An article worth reading ...

No matter where you stand in the theopolitical spectrum, I think this article from the NY Times is worth reading. Give it a glance, and let me know what you think. (I imagine you already know what I think about it).

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/30/us/30pastor.html

Here we go ... again.

First, a side note: Tropical Storm Beryl has formed off the North Carolina coast. Weak and moving northward, Beryl poses pretty much no threat to anyone. To emphasise this minimality, NHC has issued a tropical storm watch. I always chuckle at the trop storm watch, as its such a benign thing: lookout, in the next 36-48 hours, some weak winds might (we're not sure) come your way. That's essentially the gist. But, nonetheless, marine & fishing interests would do well to take care for the impending wind, wave, and rain.

Now, on to the meat of this post. In reading commentary of the "evacuation" of Americans from Lebanon this week, I'm shocked and saddened to hear - yet again - whines & complaints of tardiness and bad mothering on the part of the US government. In both the NY Times & Associated press articles, Americans are quoted as being angry with the speed at which their demands are being met. From the NY Times:

"American ... officials faced fierce complaints that they have moved too slowly to help their nationals leave."

From the AP:

"A cruise ship sailed into Beirut late Tuesday, delayed by an Israeli naval blockade amid fierce criticism that the U.S. effort to evacuate 25,000 Americans fleeing Mideast fighting had lagged behind Europe's."

Again in the NY Times:

"And many Americans said they were distressed to learn they would have to pay their own evacuation costs."

I don't really know what to say. I mean, you travel to Lebanon, a war breaks out, and your complaining that the embassy is moving too slowly to get you to safety? (Maybe there's something to be said for the comparison to European nations, although my quick tally from the Times article is 340 Americans evac'ed so far, 1000 French, a few hundred British, and a few hundred 'other'. USA isn't exactly lagging too far behind.) Even without the comparison, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT??! Again, a) you have left the US shore. Consider thyself at the mercy of your host country! b) it's LEBANON! war on-and-off for the last 5,000 years. c) as I recall saying after the Wilma fiasco in Cancun, the US gov't is not your momma. It doesn't swoop in to cover your wounds and make everything better if you get in a tight spot. I would hope that most of the 5,000 reported Americans who wish to leave Lebanon are very grateful of the assistance of the embassy. Probably the Times & AP reporters are embellishing for sake of the story, as I really do find it hard to believe there's a sense of widespread anger like was reported. (For those who haven't kept up, the airport runways have been bombed [so no planes], and most of the major roads have also been bombed [and the others arent altogether safe for travel] ... basically you're in for the long haul).

My advice to these folks is this: enjoy your time in Lebanon, eventually you'll get out, but prepare for it to cost a bit more than otherwise. And finally, realize that while you can leave, the Lebanese citizens are staying and must deal with the continuing threats.

Austin was great!

This past weekend I got to visit Xinan and Jin in Austin. It was my first venture south to the capital of the Lone Star State, and I admit the city lived up to its billing. From the nightlife along 5th and 6th streets, to the group of weekend joggers along the Colorado River, Austin is a pretty cool city! Xinan and I joined some friends of his at Vicci on 5th street Friday night for a little techno / latin dancing (which was pretty sweet), and on Saturday after our a.m. jog, we drove south to San Antonio and visited the Alamo & Guadeloupe river. Saturday night Jin prepared an excellent "hot pot" dinner for us and 3 of her Chinese friends from business school, and then we played hold'em poker into the night. Sunday we enjoyed dim sum (Chinese food brunch), then watched Italia take l'Republic 5-3 in PKs in the FIFA World Cup finals. Here are four photos: of Xinan and me in front of the Alamo, me in Texas, Xinan and Jin in front of the UT business school, and me at Daryl Royal Memorial Stadium reminding American football fans everywhere to "saw 'em off".

"Darfur is Dying"

Found this crazy flash-player video game called "Darfur is Dying". It's like Oregon trail, only happening now. My people kept getting kidnapped & raped as they tried to get to the water pump. Then I retreated to the refugee camp but my girl got diarrhea. Check out the game: http://www.darfurisdying.com. It's interesting for sure.

... Colorado!

We are back from Colorado!! Gerson, Nilza, Docri, and Olga (from Angola, at OU studying English) and me -- the five of us drove NW to Chaffee County, camping in the Arkansas River basin and hiking the Collegiate Peaks. We had a FABULOUS time! Here are a few photos. Stay tuned; more info to come . . .

** Captions are above the photo **

Gerson (on the sign), Docri, Olga, Brad, and Nilza -- in Colorado!!

The Collegiate Peaks!


Me at the treeline of Mt. Yale (~ 12,000 feet). (Yale is in front of me. I dont know what mountains are behind me. And yes, that is snow in July).

Me, Olga, and Gerson at "Olga's Summit". She didnt go all the way to Yale's summit, but did make 13,000 feet!

Gerson and I, top of Mt. Yale. 14196'. Amazing!

The three amigos, back at the trailhead (do not be deceived, we are exhausted.)

The summit's just up there. Trust us.

Early a.m. breaking camp, 03 July. We tented at the Arrowhead Campground, Buena Vista, Colorado.

My 2nd "fourteener", Gerson's first.

Whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River. Excellent adventures had by all!

Heck yea, on the Arkansas River!

Rocky Mountain High ...

... Colorado (in the words of John Denver [i think!!]) Tomorrow, promptly at 6 a.m., Arielle and I will depart Norman with six of our friends from Angola and drive NW to the Collegiate Range in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. We hope to get in some hiking and some whitewater rafting, but most importantly, we plan to admire and enjoy the awesome scenery (and cooler weather!!) of the mountains. We should be back in time to celebrate the 4th in Norman. Enjoy your weekend, and stay tuned for photos and an update.

Update from Norman

These past few days I have been fully occupied -- teaching/preparing class, fighting with MM5 on 'topdawg', playing volleyball, chilling with the Angolans, ultimate frisbee, Cameron's wedding, hosting Gang Zhao & wife, and hanging out with other meteo and church friends. A few photos from the wedding & dinner with Gang:

New US passport ?

My check ($67) has been cashed by the Department of State. Hopefully that means my new passport will soon be on its way! Then it's time to apply for an Austrian visa.

On a related note, take that, Trinidad & Tobago ;) Next time you'll have to try harder to deport me from your country. (But I am still cheering for you in the world cup; the unbridled patriotism was so cool to experience last month, I hope the Soca Warriors make keep up their success!)

It's a whole new experience

Walmart shower pouf (nylon mesh shower ball) + Old Spice high endurance pure sport body wash = Incredible invigoration each morning.

You should check it out. (But my pouf is yellow, not powder blue). Trust me. It's crazy!

Ooooooooooo-klahoma,

... where the wind comes sweeping down the plain, and the waiving wheat can sure smell sweet when the wind comes right behind the rain!

I am back in Norman. Dad and I had an enjoyable drive west Friday & Saturday - but I could have done without all the fast-food. My U.S. restaurant experiences through mid-day Saturday were: McDonalds (Orlando airport), Wendys (Cary, NC), Ruby Tuesdays (Greenville), Arbys (eastern TN), Burger King (eastern AR), and Sonic (Sallisaw, OK). French fries are good, but not for every meal!

Later this morning I'm headed to church. Looking forward to reconnecting with friends and worshipping in a familiar place. The Bluesteins are leaving on Monday, so I'll stay with Mike French (props to you, bro) again tonight and move into their house tomorrow after class. Speaking of, class begins tomorrow, and I'm excited about it. Funding is worked out (as far as I know), which is a big blessing.

I still have to apply for a new passport -- that'll have to come after class tomorrow. But I'm getting settled, and that's an important step in the transition.

Any thoughts on renaming the blog? As my friend Francine put it, I'm no longer saying good morning to Barbados each day.