Not for everyone so don't feel obligated (or guilty) but, if you're looking for something or someone to 'pass it on' to, please consider a donation to either Volunteers of America (specifying that it be directed to the Homeless Vietnam Veterans project) or the Wounded Warriors Project. Thanks.

I (and wife) will be spending Thanksgiving serving dinner to our local homeless population, a large percentage of whom are Vietnam Vets. This weekend, my wife and I hosted a group of our friends (mostly Black airline pilots who flew combat in Vietnam (either Cobras or fighter jets) and I was able to shame them into donating $100.00 each for a total of $1ooo.00 which we gave to a local shelter for homeless vets (and their families). After the party we left the wives at my house and went to a indoor gocart track and finally closed the night out in a topless bar (for old times sake ). I'm not proud of the last part. Anyhoo........

If you can, a few bucks to help a homeless or wounded Vet would be much appreciated. Thanks guys.

chas

chas ... very noble ... and DARING!!! ( for the LAST part - but everybody deserves SOME fun ...

We support the Wounded Warriors Project ... as one who was on active duty during the US blockade of Cuba and in the US Army Reserves during Viet Nam, I was very lucky not to have to see 'action' ...

Have a Happy Thanksgiving ...

Nice Chas...you are a good guy. If we donate will the go-carts and nude bar be part of the deal?

Seriously, there should be no homeless Viet Nam Vets, especially wounded warriors, so people like you and your wife providing this type of service is awesome. Hopefully they can find a way out.

Happy Thanksgiving

Not all that good, Larry. More like feeling a little bit lucky and a little bit guilty ("there but by the grace of 'God' go I" syndrome). The gov't (VA) tries to help but most of the guys from the Vietnam era were just too late to the party, so to speak. My wife who is/was a mental health professional and formerly Director of Mental Health Services at a large Philly Institution, is very active with volunteer organizations serving this population.

Anyhow, the 'nudie bar' is only part of the deal if you sign a medical waiver . You old codgers can only stand so much excitement.

Have a good Thanksgiving. BTW, I'm off the Eagles bandwagon and am now a full time Falcons fanboy. Ok, so I'm a fairweather friend, I admit it. Don't worry, I'll be back next season .

chas

And THAT is why Chas is my very good friend!


Russ
(I admire BOTH the fundraising AND the boobs (not his...the dancers (LOL)!

... yes, between a 'nudie' bar and my SUPER BOWL CHAMPION NY GIANTS, I'm getting enough excitement ...
... and chas, I thought you would be more of a loyal fan than that ... I watched some of tonight's game, and granted it was against another poor team (Jags), the e-girls didn't look too bad tonight considering all their injuries ...
... and I WILL be rooting for them against Dallas next week ...

Tony, Eagles fans would root for Osama Bin Laden if he were playing against Dallas . And you're right, if they can cure their fumbling problems and get most of their starters healthy, they'd probably look halfway decent. But with the Eagles, it's always.......next year. But like 'tomorrow', 'next year' never comes. Oh well, thank goodness for the Falcons (my current home team ---which I've come to like, btw). I'm not getting my hopes up though. They haven't really played anybody and are about the weakest-looking 10-1 team I've seen in awhile. BTW, your NYG looked great and Eli looks like he's back in form. Hope you'll be seeing a lot more Salsa dances in the endzone in postseason .

chas

... that's funny ... and thnx for the kind words about my GIANTS ... they DID look pretty good ...
... not to get into politics, but in line with your comment about e-girls fans, after the people in this State re-elected ALL the Dems (plus 3 more) who have done NOTHING to help this State, one writer to the newspaper said RIers would vote for the devil against Mother Theresa if he ran as a Dem ...

Tony, we'll be moving to RI as soon as possible. I may wait to see how far the Falcons go in the playoffs . Must be a lot of smart people up that way. I'll look you up after the move . I may be bringing Russ with me (once I get him converted ). His heart is in the right place, he's just making too much money right now to be a Democrat .

chas

Chas, I took a little of those Republican dollars and sent them to the Wounded Warrior Project folks.

Certainly a worthy cause. I can relate. I was in Louisville taking the last physical before shipping out in 1966. Had stomach issues that earned me a 4F.

I certainly would have gone, and know lots of classmates who either didn't make it or came back either severely physically or mentally damaged.

Good find, friend!


Russ

I think Tony and Chas should trade locations.
But maybe it doesn't matter as Georgia keeps electing Republicans who have also done NOTHING to help that State.


BTW I'm a die hard Eagles fan, and the Gi aints are our most hated team, so much so, I'd rather see the Cowboys win it all... Did I just say that?

Larry, I'm guessing that if the four of us got together (You,Me,Tony,Russ) there'd be a lot of laughing and good-natured ribbing going on (and a good time had by all). With Russ picking up the tab, of course .

chas

It would be my honor!

R.

Oh yea Chas we can all meet in Georgia, my son lives near Atlanta, they have some great places to eat and drink, and since Russ is buying I've had this craving for Lobster and Steak.

Tony...I know you're a Giants fan, but sorry, no wine and cheese will be served. Beer and Steak for real football fans.


Tony and I have been at each other for years...and even though he's a Republican Giant's fan, he knows I love 'em and Russ is one of a kind, and he too is a GOP'er (with emphasis on the O) I have got to meet him...and his gear. And Chas...you and me. we think alike bro.
It would be fun for sure.

As for RI politics, ANY change HAS to be for the better ...And chas ... I don't think even YOU could put up with the politics up here ... I don't even think of them as Democrats - just STUPID !!! ... you know what they say about doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result??? ...
I'd even give different Democrats a chance! ...

Larry, I don't do wine and cheese at football games - beer and steak - YES ... even (especially?) Philly cheese steak - WIT !!!

... and actually, I think E-girls games are more 'whiney and cheesey' right now ...

BUT - LOHBSTAH in ATLANTA?!?!? ... you gotta come to Rhody for that ...



While the four of us may have different views on how to get there, I do believe we are all looking to get to the same place in this country ...

Tony, the reason we tolerate your politics and that museum piece you call an arranger, is that in the end you always leave us with a nice little nugget of wisdom and common sense. Hey, no bad guys here.



chas

This is GREAT. This is how it should be. People with differences; sharing their ideas in a calm, often funny and reasoned manner.

Much respect and admiration for being included!


Russ

BTW; don't believe the crap that Chas spews about net worth and income.

He is a self-made success story. I'd be reluctant to compare net worth with him (I'd probably lose), and, on every level, he deserves the success he has achieved.

In spite of the "crust" or apparent rough edge, here is a person of real conviction and intellect who backs up his beliefs with his convictions, time and wallet.

And our little 1/2 hour "chain restaurant" lunch a couple of years ago is one of the benchmark events in my life. It's proof-positive that genuine people of substance do exist.



Russ

Larry and Tony, I only go on and on about Chas because he's bigger and meaner than I am.

We've had considerable interaction with each other, and it would be my pleasure to have the chance to continue our friendship.


You guys are GREAT!


Russ

Gosh, when you put it that way, I guess I am pretty terrific. Uh, just don't ask my wife to verify that . BTW, Larry sneaked down this way recently without letting me know or stopping by so at the moment he's on my fecal roster (s--- list). I'll catch up to him next time he's down to visit his son.

Truth is, there is a subset of very nice people on this board. Could you imagine if Nigel were at our little gathering. But then we'd have to listen to him and Russ talk about darn guitars all night . Actually, the thing that we seem to have in common is that none of us are 'fringe'. Okay, so Larry and I may be a little bit left leaning and Tony a tinge right and Russ is a Democrat in a Republican's body , but nobody exhibits the kind of extremeism that is so dividing our country right now. One of the things I admire about Russ is that he sticks to his causes. I've watched him continue to contribute to things he cared about long after the initial committment had been fulfilled. To me, that means you aren't doing it just for the show. Okay, sermon over, meeting adjourned.

chas

Heyyyyyyyyy what ??? ..... now I think about it you are probably dead right Even still I would really love to be at a gathering with you all. What a blast that would be.

Kerry tells me we send thank you Christmas Cards to:
A Recovering American Soldier
C/O Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Ave
NW Washington DC 20307-5001
Just a tiny gesture but a simple effective one.

... the reason you tolerate my politics is because you know I am RIGHT .. not TOO FAR right, but, right ...
... and that 'museum piece' of a keyboard is not NEARLY as old as US, and we seem to be doing OK ...

... and to quote Richard Prior "Oh we BAD, yeah we BAD!!!"

Tony, you always make me smile......Plus, I made it onto your Ipod, so that proves you've got good taste .

chas

... as long as you are laughing WITH me and not AT me ...

BTW ... my iPOD is STILL waiting for more !!!