One Thing Leads To Another

Albert Namatjira

Here we go again ... The stream of consciousness is taking off and running the rapids:

Just recently, I was on my favorite political site and a gentleman there put up a recording of "Diamantina Drover" by an American country singer.  Now this site is my favorite simply because if you must discuss politics, do it with outrageously brilliant people who really know music.

This caused me to counter with, "You can't put up 'Diamantina Drover' without hearing John Williamson sing".  Snarky I know, but you have to defend the original whenever possible.



This led to a previous post below where I did one of my arrogant, "If you have never heard" blah blah posts just to expose everyone who stops by to a singer who would be a global treasure if it weren't for a little detail like being born in Australia.  It is only recently that great things from Australia have been acknowledged as being as wonderful as they are.  For once I'm not pointing out Hugh but rather acknowledging artists of both screen and gallery such as  Jacki Weaver who got the AFI for "Animal Kingdom" but was robbed of the Golden Globe and Oscar  ... Take that! Black Swan, emaciated,  twinkle toes.

While listening to the John Williamson recordings again, the lyrics registered in "Raining On The Rock"  and all of a sudden I have something new to chase down and learn:  Who is Albert Namatjira?  This led to one of the first Aboriginal artists to be recognized for their skill and from there to one of my favorite Australian writers to date:  Nevil Shute and my favorite book by him of "A Town Like Alice".  Some of you may have seen the television miniseries production of this book starring Bryan Brown (my first Australian crush in the 1980s who was in the movie Australia as the bad guy cattle baron with Hugh, and more age appropriate if he weren't married to gorgeous Australian actress, Rachel ward ... sigh oh well).

Everything that goes around comes around.  All of the above links should keep you busy, but for me they led to another place I have to stop and explore should I get to do the great Australian adventure:  Alice Springs.






As it turns out, the paintings of Albert Namatijira are now shown in the National Gallery of Australia as a point of national pride for a great Australian artist, Alice Springs has become the center of both the country and Aboriginal art as well as a not to be missed stop over in your travels.

There are times when the seemingly simple are so simple they are glorious:

Happy Anniversary Trailmixers

When I'm not deeply immersed in history, genealogy, music or theater, I hang out at the best political site on the web: Craig Crawford's Trailmix.

The site celebrates it's 5th anniversary today and the video is just a few of the people who make it a wonderful place for issue discussion with few trolls and little fussing and fighting.

Pickin' With Buddies

It has become a tradition for fans visiting the grave of Buddy Holley to leave a little something behind.  As such, it has become a place to say "thank you" for those closest to you and the blessings in life. This often takes the form of guitar picks (plectrums) featuring initials.

Colorado Bob who despite the name is a loyal Texan and resident of Lubbock has been leading the drive to buy Shelter Boxes for Haiti. This video was produced as a way to say thank you to his mother who taught him to give back to others and to all those involved in making what was a modest beginning into an overwhelming success.



For those who still wish to contribute just click  HERE or on the link at the upper right or the Fish Camp at the bottom of the page. Remember 6.30 pounds equals $10.00 as we are using the British site to get the most bang for the buck.

Loaves & Fishes

A small online group of friends started out trying to collect enough money for one Shelter Box.  Thanks to announcements by Craig Crawford, Keith Olbermann, and Don Imus we are now up to 20 boxes in the space of just one day with the contributions climbing by the minute.  That will house 200 Haitians with basic survial gear for the next six months.  If you would like to join us, just click on this link:

Shelter Box

For news on the Shelter Boxes already delivered to Haiti and the difference they have made, here is their main website.. You can donate there as well if you choose not to be a part of our group.

Thank you to everyone who has made this project such a huge success.

Dream Team

In an appearance on Imus in the morning, Senator John Kerry used the phrase "I'm on it!" for assisting with the Liberator Status for the 94th Infantry. Prior to his appearance, Craig Crawford of Congressional Quarterly laid out the whole campaign for Don Imus on the popular syndicated show.

Now Senator Kerry's office has contacted Kathleen Cowley. Senator Kerry is coordinating the next appropriate actions with Senator Kennedy's office. Once more is known it will appear here. Let us hope it is possible to make this happen before Memorial Day. Any and all encouragement and kind words to Senators Kerry and Kennedy would be deeply appreciated.

THANK YOU GENTLEMEN

Comments from Kathleen Cowley

Liberator status for Patton's Boston Regiment made it on the airways today thanks to one of the nation's finest political journalists, Craig Crawford. He came on air and immediately told Imus "I've got a cause for you!" and went on to explain the unjust treatment of the 94th. He ended with an enthusiastic shout "Liberator status for Patton's Boston's Regiment!"

Imus graciously took up the cause and spoke with Sen. Kerry about it during his appearance. He went a step further and said that he would speak to Doug Brinkley. as well. Sen Kerry came on the air exclaiming Craig's phrase "Liberator status for Patton's Boston Regiment!" He told Imus that would most definitely look into it.

What a great debut. Don Imus. who among his other philanthropic efforts brought the Intrepid Soldiers Fund to national interest and raised millions of dollars. His support for a cause moves mountains.

Sen. Kerry is a long time advocate for Vets. His efficient staff contacted me shortly after the show and they are already working on the project.

Last but certainly not least, the ongoing and unwavering support of Sen. Kennedy, he and his staff's determination and resolve so that the 94th will receive Liberation status.

I thank you all from the bottom of my hearl for your efforts to put history to rights, so the efforts of the 94th Infantry Division and the victims of the Holocaust will be forever remembered.