Yes Alice.........Aaaaaaahh Lewis Carroll

Mad Hatter

Mad Hatter? You're pretty insane and only your friends have a hope of understanding what you say.

Sometimes you do things that are wrong but it sounded like a good idea in your head...

What can I say?? This is what my character came out as on FaceBooks' "What Alice In Wonderland Character Are You?" application.....

Of course!

I am the one who memorized, (and lived by) the passage by the Red Duchess (which I thought most of my life was the Red Queen...but whatever....Off With their Heads!!) which goes like this:

"Be What you Would Seem To Be......Or......

Never Imagine Yourself Not To Be Otherwise, Than What It Might Appear To Others, That What You Were, Or Might Have Been, Was Not Otherwise, Than What You Had Been, Would It have Appeared To Them To Be Otherwise"

Well it makes all the sense in the world to me.....

Lewis Carroll was such a brilliant Logician and Mathematician and taught at Oxford....

His given name being Charles Lutwidge Dodgson.

A quote from one of Lewis Carroll's academic publications was used in the Original (first) LOGO for the online free encyclopedia "Wikipedia" .......as seen below.......

The original official logo

Wikipedia's first true logo was an image that was originally submitted by Bjørn Smestad^[1] for a Nupedia logo competition which took place in 2000.^[2] Jimbo thought it would be a much better logo than the flag, and it remained for the next eight months, until the end of 2001. It continued to be used after this time on Special Pages, such as search results.

The logo included a quote from Euclid and his Modern Rivals by Lewis Carroll; due to the fisheye effect, only part of the text can be read.

"In one respect this book is an experiment, and may chance to prove a failure: I mean that I have not thought it necessary to maintain throughout the gravity of style which scientific writers usually affect, and which has somehow come to be regarded as an ‘inseparable accident’ of scientific teaching. I never could quite see the reasonableness of this immemorial law: subjects there are, no doubt, which are in their essence too serious to admit of anylightness of treatment – but I cannot recognise Geometry as one of them. Nevertheless it will, I trust, be found that I have permitted myself a glimpse of the comic side of things only at fitting seasons, when the tired reader might well crave a moment’s breathing-space, and not on any occasion where it could endanger the continuity of the line of argument."

I should have stayed in Academia....I know.....

Have A Great Day!!!

A Hero's Salute - Staff Sgt. John Beale

CLICK ON THE TITLE TO SEE THE VIDEO

A Few Posts from the video postings:(no names)

John, we miss you so much!! You have always been a soldier, through ROTC and Drill Team in school everyone knew you were going to go into the military. You make this world a better place to be for all of us in life and in death. You paid the ultimate sacrifice for us and we will never forget that. We love you, Crystal and the kids. We will never forget you!!

Staff Sargent John Beale is a prime example of whatAmericastands for. Americaserves the world. As our great President Ronald Reagan stated so aptly, we are a beacon on the hill. He was another of our new "greatest generation." I'm so sorry for his family but so proud of the tribute given to him. The lines of people along the way from Falcon Field to McDonough remind me of the tribute to our greatest president, (the Military's President) President Ronald Reagan. Semper Fi from a greatful Metro Atlanta and nation. I'm sure Jesus has already told you "Well done, good and faithful servant."

I want to thank the person who had the presence of mind to record this incredible journey.

God bless this great soldier and all who serve.

This is one of the hardest videos I've ever watched! God Bless this soldiers family and friends! Thank you for your service Staff Sgt John Beale, may your rest in peace and know that you will not be forgotten!

This is something that should be played on National TV and the internet regularly. If we can hear and read about politician's have extramarital affairs over and over again we should hear this loud and clear! Let all Americans see the tribute paid to "this hero" and learn to appreciate all the heroes in our military. Perhaps seeing this, thank you Rep Davis for providing us with it, more Americans will remember what our military does for us and show them the respect they deserve.

May God Bless the family of Staff Sgt. Beale, and I know he is in God's care now.

God Bless all that knew SSgt. Beale. My prayers are with your family, sir, and thank you for such a precious gift.

This is truly AMAZING! To the family & friends of SSgt. Beale, our thoughts and prayers are with you. May GOD comfort you in you time of sorrow. To all fellow AMERICANS...please continue to pray for all of our men and women serving in the ARMED FORCES as well as all of our civilian men and women who make the sacrifices that they do. I have a husband who served 22 years in the Navy who now works in Iraq and twin boys serving in the UNITED STATES AIR FORCE. When you see an AMERICAN in uniform....THANK THEM!!!! FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!

I just watched this sad video. I just wish someone would hack into the terrorist's websites and put this on there so that they could see who they up against.

What a wonderful tribute to a fallen soldier! It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for your service, John, may you rest in peace. God Bless America!

This brought tears to my eyes....as a fellow service man I cant explain how this made me feel I wish the best for the family of this fallen hero

Watching this funeral procession gave me goose flesh all over. How heartwarming to see the thousands of people line the streets with flags, saluting, or hands on their heart to honor and show their thanks for Sgt. Beale's service to our country. Our saying "Thanks" is just not enough for his sacrifice.

I have often wonderedaboutHenry County. That was the ship I served aboard in the US Navy, USS Henry County LST 824. Staff Sgt John Beale and the People of Henry County make Me Prouder to have served aboard Her

THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON NATIONAL TV- AND SHOULD BE FOR ALL THOSE WHO HAVE GIVE SO MUCH FOR AMERICA. WHAT I SAW WASN'T WHITES, BLACKS, REPUBLICANS, DEMOCRATES, INDEPENDENTS, CUBANS, ITALIANS, ETC, WHAT I SAY LINING THE ROADS WAS "AMERICANS" , THESE PEOPLE SAID MORE THAN A WRITTEN BOOK COULD EVER SAY, THANK YOU GEORGIA ,

I am a retired Air Force Master Sergeant who served during the Vietnam era in-country. Although I have been retired since 1 Feb 84......I still feel the pain when another military member makes the ultimate sacrifice for this country. To the family....God will provide for you during time like these. To all reading this........the next time you see or are in the company of a military person, whether active, reserve or retired....shake their hand and thank them for serving...I do this all the time and it makes that person feel really proud to know that you care. God bless all of our military members

To the brave and noble heros of this country past and present... we love you and thank you so much for all that you've done for this country. My husband's a Iraq vet and I'm so thankful for all that his done, and blessed to have him home everyday. To Staff Sgt. John Beale...Thank you!!!

God Bless Staff Sergeant First Class John C. Beale, his family and friends, and thank you!

This makes me even prouder to be an American!

Amazing! RIP Staff Sgt. John Beale.a great salute from Israel to our brothers in the US.we in Israel know what it means to fight and die for freedom , your troops are all heroes , and they should be treated as such.god bless our troops and yours. may you know no sorrow.

I am so proud of our soldiers. We as a people sometimes get jaded with all the bad that has happened. It is both sad and beautiful to see such an outpouring of love shown to the men and women of our country. May those families with loved ones overseas know that we can never repay the sacrifices they have given us. We must show our support for our troops. May GOD bless and keep them in the palms of his hands.

What an amazing video. This was just as hard to watch as the video we did for a friend I lost in battle. Thank you to all of the soldiers past and present for the wonderful sacrifice you've made for our country.

A friend shared this on facebook. It brought tears to my eyes. My nephew is a Sgt in the Marines. We are so proud of him and all our service men and women. This should be shown on national tv for all to see and remind them of the ultimate sacrifice that some are willing to make. What an awesome video. Thank you for sharing with everyone. God Bless the USA

The Virtual Wall of the Vietnam War....Be safe during this Memorial Day

This is something !

First click on a state.

When it opens, scroll down to the city and the names will appear.

Then click on their names.

It should show you a picture of the person, or at least their bio and medals.

This really is an amazing web site. Someone spent a lot of time and effort to create it.

I hope that everyone who receives this appreciates what those who served in Vietnam sacrificed for our country.

The link below is a virtual wall of all those lost during the Vietnam war

with the names, bio's and other information on our lost heroes.

Those who remember that timeframe, or perhaps lost friends or family

can look them up on this site.

Pass the link on to others if you like.

http://www.virtualwall.org/iStates.htm

Vietnam 1966....My turn to thank our soldiers...from an email I received...wanted to pass on to you all.....Be safe during this Memorial Day

Viet Nam 1966

Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in Viet Nam , other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black and white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann Margret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures.

A few years ago, Ann Margret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to
sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o'clock for the 7:30 signing.

When I got there after work, the line went all the way around the bookstore, circled the parking lot, and disappeared behind a parking garage. Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted.

Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI's so far from home. Ann Margret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in line, it was soon Richard's turn.

He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, 'I understand. I just wanted her to see it.'

She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she said, 'This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most certainly will sign his photo.. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for 'my gentlemen..''

With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him. She then made quite a to-do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them. There weren't too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as if he were the only one there.

Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he'd like to talk about it, my big, strong husband broke down in tears. 'That's the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army,' he said..

That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet.. I'll never forget Ann Margret for her graciousness and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband.

I now make it a point to say 'Thank you' to every person I come across who served in our Armed Forces.. Freedom does not come cheap and I am grateful for all those who have served their country.

Noah's Ark........Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah's Ark .

Noah's Ark

ONE: Don't miss the boat.

TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat!

THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.

FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.

SIX: Build your future on high ground.

SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.

EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.

NINE: When you're stressed, float awhile.

TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.

Giving Credit Where It Is Due....and Be safe during this Memorial Day

Just A Common Soldier [A Soldier Died Today] by A. Lawrence Vaincourt...

A Poem Worth Reading

He was getting old and paunchy

And his hair was falling fast,

And he sat around the Legion,

Telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought in

And the deeds that he had done,

In his exploits with his buddies;

They were heroes, every one.

And 'tho sometimes to his neighbours

His tales became a joke,

All his buddies listened quietly

For they knew where of he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer,

For ol' Bob has passed away,

And the world's a little poorer

For a Soldier died today.

He won't be mourned by many,

Just his children and his wife.

For he lived an ordinary,

Very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family,

Going quietly on his way;

And the world won't note his passing,

'Tho a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth,

Their bodies lie in state,

While thousands note their passing,

And proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories

From the time that they were young

But the passing of a Soldier

Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution

To the welfare of our land,

Some jerk who breaks his promise

And cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow

Who in times of war and strife,

Goes off to serve his country

And offers up his life?

The politician's stipend

And the style in which he lives,

Are often disproportionate,

To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary Soldier,

Who offered up his all,

Is paid off with a medal

And perhaps a pension, small.

It's so easy to forget them,

For it is so many times

That our Bobs and Jims and Johnnys,

Went to battle, but we know,

It is not the politicians

With their compromise and ploys,

Who won for us the freedom

That our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger,

With your enemies at hand,

Would you really want some cop-out,

With his ever waffling stand?

Or would you want a Soldier--

His home, his country, his kin,

Just a common Soldier,

Who would fight until the end.

He was just a common Soldier,

And his ranks are growing thin,

But his presence should remind us

We may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict,

We find the Soldier's part

Is to clean up all the troubles

That the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honour

While he's here to hear the praise,

Then at least let's give him homage

At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline

In the paper that might say:

"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,

A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."

.....

...

..

"The Pearl" by Bill Mong...

The Pearl

It was day one of the fall Semester at a Bible college. The professor entered the packed auditorium and sat on the edge of his old and cluttered desk. He clapped his hands together and boisterously asked, “Who is God? That is your assignment for this semester. It will account for 100% of your grade. It is due by midterm.”

The class began to buzz. Most of them were smiling. What an easy assignment. This was going to be a cakewalk.

“By the way…” he continued. “You cannot quote one Bible verse nor may you use any description which remotely resembles a Bible verse. And I know the Bible very, very well.”

Every student glared back at him with the look of most profound indignation and confusion, evident by their open mouths. It was the question of the century; literally. Most of them, having entered the new millennium as adolescents, could not pull together even the slightest original perspective that this question demanded. And in the moments of silence that followed, some of them began to gather their things and leave.

The professor did not speak. He let each one go as he or she had decided. He knew that they would not be back; at least not until next semester.

Soon the class was down to half capacity and most of those who remained looked as though they were just too embarrassed to join the others. The Professor scanned the room and began to smile very subtly. “And does anyone have an answer for my question?”

The classmates looked around but no one spoke. “Fine! We will meet here again for class on exam day.”

The students gawked again and this time a din arose. Just one student sat quietly, looking at the professor with mild interest. The other students began filing out and soon it was just the two of them. The professor pushed himself up from the edge of his desk and walked a few steps closer to the still seated young lady. “Do you have an answer?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“Well?”

“Your question is impossible to answer.”

“Go on.”

“The Bible is the only source we have to know who God is.”

The professor’s forehead wrinkled. “I’ll see you at midterm.”

The months passed and when midterm arrived, just as the professor had anticipated, only about a third of the original students were present. “As soon as you place your papers on my desk, you are free to go.”

After a few moments the students began to amble toward the desk and place their papers in a less than neat pile on one corner. He could tell that they all wanted to ask. What is the right answer?

Soon the place was empty again and he picked through the pile. “God is an unending source of energy.” And. “God is everything.” The professor chuckled. No clue. And then he came to Lacy’s paper. He remembered her from the first day and was curious as to whether her answer had changed. He read… and began to smile…

“God is what or whoever rules your life.”

Mt 13:45&46

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

What are you willing to spend? What will you give up? There is only one pearl that makes all others worthless.

For some, unfortunately, it is anything but the God of Heaven and Earth. (This is not an attempt at judging others. To be completely transparent, I still have a couple of imperfect, misshapen pearls in my pocket.)

The meaning of life is not hard to figure out, though it takes a portion of your life to do so. I truly believe the meaning of this life is to make us who we will be in the next.

You are God’s pearl of great price. He bought you. Nothing exists that is more valuable to him.

What rules your thoughts?

Where is most of your free time spent?

Answering these questions will give you the true perspective you need to evaluate your true focus.

I leave you with this. It really is true. Junk in, junk out.

Be awake.

B. Mong