343PM: I’ve decided the next BrockCast (probably to be recorded tonight) will be a ‘Redneck BrockCast’ … Recorded completely in my southern hillbilly/redneck voice. If I can keep from cracking up, it may be a funny (I hope!) experience for the listener…

In the idea of broadening knowledge of governments, analyze and review three different forms of national government (American Democratic Republic, British Parliament and theological or monarchial). Note the similarities and differences for each form of government analyzed. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for each form of government.

Complete a first draft and have it reviewed by one person within 2 weeks and have the final draft completed and reviewed by two people within 4 weeks. Post the final document on the website. Deleted due to time restrictions and other writing tasks.

1018PM: Just finished watching ‘The Sum of All Fears’ … It’s a movie version of Tom Clancy’s novel of the same name. On a production level, the movie is…ok…But falls into the typical big budget movie rut. But that doesn’t matter. I’ve read the book, watched the movie (a few times) so I know the story. Not to mention that I grew up during the end of the Cold War, so I know the story. And I can easily see how close to the end of human civilization we were. My final exam essay for English (which I got a 92 on!) touched on this. Perhaps I should expand on that theme in its own essay…

1057PM: So in my frustration today, I went to the movies…I watched Star Wars Episode 3, Revenge of the Sith. Pretty good movie. Couple of things I would change…But that’s to be expected. I would’ve had the big Darth Vader scene (armor) would’ve been a one shot, first view of Vader in full armor. Instead, Lucas showed the Vader assembly process. I think that humanizes him. Vader is supposed to be the epitome of evil, a stoic monster, big and dark and scary. Obi Wan was quite the smart-mouth too…But overall, good movie, worth the $8. Definitely!

10AM: I friggin’ hate charts in Excel. Just wanted to get that out in the open…

1240PM: I hate the charts, I really do…But once you get it built right, they are pretty darn awesome.

355PM: Spent the afternoon working in the II MEF Injured Support Team office. The plan is to ensure that all II MEF casualties have received the fullest support available. In order to do that, we must find those casualties. The units have done a pretty sad job of keeping track of their Marines and Sailors. Disappointing.

The Senate has approved the Highway bill 89-11…Well across party lines…This is the same bill that Pres. Bush has said he’ll veto. Which means, the Senate may be on the road to showing some backbone and legislative independence. Let’s see what comes out of conference and we might have a ballgame folks! More to follow.

More details on the Injured/Ill Support Team deal. I’ll mostly be contacting injured Marines/Sailors to inquire on their current status, how they’ve been supported, if they need further assistance or information, etc. The Team is collecting this data in order to show trends in the support provided by other agencies. Sounds fun!

UGH…I’m starting to hate mornings…

Got the answers on the Injured/Ill Support Team questions. The how long is afternoons from now to July 1st. The who wants me to do it is LtCols Pete Phillips and Craig Stephens. Both of which I know from Marine Corps time. Pete Phillips is also a civil service employee (The MEF Civilian Personnel and Manpower Operations guy) and was a strong factor in getting me hired to my current position (II MEF Family Readiness Program Clerk).