United 93

Some friends and I are going to see United 93 tonight. Rush interviewed the director and writer of the movie, Paul Greengrass and played excerpts on thursday and friday. Greengrass is a liberal but according to everyone who has seen the movie he gets it right.


To be honest I don't understand the hoopla at all that this movie is being done too soon. If anything I think we've waited too long. Too many people have forgotten what we are up against and what the enemy is willing to do. Amazingly all the critics are giving this movie high ratings and so are the American people who have seen it. But you notice that the MSM keeps pounding the drum that no one will go see this because its too hard. What kind of wimps do they think we are? And I think the MSM and the liberals don't want people to see it. They don't want Americans to be reminded of why this war on terror is so important.


It was interesting. Bill McCuddy and Richard Roeper were talking about the movie on O'Reilly's show and I found myself agreeing more with Roeper. I usually love what McCuddy says but he kept pounding home how difficult the movie was to watch and how people needed to be warned. I understand that sentiment and I realize there may be people who won't be able to see it. But David Beamer (Todd Beamer's dad) wrote an opinion piece talking about how important this movie is and recommended everyone see it to be reminded. I think if the families of the loved ones who died on United 93 can watch it, so can we.

Here are some excerpts from Beamer's very moving editorial:

"Paul Greengrass and Universal set out to tell the story of United Flight 93 on that terrible day in our nation's history. They set about the task of telling this story with a genuine intent to get it right--the actions of those on board and honor their memory. Their extensive research included reaching out to all the families who had lost loved ones on United Flight 93 as the first casualties of this war. And Paul and his team got it right.

There are those who question the timing of this project and the painful memories it evokes. Clearly, the film portrays the reality of the attack on our homeland and its terrible consequences. Often we attend movies to escape reality and fantasize a bit. In this case and at this time, it is appropriate to get a dose of reality about this war and the real enemy we face. It is not too soon for this story to be told, seen and heard. But it is too soon for us to become complacent. It is too soon for us to think of this war in only national terms. We need to be mindful that this enemy, who made those holes in our landscape and caused the deaths of some 3,000 of our fellow free people, has a vision to personally kill or convert each and every one of us. This film reminds us that this war is personal. This enemy is on a fanatical mission to take away our lives and liberty--the liberty that has been secured for us by those whose names are on those walls in Battery Park and so many other walls and stones throughout this nation. This enemy seeks to take away the free will that our Creator has endowed in us. Patrick Henry got it right some 231 years ago. Living without liberty is not living at all.

The passengers and crew of United 93 had the blessed opportunity to understand the nature of the attack and to launch a counterattack against the enemy. This was our first successful counterattack in our homeland in this new global war--World War III.

This film further reminds us of the nature of the enemy we face. An enemy who will stop at nothing to achieve world domination and force a life devoid of freedom upon all. Their methods are inhumane and their targets are the innocent and unsuspecting. We call this conflict the "War on Terror." This film is a wake-up call. And although we abhor terrorism as a tactic, we are at war with a real enemy and it is personal.

There are those who would hope to escape the pain of war. Can't we just live and let live and pretend every thing is OK? Let's discuss, negotiate, reason together. The film accurately shows an enemy who will stop at nothing in a quest for control. This enemy does not seek our resources, our land or our materials, but rather to alter our very way of life.

I encourage my fellow Americans and free people everywhere to see "United 93."

Be reminded of our very real enemy. Be inspired by a true story of heroic actions taken by ordinary people with victorious consequences. Be thankful for each precious day of life with a loved one and make the most of it. Resolve to take the right action in the situations of life, whatever they may be. Resolve to give thanks and support to those men, women, leaders and commanders who to this day (1,687 days since Sept. 11, 2001) continue the counterattacks on our enemy and in so doing keep us safe and our freedoms intact.

May the taste of freedom for people of the Middle East hasten victory. The enemy we face does not have the word "surrender" in their dictionary. We must not have the word "retreat" in ours. We surely want our troops home as soon as possible. That said, they cannot come home in retreat. They must come home victoriously. Pray for them."

McCuddy was upset because the movie makes you re-live that day. I think we need to re-live that day so we don't forget. I am a movie girl and movies help me process life and even though it will be hard I am looking forward to seeing the movie. I will update this post after I've seen it and tell you what I think.

UPDATE:
The movie was very good!! It was very intense and very moving. You did feel like you were viewing the day through the eyes of those on Flight 93 and the Air Traffic Controllers. It was disturbing to see the terrorists constantly praying to Allah. How could you really believe the god you were serving could bless the slaughter of innocent people?

The bravery of the passengers on the plane was impressive. Once they realized that the twin towers had been hit they knew it was a suicide mission and they knew they needed to do something. It amazed me that the terrorists allowed the passengers to make phonecalls and to talk amongst themselves. I think Moussaoui was supposed to be on this flight so they were short one man and they were all pretty young.

I cried a lot at the end as you watched the passengers' struggle to take the plane away from the control of the terrorists. I found myself wishing that they could've gotten to the cockpit sooner. But their courage was inspiring and who knows how many lives they saved by not allowing the plane to hit its target.

I highly recommend it!!

"United 93" No. 2 at box office

I am so excited!!--Tony Snow New White House Spokesman

UPDATE:
Fox News has confirmed that Tony Snow will be presented as the new White House Spokesman wednesday morning. Sing that song "I'm so excited" with me!!

I'm so psyched about this news. Rumor has it that Tony Snow is probably going to take the job as White House spokesman. Hat tip to Rebecca for sending me the article this morning.

A friend and I were talking and we think McClellan definitely contributed to Bush's low poll numbers. He was Bush's face and he sucked at it. We think Tony Snow may even be better than Ari was. Yahoo!!!!!

Here is an excerpt from the article of this awesome news:

"Sources close to the White House said Monday that Fox anchor Tony Snow is likely to accept the job as White House press secretary, succeeding Scott McClellan.

The sources said they expect him to announce his decision within the next few days.

A source familiar with the discussions said Monday that newly appointed Chief of Staff Josh Bolten asked Snow to make a decision by early this week.

Two sources familiar with the discussions said Bolten wanted to fill the post this week, as early as Tuesday.

Sources familiar with Snow's deliberations said he has been focusing on family, finances and his health, as he battles colon cancer."

Carpe Diem

It is a gorgeous day outside today!! I am going to work on my yard and my house. I was going to post on the news of all the Dems that are having ethics problems but that'll hold for another day. Today I'm going to Seize the Day and live life!! I'm in a good mood and I'm going to embrace life and be thankful for all of God's blessings :-)!! And I'll give everyone another Calvin & Hobbes to enjoy.

Good-bye Scott, Hello Tony!!

I've been accused of being a Rabid Bushie. I don't necessarily mind that title but I think a more accurate description would be I'm a loyal Bushie :-). I love Bush and make no apologies for that. I think he is a Godly man of integrity with core principles that he sticks too. For that he gets my loyalty unless or until he proves that he has abandoned his principles which I don't expect to happen anytime soon. That said, I am intellectually honest and I will admit that I've never liked Scott McClellan, I don't care who picked him.


As I mentioned in a previous post I loved Ari Fleischer. I still remember the first time I saw him I thought, "What was Bush thinking?" But it didn't take long to warm up to him and see his charm and realize how smart Bush was to pick him. With Scott McClellan there was apathy at first but then I noticed how he repeatedly looked like a deer in the headlights. I'm sorry, but conservatives have enough problems with the media, they don't need a deer to be their representative.


I don't want to be too harsh. McClellan has gotten unfairly pummeled by the MSM. And I'm sure he is a decent and nice guy. I have nothing against him, he just wasn't cut out to be a White House spokesman. So I was actually encouraged by yesterday's news that he was stepping down. Ofcourse the rumors are rampant about who will replace him. The biggest name making the rounds is Tony Snow. If he got the job I would be ecstatic. I love Tony Snow. But my thought is who would be crazy enough to want this job? The stress level has to be extremely high. Nevertheless, I would be a very happy camper if #1 Bush offered him the job and #2 Snow accepted. We shall see.

Alias

I have been under the weather today so haven't been able to post or visit. I was trying to think of something light I could post on. I'm very excited because Alias returns this wednesday after a couple months break. This is the last season so the last episodes should be good. I'm hoping that J.J. Abrams will not disappoint me and give the show a fantastic ending.


Rumor has it that Vaughn (Michael Vartan) isn't really dead (which is what we've all been hoping for) and that they are going to bring back Will (Bradley Cooper) for at least one episode. I had to laugh when I read Cooper's comments on coming back. He mentions that he is going to be tortured again for like the 8th time. But he plays such a good torture victim :-).

I was so disappointed in La Femme Nikita that it motivated me to go back and rewatch the earlier seasons of Alias. They are so good. It reminded me why I loved the show so much. The 1st 2 seasons are gold, the 3rd season is good but a little painful. The 4th season was a little disappointing. I think they made a big mistake by not having Cooper stay on the show and I know a lot of people who agree with me.

But the show is awesome and there is so much about it to love. The whole concept of a Woman spy who is able to kick some serious butt!! You absolutely love all of the main characters and there are some great scenes and great plotlines. I know I've already talked a lot of you into watching 24 but this is another show soooooooo worth your time. I'm looking forward to wednesday.

Why I love Scalia

"For Pete's sake, if you can't trust your Supreme Court justice more than that, get a life,"

It's hard to pick but if I could pick a political figure to meet after W high up on the list would be Donald Rumsfeld and Antonin Scalia. As you've probably figured out by now I love people who are anti-PC and just speak their mind. Scalia is brilliant, wise and refreshingly honest.

I will have to do an appropriate Conservative profile on him in the future with lots of info. But when I heard the quote at the top on Brit Hume's show I just knew I had to do a post on him.

Yesterday he was speaking at the University of Connecticut's law school. He said that not recusing himself from a case involving Cheney was his "proudest moment". I find it hard to believe with his numerous wise decisions that this was his "proudest moment". But I love him for being willing to stand up and say he's not ashamed of it and throw it back in the liberals whining' faces.

I read awhile back that his children had been encouraging him to get out and speak more. Boy, were they smart to do that.

I posted this quote recently which was from a speech in March:

"What is a moderate interpretation of (the Constitution)? Halfway between what it says and halfway between what you want it to say?" he said.

He said this at the beginning of his remarks:

"I brought three speeches, and I decided to give the most provocative one, because this seems to be too happy a crowd."

LOL--you gotta love him!

Jeff Jacoby wrote a great opinion piece about Scalia's point in that speech in "Scalia Loosens Up". He talks about how Scalia has a great sense of humor and shows it but also the point that the Supreme Court should not be giving moral judgments. This is the strict constructionist's (including myself) whole point--judges uphold the law not make it. He talks about how women got the right to vote through an amendment, which is how it should be. If you want the law changed you do it legislatively, not by stacking the court with activist judges.

And Scalia concluded by saying this:

"Twenty years ago, Scalia's nomination to the Supreme Court was approved by a unanimous Senate. Today, he says, a judge with his views — a judge who believes that social policy should be made democratically, not dictated from on high — could not be confirmed. That is something every democrat — small ''d" — should regret."

And my response to that is I can only hope and pray that isn't true!!

Iraqi Liberation Week

I found out about Iraqi Liberation Week at Skye's blog. Families United is remembering it all week. I highly recommend you all go to their site and check out all the great info they have and sign their letter. They have an awesome document called "Then and Now" that is a detailed report of Iraq and what has been accomplished there.


I have a homeschool group of girls that meet in my house and we are going to volunteer at Operation Iraqi Child. The warehouse where they put the school kits together is based here in KC. My husband already had his youth group volunteer there and it was a good experience. I think its an awesome way for kids to help and to feel like they're making a difference.

Party Pants

LIVE WELL, LOVE MUCH, LAUGH OFTEN

The above quote I got from Lone Pony's blog. It seems I get all kinds of good stuff from her :-)!! And she is applying that quote to her life right now by living it up on Spring Break in Cozumel :-). But that quote says it all. We all spend too much time worrying, being negative and hateful, crabby and pessimistic, fearful and sad, etc... It is human nature to dwell on the negative but we need to remember to enjoy life and embrace it and not take things so seriously.

I spent a huge part of my life taking everything way too seriously. If I didn't worry about this and that something catastrophic might happen. Thank God he brought me to terms with it and I felt him telling me to embrace life. My theme song is now LeeAnn Womack's "I Hope You Dance". This is the line that always motivates me:

"And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance"

The thought is instead sitting out of things because of fear take a chance, take a risk and live life.

I finally finished reading the book "Life is Short--Wear Your Party Pants" by Loretta LaRoche. It may not be a deep book but it has a great perspective on life. She helps you to embrace and live life. There are 10 chapters and each one starts with "An Amazing life requires...". And here are the 10 things that an amazing life requires:

1)Resilience
2)Living in the moment
3)Optimism
4)Acceptance
5)Humor
6)Creativity
7)Moderation
8)Responsibility
9)Meaning
10)Connection

Here are some quotes that I found especially meaningful and inspiring:

"We should never wait to celebrate life only on special occasions."

"My metaphor of wearing party pants is about more than just enjoying the things we have in the moment and not denying ourselves. It's about recognizing that within us we have a lot to give that makes life extraordinarily special. We can show appreciation and concern more often, hug each other with gusto, be more forgiving, and love each other in more profound ways."

"My mother used to always say to me, 'You can have fun when your chores are done.' And isn't that the way we all seem to be living our lives? We don't allow ourselves to have fun until all the menial tasks have been taken care of.

But guess what? Our chores are never done. Welcome to the real world! A life without stress is a life without challenges and passion.

Don't wait! Incorporate fun into as many moments as you can. At the end of your life, your eulogy should feature a list of all the wonderful things you did for yourself and others."

"Science has proven that people who employ a positive attitude tend to live longer and have a stronger immune system. In other words, optimism appears to be a natural antidepressant and mood enhancer.

I always tell my audiences that pessimists may be more accurate, but they don't live as long..."

"If you think the worst and get the worst, you suffer twice, if you think the best, and get the worst, you suffer once..."--Anonymous

"In fact, studies suggest that reality is overrated."

"People who are most closely in touch with reality are probably depressed."--Susan C. Vaughan

"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."--Winston Churchill

"Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has many; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some."--Charles Dickens

"As George E. Vaillant has said, humor is 'man's most elegant coping mechanism."

"We should never be content to be thwarted, inhibited versions of ourselves. Since the beginning of time, human beings have desired to be more, make more of ourselves, and essentially go where no one has dared to go before. Inside all of us is a deep desire to be creative. We're born full of curiosity, and we yearn to be unique."

"It's safer to "fit in", so we stop experimenting and daring to be silly. That's why it's ironic that many of the people we admire for being bold and different aren't really that unique. It's simply that they've chosen to expand their minds and souls rather than retract them."

"Where do you want to go, and what do you want to do? Are there ways you can see yourself leaving a legacy that reflects your life's work? Are there dreams you've always wanted to realize?"

In conclusion I hope this inspires and encourages you to: Live well, Love much and Laugh often!!!!

Overcoming the Odds

I love movies where the main character fights to overcome the odds and the naysayers and does. My husband and I went to see Annapolis tonight. It was soooo good!! A guy wants to get into the Naval Academy and fights hard to get there. Once there he is the underdog and almost gives up but doesn't and prevails.

I finally finished "Life is Short--Wear Your Party Pants". I'm going to do a post on what I learned from the book when I get a chance. But she has a great part in there about movies. Here's part of what she had to say:

"We're a storytelling species. Human beings learn about the human experience--and about our endless possibilities-- through stories. And what more exciting way to be told a story than at the movies? Watching movies that spark an optimistic view of life can help develop positive illusions, and serve as good examples for shifting our own behavior."

I was so encouraged to read that because I think it is so true for me. I love being inspired by others who refuse to give up and do something that others say they can't do.

For me there is a long list of movies that fit into that category. Here are just a few that come to mind:

1) Braveheart
2) Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken
3) Erin Brockovich
4) Legally Blonde
5) Working Girl
6) Shawshank Redemption
7) Wildcats
8) The Count of Monte Cristo
9) The Patriot
10) The Great Raid

Let me know if there are any movies that fit into that category for you.