tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57748952012-02-12T11:48:33.141-05:00est. 2003Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.comBlogger2521100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-12398667142687786082012-01-04T12:28:00.009-05:002012-01-04T12:50:29.362-05:00

First, a happy new year to you all!! May you enjoy the love of friends, the luck you need -- and then some -- and the joy and peace in your daily lives that we *all* could use! I am cheerful, but very, very tired. Still looking forward to the week, the month and the year very, very much. Here are two quick -- and relatively easy -- requests, though, that may help me to remain cheerful and

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-4272694764248800372011-12-27T09:50:00.004-05:002011-12-27T10:04:02.009-05:00

This Christmas, so far, has been more about family and friends, and love, than any in recent memory. The time spent is the greatest gift, and the laughter heard -- and the laughter shared -- is a beautiful soundtrack. Thank you, family! Thanks, too, for the one truly extravagant gift this year from Mom (and it's one that had dropped off my list of the past several years). She found rosewater

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-29079741676733643222011-12-23T15:56:00.006-05:002011-12-23T22:06:00.406-05:00

I've just got one gift yet to pick up myself: the most fun one. (For a kiddo!!!!) But, yes, there are a few items I simply forgot to put on my list. Too bad for me! One involved a promise I made to a high school friend (Angel -- yes her real name, a pediatric dentist) who thinks I should start using a WaterPik. If I am blessed with such an apparatus one I'll endeavor to try to use it, I

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-91366896957346243242011-12-18T09:30:00.005-05:002012-01-04T13:44:51.563-05:00

I was sorry to have missed Kurt Elling at school a couple of weeks back. Check out Karen Brundage-Johnson's Jazz Times review: Sounds like a warm, gorgeous night.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-34652361426396712272011-12-11T13:50:00.005-05:002011-12-11T14:14:16.715-05:00

Please take a moment, if you choose, to read Cardinal Chaput's recent pastoral letter, to which I've linked. The words that follow are mine, not the church establishment's, although I welcome both on- and offline comment on either the pastoral letter or my own comments below. ---------- This Sunday in Advent we as Christians are called upon to rejoice. Some years that is more of a struggle

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-22461353932341258132011-11-29T23:29:00.003-05:002011-11-29T23:46:02.423-05:00

This is to those who know Darrell Oake and those who just have big hearts: A hard-working and incredibly memorable former colleague of mine, now a freelancer, has three children and a wife whose married career has been raising them and being a wife to Darrell. Now the wage earner in that family has been knocked out by Guillain-Barre syndrome. I was terribly concerned to hear he was in the ICU.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-60411517122556856192011-11-16T07:13:00.007-05:002011-12-04T13:47:48.786-05:00

The information information is reprinted from www.mc3.edu: "Fall Performing Arts Showcase Wed, Dec 07, 2011 starting at 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Thu, Dec 08, 2011 starting at 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Two Evenings (Plus an Extra Hour -ed.) of Music & Dance Each evening features a different lineup of the best talent and work by students in the Music and Dance departments. Enjoy the performances by the

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-17182312614718916862011-11-07T12:11:00.002-05:002011-11-07T12:16:58.117-05:00

from Montgomery County Community College's Drama Club (via facebook) Montgomery County Community College Theater Arts Program and Drama Club present Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House A scandal puts a marriage to the test -- and a wife and mother must make a decision to see her life as it truly is in this stage classic. Thursday, Friday & Saturday November 10th, 11th, 12th at 8:00 PM Sunday

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-25891409226930057012011-11-06T09:21:00.006-05:002011-12-11T14:21:07.907-05:00

In the name of brevity, I'm combining two of the posts I traditionally put up this time of year. In date order: First, the general election is this week, Tuesday, November 8. Polls in my home county, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, are open from seven a.m. to eight p.m. In a monumental oopsie (I assume) the county Republican committee for my poll sent out a "green ballot" or slate card from

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-16114916740848335752011-11-05T22:22:00.008-04:002011-11-16T07:42:50.285-05:00

First, I miss Agnes. There is nothing else I can say about the loss of yet another family friend right now, and there's nothing else that needs to be said publicly. I miss her, and I always will. ------ Second, it is rare that my heart is so artfully assaulted as it was tonight at Montgomery County Community College. As part of the school's Africa: The Call and Response series, formidably

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-17392241697198499372011-10-22T20:12:00.009-04:002011-10-22T21:07:20.029-04:00

Before I go and get on about one of my other pet topics, I want to take a moment to say goodbye to an a family friend and to a kind acquantance who was very involved in his home town, in reverse order. Paul Boyd, a local historian, seemed to be everywhere in my significant other's town of Atlantic Highlands. He volunteered, it seems, everywhere. Sometimes it felt like you couldn't go out the

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-30597246833677127712011-07-02T16:15:00.003-04:002011-07-02T17:45:35.858-04:00

Many thanks to Rowie at Verizon who yesterday handled a telephone help desk call from me to Verizon fairly expeditiously (a half an hour) and very politely. She did get the Internet going as quickly as it had ever been to our location. As I was leaving the house, however, the Internet indicator light started blinking in an unfortunate way: I'm hoping I don't have to make another help desk call

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-68772922893085417822011-06-28T10:37:00.004-04:002011-06-28T11:49:39.550-04:00

Hey. Yeah, annoying but not entirely unexpected news today. Verizon Internet was nonfunctional when I returned home yesterday, but came back up -- sorta. This morning it seems conclusively knocked out, and me with a paper due and songs to practice for a concert tomorrow! The good news? I have good Internet 20 minutes away, at school -- and I downloaded the midi files I need for vocal practice

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-54457232037072311792011-06-21T14:12:00.003-04:002011-06-21T14:26:27.875-04:00

Hey there. Quick update. Dean, the Verizon tech, got here around lunchtime and spent about a half hour on the issue. He checked things outside, said there was a "bad phone." He checked things inside and quickly identified which extension was causing the problem. He was the one who made it to the basement phone, and he said it was off the hook. Shocking. Now we know to actually check all

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-42450603968240700012011-06-20T23:52:00.002-04:002011-06-21T00:02:52.061-04:00

Ok, so the Verizon tech did show up last Monday, did spend two hours here and did leave the household with working Internet service (if not Internet service that's fast enough to do my schoolwork, which requires watching music videos and listening to music clips on the Web). It has stayed up since. One tiny issue, though. The very next day, the dial tone service, local calling and voicemail --

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-68038881096819925852011-06-11T17:47:00.000-04:002011-06-11T17:52:49.259-04:00

Mom comes home to find the dial tone (provided by Verizon) is nonexistent. She, bitterly, blames this on me, but is making a salad to go with dinner.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-62943553113983943282011-06-11T16:26:00.004-04:002011-06-28T10:46:27.737-04:00

Verizon rep was very polite on phone yesterday. I was ill, but nevertheless mentally budgeted an hour and a half and forced myself to be patient and polite as possible. We ended our call after approximately one hour with a promise that a tech would be at the house Monday sometime between eight a.m. and noon. Updates to follow.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-61162714073487040132011-06-09T20:30:00.003-04:002011-06-28T10:49:35.626-04:00

Told to wait by the mobile phone and computer all day Wednesday. Was ready to deal with problem all day and got no call. Upon calling back the next day (today) during daytime hours, a day when I had schoolwork, major housework and doctor's appointment that included two-hour round trip drive, was told I could not even transfer to a number where anyone could help me; would & could not get a

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-6435926023884600392011-06-06T01:30:00.005-04:002011-06-06T02:27:03.741-04:00

Late-night hassle with telecom customer service. Who's the biggest Jerk? Here's hoping it's not me. The complete and unedited text-based "chat" help-desk session of over and hour and half. follows a few paragraphs down. Sorry in advance that the tone is a bit negative here. That's something I've really gotta work on, I know. Constructive comments highly welcomed. A Question For Readers

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-51589541714258534692011-05-16T23:40:00.002-04:002011-05-16T23:43:45.115-04:00

Yes, I'm a Republican. You knew that. The GOP in SE PA has a fine slate up and down this year. But in particular, I'd like to bring your attention to our school board and sheriff's races, where Fran CUBBERLEY and her Norristown Action Team and Eileen BEHR are standouts. Please exercise your precious franchise. Polls open at 7! Call if you have questions or difficulties.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-12955091565793496982010-12-10T12:41:00.003-05:002010-12-10T12:45:47.761-05:00

too funny And Fallon's not too shabby on the vocals, either.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-58202172210441087932010-11-19T15:29:00.005-05:002010-11-27T13:39:57.534-05:00

Big thanks to Quinn the miracle man and Nadia (whoever she may be) for elevating my mood and jump starting my mojo by posting some James Brown. I'll pass on the favor to you. WARNING: Only click through if you've cleared the decks and are prepared for this seven-minute dominating, mesmerizing solid gold groove that Brown and his band laid down in 1973 on Soul Train. I give you "Get On the Good

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-65116967388565371452010-11-14T16:52:00.000-05:002010-11-14T16:52:22.585-05:00

As the sun sets and I head back to the grind, I just wanted to offer a thankful shoutout to all of you who make my life so much brighter. Besos, particularmente, a Mama B y Pete.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-78764688869997241422010-11-06T10:14:00.001-04:002010-11-06T10:21:30.282-04:00

Cheeky video commentary rolls behind one of snarkmeister Elvis Costello's poppiest harangues. Many thanks to K. Merrick for reminding me of the good old days when MTV was like radio only rounder -- and we all walked uphill to school and from it. Good times.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-19100380815776048062010-11-06T08:43:00.007-04:002010-11-17T06:21:58.790-05:00

... someone who buys for me asked me to post a list online. Can you imagine? It's going to be close to a homemade Christmas here for me, but I was surprised and, yes, pleased to get two lists and some good hints already. Please, people, keep the good ideas coming. I'm a little embarrassed to put this up publicly, but but it's great to know I've got significant annual readership;) Until we have

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-26902570893392252162010-04-17T14:05:00.002-04:002010-11-30T14:43:35.154-05:00

But Ann Richards was, despite the potential to misinterpret Lyle Lovett's dedication. I just heard this tune on XPN and had to share it. Oh, and for what it's worth I understand I was made there but imported to the North.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-62341684390930455212010-04-07T18:24:00.008-04:002010-04-08T09:55:51.869-04:00

I would like to ask for your vote – well, if you go to school with me I do. Montgomery County Community College student government elections begin today (Thursday) and end tomorrow (Friday). I have offered myself as a candidate for vice president of the Student Government Association. To vote, go online at the above url, and log in with your student ID. In your email you'll find simple

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-6078672919160500572010-03-31T00:36:00.005-04:002010-03-31T02:27:30.367-04:00

Hi there, y'all. I found myself a little overwhelmed -- in a good way -- when I clicked through on the link in the following short email the Port Authority sent to its World Trade Center update mailing list: "Acre-sized signature reflecting pools for 9/11 Memorial fully framed in steel. To view images, visit www.wtcprogress.com." As always, feel free to share your thoughts, but if you click

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-26157388655201000382010-02-27T00:55:00.003-05:002010-11-14T11:05:44.100-05:00

Or not. Thanks, Rich.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-11961618498341365842010-02-01T06:09:00.002-05:002010-11-14T11:06:31.725-05:00

classic!

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-43096895503007763362010-01-05T12:32:00.002-05:002010-11-14T11:08:03.676-05:00

Thanks, Peter, for reminding me of this lady's chops.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-79669688773006628332009-12-29T11:08:00.003-05:002010-11-14T11:11:17.496-05:00

Here's a great Supremes clip, courtesy of Pags. I find I want to learn more and more about the movement that was midcentury Motown. We grew up with these sounds, and I'm fascinated by both the hit machine that was Hitsville and the "refinement" of soul. Great video, love the tune.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-65416556117907063732009-12-23T01:38:00.005-05:002009-12-25T04:31:15.145-05:00

Thanks, Cormac, for this German link to Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water." The aspect ratio is a little funky on my machine, but it's refreshing to hear this song and see the performance again. If you click, enjoy!

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-66490129531422419392009-12-19T15:01:00.007-05:002009-12-20T05:06:33.107-05:00

Christmas ain't about the presents, but here goes. I think I finally have my shopping LIST done, anyway, and I'll be ready for Christmas. Here are a few ideas for Mom and for me: for Mom anything apricot -- jam, dried fruit, even toiletries! great country or easy listening tunes, CD format anything Christmas -- tunes, eats, ornaments -- you name it anything shiny COAL (just kidding!) Oh,

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-65480000466481782102009-12-08T12:25:00.001-05:002009-12-08T12:25:25.584-05:00

John Lennon, you are missed.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-92203705585702976382009-12-04T23:05:00.001-05:002009-12-04T23:06:52.282-05:00

Here's another great opportunity to give, this one centered on a program right in Norristown.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-79381935661528189502009-12-03T00:32:00.005-05:002009-12-03T00:42:49.295-05:00

With December comes the official season of giving. Please consider starting it off by giving a hand to those who need your help the most. One easy way to do that is to support WMMR's Camp Out For Hunger. Despite the name, I gather these folks are actually pretty serious about working to end hunger (couldn't resist!) -- and you can help. You can bring nonperishable food items to the Metroplex

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-81027598365356790282009-11-28T18:20:00.001-05:002009-11-28T18:20:40.632-05:00

Thanks, Janine, for just the smile I needed today.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-38351202913655034792009-11-27T01:12:00.001-05:002009-11-27T01:12:17.508-05:00

Just in from Cousin Jeff. Interesting concept, creepy sounds.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-28651085815772171932009-11-26T13:18:00.007-05:002009-11-26T13:35:34.646-05:00

Word from Bottlebee, and a gift, too! Many thanks for the cooking spice he sent along from one of his favorite Manhattan shops!! Apparently, that busy man has been thinking about recipes for the blog and dreaming up a few new ideas. I told him I may try to help him along if he can jot down an idea or two. In the meantime, here's a non-turkey gift for you on Thanksgiving Day, just in case you

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-57359241947522994272009-11-20T23:06:00.002-05:002009-11-21T18:12:31.098-05:00

from my alma mater, Goucher College

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-30762151611392594362009-11-20T00:10:00.001-05:002009-11-20T00:10:41.675-05:00

It may be rock and roll heresy to say so, but Mick Jagger doesn't have much on Marc Bolan in this 1972 performance of Jeepster. Thanks, Pags!

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-64927512151282357972009-11-13T00:05:00.002-05:002009-11-13T00:08:03.739-05:00

Note to self while straightening papers up: Having a bunch of Susan G. Komen bookmarks all around the house does not ward off disease. Finish scheduling routine health-care screenings.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-63218422445397148902009-11-11T23:56:00.001-05:002009-11-11T23:56:42.952-05:00

Here's a little sugar to sweeten everyone's dreams. G'night, all.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-20037368771254230162009-11-11T01:15:00.001-05:002009-11-11T01:15:00.912-05:00

This just makes me smile. Thanks for posting, Cormac.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-17514589264616291022009-11-07T12:14:00.004-05:002010-11-14T11:10:16.433-05:00

This break brought to you by our sponsors, intermediate algebra and H1N1. If you're the praying sort, please say a short one for Mom, who definitely has H1N1 influenza. And I wouldn't mind if you crossed your fingers that I got through this academic year unscathed and healthy, too. I'll be back at ya with 'tude and tunes when things ease up a bit -- or if somebody posts a great video online I

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-51008666809592619492009-11-05T08:49:00.001-05:002009-11-05T08:49:17.116-05:00

Here's to all those who voted, and all those who rooted!

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-87973213560472557692009-11-03T05:46:00.005-05:002009-11-03T06:15:16.941-05:00

It's election time -- Election Day, to be exact. We're been in the seasion for a while, but this is when we need you to turn out and vote. I ask for your support for Pennsylvania's entire GOP judicial slate -- candidates remarkable for both their excellence and their diversity -- and I ask you to turn out in support of terrific Republican candidates for local office if you happen to live in my

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-63762787427710842642009-10-30T13:18:00.004-04:002009-10-30T13:36:07.107-04:00

Hey, Pennsylvania. Yes, you Southeast Pennsylvania ... as we roll into the final weekend before Election Day, we all have so much on our plates. The World Series and Halloween add to the hubbub and hoopla of daily life. I'd just like to ask a minute of your time to consider Montgomery County's Republican slate for the big swoop of judgeships voters will be filling Tuesday. Please remember our

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-38104745878288466762009-10-29T23:09:00.001-04:002009-10-29T23:09:58.769-04:00

Seems the perfect song for the night. Let's get what we need, y'all.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-10073175942576797822009-10-28T00:50:00.003-04:002009-10-28T00:57:54.630-04:00

How about we keep it lowkey tonight, Elvis -- and PUMP IT PAST BELIEF for Game 1? Ride it all the way to Election Day. Thanks for tapping this, Tara Baney!

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-23914801873521737622009-10-16T06:55:00.003-04:002009-10-16T06:59:28.763-04:00

I commend this simple and moving story about Anne Frank's beloved -- and now 150-year-old -- chestnut tree to your morning reading list.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-64896922438520632982009-10-16T01:42:00.006-04:002009-10-16T05:36:10.910-04:00

Two growing thoughts swim in my gourd, unbidden. One: I am oddly smitten with the urge for healthier food. Real cravings. Grains, beans, vegetable curries. I am hit also with the occasional revulsion for meats. For me, it's odd, odd, odd. Something my doctor would love, too, given my zaftig form and dairy obsession. (Mmmmmmmm ... my illicit love of cheese remains unhealthily strong.) Two:

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-13442014275897546772009-09-01T23:54:00.006-04:002009-09-02T00:00:43.707-04:00

Please click through to read -- and view -- the entire BBC story. Russia marks the fifth anniversary of the Beslan siege in which more than 330 people died after a school was seized by Chechen rebels. The rebels, who held more than 1,000 people hostage, demanded the withdrawal of Russian troops from Chechnya. The siege ended three days later when security forces stormed the building. Those

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-3243839905404047992009-09-01T23:05:00.004-04:002009-09-01T23:13:04.071-04:00

Happy birthday, Luther, and good luck back at school, young man! Thanks for the funky links. Little Feat - Oh Atlanta (Live) - WLIR, Hempstead 1974

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-30790376978713321842009-08-07T14:50:00.006-04:002009-08-08T00:47:33.810-04:00

Please click through to read the entire Associated Press story. TBILISI, Georgia – Georgia marked one year since its war with Russia on Friday with quiet moments and somber ceremonies — a nationwide minute of silence, a human chain in a war-battered town, a soldier's small son gazing at his father's tombstone. The brief war killed at least 390 people and left a legacy of animosity between

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-76829997589045107202009-06-29T17:18:00.004-04:002009-08-08T00:45:43.050-04:00

Truth be told, I reached saturation on the constant pounding refrain of Michael Jackson mania in the media pretty quickly. But believe the hype about Ne-Yo and Jamie Foxx' BET Awards performance: It was pretty darned good. Thanks, Mary Huhn. Ne-Yo & Jamie Foxx - I'll Be There

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-83143722896859193262009-06-24T09:38:00.003-04:002009-06-24T09:41:54.773-04:00

Credit goes to Bill Shaw for bringing my attention to this one. I didn't know Janis Joplin had appeared on Tom Jones' 1969 telecast "This Is Tom Jones." Without further ado ... Tom Jones & Janis Joplin - Raise Your Hand

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-52055616256739575182009-06-24T09:06:00.003-04:002009-06-24T09:12:04.448-04:00

Set the wayback machine for a Saturday afternoon in the early 1970s. The cartoons have just ended and here comes "SOOOOOOOUL TRAIN!" Freda Payne - Band of Gold Thanks, Paul Cantin, for a trip back to when lip-synching was so new it was barely even faked.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-40064845306832986742009-06-20T14:15:00.005-04:002009-06-20T14:20:56.029-04:00

According to the New York Times and an email alert from the Washington Post, Times reporter David Rodhe, missing since November 2008, has escaped Taliban kidnappers and is under U.S. military protection.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-80182392456139600872009-06-17T13:42:00.005-04:002009-06-17T13:49:56.388-04:00

It was a good day to hear this tune: Makes me feed so bad I feel better. And I'd never noticed, but in the opening seconds of the clip doesn't Winwood bear a passing resemblance to John Lennon? (But I guess more than a few people did back then.) Thanks, Paul Cantin. Traffic - Mr. Fantasy - Santa Monica 1972

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-28376236741429463902009-06-15T01:32:00.005-04:002009-06-17T13:49:10.156-04:00

Thanks to the (Bridgewater, N.J.) Courier News' Ed Pagliarini for this: The Mummies - High-Heeled Sneakers

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-42998376302205737422009-06-05T04:44:00.008-04:002009-06-05T05:03:12.192-04:00

As a bit of an offering while I knock out a couple of English courses, please accept these periodic links to music videos. A couple of my friends have a way of posting the best ones to facebook, so I'll do them the tribute (and you the favor) of publishing them here. Sadly, blogger won't let me embed YouTube videos anymore, but do enjoy the link! Police - Message in A Bottle - Tokyo 2008

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-54837014818645345812009-01-16T07:47:00.004-05:002009-10-16T05:22:48.217-04:00

Today marks two milestones at the World Trade Center in Manhattan: both the issuance of its first quarterly report on post-9/11 progress at the site and the removal of of the last piece of the large ramp leading down into "the pit." The ramp was used in rescue and recovery efforts -- and it allowed survivors of those who died in the attack to travel down to ground for memorial services. It's an

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-85074490636095464162009-01-13T22:16:00.005-05:002010-02-19T07:19:45.112-05:00

... and Still Silence. Until I know how intense my Spring semester will be, please don't expect regular postings. School comes first: Period. I've crashed and burned big-time over break, and may manage to squeak out an open-minded post or two to greet a new administration taking over in terrible circumstances. Try not to be too appalled if I do -- and try to forgive me if I don't. Thanks.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-70223572814170409732008-11-14T01:42:00.004-05:002009-10-20T21:09:24.422-04:00

Whoops! (NYTimes.com -- login required)

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-74897027508060101792008-11-07T15:40:00.002-05:002008-11-07T16:03:57.291-05:00

... black Friday. What were you thinking -- Christmas? Here's my annual attempt to pry Christmas lists out of my friends and family by offering up what's good for me this year. First, I do not NEED anything. I know that will contradict what you read below, but I'm sure you're all smart enough to understand the context. I have been incredibly blessed by family and friends this year, and by

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-14478437034023228942008-11-07T10:31:00.003-05:002008-11-07T10:38:44.078-05:00

An old school chum of mine asks that you hold in your prayers a friend of hers who just had emergency brain surgery. At last word he was in a coma: I'll post updates if she sends them. In the meantime, good thoughts are in order, too.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-17056027372889729812008-11-06T16:46:00.007-05:002009-10-16T05:23:18.538-04:00

If you have questions about the effort to rebuild at Ground Zero (and we all probably should), you now have the chance to get them to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Starting today and running through Tuesday the public will may pose their questions to Christopher Ward, the port authority's executive director through a form on a Web site mounted by the governmental agency. Ward

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-82113562992131895862008-10-23T14:05:00.015-04:002009-06-30T12:41:44.656-04:00

Gannett's holding a live faceoff in New Jersey as I type: Zimmer and Lautenberg are meeting in person -- and they're taking questions from New Jersey daily newspapers and the chain's wire service live and via teleconference. The whole shebang is available live and on demand via the Internet. The mechanism for offering up reader questions to their editorial board session was not clear to me

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-67408480140609536262008-10-16T06:09:00.007-04:002009-10-20T21:24:39.825-04:00

There was youthful exuberance aplenty at John McCain's town hall meeting in Blue Bell Tuesday. Local college students were joined by a large contingent of home-schooled teens and private school students from nearby Gwynned Mercy Academy. The "Women's Town Hall" was by no means limited to females, as men comprised a fair portion of those in attendance, too. But it was the youth who drove much of

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-81367011928466414582008-10-13T08:03:00.007-04:002008-10-23T15:13:35.057-04:00

John Fund just suggested, on air in a session of the "Pundit Pit" on Fox News Channel's morning zoo, the presidential campaigns are "yelling racism in a crowded political theater," and that they, again in his words, ratchet it down a bit. That seems a sensible enough idea. Honest discussion about race, culture and values should be on the table: Hysteria should not. It's a thought I'll personally

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-72807976189411945092008-10-09T05:45:00.001-04:002008-10-23T15:14:20.620-04:00

This latest requires me to speak: A man in Florida was emboldened by Sarah Palin's anti-Obama rhetoric to yell out "Kill him!" at a rally there. Stop! Enough is enough. Those who would be our leaders must be the ones to inject some sense. If they cannot, then people of good will cannot in good conscience follow.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-63859466708392183332008-08-28T16:27:00.000-04:002008-08-28T16:29:48.874-04:00

this break brought to you by our sponsors, civility and graciousness

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-80995426296977110722008-08-28T11:37:00.011-04:002008-10-09T05:52:59.545-04:00

I'm trying to stay in full R&R mode, and thus have held my tongue even on the nominating conventions. This comment, though, from Georgia's foreign minister -- stating that ethnic cleansing in South Ossetia was almost complete -- compelled me to mount a link.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-87249168308722162882008-08-22T17:14:00.002-04:002008-08-22T17:17:26.698-04:00

Georgians celebrate as Russian tanks roll out, but U.S. State Department officials say Russia is not living up to the agreement it signed.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-19239111908450922812008-08-22T16:56:00.002-04:002008-08-22T17:02:22.419-04:00

"In jail, all fine," texts South Philly video blogger Brian Conley who, along with Wayne native Jefferey Rae, was taken into police custody early Tuesday.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-80611385451317383002008-08-22T16:23:00.000-04:002008-08-22T16:25:03.415-04:00

Get ready, Ohio!

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-84063609197182213722008-08-22T00:21:00.005-04:002008-08-22T00:32:00.042-04:00

This from the State Department earlier this week, and this from the Russians today.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-43450588086059291272008-08-21T18:19:00.000-04:002008-08-21T18:20:02.139-04:00

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-60468584807652650552008-08-21T11:49:00.003-04:002008-08-21T11:52:58.124-04:00

This on top of the detention of U.S. citizens for protesting in Beijing. The world is watching: Now international athletes and the people of China can't even listen.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-59831989395686921042008-08-16T17:27:00.001-04:002008-08-16T17:29:12.240-04:00

According to MSNBC, tickets to tonight's event went for as high as $2,000, although several hundred were given away to church-goers.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-36919839386299201872008-08-16T16:03:00.006-04:002009-10-20T21:10:01.557-04:00

Tonight's presidential forum -- unprecedented in modern presidential history for both its location (a house of worship) and its timing (before the nominating conventions) -- will be broadcast on Fox News, CNN and MSNBC tonight at 8 p.m. Eastern time. Saddleback will stream video of the meeting live. The event was sold out before it was announced in the mainstream media, it seems, with tickets

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-54429413693176658242008-08-15T16:04:00.002-04:002008-08-15T16:09:16.152-04:00

Russia and Georgia accuse each other, in the conflict over South Ossetia, of ethnic cleansing. Is it remotely possible that both accusations are correct? What are we as a nation to do if that's the case?

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-22455981895633865492008-08-15T15:21:00.009-04:002009-10-20T21:10:48.505-04:00

Fox News reports John McCain and Barack Obama will meet Saturday night at Rick Warren's Saddleback Church (wikilink) for what Warren is calling the "Saddleback Civil Summit." Fox will broadcast the event, which is scheduled for eight p.m. Eastern time. Unknown whether other broadcasters will have a shot at airing it. Warren, the best-selling author and populist mega-church pastor, will

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-73500798343811779302008-08-14T14:43:00.003-04:002008-08-14T14:54:59.577-04:00

A comment Tom Ridge made in a brief chat he and I had after John McCain's visit to York this week is worth relating here. I told Gov. Ridge how pleased my family had been that, in his capacity as Director of Homeland Security, he had been the commencement speaker at the United States Merchant Marine Academy when a young relative of mine graduated. Ridge's next, very next, thought was that he was

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-44981561622285719912008-08-13T10:17:00.000-04:002008-08-13T10:28:15.344-04:00

I'm trying to figure out why people who don't give a rat's patoot's worth of care to intellectual, political, economic and religious repression are so exercized about a lip-synching child. Well, I guess we have to draw the line somewhere.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-17655180162385968032008-08-12T22:21:00.010-04:002008-08-22T00:35:01.192-04:00

Depending on who does the counting, somewhere between 3,000 and 5,500 folks lined up in York, Pa., today -- many for hours -- to listen to Republican presidential hopeful John McCain and to ask him questions. Also in attendance: Senate colleagues Joe Lieberman and Arlen Specter, former Pennsylvania Governor and Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge, Congressman Todd Platts and, front and center

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-32900732847739143122008-08-07T13:54:00.005-04:002008-08-07T14:18:46.985-04:00

I'm still trying to process the dump of information on the sole suspect in the Amerithrax investigation. While there would have, no doubt, been security concerns in bringing Bruce Ivins to justice in open court, I cannot help but feel there should have been a trial. I have pointed out to many, many people just how remarkable it is that no further terrorist attacks have claimed mass casualties on

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-55564303961844970952008-08-03T11:25:00.011-04:002009-10-20T21:11:19.981-04:00

Seems Barack Obama had enough energy and ideas when he was trying to appeal to the left and defeat a large field of Democrats who would be president. He participated in more than 20 debates in the primary season. Twenty-six to be exact! Once he had the nomination he boasted he'd meet his senate colleague, Republican nominee John McCain "anytime, anywhere" to discuss the issues in front of the

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-16718857017558590552008-08-01T12:06:00.007-04:002008-08-02T20:47:57.314-04:00

I don't even know what to say about this AP story on the fate of a suspect in the investigation to find out who was responsible for sending anthrax-laden letters through the U.S. Mail. I suppose it's good to know the investigation had been ongoing; I have absolutely no comment at this point about the tactics federal investigators have used in their work, and I note that my colleagues at the New

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-76852159311505916852008-07-31T01:49:00.002-04:002008-07-31T01:53:22.792-04:00

The Naked Cowboy escapes California scot-free.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-46990375326454628412008-07-31T01:36:00.009-04:002008-08-07T14:27:18.865-04:00

(sent to the White House via email) Dear Mr. President, I am pleased to hear you plan to make a statement on religious freedom during your visit to China. I still feel strongly that, in light of the brutal treatment both Christian and non-Christian religious have suffered at the hands of Chinese authorities, a visit from our head of state sends at best a mixed message. However, making as

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-69064561181031500872008-07-27T20:38:00.003-04:002008-07-27T20:51:21.951-04:00

The regional McCain victory office in Blue Bell, Pa., held its grand opening on July 17. All sorts of McCain backers have been finding their way there since to pick up signs and stickers, volunteer and find out about other campaigns in the district. Now the Montgomery County Council of Republican Women and the county's New Majority Council are piggybacking efforts to keep the campaign

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-13693163869667798822008-07-24T12:16:00.006-04:002009-10-20T21:19:03.927-04:00

Seen front and center in the ramp-up to Obama's "major foreign policy speech" in Berlin, Germany? A big blue and white banner held aloft reading "NO YOU CAN'T." Talk about audacity. Heard in Berlin, Pa., Berlin, Wisc., and Berlin, N.H. -- a McCain radio campaign blasting Obama for voting against a 2007 bill to fund troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Seen at an Ohio German-American restaurant today

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-77164893392205376962008-07-22T08:01:00.006-04:002008-07-23T07:27:01.080-04:00

OK, I'll admit I linked to a story back in May about Danica Patrick getting a little hot around the collar at the Indianapolis 500 this year. This weekend Patrick was caught on camera trying to force a face off with Milka Duno. Both drivers just happen to be women. I'm starting to wonder why it doesn't make the news when the guys get out from behind the wheel and get in each others' faces. As

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-69810276077190566492008-07-22T07:20:00.004-04:002008-07-22T17:10:31.726-04:00

NBC's Andrea Mitchell just relayed unattributed reports of criticism of Barack Obama's highly publicized overseas tour while appearing on the MSNBC program "Morning Joe." I hesitate to attach my name to those of other critics when I don't know who they are, but I have to admit Mitchell's report conveyed an interesting point. It seems Obama is backpedalling on his comments made at AIPAC about not

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-52665182415317141762008-07-21T14:32:00.003-04:002008-07-22T07:41:35.093-04:00

There's an IVF clinic advertising "online coupons" for discount in vitro fertilization. I wouldn't be comfortable getting a cheapie tummy tuck let alone a cut-rate test tube baby. What is this world coming to??

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-76256626530651067242008-07-21T08:37:00.003-04:002008-07-22T07:42:55.670-04:00

More on the aftermath of the Chinese earthquake -- it appears China is cracking down on those who are supporting families devastated by the loss of their children in state-built and -run schools there.

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774895.post-77867007389119593882008-07-21T08:09:00.004-04:002008-07-22T07:44:09.093-04:00

My old (as in the sense of former) boss at the Courier-News in Bridgewater, N.J. -- Carol A. Hunter -- is half of a two-woman team on a 471-mile bicycle trek across Iowa for the 36th RAGBRAI. Carol was executive editor at the Courier, and hired me to be the nation's youngest female editorial page editor. Fifteen years later she's at the Des Moines Register as ... you guessed it ... editorial page

Barbrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08127533001520906145noreply@blogger.com0