Batch at Whiskey

Danny and Dave----- be safe and have a great time at SPAC!

Ryan and Mikey hangin out at Whiskey before the show......

Roses are Red are featured in Spin.com today as the Band of the Day and on PureVolume.com as a featured artist. Congratulations guys!!! Love the new cd and looking forward to hearing you on Saturday night!

You might all be thinking that I have WAY too much time on my hands... but some of these are kinda interesting, some are kinda cute and then some are plain old truth.... you all can figure out which ones are which!!

If they know of him at all, many folks think Ben Stein is just a quirky actor/comedian who talks in a monotone. He's also a very intelligent attorney who knows how to put ideas and words together in such a way as to sway juries and make people think clearly.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary, Sunday, 12/18/05.

Herewith at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart: I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are.

I see them on the cover of People and US constantly when I am buying my dog biscuits and kitty litter.

I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores. They never know who Nick and Jessica are either. Who are they?

Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they have broken up? Why are they so important?

I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is either, and I do not care at all about Tom Cruise's wife.

Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I am a subversive? Maybe, but I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are.

If this is what it means to be no longer young, it's not so bad.

Next confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish.

And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees.

I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it.

It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year.

It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu.

If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians.

I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period.

I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country.

I can't find it in the Constitution, and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him?

I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too.But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this Happen?" (regarding Katrina)

Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives.

And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?"

In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK.

Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school .. the Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell.

Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.

Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.

Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it, no one will know you did.

But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.

What's new in the BARCLAY house?! A quick update for all of you that need the bulleted format to keep your attention--- I understand... I can make modifications!

1. Batch 372 spent Friday and Saturday in the studio and they have some pre-production snips online--- you should go check 'em out!
2. Batch 372 are playing at Whiskey Thursday night--- Alexander Street if ya're unfamiliar!
3. Roses are Red are playing at Waterstreet Music Hall on Saturday night... it's their "What Became of Me" release party....
4. Mikey came home a little early from tour and surprised us last night with a late night visit! We missed him TONS and are super psyched to have him around for the next month or so!!
5. Our pool is green and still half opened---so, if there are any offers for cabana boy please call asap!

Hope everyone is havin a great week!

Check 'em out on the web!

I'm still posting pictures of Belize because I have SO many to choose from!

I've been home from my trip for about a week and a half and it seems like I never left---but I have to say I'm a different person ever time I travel on a volunteer trip--- how can you not be?

You truly have to look at your position a bit differently after seeing how so many in the world live. If you take a minute to look at the pictures you will see how different the hospital and communities look than what we see here at home--because of the nature of my work, I have the awesome opportunity to get to know many of the families we work with--- getting a clear understanding of their home, work and school environments. At first thought I might be sad, but then realize that their not sad---- they smile, laugh and have fun in all the same basic ways that we do--- playing sports, hanging out with friends and family, and enjoying the outdoor activities.

While we're traveling I always get picked on because of course the places we go there are no Starbucks or coffee shops---- but in addition---- there are limited cell phones, computers, pagers and PDA's---- so, even though we're incredibly busy--- you can't help but relax just a little---- take a deap breath and realize that in our case we're on "Belizean Time".

Just an FYI--- I LOVE Belizean Time---- this weekend could mean next Tuesday---- this week could mean next month--- 1pm could mean 3pm--- it's all accepted!! People dont complain if they have to walk all day to go the the hospital---- they dont complain that it's 100degrees outside and there's no air conditioning.... no complaining that they have to wait 4hrs in a clinic to see the doctor..... it's truly amazing and to see "Belizean Time" at work makes me realize that possibly it's ok to just slow down..... even just a little..... to take some time to be relational and reflective.....

Mayan Ruins......Quite a sight!

Love, Belikin, Skyping, and Belize!

Mayan Ruin Xunantunich

Even with an exchange rate of $1 Belizean Dollar to $2 US Dollar this is one expensive drink!!!!

This monkey is notorious for "taking out" our staff--- I stayed right away!!!

Me being interviewed by a local Belizean news anchor in front of Western Regional Hospital Belmopan, Belize

Me and my new friend at Western Regional Hospital, Belmopan Belize

To see a ton more pics from me in Belize check out my work blog at www.intervolorg.blogspot.com or www.intervol.blogspot.com you can see what we've been doing and hear a little about our travels so far!

I will be taking more pics everyday and posting updates daily---- so, check back often!!!!!! AND if anyone knows what a hollaback girl is would you PLEASE let me know!!! :)


jaime

"striking a pose" with our new friend Jennifer. Leah and I had a chance to hang out with Jennifer while she was waiting to see the plastic surgeons. I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to spend time with these kids and their families during this scary time!

Leah, Francesca and me with a little girl waiting to see the doctor with her sister with a clef lip and pallett. Don't I look REALLY official in the doctors jacket???

A posting at the hospital letting people know that we were coming.

HELLO BELIZE!!!!

It's Saturday morning and our whole team is settled in awaiting our flight to Belize. We have had an incredible journey! You will all understand when we have a chance to post the pictures.

The good news is that we are all safe and sound, sane, and laughing. The bad news is that half of the group was taken to the wrong hotel last night with 9 50lb boxes & 3 50lb army bags--- this hotel was part of the same chain, but about 20minutes away from the correct hotel that the rest of us were at. Once this was taken care of--- and we were able to unload all of the boxes and army bags into an empty ballroom--- we ordered pizza and went to bed about midnight.

Our wake-up call was suppossed to be at 5am and first shuttle to the airport at 6am--- about 4am we lost power (due to a severe storm) and, fortunately, I set my cell phone alarm (as did a couple others in the group)--- Cindy and I were running around knocking on doors at 5:15--- in the dark--- down strange stairwells--- making sure that everyone was up and we were ready by 6am.

Now, this is less of a problem at home, but when traveling it is truly a pain. Taking a shower in the dark, lugging all your luggage down 4 flights of stairs and using the bathroom--- all with no flashlite and only the light from the laptop and cellphone--- thank GOD for backup batteries!!We were able to get to the airport on time, check all of our boxes, army bags, and luggage and be sitting down by 8am--- STARBUCKS IN HAND BY 8:10!!

I am excited to post pics from our escapades as soon as we get the the Jungle Dome!

My baby!!! Isn't he handsome!!!

My father-in-law and my baby Scotty....

Ya see, my doggie thinks he's a kitty and my kitty Princess thinks she's a doggie...

unlike some parents, we don't have to worry about gender identity, but species identity...

I wonder if this is a possible research topic? All I know is that they fight over the window sills and the leash...

very odd house we Barclays live in!!!

The man...... the myth...... AND the legend..... Uncle Chuck!

Some more pics from Belize.....

I'm getting ready to go to Belize this Friday.... I'm looking forward to it, but contrary to what Ryan thinks it's NOT a vacation!! It's going to be hot and buggy and I'll be working my butt off---- not that I'm complaining.... because we do some super cool stuff when we're there, but keeping track of 15 people and making sure that all of the administrative stuff happens is where I start to pull my hair out a bit!


BUT it's all worth it when you can fix people who would otherwise go unhelped!

These last two posts are my contribution to the upcoming release of "What Became of Me" on June 17th at WaterStreet Music Hall.

Love ya Mikey!!

http://www.fema.gov/kids/cfi111302.htm for more info!

Marathon boy, 4, faces race ban A four-year-old Indian boy with amazing running skills has been told he can no longer run marathons because of fears about his health.

Child welfare officials were worried about Budhia Singh after he collapsed before the finish in a recent race.

He'd run 65 kilometres (40 miles)in seven hours and two minutes. Medical reports showed he was suffering from severe health problems.

His coach, Biranchi Das, said that a "fuss is being made".

He said: " "He has been running seven hours a day for a year now because all he knows is to run, eat and sleep.

"They always knew his capacity to run long distance, so why is a fuss being made now?"
Remarkable ability

But health experts are worried that Budhia could be doing serious damage to his body by running so long in extreme temperatures.

In many countries there are strict rules about the distances kids are allowed to run.

The authorities in India say he cannot run again until further health tests are completed.
They are going to make sure that if he does continue to run, his health will be monitored regularly and he'll train with a proper athletics coach.

2005 was a landmark year in the fight against poverty.

In January 2005 a Global Call to Action against Poverty was launched at the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre to lay down the gauntlet for world leaders to achieve a breakthrough on world poverty.

In less than 12 months, GCAP has grown into the world's largest ever anti-poverty movement, whose organisations together represent more than 150 billion people globally, with campaign actions in more than 80 countries. In 2006 we are still acting together to hold leaders to their promises, and to achieve more to eradicate poverty.

There were some victories on debt cancellation and aid but tragically rich countries betrayed the world’s poor by allowing the colossal inequities in world trade to persist. GCAP will unite again in solidarity in 2006 to continue to challenge the structures of poverty and injustice and to ensure world leaders take the necessary steps to assign poverty to history.

GCAP has recently decided to continue working together as a global movement – this decision was taken at a recent global planning meeting in Beirut.

So, I'm learning how to golf. I went to the driving range for the first time EVER on Saturday night and played nine holes with Rachel, Aaron and Ryan on Sunday.

I have to say..... I did pretty well. Now, did I whiff a lot? Yes.... but when I did finally hit the ball I had a pretty good go of it... I even par'd on some of the holes... my 1st time... I was super psyched and wish I had some good pics to go along with this DECLARATION of intent.

MY INTENT IS TO DO SOMETHING GOLF RELATED 1x PER WEEK FOR THE ENTiRE 2006 SUMMER AND LEARN HOW TO DO IT BETTER THAN MY HUSBAND!!! (always a silent motivator!!!) :)

I"ll let you know how i'm coming along!!!

Durand Eastman Park Fall '06 (My first attempt at nature photography!!)

Our Mikey and Prin---- two of our favorite "people"!!!

Ryan and me in NYC for our 6th Anniversary

Coverage Matters for Families

Understanding how and why lack of insurance matters for families provides further insight into the menacing effects of uninsurance; it clarifies some of the less obvious reasons why coverage matters.

The insurance status of individual family members affects access to and use of care by others. Lower income families often encounter a bewildering patchwork of coverage options, which makes negotiating the health care system difficult. Parents often make health care decisions for younger family members and their experience with the health care system will influence children’s access to and use of care.

Who Is Covered?

About 1 in 5 families with children (19 percent) had at least one uninsured member in 2000.

Families with one or more uninsured members lacked the income to pay for it.

Only 59 percent of families with incomes under half the poverty level were fully covered whereas 95 percent of families that earned over 200 percent of the poverty level were.

Parents in lower-income families were one-and-one-half times less likely to be insured than their children because eligibility limits for public coverage were higher for children than adults.

In two-parent households with both parents insured, 98 percent of children had coverage. In single-parent households, when the parent was insured, 95 percent of children were covered.

However, the chance that a single-parent family had no insured members was double that of two-parent families.

Fact: As most elderly people are covered by Medicare, nearly all the uninsured are under age 65. Children are more likely to have coverage than non-elderly adults, which reflects their much higher rates of public coverage through Medicaid and SCHIP.

Percentage Uninsured Among Nonelderly Adults by Age, 2004

Christian Schenk--bass Batch372

Ryan Barclay--drums Batch 372

Danny Merkey--Sax Batch 372 & Mike O'Connor--Vocal's Batch 372

Aaron and Mikey at Milestons on Saturday night watching Batch 372-----

Check out the review of Saturday night at Milestones!

I'll post video/audio from it soon!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!!