December 29, 2005
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THURSDAY WHATEVERI’ve been meaning to acknowledge this interesting trio of 2005 winners. Couldn’t be further away on the spiritual spectrum from last year’s choice, who will hopefully be impeached by the time of next year’s choice. I’ve always liked Bill Gates in spite of how gnarly most folks are about Microsoft. He just has that endearing geek look about him and he’s been giving his money away almost faster than he earns it to various wonderful causes. His foundation with his wife concentrates mainly on education and global health and god knows there’s a need in these days when we can’t even come up with vaccine for an impending avian flu epidemic, or money for our local school systems. Bono somehow never really got on my radar screen, though of course I know he’s famous and U2 is one of the most successful rock bands in the world. I’ve known he was an activist but not paid close attention. His foundation is called DATA (debt, AIDS, trade, Africa) and out of it came the ONE Campaign to Make Poverty History. He also has the best shades of anybody. Now Melinda Gates is really an unknown to me so I looked up her bio. Aha, she’s a former Microsoft unit manager who married Bill in 1994 when she was 30, so that makes her 41 now. She was valedictorian of her class at private school in Texas. She graduated from Duke in computer science and went on for an MBA there. She and Bill have three kids under 9. Whenever I see them on the news they strike me as folks who don’t spend their time carousing and bribing politicians and partying on yachts like other billionaires seem to do. So I like this year’s choice. It’s called Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is. And they take a great photo, don’t they?
Deep Thought: “I bet a fun thing would be to go way back in time to where there was going to be an eclipse and tell the cave men, “If I have come to destroy you, may the sun be blotted out from the sky.” Just then the eclipse would start, and they’d probably try to kill you or something, but then you could explain about the rotation of the moon and all, and everyone would get a good laugh.”
Today I am grateful for: That I haven’t caught a cold yet this winter
Guess the Movie: “You think you’re God Almighty, but you know what you are? You’re a cheap, lousy, dirty, stinkin’ mug! And I’m glad what I done to you, ya hear that? I’m glad what I done!” Answer: On the Waterfront, 1954.
Winner: VaporousVenom.
2006: The Year the Chickenhawks Will Go Home to Roost
by Cindy Sheehan
Since hot, hot Camp Casey in August, some amazing grass roots actions have taken place all over the country. People are starting to speak up and Congress has begun to take action against the criminal and neo-Fascist regime that tried to take over America. (Rest of article here.)
Comments (17)
Bill and Bono I am most aware of…but I had no idea she was so active as well…just figures when your partner is, so will you…nice tribute here from you and Time magazine!
I think that the Gates do a little bit of bribing. They are often in trouble for having a monopoly and such and so do donate to the evil world of politics. . At least some of the $$$ they make goes to good. Certainly a much better choice than lst year.
I so got into reading all the different and wonderful things you have to offer that to be honest I have no idea how I even got here. Just want to thank you for all your thoughts and wisdom…God bless you…P
I agree. I think the Gates are the two most admirable people in the country right now. What a great trio. Thanks for this post. My husband read it first; he also agrees. Happy New Year, and thanks for making my xanga reading a lot more interesting.
Hey Andrea, Yes lets get together maybe I will just come to next weeks meeting. I forgot it today and spent the day junking at the used stores. Judi
I’ve always been a fan of Bill and Melinda. They seem like good people.
I just finished reading this issue and I was impressed by the level of commitment that this trio has displayed. Like they mention in the article, it’s just the beginning but if their acts inspire others to act also, then we have something to hope for.
Great Trio.
I havent read the issue, but now that I have read your post…I will for sure. Thanks
Just a note to tell you I am busy getting well lol now how long has it been oh yes 30 years. Judi
I like anybody you like, just ’cause I like YOU so much. The speaker sounds like Jimmy Cagney, so I’ll just say, I don’t know, “White Heat.” ??
Aha, the first guess on the movie. Great guess too. Think contender.
That was a great Time article! I read it on the plane at Christmas. Such a great job they are doing.
RYC: Ya…I put more goals on vacation this year so I could be sure to include my R&R time….I needed more of that this past year!!! but…yay for new years and new starts!!
Hello,
I think Time chose three really good people this year. ABC news chose Geroge Bush Sr. and Bill Clinton.. (?) I do like Bill Clinton my fellow Arkansan and in my eyes a good president.
“On the Waterfront”?
I came to wish you a Happy New Year!
Peace and Love:)
On the WaterFront – yay! Mr. Marlon.
Woke up too late. “Contender” was the clue. Thass okay. VaporousVenom’s good people. Happy New Year, all, and I get a glow, just knowing that I know you.
Bill Gates is from around these parts…..it is refreshing to know that he does some good with his fortune….
Wow, I knew one, but the clue really made it easier.Sorry twoberry .. good people too you are.
Peace and Love:)