent overwhelming force of up to 400 pissed off teenagers Mr. Bush doubts France's ability to hold off the little piss ants. "Hell, if the last two world wars are any indication, I would expect France to surrender any day now." said Bush. Joint Chiefs head, Gen. Peter Pace, warned the President that it might be necessary to send up to 5 marines to get things under control. The general admitted that 5 marines may be overkill but he wanted to get this thing under control within 24 hours of arriving on scene. He stated he was having a hard time finding even one marine to help those ungrateful bastards out for a third time but thought that he could persuade a few women marines to do the job before they went on pregnancy leave.

President Bush asked Gen. Pace to get our marines out of there as soon as possible after order was restored. He also reminded Gen. Pace to make sure the marines did not take soap, razors, or deodorant with them. The less they stand out the better.

--------------
forwarded to me by the USMC HQ

Poker Mix

Here's another song on the Poker Mix CD. Songs about gambling, luck, taking chances and winning.


Taking a Chance on Love
Sung by: Renee Olmstead
Writers: Latouche/Fetter/Duke


Here I go again
I hear those trumpets blow again
All aglow again
Taking a chance on love

Here I slide again
About to take that ride again
Starry eyed again
Taking a chance on love

I thought that cards were a frame-up
I never would try
Now I'm taking that game up
And the ace of hearts is high

Things are mending now
I see a rainbow blending now
We'll have a happy ending now
Taking a chance on love

Here I slip again
About to take that trip again
I got that grip again
Taking a chance on love

Now I prove again
That I can make life move again
I'm in a grove again
Taking a chance on love

I walk around with a horseshoe
In clover I lie
And brother rabbit of course you
Better kiss your foot good-bye

On that ball again
I'm riding for a fall again
I'm gonna give my all again
Taking a chance on love


Want to hear it?

Poker Mix

Last night my pal Marlene had a Girl's Night Poker Party. Wine, Women and Song. No I didn't win, but I had a few good hands.

I made a Poker Mix CD as a party favor for the guests. Songs about Luck, Taking Chances, Gambling, Fun. I'm the perfect one for this task as I have 2,600 songs on my ipod.

Something Big

You're walkin' along the street, or you're at a party,
Or else you're alone and then you suddenly dig,
You're looking' in someone's eyes, you suddenly realize
That this could be the start of something big.

You're lunching at Twenty-One and watchin' your diet,
Declining a charlotte russe, accepting a fig,
When out of a clear blue sky, it's suddenly gal and guy,
And this could be the start of something big.

There's no controlling the unrolling of your fate, my friend,
Who knows what's written in the magic book.
But when a lover you discover at the gate my friend,
Invite him in without a second look.

You're up in an aeroplane or dining at Sardi's,
Or lying at Malibu alone on the sand,
You suddenly hear a bell, and right away you can tell
That this could be the start of something grand.

This could be the start of something very big,
Why don't you play your part?
Please give your heart to me and see.
This could be the start of something wonderful,

Why don't you take a chance?
Just try romance with me and see.

You're watchin' the sun come up and countin' your money,
Or else in a dim cafe you're ordering wine,
Then suddenly there he is, and you wanna be where he is,
And this must be the start of something
This could be the heart of something
This could be the start of something big.


Want to Hear It?

That's Entertainment

Finally some movies are coming out that you'd like to see. Pride and Prejudice (the best chick book ever) written by Jane Austen (the best chick novelist ever).


Steve Tyrell has a new CD out!




And next week, Walk the Line, the Johnny Cash movie starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon.


I Walk The Line

I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine, I walk the line

I find it very, very easy to be true
I find myself alone when each day is through
Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you
Because you're mine, I walk the line

As sure as night is dark and day is light
I keep you on my mind both day and night
And happiness I've known proves that it's right
Because you're mine, I walk the line

You've got a way to keep me on your side
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide
Because you're mine, I walk the line

I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine, I walk the line

Happy Birthday Marines

I want to wish my favorite marines (one who cannot be mentioned because he is shy) and Lt. Col Pat Malay a Happy 230th Birthday! Did you see the fabulous comments Lt. Col made when I posted about him last?

And if you wish to buy a marine a birthday present, Congressman Cline has a wish list (via Powerline)

A message from the Kline campaign

John Kline is the former Marine Colonel who was entrusted with the nuclear football under Presidents Carter and Reagan. In the course of his 25 years in the Corps, John served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, commanded all Marine aviation forces in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, flew "Marine One," the Presidential helicopter, and served as program development officer at Headquarters Marine Corps. We're proud to count him a friend.

Today he represents Minnesota's second Congressional district and is gearing up for a reelection campaign against Cindy Sheehan's new friend, Coleen Rowley. Yesterday we received the following message from the Kline campaign:

As you may have already heard, Congressman John & Vicky Kline's son, Major Dan Kline, is currently serving as a Black Hawk Helicopter pilot with the 101st Airborne Division in the Sunni Triangle region of Iraq. At Vicky's insistence, Dan has prepared a list of supplies that would greatly enhance the daily lives of his fellow soldiers.

The network of Congressman Kline's supporters has always been more than generous in our previous charitable endeavors like "Toys for Tots," which is why we're coming to you first to assist us in honoring these brave young soldiers. The following items are what we are still looking to collect:

-DVDs (used or new)
-Movie posters or other decorative (music, television, plays, etc...)
posters
-Small fake plants or bushes
-Holiday Decorations
-Any other appropriate (non-monetary) items

We'll be collecting these items in the Kline campaign office, whereupon the items will then be sent directly to the 101st Airborne Division, c/o Major Dan Kline. If you're interested in helping, please either drop off or mail your non-monetary donations to:

Kline for Congress
101 West Burnsville Pkwy, Suite #104
Burnsville, MN 55337

John Doolittle's Voters Reject Him

There is nothing to be happy about today. We lost.

But kind of funny that with his own constituents, John Doolittle's arguments failed. Only 5 counties approved Prop 77, three of whom have been repped by Doolittle for 25 years. In Placer, El Dorado and Nevada Counties, voters approved Prop 77, despite having their own guy tell them that it would hurt him.