Mondays 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad -- Monday, November 03, 2003

[undergroundrailroad]

MONDAYS 'IN' THE UNDERGROUNDRAILROAD -- November 03, 2003





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Black Forest Cake

HELLO EVERYONE and welcome to Mondays 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad

A Monday hangout deep inside The Democratic Underground where we meet, ignore spell check and jump-start the week ahead. If your new to Mondays 'IN' The UGRR I will give you a RED CARPET welcome.

Today our dessert is Black Forest Cake. Doesn't that cake look delicious ?

OK, let's get Monday started.
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National Association For The Advancement Of Colored People

All of my life, the NAACP has been a part of my life. From picket lines, schoolrooms, and economic boycotts, there is always a daily reason for me to think about the NAACP. There is nothing more powerful than knowing the facts of how the existence of the oldest civil rights organization has changed the face of history and undoubtedly changed my life.

As a "young lady" (as my mother would always say) it was my duty to serve as a voice for the youth of African Americans. Yes, freedom marches, grass roots demonstrations and peaceful protesting was not the only aspect to the barrier for equal rights. It was about how I lived my life, my conduct and yes, education. THAT was a must! After a case precedent was established culminating in Brown v Board of Education, which declared an end to segregation in school, it was my turn to set that example and attend an all white school for the very first time in my life. NAACP leaders, at potential risk to their own lives, were present on my first day at school (and subsequent days). They were there to support me and document any resistance to my court ordered attendance. As I walked down what seemed like an infinite walkway, I kept thinking to myself "I'm here for change, I'm here to set an example, I'm here to reject hate and separatism. At the end of the day, the NAACP and my Mother was outside waiting for me. I asked if I had to get on the bus. "Yes, just like all the other kids, but not today". I remember on the way home one of the leaders said to me, "you don't realize it now, but you just made history today". I looked at my mother, she smiled and gave me a hug.

Today, after years of unrelenting struggle, the NAACP is still in the mix. Trying so hard to end the racial stereotypes that create misunderstanding and prejudice. Everyday *something* always reminds me of the importance of the NAACP and their fight for racial equality in the world.


Norman Rockwell, "The Problems We All Live With

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Mary Pretty In Pink

This Diva Is 4 Real

I just GOTTA talk about this. I caught Grammy Award winner Mary J. Blige on 60 Minutes (CBS) last night. There she was looking so beautiful and being honest about the journey life has taken her on. Mary J. Blige is so positive and I just want to throw a (((hug))) out to Mary for being so real.

Mary opened up to Correspondent Ed Bradley about her life as a recording super star. In a very sensitive manner we learn that Mary did not finish High School and she feels that her level of comprehension sometimes works against her because of her low reading level.

"It hurts a lot when you cannot really comprehend what a person is saying in a meeting or you don’t even understand what you’re reading in your contract,” says Mary, who left school in the 11th grade and reads at only an eighth-grade level. But she admits that she does ask questions if she doesn't understand and she knows *her* music, OK? I'm sure that the resources are in place for Mary to finish her High School studies, attend College and beyond! Mary, I think you can do ANYTHING!

She also touched on a topic that means a great deal to me, domestic violence. She admits to being in abusive relationships in the past, but she has moved on. Mary talked about her personal and musical "rebirth". Mary has found love and yes, this person is treating Mary with the kinda of respect that a queen deserves. Like the lyrics in her song "no more pain, NO MORE!"

It took a lot of courage for Mary to go on 60 Minutes and share that part of her life. There is only *ONE* QUEEN OF HIP-HOP/R&B AND SOUL and that's you Mary.

YOUR A QUEEN!

http://www.mjblige.com/
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Sean "P Diddy" Combs

NO. 30, 972 TOP TEN HIT!

WHATS in a number? Well, for the children of NYC it will mean a split donation of $2 million dollars (and then some) because "P Did(dy") it! Hip-Hop entrepreneur Sean "P Diddy" Combs completed the ING New York City Marathon on Sunday in 4 hours, 14 minutes, 54 seconds and he did it for the children. To his credit, he decided to run the annual Marathon after just two months of training, a bum right knee and a strict "no sex" allowed in the final phase of training.

P Diddy, known on the course simply as No. 30,972 - kept a respectable pace of an eight-to nine-minute miles for much of the race. "I feel great. I feel strong," Combs told NBC Sports during the race's first hour. "We're right on pace. I'm not going to go out too hard. I'm going to finish strong." He was troubled by cramps that caused him to walk a few steps. He said he drew support from a TV reporter covering the race who ran with him, as well as from cheering children in Harlem.

As he crossed the finish line in Central Park, Combs raised his arms in triumph. He took a few more steps, then leaned over to catch his breath. Bags of ice were placed on his neck.

"I definitely wanted to stop," he said. "This is definitely a life-changing experience for me because I did not stop."

"It's going to be rough," he said before the race. "But if we get through it, it's telling those kids and everybody else to finish what you start, and you can do anything you put your mind to."

Well said, Sean you *did* it! Now why not get yourself "running" in another direction?? Yes, I'm talkin politics Sean and I'm in a "DU" state of mind.

Congratulations Sean for running a great race!


More P. Diddy
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Mondays IN The Undergroundrailroad Fortune Teller

THE FORTUNE TELLER RETURNS TO THE UNDERGROUNDRAILROAD. HAVE YOUR FORTUNE TOLD FREE !

I received a lot of requests for the return of our Monday UGRR Fortune Teller. So yes, yes, yes she's here to answer your questions, free of charge.

For those of you who asked last week, how did the fortune teller do? Was she on the money??? OR was she a FRAUD!

Do you have a question about love, money or career? Or do you just need the advise of the fortune teller for something only *YOU* need to know? Something you just gotta know?


WELL ASK AWAY! NO CHARGE! FREE!
______________________________________________


The Boondocks by Aaron McGruder




________________________________________________
Questions Of The Day

1. What is it like being *YOU* ?

2. Name your favorite Teacher? Why?

3. OK, your having Breakfast In Bed! What's on your tray?

_________________________________________________

OK, I'm OUTTA. See you next Monday 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad

[ZenLefty]

1. Hello there!

-Sucks to be me.

-I had a very interesting 5th grade teacher. Very smart, and taught a lot of unconventional subjects and ways of thinking. Very big on math and logic skills. The interesting thing about him is that he was in Germany during World War II. Thing is, he was on the other side, working as an engineer in Hitler's army. I remember him telling us how much they respected and loved Hitler at first, and when he found out all the horrific things that were really going on, how awful and betrayed he felt. He taught us to question authority, to see propoganda for what it is, and to know that the government is very well capable of lying to you. Formed my political beliefs to this day.

-Orange juice, french toast and a bowl of fruit.

Hey, fortune teller, should I work today or play hooky? I have a lot of work to do, but I'm not in the mood. :D

[ZenLefty]

Yippee!! I'm first!

:D

[undergroundrailroad]

15. Your number one in my book! :-)

Mina :hi:

[undergroundrailroad]

14. There is only *ONE* ZenLefty at DU at that makes *YOU* unique!

Very interesting story about your 5th grade teacher. I can see that this teacher had an impact on your life. Your story reminds me so much of Bush and ironically I was thinking about Bush and how history will see him. I hope that a 5th grade student today is applying your logic towards our current President. Of course, I see him in a very, very negative light. But the part about questioning authority is a quality that all individuals should know and understand. WHY? are men and women dying every day in Iraq? What happened to the original objectives of the war? Where are the individuals that you sought, I mean where are they now, today!
What an interesting story Zen, and I'm glad you shared that with me.

OK, breakfast is? OJ, french toast (yummy) and a bowl of fruit.


QUESTION: should I work today or play hooky?
ANSWER: You can expect a visitor today. This is business related and will help you in an endeavor that you are attempting to do.


Zen, thanks for that terrific response to the question about your favorite teacher. Have a good week and thanks for visiting me today.



Love,


Mina :loveya:

[ZenLefty]

22. Expect a visitor? Business related?

I guess I should take a shower and put on clean clothes, then. :D

[undergroundrailroad]

37. LOL, Zen!

You just made me spill my tea!

:loveya:

Mina :hi:

[Resistance]

2. I do have to give it up for P-Diddy

way to go Sean, that's just so cool!

[undergroundrailroad]

16. Hello Resistance and Welcome to Mondays IN The UGRR.

Welcome to Mondays IN The UGRR a place where we meet, greet, hug, ignore the heck outta spell check, answer questions of the day and jump-start our week ahead. I'm glad you found your way to visit and hope you will visit again.

Thanks for the shout out to P. Diddy! Wasn't he looking so cool out there running the race for the kids of NYC. I agree with you Resistance, gotta give it up for him!


Thanks for stopping in to say hello and checking things out here. Have a great Monday!

Best wishes,



Undergroundrailroad

[ScreamingMeemie]

3. Good morning Mina, stopping in before taking off!

I love Mary J. Blige!! Beautiful woman...inside and out.

Now for my answers...

1. It is hectic being me. Two kids, two different schools, same hours, no bus. Lot of running. Lot of crock pot cooking. Lots of fun though. Being me is also about being a HUGE football fan!!! Go Pack!!

2. My favorite teacher is Mrs Kimberly Voss. She instilled in me a lifelong love of social studies...history,government,anthropology,current events. If she taught it I took it. A tough teacher, but one I learned a lot from.On edit: she was a high school social studies teacher.

3. On my tray. Two aspirin and a coffee. Heehee

Have a great week Mina!!!!

:loveya:
Laura

[undergroundrailroad]

17. Hello Mrs Grumpy and thanks for stopping in to say hello.

K0 J. Blige fan in the DU UGRR! Thanks Mrs.Grumpy!


Now, let me check you out.

Being you is "hectic". Two kids, two different school, same hours and no bus. Wow! Well keep up the good work, your a great Mom and I admire you. Crock pot cooking. Do you know I still have my crock pot that is more than 25 years old?? Let me give a shout out to the meal helping crock pot! It works for me.



Your favorite teacher is Mrs. Voss. She instilled in you a life long love of history, social studies and current events. Now that you look back, history has dealt us a horrific blow. We are now at war and written history will be important in years to come. I like your quote: "If she taught it, I took it". I like that.

You deserve a breakfast tray ! Here ya go and I even provided a newspaper so you can catch up on your love of current events!


Have a great Monday and week ahead. Here's a (((hug)))

Love,

Mina/UGRR

[GOPisEvil]

4. Good morning Mina!

GREAT Daily as usual. I always learn so much!

I *love* black forest cake!

1. What's it like being me? Wow...most of the time, it's not so bad. I really can't complain. I have family and friends that love me, a good job and I live in a great city. Life is pretty good, all things considered.

2. Dr. Anthony T. Gadzey, professor of political science at Texas A&M. He is from Ghana, an ex-Catholic priest. He taught me how to sift through information and think for myself, critically.

3. Western-style omelette (with peppers, onions and salsa), has browns, sausage, bacon, OJ and water. :9



I actually got out on the course yesterday - first time in a while. I was rusty, but I had my moments! :D

[undergroundrailroad]

20. Good Monday and here is your breakfast tray:-)

Thanks for the golf cart! I just love it :-)

So you like Black Forest Cake :). So do I. There is a bakery in LI called THE BLACK FOREST BAKERY and their cake is the best! I also buy one around the holidays for dessert. I can only have one little bity slice. That cake can be dangerous!

You love yourself. I think that's all it takes when one defines who they are. In addition to your family loving you, DU loves you :) Did you ever think of that? ;-)

I'm glad you enjoyed your golf game yesterday. Sounds like you enjoyed your weekend.

Thanks again for dropping in to say hello to me. I appreciate it very much along with your kind words.

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[TahitiNut]

5. I *LOVE* that Rockwell print.

It thrilled me when it was first published -- so evocative of what it's about and stunning coming from a 'middle-America' guru like Norman Rockwell.

On to the questions ...

1. What is it like being *YOU* ?

(grin) While it took me much of my life to understand, it's one helluva lot more rewarding than trying to be somebody else. I still think of it as "becoming" me.


2. Name your favorite Teacher? Why?

Mr. Rouse ... Varsity basketball coach and teacher for AP Math. "You'll look at me and think of a cab coming down the street with the doors wide open. Fine. We're here to study and enjoy math. We'll learn from each other. Everybody plays!"

Mr. Sherpitas, Speech ... Generally lampooned and thought to be wierd, never gave an "A" until I did Hamlet's soliloquy (Interpretive Reading) -- and damned near got to the point of suiciding myself. I got his only "A+" and got the lead in the All-School Play which he sponsored.


3. OK, your having Breakfast In Bed! What's on your tray?

V-8 juice, crisp bacon, scrambled-with-cheese eggs, warm croissants, strawberries 'n' creme fraiche, coffee mocha, the New York Times, and a sprig of lilacs.

[undergroundrailroad]

23. Rockwell went there with that print. It was not all small happy town life

That print really defines who I am. Of course the subject of that print titled, The Problems We All Live With, is Ruby Bridges. NOTE THE BLOOD RED TOMATO THAT just missed her pure white dress.


Ruby Bridges


The Story of Ruby Bridges

I look at that book jacket of Ruby Bridges, and I feel the urge to cry. Yes, it is very personal to me. I think most people would have needed therapy to go through this experience. I had the support, like Ruby, of many people. I have never met her but I also wrote about my experience many years ago and I might just send her a note.

Time to move on! But thanks TN for your comments. They are VERY much appreciated.

Questions!

You are emerging as you! Another great quote from the UGRR: I still think of it as "becoming" me. That is just a terrific quote TN. I love that :)

So Mr. Sherpitas inspired you and your A+ grade in reading an interpretive Hamlet?? One of my favorite plays and I'm sure you did the reading justice.

Here's your breakfast tray and all the news that if fit to print!



Thanks TahitiNut for taking the time for stopping in to say hello.

Love,

Mina

[pmbryant]

6. Your story is an inspiration

Happy Monday, UGRR and the rest of DU! :hi:

Mina, your story is an inspiration to all of us. Thanks so much for sharing it.

1. What is it like being *YOU* ?

2. Name your favorite Teacher? Why?

3. OK, your having Breakfast In Bed! What's on your tray?

(1) Wow, starting off with a complicated question today. If I had to sum it up in one word (at the current point in time, at least), I'd say: Confusing. :evilgrin:

(2) My favorite teacher was my math teacher in high school. Many reasons, but the main reasons is that he was (is) an excellent teacher who knew his subject cold and really knew how to challenge his students to bring out the best in them.

(3) Huevos a la Mexicana! :D

--Peter

[undergroundrailroad]

24. Hello Professor Peter, speaking of my favorite teacher! Thanks for your

comments.

It means a lot to me when someone feels inspiration from the early days of my youth.

Now, let me check out the responses to the questions.

What is it like being you? Your answer: "confusing". Well, I know just how you feel! (ie my story above)
Your favorite teacher? Your math teacher. He knew how to challenge his students. Your logic skills are the best Peter. :)
Breakfast? Let me check my spanish. I think you said Mexican eggs? Well, here's a breakfast tray for you!


Have a great day and rest of your week Peter.

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[BigMcLargehuge]

7. morning mina :)

It's nice to be in the UGRR today. We are all recovering from the fun of Halloween. I'd post a picture but like everything else with comcast, it's friggin impossible to do easily. Anyway, the Godzilla costume fell through and he instead trick or treated while dressed as a frog.

I was both surprised and pleased to see Sean Combs running in the NY marathon. However, given his methods for producing hit records, I have to wonder if he merely ran a few steps in New York then digitally inserted that sample over and over again into the general well-known broadcast. :) Seriously though, props to him for raising a million in charity cash. More impressive was that he was able to get a load of green from both his ex-girlfriend and her current boyfriend. Dealing with exes, especially when it comes to money, is a Herculean effort, and to also get money from your exes new beau... that's just legendary. So, props to Sean Combs!

But, onto this week's questions...

1. What is it like being *YOU* ?

It's good. Everyone who is me will agree that being Big McLargehuge is pretty good most of the time. People who are Big McLargehuge enjoy spaghetti, authentic portuguese food in abundance, monster movies, extremely strenuous Hapkido classes, loud music, writing fiction in both short and long form, and spending every possible moment playing with Little McLargehuge.

Sometimes Big McLargehuge gets angry, usually about work or finances, but he tried to channel it into something creative like writing. However no one enjoys perfection, and occasionally Big McLargehuge lashes out at the world.

My day tends to start at about 7AM, even on weekends, and continues unabated until about 2AM the following day. Big McLargehuge is a busy guy. Big also insist on staying up until he is both physically and mentally exhausted because he is afraid he'll die in his sleep and if he goes to bed early enough to worry about it, he does, and doesn't sleep at all. It's a long story better left to another UGRR.

2. Name your favorite Teacher? Why?

My favorite teacher was Mr. Tommy Gomes of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School. He was my freshman year Civics teacher and academic homeroom teacher. He breathed trememdous life into American politics and the constitution. He treated the class like we were adults, though we were only 13 (mostly). His passion for civics was only exceeded by his protective nature towards his homeroom students. When we had issues with other teachers he was our champion, when we had problems with other students, he was our big brother.

So three cheers to Mr. Gomes, a man who helped make me what I am today!

3. OK, your having Breakfast In Bed! What's on your tray?

A fresh orange (with seeds). Toast and grape jelly. Black strong coffee.

[undergroundrailroad]

26. Always nice to have you in the UGRR BigMac :-)

Did you show them? The movies on Halloween? (Monster movies with your Mom, I remembered your story last week :) )

I just love what you said about Sean Combs. But I saw the entire broadcast from home. At one point he STOPPED. There was a wall of people around him so that you could not see him (I think that was planned). At some point I heard that he was concerned about security. He is a super star and that would be an issue. I was getting worried that he was *not* going to make it. He was limping for a while then he started running again. I was so happy when he *ran* across the finish line. He did a great job and I'm so proud of him.

Now, to our questions! (BigMac, this is your favorite part ;-) )

Well, you like authentic portuguese food (so do I!), loud music, you write fiction in both short and long form, the monster movies (from last week) and you love little BigLargehuge (I remember that great picture of him, so cute!). Sometimes you get angry about work or finances (only natural in the Bush economy!) But as you point out no one is perfect. You lash out at the world (that's a good things IMO) and you like creative writing. You day starts at 7AM and your a very busy person. You have a very interesting life and knowing you from your comments in the UGRR, you are a very sensitive person. You are also a DU Moderator and you work very hard for the members! I appreciate that very much.

Your favorite teacher was Mr. Tommy Gomes of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School. Mr. Gomes was also your homeroom teacher and your civics teacher. I have noticed that members here seemed to remember their civics, history, current events teachers. They seemed to inspire many members here. The fact that he treated his students like adults was the same quality I liked in one of my homeroom teachers. This is important. I've noticed today, the teachers do treat their students in a more mature fashion. I can see this teacher had an impact on your life. I love that.

Three cheers for Mr. Gomes. Question Big Mac, where is Mr. Gomes today? I think he would appreciate your comments.

Your morning breakfast tray is: A fresh orange (with seeds). Toast and grape jelly. Black strong coffee. Now that's original. A fresh orange with the seeds! You want the real thing!!


Wow, this was very interesting BigMac. I appreciate your answers and sharing a little about yourself in the UGRR today.

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[BigMcLargehuge]

31. Hi Mina

Mr. Gomes is still teaching civics at New Bedford Voke. I was fortunate enough, that for the few months I substituted post-college, for one day I stepped in for Mr. Gomes' freshman civics class.

It's funny, for the few moths I subbed everytime I saw him in hallway he'd shake my hand and instruct me to call him by his first name, but I just could not do it. I finally explained that he would always be Mister Gomes, and because I had so much respect for him I simply could not feel comfortable addressing him by his first name.

He smiled.

Halloween night went as planned, Mrs. McLargehuge remained home to make a delicious beef stew and hand out candy to ghosts and goblins, while I accompanied Ian on his first ever trick-or-treating excursion. It was wonderfully fun. He received as many compliments as he did Snickers bars.

Later we were joined by some friends and indulged in a B-movie extravanganz featuring:

Classic Star Trek Episode: Cats Paw
A weird half soviet science fiction film: Journey to a Prehistoric Planet
A shot-on-video minor craptacular slasher movie: Truth or Dare
and finally, a requested showing of Godzilla vs. Gigan.

[undergroundrailroad]

38. Great clarification! Your fans want to know BigMac :-)

OK, the Halloween line up:

Classic Star Trek Episode: Cats Paw
A weird half soviet science fiction film: Journey to a Prehistoric Planet
A shot-on-video minor craptacular slasher movie: Truth or Dare
and finally, a requested showing of Godzilla vs. Gigan.

I just can't get that story out of my head about you and your Mother watching the movies together because she was a fan of scary movies.

It get's more personal. I used to do the same thing with my older son. At that time the VCR was a new must have (yes, I'm giving my age a bit here) but that was a favorite thing for us to do. Before the VCR we would watch movies on TV. I loved Godzilla. We would watch the Adams Family and their specials on Halloween. TV was very different (30 years ago). Halloween was a special time for us because they always showed the best scary movies and we wanted to watch. I would let him stay up late and watch with me. It was always fun and most of the kids though I was the coolest Mom because of this Halloween tradition of watching the movies late into the night. We would always ask, which was the scariest! My son was so brave in front of his friend and would always wind up at the foot of my bed. I miss those times and when you described your Halloween when you were a child, it really touched me.

About your teacher. I do understand about the respect of addressing your teacher and I do agree. It would be very awkward to call any of my teachers by their first name. I'm glad Mr. Gomes is able to shake your hand. Sounds like my kind of teacher.



Have a good night BigMac. Thanks for visiting my Monday thread. You've been visiting the UGRR for a long time.

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[jus_the_facts]

8. G'mornin' Mina.....

....I'd loooove a piece o'that cake...YUMMY! :9

1. That's a real difficult question....guess 'cuz I AM difficult! :evilgrin:

2. My favorite teacher was Ms. Slackter my 4th grade teacher because she taught me about evolution first and foremost but she also gave me my love of reading as she would read to us and encourage us to read at home. The first book she read to us was Charlie and The Chocolate Factory...which I reread several times...along with it's sequel Charlie and The Glass Elevator and James and The Giant Peach!!:loveya:

3. Let's see...I'd like a Spanish Omlette w/buttered toast...hash browns...fresh squeezed OJ and coffee with Bailey's Irish Creme *stomach growls* :D

HAVE A GOOD MONDAY DU!!:yourock:

My best to YOU Mina...as always a great Monday in the UGRR!! :loveya:

Peace'n'Love,

~Amber~:)

[undergroundrailroad]

27. Hi! Good Monday Jus The Facts Like that Black Forest Cake, me too!

So, I see you have entered the UGRR and are going to answer those questions! OK, let's go!

Being you is?? A difficult question to answer, I agree. But you are *you*, just the facts, right? That's a very good thing because I enjoy all that you contribute to the UGRR every Monday.

Your favorite teacher is Ms. Slackter (4th grade). She first taught you about the theory of evolution (why do all of us remember that, LOL?) but most important she encouraged you to read. That's a very nice story and a good quality in a teacher. I love reading. But now, I think of reading in many ways. Newspapers, DU, WWW, and, of course, books as we know them. There is something wonderful about holding a book in your hand and not being able to let go.
Ms. Slackter introduced you to Charlie and The Chocolate Factory ! That is a wonderful book.

Your late breakfast tray has arrived!

Thanks Amber for stopping in to say hello. I always love it when you drop in to say hello jus the facts (LOVE THAT DU HANDLE!) :yourock:

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[blazinjason]

9. Hey Mina. Great Monday Edition! It's the "Minas" of the world that

made a difference (more on that later).

Well, once again I'm here to "jump start" my week and what a way to start.

Mary J. Blige. Thanks for writing that story about her. I am a big Mary J. fan and respect her talent. I saw that segment on 60 Minutes and I just wanted to hug her too.

P. Diddy - Running for the kids of NYC. Again, another huge talent and he did a great job running yesterday. Congrats to P.

About you Mina and the NAACP. That was very brave of you to enter an all white school for the first time. It is the "Minas" of the world that I must thank for making a difference. Yes, you did create history Mina and I bow to you for doing so.

Questions:

What is it like being me? This is a very good question Mina. Well, Husband, Father, Corporate Manager (No, not Enron or anything close, LOL). I want to think I am a sensitive person and a good Husband/Father. I love my family. At the end of the work day I am here for them. I am a Democrat and I wish more would take a look at the man running our country. I predict one day, history will show * as a dictator, not a president. I am a Dem and proud of it!

Favorite Teacher: Gym Teacher. Basketball, Football and sports. Positive self-esteem. I also liked my High School principal.

Breakfast Tray: Eggs, Bacon, Toast and Coffee.

Thanks Mina for a great edition of MONDAYS IN THE UGRR. I look forward to it every Monday.

Have a good week all.

BJ

[undergroundrailroad]

29. I'm glad you liked the story about the NAACP. Thanks for those kind words

The Minas of the world, I like that ! You always say such nice things BJ. I want to say your a terrific visitor of Mondays IN The UGRR. Back at ya ;-)

Let me take a look at your answers.

Your a good father, husband and employee. You also describe yourself as a Democrat determined to get * out of office.

Your favorite teacher was your gym teacher.

And I have your late breakfast tray !

Have a great rest of your week BJ and thanks for your compliments. I appreciate them.

Love,

Mina

PS: Hey I LOVE your sig line!

[blazinjason]

36. Thanks Mina for the tray. About my sig line.

Did you see Hardball tonight? Dick Gephardt was on tonight. My sig line is making a reference to his comment during a debate "your a miserable failure" (Bush).

He lived up to my expectations and I will be supporting Rep. Gephardt.

Thanks Mina for your kind response. Have a good night.

BJ

[undergroundrailroad]

39. Oh, yes! I remember that during the debate.

Well, it's truth. * is a miserable failure and more!

Have a good night BJ.

Mina

[Aristus]

10. Good Morning, Mina! A pleasure, as always, to be in the UGRR!

I'm not a big P. Diddy fan, okay, scratch that; I'm not a P. Diddy fan at all, but good on him for finishing the marathon! 2 mil for the children is an admirable accomplishment! Hope he keeps it up.

I've got a large book about Norman Rockwell with huge color plates. The one you showed was a real eye opener for me. I knew Rockwell had been a big military booster during WWII, but it was good to see the work he did for the civil rights movement.

Now, the questions:

1.)What's it like being *ME*? Well, you know that feeling you get when you're sitting in a chair, and you lean back on two legs, then you overbalance and almost fall over, but just at the last second, you catch yourself? I feel that way all the time. :-) Thanks to Stephen Wright for that one.

2.)My favorite teacher was my band teacher from high school. He taught me so much about personal responsibility and integrity. He taught so much more than music.

3.)Breakfast in bed? Yum! Blueberry pancakes, fried eggs, fresh fruit, sausage, orange juice and coffee. And my wife, to share it with! ;-)

Always fun in the Undergroundrailroad, Mina! I'm starting to really love Boondocks! Those guys are so smart! And witty! And liberal! Yay! :-) Have a great week, Mina! :loveya:!

[undergroundrailroad]

30. It's always a pleasure to have you in the UGRR every Monday Aristus.

I know a lot of members are not P. Diddy fans and I think *he* knows it. He has made some mistakes and I do think he wants to remake his image. I am 100% sure that it has > to do with politics and < to do with music. I think running the race is the start of that makeover. He had a little help from OPRAH today.

I just *love* Norman Rockwell. The print in the daily is my favorite. I look at that picture and I *see* myself. Again, note the blood red tomato
It's a very telling piece and it's brilliant in it's own right.

Now, let me check out the responses (my favorite part!):

What is it like being you, Aristus? The old chair tilt hugh? Sorta on the edge kinda ? That is a very good description in the context that you place it in. Does that mean you take chances? Always at the brink? I know you are very open minded and very kind.

It was your band teacher that taught you about personal responsibility and integrity. At a very young age, Aristus, I played the piano. It was a private lesson, not in school. I didn't understand at the time about lessons and practice. But when I read your response, I reflected on that time in my life. Music (and the arts) are about personal responsibility and integrity. You are part of a group, a component of a group that makes up the band. Each person doing their own part as a group, in this instance, making music. I love your answer!

Here is your late Breakfast tray (to share with Mrs. Aristus ;-)

Have a great week Aristus :hi:

Love,

Mina :loveya:
PS: Gotta love the Boondocks!

[GoGo1]

11. Good Monday Mina. I love *everything* you wrote about today!

What a wonderful story about you and the leadership of the NAACP. The NAACP was there for minorities when there was no one else to turn to in some instances of racial discrimination. What a wonderful story you share and the history that you made. That must make you feel good when you can now look back on what you did in helping so many children who attend school now under different conditions. Your contributions are priceless.

Congratulations Puff and Mary. Saw Puff on NBC and Mary on CBS. That is a very nice photo of her Mina.

On to the questions of the day!

Being me means loving myself, helping others and being a good Mother.

I had many favorite teachers, but my College professors inspired me the most.

My tray is toast, coffee and fruit. Well, maybe a couple of strips of bacon and a flower!

Thanks Mina for the hard work and effort you put into this Monday project. I am a former teacher and you have done your homework! I give you an A+.

Have a good day,

GoGo1

[undergroundrailroad]

34. Thanks for the A+ grade :-) I appreciate that. Where is an apple

when you need one?? OK, I found one, take your pick!



So your a former teacher. Thanks for your response today. I want to honor teachers because they meant a great deal to me. I'm going to talk about that in another edition of Mondays IN The UGRR.

If I had to grade Mary J last night, I would have given her an A+ also. I think Education means many things and that includes life experience. They now give you credit for that in college and I hope Mary J takes advantage of those extra credits. She is really something else. LOVE YA GIRL!

Now, let me check you out gogo.

Being you means helping others. The motto of a good teacher. You appreciate your college professors the most. Good. I don't think I've read many comments today about college teachers. I do have one, it was my English teacher (English Lit I and II). I specfically requested her course the second time around and I will always appreciate her candor and praise.

Well, here is your late breakfast tray! Breakfast at night is a good thing. Try it, you'll like it :)



Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me and for that A+ grade.

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[GoGo1]

35. Mina! I'll take the *Apple* lap top. You are too much and I love U 2!

GoGo :hi: :yourock:

[undergroundrailroad]

40. You got it!

Thanks.

Mina :hi:

[rbnyc]

12. Hello.

:hi:

1. What is it like being *YOU* ?

Itchy.

Ever since I went to the ER with that major allergic reation I've had a rash that moves around my body constantly. I've had no relief in over a month. Nothing helps. We can't figure out what I'm allergic to. I've had tons of blood drawn. My OBGYN is concerned that I may have LUPUS. Now I'm scared and I want answers.

2. Name your favorite Teacher? Why?

Miss Mannila. (sp?) My 5th grade teacher. The other kids hated her and made fun of her for being short and fat and "ugly". I thought she was very fair, and smart, and she really cared about us.

3. OK, your having Breakfast In Bed! What's on your tray?

A bloody mary, coffee, french taost, strawberrirs, sausage.

[undergroundrailroad]

41. Hello RB! So glad to see you in the UGRR (as always :-)

How are you feeling? I think about you all the time and hope your recovery is going well.

Skin itching. Has your physician given you Atarax? It is often given for management of skin itching. Diabetics have this problem a lot and skin itching is a no no! Anyway I hope that they can find out what's causing the problem. What about the medications you are taking? Food? Itching is very uncomfortable so I do understand what your feeling.

Your favorite teacher, Miss Mannila. 5th Grade is getting a lot of play in the thread today. Perhaps it's because we start to ask questions and form a lot of our own opinions in the 5th Grade. 5th grade was different for me also. But High School was always my favorite.

Here is your bloodymary

Thanks for stopping into the UGRR RB, I hope you feel better!

Love,

Mina :loveya: :yourock:

[foxy]

13. Hi UGRR

Great Monday thread UGRR. But you always do good.

Ok the questions.

1.What's it like being "you"
Well I guess in my mind it is a pain in the butt being me. I go around and be nice to people like my grandmother taught me and it always seems to backfire. Especially with the guys. It seems that I cannot carry on just your basic friendship with them without them thinking of it as more. Other than that part it is great being me.
To know me is to love me is what my dad always told me growing up--but I didn't realize the impact of his words then.

2.Name your favorite teacher? and why?
Mr. Stuart--history teacher when I was in junior-high. He was a great teacher. Everyone liked him immensely. He just knew how to teach and grab the attention of the whole class. I don't think a single student in my class ever got a grade under an 80. I sometimes wish I knew that mans secret. He was great.

3.Ok, your having breakfast in bed! What's on your tray?
Let's see I want silver dollar pancakes with syrup in a dish on the side. Must also have butter for them. Then I want two eggs--the white done and the yellow runny. With some hash-browns extra crispy.

That should do it as long as you don't forget the coffee.


Thank you and "ALL" have a great week.
:hi:

[undergroundrailroad]

42. Hi Foxy! Thanks for dropping into the UGRR! Glad to see you!!

OK, let me take the fast track to the questions!

What is it like being you, Foxy! "To know me is to love me". Beautiful! Listen to Dad! Remember, he introduced you to Elvis! There must be something very special about your Dad to have a beautiful daughter like you Foxy. Now, I've known you for almost or more than a year and you visit me all the time in the UGRR so I think your a very special person. You always add so much laughter and fun to your posts.

Mr. Stuart, your history teacher was your favorite in Jr. High School. He sounds like he was sensitive to his students and loved to give good grades!

OK, your tray is two eggs, over easy (whites well done), hash browns and the coffee (a must have)!

Here is your late tray:

I always live it when you stop in Foxy. Take care and have a great week.

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[proud patriot]

18. Happy Monday

1. What is it like being *YOU* ?
It's a blessing

2. Name your favorite Teacher? Why?
Mr. Ritchie , made me like science

3. OK, your having Breakfast In Bed! What's on your tray?
Breakfast in bed is a slimfast shake

[undergroundrailroad]

43. You know PP, my Sister saw your post today. She called me

and said, someone answered your question, what's it like being you?

She loved your answer, "it's a blessing". I liked it also!

Science was not one of my favorite subject and I'm glad you found a teacher who was able to inspire you to like science.

I found your Slim Fast! Just in time for your AM Breakfast in bed:)



Love,

Mina :loveya:

[proud patriot]

46. Tell your sister hi for me

:loveya:

[GinaMaria]

19. Hi UGRR

1. Not fun today. I've been sick for a week and not getting better. Going to the doc (nurse practitioner actually) today.

2. My favorite teacher was my 4th grade teacher. It wasn't what she taught, it was who she was. Very sweet and gentle, very loving and kind. Even the 'bad' kid was good in her class. The 'bad' kid was really angry and acting out. His mother had died in the first grade. He was really suffering and she just gave him the attention he needed. For me, my home life was pretty harsh. I never heard anything positive said about me. There was plenty of violence though. She was the first person, besides my grandmother to treat me kindly in my youth. She had a big influence on the way I saw things and who I would become. My conservative parents never really understood why I would invite lonely elderly people I met on the street home for Christmas or Thanksgiving, or give my ballet costume to a child that didn't have a halloween costume or any of the 'crazy' Gina acts they couldn't comprehend. I think I witnessed her generosity of spirit and how it transformed me and the 'bad' kid at school. I wonder if she knows how many hearts she healed?

3. Big hazlenut Belgian waffle with tons of fresh Fruit (especially berries) and a latte. I'm willing to share it with my honey :-) but not with the cats :-(

[undergroundrailroad]

44. Hi GinaMaria! Welcome to Mondays IN The Undergroundrailroad!

Let me roll out the RED CARPET for you GinaMaria! Welcome to Mondays IN The Undergroundrailroad, a Monday 24 hour hang out where we meet, greet, ignore our spell check, send love out to each other and jump start your week. GinaMaria, I'm very glad you made it down to visit me and share your thoughts.

Now smile for the camera, make your turns and enjoy your time on the red carpet.

I'm sorry for the late hour and I will see to it that this link is sent to you so that you will see that I read every reply and respond in full.

Now, let me check you out, look over your responses. There are no right or wrong responses in the UGRR. This is my turf and only like minded people hang with me here.

I'm sorry your not feeling well today. It's not fun being sick.

I'm glad to read that you had the support of your favorite teacher during some rough times. Having a sweet and understanding teacher is very important. I remember my Mother, who is a teacher, would treat some of her students like me. Some children had no shoes, she purchased shoes. Some children had no Moms, she gave them hugs. Some kids had no Christmas toys, my Mother provided toys without them knowing it. She purchased boxes of cereal and milk for the kids that did not receive breakfast at home. She told them to come a little early to eat.

You sound like such a sweet and loving person GinaMaria. How kind of you to invite the elderly into your home. Please feel free to drop me a pm anytime if you just want to talk. I'm around all the time GinaMaria and I can assure you that you *WILL* here positive things about yourself in the UGRR.

Well, let me find you a breakfast tray :)


Thanks for stopping in to say hello and you are now a member of Mondays IN The UGRR!

Have a great week,

Here's a (((HUG)))

Warmest regards,


Undergroundrailroad
call me Mina :loveya:

[GinaMaria]

51. Thanks

you are awesome. You make the virtual and real world so much better. See you next Monday

[JohnKleeb]

21. Afternoon, I am not in school today because there is NO school today yay

1. What is it like being *YOU* ?
Being me is ok, I have my ups and downs, but I am pretty happy, I have a few really good friends

2. Name your favorite Teacher? Why?
That would be my philosophy teacher this year, really is the anti thesis of a normal teacher, hes funny, I am pretty sure hes a democrat too, and the class is always interesting

3. OK, your having Breakfast In Bed! What's on your tray?
Belgian Waffles perhaps with a really good hash brown.

[undergroundrailroad]

45. LOL, Mr. John Kleeb, when ever you visit me your not in school.

Last week you said your parents said it was OK to stay home. Today there is no school. How about this John. I will conduct classes for you on Monday in the UGRR and I'll be the teacher? Yes? LOL, I'm joking with you today/tonight.

So, what is it like to be John Kleeb? You have your ups and downs, but at the end of the day, your happy. You have some good friends. That's extra nice. Oh, you forgot about DU John. You have us :)

Your favorite teacher is your philosophy teacher. Funny and a Democrat you think. But he makes the class interesting and thats the important part.

Now, let me see if I can find you some Belgian Waffles for your AM Breakfast In Bed?

Have a great week ahead!

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[JohnKleeb]

48. yummy thanks

[MaineDem]

25. Mina...hello!

Good afternoon in the UGRR!

Black Forest Cake, yummm. I'll take a tiny crumb just to taste it.

I wonder if Aaron will actually find someone for Condi? :evilgrin: I really love that comic strip.

Oh fortune teller, will the people of Maine vote tomorrow to allow a casino in the state? (I hope not...hint hint)

Your daily questions...
1) What's it like being me? Well, this week it's busy. Today I had to make a lasagna to bring tomorrow where I'll spend the day working at the town's polling place. On Wednesday I volunteer at the library. On Thursday I'm having my hair cut (a half hour drive away) but Friday is still free. On Saturday I'm going to a banquet where John Kerry and Howard Dean will speak and that involves a 2 hour drive and an overnight so it basically makes it a weekend event. Thank goodness I'm retired. How did I manage everything when I was working??? :D

2) My favorite teacher was Mr. Simeca, my Sociology 101 Pref. This was back in 1969/70 and there was a lot going on the world. He was wonderful at makingus think. We had to read Eldridge Cleaver's "Soul on Ice" in his class, for example. He was ultimately fired for his left-wing leanings, or so I remember.

3) I would love blueberry pancakes with real butter, crisp bacon, and Bewley's tea. I love breakfast!

Thanks, Mina, for another wonderful Monday. :)

[undergroundrailroad]

47. Hello, hello and good evening MaineDem.

The fortune teller says: NO. The people of Maine will vote "no".

So, I see you read that great Boondocks strip today. Aaron keeps messing with Condi Rice and I just love it!

Now, how is our official health and fitness member doing tonight? What did you think about the NYC Marathon. I thought about you!

OK, daily questions:

What is it like being MaineDem? No black forest cake for you! Come on, I need you to inspire me!!! I love the fact that you give back to the public in the manner of working the polls, making sure everyone is well fed and your going to hear Howard Dean and John Kerry speak this week! Very nice.

Now any teacher that required you to read SOUL ON ICE is *my* kind of teacher. Guess what, it was an option in college and I read the book. But remember I do have a history with the Black Panthers in school (brief period) so Eldridge Cleaver was a black man that I wanted to learn more about. Part of the reason I joined the Black Panther Party was to seek out more in the way of leadership. My life is very complicated because I lived the history of that time in a very in your face manner. A lot of kids call me a hippie, a old timer, you get the idea? Mr. Simeca sounds like a teacher of that era and yes, lots of my teachers were let go for radical points of view on campus.

Let me find you some blueberry pancakes!

Have a great week and have fun on the weekend.

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[cally]

28. You are an inspiration!

Were you the only African American at the school? Thanks for your bravery!!

Questions:

1. What is it like being *YOU* ?

I worry and am concerned about everyone. So I guess being me entails lots of concern about others.

2. Name your favorite Teacher? Why?

My favorite teacher was Ms. Meyers in 7th grade. She was the first teacher to discuss the civil rights movement and the Viet Nam war with us. She encouraged all of us to think for ourselves.


3. OK, your having Breakfast In Bed! What's on your tray?

Cinnamon french toast, fried tomatoes, fruit and hash browns. Of course a big cup of dark coffee.

[undergroundrailroad]

49. My DU Sisters are here! Cally and Cluedin!

Hello, good evening, let me see if I can find a bloody mary for us to drink:







One for me, Cally and Cluedin :grouphug:

Thanks for your kind words Cally. There were two girls in addition to myself. They did not come to school the first week. I think there was an issue about threats and they just didn't want to go.

What's it like being Cally. Well, I know you are a caring person. You have always been there for me, even when I was sick. You are a wonderful DU sister and I'm proud to call you that :yourock:

Now your favorite teacher, in the 7th grade, was Ms. Myers. Liked to discuss Civil Rights and Viet Nam. I think most answered their favorite teacher as their history, civics, etc.

Let me find my sister her cinnamon french toast and a big cup of dark coffee.



Have a great week Cally,

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[blueseas]

32. I am here for cake

Chocolate - mmmmm
1. What is it like being *YOU* ?

I'm still trying to figure that out.

2. Name your favorite Teacher? Why?

Mrs. Langberg, instilled the love of learning.

Breakfast?

Coffee and rolls and fruit.


You go Girlfriend!

:loveya:

[undergroundrailroad]

50. OK, I'll have a slice with you!

BUT I have your breakfast tray:
It's little late but save it for the early AM. :)

Your favorite teacher is Mrs. Langbert who instilled the love of learning.

Well, enjoy your breakfast tray Cluedin. Compliments of UGRR/Mina :)
Your DU Sister.

Love,

Mina :loveya:

PS: Thanks for stopping in :hi:

[undergroundrailroad]

33. OK, Back for more questions and answers.

Took a Dinner break.

Mina :hi:
UGRR

[Brewman_Jax]

52. G'day, Mina/UGRR

Always good to see you, Mina! :hi:

Hope you had a Merry Halloween. I did; I got to dress up and put on makeup. I was a death's cavalier (face made-up like a skull, cavalier costume on).

Didn't eat any candy. Besides, just had a filling done, took about 20 min. Talk about high technology! :-)

Now for your questions:

1) I like being me. Years in the past, I never thought that I'd say that out loud.

2) Favorite teacher(s): My HS English teachers, Ms. Prante, Turk, and Schreckengost, Math teacher Ms. Gorley, and History teacher Mr. Blackwelder.

3) I'd be cooking breakfast, and I'd have an entertaining mix of dim sum and Western breakfast items. :9

Until next time, have fun! :hug:

[undergroundrailroad]

53. I see you had a great Halloweeen in that origianl cosume,

death's cavalier.

Dentist took 20 Min to fill your tooth! Wow, that is high technology.

Now, let me see your answers:

You like being *you*. Terrific answer!
Favorite teachers: Your HS English teachers, Ms. Prante, Turk, and Schreckengost. Also your Math teacher, Ms. Gorley and History teacher, Mr. Blackwelder. As I look over the thread most DUers liked their *history* , civics, current events teachers. That's a very interesting stat. We have a sense of history in common and want * out of office. Well, we're making history as individuals who want to see a Democratic outcome.

Here is your breakfast tray:

Have a good week LurkingArgyle

Love,

Mina/UGRR :loveya: