Tuesday, February 20, 2007
The life of a Marine...
My best friend forwarded me this news story. It is about his freshman year roommate from college, at Tufts. It was embarassing for me to read, because, after having read the article, all I could think to myself was, "Well Tyler, all you did today was go running, shave your back, and re-orient your "inner-vision".
Please read the article, makes you realize what's really going on over there...
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., Jan. 16, 2007 - Acting boldly in the face of adversity is something all Marines are taught. Against an enemy loath to engage Americans directly, few Marines get to test their mettle in combat and fewer still distinguish themselves so heroically that their gallantry merits special recognition.
U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Elliott Ackerman of 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, on Jan. 12, accepted the Silver Star, the nation’s third-highest military award for valor.
“From that position that day, we were a little exposed,” he recalled. “Insurgents came out and slowly tried to surround us.”
For Ackerman, the fighting was just beginning. As the battle ensued, he recognized that his Marines on the rooftop of the building were exposed. He ordered them to seek cover in the building and headed to the roof himself. His actions prompted a hail of enemy fire on his position.
“The Marines, like Marines always do, just started performing in an incredible manner. We had a job to do and just had to make sure it got done,” said Ackerman.
According to his citation, Ackerman took heavy enemy fire on the rooftop but still “coolly employed an M240G machine gun to mark targets for supporting tanks, with devastating effects on the enemy.”
In all, Ackerman was able to simultaneously direct tank fire, coordinate four separate medical evacuations and continually attack with his platoon, all the while suffering from his own shrapnel wounds.
Ackerman said he was only doing what he saw others around him doing.
“I think we all go out there and know what our job is and what’s expected of you,” he said. “There is only one alternative; it is to do it or not do it. You have to do what needs to be done in a situation. That’s what all the Marines were doing. I feel this award doesn’t represent something for myself; it represents what I saw everyone doing out there.”
As of Jan. 9, according to statistics maintained by the Marine Corps, only 69 Marines had received the Silver Star since the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq began.
Ackerman, a 26-year-old native of Washington, D.C., was recognized for his courage under fire while serving as a platoon commander during the November 2004 battle to wrest Fallujah from the grip of fanatical insurgents.
Brig. Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, assistant division commander, 2nd Marine Division, presented the award as Ackerman’s family and fellow Marines looked on.
The citation summarizing then-2nd Lt. Ackerman’s ac tions covers a six-day period that began on Nov. 10, 2004, when his platoon came under fire from a heavy enemy counterattack.
“We had a mission to get a foothold for the battalion,” said Ackerman, who returned last month from his second deployment, the latest as a member of Battalion Landing Team 1/8, the ground combat element of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. “We saw that the original building we intended to go in to just wouldn’t work to get that mission done. We pushed a little bit deeper than it probably would have been prudent to do.”
Pushing deeper ensured his unit would accomplish its mission, but the advance left him and his Marines more exposed to enemy fighters, who responded by pouring heavy fire on the Marines’ position.
As his Marines began to take injuries, Ackerman sprang to action, twice pulling his Marines to safety and coordinating their evacuation. The amphibious-assault vehicle sent to retrieve his Marines had trouble finding them, lo st in the fog of war. Ackerman again risked his life, charging into the open from a covered position to flag down the vehicle and direct it to his Marines’ location. His actions took him through a “gauntlet of deadly enemy fire,” according to the citation.
Please read the article, makes you realize what's really going on over there...
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., Jan. 16, 2007 - Acting boldly in the face of adversity is something all Marines are taught. Against an enemy loath to engage Americans directly, few Marines get to test their mettle in combat and fewer still distinguish themselves so heroically that their gallantry merits special recognition.
U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Elliott Ackerman of 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, on Jan. 12, accepted the Silver Star, the nation’s third-highest military award for valor.
“From that position that day, we were a little exposed,” he recalled. “Insurgents came out and slowly tried to surround us.”
For Ackerman, the fighting was just beginning. As the battle ensued, he recognized that his Marines on the rooftop of the building were exposed. He ordered them to seek cover in the building and headed to the roof himself. His actions prompted a hail of enemy fire on his position.
“The Marines, like Marines always do, just started performing in an incredible manner. We had a job to do and just had to make sure it got done,” said Ackerman.
According to his citation, Ackerman took heavy enemy fire on the rooftop but still “coolly employed an M240G machine gun to mark targets for supporting tanks, with devastating effects on the enemy.”
In all, Ackerman was able to simultaneously direct tank fire, coordinate four separate medical evacuations and continually attack with his platoon, all the while suffering from his own shrapnel wounds.
Ackerman said he was only doing what he saw others around him doing.
“I think we all go out there and know what our job is and what’s expected of you,” he said. “There is only one alternative; it is to do it or not do it. You have to do what needs to be done in a situation. That’s what all the Marines were doing. I feel this award doesn’t represent something for myself; it represents what I saw everyone doing out there.”
As of Jan. 9, according to statistics maintained by the Marine Corps, only 69 Marines had received the Silver Star since the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq began.
Ackerman, a 26-year-old native of Washington, D.C., was recognized for his courage under fire while serving as a platoon commander during the November 2004 battle to wrest Fallujah from the grip of fanatical insurgents.
Brig. Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, assistant division commander, 2nd Marine Division, presented the award as Ackerman’s family and fellow Marines looked on.
The citation summarizing then-2nd Lt. Ackerman’s ac tions covers a six-day period that began on Nov. 10, 2004, when his platoon came under fire from a heavy enemy counterattack.
“We had a mission to get a foothold for the battalion,” said Ackerman, who returned last month from his second deployment, the latest as a member of Battalion Landing Team 1/8, the ground combat element of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. “We saw that the original building we intended to go in to just wouldn’t work to get that mission done. We pushed a little bit deeper than it probably would have been prudent to do.”
Pushing deeper ensured his unit would accomplish its mission, but the advance left him and his Marines more exposed to enemy fighters, who responded by pouring heavy fire on the Marines’ position.
As his Marines began to take injuries, Ackerman sprang to action, twice pulling his Marines to safety and coordinating their evacuation. The amphibious-assault vehicle sent to retrieve his Marines had trouble finding them, lo st in the fog of war. Ackerman again risked his life, charging into the open from a covered position to flag down the vehicle and direct it to his Marines’ location. His actions took him through a “gauntlet of deadly enemy fire,” according to the citation.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
The Pita Sisters & The Case of Geoff Mongo Zann
The pita Logs – May 20th, 2006
Jeslyn driving down mainstreet Easton on her cellphone in her Mini-Van.
“Diane, I just don’t get it. Jim seems to be less and less interested in me and more interested in the new Xbox he purchased. I thought when men go through their mid-life crisis, they would be more intent on buying cars and galavanting around with young floozies. All he wants to do is scratch his balls and play the Mortal Kombat X-treme IV”
(Slams on breaks for old Jewish man crossing street stuffing Challah bread down his throat)
“Christ on a cross! Anyways, I just don’t get it. I mean, I could manage life without the sex, but, now, no attention. Does he think I’m a robot?”
The Pita Logs, 4/14/06
"Julia, what is the matter!" Diane frantically exclaimed to an obviously frazzled Julia
"I've had enough, enough! Who is this Geof Mongo Zann. He has invaded every aspect of my life! I'm gonna die!" again spat out Julia
Sadly, in many ways, this wasn't a recent, and predictable bout of Julia's dramatics. There was, some validity to her statements. A mysterious man, cloaked in a dark, satin red jumpsuit had indeed been invading every aspect of julia's codependent life.
At the supermarket, there he was, picking up some thinly sliced cold cuts at the deli, while she peered nervously through the Nabisco cracker selection.
At her son's swim practice, he again appeared, in nothing less than a Toyota Tercell, with his gay little jumpsuit on, mouthing, what seemed to Julia, the lyrics to George Micheal's late 80s hit, "Freedom '90".
A few days later, again, this shady man, Geof Mongo Zann, "accidently" bumped in to her at the local burger joint, Benchwarmer Bobs.
The facebook poke she recieved from him the next morning only confirmed the fact that something was awry. Something dark was in the air, and it wasn't the black clowds drifting over from Morder. Something much more sinister.
Julia knew she had to take matters into her own hands. Well aware that Jeslyn was having one of those "me" moments that last from Monday afternoon until thursday evening and that Diane was dealing with a broker as she put another mortgage on her home.
"Diane, its me, Julia. I may need the number to Lt. Jenkins! Julia mumbled as her hand shook so bad it was audible to a very stressed out Diane...
And the case of The Pita Sisters and Geof Mongo Zann continues....
Jeslyn driving down mainstreet Easton on her cellphone in her Mini-Van.
“Diane, I just don’t get it. Jim seems to be less and less interested in me and more interested in the new Xbox he purchased. I thought when men go through their mid-life crisis, they would be more intent on buying cars and galavanting around with young floozies. All he wants to do is scratch his balls and play the Mortal Kombat X-treme IV”
(Slams on breaks for old Jewish man crossing street stuffing Challah bread down his throat)
“Christ on a cross! Anyways, I just don’t get it. I mean, I could manage life without the sex, but, now, no attention. Does he think I’m a robot?”
The Pita Logs, 4/14/06
"Julia, what is the matter!" Diane frantically exclaimed to an obviously frazzled Julia
"I've had enough, enough! Who is this Geof Mongo Zann. He has invaded every aspect of my life! I'm gonna die!" again spat out Julia
Sadly, in many ways, this wasn't a recent, and predictable bout of Julia's dramatics. There was, some validity to her statements. A mysterious man, cloaked in a dark, satin red jumpsuit had indeed been invading every aspect of julia's codependent life.
At the supermarket, there he was, picking up some thinly sliced cold cuts at the deli, while she peered nervously through the Nabisco cracker selection.
At her son's swim practice, he again appeared, in nothing less than a Toyota Tercell, with his gay little jumpsuit on, mouthing, what seemed to Julia, the lyrics to George Micheal's late 80s hit, "Freedom '90".
A few days later, again, this shady man, Geof Mongo Zann, "accidently" bumped in to her at the local burger joint, Benchwarmer Bobs.
The facebook poke she recieved from him the next morning only confirmed the fact that something was awry. Something dark was in the air, and it wasn't the black clowds drifting over from Morder. Something much more sinister.
Julia knew she had to take matters into her own hands. Well aware that Jeslyn was having one of those "me" moments that last from Monday afternoon until thursday evening and that Diane was dealing with a broker as she put another mortgage on her home.
"Diane, its me, Julia. I may need the number to Lt. Jenkins! Julia mumbled as her hand shook so bad it was audible to a very stressed out Diane...
And the case of The Pita Sisters and Geof Mongo Zann continues....
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Ebay Auction Items!
Ebay Items for Auctions!
Hey Everyone -
Aren't you glad I'm back with blogs? I can hear the collective, sarcastic grown across America.
"Yes Tyler, so glad you're back!"
With that said, I'm excited to announce that I am auctioning some cool items on Ebay. Part of the proceeds actually will go to a foundation I'm attempting to start, to bring visibility and awareness to gay athletes. More on that later. In the meantime however, feel free to check the items out.
All are MTV related. That is to say that these are all items that I got from the VMAs. When you are a celebrity, or a faux one like myself, you get to go to gifting suites. I picked up all these amazing items, and am now putting them up for auction, because really, at the end of the day, do I really need a designer handbag? (and the question, though rhetorical, does have an answer, NO)
Here are the links to the items, with their pictures, retail price, etc. Enjoy taking a look. Pass along to a friend if they love sunglasses or handbags!
Your sister in kwan,
Tyler D.
Ebay Auction Items: Links
Malibu Sunglasses- Dolce & Gobbana:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=180086387858&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=008
D&G Aviators:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=180086143033&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=008
Felix bag:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=180086144998&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=008
Tallulah hangbag:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=180086146594&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=008
Hey Everyone -
Aren't you glad I'm back with blogs? I can hear the collective, sarcastic grown across America.
"Yes Tyler, so glad you're back!"
With that said, I'm excited to announce that I am auctioning some cool items on Ebay. Part of the proceeds actually will go to a foundation I'm attempting to start, to bring visibility and awareness to gay athletes. More on that later. In the meantime however, feel free to check the items out.
All are MTV related. That is to say that these are all items that I got from the VMAs. When you are a celebrity, or a faux one like myself, you get to go to gifting suites. I picked up all these amazing items, and am now putting them up for auction, because really, at the end of the day, do I really need a designer handbag? (and the question, though rhetorical, does have an answer, NO)
Here are the links to the items, with their pictures, retail price, etc. Enjoy taking a look. Pass along to a friend if they love sunglasses or handbags!
Your sister in kwan,
Tyler D.
Ebay Auction Items: Links
Malibu Sunglasses- Dolce & Gobbana:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=180086387858&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=008
D&G Aviators:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=180086143033&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=008
Felix bag:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=180086144998&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=008
Tallulah hangbag:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=180086146594&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=008
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Migraine on V-Day
Hey Guys (and gals)
So, my new routine will go as follows: Wake up with sleep in my, look to the mountains north of me and appreciate nature. Then I will sit down at my computer and blog while drinking no less than two glasses of water. At my computer I will BLOG! I'm trying to make it a habit, so I can keep you kids updated on all my comings and goings!
But, I'm currently recovering from a TERRIBLE migraine headache, suffered last night. I got it at the mall at 5 and had it until 1am. Now I get while all those women in headache commercials look so angry and frustrated. I wanted to literally die! But, a midnight run to the handy 7-11 allowed me to quell the pain.
Also of note today, on this extremely informative, yet somewhat boring blog, I'm having my headshots redone today. How Exciting! I wish my skin looked a little better, however, thanks to MAC make-up products (ahem, Janelle) I'm pretty confident it'll all turn out alright. Now I just have to worry about my hair...
But, I have big news to deliver, I'll wait and do it on its own blog, perhaps tomorrow.
Happy Valentines Day! (says the bitterly single gay man....)
Ty
P.S. I skipped all the obvious Vagina - V-day jokes as a favor to you all. However, if any of you reading this are in college, and thinking of attending The Vagina Monologues, do it! Celebrate Feminism. I do it on a daily basis.
So, my new routine will go as follows: Wake up with sleep in my, look to the mountains north of me and appreciate nature. Then I will sit down at my computer and blog while drinking no less than two glasses of water. At my computer I will BLOG! I'm trying to make it a habit, so I can keep you kids updated on all my comings and goings!
But, I'm currently recovering from a TERRIBLE migraine headache, suffered last night. I got it at the mall at 5 and had it until 1am. Now I get while all those women in headache commercials look so angry and frustrated. I wanted to literally die! But, a midnight run to the handy 7-11 allowed me to quell the pain.
Also of note today, on this extremely informative, yet somewhat boring blog, I'm having my headshots redone today. How Exciting! I wish my skin looked a little better, however, thanks to MAC make-up products (ahem, Janelle) I'm pretty confident it'll all turn out alright. Now I just have to worry about my hair...
But, I have big news to deliver, I'll wait and do it on its own blog, perhaps tomorrow.
Happy Valentines Day! (says the bitterly single gay man....)
Ty
P.S. I skipped all the obvious Vagina - V-day jokes as a favor to you all. However, if any of you reading this are in college, and thinking of attending The Vagina Monologues, do it! Celebrate Feminism. I do it on a daily basis.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Midnight's Corner
Periodically, I wil begin featuring "gems" from my friend, the incredible Dan Gilmore aka Midnight. He is the first and only person who can brag that they began their own facebook blog. They were comedic/philosophical perfection. So, when his wit graces the wall of my profile, I must make every attempt to acknowledge this greatness. But, this week, he left this:
"I know I've been lobbying for a new "fabulous" for years,
but today I think I may have hit on it: marvelous. It's way
more Tim Gunn than Kimora Lee Simmons; it's gay plus gravitas.
Spread the gayspel far and wide."
Well said, my friend, well said.
"I know I've been lobbying for a new "fabulous" for years,
but today I think I may have hit on it: marvelous. It's way
more Tim Gunn than Kimora Lee Simmons; it's gay plus gravitas.
Spread the gayspel far and wide."
Well said, my friend, well said.
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