Headlines on this last day of January

Well - this about settles it. June should be pretty interesting when most of the Supreme Courts decisions get released. It's all over but the crying.

Senate Clears Way for Vote to Confirm Court Nominee

Our topic for US Foreign Policy class today was about humanitarian intervention and Darfur, being the latest example of debate, was a prime topic. It was stressed, by the lecturer at least, that MOST people would agree that the US should stay out of Sudan. This guy seems to disagree.
28 Days to Save Darfur

In an interesting turn of events, I am surprised to see Russia and (especially) China agreeing with the other 3 UNSC members in this vote. Hmmm, wonder what the US has promised them in return...
Iran 'must face Security Council'

Very happy to see that this movie had 8 nominations for this years Oscars... Go Heath! I'm thinking Best Director is a sure win, Best Picture has a good chance, but I think it would be sweet if Heath won too.
'Brokeback' Leads Oscar Nominations

Scary...

It's amazing how long they've been planning...

Know your friends, Know your enemies better.

Thank goodness for our 'education President'

I feel so much better knowing that are 'education president' is on top of the income gap problem.

From a NYT story... "The White House said it did not believe that the 2003 tax cuts had much influence on wealth shares. It also said that since wealth is transitory for many people, a more important issue is how incomes and wealth are influenced by the quality of education.
"We want to lift all incomes and wealth," said Trent Duffy, a White House spokesman. "We are starting to see that the income gap is largely an education gap."
"The president thinks we need to close the income gap, and he has talked about ways in which we can do that," especially through education, Mr. Duffy said."

Because the old adage has ALWAY been, "It's not WHO you know, it's WHAT you know."

I'm sad.

Placing 9/11 in History

In most of my course work if not all, September 11 has come up as a topic frequently. Whether the topic is nationalism or security or one of trying to define the paradigm how to study history, the significance of the date and how it has (potentially) changed the world, whether they be shifts in positivist facts or normative values, is debateable.

I came across a New York Times editorial by historian Jospeph J. Ellis that contributes to such a debate. I am not aware of his personal politics, but his willingness to take perhaps the unpopular view of placing 9/11 NOT in the 'greatest events' of US history has some salient points. One main reason I would tend to concur with this is the fact that 9/11 is the result of 30 odd years of US Foreign Policy; further, it is the result of cold war foreign policy being applied during the post-cold war era.

We have a winner...

An announcement was made by Sean last night at dinner... as Fiona and I were struggling to look up the winner from my mobile phone! He called his mate who was watching a football game and just happned to hear who won... sure, go with that Sean's mate.

The winner is Chantelle.

Anywho... straight from the website...
"You are having a larrrfff! First in, last out. With a whopping 56.4 per cent of your votes, Chantelle has won this year's Celebrity Big Brother"

Pictures are up!

Okay kids!

Shutterfly is updated with 2 recent sets of film.

Visit to see December 2005 (End of Year party, Gran Caneria and Xmas) and our Belgium pictures!

Celebrity Big Brother

Celebrity Big Brother's finale is on tonight... I'm afraid to admit that I'm addicted (this may be only due to the fact that it is on ALL the time, if not BB, than a show talking about BB or a show talking about BB talking about BB... with only 5 channels, perhaps it dictates our viewing more than we think. Yeah, go with that Ryan.

Already voted off (For pics and more details)

• Page 3 girl Jodi Marsh was first to go
• "slept with someone famous so I am famous" Faria Alam went next
• Actress and just like a mum Rula Lenska went next
• Respect Party Member of Parliament George Galloway was voted out 4th with 64% of the vote
• In a surprise double eviction, NBA star Dennis Rodman was voted off 5th, behind George

Left in the House for the Public to vote on:

• Non celebrity Chantelle Hougton
• Welsch rapper, Maggot
• TV personality/entertainer Michael Barrymore
• Lead singer of Dead or Alive, Pete Burns
• Lead singer/guitarist in the band Ordinary Boys, Preston
• (Harvard-educated) Actress and Model, from Baywatch, Traci Bingham

Money is on Preston, he's the pretty one who hasn't pissed off too many people. I think Chantelle, who is the only non-celebrity, has a chance because of it. Pete also has a chance only because he's been the most 'entertaining', but he's been absolutely awful, mean-spirited and cruel. If he wins, it just may say something about the world we live in. I wouldn't mind seeing Maggot, Preston or Traci, they've contributed, they've entertained, they've kept their heads above the scandal fray; but, that may not be the criteria the British public use for voting. With 6 left, votes will be close.

Unfortunately (or fortunately) Tim and I will be out tonight celebrating Paul 's(of Paul and Kim) birthday party. Dinner at the Centraal and drinks at the Pear Tree.

Teaching

I am looking at the upcoming teaching schedule for when I return to the classroom in Rogers. I am interested in teaching AP Government, which is what I was slated to teach before I moved, but I don't have the AP training! It is not a legal requirement, but I am not sure if I will be able to do it with out it!

The dilemma is that the training is in June or July. I am planning on working on my dissertation stuff and spending as much time with Tim in Scotland since he is staying an extra 4 months and and I am moving home in August.

Two masters degrees and I may not be able to teach high school??? Let's hope something works out! I'm investigating some online options; my alternative is to hightail it on the dissertation and move home early I suppose! Such dilemmas.

On that note, it is probably worth inserting a thoughtful quote today, courtesy my ASCD brief:

"Many would be wise if they did not think themselves wise."
--Baltasar Gracian, Spanish writer

Playing 500

I recently received a picture from a student from last term's WIS group. Each group clicks differently and has its own personality, which is great to figure out and engage with. This group was very playful but a bit shyer than some, but I did manage to find some card buddies!! And they knew how to play 500 - a bonus.
If I recall, Ian and I drew with Matt and Annie and each won one game. Anne V is watching all the fun and Dale is taking the picture. Good times in 2005...

School update

School is going well. I am a little disappointed with my US Foreign Policy lecturer however. As much as he railed on us to be well read, "read deeply and broadly for every class!", he does ALL the talking. He wouldn't know if I read one thing or 10. Of course I have been reading 10, because I'm an anal retentive freak; I don't think I'm looking for some kind of figurative pat on the back (perhaps I am?) but a simple discussion by the 6 brave souls (from 12) who dared stay in the class after his far-too-intimidating-for-my-taste introductory session) would be nice.

My human rights and social movements lecturers are quite nice though. I am enjoying the discussions in those seminars. The theory readings are bit tough though! Yesterday I started writing out my rough draft of my dissertation proposal. Our deadline for proposals is 21 February. I think I am going to try something on reconciling state sovereignty and the development of human rights by international institutions. I have to nail down some details yet.

I'm gearing up again for the SCC course I'll teach for UW again. I am pretty much set - I just have to update the syllabus and such and make some copies. Now that our server and internet and computers are up and running again, we can all get some work done! US professors start arriving tomorrow and the students arrive a week from tomororow.

Tonight: Marion is coming over. Tim has prepared a wonderful meal for her, John, Mary and I, and I think John has a portobello mushrooms-on-grill surprise!

Brokeback Moments

A couple of stories surrounding the Brokeback Mountain caught my eye today.

The first was an interview with Annie Proulx about her writing of the short story and her feelings about the film version. She sounds like a remarkably compassionate woman - 70 years old and writing a love story of two queer male youths with such passion, is a gift! She makes some really salient points about what the story is about and who will see, and who won't, and why. Give it a read!

I then stumbled upon our Idiot the Great - GW's ever-so-INarticulate response to one young man's question about Brokeback Mountain. Just say, "No, I haven't seen it, thanks. Next question." What the hell is his problem? Is he that self-conscious? Embarassed? Stupid?

Fun with the Greeks!

Thelma was a sweetheart and invited some of us over for a home cooked meal! Mirto, Iason and Thelma's boyfriend Yanni made up the Greek contingent and the majority of the dinner party. Tim and I provided the (of course tolerant and liberal) American perspective and we were also joined by Jennifer, Manchester.

Mirto and Thelma made a wonderful Greek salad (do I have to say 'Greek' when we know it is made by them???), Spinach au graten, Chicken with sun fried tomatoes, two types of home made bread (Yummy!) and all of it served on rice. For dessert, two different types of cheesecake, homemade: New York w/fruit and chocolate. Rich and delectable!

We retired to the living room for some Raki - a traditional Greek drink. It reminded me of vodka, taste-wise. But, despite have 3 shots on top of the white wine, I did NOT wake up with a hangover, so it must be a friendly alcohol. I'd recommend it - and apparently it is NOT for mixing. A drink to be drank as a shot only - we were told.

The time flew by! We laughed and chatted about cultural differences, books we were reading, and poltics. And, Mirto was showing us Americans what our names look like in Greek and Arabic - very interesting folks. We missed our bus and had to take a taxi, but that, we figured was the sign of a good night!

Ευχαριστίες για μια καλή νύχτα!
(Thanks for a good night!)

What was supposed to be a nice MELLOW Birthday

Well - I had mentioned to a few folks that my birthday was coming up, and last Friday, during class, a few folks surprised me with hugs and kisses and some cards during class to wish me a happy birthday - 31. Not creeping around anymore... definitely in the 'thirties'.

I had intentions of making it out to be a very mellow night. I knew that Wade was going to be in Edinburgh since his students had their day trip on that day and I hoped that he and Tim and I could have a dinner and some drinks. Of course, Ryan thinks inviting one more person may not hurt. I saw Iason on the Thursday before my birthday, and knowing that Tim and Wade and I were probably going to hang out at mostly gay bars, I figured I would invite him out; I was sure he didn't get to do the gay scene all too often. So, it would be the four of us. The next day, I bump into Catherine, also from my program, and she asks me what I am doing for my 'big night out'. Well, I proclaimed that it was just going to be a nice night out of dinner and drinks, and when she said she wanted to meet us out 'later on', I said why not! (She also decided to bring Cera, another wonderful girl from the program). SOoooooo, after dinner, (oops, Henry and Ann texted, they were out and wanted to meet us for one drink. Well, a great dinner at the Blue Moon and several beers at The Street with Wade, Henry and Ann had been had before Iason, Catherine and Cera show up. Everybody wants to buy the birthday boy a drink and then it begins... A cosmopolitan, another pint, a shot... Ryan suggests a change of venue as The Street was getting a bit crowded. Iason suggests going to Club Ego, and, despite the £5 cover, it sounded like a GREAT idea!!! We lose Cera to a 'friend' texting her presence being requested elsewhere... but the 5 of us (Henry and a very drunk Ann had to go home) proceeded into Club Ego, bump into friends Neil and Stuart, have more shots, more lagers and then ONE more shot. Ugh... I'm 31, not 21. Which explains why we were shaking our asses on the dance floor like it was our first time and we were competing for spots on the Solid Gold Dance floor. Following Neil's lead, I shirtless and dancing on top of a stage screaming to the latest Madonna song.... ugh. Again, what is happening. Hey, I like the human body! Unfortunately it is MY body and everyone else has to suffer seeing it.

I think the BEST part of it all is, hearing about ALL the 'FUN' I had from my classmates who weren't even there and, I'm like "Oh, you must have been talking to Catherine". I'll get that little shot vixen back...

Birthday Presents

Being the dizzy cow that I am....my mobile phone got lost or stolen last week. I'm a little upset about that. Being the lovely boy that he is, my darling Tim bought me a new one already. I'm so lucky. On the topic of presents, I got an amazing and huge bouquet of flowers from John and Mary, along with a card and a small bar of handmade soap from the Hebrides. Very thoughtful. And thanks to the many 'e' and paper cards that came my way - it is always nice to get such wonderful greetings.

Professional Development - Teaching the SCC

I sent a letter to the National Council of Social Studies listserv that I have been on for the past 3 or 4 years to provide them with some feedback on the wonderful semester I had - using ideas that I solicited from that wonderful professionals on that listserv. I think it merits being an entry today.

January 2006

Back in June I asked for advice from this listserv on how to structure and teach a course on culture and a few asked me to share the results. I have to say - the semester went terrifically. I took many (if not all!) of your ideas.

I set up the 15 week semester into 5 sections. Within each section, I had various field trips, daily work, assessments, small group meetings, large group (the former run by students, the latter by me) and informal experiences. I'll spare you from every little detail of the term, but would like to share some details; your suggestions went so well, I plan on duplicating the whole set up again for spring term.

Thanks! Ryan

There are field trips and host family experiences going on usually at least once a week. The students met with me during orientation week, then again 5 times through out the semester. On 'off' weeks, they met in small groups. The 15 weeks were divided up into 5 three week sections:

The five sections:

1. Identifying Culture
2. Developing an Historical Context
3. Making Connections
4. Drawing Conclusions
5. Cultural Competence
   

Identifying Culture
We discussed the Iceberg model of culture. I had the students make some predictions about Scottish Culture (which they would revisit during the last week and 'correct'). They read a brief article on the tangibles and intangibles (values, beliefs, etc.) in culture. Within each of the 5 sections (so once about every 3 weeks), the students completed a 2000 word journal with pre-arranged topics (topics which still allowed for creativity and flexibility). The students, in 'clan' groups of 8, went on a scavenger hunt in Edinburgh.

Developing a Context
The students met in groups of 5 to discuss their first impressions, learning thus far from host families, scavenger hunt, etc. They were also assigned the first of 3 larger assessments (projects): a tic-tac-toe research paper. I'm sure many of you have seen or use this type of assessment. 9 topics from politics/history/economics /social themes/literature/science were placed on the grid. Students needed to take any three in any row, research them and connect them in a 1,500 word paper. Large group seminar found me discussing their papers with them as I was trying to draw out what they were learning about Scottish cutlure over there 6 weeks so far; accessing their knowledge from their British-taught courses as well, they were able to grasp the 'context' for the culture and why certain attitudes prevailed over others or explain the prevalence of objects/symbols (religious icons) in public or private arenas, and so forth. The real challenge of this project was the short length requirement - they really needed to focus on what was important and be able to link it to other major themes. They also submitted a journal.

Making Connections
Again, students meet in small groups to process their learning without the teacher. I should note that all of these meetings had a structure to them and required brief (typed) notes. During this phase, students were asked to reflect on similarities and differences between at least 2 articles from Scottish newspapers and 2 articles from American newspapers (on the same theme, e.g., security), watch Hollywood made movies about Scottish history (e.g., Braveheart - and all of its errors ;-) and along with their discussions with host families and all of the field trips they have been on (Wallace Monument, Sterling Castle, New Lanark, etc) describe how the past is reflected in the present and how media portrays or represents culture correctly and where it exaggerates attitudes and beliefs (influences nationalism or contributes to a sense of identity).

Drawing Conclusions
In an attempt to leave stereotypes and myths, this section asked the students to complete Project 2: "Scottish Novel Report". Each student had to read and review a Scottish novel, and along with the basic dissection of the setting/plot/conclusion as they related to Scottish culture/identity, they had to connect the story to an event (defining moment) in their life. Discussions in the seminar about cultural, universal and personal values were engaging after an assignment like this. Furthermore, it was good to have the students draw out the idiosyncrasies of Scottish culture that were infused into the works of literature - utilizing over 50 titles, there was a great amount of diversity in what the students seized from the project and then shared in large group. Of course, they again had more field trips to York and a Scottish Mining museum and the Dalkeith Palace to write about in journals and discuss in their small group meetings.

Cultural Competence
The last component had them reflecting on their previous four small group sessions and identifying how their views had changed or were reinforced. They were then charged with the task of planning a culturally significant and culturally sensitive house trip (similar to the 5 or 6 house trips through the semester). They had to budget the trip, outline pre-departure plans, create an itinerary, find hotel/hostel accommodations, and ultimately justify, with historical/political/social information about why the destinations ('Iona' or 'Viking Fire Festival' in the Shetland Islands) would be significant for student learning and finally, create a post-trip assessment or survey. Thanks was a fantastic idea - thanks again. The students could sympathize with how difficult it is to plan a trip and truly figure out how and why places might typify Scottish culture. (This project was their only group one and was presented during large group seminar.)

In summary: 5 journals (2,000 words each) 5 small group meetings, documented (student led - every other week) 5 large group meetings (teacher led - the opposite week of sm. group) 3 Projects (Research paper, Novel report, Planning a trip [group])

Things I would change: As educators you know there is always room for improvement. The semester really did go very well, so the changes I make are going to be on the written directions I give for the 3 projects (I can't assume that just because I am working with college students that I can gloss over details - I need to be just as clear as with 9th graders as it is still a room full of diverse learners). Second, and this is a process piece, but I think I'd like to structure my large group meetings in such a way that the students either lead them or do most of the talking. Although productive, I found myself stating (or re-stating) the 'ah-ha' learning taking place. The job of a teacher is to summarize, but I need to investigate some tools that will prompt the students to come prepared to share an 'ah-ha' type of moment to the seminars, and then get them do some of the verbal summarizing; they need to be the meaning-makers of their experience. All in all, it went very well.

Thanks again.

Semester 2 has begun!

A new year is here and the work starts up again. I am looking forward to my courses (until the essays come due, of course ;-)

My schedule:

Tuesdays: American Foreign Policy 11-1pm
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course examines the foreign policy of the United States. It places contemporary foreign policy in historical context and examines its evolution, especially since the end of the Cold War, with 9/11 and the Iraq war as key reference points. Specifically, the course will focus on how the architecture of US government, domestic political factors, and the politics of Homeland Security shape policy, as well as the possible roles of alliances and international organizations in the so-called War on Terrorism. The major theme will be the nature of POWER, and whether America’s hard military power can compensate for the apparent diminution of its attractive or ‘soft power’. Students will be encouraged to grapple with the questions: is the United States still the only genuinely global power in the 21st century? Does its power translate to influence?

I am expecting to bring a lot of this information into my classroom back at Rogers!

Thursdays: Political Theory of International Human Rights 12-2pm
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course aims to assess competing accounts of the basis and implications of human rights in a global context. The course analyses the formal features in virtue of which talk about rights in general, and human rights in particular, is normatively distinctive, conceptually intelligible and practically applicable; it critically evaluates competing accounts of the normative basis of human rights, with particular reference to the question of how to reconcile universalistic claims with historical specificities of the human rights discourse; it seeks to understand how and why some human rights are more controversial than others, and to appreciate and assess the various criteria that are proposed for distinguishing 'genuine' human rights from 'mere aspirations'; and it aims to appreciate the mutually illuminating linkage between theoretical disputes about the basis and content of human rights and practical issues of political organisation in a global context.



Fridays: Social and Political Movements 2-4pm
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Why do social movements occur? How do they occur? What form of protest is used? Are the movements successful.

I selected all of these (unlike my core courses) so, in theory, I should LIKE all of them very much.

Here's to a good semester.

Year in Review

Some highlights of 2005 - pictures on shutterfly! www.shutterfly.com

Janurary

Rang in the New year in Alnwick Castle with friends, including Lisa, Ann and Karey.
Visited Roslyn Chapel with Ann, Karey and Lisa [see picture]
Watched Alexander at the theatre, and Mean Girls and Amelie on video
First heard the 'little girl' ghost talking with Mary and Tim in the Dining Hall
Visited Holyrood Palace
Went on the Auld Reekie Witch Tour for my birthday

February

Welcomed the spring faculty and students of the WIS program - 93 of them all together!
We had our first (and BIG) snow at Dalkeith Palace [see picture]
'Meet the Fockers' in theatres - attend with John and Mary.
Visited Berwick and Holy Island
Attended a fundraising event at the Assembly, with Sandy and Victoria for 'Switch' (gay and lesbian phone line) [see picture]
Finished the book, How the Scots Invented the Modern World
Wrote my second Leave of Absence letter

March

Applied for many scholarships
Visited the Duke of Buccleach's current residence in Bowhill [see picture]
Finished the book, Up Oor Close, a story about Glasgow tenament life
Visited Durham Cathedral and York Minister as part of student house trip[see picture]
Enjoyed an especially nice day with Tim - good dinner and movies and laying around the flat.
Started the first leg of our Highland Spring Break.

April

Finished our Highland Spring Break - drove from Portree (Isle of Skye) to Glasgow [see picture]
Flew home for my sister Lori's wedding [see picture]
Attended my good friend Kelly's wedding [see picture]
Visited Amsterdam - the Keukenhof was in peak bloom - Amazing [see picture]

May

Held 82 individual conferences with students and handed back their SCC research papers.
Had a Bonfire 'shirt-signing' party for the house [see picture]
Jamie visited us for a week - we spent some time in London as well. [see picture]
Bike to the sea with Jamie. [see picture]
Mary Alice Haug visits with her SDSU students.
Watched Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
Summer group arrives
House trip to Tantallon [see picture]
My friend Gail and her daughter Brianna and son-in-law Chris arrive

June

Went on a 'Literary Pub Tour' with Gail, Brianna and Chris
Visited historic Newhailes house (home of the architect responsible for Dalkeith Palace)
Visited Glenkinchey Distillery
Hill walking in the Borders
Dumped hotmail in favour of Gmail ;-)
Finished my first book for grad school prepartion, Understanding International Relations
Dinner at Sandy and Victoria's for Tims's 35 (and Sandy's 45th) birthday
Attended a BBQ at Henry and Ann's - Fantastic day!
Tom and Lisa visited

July

Saw our friends Maura, Steve and her parents off to England.
Away to Amsterdam with Tom and Lisa
Visited the Riksmuseum and took a Candle light Canal Tour
Hosted a July 4th Party for students and friends of the house
Visited the US to see friends and family - TOO MUCH Fun!
Got Crazy in Chetek Wisconsin!
Celebrated Victoria's 50th birthday.
Celebrated Cath's 56th birthday![see picture]

August

Took the month off from smokes and drinks
Celebrated living in Scotland for ONE year!
Climbed Arthur's Seat with Tim [see picture]
Walked St. Abb's Head with Tim
Went to Edinburgh Fringe Festival shows: Topping and Butch and PamAnn
Visited friends in Alnwick - took the Alnwick city tour by Mitchell's
Went to Barcelona for a holiday [see picture]
Dinner with Sandy and Victoria, John and Mary in the Music room [see picture]

September

Fall students arrive
Grad school starts - 3 courses
Re-designed the SCC course and facilitated it for 49 students
Hill walking with students - to Cheesewell [see picture]
Sunday evening social at the Assembly with my IEP colleagues
House Trip to Bamburgh Castle on the sea [see picture]

October

Dinner out with Paul and Kim and Cath at the Stables
First essays for IEP progam due
To Alnwick for Fall Break
Halloween party with students [see picture]
Halloween party with my IEP program [see picture]

November

Attended 'The Burn' - a social and academic weekend for my IEP in the Scottish Highlands [see picture]
Visited Durham and York with student House Trip - let our hair down a bit!
Kris and Jodi visited [see picture]
Went to Glasgow to see PamAn with Jodi, Kris and Wade and Tim
First term of Grad school ends
Celebrated Thanksgiving with a wonderfully cooked meal by Henry

December

Visited Belgium - stayed in Brussels, visited Bruge as well
Wrote and turned in 3 (finals) essays for my IEP course
Sent off the Fall students - LOTS of hugs this year, sniff.
Visited Gran Caneria for our holiday
Spent Christmas dinner with John and Mary and Bobbi and Tim and Gentry - opened gifts and then to a party
Welcomed Chris, Boy Corey, Amy, Dan, Tammy and Kim to the palace
Had a fab Boxing Day party - diverse mix of people
Enjoyed a SMASHING New Year's Eve night out - 10 of us all together


A great year - I am very lucky!

Will Young - A great gift for many

One of my favourite gifts this year was the new Will Young CD. Beautiful songs, diverse sounds and an amazing voice. The lyrics on this particular song made me think of a lot of friends in my life who are looking for that special someone. Take it as advice or as reassurance, but I found it to be powerful.

"All Time Love"

Sometimes you walk by the good ones
'Cos you're trying to hard, too hard to see them
And sometimes you don't find the right lines
'Cos you're trying too hard, too hard to hear them
But you know what it feels like
'Cos you're like me
And you won't give up
'Till an all time love
'Cos nothing else is good enough
I want an all time love to find me

Some days you're too set in your ways
And you forget to shut up, shut up and listen
And some days you just have to misplace all your mistakes
Somewhere that you won't miss them
So stop lying that you're fine
'Cos you're like me
And you can't give up

'Till an all time love
'Cos nothing else is good enough
I want an all time love to find me

I don't believe that it's a failing
I don't believe that it's a fault
'Cos if everything were plain sailing
Oh tell me what would there be left to resolve

But an all time love
'Cos nothing else is good enough
I want an all time love to find me
I want an all time love
'Cos nothing else is good enough
I want an all time love to find me

Good Friends, Good Times - Here's to 2006

Kim and Tammy are leaving tomorrow to back to the US. They took us out to The Dome tonight for some cocktails and appetizers - quite a posh place. Chris, Amy and Corey left this morning, not before a 'no show' taxi and some early morning jitters about getting to the airport on time!! Dan left on New Year's Day (the day of rest ;-) and Gentry will depart for Amsterdam on Thursday to do his shows. A memorable Xmas day dinner, a fun Boxing Day party, countless trips to Edinburgh to visit the sights and have dinner/drinks and a spectacular New Years Eve evening - cocktails at Lloyds and then the Street, dinner at Gulianos, a stop in at Finnegan's Wake, and then James' house party were just a few highlights of the week's holiday enjoyed by all of us. Oh, I cannot forget the Baileys and coffee ghost tour, Ian's '666, Sign of the Beast' quip to Amy at the Coach and Horse, staying up until 7am on NYE dancing to and singing along with Martina McBride, discussing love and life and the crazy nights out at the Black Bull, Sam's and the Coach and Horses!!!

I really am so extremely fortunate to live the life that I do. The friends I have are unbelievable. Caring, loving, thoughtful and truly gracious people. A week of reminiscing, laughing (and MORE laughing) and exploring the Edinburgh city points of interest and pubs has been rejuvenating for me. Tim and I are fortunate to be able to share our wonderful experience with everyone. I already miss everyone so much it hurts. Thank you for all being there, visiting us here, and making our lives, my life, that much better. I will never be able to truly express how much I enjoy and appreciate all the blessings I receive from knowing, hanging out and growing old with all of you.

If the start to 2006 is any indication to how the year is going to be, I am looking forward to every minute of it!

Check out Harper's Weekly Review!

In just one year...

YEARLY REVIEW

The number of people killed by the Indian Ocean tsunamirose to 230,000. A study showed that 310,000 Europeans diefrom air pollution each year, and the U.N. predicted that... for more: click Paul Ford