Commenting on Kitty’s boob “joke” I have a fine sense of humor, thank you for noticing. I just have higher expectations than the old Bob/boob thing from enlightened liberals with all the answers. So, if it were not humor what else might it be?
Also not PC Well, Boob (oops, a little bitty typo, so sorry) - All I can say is you must already be swooning from the fumes of gasoline, otherwise you would know that biodiesel is your salvation and the second coming all rolled into one. Put that in your engine and smoke it.....
Towhee bryan, I hope you approve...I'm posting your picture with friends and brew in Germany inthe towhee...folks would like to see.
looks like you are taking in all the sights, sounds and bodily impressions! good on you.
not PC - ever Two things:
Firsts, I am sure that Kitty is very nice but Kitty needs a swig of high octane for her little red wagon.
Second, I bet you don’t accept this comment.
A great visit! Bryan, we love, Love, LOVED having you! You deserved every nap (hey, even G-F beer makes you tired!) and we were happy to provide a place for you to put your feet up with familiar people for a while. Travelling is exhausting, and a trip of this nature was sure to call for some down time. Thanks for hopping off the island for a couple of weeks to see us. The kids miss you, as do Robert and I. It was great to reconnect and I haven't laughed that hard in years, probably. Take good care of yourself and be sure to keep in touch. We miss you already. Lots of love and hugs, SP
P.S. "It's 10:30"
Oh Bryan. I live in the land of SAP for Americans every day and it is so much less pretty. Would that we had gotten cute bunnies with the system. I also note that you have become a Brit... at least three words with the "our" in them... Sigh sigh sigh. See you soon?
I don't know what will transform society in the next 20 years. We are still coping with the transformations of the 20th century - the failure of socialism, the death of God in Europe, the rise of a militant Islam, and the decline of Western culture. What can transform a Europe that has suppressed its Christian roots and failed to replace them with anything? Can the Arab world organize into relatively decent societies that can defeat the Islamists? Can societies avoid destructive utopian dreams and deal with human beings as they really are? The biggest positive transformations are going on now in China and India. By dropping Marxism (China) and Fabian Socialism (India) we are witnessing the largest movement from poverty to affluence in human history. That will certainly continue to the economic benefit of hundreds of millions. What is needed is someting that transforms the West, a renewal of its vitality, without recreating the dark side of the murderous ideologies and world wars that Europe produced.
Hey, that is COOL that they take everyone for a ride on the course! I'm impressed. Also, very glad to see that even in the face of testosterone-induced auto-worship, your priorities were clear and you were able to enjoy the outdoors and country roads. Did you fill up the turbo diesel with biodiesel by any chance?
I'm with Corina - I think all the previously mentioned factors will be addressed/mitigated/initiated by love for ourselves, one another, and the environment/wildlife. Even those on the planet who are motivated by money/greed/power will need to change their view in the next 20 years if we are going to survive.
I was there Bryan,
I remember visiting Nurburing in about 1967. Several of us went up one was a German fellow we had met in the Gasthaus. We had a great time. It wasn't such a prestigious event, but was a beautiful sunny April day and was a glorious experience. Glad you had the opportunity.
Ron
road signs > small orange circles that came in pairs; the top one had a picture of a truck and car and some indication of speed limit,
These are signs for military vehicles only. At bridges or similar constructions. They give the maximum weight in tons for the types of vehicles allowed on this construction.
Transforming society Loving ourselves and loving one another; loving every created being on this planet and counting each of equal value, loving one another enough to not discriminate, to provide health care, food, and shelter for all, and to accept every spiritual belief.
A broad view Helen and I brainstormed your question and came up with some ideas. But first let me suggest that I facilitate a scenario planning session for you. You select the audience. I am going to be doing a similar thing in Chicago this month for the environmental people who work for the Navy. The way the topics came out made me think it might be a good aproach if you invite the folks you would like to have opinions from.
Our results are broad and not real focused. The include everything we could think of while we were on the road. That is where the scenario planning comes in.
Energy - oil vs. alternatives
Changes of life styles for Americans based on energy changes, and other factors.
Emergence of the states with progam ideas which they import from each other ignoring the feds.
The rise of the China and India economies
The return of ethics (or not) to the federal govenrment
Ethics returns (or not) to big business
Unions re-gain power in the country/world
American consumers rebel
Consumers become citizens again.
Well, There you go.
I agree! Hi Bryan, I came across your blog while doing my own 'post-Ireland-trip'
research and reminiscing. I hope you don't mind if I comment, as well. You see, we spent a quick 10 day vacation in SW irealnd in early -mid April. We flew in and out of Shannon and drove the SW route staying in Dingle, Kenmare, Kinsale and Lahinch with delightful driving day trips in between (Beara, Cork, Killarney, the Burren). I read with fascination your discription of not only the scenery and your experiences in nature and your soul, but also your interactions with the Irish. We are what most American's think of as a 'cute' family. My husband and I are both of Irish descent and have 4 beautiful children to 'prove' it. We are educated (both with doctoral degrees-in the sciences so please don't judge my writing!)) and are considered by our friends to be the 'calm, quiet' ones. We are in our mid 40's. We were really surprised and somewhat disappointed in the way the Irish treated us. Not with outright disrespect, but with an underlying and sometimes not so discreet, disdane. The more we thought about it, we came to the same conclusion as you, the Irish just don't like Americans! The European media certainly does the US an injustice and you're right, certain of us that have visited Ireland may not have left the best impression. Anyway, it is a little sad ... still, I am very glad that my children have been able to see the beauty of our ancestry (we have been to Ireland as a family twice) and while out exploring on our own, we realy feel our Irish blood stirring and connect fully to the 'land.' Take care and enjoy the rest of lifes journey! ~Anne Marie
Re: transforming society I agree with previous posts regarding equality, communication, and environmental concerns, but healthcare and education are closer to my heart (and livelihood). On both issues, the manner in which we deal with the current disparities in access and utilization of resources over the next 20 years can have a great impact, negatively or positively.
From "bitter sweat" to "brine" and "shards"? Just how badly did you want to be clean, Bryan? Glad you're on your way back soon, bitter sweat or not.....
Combining three 'must do before I die' imperatives I will be taking a 5 month sabbatical in 2006. Staying in a destination long enough to learn the texture of daily life, long distance bike touring, and a personal photo sojourn in Ireland all mix to make this my mid-life crisis (some thought I would go for the red sports car). For two months I will travel by bike and Amtrak across the US to visit family, friends, and the great outdoors. Then it is off to Ireland for three months for the sole purpose of making all of you jealous. All this without eating wheat, rye, barley, oats, dairy, or s... full info
Dawn Allard
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Coming to Weisloch
I'm coming to Weisloch with 10 American students and look forward even more after reading about your positive experiences!