Tom Whittaker's Blog

This is a pretty cool story I came across.

Last Update: 2/25 3:50 pm

IRAQ -- Their friendship began half way across the world in Iraq, when St. Petersburg native Major Brian Dennis encountered a mixed breed dog in Anbar Province. The dog had been savagely abused and his ears cut off.

The marine decided to call him Nubbs.

In e-mails to his mother, Marsha Cargo in Tierra Verde, Major Dennis wrote how he was "dumbfounded" when he learned Nubbs' ears were cut off purposely by an Iraqi to make him tough and more alert. Nubbs, he said, was ordained a fighting dog.

Four months passed, and the bond between man and his four legged friend grew. Nubbs, was dealt severe blows in his short life, including being stabbed by a screwdriver. The major shared his distress with mother.

“He tried sleeping with him that night because it was 18 degree temperature and he was afraid he was not going to live through the night. So out of his back pack, he took Neosporin and covered the wound,” Cargo said.

Major Dennis nursed Nubbs back to health...and here is where this friendship takes a remarkable turn: Major Dennis was ordered to move his squadron 70 miles away. He complied.

His mother shared her son's surprise of a lifetime, “Two days later he was out there working on a vehicle in the front yard and all of a sudden here comes Nubbs. He had tracked Brian 70 miles across the desert in 18 degree temperature while being wounded.”

Despite strict rules, Major Dennis wrote to his mother, he had to help this dog. "I won't even address the gauntlet. He had to run off a pack of dogs, wolves and god knows what else to get here...when he arrived he looked like he had been through a war zone," Dennis wrote.

Weeks went by, and Nubbs was dealt another blow,

“Someone told on them that they had the dog and they had 4 days to get rid of him or Nubbs was going to be shot,” Cargo said.

That’s when the Marine made it his mission to get Nubbs to safety. He wrote, “Nubbs was going to America, this dog had been through a lifetime of fighting war, abuse, and had tracked our team over 70 miles of harsh desert (and) was going to live the good life."

The major started an e-mail campaign that crisscrossed continents. Within two days there was three thousand dollars to bring Nubbs home.

“The hardest part was getting him across the Jordanian border,” Cargo told us.

But, in keeping with the rest of this story, the duo defied the odds. Major Dennis was able to get Nubbs into Jordan. A family here in The U.S. will take care of him there until these friends can be reunited.

“I almost feel like Brian is his guardian angel and maybe he is Brian's guardian angel,” Cargo said.

Source: ABC Action News

Further into Coal Creek Canyon. Headed to the Wondervu Cafe in Wondervu, CO for breakfast.

Off to the mountains for breakfast with Dale, Sam, Nicole, Toby, Ford, Sophia and Kate.

Dale and I had a nice day in Estes Park, CO. Estes is one of my favorite towns in Colorado, especially in the autumn. It is beautiful, has a fun shopping area and often the town is taken over by elk (but not today).




A trip to Estes Park is not complete without visiting two places - Bob & Tony's Pizzeria and Grandma's Mountain Cookies. You cannot beat the clam strips and pizza at Bob & Tony's and the cookies are an extreme guilty pleasure at Grandma's. I highly recommend you check out both.

We went to Estes Park today to go to Trenz, which is a cool shop that carries modern retro furniture accessories. We bought a calendar there last year and wanted to get a 2009, but they do not have the 2009 in stock yet. Still is was a great day in Estes and a great get-a-way.

Funny thing from the trip - we had a beaver and four horses run in front of the car today (not all together; beaver was separate from horses). Just strange that in the last 7 days a black bear, beaver and broncos (needed a B for horses) have all run in front of our car. Is it a sign?

Well, the King of Pop turns 50 and from the look of this photo it has been a very strange path. Happy Birthday Michael or at least to your lips as they seem to be the only portion of you the same.

I am convinced.

Oh yeah, I forgot to tell my readers - I got new glasses. I usually wear contacts. In fact it has been years (15 probably) since I have worn glasses outside of the house. I usually only wore them at night to watch TV or when I first wake up.

However, I got an eye exam a month back and the woman convinced me to get outside my box and buy these glasses. She said they look great on me. I think she just liked that I was willing to buy from the expensive section and liked compliments.

I personally do like them. I have been wearing them on weekends and even to work a few times. What do you think? Do I look smarter? I did my smart pose.

I want my friend Sara (featured in this other blog post) to do her hair like this and wear an off the shoulder sweatshirt next Tuesday, 9/2 in order for me to kick off I Love the 80's Tuesdays at Indigio. I think if she does it, things will catch on with the entire staff (she is a trend setter).

If you agree please comment on this blog. If she sees 10 that say "yes, do it!" she will have to do it.

It is National Hug a Gnome Day. How are you spending it? Get out in the yard and start hugging.

Okay, it is really not National Hug a Gnome Day. I was looking for something else on my computer and came across this photo of my friend Sara. She is having a stressful week, so I saw this and thought it may bring a smile to her face.

I wonder if she is still dating this guy? They seem happy.

I see pictures like this all the time online, on greeting cards and on many a wall when I was in college (usually women). I personally do not understand what is the appeal of these scenes with minimal color to make them look nostalgic. What is the appeal, as I do not get it? Is it supposed to be romantic? It seems creepy to me to dress children as adults and put them in obviously adult scenes. Am I the only one who finds these weird? Is it just me?

"This is the America that George Bush has left us."

This was a great quote by Joe Biden tonight during tbr Democratic National Convention and it really makes you think.

Where were we 8 years ago? Where are we now? Are most of us better off? It does not seem like it. Can Obama/Biden get us back on track? I hope so!

I have only seen Biden speak twice and read about him a bit. Overall, he has never impressed me...well until tonight. He was fantastic...no make that bidentastic.

Quick thoughts:

When did Chelsea Clinton become such a hottie? She was such an awkward teen, but is now very pretty. I predict she may be end up being the most influential Clinton of all time, but only time will tell.

I like that she introduced her Mom. Great job, Chelsea.

Who the hell picked an orange pantsuit for Hillary Rodam Clinton to wear? If she has a stylist, fire that person immediately. If she does not, get one ASAP.

To me this was a great opportunity for Hillary to move away from the unflattering pantsuits and truly show some style, sophistication, yet strength.

All that said, she did deliver a great speech focused on the struggles of real Americans and the need for a unified Democratic Party. Great job, Hillary.

There is a part of me disappointed we do not have an Obama/Clinton ticket right now. Am I alone in this wish?

Lyrics | Same Ol' Story lyrics

This song has grown to become my favorite song this summer. I usually listen to it while Dale is not in the car because it contains "language" and Dale does not like songs with "language" too much.

Why do I like it?

• It contains "language".
• Great rhythm.
• Catchy.
  
• It is great to see Cyndi return to her dance/pop roots.
• How can you know love the lyrics - Well it's the same old fucking story; with your two different sets of rules; the same old fucking story.
• Cyndi Lauper never disappoints.
• It contains "language" (deserves to be said twice).
• The song speaks to me; lately it seems like things have been the same old fucking story at work.
  
• It is a great song to crank up on the radio with the top down and the wind in your face.

How can you not like a song with a good beat that drops the F-bomb twenty or so times? Give it a try.

On Sunday, when Dale, Sam, AJ and I went hiking we encountered a black bear. Not while hiking, but still an encounter.

We were driving on Highway 119 and at about 7:40 AM a black bear trotted across the highway about 50 feet in front of our truck.

After that, we listened to AJ when she read her brochure about what to do in a bear or mountain lion attack.


I did not have my camera out, so I did not get my own picture of the bear, but I found this picture of it's brother or sister. I am assuming a close relation, as it looked just like this. I also assume that bears discriminate too and think all people look the same, so I do not feel bad.

A few thoughts:

To this day I cannot understand America's obsession with Ted Kennedy. He is an alcoholic, womanizer and most likely responsible for a woman's death (and if not, he did not do much to report her death). Perhaps I am just too young to remember the Camelot created by the Kennedy's, but he is no John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy or even John F. Kennedy Jr. if you ask me. I understand he has cancer (and that is horrible) and he has done some good as a Senator, but by the reaction of the crowd and his press, you would think he swas the Democratic candidate right now. I just do not get it, sorry.

Michelle Obama is one hell of a speaker. She is quite impressive and can own a crowd. Great job! I actually think she would make a great First Lady. It surprised me how good of a speaker she was. Based on her experience and education, I should not be, but I was.

I hate watching live TV, but our TiVo had nothing to record tonight...so I gave in and watched the convention live. Too many damn commercials. Commercials stress me out. I am so bored during the commercials I find myself longing for more of Tom Brokaw speaking.

Obama is a genius. Having his cute kids at the end of the convention tonight - truly genius. How does McCain top that? If you ask me, he needs to add some Muppets to his speech if he wants to compete. I think McCain in a duet with Kermit the Frog singing Rainbow Connection would rock the house. But, I am 1. weird; 2. like awkward situations and 3. love the Muppets.

My new found admiration of Michelle Obama may make me tolerate all the people on the 16th Street Mall tomorrow. Maybe.

Today, I received these two emails in regards to my blog post, Hi, I'm Crazy, posted on July 21st from a guy name Michael who was sent the link from his sister.

Email #1

Hi Tom,

My name is Michael and I'm not really a regular blogger. However, my sister directed me to your blog, specifically the voicemails left by the guy named Dmitri for Olga. My sister believes it's real, and I believe that it is some joke that has been passed off as real and is being spread around the internet. (My reasoning: he says almost the worst thing you could possibly say in every situation. Could anyone really be this deluded? It must be a staged situation.)

My question to you is do you know Olga or do you know someone who knows Olga? I promise I won't ruin the humor in such a sick message by posting anywhere that it's not real (if indeed that's the case). I'd be interested in knowing how many times this got passed around before getting to you.

I would be very grateful if you replied.

Curious about psychosis,

Michael

Email #2

Hi Tom,

I looked around a little more and found out that this is "Dmitri the Lover". He's up in Toronto and actually teaches these "techniques" to other men. Check it out if you're interested in seeing how loony this guy really is.

http://www.dimitrithelover.com/

Thanks for listening...

Michael

I love that Michael emailed. I appreciate the question. After his first email I emailed him that I did not know Olga or Dimitri and I came across the audio while surfing the net on StumbleUpon. He did some online research (I am lazy) and found that Dimitri exists and it even crazier than I thought. Check out Dimitri the Lover and find out why. I also love that Michael used the word loony.

I love it even more that Dimitri is real and teaches this crap to others. Hi, I'm Crazy should actually be Hi, I'm Even Crazier Than You Thought.

How often do you come across something online and wonder if it is real or fake? More often than not we just assume it is fake. Great job Michael for going the extra distance. If you Google Dimitri the Lover, you find a lot of interesting stories about this guy.

I decided to blog about this, so everyone could get an update on the story of Dimitri. For some odd reason, a lot of people took to that post on my blog and emailed it to friends. Well, it has been emailed a lot because it has brought 758 visitors just to that post in the last month.

If I was straight, I would be all over her.

Dear World,

As I am sitting on my bus ride, the question running through my head is when did I become so old? Really, it is a little scary. l am 36 years old, but my mood would make you think I am 76 years old.

As most of the world seems to know, the Democratic National Convention exploded onto Denver today. For those of you who do not know, I work in downtown Denver. I am right in the mix of it all. My opinion of the event - go home and get out of my city!


Now, I am all for democracy. I am all for the revenue this will bring to Denver, especially in a economy that is not what I call stellar.

However on a personal level I am not loving it. Three are too many people on the streets, in particular the 16th Street Mall and the Mall Shuttle. I do not love crowds. I find it a little bit alarming to have to look at police officers and SWAT teams on every corner. This does not make me feel safe. It is just a reminder that I am working near a potential riot or terrorist attack waiting to happen. I do not like the never ending line of vendors selling t-shirts and buttons. I do not like the endless parade of signs that all protest the sign next to them. I do not like the people who just stop and block the sidewalk for no reason. I do not like the noise. Mostly I do not like the slightest disruption to my life. I will be honest, it has made me grumpy.


I know I should be excited, but I am not. Maybe I am just not political enough. I follow it. I get informed. I vote, but I am also a realistic. We are not as democratic as we like to think. A group of Delegates select our candidates and the Electoral College selects our President. So does me buying an Obama pin make that much of a difference, I don't think so.

Do I support Obama? Mostly. Is he the perfect candidate for me? No. Do I support McCain? Somewhat. Is he the perfect candidate for me? No. I think I will end up voting for Obama because overall I feel this country needs a kick start and some change. I feel we have a chance of this with Obama.

However, more than anything I feel we need to realize some things as a country. We spend too much money in order to elect a President. The money spent on pointless commercials and signs could be so much better spent on actually helping people. Let's focus on the problems instead of all the hype.

I know this is probably not a popular opinion the week of DNC, but it is my opinion. Oh and less people in my way on the sidewalk please.

Am I the only one not on cloud nine with the DNC in town?

Yours truly,

The Grumpy Old Version of Tom

P.S. - I apologize to my friend Kath in advance. She loves politics and is loving the DNC right now.

Several weeks ago my college friend, Jen Shumway Marion asked me on Facebook if I could share my recipe for macaroni and cheese with stewed tomatoes. I made it a few times while in college and she thought her kids would love it.

Sadly, I have not made it in over ten years, so I could not easily send it. Today I made the recipe from memory, so I could share it with Jen. Here is the recipe in case anyone else is interested. It came out pretty good, since I did it from memory and it was my Mom's recipe originally.

Ingredients

• 1 (1 lb) box shell macaroni or elbow macaroni
• ¼ lb butter
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of italian seasoning
• 8 -12 ounce block of extra-sharp white cheddar cheese
• 8 -12 ounce block of mozzerella cheese
• 4-6 ounce package of shredded ramano cheese
• 2 cans stewed tomatoes

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook macaroni according to package directions, drain, rinse and set aside. Cut up both blocks of cheese into cubes (1 inch X 1 inch). Cut butter into 4 equal portions. Grease 9 x 13 baking dish or 3 quart casserole dish. Layer cooked macaroni, stewed tomatoes and cheddar and mozzarella cheese cubes in baking or casserole dish. Pour milk across top. Layer butter across top. Sprinkle salt, black pepper and italian seasoning across top. Sprinkle romano cheese across top. Bake 1 hour at 350 or until it starts browning. Let sit for 5 - 10 minutes before serving. Serves 6-8 people.

If you end up trying it, let me know what you think or any variations you try. I thought about adding spicy italian sausage today, but decided to go with the original.

While at the Denver Botanic Gardens yesterday, I snapped this photo of some pumpkins peaking up from a thick patch of leaves.

Soon Summer will slowly begin folding into Autumn. For me, the Fall is the best time of year. It is a beautiful season. The beautiful changing of the leaves, the cool air, apple cider, pumpkin picking and let's not forget Halloween.

Today our friends Sam and AnJanette (AJ) invited Dale and I to join them on a nice, leisurely hike up near Nederland, Colorado. In particular a 6 mile hike to Mitchell and Blue Lakes near the Continental Divide in the Roosevelt National Forest.


I included this photo above of Dale on our leisurely hike. Yes, that is Dale on the vertical climb. What were Sam and AJ thinking?



Just kidding. We did go hiking, but it was not quite as vertical as I like to complain it was. However, it was definitely not as easy or leisurely as Dale and I had expected. It does not help that we are not in the best shape either.

Poor AJ had to take a lot of complaining, not only from Sam (which she seems used to), but also from Dale and I (well, mostly me). It seemed like every four minutes we were asking if we were there yet. However, to our defense, AJ kept telling us one more hill and we were there. These are what I now call little white lies and AJ calls motivation to keep us going.

The sad part came as Dale and I were complaining we were passed on the trail by:

• A couple with a little weiner dog, who did not whine to be carried (I did)
• A hippie in flip-flops (who wears flip-flops to hike)
  
• A family with a 4-year old boy, who walked himself up the trail (show off)
  
• A woman who looked exactly like the old lady from the Titanic movie (she was honestly 80 years old)
  

Though it was tough (not for the weiner dog or 4 year-old apparently), Dale and I were glad we made it to the top. Seeing Blue Lake was well worth the hike. It is crystal clear and fed from melting snow packs and glaciers. It is amazing. Plus AJ gave us an apple as a reward.

I recommend this hike to everyone. Not because I care you get to see something beautiful, but mostly because I like to see others suffer too. Happy hiking!

Also, I checked several sites and AJ is right, everyone says that it is a moderate hike. The elevation change along the trail is only 800 feet. Damn, I really need to get my ass back in the gym.

Okay, maybe I have.

Late this morning Dale and I headed to the Denver Botanic Gardens for a nice stroll and some lunch on the Monet Deck. It was a wonderful time, beautiful weather and a great way to spend some of the final days of Summer. Here are a few of the pictures.

If you have not gone to the Denver Botanic Gardens this Summer, do not miss out. Get there soon. It is such a magical place.