The British Embassy has been hosting Scottish Country dancing sessions over the last few weeks. I didn't find it too different from square dancing, two-stepping and some of the other country dancing we regularly do in Texas. In addition to the dancing sessions, the British Embassy hosted a holiday party last week. It was a black tie event and everyone looked much different from their normal daily appearance, almost unrecognizable in the case of the some of the ladies who exchanged their camouflage for evening gowns. It was a good time with food, a live band , pipers and yes even some silly British hats. The party committee had planned for some Scottish Country dancing but it was cut from the program. We thought it would have been ironic to see so many Americans demonstrate SCottish dancing to the Brits. I saw quite a few Scots with their kilts. For some reason, my kilt didn't make the trip since it was not on my packing list last year. One of the Scots told me that they have decided to have a Burns Night in January. Unfortunately I will miss the Baghdad Burns Night but I will be back home in time to celebrate Burns Night in Dallas.
Books
Past Time, Past Place: GIS for History
This is an interesting book on the convergence of History and GIS. A sampling of the chapters include: The Salem Witch Trials, Dust Bowl Analysis and Mapping the Ancient World.Placing History: How Maps, Spatial Data, and GIS Are Changing Historical Scholarship
This is a hybrid of two my favorite subjects; GIS and History.George R.R. Martin: A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 3)
I need a break every so often and this series is fnatastic. Martin has complex characters and plots. This fantasy series has a limited magic and closely resembles the War of Roses in English history. HBO is working on a series to bring the books to the screen.Jennifer Greene: Head First Pmp: A Brain-Friendly Guide to Passing the Project Management Professional Exam
I am a huge fan of this series of books. This book complements the relatively dry PMBOK Guide. The publisher has a PM focused website and sample online test.A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge: (Pmbok Guide)
This is the main source of information for anyone working to earn a PMP. It is a bit dry and could use more real world examples. The lack of applicable examples is by design since the book is more of an overview/survey of Project Management.Seth Godin: The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick)
This is a great book. I discovered it on another blog site. I am planning to read more of Godin's book. It is a short book, but sometimes short is good. I believe that the succinctness of his book is appropriate and allows him to pound one point home....when to quit. Not only is important to know when to quit but why it is vital TO QUIT. Godin writes that people cannot achieve their potential unless they discard the unproductive and unfruitful areas of their lives. Some of the best decisions I have made involved quitting dead end jobs, hopeless activities and destructive relationships. Highly recommended.Michael Lewis: Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game
A great, but controversial, book about how Billy Beane reinvented the art of scouting baseball players. A good example of "thinking outside the box"Neal Thompson: Driving with the Devil: Southern Moonshine, Detroit Wheels, and the Birth of NASCAR
Living in Iraq means that you don't always want to read about Iraq in your leisure time. I am reading this book to remind me of home. The book is about the birth of NASCAR in the prohibition era...an era I can relate to while serving in Iraq.Douglas Coupland: Shampoo Planet
This is the best book I have read concerning Generation X.Rajiv Chandrasekaran: Imperial Life in the Emerald City: Inside Iraq's Green Zone (Vintage)
I have been reading to prepare for life in Iraq.
Blogs
- One American's History
This my personal blog focusing on one of my hobbies. Most of my vacations include a historical side trip. - Gen X in Iraq
This is my blog I maintained while I was in Iraq. - Leadership Now
I have been reading and studying the concept of emotional intelligence for some time. This blog promotes a leadership style based on relationships and emotional intelligence. - Kaat's Korner
This is a baseball blog. Be warned it does belong to a Yankee's fan, but it is an interesting read. - Sandbox Chad: Should Have Read the Fine Print
This is a friend of mine from the same reserve unit. He went through Narmy training but did not have to go to Kuwait for additional training. He will be serving with CENTCOM. - Salam Pax: The Baghdad Blogger
For a view outside the wire in the "red zone", I recommend Salam's blog. He has achieved celebrity status for his blogging...and he demonstrates a great Gen X style sense of humor. - Adam: From DC to Afgahnistan
This blog is another Navy Reservist IA who is a Public Affairs Officer assigned to Afghanistan. - Jenx67
This is a great blog with information on Gen X.
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December 13, 2009
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I would have been nice to see you in a Kilt. Do you have the lovely Licht legs.
Posted by: Priscilla | December 14, 2009 at 06:46 PM
I hear you will be home for the Holidays. That is nice. I am heading to AZ and Howard is going to FL.
I am sure you are looking forward to Christmas at home.
cold and snowy here.
Posted by: Priscilla | December 14, 2009 at 06:48 PM
Mark, will you be home for Christmas??? That would be great for your family and you. If so, you will be on your way soon!
Bet you were good at the Scottish dancing! :)
Ann
Posted by: Ann | December 16, 2009 at 05:02 PM
Unfortunately, I won't be home for Christmas. In fact I am going to be later than I expected. My relief is showing up late and instead of getting on the next available flight, I have been pushed to the end of the line. I am looking at getting back to the US late in January or early February.
Posted by: MidnightMustang | December 18, 2009 at 12:40 AM