The Language of 9/11

Remembering September 11^th

Ten years later

Memorials

Terrorist attacks

Twin Towers

World Trade Center, Lower Manhattan, New York City

The Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Shanksville, Pennsylvania

“Let's roll.” --the last known words

Singular event, tragedy

Patriotism

American flags

Red, white & blue

United States of America

Heroes and victims

Survivors and people missing

NYPD police

FDNY firefighters

Port Authority of NY & NJ

US Department of Defense

Response justified

Anger, resolve, trying to cope

Moment of silence

Mourning the dead

Ground Zero (workers called it "the pile")

Covered in ash

Like a war zone

Search & rescue/recovery

Hoping to save

Family and friends

I was watching CNBC when it happened.

Ten years ago.

August Rush

The end of summer doesn’t come soon enough for me.  As another month ends, I recall the rush of yard work, fighting mosquitoes and brutal heat, stock market volatility, short secondary vacations, and preparation for a new school year.  Borrowing the title of a 2007 drama film that entertained me in spite of Robin Williams’ disturbing character, the words “August Rush” characterize the month in my mind. 

Some think there’s a lot to get done before September, as if things can’t wait for a pause to enjoy the simple life.  As profoundly stated by young Mr. Bueller on his day off, “Life moves pretty fast --if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”  (1986 film --imdb.com) 

Welcome, September!

Good-by, July

The 4^th – Independence Day

The annual big family ranch reunion was short and sweet; Brother Russ did a fantastic job!  Fireworks in the city seemed twice as big as 2010 -- no passing fad; our expense: $0.

“The Crossing” (I gave 4.4 stars) was inspiring, as we recalled our visit to Valley Forge last month.  “1776” (I gave 2.0 stars) had too much satire/comedy/frivolity for a sobering declaration of independence.

The 24^th – Pioneer Day
Our family summer "camp" on the 22^nd and 23^rd, including a game marathon and work party, was a success.  We finished cleaning up after the family was gone, then actually relaxed and watched the sunset from the deck.  After the
4-day weekend, we loved the movie “17 Miracles”, and highly recommend it.

Three grandchildren marked their one-year birthday (all born the same day) and celebrated together with us yesterday in Canyon Rim, SLC; plus two other birthdays.  Then we drove to Holladay for a 50^th-wedding backyard BBQ for my sister-in-law and her husband.  He sang the love song he wrote for her and performed on their wedding day.  And we won’t forget going down the scary old slide that Lon salvaged from Grandpa's farm!

So-long, hottest month with the toughest yard work!  After widespread damage by pests elsewhere, I thank the Lord for this tender mercy:  a nearly perfect, bountiful harvest of the best apricots I have ever eaten.

June Is Gone?!

We've been away in the Northeast.  My, how time flies when you're having fun!
So much to write about; so little time left after leisure and family activities.  (Incomplete sentences work here.)  I hope you too are enjoying your summer.

Memorial Thoughts

5:55am Awoke with phone alarm (too early for a holiday?) ... thoughts about Uncle Robert Russell, a hero in my youth (to this day), visiting our  home in his awesome U.S. Air Force uniform (later flew in the Vietnam War) ... a memorable appearance at the height of action in Orville's Air Force (not Wright) and "missions" I "flew" (Avenues) ...  Years later, the Army ROTC in high school and U of U ...
Dad's WWII service as handsome Lt. Cannon, Renegotiation Officer, Quartermaster Corps, U.S. Army; and Arza's service as a productive farmer supporting the war effort ... our close friend, Hayle Buchanan, who was in the Battle of the Bulge (1944) as an army radio operator in Europe ...
Grandfather Russell's WWI service (Mother's Together book has the photo of dignified "Lt. George Oscar Russell, U.S. Army Intelligence Corps, 1918, before the 11 November armistice) ...
... and others in my life who served valiantly to preserve our freedom.
My gratitude goes to all veterans and their families ... God bless our military troops currently serving ... thank you for your sacrifices.

[Quick clue about my attempted writing style:]
"Stream of consciousness may refer to: Ostensibly unedited, spontaneous ..."
-- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...

And thanks to the Boy Scouts and leaders for getting up early and setting up flags in our neighborhood.  God bless America!

CNBC / Mark Haines

"Mark Haines (April 19, 1946 – May 24, 2011) was the former host of the CNBC shows Squawk Box and Squawk on the Street (which airs from 9-11am ET). ...  On May 25, 2011, Mark Haines' wife Cindy reported that Mr. Haines passed away at home on the evening of May 24, 2011.  He left behind his wife, a son and a daughter."  
-- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Haines

I am one of the many common people who have never made a lot of money on the stock market, but nevertheless have had the good fortune of being educated, enlightened, energized, and entertained by our beloved leader, Mark Haines.  I will seriously miss him every weekday morning, but cheerfully treasure memories of his great humor, honesty, and unique personality.  I envy those on the other side, who must be blessed by his presence there, at the top of his game and livelier than ever. 

I happened to be watching CNBC on the morning of 9/11 when the towers were hit, and could not leave the news for days afterward.  In contrast, I was watching Erin Burnett's last session with Mark recently, and shed tears then as well.  For me, since 1997, it's been an unforgettable ride.  Thank you, Mark Haines, and everyone at CNBC.  May the family feel comfort and the love of Mark’s admiring associates.

The Thirteenth

Early this morning I tried to do a quick post for Friday ...  (You know the date.)
This is what came up (I've never seen before):
"Blogger is unavailable right now. We apologize for this interruption in service."
Now that Blogger is back to normal (lucky for me), I want to share an excerpt from an interesting blog post that Google found for me.  I credit The Washington Post and Elizabeth for her good work:

"Friday the 13th phobias, and the five strangest fears you never knew existed"
By Elizabeth Flock         Posted at 9:22 AM ET, 5/13/2011
"Today’s date will send cold shivers of fear down the spines of those suffering from Friggatriskaidekaphobia. (Also known as Paraskevidekatriaphobia)  It’s a mouthful for a simple phobia: fear of Friday the 13th.
The names of conditions in which a sufferer is plagued by a persistent, irrational fear are usually derived from Greek words and not the easiest to get your mouth around. Don’t believe us? Try to pronounce the word for the fear of long words:
Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia.  ..."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/blogpost/post/friday-the-13th-phobias-and-the-five-strangest-fears-you-never-knew-existed/2011/05/13/AFJdaO2G_blog.html