Stephanie’s Blog

Fly Like an Eagle…

September 3rd, 2010 by stephanie

Remember that song? I am singing it as I write: Fly like an eagle, to the sea. Fly like an eagle let my spirit carry me…and so on. I’m showing my age by typing those lyrics, but it reminded me of the saying that calls us to soar with the eagles and not play with the turkeys. A friend sent me this story that I am sharing with you below. You’ve most likely already seen it yourself, but I thought it would be a great reminder as we go into our weekend. Something to really ponder, and too, to put a smile on your face. Enjoy!
—————————–
Harvey Mackay tells a wonderful story about a cab driver that proved this point. He was waiting in line for a ride at the airport. When a cab pulled up, the first thing Harvey noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a white shirt, black tie, and freshly pressed black slacks, the cab driver jumped out and rounded the car to open the back passenger door for Harvey. He handed my friend a laminated card and said: ‘I’m Wally, your driver While I’m loading your bags in the trunk I’d like you to read my mission statement.’

Taken aback, Harvey read the card. It said: Wally’s Mission Statement: To get my customers to their destination in the quickest, safest and cheapest way possible in a friendly environment…This blew Harvey away. Especially when he noticed that the inside of the cab matched the outside — Spotlessly clean! As he slid behind the wheel, Wally said, ‘Would you like a cup of coffee? I have a thermos of regular and one of decaf.’ My friend said jokingly, ‘No, I’d prefer a soft drink.’ Wally smiled and said, ‘No problem I have a cooler up front with regular and Diet Coke, water and orange juice..’ Almost stuttering, Harvey said, ‘I’ll take a Diet Coke.’ Handing him his drink, Wally said, ‘If you’d like something to read, I have The Wall Street Journal, Time, Sports Illustrated and USA Today.’

As they were pulling away, Wally handed my friend another laminated card, These are the stations I get and the music they play, if you’d like to listen to the radio.’ And as if that weren’t enough, Wally told Harvey that he had the air conditioning on and asked if the temperature was comfortable for him. Then he advised Harvey of the best route to his destination for that time of day. He also let him know that he’d be happy to chat and tell him about some of the sights or, if Harvey preferred, to leave him with his own thoughts.

‘Tell me, Wally,’ my amazed friend asked the driver, ‘have you always served customers like this?’ Wally smiled into the rear view mirror ‘No, not always.. In fact, it’s only been in the last two years. My first five years driving, I spent most of my time complaining like all the rest of the cabbies do. Then I heard the personal growth guru, Wayne Dyer, on the radio one day. He had just written a book called You’ll See It When You Believe It. Dyer said that if you get up in the morning expecting to have a bad day, you’ll rarely disappoint yourself. He said, ‘Stop complaining! Differentiate yourself from your competition. Don’t be a duck. Be an eagle. Ducks quack and complain. Eagles soar above the crowd..’

‘That hit me right between the eyes,’ said Wally. ‘Dyer was really talking about me. I was always quacking and complaining, so I decided to change my attitude and become an eagle. I looked around at the other cabs and their drivers. The cabs were dirty, the drivers were unfriendly, and the customers were unhappy. So I decided to make some changes. I put in a few at a time. When my customers responded well, I did more.’

‘I take it that has paid off for you,’ Harvey said. ‘It sure has,’ Wally replied. ‘My first year as an eagle, I doubled my income from the previous year. This year I’ll probably quadruple it. You were lucky to get me today. I don’t sit at cabstands anymore. My customers call me for appointments on my cell phone or leave a message on my answering machine. If I can’t pick them up myself, I get a reliable cabbie friend to do it and I take a piece of the action.’

Wally was phenomenal. He was running a limo service out of a Yellow Cab. I’ve probably told that story to more than fifty cab drivers over the years, and only two took the idea and ran with it. Whenever I go to their cities, I give them a call. The rest of the drivers quacked like ducks and told me all the reasons they couldn’t do any of what I was suggesting. Wally the Cab Driver made a different choice. He decided to stop quacking like a duck and started soaring like an eagle.

Fly like an eagle…what does that look like in your world?
Just my thoughts.
S.

Filed under: Career/Job, Travel | No Comments »

Wave Your Colors. Wear ‘em Proud.

June 13th, 2010 by stephanie

I hope you have a flag somewhere. One that you can hang out in front of your home, or, perhaps place in your window. Maybe you have one of those table top stands that make for setting a flag on your kitchen or dining room table or even your desk at work. Why? Because June 14 is FLAG DAY!

“So”, you ask. “Just where did this special day come from?” Well now, please allow me to divulge.

President Woodrow Wilson, back in 1916, issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day. But it wasn’t until August 1949 that National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress.

Flag Day is not an official federal holiday. But, the great Keystone State, Pennsylvania, became the first (and only) U.S. state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday. For you infomaniacs, you can find the offical statute in Title 36 of the United States Code, Subtitle I, Part A, CHAPTER 1, § 110.

But, know this: it is at the President’s discretion to proclaim officially the observance. So be in watch…

Flag Day used to actually include Parades and Festivities. One of the longest-running Flag Day parades is actually held annually in Quincy, Massachusetts (home of President John Adams and Abigail). Quincy celebrations began in 1952.

Appleton Wisconsin’s Flag Day Parade will (celebrating their 60th this year) will feature the U.S. Navy.

The largest Flag Day ? Well, it’s held annually in Troy, New York, and patterns itself after the Quincy parade drawing up to 50,000 spectators!

The oldest continuing Flag Day parade? Fairfield, WA. Since 1909 or 1910, Fairfield has held a parade every year since and will celebrate the “Centennial” parade this year!
[For more research click here]
and Click here.

So there you have it. Wave your colors today. Wear them proud.

Just my thoughts.
S.

Filed under: History, Holidays, Politics, Travel | No Comments »

It’s the Simple Things…

April 11th, 2010 by stephanie

Many of you may be familiar with the once popular reality TV show that was called The Simple Life. It featured Paris Hilton and her BFF Nicole Richie. They would travel to the more rural areas, at times, and experience life outside of the Gucci and Prada set.

Now, I have been to, and pass through, Arkansas quite often, a place the TV show also visited. But nothing is as truly “simple” as the areas where you find the Amish folk.

My mother loves to devour any fiction book that features the Amish in its theme, so, when she was visiting me once, I figured it would be fun to take her down to the Amish community a few miles away.

I can tell you, there is nothing quite like the beauty of those gorgeous horses elegantly trotting down the lane as they pull those sweet carriages. Sitting inside are very quiet, composed riders. If you are fortunate enough to catch a quick glimpse as they pass, when you look at their faces, it appears as if their thoughts are miles away, while their ride methodically makes its way through town. It is in a way a poetry in motion of its own. I could sit and watch those and similar scenes over and over again when I am in “their” neck of the woods.

As we spent some time at the produce auction, we watched the barefooted little boys in their straw hats and their blue shirts as they downed cans of Coca Cola.

The teen-aged boys huddled in a back corner off to the side. And I bet you money they were talking about girls in those hushed tones that we heard wafting over the warm breeze. Men huddled, negotiating prices and quality, while the women, in their dresses, stayed on the other side the of the building minding the little ones.

When we headed out to leave, we decided to take a drive down the dirt roads and past their homes. This was when we noticed that it was laundry day. “Wash on Monday” as the old saying goes. That made sense. Sabbath was over and it was time for a fresh new week. Gardens needed tending, food needed preparing. What they had done last week, they would begin anew during this one. They knew the drill. Season after season after season. There is something soothing about simplicity and routine.

It got to me. “Why do we feel the need to be so busy?” And, more than that, I got to thinking, “Why do I need so much stuff?” These people are truly of the “…with food and clothing, with these we shall be content” crowd. It was at the least – inspiring.

I don’t know about you, but the more I am around money, or those who have it, I find that I too need, well, more. Why? I have no idea. I have food. I have clothes. But suddenly I feel that I need that special new handbag or that condo at the beach. However, when I step away, even for a short time (like I did for those few hours that day in Amish Country) to where the simple life is led, it’s amazing the perspective that comes washing over me. These people require very little. And their lives seem healthy and whole. Perfect? No. But there’s something to be said for the simple life, I’m just sayin’.

Tell you what, if we find ourselves stressing and straining this week over the “don’t haves”, let’s agree to pause, if you will, and ask ourselves three things: Do we have clothes? Do we have food? Do we have a roof over our head? If you and I can answer “yes” to each of those questions, for today, I’d say we’re doing pretty good.

Just my thoughts.

Filed under: Career/Job, Family, Financial, Spirituality, Travel | No Comments »

Are you Green or Orange this St. Patty’s Day?

March 15th, 2010 by stephanie

When we see or think of St. Patty’s Day, we think green. We wear green. We eat green things. Perhaps that’s due, in large part, to the fact that Green was the color of the Flag for Irish Catholics. But did you know that Orange was the color of the Protestant flag? It’s true. I learned that little tid bit from my grandfather. “We were orange,” he used to say. “And we came from County Cork.”

My grandfather would remind me about that history, without fail, each and every St. Patrick’s Day. He wasn’t trying to make a point, he was just proud that he knew something about our heritage and he was pleased to pass that knowledge along to me.

But the tidbit of info in regards to the original St. Pat is what I love to remember each year as well. Did you know that he was not a Leprechaun who danced in clover but rather was an actual son of wealthy British parents that lived in the 4^th century? Here’s the scoop.

At the age of 16, Patrick was taken prisoner by Irish raiders who attacked his family’s estate. The bandits took the lad to the Island of Ireland where he spent his captivity working as a shepherd, outdoors and away from people. It was during this frightening time of isolation that he discovered Christ and developed a strong faith. Legend has it that he began to have dreams of winning the Irish to Christianity. Now, that’s what I call a heart for ministry!

After more than six years as a prisoner, Patrick made a run for it – and escaped. Believe it or not, there are actual writings of his that survived and exist to this day. He wrote of a voice, which he believed to be God’s. It spoke to him in a dream, telling him it was time to leave Ireland. And, boy did he.

Patrick walked nearly 200 miles from County Mayo to the Irish coast. After escaping to Britain, he recorded a second vision. This time, it was an angel in a dream, that told him to return to Ireland as a missionary! And you know what? He did just that. But much later.

Patrick first threw himself into studying his new faith. 15 years later, he became an ordained priest and was commissioned to Ireland. His mission? To minister to Christians already living in Ireland and to begin to convert the Irish.

And there you have it. When you hit that board meeting, coffee chat or water cooler today, hopfully you’ll have something new on which to dish. Perhaps your listeners will be “green” with envy. Who knows.

Here’s to St. Pat and his green. And here’s to those of us that are Orange!

Just my thoughts,

Filed under: History, Holidays, Spirituality, Travel | No Comments »

Last Big Shindig…

February 16th, 2010 by stephanie

Well, today is Mardi Gras. French for “Fat Tuesday”. This day, before Ash Wednesday, is known for the huge celebration that occurs before the 40-day period known to many faithful followers of the church as LENT. If you aren’t familiar with Lent, it is the period of perparation and remembrance before Easter (Resurrection day). And, is the supposed season of abstinence. Some people love it. Some people fear it.

But for today, the focus is on a big, happy Last Hurrah: Carnival. I dated a guy who repeatedly told me how much he loved Marid Gras. I remember him holding up and pointing out to me a box full of celebratory photos. Ironically, he refused to show me the pictures of his precious trips to the Big Easy. Hmmmmm. Our dating season didn’t last long.

Carnival period, as it is known, begins around Epiphany (or Twelfth Night/January 6) and ends on Ash Wednesday (tomorrow). The two most famous cities that take part in this long held tradition?
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and New Orleans, Louisiana–of course.

But did you know that Venice, Italy is actually home to one of the most famous Carnival celebrations in the world? Carnival of Venice ring a bell? Yep. They can actually find record of festivities dating back to the year 1268!

In 1294 A.D., a chap named Comte de Provence Charles II, Duc d’Anjou attended the festivities in Nice, France. And, apparently Carnival even back then included balls, masquerades, bonfires, jugglers, mimes, and more. There was a catch however, if you wanted to take part you had to show up in costume with a mask.

Today, to me, like any festival, it’s all about the food.
If you’re from Ireland or the United Kingdom, the festival for you is called “Shrovetide” (and today for you is Shrove Tuesday). And in your neck of the woods it’s all about the pancakes. You even refer to this day as Pancake Day!

But for those of us in the Deep Southern states, who do the Mardi Gras thing, it’s all about the King Cake (Twelfth Night Cake). For our readers that might not quite be up to speed on this particular tasty treat, the cake is symbolic of the journey the Three Wisemen took to visit baby Jesus. Supposedly, their journey lasted 12 days and found them arriving on January 6-Epiphany. Coming together for you a bit?

This cake is similar to the All-American cinnamon roll, topped with icing or sugar, usually baked in a ring shape, and, frosted or iced with the three colors of Mardi Gras: gold, green, and purple (symbolic of power, faith, and justice). And of course, in honor of our three kings.

The baker of the King Cake hides a surprise in the cake, usually a dried red bean or a figurine of a baby representing the Christ child. When the cake is cut whoever gets the piece with the hidden treasure is said to enjoy good luck for the coming year. Or, you have to bake the King Cake or throw the Mardi Gras party next year.

Whatever the case, I am always amazed, that if you look deep enough into most holidays or festivals (at least those created prior to the 1900s) you will find a religious connection or symbolism.

So there you have it. Today is the feast day (Mardi Gras) before the famine (Lent). So, have your King Cake and eat it too. Come back tomorrow, and we’ll fill you in on Ash Wednesday and the days ahead. As always, for today…

Just my thoughts.

Filed under: History, Holidays, Spirituality, Travel | 1 Comment »

Here’s a tip!

September 25th, 2009 by stephanie

Sometimes it’s the simplest of things in life that can make life better. Or, you could say, it’s the oddest or most mundane things that can surprise you and become the heroic.

She was heading out from a club. Her sister had been singing and she was there to support her and enjoy the evening. Pulling onto the freeway in her big Durango, she felt the precarious bump, bump, bump in the tires beneath that signals trouble.

Making her way over to the shoulder under the overpass, she realized, It’s 11:00 pm. I am a pregnant woman. Alone on the freeway. Not good.

Her husband had graciously remained at home watching the baby so she could enjoy the evening. As the child was sound asleep, he would not be able to leave and come to her rescue. Fortunately, her father took the call and was there in a short time.

Frantically working away, he finally got her up and running. As he began to pull away, she turned the key. Nothing. She tried again. But the battery would not cooperate. Once again, her car would not be taking her to safety.

Long story short, those wonderful flashing blue lights, that can strike fear into the heart of a speeding driver, appeared in her rearview mirror. Those lights felt like the arrival of the Cavalry that night to our damsel in distress.

After a quick assessment, the officer sauntered back to his car and returned with a Coke. What! she fumed to herself. You’re thirsty!? Casually, as if on cue, he twisted open the beverage and poured a bit into the cap. Odd, she thought. He then in turn poured the capful onto the corroded area of the battery.

“Start ‘er up,” he instructed. And with that, she did.

Finally, at 12:30 in the morning, she pulled away. Thanks to a bit of good ole “Co’cola”, as they say here in the South.

Now, I will tell you, I am a true Coke fan. Iced cold, if you don’t mind. But I had no idea that it could be a girl’s hero. My grandmother always reminded me of a science experiment they did in school. “We put a penny in that bottle of coke, and then one day, it was gone!” She never did much care for Coke after that.

This may not be the best method of car repair, and it could go with a disclaimer, “Please do not try this at home.” But, in a pinch, I’d say, keep that bottle of Coke in the back seat or the trunk. One just never knows.

A simple drink. Just a drop. Who knew? But I will say, it reminded me of a verse in the Bible. God, too, seems to enjoy using things we don’t think of to make a big splash in life. Check it out:

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;” 1 Cor. 1 :27

Just my thoughts. And, well, His. Which are always much better. But, hey.

Filed under: Not-Yet-Married, Travel | 1 Comment »

Do Not Exit While Train is Moving.

September 17th, 2009 by stephanie

As I worked my way and my luggage up the steps and into the train headed for Union Station, I plopped down into the first two available seats. I then hurriedly began the dance, shuffle, swirl where I tried to organize my things so as not to slow up those making their way down the aisle behind me.

Once everything was in place, I breathed that universal, “finally” sigh of relief. I had made it. Off the plane. Onto the transit bus. To the ticket window. Over the bridge. And now, onto the train headed for my destination.

It was the instruction card in the seat pocket in front of me that caught my eyes and conjured up an unexpected laugh. Which I quickly attempted to stifle.

“Do not exit the train while it is moving?” Really? Do people do that? Oh my.

(I also happened to notice it was in Braille as well. Hmmmmmm.)

It got me to thinking. Aren’t there certain things that should just be understood? “Givens”, we call them. But alas, a multitude of today’s population somehow never quite got the memo.

The one that reads:

- Dear young couple in the plane seats next to me. You do not need to be physically on top of each other and kissing throughout the entire flight. Honest. You will live long enough to do that once we land at the end of our 90 minute flight. And oh, yes, there are single people in the world that just don’t need that today. I, would be one of them. (Sigh.)

- Dear lady: Please cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough.

- Dear sir: When I am trying to get on the escalator, there is no need for you to race me. We will both get to the bottom (preferably both of us still standing) if you will just wait your turn. Some of us were fortunate enough to receive that “wait-in-line-lesson-thing” back in kindergarten, but I digress…
So, you can imagine my chuckle when the instructions in front of me kindly reminded me to stay seated until we reached our destination and the train had stopped.

I am pleased to report, I followed the directions.

In today’s day and age, guidelines are sometimes so “old school”. We threw them out in the 60s I guess? Not sure. But I do know that perhaps, etiquette, rules, instructions, directions…might not be such a bad thing after all.

Just my thoughts,

Filed under: Travel | No Comments »

Just stop it, will you?

September 3rd, 2009 by stephanie

“Would you stop?” Words we’ve all heard at some point or another. Or, perhaps words we have directed toward someone in our sphere that is continuing in a frantic pace. Busy children, friends with hectic schedules, family members with frenzied focus. Suddenly the words just seem to pop out: “Stop it. Will you? Just stop. Calm down. Chill. Rest. Ok”?

If you have ever been on the receiving end of those words, as I have, you know the embarrassed, almost flustered feeling you get when they finally sink in. You get it that you need to stop. Breathe. Rest. But…so much to be done. So much to be done. Right?

This verse seems to come round again and again to me. I would imagine that you have heard it, seen it, or may be familiar with it as well. It is from the book of Psalms and goes like this: Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Ps. 46:10

Hmmmm. Hard to believe God doesn’t need me to be busy today. To save the world. But alas, I guess he managed pretty well before me, and (sigh) hard to believe He will manage without me when I am gone. And the world will keep spinning and go on as well.

It was some research I did on the fact that even Jesus managed to tear himself away, that got my attention of late. And, I noticed He liked to get away to the water quite a bit. Like I do. One of His favorite places was on the north end of the Sea of Galilee. Take a look:

Matt. 8:18 ¶ Now when Jesus saw a crowd around Him, He gave orders to depart to the other side of the sea.

Matt. 9:1 ¶ Getting into a boat, Jesus crossed over the sea and came to His own city.

Matt. 13:1 ¶ That day Jesus went out of the house and was sitting by the sea.

Matt. 15:29 ¶ Departing from there, Jesus went along by the Sea of Galilee, and having gone up on the mountain, He was sitting there.

Mark 3:7 ¶ Jesus withdrew to the sea with His disciples; and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and also from Judea,

Anyway. You get the idea. So, if you were debating about getting away this weekend, I say, just do it. The world and it’s inhabitants will still be there when you get back. God will still be in His heavens and He will manage to handle things pretty well while you’re away. I promise.

Just my thoughts.
S.

Filed under: Career/Job, Family, Holidays, Travel | 2 Comments »

Tolerance. Has it Made Us Better? Safer?

April 21st, 2009 by stephanie

The frustrated individual was bemoaning the erratic behavior of a caller that had just left them a message. “Ok, what do you do with a bully?” I asked. Hoping to calm them a bit and help them regain their composure if not perspective.

“Punch them in the nose,” came the knowing yet exhausted response. He had it right.

A few moments after American Navy Seals took out three Somali pirates, thus ending a 5-day hostage nightmare for the Captain of the Alabama Maersk, I held my breath. I knew it would be just a matter of days, if not hours, before the critics started to complain.

Sure enough, Al Sharpton got on the air and talked about those three, African teen-agers that were merely doing their job, guarding the coast of Somalia. Coast Guards? Uh, really? Just doing their duty by jumping aboard an unarmed merchant ship, taking a hostage and holding an AK-47 to his back? For five days? And asking for millions of dollars? Hmmmmm….I don’t think so.

It got me to thinking about a particular person in my life that is just simply put, a bully. During a recent gathering, I was a bit forward and held my ground when that particular person came at me in front of a room of people. In my opinion, I think they were surprised. And I hope I sent a clear message. One that said: You don’t need to be rude and you need to check your facts before you bite!

Interestingly, I then came across a story that I found in a newsletter
(http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?print=yes&id=31474)

It went something like this.

Back in the 1970s, crime had gotten so out of hand in New York City, that people actually began posting “No Radio” signs in their cars to ward off vandals. Mayor Rudy Giuliani and his Commissioner William Bratton finally declared that they had had enough. And when they came across the “Broken Windows” theory, they knew they’d found their plan of action.

The Broken Windows theory simply states that if a building has a broken window that is not fixed, the message is sent that no one cares. Vandals believe there will be no consequences for their bad behavior, and, worse behavior follows.

However, once the broken window is fixed, it sends a clear message that someone cares about their community and that people are watching, which deters crime.

Acting on the Broken Windows theory, Giuliani and Bratton transformed New York from one of the most dangerous cities in America to the safest big city in the country. How? Simpy by treating minor crimes like vandalism, prostitution, and loitering like broken windows.

They deployed police to where they were most needed and, instead of tolerating these crimes and showing weakness to criminals the police showed strength. They instituted a “zero tolerance” policy for so-called minor crimes.

As criminals saw what was going on, crime slowed to an almost frozen pace. Citizens and tourists felt safer walking the streets and taking the subway and they took more responsibility for their neighborhoods and helped make them safer in return.

By restoring order to the streets police didn’t have to spend all their time responding to crime. Their show of strength inspired citizens to take care of their own communities which deterred criminals from committing crimes in the first place.

So, the moral of the story is. Sit back and the weeds will grow and the vandals will come. Stand up, take action and keep order, and your part of the world can become a much better and safer place.

Just my thoughts,
S.

Filed under: Career/Job, Politics, Travel | 1 Comment »

Perfect Wrap Up to a Perfect Day.

April 13th, 2009 by stephanie

TO THE SHORES OF TRIPOLI…

Sound familiar? It’s a line from the Marine Corp Hymn. And it has a lot to do with what went on in the news this week that led to a very happy ending on Easter Sunday! If you aren’t familiar with Tripoli and it’s place in American history. You’re in for some interesting trivia.

As the Somali pirates were preparing to board his ship, Captain Richard Phillips ordered his crew into a secured room. Then, he offered up himself as a living sacrifice to the terrorists that hungrily were waiting to devour.

I don’t know about you, but if I was in a room of people, and I knew we were in eminent danger, and there was no way out, I don’t know that I would think to first get them all out of harms way, and then hand myself over to the horrific unknown.

Many Americans may not be aware that America’s very first foreign war — undeclared but authorized by Congress — was waged by President Thomas Jefferson against the Barbary pirates. (If you don’t know where the Barbary Coast is, it’s the Northern Coast of Africa: now Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. And the capitol city of Libya? Tripoli!)

As early as the late 1700s, Europe wasn’t having much success keeping order in the seas, and Islamic piracy became big business in the Mediterranean and along the African Coast. Despite “tribute” payments to the “governments” in Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli and Morocco by the British, French and new American governments, merchant mariners were at risk of being taken hostage for ransom and having their ships and cargoes sunk or stolen.

Hmmmm. Sound familiar? It does to the crew of the merchant ship “Alabama” from the Maersk line!

By the time of Jefferson’s inauguration, in 1801, American ransoms and “tributes” (due to piracy) amounted to more than $1 million per year — back then! Jefferson promised to end the payments and ordered the U.S. Navy to protect American-flagged merchant vessels. This initiated a naval campaign against Tripoli. It almost worked.

Although Jefferson had sworn “not 1 cent for tribute” in the “First Barbary War” we paid out $60,000 in ransom for the 300 or so American citizens being held by Tripoli. Jefferson and Congress gave in and paid up…because of the value they placed on American lives.

In February 1804, in a scene that looks a lot like what three Navy seals pulled off yesterday, a U.S. Navy Lt. (Stephen Decatur) slipped unnoticed aboard and destroyed a captured American ship, – and saved the members of the ship’s imprisoned crew! (kinda of like Bourne Identity?)

A year later, a small group of U.S. Marines pulled off an amazing land mission and forced the surrender of the Tripolitan leader. Thus the line “to the shores of Tripoli” from the “Marines’ Hymn.”

But back to Captain Phillips. He valued life. So much so, that he gave up his own to save the lives of his crew. And how cool is it that it happened on Easter?

Life for life.

Filed under: History, Holidays, Politics, Travel | No Comments »

IStephanie’s Blog

Everyday Thoughts for Your
Everyday Life.