Gartside Blog

Who is Elsie Gartside (Mearman)

2011-09-17T06:37:00.003-04:00

Many family trees have them, the one person who you'd love to learn more about but are having a dickens of a time with. In my tree it's Elsie Elizabeth Gartside; I'd really like to learn more to help unfold a family mystery.

Why?

Let's go back in time to the nineteen tens. My Grandfather, Irvin Gartside, was born on 15 Mar 1914 the son of William Gartside* (b. 16 Nov 1867 d. 12 Jun 1953). He grew up in Rhode Island with his family; his mother was Kezia Cooper (Gartside) (b. 9 Feb 1868 d. 27 Nov 1918), step-sister Ada Wilde (Crowley) (b.11 Dec 1890 d. 01 Jun 1934), and sister Elsie Gartside (b. 22 Dec 1897 d. 27 Apr 1960); they later moved to Connecticut. He was raised believing this was his family, that all changed when he got married.

When he and my Grandmother, Eleanore Runde, tied the knot his 'father' told him the truth; Elsie was not his sister, she was his mother! This was pretty shocking news to my Grandfather, he didn't take it well from then on out he distanced himself from the Gartside family. By this time Elise had moved on marrying George Mearman having nine more children. Irvin's father is unknown to me, he knew the name but no one in my (living) family has that knowledge. That's my question: What is my "real" last name?

It's more for curiosity sake; where does my great-grandfather hail from? How does it affect my current make up: 1/2 Mexican, 1/8 English, 1/8 Irish, 1/8 German and 1/8 Unknown, what is that 1/8 unknown? I've exhausted different avenues of research (SSN paperwork, birth certificate) and his father is never listed. My only hope is descendants of Elsie Mearman that may have some information to help out.

Elsie's family has grown (there are a number of Mearman's in Connecticut still) and I've tried to contact a few of them hoping they might have any information on her that will lead me to my great grandfather to no avail. Perhaps one of them will stumble across this blog and help fill in some blanks. "Help me Mearman's, you're my only hope..."

* William was where grandfather, my dad and I get our middle name.

Using my Genealogy page

2011-09-13T19:26:00.001-04:00

Here are some helpful hints for looking at my family tree page:

URL: http://www.gartside.org/FamilyTree/

How to use:

1) Just about every name, family, event source are clickable; if you are in sources and click a name it’ll take you to that person page.

2) Living people have most information hidden; the software defines anyone that has a death date or their birthdate is greater than 90 years to be dead. So it leads to some oddness where a father, with no birth/death date, of a person born in 1811 is still considered living. I try and clean these up as I find them

3) Some of the sorting is a little off, especially around sources

Now to the meat of it.

On the left navigation you’ll see:

Persons - Takes you to a alphabetical list of all persons with some basic info on each (birth date/place and death date/place)

Families - Just like persons except focused on families

Sources - Any source that I have referenced (census, birth certs, family gravestones, etc)

Statistics - Not a whole lot of anything in here that is useful

Icons: On most pages the grids will have some icons next to them that have a meaning.

Picture – Person has media associated with them (images or Web Hyper links)

Document – Person has some of my notes

Star – Person is bookmarked, means nothing on the web page

Circle – Male/Female

On this page John Henry Gartside has Images & Notes, Kirk William Gartside has Images & is bookmarked, John Edward Gartside has only notes

PERSONS: All kinds of info on a person with the following sections

CONTEXT: Map of their immediate relationships (children and parents, great grandparents). Click on one and it’ll take you to their page

ADDITIONAL NAMES: Nicknames, last names, ,etc

PARENTS: Self Explanatory

PARTNERS & CHILDREN: Self Explanatory

EVENTS: Major life events, clicking event type will take you to details about that event

FACTS: Facts I may have about that person

MEDIA: Pictures of person or graves & hyperlinks to other pages about that person

NOTES: Any Notes I have on that person

SOURCES: Any sources that mention that person

KINSHIPS: Self Explanatory

FAMILIES: All kinds of info on families with very similar sections to PERSONS.

SOURCES:

TOP: Information about where I got the source

ENTRIES ASSIGNED TO THIS SOURCE: All the people, families and events that are mentioned in this source

TEXT: My Transcription

MEDIA: Images, Links to external images (I back up in Picasa) and LInks to the original source in FamilySearch, Ancestry, etc

NOTES: Any notes I may have

Hartford Half Marathon

2007-10-14T20:24:00.000-04:00

Greater Hartford Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
10/13/07
(RESULTS)

Does running two half marathons in 13 days count as a full Marathon?
It looks like this is it, my final distance run for 2007. All I've got is a few more 5K's left but nothing like what I went through on Saturday. It was a perfect day for a run, the weather at start time was in the mid 40's and it wasn't expected to get above the low 50's during the course of the run. I picked up Jose at seven and we drove towards the race. After we parked we struck up a conversation with someone who told us it was her 81st marathon. CRAZY! The course started on Bushnell Park, took us through East Hartford, back into Hartford to neighborhoods I'd normally never visit before ending back at Bushnell Park. All in all, a fun course but a bit cruel because there was some small hills on mile 11. Oh well, I was able to run the entire course without stopping and only came in 2 minutes slower than the Niantic Half.
This was my first race that also included a marathon. Talk about cool, there was an amazing energy in the air along with a lot of people in a great mood. My mind was racing and really made me want to try a full marathon someday. It would take a huge commitment and I'm not sure if I am up to it. To be honest, I could have done a lot better prep for this race, in the last two months I haven't done any long runs (8+ miles) except the New Haven 20K and Niantic Half Marathon. Oh well, I still feel great that I finished it without stopping and had a great time.

My first Half Marathon

2007-09-30T20:50:00.000-04:00

Niantic Bay 1/2 Marathon (13.1 miles)
9/30/07
(RESULTS)

It had all the makings of a disaster... It's funny because I really had no interest in running this race. I'd have much rather spent the time prepping for the Hartford 1/2 Marathon in Mid-Oct. However, Shannon asked me if I'd be interested and I found out that three of my friends were running the 5K. Why not, it might be cool to see some familiar faces at the finish line. After the 20K at the beginning of the month, my training slacked off to a couple 3 mile post-work runs topped off by a six mile run on Wednesday night. That run didn't go over so hot as cramps at mile four forced me to walk for five minutes or so. My confidence wasn't all that high going into the weekend. Then, over this past week Shannon fell ill and the 5K runners dropped out one by one until I was the only person running in Niantic. Still, I figured on making a good show of myself until Saturday rolled around... Who knows what I did during the day but my back was sore prior to going to bed, I fell asleep for three hours and woke up to excruciating pain. It was so bad, I was almost in tears; reminding me of my sciatic issues last summer. For the next hour I stretched my back and right leg attempting to kick the pain down a notch. Things were not looking good for Sunday’s race. After some aspirin & a bit of stretching I was able to fall asleep. Melissa and I woke up at seven with my back still feeling sore, but not as bad as in the night. I did some stretches on the floor and took a hot shower hoping that I’d somehow be okay. Was it mind over matter? Or was it me being stubborn? Somehow my back stopped barking and I took a quick jog around her neighborhood. Wow, I felt pretty good… Do I dare go for it? What the heck, I had a free T-Shirt waiting for me. Melissa couldn’t believe that I was actually going to try and run the race. As we drove I put on a good air but did have nagging doubts…

We arrived at Niantic where I did a lot more pre-race stretching and told Melissa my goals for the race. Two hours and Thirty minutes. Left unsaid was “No Walking” because, honestly, I didn’t think I’d be able to run the entire thing with the lack of preparation and worries about my back.

Life is funny sometimes. I did wonderful, I kept a very constant pace and did not have to stop and walk the entire race!

I kept track via my Nike/iPod kit and my pace was consistent throughout the run, starting at about 10 minutes/mile and finishing at an over all of 10 minutes 46 seconds/mile. My final time was 2 hours, 20 minutes and 53 seconds.
Yes, I’m proud of myself, I ran a half marathon. It’s the farthest I’ve ever run in my life!

One funny note, on mile 10 I was running by the woods, feeling a bit tired, when a tree branch fell on me. It scared the heck out of me but I took it as a sign to get a move on!

New Haven 20K

2007-09-13T21:21:00.000-04:00

New Haven Road Race – 20K (12.4 miles)
9/3/2007
(RESULTS)

Prior to any race I usually set a couple goals for myself, the time I’d like to come in under and not stopping during the run. First the first time since I’ve started running I missed both goals.

Am I upset? No not really.

Am I disappointed in myself? Slightly, mostly because I didn’t make a particular distance before starting to walk.

It was a beautiful day for a race, Melissa and I swung over Josh and Shannon’s and then we were off to New Haven. Both Shannon and I were doing the full 20K, which would be my longest run ever! I confidently told them I was shooting for around 2 hours and not stopping.

We set off slowly and as the miles added up I could feel myself slowing quite a bit. At the 10K mark I was 1 hour and five minutes in and realized that there was no way I was coming in for 2 hours. By mile nine I hit a wall and every step was heavier and heavier. In my past run (10 miles) I could say to myself “only one mile to go”. Not so in this case, I still had about 3 and half more. Finally I had to stop running and do a power walk. I was upset a bit, mainly because I didn’t do 10 miles before taking that break. After a few minutes I picked up the pace and ran all of miles 10 and 11. Right at the 12 mile mark I had to do the power walk thing for a bit, I wanted to cross the finish line looking good. Naturally Josh and Shannon were walking along the side and saw me. Being slightly ashamed I started running again and crossed the finish at 2 hours and 14 minutes. Looking back, I lost about four to five minutes in walk time.

I’ve got a half marathon (13.1 miles) coming up in two weeks. My goals are a bit more realistic:

Finish in under 2:20.

And…

Not walk.

WISH ME LUCK!

Corporate 5K

2007-08-16T11:36:00.000-04:00

Corporate 5K - Hartford, CT 8/9/2007

This race was fun, more because of the friends that ran it with me; the course was a double loop which took a little of the enjoyment out of the day. Oh well, we all had fun.

It was a beautiful day for a run, no humidity and low temperatures (for the Summer). I gathered a good crew of buddies (Josh Reed, Shannon O'Donnell, Sara Ward, Dan Mulcahy, Kim Chapman and Erica Vogel) and entered us in as a Travelers team. We knew that we weren't winning any prizes but were looking for a good time. Prior to the race starting I ran into some old friends, Kristine Cao & Karin Wilsey, and played a little catch-up.

When the gun went off I started at a decent pace with Ms. Chapman by my side. Around mile one we started going up a slight hill and both of us were passed by an older guy pushing a baby stroller. I looked over at Kim and said "Now that's disheartening". As I crossed the halfway point I kicked it up a little; if everything broke well I wanted to break the 9 mins/mile mark for this race. Over the last mile my right knee started to remind me that it was there but I didn't want to slow down. As I saw the finish line in the distance I broke out into a sprint, saw Shannon and Dan (a.k.a. The Gazelle) cheering me on. I made my goal (results here) of under nine minutes so I was pretty happy. Once I got my water I sat on the side with Shannon and Dan and cheered everyone else on my team over the finish line. They did great! Afterwards we all went out to Pigs Eye for a couple cold beers and to trade stories.

All in all, despite a so-so course, it was one of my favorite races because of the people involved.

A jog along the seashore...

2007-08-07T22:34:00.000-04:00

Over the past few weeks I've run my share of 5K races, they're fun but I felt that I wasn't pushing myself as much as I could.

Shannon told me that she was running the Sea Legs Shuffle along the ocean front on Sunday August 5th. After perusing their website I figured I'd go along as well, it looked like a nice race and it was by the ocean. However, instead of the 5K I decided to run the 10 miles instead (the course). Somehow I convinced her that she should do the 10 miles as well.

During my training I had only run 10 miles once before, that was back in May. In order to prepare I decided to run 8 1/2 miles the weekend prior to the race. My planning was less that stellar, as Melissa was over till about 11ish that morning and I didn't get a start till 11:30. It was a humid day topping out in the mid 90's. I thought I was going to die by the end of my run. There is nothing like feeling the heat just emanated from the pavement and each breath was nothing but hot air.

Despite having a less that stellar trial run, I was pretty excited about Sunday. Melissa and I picked Shannon and Josh up at 6:30 and headed down toward the shore. While Shannon and I were going to be running the 10 miles those two planned on napping on the beach!

The gun sounded and I started off on a nice slow pace; feeling pretty good, once the butterflies left my stomach. Since the course was along the ocean front I assumed that it'd be nice and flat. How wrong I was, miles three through six where mostly uphill. Ughh! Thankfully around mile five I had two attractive young ladies in very revealing outfits running at my pace slightly ahead of me. That made the next five miles a lot easier. At the six/seven mile point it hit me that I had never run this far in a timed race before and I felt my second (or third) wind come on. Once mile nine hit I was pretty tired but focused on getting to the end. As I turned the last corner I saw the finish line and broke out in a sprint. Prior to starting the race I had two goals: Finish in under 1 hour and forty minutes and not stop at any point along the way. Mission Accomplished on both(results)!

Now that I've done 10 miles, the next step is a half marathon... Can I do another three miles? We'll find out soon!

Not your typical 5K

2007-07-21T15:36:00.000-04:00

Ok, so the goal is to blog about all my races and results from here on out. We'll see how this turns out.

On Thursday July 19th I ran my first 5K in the rain. You may remember it, we had tornado warnings, torrential downpours and all around terrible weather. Prior to the race I hung out at Melissa's house and played with her and Susie before meeting Josh and Shannon in downtown. Once we hooked up we laughed at our bib numbers Josh was 35, I was 36 (my age) and Shannon was 37 and sat under an awning trying to stay dry. Honestly I wasn't looking forward to this race I felt pretty blah. Once the gun sounded I got off to an awful start and my right knee & ankle started to bother me. The first hill loomed in front of me and all of a sudden I felt pretty good, the rain had stopped and the sun came out. My mind cleared of all the negativity and the rest of the race was a breeze (relatively). Around the final turn at mile three I saw the finished line and broke out into a full sprint finishing in 28:21. The full results: http://www.jbsports-results.com/?eid=197&search=yes. After cooling down, I met up with Melissa, Josh and Shannon. We all decided to head home, clean up and meet at Eli Cannons to celebrate. Good times!

Running for a cause

2007-05-12T10:13:00.001-04:00

Hey Guys and Gals,

Are you interested in throwing some money my way? What if I say it's for a good cause (and some of my favorite things)? I'm out to save breasts!

On June 2nd I'll be running in a 5K to raise money for breast cancer research and am trying to raise $250. However, I think that you guys can easily help me reach that goal so I've decided to make it a little more interesting. I’ve decided that since that weekend is a Sox/Yanks series with The Rocket returning to Fenway I’ll be willing to sell my soul for a couple extra bucks. Clemens can sell out, why can’t I? Especially for a good cause… If you guys can help me reach certain monetary donations I’ll do the following:

$250 - You'll have my gratitude
$500 - I'll run wearing a Yankees cap
For every $100 over $500, I’ll wear the above cap during one softball game (i.e. $600 = one game, $700 = two games) up to $1000 and run in the cap
$1000 - I'll wear that Yankee cap all weekend while watching the ballgames, run in the cap and wear it during the softball games.

And, yes, photos of all this will be posted for your entertainment.

If you too are a fan of breasts and want to help me out, you can donate thru this link. Please also forward this on to anyone who may be interested in donating.

Thanks!
Kirk

MIssion Accomplished!

2007-03-18T08:43:00.001-04:00

Despite the nor'easter that dumped a foot of snow and the thirty degree weather, the race went on. And I did it! Beat my personal goal & had a blast doing it. Check out my web site for pictures and such of the race.

Runner #443

2007-03-14T16:46:00.000-04:00

Believe it or not, it's never too late to start running. This Saturday I will be running in the Holyoke St. Patrick's Day race. It's a 10K (6.2 miles) that I've spent the last few weeks preparing for; this past weekend I ran 8.2 miles in one hour and twenty four minutes. It's been a lot of fun prepping and if all goes well I've set a goal of running in the Hartford Half-Marathon in October. By posting this, you all know that I'm planning on this so make sure to keep me on my toes. :-)

In other news, I've finally put the Civic to rest. Talk about a change of style, I'm upgrading to a 2007 BMW 328xi. The car will be ready in approximately six weeks or so, but here are some photos of the body style/colors/rims that I have picked out. We have a side shot, a front shot and rear view. It's nice isn't it? If you're looking for a ride... Sign on up, the list is getting long :-)

Happy Birthday Dad!

2006-12-05T18:52:00.001-05:00

Today is Dad's birthday, and it was weird to not swing by the house to wish him "Happy Birthday". Everyone says the first time for everything after a parent dies is the hardest, especially the Holidays. Well, having Dad's birthday smack in the middle doesn't help too much.

Last night my thoughts were on what to do for the day. Mainly I was worried how to keep my mind off of Dad's B day. The goal was to stay focused on something so I didn't get down. Little did I know how easy it would be... On my way to a doctor's appointment in the morning I hit a nasty patch of ice on the road and started sliding sideways on Regan Road, my tire then hit the curb. Hard. Really Hard. Long story short, it looked like I did some pretty major damage to the axle. Thankfully the accident was in Vernon and my brother was 2 miles up the road. He came to pick me up and took me to Elm Motors, which coincidentally was Dad's favorite place to take his cars. Once I contacted the insurance, informed work I was out, and got the car towed; Adam dropped me off at home. Great. Now NOTHING but free time on my hands with nothing to do. So I cleaned, and cleaned, and cleaned. My condo hasn't looked or smelled fresher since I got it last year. And most of the day had gone by the time I was done.

Now I sit back and kinda chuckle to myself... Dad would have been really proud. Not that I got in an accident, no. That my brother and I got to spend some time together today, and he was able to help me in a big way. My car is in pops favorite shop. Finally... Dad was a bit (BIG BIT) of a neat freak, he'd be really happy to see my making sure my place was nice and clean :-)

Happy Birthday Dad!

Sadness in Hobbiton

2006-11-22T11:17:00.001-05:00

Hobbiton Bummer! Depressing news from Peter Jackson about the forthcoming Hobbit movie. Over the past few weeks word has leaked that New Line and MGM have come to terms and were moving ahead with a Hobbit movie. Peter penned a letter informing us that he will not be directing the new movie.

Bummer.

I can't imagine a Tolkien film not being helmed by PJ. I'm going to contact New Line and let them know of my displeasure. You should too, here is the contact info.

Scared silly

2006-11-11T19:11:00.001-05:00

Did you ever have one of those nights when something happens that scares the crap out of you?

I did, on Friday. What could have been an absolute disaster is a (much needed) lesson learned. Over the past few months I've been pretty bad about going out after school, tailgating a bit too much or catching a game and having a few drinks then heading home. Not that I was drunk on any of these occasions but I definitely had a few more than I should have. But it's one of those things that I never really thought about. On Friday a couple guys were heading to Happy Hour and then over Adam's place to catch the UConn basketball game. My plans were to head home and then over to watch the game but they asked me to go to Happy Hour for a drink or two. Sure, why not? It'll be fun to throw a few back right after work. Thankfully one of my other friends at work, Helder, was leaving early and I decided to take off with him, foregoing happy hour.

At seven o'clock I went to Adam's place to watch the game with him, Jeff and Matt. While watching the game I threw back a few beers, three maybe four. afterwards they decided to head out to Hartford while I wanted to go home and watch the last episode of Doctor Who on my Netflix DVD (yes I am a dork). I grabbed a cold one so I'd have something tasty when I got home. As I drove up Buckland Street I saw traffic backed up and the flashing lights of a DUI checkpoint. Oh man... I know I hadn't had a lot to drink but still... that limit is really low! I started to get very nervous. First things first, where do I put the bottle of beer (it was NOT open)? I didn't want to arouse the cops suspicion by having some beer in the car. So I put it in the glove box. WAIT! If they ask for license and registration it'll come rolling out. That would look REALLY good. So I jammed it under the seat. When my turn came up the officer asked me if I had been drinking. Figuring the truth was my best option and considering he could (most likely) smell it on my breath I said "Yes officer, I was watching the basketball game with my friends and had three beers." He then said "Ok, can you please pull aside and step out of the car." Man, o man... I was scared at this point, three or four beers in about an hour and a half... I should be below the limit but who knows. I step out the car and he then starts a field sobriety test. Afterwards he asks me to get back in the car and takes my license and registration back to one of the cruisers.
He then returns and says "Allright son, you're borderline. If I stopped you in half and hour you might be over the limit. You're going right home aren't you?"
"Yes officer."
"Next time you watch the game with your friends, make sure you don't have a lot of cocktails."
"I will officer and thank you"
I then pull out and head right home, shaking the entire time. And it starts to dawn on me, if I had gone to Happy Hour and then watched the game... I'd have been arrested no if ands or buts.
Was I close to a .08? I'm not sure, I looked online and I should have been okay. But, still it gave me a scare. And on top of it all, if Helder hadn't left work early I'm sure I would have had a bunch at Happy Hour, on top of what I had at Adam's. I would have been well over the limit.

Lesson learned.

Nigerian Wrap up...

2006-11-10T18:48:00.000-05:00

Lame, Lame, Lame. Thats how this little project turned out, My buddy out in Nigeria didn't take the lotto bait and just sent me a good luck email. Oh well, here is my last message from Egondu.

I quite thank you for your kind response.
May God bless you with your Lotto.

I will look for someone else right away. I know that the Lord will never allow this money to be confiscated by the bank.

I wish you God's mercies in all your endeavours.

Yours in Service.
Egondu Sunday Esq. (SAN).

Saying goodbye to Nigeria

2006-11-04T08:39:00.000-05:00

Bored, Bored, Borat. The Nigerian 419 scam I've been attempting to play along with is nowhere near as fun as Project Natalia. It's time to call it quits and shut it down. Obviously I can't just not email them; I've got to have some fun:

Kirk,
Thanks for your mail. I will be more than glad if God Almighty will open your eyes to see what we have for our future.

I wait to hear from you as soon as possible.

Yours in Service.
Egondu Sunday Esq. (SAN).

So I came up with a stupid idea and wrote:

Egondu,

I must apologize for being so tardy in getting back to you; but something wonderful has happened... After our last conversation I spent the day in deep thought and prayers. The Lord must have heard me because MY LOTTO TICKETS CAME UP!

This is absolutely wonderful news; I feel blessed in a magical way. However, since the Lord has blessed me with this gift I don't want to be greedy. Perhaps it would be best if you found someone else to take Mr. Gilliam's money.

Always the best,
Kirk

The Lord helps those...

2006-10-25T18:17:00.000-04:00

My Nigerian pals aren't are forthcoming as my Russian friends. This may take a different approach; I'm going to play the religious card and see how that pans out.

For those of you that are unaware, I'm emailing some Nigerians that want to help me get $20 million dollars. A classic 419 scam.

Attention: Kirk,

I quite understand how you feel over this matter. I want to assure you that this transaction is real as I know that there are some who defraud people through internet.

I am begging you in the name of God Almighty for you to just give me a chance to prove myself to you as I know that you do not know me and I do not know you personally, but I know that it is one day that you will know anybody. I beleive that GOD ALMIGHTY want to bring us close through this transaction.

I am so sorry for the delay in getting back to you, I was away for a very cruicial Court Case in Lome Togo.
Kindly call me on the number +############# so that we can speak one on one.

I still remain,
Yours in Service.
Bar. Egondu Sunday Esq. (SAN).

So I wrote back:
Egondu,

I am a deeply religious man, and don't use the Lord's name lightly. From your emails, I see that you too share a true belief in our savior, Jesus Christ.

For the next day or two I will pray to Jesus for guidance and get back to you with the information you see. If the Lord tells me so. Until then, if you can get a website, I will take it as a sign from above that this was meant to be.

Please pray with me.
Kirk

My Nigerian Friends...

2006-10-17T17:04:00.000-04:00

This isn't quite as much fun as Project Natalia, but hopefully it will pay off as things continue. My Nigerian friends are still after my contact info but I'm still playing a little hard to get :-)

Attention: Kirk,
Thanks for your mail. I want to let you know that my website has been giving me sleeplessnight, but I will try to put it back again. You know that Nigeria is a third world country and everything about the website is very expensive.
I would like you to send to me the required information so that I can obtain the Affidavit of Claim which is the most important thing to claim this money in your name.
Please try to give me a call or you send to me your numbers so that I can call you for oral discussion in regards to this mater.
Yours-in- service,
Egondu Sunday Esq.
Egondu,

I sent a quick response asking for some sort of confirmation they are a legit firm. Hopefully they'll throw together a free web site quickly.

Egondu,
Wonderful to hear from you again. I perfectly understand the issues you are having with the web site. I really would like to deal with you and your associates but I find it difficult to give personal information away on the internet. If there is any web site or online directory that I can go to for some confirmation I'd be more than willing to continue our corrospondence. Please forward me this information as soon as possible and I will give you my contact information.
Regards,
Kirk

Kirk's Millions!

2006-10-16T17:03:00.000-04:00

My Nigerian friends wrote back with some more info... They're looking for address and phone number, for now I'll shoot back some more questions and not appear too eager.

Attention: Kirk:

Thanks for your mail, this mail was nnot sent to a wrong person rather I was seeking for your partnership in this transaction since I could not locate any of my late client's relatives in USA, which I have already explained to you in my previous email.

As I have already informed you that my name is Bar. Egondu Sunday Esq. personal attorney to Mr. John Gilliam who is a foreigner but tragedy died along with his wife and children in a car accident. Since his death, I have been contacted by the Finance Company where he deposited some money valued the sum of US$20M. The finance company has been writing me to produce his next-of-kin otherwise they will confiscate or declare the fund as "Unclaimed Deposit".

Based on my dealings with financial institution, I am quite sure that the top officials of the finance company will use this opportunity to enrich themselves by sharing the money (US$20M) among themselves. This is one of the means most top officials that work in a bank or any finance institute become so rich. Since I could not locate anybody as the next-of-kin to my late client – Mr. John Gilliam, I decided to contact you for a partnership in order for us to claim this money together in which you will act as the next-of-kin, while I provide all the legal documents needed by you to make this claim successful.

Be rest assured that this transaction is 100% risk-free, since I have all legal documents that we can use to back-up this claim in your name as Next of Kin, and also I am known as his personal attorney.

According to international law of inheritance, it is only the attorney that can produce the next-of-kin to the decease in absence of the deceased person. I have decided to share this money together with you as I have pre-informed you, that is, 60% for me and 35% to you, while the remaining 5% will be mapped-out for any expenses that will occur during the transfer of this fund into your account as the Next-of-Kin.

All I need from you is your full name and Contact address, with your telephone and fax numbers for easy communication. With the required information, I can obtain affidavit of claim on your behalf and process all other legal documents that will make you the original next-of-kin to my late client. If you are interested in this transaction, please get back to me immediately.

Thanks for your understanding.

Yours-in- service,
Egondu Sunday Esq.
Tel: +234-805-665-4918.

I'm still playing it cool...

Egondu,

It's great to hear from you again! This is a very interesting letter you have sent me, but you have to understand that I am slightly wary. I will happily give you the information that you seek. However, I do have a few questions which I hope you can answer for me.
How did you get my email address?
I tried to find a website for your partnership but could not find one. Does your office maintain a web site of any kind?
I hope to hear from you soon so we can begin to do business.

Kirk

Scamming the scammers (again)

2006-10-15T17:02:00.000-04:00

I had so much fun with Project Natalia so it was time to take on something new. Like you, I've received many emails from a friend in Nigeria offering me a large sum of money to help them out. They're called 419 Scams, named for the section of the Nigerian Criminal Code that dealt with this issue. Now I just needed an email to arrive... Someone upstairs was listening out because a few days later this was in my inbox:
From: Egondu Sunday Esq.
EGONDU & ASSOSCIATES,
57 Markham Street
AjaoEstate Lagos Nigeria.

Attention: Sir/Madam.
I am Barrister Egondu Sunday, the personal Attorney to Late Mr. John Gilliam an American Citizen who used to work with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Nigeria who I want you to come up and act as his NEXT of KIN. On the 2nd of August 2005, my client, his wife Elizabeth and their three children were involved in a car accident along Lagos/Benin Express Road.
All occupants of the vehicle unfortunately lost their lives. Since then I have made several enquiries to your Embassy to locate any of my client's extended relatives, this has also proved unsuccessful. After these several unsuccessful attempts, I decided to trace his relatives over the internet, to locate any member of his family but of no avail, hence I contacted you for assistance. I have contacted you to assist me in repatriating the money left behind by my client before they got confiscated or declared unserviceable by the Finance House where these huge deposits were lodged.
Particularly, the FinanceH ouse where the deceased had an account valued at about US$20M has issued me a notice to provide the next-of-kin or have the account confiscated within the next ten official working days. Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives for over nine (9) months now, I seek your consent to present you as the next of kin to the deceased so that the proceeds of this account valued at US$20M can be paid to you and then you and I can share the money; 60% to me and 35% to you, while 5% should be for expenses or tax as your government may required.
I have all necessary legal documents that can be used to back up any claim we may make, all I require is your honest co-operation to enable us see this transaction through. I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law.
Please get in touch with me first by my secured and confidentialemail address: egomaga@myway.com , immediately you acknowledge the good receipt of this message.
Anticipating your prompt response.
Yours Sincerely,
Barr. Egondu Sunday Esq.

=============================================
Egondu & Associates Lagos Nigeria, the leading name in Legal Matters.
Always contact this office on Email: egomaga@myway.com
=============================================

This time I'm going to play it a little slower and be a little suspicious. I replied:

Hello Egondo,

I received your email recently... This is wonderful news, if its true. But how am I related to Mr. John Gilliam? I don't recall a relative with this name...

Kirk

Hopefully this will be as fun as Project Natalia; only time will tell. Join me more adventures in scam the scammers.

Kirk's Lost Thoughts - Ep. 3.2

2006-10-14T17:01:00.000-04:00

What everyone has been talking about, at least around my office, was the ending of this episode. How nice was it to see the end of 2004 World Series again? Ok, Tetto may disagree but he'll get over it. The Boston Globe has an article on how the shows producers (Sox and Yanks fans each) came up with the idea to show the Sox winning it all. It's pretty interesting stuff; it appears they had been planning this since the middle of season 1.

The Others did give away a few secrets this episode. Ben told Jack that he's lived on the Island his entire life. Is that why they are kidnapping people, and show a keen interest in kids? The kids get raised with the Others and the adults get put to work digging rocks? What was with the digging rocks? Was it busy work? Or could it be an excavation, trying to learn more about the people who built the statue with four toes? This could lend some credence to the theories of Atlantis/Lemuria/Mu. EW has more thoughts on why the Others want Jack and crew, but for only two weeks.

A speculation: I suspect the Others are primarily interested in one of their three captives. It could be that the prisoner in isolation, Jack, is not their ultimate prize and that the men are pawns. Here's to my friend Holly for tipping me to her supersinister theory: It's possible that Ben's ''two weeks'' comment in the season premiere, over breakfast with Kate, is an indication that the Others know her ovulation cycle and want to inseminate her, perhaps with a mini-Ben! Kidnapping Aaron didn't work out; the new plan may involve impregnating our feisty but healthy fugitive.

Ben also gave away his full name, Benjamin Linus. As we know, the producers like to give their characters names that could mean a hundred different things. Lost but Found comes up with a few good candidates. The Others are not as all knowing as we're lead to believe when they're surprised that the Lostaways have Desmond's sailboat. Colleen also underestimates Sun and gets a bullet in the belly for her trouble. Tsk, Tsk never mess with a pregnant woman. Blink and you may have missed it, I did, but Jae & Sun's love nest is room 1516. Cecelia over at The Lost Blog has some enlightening thoughts on Sun, check them out.

Random cast news and notes… Dominic Monaghan and Evangeline Lilly are getting hitched this summer. Are you curious about Michael Emmerson's taste in music? He discusses that and a few other things in this interview in Blender.

Adios Natalia

2006-10-13T17:00:00.000-04:00

Alas, all good things must come to an end. Including Project Natalia. After her last email, about starving on the streets of Moscow, I sent one last follow up letter but have not heard back from her. This leads me to believe she's starved to death, is waiting in JFK for me or realizes the jig is up. Here is my last love letter to my beloved Natalia....

Natalia, my love! It's a shame you ran out of money had had to return home instead of come back to the good old USA. I perfectly understand; but hope that soon you can make it back out here again. Now that you know you need extra money you can spend this year earning it. Then we can hold each other in our arms and kiss passionately.

Now... the truth. Talking to you online has been absolutely wonderful! But I have not been honest with you. Believe it or not, I am very, very, very well off. And here in the US that's all the women care about. Natalia, I know that the money does not mean anything to you. We've corrosponded by email and our love has grown. This shows me that it is meant to be. Once you come here to the US; you will neve have to want. We can send more than enough money to all your family so they can like like kings (czars?) back in Russia.

My money will make us happy! I love you Natalia and hope to hear back from you soon...

Your prince, Kirk

It's been fun, maybe I'll find another Russia Bride and start from scratch again.

Kirk's Lost Thoughts - Ep. 3.1

2006-10-08T11:36:00.000-04:00

Welcome back everyone; hopefully we all had a great summer. Now it’s time to geek out and get back into Lost.

The first five minutes of this episode absolutely blew my mind. It looks like we’re going to be learning a lot about The Others over the next few weeks. Season Three opens with Juliet waking up, tossing in a CD, and listening to ''Downtown'' which Tetto pointed out was composed by Tony Hatch. Is it me or do a lot of the women in Lost look alike? At first I thought that Juliet was Penelope (Desmond’s gal) or Sarah (Jack’s ex). Do the producers do this on purpose or is there a farm of Stepford Actresses out there in Southern Cal? They pull this same stunt with some of the male actors such as Henry Gale/Thomas(Claire’ baby-daddy) and Jack/Artic researcher in the season 2 finale. I digress; Juliet was hosting a meeting of a suburban book club where they discuss the novel Carrie, as these images show. During the discussion the name Ben is brought up a few times, and it seems Juliet is none to fond of him. Turns out Ben is none other than Henry Gale, the mysterious “Him” we’ve heard so much about. Judging from the interactions between Ben/Henry and Juliet she probably called him Romeo when the lights were out. Is anyone surprised that he looks so intense all the time? He’s no longer getting any lovin’ from the Dharma hottie. The Others have a nice little village set up and appear to be ready for their new guest. Ben/Henry orders Ethan and Goodwin to run to the crash sites and make lists of the survivors. They seemed to know exactly what he meant and run off into the jungle like it was planned.

As for our Flight 815 crew the more I see of Jack in his flashbacks the more I realize he’s nuts. AndyMac thinks that it’s because Jack realized that everything is his fault...he pushed his wife away and drove his father back into the bottle. And now he punishes hisself over and over because of his guilt...he knows now it didn’t happen and his father is devistated to think that his son could think that of him.... Jack drove Sarah away, his dad back to the bottle and me to wishing his flashbacks were over. Meanwhile back on the Island, our three heros have been seperated. Jack is stuck in an aquarium (the Dharma shark cage?) with Juliet trying to get him to eat. She must have Internet access of some sort, they seem to know all about him. Sawyer is stuck in a cage, AndyMac points out it’s similar to a giant Skinner Box. Eventually he figures out how to feed himself but his joy is short lived when Tom/Mr. Friendly points out the bears figured it out in a few hours. The Polar bears? Sawyer escapes, briefly, with the help of Carl who is also imprisioned. His freedom is short lived when Juliet KO’s him and he’s thrown back in the cage. Was it all a setup? Is everything that is happening part of a test Dharma is running? We’re still not sure if the Others are part of Dharma or not; Juliet mentioned the initiative was ‘long ago’. All of the labs have a worn look to them as well, while Otherville looked pristine. Kate gets the royal treatment with a shower and a beach front breakfast with Ben. Is Ben trying to make Juliet a little jealous? By the end Kate and Sawyer are reunited (kinda) and Jack made a new friend in Juliet. Or did he?

There are a few new Dharma logos floating around this episode. Jack is holed up in the Hydra Station which did not appear on the Blast Door Map. Many of the toiletries and assorted items have a generic logo, as Sledgeweb discovered.

We get a more of the numbers, like the time on Jack’s beeper. Take a peek at the crossword puzzle in the same picture and you’ll find some neat solutions. The Tail Section found a few more hidden Easter Eggs as well.

Believe it or not, I’m pretty lazy; if some else will do the work… By all means go right ahead. Over the summer ABC and the producers of Lost put together The Lost Experience, a multimedia continuation of the show. It delved more into Dharma and the Hanso foundation. Thankfully Sledgeweb gathered all this info for us in one place. Are you curious about the Numbers/Valenzetti Equation? It predicts the end of the world. How about Alvar Hanso? His grandfather, Magnus, owned the Black Rock. You can learn more about the spy, Rachel Blake, who tried to blow the lid off of Dharma and the Hanso Foundation.

Casting news… For all you Firefly fans out there, Nathan Fillion will be joining the cast of Lost at some point this season. I’m pretty excited about this, and hope his character is half as cool as Capt. Mal. It would be a shame not to link to some shots of a Evangeline Lilly fashion shoot. Don’t worry guys, they are safe for work. Fair is fair, here is some Lost beefcake for the ladies.

Until next week...

Starving in Russia

2006-09-25T06:30:00.000-04:00

I'm having more fun with Project Natalia than ever before! Figuring I'd keep emailing her as much as possible I sent this out:
Natalia,
Only four short days until we FINALLY get to meet. I'm so exicted; I've made reservations at a top restaurant in New York City. You might as well get used to the good like here in the USA!
Kirk
She responded very quickly; and apparently is starving to death in Moscow. The subject of her email: Important!!!! It's a shame, so I came up with one of my better ideas. Read on...

Hi Kirk!
I cannot live these four days because I do not have money for meal, it is necessary for you to find the western union and to help me with money to not die from famine if tomorrow you will not help me with money I I shall return tickets and to go home.
Natalia!!!!!

And my classic (if I do say so myself) response:

Natalia,
You are so cute! I can't believe that it's only four short days until I can hold you in my hands and kiss you all over.
I do feel bad that you don't have any food, but people can surive for weeks without eating. However because I love you so much and would do ANYTHING for you...
For the next four days I will not eat either. Together we will suffer starvation and end it TOGETHER on the 28th.
How wonderful does that sound? I am so excited, and I just can't hide it :-)
Kirk

Can you spare a ruble?

2006-09-24T08:15:00.000-04:00

Poor Natalia, no money for her expenses in Moscow. Now desperation sets it, I have a feeling that Project Natalia will be over soon. In my last blog I forgot to mention that whoever 'Natalia' is is doing a pretty good job. There is a Delta flight 31 from Moscow to JFK.

Dear Kirk. I to you have told that I do not have money for residing and hotel if you will not send tomorrow money I shall hand over tickets and to go home. 250 $ it is not a lot of in comparison with my charges. I wait yours the answer soon. With love Your Natalia.

Once again I completely ignore the request for money...

Natalia,

Only five days till we meet! I am SO excited to see you. How excited are you?????

Kirk

Natalia the Great!

2006-09-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

Finally all is clear in Project Natalia. She's arrived in Moscow and, WOOPS, ran out of money!

Hello my Loved Kirk,
I want to tell, that I today have already to buy Tickets onboard the plane! Today I had the big day! It will come nearer to our meeting!!! I already to bear my tickets in embassy and to me have told, that my visa will be ready Rather soon! I so am pleased! You do me by the happiest woman on light. I love you. On September, 28 it will be day of our meeting. We already very much with you have, do. I should tell, that soon day of our meeting. To me have told, that all approaches, and I shall receive my documents!!! You understand it. My tickets have been approved, and now everything is all right! I very much want to arrive to you as it is possible soon and I hope, that we shall meet. I already took for this purpose many things. It will be fast my visa ready, my tickets are already bought also I carried it in embassy. However I did not expect, that tickets will be such expensive. I used all my money, but I nevertheless have decided to buy tickets. I now have no money to live till September, 28 and I want to ask to help me. I need for residing even 250$. It is necessary to buy products and to pay for residing. Please help me about it. I ask you to make it quickly because I have no money absolutely. You understand me? Please help me about it, differently I shall not have money to eat and sleep. Mine Kirk we should take this last step. It - is not a lot of money. My Kirk, I very much ask you, that you have sent me of money as it probably is fast. We have already taken all things and I do not want to come back home. I love you very much, and I want to arrive to you. I am confident, that we can take this step. I want, that you also were It, is confident. I love you Kirk. It will be last step by which I should do. Then only it will be necessary for me To wait day of our meeting. Please take things as it probably is fast. I want also To make everything, it is fast. I now shall give you the information concerning my tickets. You should You will meet me at the airport in day of our meeting! It will be the big day.
Departing Sep 28
Delta Air Lines
Flight 31
Departure Time: 1:15pm
Moscow, Russian Federation(SVO)
Arrival Time: 3:50pm
New York, NY (JFK)
Total Travel Time: 10hrs 35min - Nonstop
Roundtrip Price: $625
By the way, I should give you the address of bank in city Moscow where I can receive your money. It the address of office of the western union, therefore you should find at yourself the western union:
Russia, Bin bank,
Krasnaya presnya, 23, korpus B, stroenie, Moscow, 123100
Name Natalia
Surname Savina.
You should inform me number of your translation after will send your money, your full name and your full address. Without this information I cannot receive your money. We already have made much for our meeting. I shall be raised up to the end, and we shall receive our happiness! I shall wait your letter soon! My heart will grieve, but I know, that soon we shall together.
With love, yours Natalia

Now I plan on just ignoring her cries for $$ and tell her how much I look forward to our meeting.

Natalia,
That is such great news! I'm so glad you were able to obtain tickets for New York on the 28th. I've made reservations at a NICE hotel in Manhattan for the 27th and 28th so I can be there for you to arrive. Then we can spend the night and see the city.
Only one week left until we meet. I'm so excited!
Kirk

Babushka

2006-09-22T16:35:00.000-04:00

Project Natalia is really rolling now as Natalia arrives in Moscow and searches for tickets to the US.

Hi Kirk! I have arrived to Moscow, it is very beautiful. I have found the nearest the Internet of cafe. Tell to me what airport most close to you. And then I shall buy the ticket. Our meeting already very close.

Yours on always Natalia

JFK it is!

Natalia,

New York city is the closest airport to me. Let me know asap!

Kirk

The Road to Moscow

2006-09-21T17:29:00.000-04:00

Things get odder and odder with Project Natalia, she's on her way to Moscow now...

My Kirk ,
I am pleased to receive your letter. Even more I am glad, that you understand me. I think, that between us there should be a trust and understanding. Now I am completely ready to go to Moscow. Now our meeting will take place really soon. I already called today in the airport and I ordered tickets up to Moscow. Tonight after work I shall go to my parents and then we shall go in the airport. I shall go to Moscow. I already took a vacation on work and tomorrow I shall not work any more. My parents will see off me to Moscow. I should collect also some things for Moscow. I love you, and I know, that you very much wait for me!!! As soon as I shall arrive to Moscow I shall immediately find Internet - cafe and to inform you, that I have arrived to Moscow. I so am pleased, that all things approach. It means, it soon we shall together! I so want to arrive to you more soon and to connect our hearts! I promise, that I shall take all things correctly when I shall arrive to Moscow. We shall take together happy family and me to hasten to our happiness! Wait for me, my love!!! I shall hasten to our happiness. Our love to be only in our hands. I shall hold our love and to care!!! I should tell, that I now understand, that between us there is a trust. I sincerely understand, which you want, that I have arrived to you. I the strong woman and my love to you shall help me!!!! I on a correct way fortunately and I shall struggle for happiness with you! It is very important for me to feel your support. I was solved on distant travel to meet you. I want that you wrote to me every day detailed letters. I want to feel you, that you want, that I arrived also you very much wait for me. I do not think, that I shall be for a long time in Moscow. Probably 5-6 days. I do not know precisely, but I every day shall write to you and to inform on all affairs. OK? Well, I shall not write much today. I shall be going to go for Moscow. We on a correct way. Following my letter will be already probable from Moscow. Write to me also.
With love forever, yours Natalia

As usual I had nothing to say:

Darling Natalia,

That is the best news I've had in a long time. Keep me informed and I will see you soon!

Kirk

Russian Enigmas

2006-09-20T06:40:00.000-04:00

This is an interesting twist, she's no longer asking for money. I wonder where Project Natalia will take me next...

Hello my love Kirk!!!

I have joyful news to us with you!!! I hope, what all of you still want, that I arrived to you? I could find money for my tickets independently. Now I can already arrive to you. All of you still want it? If you want it I can already go in Moscow tomorrow and buy tickets. I shall arrive
to you very soon. But I want to warn you, that all my money will suffice only on road to you and back. But I shall not have almost money to live with you within a month. You can defray my charges on a feed and other daily charges there at you? I not whimsical also promise to be economical. Please write that you think. I shall wait your answer soon. If you only want that I arrived, I shall pay my trip completely independently. You agree? I do not want, that you thought that I the mercenary woman and I shall prove to you it. But I only should be convinced only, that I can live at you there within a month to not die of famine. Because my money only will suffice on trip to Moscow, purchase of tickets in USA and back and to live in hotel in
Moscow 2 days before my flight to you. Please inform me your answer soon. I can already take my holiday tomorrow and tomorrow in the evening I can already go in Moscow. With love yours Natalia

So I wrote back:

Natalia,

Don't worry about anything, when you come here everything is covered. I've got a great house on the edge of the country for you to stay at. Also, we can drive anywhere pretty easily. Money is not an issue.

Just tell me when and where you'll be :-)

Kirk

Kirk's Lost Spoilers

2006-09-19T21:25:00.000-04:00

Season Three is only a few short weeks away! Hopefully you’ve all enjoyed your summer; to get everyone ready for the coming season here is the video that The Lost Experience shows upon completion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PPCCcXarkc. A quick synopsis of what’s in the video (if YOUTUBE is blocked) from The Tail Section:
Dharma is an acronym, and it stands for the Department of Heuristics And Research on Material Applications. Now, I am not exactly sure how important that is going to be to the show and its story line but we shall see. TLE also revealed the meaning behind 4 8 15 16 23 42. The meaning of the numbers (as they are so commonly referred to) goes like this the Numbers are from Valenzetti's Equation and they represent Egyptian hieroglyphics with each "Glyph" being assigned a numeric value [this is not from the Lost Experience but from a TV guide article]. Now the Valenzetti's Equation deals with a timetable of humanity's extinction. So the Dharma Initiative was created to find a solution to this. Since the Dharma Initiative failed The Hanso Foundation’s Thomas Mittlework is trying to release a virus that will wipe out 30% of the worlds population. Does this mean what Henry Gale said was a true? Are they indeed the good guys? Are they trying to save humanity? Now this development makes me want to read the Valenzetti's Equation by Gary Troup; and I hope the producers feel the need to publish it soon. How ironic is it that Gary Troup wrote a book about the Valenzetti Equation and died when his plane crashed on one of the many islands Dharma was working on?

Russian mothers love me!

2006-09-18T17:09:00.000-04:00

Project Natalia continues to roll right along; today Natalia got her mother to write me. I wonder how long it'll be till she emails asking about the money?

Hello my loved Kirk!
Today it is Heat in our city. It to become more Heat every day! And we have a sun today! Your letter does my day very fine! I to go to library And to take 3 books. I like to read when in the street there is a Heat weather. But today I took the novel about love And not looking on Heat day I shall read the novel and to think of our love. I read novels. When I read about love that I suffer together with heroes And I as if to be in the novel. I frequently think of you within day. I grieve Without you and I want, that you took all things as soon as possible that we were together.
I today shall write you the letter of my mum. She asked to translate it for you.
Mum speaks, that she would want you to tell these words, but has no such Opportunities. I have had the time to think and look for musical lyrics to songs I love. I found this one by John Denver called " For You "
Just to look into your eyes again
Just to lay in your arms
Just to be the first one always there for you
Just to live in your laughter
Just to sing in your heart
Just to be every one of your dreams come true
Just to sit by your window
Just to touch in the night
Just to offer a prayer each day for you
Just to long for your kisses
Just to dream of your sighs
Just to know that I'd give my life for you
For you all the rest of my life
For you all the rest of my life
For you alone, only for you
Just to wake up each morning
Just to you by my side
Just to know that you're never really far away
Just a reason for living
Just to say I adore
Just to know that you're here in my heart to stay
For you all the rest of my life
For you all the rest of my life
For you alone, only for you
Just the words of a love song
Just the beat of my heart
Just the pledge of my life, my love for you
I love you all heart. I am very glad, that in my life there was such happiness.
I have met you and have grown fond. I LOVE YOU Kirk! I above all want to arrive to you.
I with hope shall wait from you the letter. Bye, bye. With love
forever, yours Natalia.

Hi Kirk!

I am mom at Natalia. I have honour today to write to you the small letter. I want to tell you, that Natalia spoke me about you much. I know, that she is going to arrive To you. I very much would want that you cared of her. I very much suffer for my daughter Also I do not want, that with her something happened. I want, that you knew, that Our family well concerns to you and we invite you to ourselves. I want very much you to see. I hope, that it will be sometime. I want to wish good luck you only happiness together with my daughter. The most important, That you had good family. I also shall be quiet if my daughter will be happy. Please take care! You have got acquainted with not so usual image. I got acquainted with my husband not so. I all over again did not trust in love under the Internet. I see as my daughter blossom similarly to a fine rose! I want that my daughter was the happiest woman in the world. You should care about each other always. I shall be always Is glad to see you. We very simple people and you may be convinced of it. I always aspired to give my daughter all best and even more. I refused in many respects to myself that my daughter anything did not require. I love all my children and I want that my daughter had with you good life.
Live together happily!!!
Thank. Mom Irina.

And I wrote...

Natalia,

It was so great hearing from your family! I feel like I'm part of them :-)

I can't wait to finally meet you.

Kirk

Desperate (Russian) Housewives

2006-09-16T07:26:00.000-04:00

Oh boy! I finally got my wish, Project Natalia has come to fruition! She gave me the bank info so I can wire her money and we can be together forever. Hah ha hah! Not only that, she sent me a new email every day asking where her money is. She also sent me a new picture (posted in the Project Natalia section) this one is very entertaining. Notice where her cat is sitting.
Now I'll see how long I can string her along for.

Hello my loved Kirk,
I am very glad that you help me with the visa to issue the visa 600 dollars are necessary. I shall give you the address of our bank in city of Cheboksary. I can receive your money there. It will be necessary for you to specify the following information:
Name - Natalia
Surname - Savina
Russia
Vneshtorgbank.
SVERCHKOVA, 15
CHEBOKSARY, 428009.
You should inform me number of your translation after will send your money. Without this number I cannot receive your money. I very much wait our meeting! I each day to imagine this The moment. I even to worry as it slightly will occur on most Business. I very much want that it has more soon taken place.
How are you today, my Kirk? At me all is good. I today went In medical institution and to pass survey. I very much It is glad, that I completely healthy! All mine The family sends the regards to you, Kirk. I have told to girlfriends, That I am fast shall go to you and they are very glad for me. They are glad, That I have found the love!!! I love you!!!
You to love me and this biggest happiness in the world. I am very strong to wait our meeting and to think, that it will be fast. I to want to speak with you, a kiss of you long long to go with you to cinema. Up to a meeting with you, my life was monotonous. I to not have happiness with the loved person. I to search the love, but these searches have not resulted me in it. I to receive only disappointment. Each day I to think about life and to see, that I of nothing to cost in this world and to me it was very bad. But I to not want to recollect, that was earlier. I have you and more than nothing it is necessary to me. Without you and your love, my heart it will be empty on always. I to know, that you to see it and to want me. We to like each other and we should be together. I to wait this moment. My English not yet well, but I to study each day. I shall wait for your letter and to trust in our meeting. I shall wait from you the letter soon. With love, yours Natalia.
PS YOU at all do not imagine as I want to be near to you!!!
I need you!!

And the second email...

Hello Kirk!
I understood your anxiety on a sending to me of money. If you will not help me I cannot arrive to you. Besides you should understand, that our trust should be bilaterial. The matter is that I risk even more than you. Because I go absolutely alone to other country. I trust you my life! You understand about it? My family and friends will be in Russia and consequently I cannot have their help while I shall be In the USA. You understand, what I should make a sacrifice? But I want to be happy with you. For this reason I think, that you also should help me and it to prove to me the honesty and desire to see me. I do not think, that our meeting is necessary only for me to one. I think, that both of us together want To be together and we should work above it together as one command. Please, you should trust me and I should trust you. Have gone to me of money and I shall take measures to our meeting. We with you have agreed? Inform me.!

and the third email....

Why you have ceased to write to me? You have lost interest to me?
I have not received the answer to my last letter to you. You received it?
Please write to me. I shall wait your answer soon.

My response...
Natalia,

Good morning my beautiful Russian princess! I have not forgotten about you; the money will be there but I have had some issues with the bank. It's a long story but I have to wait a couple days to wire the money.

I think about you... A lot. And I look at your pictures and imagine the times we will be together and the things we will do. Can you send me more photos? My friends love to look at them and we talk about you all the time! They really enjoy reading your emails and see how happy it makes me.

Kirk

She's back!

2006-09-15T20:10:00.000-04:00

Well, Well, Well, look whose back! I randomly checked my fake email account and lo and behold a letter from Natalia. I guess she 'forgot' that things didn't quite work out between us. So it's time to restart Project Natalia for a little while, hop on board and enjoy the ride.

MY ANGEL Kirk!!!
How are you? I today was rather good!!! How weather there in USA? What you today did?
Today I had a lot of work. I very much to get tired today. I should tell, that your letter To me today very much to please me! Our relations continue to grow! You agree with me? I think above our acquaintance much, I think that we write Each other. I more and understand all more, that I very much love you. I miiss you.
I very gentle woman and am necessary for me your love. When I shall arrive to USA I shall be Is very happy to be near to you. I very much to hope, that we shall have happy Life and our love will bring to us only happiness. I very much want to have acquaintance to your family and friends. I shall hope, that they will be To accept me and to love.
I so am happy that you have not refused to help me with the visa, I very much experienced for it!!! We with you shall be happy together I is sure in it!!! I know that you will protect and protect me when I shall arrive to you!!! Mum also knows it and trusts you, Kirk! Yes separation from all my relatives and the native land it will be difficult for me, but I am sure that with you I shall overlook about all on light!!!
I so am glad, that things go well between us. We shall soon Together and we shall have happy time together. I want to connect ours Hearts! Kirk, I so am excited about our meeting! I shall cry for pleasure, When I shall see you the first time. You only please do not pay to this attention. OK? I so want to feel your care of me. I so want to understand, That you love me. I shall be true only to you. I want to love you my Prince Kirk. I love you and we shall be happy together. I sat and thought of you. I want to teach you some very important words on Russian! So:
I MISS YOU = " Ya skuchayu bez tebya. "
I love you more life = " I love you more life "
I NEED YOU = " YA nujdayus v tebe "
YA LYUBLYU TEBYA MOI PRINC!
These are the biggest ideas from a word which I want to tell you. You probably at all do not imagine, that now to me occur. My heart now in yours Hands. Please only do not injure me never. I very much ask you. OK? I can not go through it. I know, that you love me and I want, that our dreams came true. Remember, that I think of you each day. My heart can not knock without your love.....
I was more today can not write than anything as I am overflown with happiness and I do not have not enough words to express it! I am very glad that between us exists Trust, I am simply happy to realize that my loved trusts me. Except for that I become more sure that we soon shall meet you, because love May overcome any distances. Certainly there are difficulties which prevent To us to reunite, but we together should overcome them, because all in ours Hands. We should meet you because we may not live when we not together, you agree with me? I wait for your answer, eternally loving you Natalia!

So I responded:

Natalia,

I have missed you and was thinking about you.Yes! yes! yes! I want to help you with the visa, please tell me what you need? Also, I need to understand that you really mean that all you say and it's not some sort of scam.

I also need to know you are very open minded; my life is very hectic but I can make time for that special someone... And I really believe that it is you.

Also... Can I have some more pictures? I want to make sure you are as attractive as you sound. I've got some great pictures of me to show you; some of those pictures are a little risque but I think you'll like them.

Love
Kirk

My 2006 Fantasy Team

2006-09-04T18:03:00.000-04:00

It's Fantasy Football time and I've joined two leagues this year, one run by Adam and the other one by Adam. The first league run by my brother, Adam, I've been a member for quite a few years. It's a great group of his boys with smack talking and an end of the season kegger the winner has to throw with the winnings. Adam Pollack's group I'm new too and it consists of a group of my good friends and I'm really glad they let me in on the fun this year. Here are my two teams, The Zionist Crusaders:

Pollack's League	My bro's League
D. Bledsoe (Dal - QB)	T. Brady (NE - QB)
J. Plummer (Den - QB)	C. Williams (TB - RB)
W. McGahee (Buf - RB)	C. Taylor (Min - RB)
R. Bush (NO - RB)	J. Norwood (Atl - RB)
J. Addai (Ind - RB)	V. Morency (Hou - RB)
V. Morency (Hou - RB)	C. Johnson (Cin - WR)
A. Boldin (Ari - WR)	D. Givens (Ten - WR)
K. McCardell (SD - WR)	L. Evans (Buf - WR)
Ma. Jones (Jac - WR)	Ma. Jones (Jac - WR)
S. Graham (Cin - K)	Ma. Clayton (Bal - WR)
S. Gostkowski (NE - K)	B. Watson (NE - TE)
Pittsburgh- DEF	K. Winslow (Cle - TE)
Cincinnati - DEF	N. Rackers (Ari - K)
	S. Gostkowski (NE - K)
	Miami - DEF
	New York - DEF

This old man and the mountain

2006-08-24T20:03:00.000-04:00

I did it.

Again.

For those of you who don't know me well; every year a group of friends and I hike up Mt. Washington, the tallest mountain in the Northeast (6288 feet). It's all documented on the Mt. Washington section of my web site. Why? Bill Simmons (ESPN Insider required) really summed it up in his classic article.

Maybe you're gazing up at a 7,000-foot mountain and thinking, "Do I really want to climb this thing?" Maybe you're holding onto a giant boulder, one stumble away from a 10-foot fall, feeling your stomach churn. Maybe you're wobbling on your last legs, living in denial, pretending to be 20 minutes from the parking lot when you're only halfway down the mountain.
My legs felt like somebody had placed them in a trash compactor. My lower back had stiffened to Bernie Lomax-level proportions. My body was covered with barely visible cuts and scrapes (from various battles with boulders and bushes), as well as an unhealthy blend of sweat and grime.
It was about me. I learned something about myself. I climbed the harshest mountain in the Northeast and never battled a single "You can't do this" moment of doubt. I survived and prospered. Best of all, I finally learned that the answer to the question "Why?" is "Why not?"

He's right, why not? For me it's also a great opportunity to get away with the guys, get some fresh air and generally have good time. Personally it helps me feel that I'm really not getting that old.

Till this year.

A few weeks prior to the climb, on disastrous Saco 2006 trip, I really messed up my back. I'm still not sure how I did it, but I pinched my sciatic nerve and for days afterwards I could barely walk. The pain was so bad I almost went to the ER on more than one occasion. When I finally made it to my doctor I was prescribed some anti-inflammatory, pain killers and PT. I told my Physical Therapist my plan to hike the mountain in three weeks and she thought I was nuts. She worked with me though and I made a pretty quick recovery. However, my preparation for the climb was severely lacking and mainly consisted of doing stretches and simple exercises.

This climb made me nervous.

When I started climbing, my lack of cardio was readily apparent as I fell behind the group and was quickly out of breath. For about an hour I trudged along until we came to the Lion's Head/Tuckerman split. Half the crew went up Lion's head and the rest of us went up Tuckerman's. Once I passed the ravine and started the steep ascent I felt a whole lot better. My body was in a rhythm and I was joking with the guys about sports, politics and women. John Salemi, who rolled his ankle the night before, was going at about the same pace as I. Al and Jimmy made good time and we told the two of them to go without us, we were just slowing them down. John and I went up at a pretty steady, but none too taxing pace, catching up on old times, trading stories and pushing each other along. We didn't stop and take breaks for longer than a minute and before we knew it we reached the top. John checked his watch and turns out we made it up in a little over three hours. Only a few minutes longer than my best time!

It wasn't my best time. The weather wasn't the nicest at the top. Nothing too crazy happened but this trip meant the most to me.

Yah, I'm getting close to middle age (shudder), but I made it up that damn mountain, injuries and all, and still made good time.

Next year I'll be 36 and ready. The goal: Under three hours to the top.

On Lion's Head.

Hizbullapalooza

2006-07-29T08:27:00.000-04:00

War sucks but sometimes you have to fight it. That’s the situation Israel finds itself in right now, with the valiant IDF engaged with Hezbollah terrorists. Over the past two weeks I've kept an eye on numerous blogs following the military strategy and politics of it all. This past week I stumbled across a post on Little Green Football's called "I Don’t Want to Love You, But I Do" by Cecelia Lucas, a grad student at Berkeley. It's pretty wacked stuff but over at Iowahawk, they've written a satirical response from a Hezbollah fighter called "I love you too, Cecilia Lucas". It's pretty funny stuff, read both and enjoy!

The end game

2006-07-07T06:02:00.000-04:00

Almost time to wrap up Project Natalia, so here we go...

Hello Natalia,

Oh man, that is so much work and stress for you. I'm going to tell you what, I REALLY want to meet you but at the same time I don't want to cause undue hardship. Like I mentioned previously; I'm going to come to Russia this fall. We can wait till then, if it's true love then it can wait. Right? I've got plenty of airline miles so the flight will be free and I have a passport and everything else is all up to date. This way it's a lot safer for you, I get to meet your family and we can save all that money to spend on more important things.

I think its a GREAT plan, and I'm sure you agree. So we'll wait a few months until then and go from there :-)

Kirk

So she writes back, almost word for word from a previous email and says:

I understood also your desire to visit Russia and it is very good. If you will visit Russia then you will be Should go in my city and you will remain in my house, but I want to tell to you, that I shall be The first to arrive in the USA. It is very important for me, that I got used to you and saw as you live. Then we can together To go to Russia! What do you think of it? I shall acquaint then you with my family and friends!

And I had to say goodbye, but made sure to thank her for all the entertainment provided to us for the past few weeks.

Natalia,

I'm sorry; but I don't think thats the best option. It would cause you too much trouble to try and visit here with you having to leave home and all that. It would be so much better with me coming to Russia. I'd save lots of money that could better be spent on other things. If thats not possible then I'm afraid I have to say goodbye. It has been wonderful knowing you! You really don't understand the happiness and entertainment that you've provided to me. My friends too, they LOVE my Natalia stories.

Kirk

And thus closes Project Natalia...

Cha-CHING!

2006-07-06T21:25:00.000-04:00

Yes!!! Finally Project Natalia has paid dividends. It's only been 11 emails and she asks me for money to come to the states. I'm so happy right now :-)

I wrote:

Natalia,
I was so worried, I thought something might have happened or you got cold feet. Hah ha hah. It's great hearing from you, please let me know what the travel agency says. I eagerly await your relpy.
Kirk

And got this back, along with some new photos that can be seen on my Project Natalia page:

Kirk!

I am really glad to see your letter today. It really does my day more happily. I am glad, that you continue to write to me and the correspondence proceeds between us! I want to speak you, that I have not regretted that has admitted to you love. I really like you and now my biggest dream to meet you. I want to speak you, that I think of love. The love cannot exist without several things. Many people tried to explain that such love. But it is impossible to explain it. When I see your letters when I look at your pictures I shall test pleasure and happiness. I am happy that someone pays to me the attention. But the love cannot exist without trust. Kirk, I trust you completely. I am ready to tell to you all. But I do not know that interests you. I do not know why, but I am sure, that you will never deceive me. I also never can deceive you. My mum has well brought up me. My parents are very happy. I never saw, that my parents swore. Sometimes my mum or the daddy were angry against each other. But it was not for a long time and they again were happy. I parents is an example of a good married couple. And I hope, that I also can be happy with you! I also hope, that I can arrive to you and see as you live. For that time which I write to you asking love only has increased. I any more do not present myself that time when I shall not see your letters. If you stop to write to me my heart will be destroyed without you. Kirk, I really hope, that you do not stop to write to me!
Today I have rather good news to us. I have set of the information and it will help us in our future life! My Kirk, I found time and I went in agency of travel and I spoke from ladies who very well explained all to me. Lady has told me at once, that it is complex enough process to receive the visa. There are some types of visas. She explained me, that if to take all things correctly it will be possible to have a meeting soon. I however shall not speak now about terms, When I can receive all documents ready. So, I to you now shall tell that it is necessary for us to do to be together. To my affliction, I can not receive the visa in our city. To receive the visa to me it will be necessary to go to Moscow. Lady in agency explained me, that in Russia the embassy of USA is present only in some cities. We have the American embassy in Saint Petersburg. But in embassy to me have explained, that for me will go better to Moscow to receive the visa. It is much closer for me to move to Moscow and to do my documents. In other words I should go to Moscow to address in embassy of USA for the visa. I have already defined type of the visa which is necessary for me. As my first visiting will be short, I shall go probably in USA as the tourist and I shall receive the visa of the tourist. It for us now the best way. It will demand less time to receive the visa of the tourist and that the smaller quantity of money will be not less important to cost. This visa refers to as as B-2 and she is valid within 6 months after I shall arrive to USA. This the visa will cost for me approximately 150 dollars. Cost of the visa will include also various taxes. Except for my visa I shall require the passport. I have no my passport and consequently I should receive the passport. Kirk, you already know, that I did not travel outside of Russia and consequently I have no my passports for travel. That I shall receive the passport to require in 100 dollars. Lady also explained me, that in USA will pass only healthy people. I think, that I quite healthy woman. I at work Passed a medical board and to me have told, that all is good. I healthy! But anyhow for embassy of USA I should pass Medical board. It will take from me additional 50 dollars. Also it will be necessary for me to fill in the questionnaire. Registration of all my data and filling of questionnaires will demand 75 dollars. As you already You see, it is necessary to take many things to go in USA. I expected it. I and thought, that it will not be simple to visit USA. But I should tell, that the meeting is more important. I am ready to take all things to arrive to USA. Obviously, all difficulties will be overcome by I in Moscow. By the way, I also thought of residing at Moscow. I should live in Moscow some time while my documents will not be ready. My loved, I should you tell, that I while precisely can not tell as will be soon ready my documents that I might arrive to USA. It will demand probably approximately 2-4 weeks before I can receive my visa and the passport. I want to tell to you, that I shall remain in Moscow approximately 5-6 days and then I shall be houses to wait while my documents will not be ready. You understand about it? It accommodation costs will be additional. Yes, I think, that my trip will demand many money. We should take these steps anyhow. I want to tell you, that I already completely It is ready to go to Moscow and to take all things to our meeting. I promise you, that I shall be to give all my forces taking all things as it is possible soon. Loved, I do not think, that my first visiting to you will be long. I should anyhow to come back home. If things will go well between us I would like to change my visa and to remain with you for ever! What you think of it? My Kirk, now allow me to sum up my expenses to our meeting. So, my documents will take approximately 375 dollars. My trip to Moscow will demand approximately 25-30 dollars if I shall go by the bus. These are 200 kilometers and I think, that It is the real price. Also I shall require money for residing. If really to estimate my opportunities, I can lift only part of money to pay my documents and residing. My parents also know about all expenses and daddy has told, that can give me 200 dollars. Also to me should to pay 100 dollars at work. It already 300 dollars to our meeting. It already the most part! Kirk, I also want to tell you, that without your help I can not arrive to USA. I shall try certainly, but I am not sure. If to take into account cost of residing and also cost of all documents and expenses for movement on Moscow and to the Moscow, I think, that it will be necessary for me on the most minimal variant approximately 750 dollars. It is many money for me. I am sure, that it is a lot of Money also for you. But it is the obvious and real prices and we should pay it. I would like, that we divided this cost. I want to tell you about it because I like to speak a thing directly at once. Certainly it is not so convenient for me to speak with you about money. Especially to ask you about the help, but I am compelled it to do. I think, that it will be fair if we shall divide cost My documents and other expenses. I would like to ask you that you sent me approximately 450 dollars. I want to tell, that Probably there will be unplanned charges, but it will not be much. If you will help me of 500 dollars I think, that it will be to take all things with documents enough. I certainly promise you, that I shall take economy. Believe me, I am able to count money and to save. Life in Russia of me has learned this. 500 dollars it is many money.
You will help with it, Kirk? I shall try to save even some money to my residing. I shall be compelled to live in hotel in Moscow because I have no more place where I may I shall remain. I the strong woman and I shall find in myself forces to take all things to our happiness. My Kirk, I shall hope very much, that you are capable to help me with money for documents and other expenses. Also other question. I also thought of the ticket aboard the plane. I shall require it also. And we should speak about it also. Unfortunately, I shall not have Money for my ticket. If you might buy the ticket for me then I would be very happy also our meeting would be held soon. I am not sure about cost of the ticket aboard the plane. It is probable 900-1000 dollars. Please, find out for me this information and inform me most The airport close to you in which we the first time shall meet! OK? I shall hope, that for you it there were good news to our meeting. I do not want, that we were prevented by money. In our life Money play the big role. But I do not want, that money put a barrier in our relations. Excuse me please, that I asked you about the help. I think, that it is fair. Other question. How I can receive your money? Also it is necessary for us to think of it. Once again, it is very a shame to me to ask you about the help. I shall probably one of the happiest women in the world if we shall unite soon our hearts. No, I to not rush very quickly!! I want to arrive to you and to live with you some time! We should have some time together to continue our relations further. I think, that you understand all urgency of our meeting. Kirk, whether inform me please you can help me with my visa? I shall require around 500 $ to arrive to you. To me very much not dexterously to ask you the help. But I really want to meet you and I am a little upset now. I thought, that travel to the USA will be cheaper for me, but unfortunately I was mistaken. I shall be the happiest girl in the world if you can help to arrive to me to you and to be with you. I thought of that as you can send me of money. But I do not know about it. I have the girlfriend who works in bank and she can probably help me. Tomorrow I shall speak with my girlfriend and to learn about that as you can send me of money! I shall hope, that we shall take all things as it is possible soon. I talked to my director and I shall have a vacation, that To visit USA. I can take all things here and now only it is necessary to solve a thing with money. I very much shall hope for you. I know, that you not materialistic the man and you will not regret money for our meeting. There are things on the order more important, Than money. It is love and family for example and we should not forget about it. Well, I shall close now this letter. I shall wait from you good news soon. Take all things soon.

Only yours, Natalia.

She's back!

2006-07-05T20:52:00.000-04:00

Well, well, well... Look whose email showed up in my inbox, Natalia is back (catch up on Project Natalia for the rest of the story)! She's very excited to come to the states and visit. First she needs to get some travel information and then some paperwork. That sounds like it may cost her money. I did write her back, so hopefully she'll respond soon.

I very much regret that I did not write to you to these. But if to speak precisely I wrote to you my letters, But each time it has been returned to me. I spoke about it with my director and to me explained, That the computer has been infected with a virus and my letters also have been infected. There is such program which blocks the infected letters. Therefore the computer did not allow to leave to my letters. In any case I badly understand in it, But my director has told to me, that now all should be good also my letters should come to you!

How are you doing? I'm doing so fine, my honey! I imagined our meeting very much. First time we shall meet probably at the airport. When I think of our meeting I want to arrive to you even more as it is possible soon. An idea on our meeting Let's me fall asleep. I constantly think of you. Probably in the first day of our meeting I shall have tears. It There will be tears of pleasure. I can not constrain myself. You for me already as the native person. I very much want, that ours The friendship grew and became love! Usually the friendship to develop into love and I also very much want, that we liked each other. Our meeting will give much to us also I shall prepare for our meeting very much. I want to be for you the most beautiful And attractive! I want to fascinate you forever! I shall take with myself spirits and beautiful clothes! I want that you Could not tear off your eyes from me and looked only at me! In the first day of our meeting I would like that we were only together.

I want to be only with you all over again and only then I shall be ready to meet your friends and relatives. You already imagine to yourself our meeting? You will kiss me at the airport for the first time? I would like, that you Gave me flowers and has kissed me. I like to kiss and I also want to give you my kisses and embraces! Today I think, that I shall not have time to go in agency of travel. I have a lot of work. But I shall try To go tomorrow. I very much want to find out as soon as possible all details to our meeting. Most likely it will be necessary for me to go to Moscow to take all documents. But I am not sure where exactly. I of nothing know while, but I shall hope, that to me will help in agency of travels tomorrow. We have no the big airport in our city. Our planes fly only on Russia and probably I should I shall to fly to you only from Moscow. I know, that in Moscow am present 3 international airports. So many things are necessary to find out still! If we want to be together I promise you, that I shall do all for this purpose. Kirk, I shall aspire to take all things as it is possible Soon to our meeting. I promise you it! I already begin to miss you. I shall hope sincerely, that you will never deceive me. I to you shall go with pure heart. I shall be your visitor and I want, that you treated to me kindly. OK? Not so long ago I heard on TV, that now very many men invite the woman In another the country and then select all documents. The woman may not leave the another's country and then the man does with the woman All that wants. I do not know as it Be relative USA. I heard, that similar situations occur in Europe. It really is very awful. Many women go to work to Europe under the invitation and also get in awful position. They are compelled to be engaged in sale of the body, that Them released back to Russia. These awful things really occur in the world. Russian women have no many money and they therefore Go in other country to earn money. Men from Europe to use it. You heard about similar histories? I know, that similar cases were in Turkey, in Italy and in Spain! I am valid to trust, that USA this good place to live and you have no similar situations. Except for that I trust you. I know, that you will never deceive me. I very trustful woman. I do not want, that my heart was broken. I search only for my happiness and I never harmed anybody. I think, that we deserve to be happy. We continue to speak about you in our family. Last night we went in cafe with girlfriends and we also spoke about you. All are very glad to our relations! Everyone wish, that our relations grew in love and we were happy. I have told, that I shall go in USA and to have with you a meeting in the person. I think, that all me release and wish to have good luck! All so care of me! I am glad, that I have good girlfriends! What is the friends speak you? They will be glad to meet me also? I would like, that when arrived to you, your friends and relatives Loved me. It is very important for me! I think, that I the modest and decent woman. I want to hope, that all will be good! I shall go and dream now of our meeting. Tomorrow I anyhow shall try to go in agency of travel and to have more information.

Please, heave nice Day! Whole, yours Natalia.

The Russians are coming! The Russians are coming!

2006-06-20T21:56:00.000-04:00

She's coming to the States! Woo Hoo! No request for money yet, but she did say she might need help. I'll try and play with her a bit more... To play catch up go check out Project Natalia.

Natalia,

So good to hear from you! Unfortunately I've been swamped with work today and the next few days so I have to keep this short. BUT, if I close this deal it'll be some extra spending money.

I just wanted to find out what the travel agency said to you, and when you would think of flying in. I'd say New York city is the best place, it's not too far from me. You mentioned that you may need help, what kind of help? Its pretty easy to get a VISA to the US, they'll let anyone in here. Hah ha hah. Anyway, I have to catch a flight in a few. I anticipate some your next email.

Kirk

And I recieved sad news... I tried to email twice but it appears that Project Natalia is at an end :-(. In the end true love did not win Hah ha hah!

Hi. This is the qmail-send program at yahoo.com.
I'm afraid I wasn't able to deliver your message to the following
addresses.
This is a permanent error; I've given up. Sorry it didn't work out.

:
194.67.23.20 does not like recipient.
Remote host said: 550 Access from ip address 209.191.87.232 blocked.
Visit http://win.mail.ru/cgi-bin/support_bl?ip=209.191.87.232
Giving up on 194.67.23.20.

Crazy Ivan

2006-06-20T16:45:00.000-04:00

She loves me! She loves me! But won't let me come to Russia, she wants to visit here first. Hmmmm... Let me go All In on this hand. If you want in on the joke read up on Parts I, II, III, IV , V, VI, VII. And the fun begins...

Natalia,

I'm at a loss for words, I really am... To be honest I don't think that two people can fall in love until they meet. However I won't lie and say that I haven't been thinking a lot about you the past few weeks. I do feel something and maybe it could someday be love; but until you see the person face to face. I'm a big beliver in chemistry. We'll I'm coming to Russia this fall no matter what; Vlad is excited to take me to see his home. And I perfectly understand you wanting to see the States, and you have reasons to want to do it first. So thats cool with me; if you're up for it why not come to the USA this summer sometime. Since we don't know each other I can make sure you get a really nice hotel room for yourself (I don't want to be too forward). And don't worry about the money, I do pretty well for myself. Tell your father I have nothing but honorable intentions.

Hopefully you've learned a lot about me (I know I have about you) and really would like to know more. Let me know if you're up for coming to the States. What sort of things do you need? A Visa, Passport and tickets correct? Hopefully that stuff isn't too expensive! Once you're here I can take care of a lot of the fun stuff, we'll do some road trips and see some great sites. All the time getting to know each other. And hopefully these feelings I have will blossom into Love.

HUGS!
Kirk

Wow! Now she wants to move to the US. In less than 10 emails! Damn, I'm charming. She writes:

Good day my lovely Kirk!
I am very glad to see your letter today because I very much was afraid, that you will not answer me! Let me to name you my loved. I really badly slept today and I thought of us with you! All this has taken place so suddenly. But I really love you!!! I understand, that is a little strange for you. It is strange and for me. But it is probable you very good the man because my heart is open for you. Also I hope, that when we shall meet, you can see, that I love you!
We really should have a meeting whether to understand better for us we shall like to continue relations. I assumed it, that if I meet good and kind the man we should meet. Without it We can not have the relation. I think, that we already know enough about each other to have a meeting. You are interesting to me very much and I think, that we may be good family together! If things will go well, I would like to be your wife! I dream to find my happiness and I shall hope, that we may be happy. Already all my family knows, that I want to meet you. I spoke with mum and daddy about it. Mum and daddy wish me Only the best in this life. They will be glad, if I shall find my happiness. Daddy as the man wants, that I had the good husband. he should be kind and gentle with me and always take about me care. It was spoken by my daddy. I want to test love and I want, that me loved. My Kirk, I think, that you also want to have the good wife! I think, that I shall be for my husband the good wife. I shall be the good mistress on kitchen and I shall be true only to my husband. I can promise and guarantee it. I know, that you the person of your word. You will never deceive and betray me. Your purposes in life coincide with mine and I think, that we may have good family together! What you think of it? Right now we should work above our meeting. I am not sure however as soon we can meet, but I wanted To have with you a meeting as it is possible soon. If I shall arrive to USA my first visiting will be probable not so long. It around 3 or 4 weeks. I think, that it will be enough for the first acquaintance. At work to me advised to apply for information about visiting USA in travel agency. We have in city Travel agency and I tomorrow intend to go in this agency and probably they will give me more information About that as I can visit USA. I think, that it for me is possible anyhow. Kirk, allow me to ask you. I am not sure, but it is possible to me some your help will be necessary at our meeting. Probably I shall require from you In any information or still other things. You can help me with it? I am not sure, that I can take all things independently. Though I the independent woman and I shall try to find out all things itself. If both of us want to have a meeting we
should To work as one command! My parents will help also to me to what can. They agreed to my meeting. Only you should promise my parents, that you will take about me care. Probably you will write the letter to my daddy? It will be very good! My daddy will be very glad to your letter. You write it in English and I shall translate it for mine Families. I hope, what it will not be difficult for you? My Kirk, today I spoke with representatives of service of phones. I abused them because they yet did not establish phone in our apartment! We already paid the phone and now only it is necessary to receive number and to establish it at us houses. It is a lot of people now establish houses phones and consequently it is turn to receive the phone. They promise to make it as it is possible soon. In Russia constantly problems with similar works. It yet very well works in our city. I want to tell you, that You became angry about me. I promised you, what we shall speak? You know, what I always to hold my word? I too the person My word! We shall speak with you and is really fast! I do not want to wait while to us will establish the phone. Please, allow me to call to you! I think, that I can call to you soon! Inform me exact your phone number on which I can To call to you? Probably you will inform me of 2 phone numbers? I shall require your home telephone number or cell. Near my work there is a telegraph and I can call to you from this telegraph! When I have my break at work I can To leave and call to you. I probably can call to you between 14:00-15:00 on our time. In view of a difference in time You in USA should have earliest morning! Hmm. you will sleep probably.
But I very much want to speak with you and probably you will To hold the phone beside to an ear and to wait my bell! You will wait? I shall inform you when I precisely can call to you when I shall be In it it is sure. It will be fast. I promise you. Only you on overlook to give me your exact phone number. I so hope To speak with you it is fast! For me it is very important to hear your voice by the phone. Even more I want to arrive to you more soon! Sometimes I now reflect, that me expect. I so want to be happy. I trust you completely my heart. I shall not be To be afraid to go in USA. It is far from my city, but anyhow I shall be the strong woman. If you will treat always with me kindly, That I shall be happy. I shall far from my house and I shall grieve probably without my parents. But anyhow I should build my private life. I have to you feelings reminding love and I want to meet you anyhow. If we shall like each other I was probable I shall remain with you. You would like it if we shall fall in love after our meeting? My life will change also I wants to change my life to the best! I think, that always it is possible to go to Russia and to visit my parents! Between us now there is a understanding and trust. We already have the base to our happiness! All my relatives will wish me only happiness and love.
Well, I shall speak now from all my relatives and friends hello! We all very much love you! We send to you warm feelings! I shall close now this letter. Write to me as it is possible soon.
Heave nice Day!

Sincerely yours, Natalia.

A fist full of Rubles

2006-06-18T19:30:00.000-04:00

It's time to go for broke... I decided to have fun and tell Natalia (catch up on Project Natalia) that I was going to Russia with my buddy Vlad. This'll put her in a very interesting postion.

Also, Thanks to Jon for doing some research on this; he dug up some info on girls who used almost the same exact emails word for word! Check here or here or here. I dug up a great site with hundreds(!) of people who actually fell for this scam. Yup PT, there is one born every minute.

My email to Natalia, notice I dangle money in front of here (I'm going to hell, yes):
Hey there Natalia,

I'm pleased you enjoyed my letter and I've got some neat news for you! I mentioned before I work with a guy, Vlad, who is originally from Russia. I was telling him about emailing you; guess what? He told me he was planning on going to Russia this Fall (September/Oct) and hitting St. Petersburg & Moscow. Then he invited me along! How great is that??? He'll show me about and give me some places to stay. Naturally you and I would have to try and meet up somewhere along the line. The only thing is I've got to finangle some vacation time; thankfully money is not a problem its only a few thousand to fly out there. But I don't want to get your hopes up too high, I am short of vacation time. If I beg maybe my boss will give me the time off. What do you think? That'd be fun as hell, right???

Kirk

And what a response! She tells me that she's in love with me BUT it's better for her to come to the US than for me to go to Russia. I'm not sure I buy that; I'll have to come up with something goood to write. Any ideas? Enjoy her email:

Hello my dearest Kirk!

You again today did my day very good!

I understood also your desire to visit Russia and it is very good. If you will visit Russia then you will be Should go in my city and you will remain in my house, but I want to tell to you, that I shall be The first to arrive in the USA. It is very important for me, that I got used to you and saw as you live. Then we can together To go to Russia! What do you think of it? I shall acquaint then you with my family and friends! I went on work with especial feeling and I waited your letter! How are you? I am fine! How at you weather? How your relatives and friends? In the order and all asked to speak my family to you Hello! Now all my family knows about you. I spoke them about you. You know, it was very interesting to my sister And she also asked about you. Mum asked how many to you of years, whether and my daddy has asked you have children.

I answered their questions and we discussed you last night. I spoke my family, that you the good person. After supper we spoke about you only with my mum. You are probable only may guess, that at mum and at the daughter There may be secrets and nobody understands better the daughter as own mother. Mum however warned me, that I to not rush to enter with you relations. I was itself I realize. I have told, that you kind the man and decent. If we had with you relations it would be probably necessary for you to speak with my daddy! he also very good The person. he to care very much of our family. My brother also helps us sometimes. Everyone wish for me only happiness. Kirk, I also thought of you very much. I do not know as you it to speak, but I have to you some feelings. I do not know how to you it to describe. I love you? I do not know....

I can not be sure on 100 percents in it. I for a long time had norelation with men. It can only I have lack of man's attention! No! It really any feeling for you! This inclination is possible? I do not know. But I constantly think of you. Whether to me you very interestingly think of me? Allow me To ask you a question. You think of me? Only tell me fairly. It is very important for me. Your life really Has changed after our acquaintance? You have to me any feelings? Oh, I today shall seems to not sleep much. I shall think of you! I now write you the letter and I write it with warm feelings to you. It is a pity, that in this letter it is impossible to place my feelings.I do not want to rush. But I should you tell, that you are very interesting to me also I think of you. Yes! I think of you. It has taken place very quickly. I only not so long ago have written to you and I already have to you feelings. I do not want to frighten you my Kirk.

Probably for you it is fast slightly, that I to speak you so frankly that I feel to you. All your letters. I to look on I present myself near to me. I do not want, that in your life there were other women. I want, that You thought of me. You think of me? I again ask you this question. Excuse me please. OK? You write other women except for me? Only please tell me it fairly. I can hope for your love? I do not write anybody except for you. You understand about it? Kirk, I now would like to be in USA and to meet you! Probably we would go in restaurant or simply walked. You would like to meet me? You think, that the meeting is necessary for us In the person? I very much would want to meet you in the person. So both of us might solve many things for us! Tell me please, that you to me feel in the following letter. I should you tell, that I feel some kind of love to you.

Probably is silly to speak, that I love you. We never met in the person, but I have to you feelings and I shall be fair with you always. Please, I do not want, that my words of you frightened. Simply I think, that we might be good family together! You see want To create family? There may be I yours soulmate? I want to solve it for me. I absolutely nothing know about how it is possible that we met. I would like to visit USA soon and to look as you live. You would invite me? We might best learn each other. If you want, that I arrived to you inform me.

I probably shall find out more how it is possible to visit USA. There may be you know as it better to make? I only know, that it is necessary to receive some documents. It is the visa. Probably also it is necessary to have the passport for travel. To me some time very would would be desirable to spend with you together. I think, that I very much miss right now you. Today I shall speak with my mum. I shall tell to mum, that I want to go in USA and to meet you. I am ready to change my life to the best.

I want to start to build my happiness. Be possible we can together are very happy. I think, that my family wishes To me only happiness and they will not be against we met. But if I shall go to you in USA you should To write the letter to my parents if you want. I shall translate your letter to my parents and you should promise mum and daddy, That you will care of me. Well, I shall not hurry event. I shall hope, that you also have to me feelings and you Want to meet me in the person.

Allow me to speak my full name! My name Natalia Savina. We already sent some letters and I did not speak you about it.Please, excuse me. OK? I shall be glad to know your full name also! I want to ask you that you answered my questions in this letter. It is very important for me, that you have answered these questions. I once again want to ask you. Whether I can hope for your love? I shall be very happy, if it so! I seriously examine ours with you relations on the Internet and I really want to have with you a meeting. I shall find out about when I can arrive to USA and as it better to make. It will be probable to demand time but if we about shall have desire to meet I shall do all for our meeting. I promise you. Well, write to me as it is possible soon. I shall wait your letter. I hope, that my words did not frighten you. Heave nice Day.

With love, yours Natalia.

Happy Father's Day

2006-06-18T08:16:00.000-04:00

The first Father's Day without Dad.

It's a very weird feeling, but I'm doing okay. I had time to prepare for today thats why I'm not having any problems today. The hardest part is what blindsides you, like just yesterday. One of my favorite Red Sox bloggers, Red over at Surviving Grady, had his Father pass away. He wrote a beautiful post and the first three paragraphs really sum up how I feel about my Dad dying. It hit home pretty hard and got me thinking... You never know when Dad will be gone; so try appreciate when he's there.

I only know Red from his Red Sox rants but today I'm thinking about him and his family.

Another scam...

2006-06-17T08:35:00.000-04:00

Do people really fall for this??? This is an email from Rose I got on my MySpace page this morning:
Well i am Rose kelly,i am 27 years Of Age i am an Orphan who has No body i am searching for the love of my life who will be there in the times of troubles who will always love me even till death.My Both parents divorced before they died my mum died of hypertention of too much pressure from my dad's relation and i have no body to take very good care of me ,becos right now iam sad over here i have no body to help me becos i have been a victim of love and i dont wanna be one again ,if u wanna know what happened to me why i am a victim of love please mail me back becos i am not in the states now i am in a hospital in africa Nigeria becos of a sad day when my wedding day become the saddest day ofmy life and i need a matured guy who will helpme andlove me for the rest of my life...Well As For School I Dropped Out Due To Lack Of Finance....i Hope That Will Never Scare You Off ME?Please i will be waiting for ur reply.well if u care to help me back to state i will love u to mail me in my box rose_kelly_morris1@yahoo.com.....thanks
I'm not going to pull an Operation Natalia on this one, but feel free if you'd like to. When reading these I can't help but laugh at the language and wording. becos? A victim of love? She thinks maybe I am that matured guy that will help her? Hah ha hah!

Russian brides love Disney!

2006-06-12T19:03:00.000-04:00

I underestimate my charms, she's falling in love with me now. That and she's looking forward to a trip to Disney. If you have no idea what I am talking about play some catch up on Project Natalia before reading on.

Hey Natalia,

What's the good word? It was nice hearing from you again. Disney World? You know whats funny, I used to live in Orlando and have been many times. It's a great place to visit. When are you planning on going? It's about a three hour plane ride from me; and I have a few friends in the area. I'd have no problem popping down for awhile.

Kirk

She was very excited to hear from me, I'm now her 'dear Kirk'. How sweet! I think I'm falling in love. HAH HA HAH!

Hi my dear Kirk!
I have a break from my work now and I receive chance to write to you this letter. I want to answer your question also. When you plan to go? (when I shall come the USA we shall go together) I am really very glad, that you have written to me back! It so raises me to wait your letter! I did not think, that I shall test similar feelings. To speak with you and to receive from you Letters it is very interesting. I want to ask you, that You took for me your new pictures and sent me. Pictures very much will help me more to understand About your life, I can see you and represent you. You seem very good the man. I think, that I always can trust you and I think, that we very good friends now!
Today we have a lot of sun all the day. I enjoyed this sun today and I feel, that will be fast spring and then summer! The summer it is time holidays. I recollect my last vacation and I want
more soon that my vacation arrived. Near our city we have a wood and it is very fine to visit a wood and to take walks in the summer. I am not sure, that your wood reminds in USA. In our zone it basically the mixed wood also are available Also fields. I think, that the nature here is rather good. Many people have sites near city The grounds and they I have the garden house. It is not so big house and it specially to go in the summer from city And to spend time on a nature. You have similar garden sites? O! So it is interesting to me to know more about your life.
I certainly understand, that you it is probable to spend a lot of time for work also. But probably also it is necessary To give an organism rest! I think, that the most important rest and
work were in norm. Then the person will be To feel like more it is better! You agree with me Kirk?
My daddy has a vacation also in the summer and he likes to go and fish. Daddy has a small boat and he with the brother go on the river to fish. Our Chudskoe lake is rich a fish. It however not that fish, Which floats at ocean. But it also very tasty river fish! I not it is sure how to write correctly the name of a fish In English, but in Russian the fish refers to as: Chuka, Lech ', Okun ', Som and many various small fishes. Daddy usually The good fisherman! I think, that many men like to fish. But except for rest we should work also.
I dream, that when I shall have my family we shall go in a vacation and to travel! I would like Together with the husband to go for example on the sea! I would like to be floating by a boat on water. Also it is possible to travel on the car!
It is possible to think out a lot of entertainment! Something I begin to dream already! I in general the woman very romantic and impressionable.
I like to carry out productive leisure! You love productive leisure? I very much dream to be rolled on a motorcycle. I was never rolled on a motorcycle though I see in it a lot of
entertainment. But I should tell, that I can operate The car. I have even the driver's license on the right of management of the car. My daddy has the car. It is not so new car, but convenient. It Audi 801991 years of release. Daddy not so for a long time it bought also it more convenient, than our Russian car. We bought it for 3500 dollars! Daddy always dreamed to buy the German car. Daddy long worked, that To buy this car. At us in Russia automobiles not qualitative and very much frequently break. The German car though also old, but more reliable and convenient! I also can go by our car! At you in USA it is a lot of car. I looked various magazines and I saw many names! These are very beautiful automobiles And they are created for life! At
us in Russia for many people the car is luxury because it dearly costs money.
I only inform you on our life. I very much would want to understand your life better. You go on work on the car? You have a lot of public transport in your city? You frequently to use the plane? I for example go on work by the bus. In our city it is a lot of public transport! But also it is a lot of automobiles. I think, that I do good work And I love my work anyhow. I very good
worker and I have a some gratitude from my director. For my good work my director has allowed me to choose time for my vacation. It means, that I can independently define, when I shall have my holiday. Sometimes I take additional work to do additional money. My working day begins in 9:00am and comes to an end in 6:00pm. Time I spend all this with my schoolboys. But I have a break and I can go in cafe and have a dinner. Also I can spend this time to write to you the letter! Dear Kirk, also my friends in our work are asking me about you very much all time:) I tell them that you are very good man, also I want to say to you that some my girlfriends envy me slightly because I found so goodman as you by the Internet. But I do not address on their envy of any my attention.
I today would want to teach you Russian also!
- " Ya budu dumat o vas! " = I shall think of you!
- " Ochen prekrasno poluchat vashi pisma " = it is very fine to receive your letters!
- " Ya tak rada, chto ya mogla vas nahodit! Vi ochen horoshii mujchina " = I so am glad, that I might find you! You very good the man!
- " Ya imela bolshoi i trudnii den na rabote " = I had the big and difficult day at work.
I want to say to you, that I will think about you more and more, possible, about my coming to you Kirk, I feel that our relations are more than friendship, realy? I feel it by my heart and soul, because I cannot without your e-mails now. Well, on this I'm finishing my message to you, as usual a warmth greetings from my family to you, Kirk! I'm waiting foryour e-mails as soon, as possible!!! I already begin to dream of meeting you once! I think, that It should be possible for us if both of us shall have desire to meet. I think, that it is very important To have a meeting in the person before to have any other relations. I fairly want to tell you, that you to me very much It is interesting as the man and I examine you as my possible the man! You good the man and I think, that You in my taste! Tell me please fairly, what you think of me? It is interesting to you to speak with me? You test what feelings, when write me the letter? For me it is very interesting for knowing, because I have True and serious intentions in search of mine soulmate. I search for my husband and I want to know, that you think of me!

Kirk's (tardy) Lost Thoughts - Ep. 2.23

2006-06-11T07:14:00.000-04:00

Yup, I'm quite tardy on my lost thoughts for the finale. I could lie and tell you I've been spending the time researching and coming up with some great tidbits for you. The reality is a quite a bit lamer. So why the delay? I wish I could say it's been really hard to sit in front of the computer with the sun shining and the birds singing, alas that hasn't been the case. A couple reasons for the delay, the most embarrassing is that I pulled my best Desmond imitation for the final episode; don't drink alcohol on an empty tummy after playing softball (thanks for the wine Liz & Mark I owe you some). Not Good Times! Life's been pretty busy I've got a new ladyfriend (wish me luck), summer break from school has kept me out and about, and finally some of my creative juices have been sucked up with Project Natalia. But enough excuses; grab a beer, sit right back and I'll babble about Lost season...

The reviews were very mixed on the season finale but I really enjoyed it. There is one nitpick that I want to get out of the way before going into the episode: Desmond's Boat. It couldn't have been more than an hour from the hatch to that cove. In 108 minutes he had time to chase after Kelvin, accidentally kill him and then make it back to press the button. I have no problems with that, but the fact that in a month on the Island none of the forty some odd lostaways never stumbled on a boat that was right up the beach?

Aside from that the rest of what went on was great. We got some great info on some of the character's pasts and, naturally, more interrelations:
Desmond dated one of the Widmore daughters, Penelope. Her dad, Charles, is none to fond of Desmond. His corporation, The Widmore Corp, has its fingers in a lot of things. It made the pregnancy test that Sun used and owned then factory where Charlie's band was filming a commercial. Speaking of Charlie, his ex, Lucy Heatherton, lived in Knightsbridge, UK. The same town that Penelope lives, as Sledgeweb points out. Back to Desmond. After he gets out of gaol he runs into none other than Libby (that girl gets around) who gives him a boat. She tells him it belonged to her late husband David. Hmmm... That name sounds familiar; Dave was Hurley's imaginary friend. The producers wouldn't mess with our heads like that would they? Desmond starts to sail around the world and crashes on the island. At this point we finally get to meet Kelvin and it's none other than Sayid's old friend Joe Inman. It could be they're twins or Kelvin was using a code name when working with Sayid. Too bad he didn't yell out "There can be only one!" before kicking the bucket. Did I say twins? Was that Jack's twin speaking Portuguese in Ice Station Zebra? They look a lot alike but it's not Matthew Fox, checking out IMDB you see it's actually Len Cordova. I'm thinking the producers are enjoying playing with us by casting actors that look like main characters.

Were all these, along with previous connections, coincidences? They would have us believe it was dumb luck that brought down Flight 815. Not so, I think (as does Nikki) that the plane was brought down on purpose. Why? By whom? The Others?

The Others. We learned very little about them this episode but they didn't seem too fazed by the electromagnetic pulse when the hatch went boom. They're pretty fond of themselves though. Henry said "We’re the good guys, Michael" before letting Michael and Walt take off. Don't believe what he says, who really thinks they are evil? I'd bet that the National Socialists thought they were pretty swell guys by getting rid of undesirables.

Poor Locke, man did he screw up. His last line "I was wrong" was great, the look on his face expressed it all. Eko and Locke can't be dead but I wonder if they will be any odd effects. Did you notice how odd Charlie was acting after the station blew?

What the heck was up with the four toed foot? Sledgeweb dug up a story by Thomas Love Peacock that features the remains of a statue with a four toed foot.

If you're rewatching the episodes over the summer keep an eye out for the Hanso commercials. They're airing new ones, this past week we're supposed to check out Retrievers of Truth (hat tip: Dan O'C). I did a quick run by and noticed the doctor who runs the site, Dr. Vincent "Wally" Bolé, has the same first name as Walt's dog and his nice name could be short for Walter. Coincidence?

That’s about all I have for the finale, it appears a lot of the other bloggers are enjoying the start of their summers as well. I've got a few more items about our favorite actors before giving you some info about Season 3.

My old friend, Michelle Rodriguez, enjoyed her time in prison but not enough to stay in the US. She's decided to run off to France because she wants to be left alone.

Matthew Fox landed the role as Rambo's nemesis, Patrick Merchant, in the fourth Rambo movie.

These pictures are quite tame but the site is NSFW. Nikki found some great pictures of Evangeline Lilly for you to check out.

Naveen Andrews (Sayid) will have part in the upcoming Tarantino/Rodriguez flick, Grind House. He'll also play Jodie Foster's fiancée in The Brave One. Always in three's these things come, he's also going to have a part in Planet Terror that Robert Rodriguez is directing.

In case you're wondering what Boone has been up to; Ian Somerhalder will be starring in the film Pulse.

Finally, AndyMac has some great info on what we'll see next season:
Summary of spoilers given by Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse: Next season, we will understand the real ramifications of Desmond activating the failsafe and what that did. The central issue of season three will be what did happen. It sounds like Desmond's coming back. They said they want him back, we want to know why he was in prison, we want to know what happened when he turned that key that affected the entire island. That will become very important. The island was visible but only for an instant. It was also visible for an instant on 9/22/04 when the plane crashed. The foot statue represents the history and archeology of the island. Season three will explore what happened on the island before Dharma arrived in the late 70's and who was there. The smoke monster will definitely be back in Season three. There is a good chance we saw the monster this year and didn't realize we were looking at it. By the end of next year we will realize what it was and when we saw it. Why did the Others take Jack, Kate and Sawyer? Where is their home? That will be the story told over the first six episodes. Season 3 will also be about the main characters and their relationships. They want to service the relationships next year more than the mythology. How Locke got in the wheelchair, how Jack got his tattoos will be revealed in Season three.

The Lost season is over, it's time to enjoy the summer. To paraphrase Gregg Easterbook, ESPN’s Tuesday Morning Quarterback, "The season concluded, Kirk's Lost Thoughts folds its tent and steals off into the desert. My advice is as usual: employ the offseason for spiritual growth, and then you will feel fully justified in racing back to the remote and the microbrews when the Lost's artificial universe resumes in the fall."

Namaste and Good Luck!

Doctor Kirkvago

2006-06-10T08:51:00.000-04:00

Typical Kirk, getting lazy and not emailing the lovely Natalia for over a week (catch up on Project Natalia). I wasn't really feeling up to writing. Therefore I just fired off a quick message:

Natalia,

Hey there! Sorry I've been gone so long, but I was called away on business for the past week or so. I only have a few minutes; so I figured I'd just shoot you off a quickie.

How're things going in Russia? Did you guys get that phone installed? If you wanna chat, why not use Yahoo (or AOL) IM. It's free and we don't have to worry about long distance charges.

I'm doing well, I've been all around the past few days and am looking forward to some rest and relaxation this coming weekend. We've had a lot of rain; I'm hoping the sun comes out and I can work on the old tan.

Kirk

Apparently I made quite the impression. She wants to go to Disney World with me now! She responded:

Hi my dearest friend Kirk!

I was so happy to get your answer again and again, it was so good part of my day when I have saw your words in the computer.

I understand about the instant message. It is good idea to speak instantly, but I should to you to tell, that I cannot carry out a lot of time on the Internet. For us it will be very difficult to coordinate time and consequently it is better to us while to speak on E-Mail. OK?

And when I have saw your answer in the computer, my mood becamme so good. It's ok now.

I see that we are interested in each other more and more, and I think that it's so good for us, because I have so good and liked friend as you, Kirk. I'm so interested by you Kirk, that my life became better than before an acquaintance with you, i feel it, really. You are so good friend, you can understand me as a good friend to good friend, and I think that it's important thing in the life. I see that you trust me, as I do it with a great pleasure to you, and I think that it's so good thing in our friendship, really, Kirk? I hope that you understand me, that in my opinion, al peple in the world must to understand each other in spiritual plan of a dialogue. Do you agree with me? Tell me about it, ok? Well, I would like to ask you about Disney World. You sometime visited Similar place? I have dream to visit sometime Disney World. Probably we Let's visit together Disney World sometime? I shall have a vacation soon! It will be in March or in April and if things will go well we might visit Disney World together! What you think of it? It is far from your city? But I also dream to visit other places in the USA. For example I would like to see the Great Canyon! My vacation will last one month. In the last summer I did not take a vacation. Now I I have also additional holiday. I wanted to carry out holiday especially, but time went also I and did not take a vacation. The matter is that my boss offered me additional earnings And I therefore did not go to have a rest. I have understood that sometimes because of money people People do not clear things. I do not want to give the big value to money. There are in life more important things, than money. But anyhow sometimes we are in Dependences on money and it is very bad. My work pays to me enough money for residing, but it is not enough for pleasure. I to not complain of life.

All Depends from me! I live fairly and I am glad to life. Excuse me, that I to mention the private life in such details. You my friend and I think, that I can with you about it speak. You also do not hesitate to speak with me on any themes. We friends and we should understand each other. I also would like to ask you as far as you religious? I the christian And I go in church. You go in church? Unfortunately, I do not go in church frequently. I go in church Only on holidays.

My Friend, my friends ask about you much! Yes, I spoke my friends about you. Anyhow I wanted to divide my pleasure withfriends. I think, that you my pleasure now!

I shall send you a picture of me today. I hope, that you will love it!

I already spoke you, that my mum knows about you and she also asks about you some questions. I spoke mum as you call. I have told, that your name Kirk! Also she asked about your work. Mum asked me that I printed your picture and showed her. I think, what you will not be against it? I you see can show your picture! I always very much wait from you for the letter. It is very interesting to me to reflect on our relations on the Internet. As will be our relations are farther to proceed? I think of it! You think of it also?

I think, that I would like to speak with you and to learn about you more. You involve me and you to me It is very interesting. I want to thank you that you always fair with me. I trust you. You understand? For last years I still so did not trust anybody. You are far now from me, but I feel our understanding and our trust. These are necessary components in serious relations! You agree With me? I would like and further always to speak with you. Probably we may have something the greater, Than simply friendship? It to us will be necessary for finding out!

Well, I shall go now to work. Today we shall go with my girlfriend to drink tea after work. I also ask you to send me more than your pictures. I like to receive it!

I shall wait very much your letter. Write to me soon! Yours Natalia.

Russian roulette

2006-05-27T10:44:00.000-04:00

Here is the latest (catch up on Project Natalia) of my Adventures with Nadia. To be honest, with summer here, I'm starting to lose interest a bit. Figuring that I'll go for broke I made mention of making a lot of money and spending some to buy a new car. Hopefully this will perk her interest, I also commented that I thought she'd be coming to the US at some point since she wrote me first. Finally, family names have been changed to protect the innocent when the Russian Mafia comes to hunt me down.

And a good morning to you Natalia!

Sorry it took so long to get back to you but things have been a little hectic here the past few days. But things have settled down and it’s a nice long holiday weekend. We’re celebrating Memorial Day in the US, a holiday to honor all the men and women who died while serving in the Armed Forces. Considering I’m ex-military it’s a very important holiday for me. It is the official start of the summer here in America, there are parades and most families spend the day together cooking outside on the grill, opening up their pools and generally having a good time. I’m going to be playing some golf with friends and a maybe a business associate or two. Even though it’s a holiday I’ve still gotta make the big bucks.

Very nice pictures, thank you for them. You should have been able to see a whole bunch of mine on the site you met me on. I believe I had like 10 up. They’re pretty recent and some are me doing the things that I love like climbing mountains, hanging out with my friends and enjoying myself.

You’d like to know a bit about my family? They all live pretty close by, except my brother Wayne who lives near Boston. He loves living near the big city and its fun to go up an visit occasionally. However, he is thinking about moving to Florida. As an aside, Florida does have a city called St. Petersburg too! My sister, Kimmy, lives two towns over and my Mom and Dad (Eleanor & Gene) are about a 20 minute car ride. We’re all very close and love to spend a lot of time together. A few weeks ago we all took in a ball game; it was a great family moment.

I do know some Russians men and women, and have a good friend, Vlad, from the Moscow area. He immigrated over here about 10 years ago and will get his citizenship very shortly. He’s pretty excited about it. Why did I return an email to someone in Russia? To be honest, there is no particular reason. I figured it’d be fun to talk to someone overseas, also since you wrote me I assumed that you come to the US often. But it looks like that is not the case.

Alas, I have to get running I want to meet up with a buddy of mine and spend too much money on a new car. But hey its summer and it’ll be FUN to drive.

Kirk

Dude, people actually fall for this? Read her letter, it's obviously a form message. But she did bring up buying a phone and the cost of calling the US. Hopefully soon she'll bring up wanting some $$$. Natalia did send some more pictures, eventually I'll post them. She said...

Privet Kirk!

How are you? I am fine! Today in our city very good weather and all day the sun is high above a head!

I love similar weather and it does my day by more fines! Today I have received one more big pleasure in my day! Yes! Your letter. I am slightly emotional today. Excuse me. OK? The matter is that I have good mood. I also hope, that you will have today good day!

My day today began well enough. Mum has woken me today at 7:00. I always am usual to rise approximately in 6:30-7:00 AM.

In my room the beam of the sun got and after I took a bath mum invited me to drink tea and to take easy breakfast. My mum leaves on work most last. She all over again feeds all and only then goes on work. I also itself to rise earlier and help to take breakfast.

My mum rather good cook and she well are going! We usually try to eat healthy food. Daddy very requiring to meal! He speaks, that the food should be healthy and natural! I agree with these words. Now however in shops very many various products which to contain artificial additives, but we try to take only natural products. I also think that it is good to prepare to eat. Mum of me has learned much!

Sometimes we go in restaurant and we take various kitchen. I love the

Chinese and Mexican kitchen! I however do not go to eat it frequently, but anyhow I to try it! You tried the various foodstuffs? I am not sure as at you in USA people eat. It is expensive to take the good foodstuffs? I should tell, that natural products here in Russia demand it is a lot of money.

But anyhow to the person a necessary good feed. You agree with me? You like Pizza? I have set of recipes of preparation Pizza! I like many kinds of dishes. I love a soup from a fish and various broths. Also I love sea products! I know many kinds of various salads. My husband will be never hungry! On our kitchen will eat that always and it will be healthy and tasty meal! You love a potato? I also know many recipes of preparation of a potato.

I also should you tell, that I never smoked. I to try to care of mine health. I the woman! I should to have a beautiful body and a sound mind! Mum spoke me in the childhood, that if I shall smoke and use alcoholic drinks, nobody will take me in marriage! She thus taught me that I had no harmful habits. I understand that if the man smokes, it is still quite accepted, but I think, that the woman should not smoke!!!! You agree with me Kirk?

Well, I want to tell you, that your life is interesting to me very much. Please, speak me as much as possible. OK? All of us people and I understand you as the person, but we from various cultures and I probably do not know some things. I shall be glad to hear from you about it! Your letters help me better to represent your life. I never traveled far from a house and I dream to visit sometime USA. Unfortunately I shall not arrive yet to USA. Probably in the future. I all over again would like to find mine soulmate, my love! Probably then I would go in USA. For me it is very interesting to study about your culture. I heard many stories on TV and I saw many beautiful places in USA. But I would like to see it in a reality!

Probably in the future! You would like to arrive to Russia soon? We have also many beautiful places!

Kirk, I would like to ask you about your hobbies. Than you especially like to be engaged? You like to observe TV? You like to go to walk on shops? YOU play on musical tools? I know, that anyhow you should have hobby!

I want to tell, that I like to play on the piano! We have houses of the piano and I play sometimes. Also I like to listen to CD. We have houses of CD - player and also we have DVD-player! It very much high quality of a sound and the image! I like to listen to various types of music! It probably depends on my mood. I love classical music! I like Rok, POP! You are similar to this? I have many disks of a house! Still I like to go at cinema. As soon as new film we with girlfriends buy tickets leaves and we go at cinema! Theatre? I already for a long time was not at theatre and I think, that this art! I went in theatre probably 2 years back. Unfortunately our daily life we have a lot of work and various has put. Therefore not always it is possible to find enough time to go and take an entertainment. You agree with me? We people already adult and to us are peculiar many other cares.

You will not believe me now! You imagine Kirk, I today spoke my mum, that I have written letters to men in USA. Yes, it is the truth. Mum all over again was surprised and asked me much. By the way, those other men have not written to me. Probably they did not receive my letter. Well, I was written by you and I am glad to this! I do not have necessity to write to someone else because it is interesting to me to speak with you! I hope, that my letters of you do not tire also to you interestingly about what I to you I write. I only want to show you my life and to tell who I such. I sometimes can be very curious and consequently be not surprised! OK?

Sometimes I present myself your voice. My accent differs from yours and if we shall speak with you in the future probably we shall notice it. I think that I would like to speak with you. I believe that it is important to speak and to hear a voice. You agree with me? Soon in our apartment will establish the phone. We waited one week and the master has told, that the phone will establish the next week! Probably we shall speak with you! You can call to me? Or I can call to you! I think that we shall be capable to pay conversation. I once can call, and other times you! What you think of it? You have the phone? You want to hear my voice? It is good, when to me establish the phone I shall inform you and we shall agree about time. OK? I am slightly excited to speak with you!!! We already bought home a telephone set and it will be a radio telephone! It can be transferred on an apartment and to talk! Now also many people I have in our city cell. I think, that it is very expensive to pay and while I do not want to buy to it cell.

Kirk, excuse me if I slightly early spoke about conversation. OK?

Simply you are very interesting to me. You very much involve me also to me interestingly to speak with you! I shall hope that you also want with me to speak and you it is interesting. You now my good friend! Wow! I have the friend in other country! The Internet a wonderful thing! Please, only concern to me seriously. OK? Probably you the man of my dream? I always with you shall be frank. I promise you it.

Well, I already am slightly tired with printing. Probably I shall close this letter. Write to me soon!!! Send your pictures! I shall wait your letter! Sincerely, Natalia.

From Russia With Love III

2006-05-21T16:19:00.000-04:00

After Natalia's last letter I thought about what to write (catch up on Project Natalia for the rest of the story). Although this is fun, pretending to be interested in a Russian Mail Order Bride, I didn't want to drag it out. Figuring the best way was to get to the point, be short and ask how often she comes to the States.

Hello Natalia,

Thanks so much for the long letter, I really enjoyed reading it. One question I have though, do you come to the United States often to visit? It sounds like you've got a very nice life out in Russia with family close, a good job and some nice outdoor activities. If you do come to the US, where do you normally visit? I live between New York and Boston; both great cities to be able to visit, which I do on a frequent basis. Sorry to be so short today, but I'm at work right now and very busy. Also, I was really curious as to how often you're here in the States.

Kirk

She did write back, alas no asking for money. However, she did mention that it costs a lot to learn English. Soon, soon she'll want to 'communicate' better and ask for lessons. Heh Heh

Hello Kirk!

I waited your letter! I shall hope very much, that you loved my pic. I really very much worried about it.

You know, I did not receive the letter from other men anyhow. Probably they will not write. Probably not all men have desire to speak with the Russian woman. I want to ask you a question. What induced you to write to me? You like Russian women? In USA many Russian women? Whether really American women so are materialistic? Well, I shall not ask much right at the beginning of the letter! I wanted you to tell about my life still much. I still hope, that you may understand my English language well. I do not think, that it is very good to speak in English but also it is not so bad! It is possible for understanding anyhow! Above my English language teachers worked at school and at university. You know, when I was trained at school I wanted to work as the translator. I dreamed to travel in the various countries and to work as the translator for TV. But with age I understood, that it not for me. I like to work with papers more. Though I also like to have an active way of life! Sometimes I should work Not only in our city. My work sends me sometimes in business trip. I do not go in business trip frequently. I went in business trip to Moscow some times and also I went to Saint Petersburg. You heard about this city? If I am not mistaken, in USA also there is a city with the name Saint Petersburg. It is correct? You frequently go to travel? If to speak fairly I never visited other country. I always wanted to visit Europe and USA. I never saw ocean. There are in the world many fine places. We in Russia also have many beautiful places! Each site of our planet is fine on the.

Kirk, I to you wanted to tell about that as I live right now. It I think very important for us to know about each other as much as possible. Now I live with my parents. We live in an apartment and it has three rooms. I always dreamed to have my own apartment or even the house! But it is very expensive here in Russia and not everyone may afford to buy an apartment. Our government pretends what to care of young families and offers various credits, but conditions very rigid and anyhow many money is necessary. I have the younger sister who lives also with us and I have the senior brother. My sister call Jenya. Now she is trained at university. To her now 23 years and it is fast she already finishes training. My brother call Anton. To him 32 years and he is married. Anton has two children. He lives separately from us with the wife. They live also in our city. The brother speaks, that was it is very difficult to lift family. They from the beginning lived in a hostel, but now Anton has received an apartment at work and they live in their apartment. I am glad for my brother, that he already created family. Now we live Four together in our apartment. I share a room with my sister and we live rather amicably! My mum works in shop on sale of clothes. Now to mum 54 years. My mum calls Elena. My daddy older. His name Valeriy. To my daddy now 56 years. My parents live already almost 33 years together!

Except for that I have many cousins. I have 2 grandmothers and the grandfather! I have an opportunity to visit them rather frequently! All my relatives live in our area and it is not so far. Only the brother at mum lives in city of Nizhniy Novgorod, but it also is not so far. Please tell to me more about your family. Where your relatives live?

Please tell to me also more about your last relations. If you do not want to speak much about it I shall understand it. I shall hope that you understood the majority that I have written to you. I shall not be very captious, because I understand about a barrier of language between us. It is very important for us that we might understand each other. We from two various cultures, but anyway we due to study to understand each other. Understanding - a pledge of relations!

I want to inform you, that I the usual woman. I always to try to concern with understanding to all things. Please, understand me correctly. You may tell to me any things.

I want to teach you some Russian! You are ready to this?

First you should know words of a greeting! So:

- Hello = "PRIVET" or "ZDRAVSTVUI"

- BYE = " DO SVIDANIYA "

So we speak words of a greeting! YOU understand? It should be slightly difficult.

- Have nice day = " IMEITE HOROHSII DEN ' "

If it will be interesting to you, I shall inform you still! I think, that the pronunciation may be wrong, but I can not send you a pronunciation in the letter!:) it is a pity to me...

O! One more question! You have many friends? You sociable the man? Though I should tell that the present friends may not be much. We have wise _expression here in Russia. " The Present friend is shown then when there comes a trouble ". Only the friend will not throw you also will help a difficult minute. You agree with me? I have the girlfriend. A name of my girlfriend Lilia. Only I can trust mine to the girlfriend And I can speak all my secrets with her on any theme. She helped me many times and I think, that I helped also for her. I have still more some familiar girlfriends, but Lilia for me the especial friend! I think, that you understand me. I sometimes to carry out the free time with her. Sometimes we walk on city, sometimes we go at cinema. So my Kirk, I shall come back to work. I shall send you my picture today.

Well, write to me when you will have time. I shall be glad to receive your letter and pic.

Yours faithfully and warm feelings,Natalia from Russia.

It changed everything

2006-05-21T11:04:00.000-04:00

Here in the Northeast a Sox/Yankees games always brings out the fun in baseball fans. At work, Big Mossy, Helderman, some character named Gary and I spent some time after the last series busting each others chops. That Gary character and I root for the BoSox while Helder and Mossy side with the evil empire. Helder would go on about Yankee tradition and history then rant about how pathetic the Sox were. I’d just say “Yup, that’s a proud history; the only team to take a three game lead in a best of seven series and blow it.” Mossy shook his head and said “It’s all changed, we’ve got nothing now.” Helder disagreed saying “Twenty Six to one!” I replied, “Excuse me that’s twenty six to six.” Like most Yankees fans, he said “Since 1918”. My answer, “How many this century?”

But Dave is right 2004 changed the whole dynamic.

On May 11th my buddy Eric scored us two great seats for the Yankees/Sox game down in the Bronx. The four or five times in the past I’ve always enjoyed going to Yankee stadium to see my Sox play; we’ve never been given a hard time (just some harmless razzing), most of the fans were knowledgeable and it was always pretty mellow. Eric and I will wear some Sox gear but we’re low-key, it’s not our house so we try and behave. This was my first trip since the 2004 ALCS and I wasn’t sure what to expect.

Yup, times have changed. Most noticeable was the “Boston Sucks” chants, quite a few of them too. I’d heard it occasionally at games before but it was very prevalent this time around. Our seats were quite good, the fans near us pretty mellow and well behaved. However, one section over the Yanks fans were merciless, every time a Sox fan walked up the row you’d hear a loud chant “Asshole… Asshole… Asshole…” Hell, we knew when a Sox fan in the bleachers strolled back to their seat; the entire bleacher section would start yelling A-HOLE!

Before 2004 most of the Yanks fans teased us but it was always good natured; maybe they felt sorry for us. These days there is a lot more anger and an edge at the stadium; especially since the Sox went thru New York to win it all.

And no, I’m not saying fans at Fenway are any more behaved. They can act like jerks too, but since 2004 they’ve mellowed a bit (as I mentioned a year ago). Now the Yanks fans are the bitter ones. Heh Heh, revenge is sweet.

From Russia with (more) Love

2006-05-18T18:19:00.000-04:00

My true love, Natalia, has written back to me! It had been a few days and I was beginning to worry. For those of you not in on the joke, I received an email, via a social web site, from an attractive young lady in Russia looking to meet American men. Yes, a scam in the making; normally I'd just hit the delete key but this time I decided not to. Sensing an opportunity for entertainment I set up a fake email account on Yahoo and responded to her so you, my comrades, get to laugh along.

As you can see it’s a pretty lengthy email from her. Alas, no request for money yet but I'd bet dollars to doughnuts that by the next email I'll be hearing about her financial problems. I'll respond to her in a day or so, and post my email and her response. Yes, I did get a picture but I'll wait to post it.

Hi Kirk!
I very much hoped to receive from you the letter back and now I have yours the letter! It really brings to me pleasure, that I have received the answer to my letter! I at once want to tell, that I sent that letter to two more other men. But I should to tell, that up to this time I have not received more any letters back. I want to be fair with you and to have your trust from the first letters! I shall ask you that you also were always fair with me. I do not think, that there is a sense to speak a lie. You agree with me? Both of us search for love and I want, that my love was strong, pure, present and long! I think, that you want the same things!
I want to hope, that you will be good the man! The matter is that I almost nothing know about you. I wrote to you casually. I chose absolutely casually you from the list of men. I also did not think, that so many men will search for the love on the Internet!
In our city there are no many opportunities to get acquainted with men from other countries. I used the Internet at my work. I want to tell to you, that I work as the bookkeeper in the company under the account and sale of the electric power. Our company refers to as chuvash-energo. I carry out paper work and I do{ many various reports and I write down tariffs for the electric power.
I want to speak you so many things! Please excuse me if I can not speak you much today. We shall have still time to speak! Before us still it is a lot of time to learn each other!
About! I so to worry, that you will not love my picture and will stop to write to me!
I am valid to worry as the small girl at the first appointment to the man!
I would like to ask you that you sent me as much as possible your pictures. It will allow me to represent you and your life better!
Well, I shall inform now to you some things me. OK? You are available to read and remember?
So, I want to start with my history. I was given birth July, 29. I was given birth in 1976.To me now 29 years! I typical Lion on a mark of the zodiac. If you have the book of an astrology I think it contains a lot of similarity to my character. Sometimes the astrology is mistaken, but some things really the truth! It is a complex and ancient science of stars! You heard much about it? By the way, when your birthday? With early childhood I had good education and care of my parents. I went in good school and was enough The good pupil! At least the teacher always me to praise! Oh! These school days! These years to not return any ]more never! You liked to go in school? The first school love!.....
Kirk, For you these sounds are familiar?
In those years when I was small it was easier to bring up children. Now the state to not care at all of young families. After school and I had good luck to enter the university. Daddy gave me to be trained in economic sciences!
However ours the university was technical, but anyhow I have received good economic education. I was trained at faculty " Book keeping and audit ". I loved always the exact sciences and except for it to us taught a lot of humanist and psychologies. I bore much from walls of university and it there were fine years! Tell to me please where you were trained? It is very interesting to me to know your history also!
You should know, that I had unsuccessful relations. I remembered on all my life, that such treachery. My guy changed to me with other woman. he betraid me. I thought, that we shall marry and create family, but he seems did not want serious relations. I was young and naive. After that I more never loved anybody seriously. My last relations were enough long, but anyhow I did not notice, that my guy may betray me. he found the woman from rich family. For him the question of money was actual. I think, that I quite beautiful woman and I can find many men here in Russia. But I slightly now to be afraid to have relations. I want to find my love, my unique love. I want to grow fond of the man up to the end of my life. You understand me Kirk? I never was married also I think, that it is a serious step in life. I have no children and I think, that I would like the child from loved men. I in general very much love children and if you have already children it will not do a problem to me.
Well, Kirk, whether I do not know to you it will be interesting to hear about my city. My city refers to Kanash. Our city has a rich history. Here lives 50 thousand people and it is little city. We are located not so far from Moscow. I should you tell, that I was probably 10 times in Moscow. But the Moscow city is even more! Our city is located on coast of the river! Probably you may find our city on the Internet also? In our area we have a temperate climate. It is an average part of Russia with good display of seasons. We have a lot of snow in the winter and also in the summer air there is enough is hot! We visit a beach and I like to float! You have a beach close? You like to float? If there will be time please tell to me more about your city!
I also want to ask you, what you understand as happiness? Right now I shall speak you that I understand as happiness. I should tell, that everyone is happy in this world in own way. For me to be happy means that I exist in this world. I think, that I want, that me loved. I want, that me respected and estimated. In general I see happiness that my life will be it is lived with sense. I should find my love create my family.
You agree with me. In it is world we should leave after ourselves good memoirs. It is very difficult for one to find happiness. When two persons like each other, It already does people happy. Love - very much good feeling and this sacred! You agree with me?
I shall wait your letter soon!
Have a nice day! Your new friend Natalia.

Kirk's Lost Thoughts - Ep 2.21

2006-05-16T19:49:00.000-04:00

Only three more episodes left! As the season dwindles the episodes get better and better, making up for some of the stuff we had to endure. This'll be a short one, but I'll try and hit all the high points.

Last week on Brokeback Island, Locke and Eko stumbled upon another Dharma station, The Pearl. To date they've seen "The Swan", "The Staff (Caduceus), "The Arrow", and "The Pearl". Unfound so far, according to the blast door map, "The Flame", "C3", and "C4". Could C3 or C4 be "The Door" that will be in the finale? Inside "The Pearl" they watch another orientation film explaining the purpose of this station, numbered 5 of 6. Wait a second! Something is amiss. I counted seven stations; if the blast door map is accurate. The host of this video is Dr. Mark Wickman a.k.a. Dr. Marvin Candle, although his prosthetic arm has grown back. Could Dr. Candle/Wickman be hiding out the "The Flame" bunker? Rumor has it that he'll be back in the final episode as Dr. Waxman. Also in the station is an odd printout that's is full of numbers. Sledgeweb did the research all I have to do is copy and paste:
41602052:17 accepted 41602054:05 accepted 41602055:53
accepted 41602057:41 accepted 41602059:29 accepted
41602061:17 accepted 41602063:05 accepted 41602064:53
accepted 41602066:41 accepted 41602068:29 accepted
This repeats over and over, the number before the colon increases by 2 with each entry (except on the entry with the :53, which increments by 1), and the numbers after the colon (17 05 53 41 29) stay the same. If you look at the two digits before the ":" as hours, and the two digits after the ":" as minutes, each entry is exactly 108 minutes after the previous entry.
For example:
52:17 would be 52 hours and 17 minutes, or 3137 minutes.
54:05 would be 54 hours and 05 minutes, or 3245 minutes.
3245 - 3137 = 108 minutes
If Locke has some free time he'll be able to see if Henry actually skipped entering those numbers in. I wonder if Michael's conversations with Walt are also in those logs?

This week we were graced with an Eko flashback. His passport contained some of our favorite numbers: 4 = April and 2004, 8 = August 23, 15 = April 15, 16 = April 16, 23 = August 23. (hat tip Sledgeweb). More connections, Claire's psychic friend met Eko in Australia.

The Hanso commercial during the break looked the same but we were given a new url, www.sublymonal.com. Start at the left and click on the first tv 4 times, it'll turn yellow then go to the next tv, click on it 8 times it'll turn yellow... go to the last tv and click in it 42 times and you'll get a message (code: Heir Apparent) and link to the Bio's page on the Hanso website. Go to Dr. Thomas Mittelwerk's bio, and enter that in the text box. Persephone will give you some info:

"Caltech has no record of this guy in their
Alumni database! He's never made a tuition
payment     does he even have a college degree?
Why does he call himself a 'Doctor'? Of what.
            Who is this clown?"

Who is Dr. Thomas Mittelwerk? Not a Caltech grad! But Mittlewerk was a large underground facility built by the Germans that was staffed with prisoners transferred from concentration camps. The conditions were horrific and thousands of prisoners died due to malnutrition, disease, exhaustion or hanging (by camp guards). The site is where the V-2 missile was built, it being the first missile or vehicle to pass the sound barrier.

Bad Twin is causing a bit of a stir at Hanso, they put out a press release about the book.

Before they were Lost: Entertainment Weekly has an entertaining write up on some of our favorite characters. See what Locke, Sawyer (dude you got beat up by Alicia Silverstone), Michael, and Kate did before striking gold. Get a good laugh from Evangeline's commercial for a dating service. Where do I sign up?!?

Now that Ana is dead Michelle Rodriguez is exploring other avenues of employment. Soon you'll be wearing some M.R. duds.

That's all I have, till next week Namaste.

From Russia with Love?

2006-05-16T19:28:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I amuse myself to no end. Add the internet being full of crazy people and a fun experiment emerges.

A little background: Now that things have settled in my life I had signed up with match.com figuring I'd “get back into the game", so to say. This isn't the first time; last year I used the service and had a good time, I met some nice girls, some crazy girls and wound up dating one, Jen, for a few months. I've got some great stories; drop me a line if you'd like to hear some funny ones. Every few weeks I get a random email from some girl in Russia looking to meet an American. Obviously some sort of scam. Normally I just hit the delete key. This time I decided to have some fun, I created a fake email address at Yahoo and responded to her. So far no response, but as they come in I’ll post them up here.
Here is her original letter:

-----Original Message-----
From: natagdfh
Date received: May 15, 2006
Subject: Hello!

Hello!

My name is Natalia. This letter already shows you where I live. The matter is that acquaintance on the Internet now is popular all over the world. I have noticed
Your profile. You live in the USA and this good place to live!
America is the country of freedom.
Each person has the right to a good life and you have enough freedom to have a worthy life. Everyone have equal opportunities. In the USA I think more opportunities for a good life. There where I now live it not the best place to live and create family. But even in such country I can do good residing. I like to work, I have values of family and I want to have the best life with good the man which I shall love also which will love me. I think, that women here good enough to be as the wife for the American.
I the woman who appreciates love, fidelity, honesty. I am not spoiled by an easy and carefree life.
I observed your profile on the Internet and you have drawn my attention. We could learn each other better. I also want to draw your attention my letter and consequently I today shall not write much to you. I only shall tell now, that to me of 29 years. My growth of 170 centimeters (5 ' 7 "). My weight of 55 kg (120 pounds).
I hope, that you understand, that I want to create family, I want to live in the USA and to have the best life. I achieved in a life much, I have got used to go up to the end in achievement of the purpose. I have in this life everything, except for family and the true love. I search for love now. I not the poor woman. I to concern to middle class in Russia. But I should tell, that I am rich spiritually. Write to me here: ###########@mail.ru
With hope, Natalia.
May, 15, 2006
PS: Once again write to me here: ###########@mail.ru

And my response:

-----Original Message-----
From: Kirk
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2006 5:13 PM
To: ###########@mail.ru
Subject: Hello there

Hi Natalia,

Wow! I didn't expect any responses from way out in the Russian Federation. But, the world is smaller these days isn't it? Although getting together for a quick coffee would be kind of expensive still.

How are you doing? Thank you so much for writing me, I just wanted to drop a quick line and say Hi. Obviously you know a lot about me and seen some pictures. Is there anything else you'd like to know?I've got a friend from Russia, Vlad, and maybe I'll get him to give me some fun Russian sayings. Hah ha!

Let me see... What about you would I like to know? Do you have some pictures, or maybe a web cam? What do you do for a living? And how exactly did you stumble on my profile?

Take care and I'll talk to you soon!
Kirk

Thats it so far, no response but maybe I'll get some nice pictures to share. I wonder how much she'll need to come over to the US.

Kirk's Lost Thoughts - Ep. 2.20

2006-05-04T17:18:00.000-04:00

WOW! Both Ana and Libby knocked off, I didn't see that one coming. Apparently JJ, Damon and company take a dim view on drunk driving. The Clinton spin doctors have found employment with ABC until Hillary runs; they're saying this was planned all along. Or is there a more insidious force at work here? Could the mysterious "him" actually be Jason Voorhees? Attractive females that engage in pre-martial hanky-panky don't have a long life-span on the Island. Poor Libby, she probably hadn't yet 'done the deed'; however she had that twinkle in her eye when asking Hurley about the blankets. Ana, great acting on Michelle's part (see later), gets lucky and drops dead an hour later. Shannon saddles up to Sayid, starts seeing things and then is shot. Finally we have the only (major) male character to die, Boone. Of all the guys he's the most metro and the way he looked at Locke... Not that there is anything wrong with that. Next? Kate, you had better watch yourself when alone with Jack or Sawyer.

Lost is building towards the season finale which is supposed to shock us. It's a two hour flashback of Desmond and how he came to be on the Island. Expect the next few episodes to be really good with lots of plot advancement. Until they leave us hanging for the summer.

Darn those numbers popped up again in this episode! I didn't catch them but Sledgeweb has a great screen cap.

More tie ins... Ana-Lucia ran off to Australia with a strange man. Didn't her mom teach her better? Lost being Lost, the strange man is Jack's father. You've got to be kidding me, what next? Having the two of them run into Sawyer while down there? Oh wait, that did happen. Can there be any other interconnections? Who was Doc Shephard's baby momma down under? She seems middle aged, with an Aussie accent. Hmmm... Claire's mom is probably about that age. Claire doesn’t know her father. Hmmm... That couldn't be, could it?

This past Saturday was my birthday and, man, I'm getting old. Turning 28. Again. And again. And again. Since I've been so nice to provide all of you with Lost information these past few months, I fully expect gifts arriving at the condo in the coming days. Just kidding, I went to the Red Sox game with my family and that was gift enough. Ah, and the Sox won too.

Those of us living in the 20th century were probably lucky enough to catch the Hanso Foundation commercial. Those of you with DVR's, got back through the commercials! The commercial gave a toll-free number to call and our good friends at The Tail Section have provided MP3's of what’s on the other end of the number.
Main Menu
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4
Option 5
They've also provided a copy of the Hanso Foundation's press release for us to check out. Some of the recordings mention Widmore industries, which I've discussed before. This company’s logo is on Henry's balloon, keep you eye out for it in the coming weeks.

Or, check out the completely re-done Hanso Foundation website. For those of you that missed the commercial, it's on the site along with a ton of other fun things. Easter Eggs anyone?

On the Left Nav click Newsletter (signup). Type anything in the box. The screen will get a little funky, when it asks "Can you read this" then type yes. It will then ask for a password, it is "breaking strain". And now the fun begins...
Click on Joop's Corner on the left Nav. Click on the send a message to Joop here (lower right). Type "What does it all mean?" A new screen will pop up with little white rings; click on them. Keep going until you see a red ring. Then there's a message. If you keep clicking on the signature, you'll see more and more messages. It's a bit of a pain in the rear to view them all. I'm lazy and Lost Links has done all the work for me in their "H" Files.
Back on Joop's Corner, go to send Joop a message (again) but don't enter anything, just wait and watch the webcam. It takes a few minutes for an image to appear, but you will see an image of a man's face. Who is this strange man?
Click on the Excecutive Bio's link. Read about the men who run Hanso, then click on the Board of Directors link below the Exec Bios. Who is Liddy Wales? Why is there no picture?

The Lost diary continues to be updated with new adventures and clues. From what I've read/heard, over the summer sites such as Hanso and the Lost diary will have new clues about the show. I don't know if the producers planned this at the beginning of the series, but it looks like this is going to be one of the first multi-media television series. Good Stuff.

Jack doesn't strike me as the kind of guy to be burning books; then again Sawyer doesn't seem the bibliophile either. If you're curious as to what he was reading, pick up Bad Twin from Amazon. Along with those sites I mentioned above it ties in with the show. You can download the first chapter here (WinZip, 8 Meg file) from Lost Links. The author, Gary Troupe (purgatory), has a web site where you can get a tidbit on his last book The Valenzetti Equation. That should sound familiar, on the blast door map there is an area of Valencetti related research activity. Different spelling, but very close.

After the show my phone rang and a Nixonian voice intoned "You won't have Michelle Rodriguez to kick around anymore." Sadly this is true, so for probably the last time, barring flashbacks, here are some juicy tidbits about Michelle Rodriguez. Last week she chose to spend a few days in jail instead of doing community service for her drunk driving. Why? Could it be that she wants some quality time alone with the girls? When she's (NSFW) out on the town (NSFW) she's not shy about picking up girls, as evidenced in this tabloid photo spread. I don't blame her, given the choice of spending five days surrounded by people I want to sleep with or community service; it'd be a no-brainer.

With Michelle gone from the show, Evangeline Lilly has stepped up to the plate with her off camera antics. Dominic Monighan had himself a grand old Easter after Evangeline showed up at his hotel in this Easter Bunny get up. Yup, the Lord died so we could ogle Eve in hotpants and bunny ears. Oh wait, we wouldn't want to do that because she prayed to God to make her ugly. That poor girl, it's tough being beautiful.

Good news for those Star Trek fans out there, Lost's own JJ Abrams will be producing and directing the next Star Trek movie! As a long time fan I hoping he can breathe some new life into the franchise. Come on, my name is Kirk and while I was in the Navy I was stationed on board the USS Enterprise. How can I not be fan?

JJ also directed Mission Impossible III and if you look at the last name in the Special Thanks section you'll see "The Hanso Foundation". (Hat tip to The Tail Section)

Till next week, Namaste

Sad day in Sox Nation

2006-05-02T19:16:00.000-04:00

“I was a little disappointed in the reaction by the fans. I guess we should feel proud. Evidently wearing a Yankee uniform overrides winning a World Series and busting your tail for years. Without Johnny here, they may have been working on 89 or 90 years [without a championship]. It’s too bad they don’t appreciate that more so than they dislike the fact that he’s wearing our uniform.” - Joe Torre 5/1/06

Perfectly said.

There are times when my fellow Sox fans make me ashamed that we root for Boston. Last night was one of those times. Yeah, Johnny Damon left the BoSox for more money with the Yankees. Yeah, he was the face of the franchise. Yeah, he said he'd never play for the Yanks. So what. He gave his all for four years in Boston, made a good faith effort to stay, and said all the right things on his way out of town. The man was all class (that's shocking to type). To boo him at his first at bat in a new uni? Shame! Boston fans have to get over the Yankees, in case you don't remember we did beat them in the 2004 ALCS with a big hand from Mr. Damon in Game 7. He deserved a big standing O in his first at bat.

Then it'd be okay to boo him.

Things that amuse me - Hartford Billboards

2006-04-23T16:29:00.000-04:00

The last couple posts have been a little downer than usual, but for good reason. However, life does go on...

In my day to day adventures I run across silly things at amuse me; so why not share them. They may be two sentances or if you're lucky may be a couple paragraphs.

Every day I drive down I-91 toward work and see a bright yellow billboard proclaiming that Hartford is New England's Rising Star. On the sign is a quote from some gal named Lyndsay asking us to come to Hartford, "I swear, it's fun." Personally I think it's a pretty stupid marketing campaign but that's not what amuses me. The sign is right between the Penthouse Boutique and the Gold Club. Yup, Lyndsay I bet it's fun.

I'm not the only one to have noticed this; the Hartford Courant comments on the prime location as well and doesn't approve of the message.

Noelle's Eulogy

2006-04-18T19:56:00.000-04:00

My sister, Noelle, gave this Eulogy for Dad today. It really touched me and told so much about our father that I wanted to share it with you.

All I need to know about life... I’ve learned from my Dad

I remember growing up, anytime my mother would take an airplane out of state to visit family, my Dad and I would always go to the airport together to pick her up, her flight would be scheduled to land at 3pm, it would be 1:30pm and we would be already on our way to the airport, which is only 25 minutes away. So we would always end up sitting around the airport waiting for her flight to arrive, but as my Dad would always say, "we have to give ourselves plenty of time." Anytime my Dad would pick me up from sports practice, he was always the first parent to arrive because he was always 20 minutes early to pick me up.

So I have been and always will be 20 minutes early, whether it’s to work, an appointment or a date, I’ll never be late because of what I learned from my Dad.

I remember, growing up, anytime my mom would be away, my Dad and I would always get pizza for dinner, it was our favorite. We would get pizza every night for dinner and never think twice about it.

So I will always know its ok to have pizza five nights in a row, because of what I learned from my Dad.

My Dad always had everything in certain places, equally lined up and was very organized. If you moved something a centimeter out of line, he would notice and have to fix it and make it perfect. And people have always commented on how neat and organized I am.

So I have been and always will be very neat and very organized because of what I learned from my Dad.

All growing up, we have always had a lot of Coca-Cola in our house. My Dad would buy it in bulk and there would be piles in the basement. He would drink a lot of coke and I am sure Adam and Kirk can agree with me, we too, at a young age began our love of Coca Cola as well.
So from a young age and until I am old and gray, Coca Cola will always be my favorite. When I open a can or bottle and take that first sip, I will always think of my Dad and never forget his big "ahhhh's" he let out, when that first sip hits your lips. I can remember, when my Dad would go food shopping, he would come home with 12 loafs of bread, 6 cases of Coke and 4 different kinds of ice-cream and before my mom could say anything to him, he would come out and say "...but it was on sale...." with a guilty smile on his face.

So I will always know its ok to buy my favorite foods in bulk, as long as they are on sale, because of what I learned from my Dad.

And for those of you, who knew my Dad well, knew his love of jazz and rock and roll music. We would like to play you one of his favorite rock and roll songs he used to make my mom dance to with him while he blared it on the computer in the family room.

So I know its ok, to blast my favorite songs and dance around the house, because of what I learned from my Dad.

They then played Good Golly Miss Molly by Jerry Lee Lewis

I hope you enjoy the song as much as my dad did.

Thoughts on a passing

2006-04-16T09:02:00.000-04:00

The past couple days I've spent talking to friends and family about my Dad's passing on. I'd like to share some of that with you. Maybe you'll find it interesting; maybe you'll find it morbid. But I'd like for people to know that Pops passed on surrounded by Love.

First a little background: around the turn of the century Dad had been diagnosed with Parkinson's. Over the past few years he's successfully lived with it. Because of the combination of medicines he had little side effects; most people wouldn't even suspect he was sick. Unfortunately around Christmas time things took a turn for the worse. I'll spare you the details but he went from very healthy and alert to quite ill in what seemed like no time at all. During his last two months, he lived in a nursing home. Dad was happy there; he had a room all to himself. Most importantly, he was never in any pain thru all of this. The staff took very good care of him and was always very pleasant to my family and me. Mom, Noelle, Adam and I stopped by all the time, so he always had a family member at his side.

In his last few weeks he enjoyed the little things with all of us. My friends can tell you, Dad loved his Coca-Cola. We would bring him a bottle and give him a few sips and he'd let out a big sigh and say "Ahhhhhhhhh". While he could still eat solid foods we brought him a pizza from his favorite local pizza place. Over the years Dad went so many times he got to know the owner, Ted, so it was nice that he got to enjoy their pizza one last time.

On Monday (April 10th) I stopped in to see Pops. As I walked in the nurse said to me "Have you talked to your mother?" As my poker buddies know, my face hides nothing, and she must have read it and said “No, he’s still with us but is very, very sick; he’s running a fever and is on oxygen.” I ran over to his room and to his bedside. He couldn’t talk but could acknowledge me. I told him “Dad, I’m going to call Mom and Adam. I’ll be RIGHT back, I’m just going outside.” Then I called Mom told her I was at the home (she was on her way); next I called Adam and told him to come immediately. Once I made the calls I went back into the room, held his hand and told him “Mom and Adam are coming, they’ll be here soon.” He struggled, but stayed awake and I talked to him while rubbing his arms (which he loved). About ½ hour later both Mom and Adam had gotten there. Dad knew, he acknowledged them and a few minutes later just fell asleep. We made a few more phone calls to Noelle, telling her that she needed to come home, and some of his friends. He was asleep for a few more hours during which his good friend Warren our close family friends Donna & Gary (they have kids the same age as Adam, Noelle and I) came in. We sat around while he slept; Mom stroked his hand, I rubbed his head and we all told stories about him. Everyone laughed, smiled and talked. He passed about eight o’clock. The last thing he heard on this earth was his loved ones laughing and honoring his memory by telling stories about him.

No one wants to die. I certainly didn't want Pops to pass on. But he was surrounded by loved ones, heard us laughing and talking and got to see us one last time. That’s not a bad way to go…

Before I go, I have two stories for you.

On Tuesday morning Mum and I had to run some errands such as finalize the funeral plans and order flowers. On the way home we stopped at Center Pizza and got a large cheese (Dad's favorite) and told Ted the sad news. When we returned home Mom needed to get some sleep, she hadn't slept the previous night. I told her I would take care of calling the pension, 401K and some friends of his. One of Dad's real close friends was Ronnie whom he used to go to train shows with. I knew that Ronnie lived in Mass but didn't know his last name. I opened Mom's address book to "R" figuring it might be under Ronnie. No such luck. Since I needed something to do, I decided I would go thru every damned page of that book til I found Ronnie. The methodical man would start at the beginning and go page by page. Not I. I randomly opened to a page and lo and behold on that page was Ronnie's phone number and address. That’s one of those things that makes you go "Hmmmm"

Dad loved to collect model trains. As I mentioned earlier he also really enjoyed a cold Coca-Cola. Mom told me that we were going to put two trains in the coffin with him. The two of us went down in the cellar to pick some out. I noticed that Dad had a Coca-Cola boxcar. How perfect I thought! We opened it up and it had Santa on it (he also LOVED Christmas) and the worlds "Coca-Cola: Wherever you go...” You don't get more perfect than that.

Goodbye Dad, I love you

2006-04-11T23:48:00.000-04:00

Dad, peacefully passed into his eternal rest on Monday, April 10^th, 2006 surrounded by friends and family. Born to Eleanor and the late Irvin, he was raised in Central, CT. Dad graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from The University of Hartford. He retired from IBM after 33 years of dedicated service. Dad proudly served our country in the United States Army beginning in 1963 and returned to IBM in 1965. In retirement Dad volunteered as a school crossing guard for five years. During his early employment with IBM he had the wonderful experience of living in many parts of our great country such as Poughkeepsie, New York; Alexandria, Virginia, where he met his beautiful wife; and Lancaster, California. He has resided in CT since 1970 and was an active member of the community coaching little league, softball and girls soccer. Pops was an avid skier, a collector of model trains, collected antique radios, loved listening to classic rock and roll & jazz, and took great pride in his flowers. He was a member of groups such as the AARP and the Train Collectors Association. A loving husband, father, brother, son, uncle and friend, Dad is survived by his wife of 37 years, Delia; his three children Kirk; Adam; Noelle; his sister Elizabeth; his mother Eleanor; and many nieces, nephews and treasured friends.

Kirk's Lost Thoughts - Ep 2.18

2006-04-11T22:03:00.000-04:00

I've gone back and forth about scrapping my Lost Thoughts for this week. But after reading it thru a bit, I realized how much fun I had coming up with them and figured I'd send out what I had written over the weekend. They may be a little unpolished, but hopefully they're still insightful and entertaining.

You may be wondering why I was thinking about scrapping them. If you haven’t heard, on Monday night my father peacefully passed away after living with Parkinson’s for the past couple of years. That night Dad was surrounded by friends and family; the last things that he heard on this earth were us telling stories and the sound of our laughter. For that, and that he suffered no pain, I am very thankful. My family and I are holding up, we've had time to prepare so it's a little easier on all of us. If you're so inclined the American Parkinson Disease Association is taking donations in my Dad's name (Guy W. Gartside).

Here is what I was writing...

Did I ever tell you how much I love Hollywood? Lost seemed to break the mold of a typical TV show but once in awhile they remind you were they're coming from. What am I talking about? Hurley and Libby: the funny fat guy gets the hottie. Again. Check out the TV shows like The King of Queens, The George Lopez (he's not fat but man he's ugly) Show, and Seinfeld (did you see some of the girls Constanza dated?) to name a few. You don't think that Jack and Sawyer would be chasing after Kate if she tipped the scales over 200 do you? Yup, you know its dudes writing the scripts to these shows.

No I don't think the Island is all a dream of Hurley’s. Although there are a lot of weird coincidences; like while Hurley was chatting with his doctor there was a pretty picture of an Island behind him. If thats the case when they reveal the truth I'll throw my beer thru the TV.

Libby, Libby, Libby... You've got a terrible poker face. What exactly are you hiding? How did you make it out of Santa Rosa and onto Oceanic 815 with Hurley? And why not come clean? Is she still sick? I doubt it, after all the Island can help Locke walk, allow Jin's boys to swim and clean up Charlie. It probably helped her deal with whatever inner daemon's plagued her. Maybe she's afraid to fess up because everyone will think she's nuts.

More fun with numbers and Daddy issues! Hurley is responsible for the death of his father when became the 23rd person on a deck made for 8.

As Dave took the plunge, he said "See you in another life". Has he been talking to Desmond?

Boy, Locke was none to excited about rolling in his wheelchair again is he? The camera work of him wiggling his toes for Jack was a nice homage to Episode 1.4.

Those writers of Lost continue to tease us with just a few juicy tidbits from Henry Gale. Michael Emerson has to have used Kevin Spacey's roles as John Doe in Seven and Keyser Soze in The Usual Suspects as his inspiration for Henry. Even though he wasn't featured at length in the episode he steals all the scenes. His character just glides from lie to lie, if the call him out he just moves on to a new one. However, he did lose his cool when Sayid and Ana asked about 'him'. The way he went off I figured Hank would spit out "He kills their kids. He kills their wives. He kills their parents and their parents' friends. He burns down the houses they live in, the stores they work in. He kills people that owe them money". Hank also continues to play Locke masterfully. Next week look for Locke to let the countdown expire to see if the map reappears. I've got a feeling Henry wants that counter to keep hitting zero.

A couple weeks ago my brother pointed out the same car kept popping up in accidents with our castaways. Here are different cars with the same plate. Once again, people with too much time on their hands.

I know a lot of you get frustrated with the number of repeats of Lost. Sometimes you're not sure if it's a new episode or not. Check this site to find out.

Kirk's Lost Thoughts - Ep 2.17

2006-04-03T21:30:00.000-04:00

What a great episode, huh?!? Hopefully the next few will continue in the same mold. Unfortunately this is going to be a pretty light posting (again) due to some outside events over the past few weeks.

It wouldn't be an episode of Lost without one of the survivors having some past connections. Locke was doing a home inspection for none other than Sayid's ex-girlfriend Nadia!

Those darned numbers... They keep on popping up. The real Henry Gale's address is 815 Walnut Ridge Road. The safety deposit box that Locke opened was also numbered 1516.

More and more I'm beginning to believe Locke's Dad, Anthony Cooper, was the man who conned Sawyer's mom. Either that or he's Dick Cheney. He's got oodles of money, likes to hunt birds and has pulled off a few pretty big cons in his day. Ok, ok just kidding about being our Vice Prez but you thought “Hmmm….” Back to those cons, one for Locke's kidney and the other for seven hundred thousand dollars from some gangsters. Somehow this aspect of his personality has to be connected to another survivor. Everything else in this show is! What did you think of that Oceanic Air shoulder bag he was lugging around? Did you notice there was also an Oceanic Air plane that flew over the hotel?

The thing everyone has been talking about is "The Map". Who drew it? What is written? Is that Latin? Thankfully there are people with a lot more time on their hands than us and they've cleaned up the Map for us. Here is what we saw, Lost.Cubit.Net's version and for comparison's sake one from the TheTailSection.com. At the bottom left corner has written "Valenzetti related research activity". Who is Valenzetti? While I'm typing about names, on the right hand side it says "known final resting place of Magnus Hanso/BlackRock". Is that the son of Alvar?

Thankfully Lizzy's buddy Kerry is able to provide some excellent filler with a great theory:

The idea that “Henry” knew the numbers but not their purpose has got me to change my thinking a bit. I’ve always thought that everyone connected to DHARMA who was on the island before the crash were together. Now I doubt it. Here’s my scenario.

DHARMA set up shop on the island. A multi purpose research facility, each pod with a different purpose. The incident occurs, since we know of a sickness, most likely in the medical research pod, The Staff. Based on “Maternity Leave” this is where Zeke, Ethan and the others were stationed. The outbreak causes DHARMA to shut down research but not abandon its people on the island. They create a modern day leper colony. Each pod was numbered. The numbers for each pod must be entered into the computer every 108 minutes. This would let DHARMA know which pods were still unaffected by the sickness. The Staff people would not know about entering the numbers since they’ve been cut off. As long as DHARMA receives the signal they continue to supply the island. DHARMA does send replacements, Desmond for Kelvin etc. They can return home when replaced as long as there is no possibility they’ve been affected. That’s why Desmond and Kelvin protected The Swan so much. Any chance of contamination means they can’t go home. Maybe if DHARMA fails to get the numbers the island will be destroyed.

Meanwhile, Danielle and her team crash on the island. Danielle is the only survivor after losing Alex. She’s free to explore the island, something Zeke and the others are afraid to do. She finds the Black Rock and the dynamite.

Zeke and the medical staff develop a theory that a baby born exposed to the sickness will somehow be immune and might provide a cure. That’s why Alex and Aaron are so important.

I do not think the Others are evil. There is no proof that the Others have killed any lostie. I still think that Nathan and Scott/Steve were working for DHARMA and it wouldn’t surprise me is the Others hate DHARMA for “abandoning” them. So DHARMA moles are fair game. The Others are in a way just as frightened and confused as the losties.

DHARMA is still searching for a cure. Something about our “heroes” makes them likely candidates to find this cure, not sure what that is yet. DHARMA then sets them all up for the flight. There are too many previous connections to be a coincidence.

The survivors of flight 815 are a combination of DHARMA volunteers and the folk’ DHARMA hopes can provide a cure.

Pure speculation on my part but something that wouldn’t surprise me in the future:.

The war may not be between the Losties and the others but between the Others and the DHARMA moles. Whose good and whose evil may be a lot grayer

There’s more moles than we thought.

If I’m right about the numbers and the Others enter their numbers what does DHARMA do?

Till next week..

Kirk's Lost Thoughts - Ep 2.16

2006-03-26T08:17:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone, unfortunately this is going to be a much abbreviated post. Thankfully there wasn't a whole lost happening in this episode so my guilt is assuaged.

Before we get to a couple things I noticed this week, are you Addicted to Lost? Whoever did that video gets a big thumbs up!

The first has to do with the Widmore Pregnancy Test that Sawyer gave to Sun. Keep your eyes out for the name Widmore (this is from the producers of the show) in future episodes. But you may have noticed it before in Charlie’s flashback on the factory (yes a terrible screenshot but all I could come up with). The Widmore company will be an integral part to the plot in the future.

The second is Locke telling Ana that she's "Running like the Devil's chasing you". Sound familiar? Desmond said the same thing to Jack when they ran into each other at the stadium. Coincidence?

How much fun is Henry to have around? He really ended the episode on a high note with this little exchange:

"Wow, you guys have some real trust issues, don’t you?"
“Of course, if I was one of them, these people that you seem to think are your enemies, what would I do? Well, there’d be no balloon, so I’d draw a map to a real secluded place… like a cave, or some underbrush… a good place for a trap, an ambush. And when your friends got there a bunch of my people would be waiting for them. And then they’d use them to trade for me.
“I guess it’s a good thing I’m not one of them, huh?

Just last week a girl on MySpace turned me on. To a new theory! You've got a sick mind... The color orange pops up in the flashbacks quite a bit. Does it mean anything? Or are the Losties just fond of orange? I think the latter, but keep an eye out for it. Looking for some samples? How about Here, and here, and here, and here, and here, and here, and Shannon in a bikini , and here, and here, and here, and here, and here, and here, and here, and here, and here, and here, and here, and here, and finally here.

Is Christine's cousin haunting the Lostaways? My brother forwarded me this link that shows the same car involved in their lives before coming to the Island. I've grabbed two screencaps from lost-media (Kate's accident and Michael's run in) that shows a bit more detail.

One of the castaways has been keeping a diary. Who is it? Since it's an official ABC site, I'd take what is written as canon. Whoever it is, they're not looking too fondly at Henry's treatment.

A new Dharma film? I doubt it; it's probably another fan-film. Not the first and probably not the last, but they did a darned good job.

Stephen King asks the writers of Lost to tell their story and be done.

Spring Break

2006-03-08T19:59:00.000-05:00

I'm on Spring Break this week! During my college years I went on six of them, a bit excessive? Just a little.

During Spring Break, back in the day, I used to bar hop all day and night long.

Today I went to Target, Lowes, Home Depot, Sears Hardware, and Home Goods. Apparently now I home improvement store hop. And you know what? I like it!

How times change, huh?

Kirk's Lost Thoughts - Ep 2.15

2006-03-04T18:30:00.000-05:00

Whew, finally an excellent episode. The past few weeks had me beginning to worry. Let's hope the next couple episodes builds up on what happened this past week.

Here's a quick synopsis: Episode 15 kicks off with little Aaron getting some rashes and fever. Disagreeing with Jack's diagnosis, Claire and Kate run off in search of More Cowbell. Rousseau, once again, happens to be hanging around the survivor’s camp and joins Claire and Kate for a girl’s night out. The three stumble on a new Dharma station, this one with a new symbol, the caduceus. All the while Claire has been remembering more and more of her time with Ethan. Meanwhile back at the hatch Henry Gale has been very busy. When he's not giving forgiveness to Eko he's busy playing Locke like a fiddle.

So what did I dig out of this episode? Quite a bit...

First off, the others are part of Dharma. We saw a clean-shaven Zeke chatting with Ethan and Kate discovering his make-up kit. Why are they putting on this song and dance? I wish I knew. One thing did get me thinking; the medical bunker was abandoned and looked pretty trashed. Why would Dharma leave their costumes down there? Could it be they wanted the survivors to find out? Or maybe they're not as in control as they like us to think.

I'm convinced that Henry Gale from Minnesota is working with Dharma. Take his name and where he is from: Henry Gale Minnesota. It's an anagram for: See Another Man Lying (See An Other Man Lying). Lest we forget, Ethan Rom was an anagram for Other Man. He also manipulated Locke like a master with the whole Jack is the boss thing. Actually I was pretty upset that Locke fell for it so easily. In season one Locke seemed to be aware of all that was going on around him. This season he seems a little lost. On the other hand Eko seems to have slipped into the all knowing role. He suspects Gale is part of The Others and goes to ask forgiveness for killing two men. Then he cuts off part of his beard and hands it to Gale. What was that about? Nikki has the answer:

At the time of the foundation of the priesthood the Lord gave the following commandments to the priests during periods of mourning, And ye shall not shave your head for the dead [a pagan practice] with a baldness on the top; and they shall not shave their beard… (Lev. 21: 5), and to all men in general, Ye shall not make a round cutting of the hair of your head, nor disfigure your beard (Lev. 19:27). The significance of these commandments is to illustrate that the clergy are to devote themselves completely to serving the Lord. Laymen as well are called to a similar service though without the priestly functions. This outward appearance as a commandment was repeated in the law given to the Nazarene, a razor shall not come upon his head, until the days be fulfilled which he vowed to the Lord: he shall be holy, cherishing the long hair of the head all the days of his vow to the Lord… (Numbers 6:5-6).

The question is: what is Henry going to do with used facial hair?

Ethan, back for Claire's flashbacks, is her acting ob/gyn. You know, he may have beaten the heck out of Charlie and some of the other survivors but I couldn't help but find him sorta likeable in this episode. He was very kind and considerate towards a drugged up Claire, even taking her outside for a stroll. As part of baby Aaron's treatment Ethan has been injecting Claire with some medicine labeled CR 4-81516-23 42. It's the same stuff that Desmond was injecting in his arm in Episode 2.1. They've even got a nice new room for the baby complete with an Oceanic Airlines mobile for the crib. You've seen it before way back in season one Claire had a dream with the very same mobile. Coincidence? Hah ha hah, please. The song that is played when turned on is "catch a falling star". Sound familiar? It's the same song that Claire's dad sung
to her and she asked the adoptive parents to sing to the baby. A clean shaven Zeke showed up to chastise Ethan about kidnapping Claire too quickly. Ethan was supposed to make a list then bring her in. Ethan responded that he had to act because the passengers had a manifest and soon would know he wasn't on the plane. Once again showing that maybe Dharma isn't all powerful. Zeke then asks "What am I supposed to tell him?” Who is him? Is that correct English? Do I care? No. Could it be the same "him" that Desmond was asking back in the first couple season 2 episodes? Remember he kept asking if Locke was "him". I'm thinking that Desmond's him was his replacement. Zeke's him is the head honcho. But we're back to square one, who is the head honcho? Hanso? Candle? Someone we haven't met? Only time will tell... Rousseau's daughter, not corrupted by Dharma, helped Claire escape.

Alot went on in this episode, and it looks like the next few are going to be dealing with the Henry Gale saga. Let's hope the quality keeps up.

Here are some other oddities from previous episodes I stumbled across.

Could the mother that wanted to adopt Claire's baby be Desmond's girlfriend? Cliff thinks so, we report you decide. Desmond's photo compared to the adoptive mum. The photo isn't too great of a shot, but Cliff's site has an image that's been brightened with Photoshop and imposed on a picture of mum.

The office where the adoption was to take place is the same office that Michael was fighting for custody of Walt. Don't believe me? Check out the adoption scene compared to the custody scene.

Apparently Dr. 90210 was on Oceanic Flight 815 too and found the time to work with Libby. She's busting out all over these days compared to when she was on the other side of the Island. By the way, Cynthia Watros (Libby) is quite the hottie when she's all cleaned up. After a few drinks she's not so cleaned up anymore.

For a good laugh, check out the Sawyer Song.

Andy Mac's got a theory:

andymac### (7:58:20 AM): After watching tonight’s episode...I think this "illness" is man made by the Dharma (others) people to keep unwanted people (should they find a way off ) from exposing the island i.e. you get sick and die. They have the vaccine for it and that’s why Ethan said they only have enough for the baby. They want young people that they can indoctrinate into their "family". It is easier to brainwash a young child or raise a baby into your way of thinking than a grown person. So should someone come across their island and get stuck there. The Others don't worry about their Eloy society being discovered because in a few months the people without the vaccine will shat themselves to death. (I made that part up. I have no clue how they die). It seems possible

Over at Entertainment Weekly, Jeff Jensen thinks he solves the show with his Aaron theory.
It's pretty darned good, and he expounds on it in the latest issue of EW.

Some people have WAY too much time on their hands. If you'd like to see a detailed break-down of "The Mural", check this out.

Are you hearing voices? Whispers perhaps? More guys with lots of free time over at Lost Links do. Here is what they hear in Episode 14:

THE COUNTDOWN CLOCK HITS ZERO
From 'One of Them'
Combined Transcripts By 'Penyours' & 'RVTurnage'
Center, Left-Right Combined, Left & Right Audio Tracks
Center
Let go of Henry
Can we (just) abort
I warned him not to do it
Can't do it from the shelter (south)
Can't move him(?)
Hello
Apparently they have done this before
Time to get another
I've decided to go with this (I want to see it)
We'll decide
------
Center Fast
Stop him
That'll do (I'll go)
I would have saved him but she ran into him
We need a torturer
(Silence)
Control of his buddy
(Silence)
You've heard them fighting for control?
All over
------
Center Super Fast
What are they going to do to Henry in there?
(Silence)
Plan something...he got busted
It's not over
(This part was a different speed than the rest)
Obviously he knows something
Drop the (blast) door
It's gone wrong
(In background)
Don't set 'em free
------
Left & Right Channel
You tell him what to do
Is he crawling?
Why don't you tell him who you are?
Thought I could get you to them
It's not over
Who called the doctor?
------
Left & Right Channel Fast
I don't think he'll be able to con them
Boy that makes you confident
Is that computer on?
How long has it gone for?
(Combined with music)
He's fine
(Combined with music)
------
Left Super Fast
Stand up so they'll call it off
Who are you caring about?
He don't work
We wanted to share it
------
Right Super Fast
Somehow we will go and reach him
From here it wasn't so great

JACK PULLS SAYID OFF HENRY
From 'One of Them'
Combined Transcripts By 'Penyours' & 'RVTurnage'
Center Audio Track
Too close
(Right after Henry says “I’ll tell you whatever you want”)
Don't talk to them
(Behind "He's lying)
That guy's stupid
(Behind "He's lyng")
I'd never let them beat me
I protect my people
What do you want to do?
(Very faint)
Don't let them break you Henry
(Very faint)
Who told you they're gone?
Think carefully now
How are we gonna save Henry?
You can't save him
I can hear you
What have I got to do
Try to save Henry(I can't see you)

They also heard some during Eko's chat with the Monster:
Combined Transcripts BY
'Penyours' & 'RVTurnage'
FROM THE FUSELAGE
(Smoke Monster facing off with Mr. Eko)
Who are you and why are you here?
Report, report!
Saw Charlie with him
There’s charlie
Go to hell
Steadily
------
(Within the smoke)
He’s trying here
Nothing yet
Now try him from here, okay
Those are the roles (or rules) you accept
Go to hell
(said with Eko’s accent)
Nine
Where
Seven
He’s hiding something
He’s hiding from me

Thats all folks, till next episode.

Kirk's Lost Thoughts - Ep 2.14

2006-02-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

It figures, Lost's main plot looks like it's going to be advanced and they throw a one week hiatus in. You think that’s bad? Just wait. After Episode 15 we've got to wait till April for a new show. Way to go ABC. To hold you over till March 1st here are some of my (real) Lost thoughts from "One of Them". A few of these thoughts might look familiar since I hijacked and expounded on some from last weeks quickie, which hopefully you enjoyed. Quick aside, it looks like Lost-Media has been hacked so there will be a lack of screen caps from that site this week. I've tried to find other sources; hopefully they don't get broken or blocked.

Surprisingly this episode gave us a slew of new questions and next to no answers. Nonetheless I still enjoyed it. A couple of the major things that I'll touch on are Sayid's history, Henry Gale's Otherness, interconnections, the numbers and the funky hieroglyphics. But before I get into any of those it's apparent that Jack is insane.

Not Timothy Treadwell insane, he's just a little bit of a control freak, if things don't go his way he'll fly off the handle. After the previous episode I figured Locke and Jack would form an alliance against Sawyer. They didn't even make it to tribal council before that one broke up. I'd link to a screen cap and make a comment about the crazy look in Jack's eyes when he and Locke went at it. Unfortunately the Lost-Media hack has left its links filled with adult material. Then again, that may brighten the old work day a bit. It's noble that Jack doesn't condone torture, but this is the guy forming an "army" to attack The Others. An Army of Two; him and Ana-Lucia. Some Army. Does anyone else think that she joined up so the two of them can sneak off and (hopefully) play doctor? I'm beginning to suspect that his wife left him not because he was working all the time, but because it was always "Have it Jack's Way".

Sayid's flashback did upset me a little bit for the portrayal of our soldiers. You mean to tell me he was an innocent Iraqi solider, happily burning & shredding documents until the Evil Americans came and taught him torture? Please. I digress we're here to talk Lost not politics so I won't rant and rave. One positive from the flashback was seeing Clancy Brown, one of my favorite character actors, make an appearance. As great as Clancy is, if I was the producer of the show; his role as the DIA (CIA?) agent should have been given to William B. Davis instead. How cool would that be? Did you notice the Army Sergeant that first interrogated Sayid was Kate's (step) dad? At the end of the episode he is looking at a picture of a very young Kate. Speaking of dad's, it is mentioned that Sayid's dad is a great hero. I'm willing to bet that in a future flashback we'll learn that he has trouble living up to pops' reputation. Prior to being given a copy of "Torture for Dummies", Sayid is shown a film clip of a sarin nerve gas attack on a village. If you look closely at the film clip it has some key information in it. The film clip is reel #23108-42 and its top secret, property of DIA. Shouldn't that be CIA? What does the "D" stand for? Dharma? Defense? Later in the episode, Sayid tells Henry Gale that he was 23 years old when the Americans came to his country. Darn those numbers pop up everywhere!

Speaking of Henry Gale, is he one of The Others? Scott points out that Henry claims he and his wife landed, not crashed, on the island four months (those numbers again) previously. The name Henry Gale may seem familiar to fans on The Wizard of Oz because it's the same as Dorothy’s uncle. Also balloons play a part in the Wizard of Oz. The Wizard first landed in Oz in a hot air balloon, at the end of the story the Wizard floats away in a balloon. In the real world there was an astrophysicist who worked on the Manhattan Project named Henry Gale. We first meet Henry when our favorite French Lady leads Sayid to him, all caught up in a trap. Danielle warns Sayid that Henry is one of them and tells Sayid "He will lie, a long time he will lie". Right now all you ladies out there are nodding and thinking "typical man". One question I have is: how Danielle knows this? In season one she claims she’s only heard them, never seen them. This may not be true, recall the scratches on her arm, similar to the ones on Ethan's face, from season one that Claire freaked out about. Is she actually in Kahoots with them? If so, do the dancers take Francs? We may learn more in the coming episode which focuses on Claire's abduction. Back to Henry, if he's been on the Island for four months wouldn't his clothes appear a little rattier? And he'd probably have a bit more scruff on his face. Yes, our castaways have kept relatively clean but they've got the hatch to do laundry & shower in. Henry also did a pretty decent job of turning the tables on Sayid and playing on his emotions, all the while getting the tar kicked out of him. Plus he didn't seem too distraught about his wife. Methinks that Henry is, indeed, "One of Them".

While Sayid and Henry were chatting in the back room Jack cornered Locke and the countdown reached zero. If you want to watch it in slow motion You Tube has it for you. When the counter reaches zero, it starts to go nuts and displays some hieroglyphics. In the background you can hear what sounds like a hatch opening and something revving up. Maybe that electromagnetic generator got kicked off. We'll have to see if there are any consequences. Those hieroglyphics were very interesting, Mr. Bloggerson has a great post that’s chock full of information about them. The best shot was can see is here. The second symbol is blurred but appears to be a swirl and would mean they spell out "causes to die". There are quite a few other symbols that flash by, Mr. B's post goes into more detail but the one of a child stands out to me. Does it have anything to do with The Others desire to kidnap kids?

Andy notices a few things about the North:
andymac### (9:06:54 AM): a lot of bad things happen "north"
andymac###(9:07:04 AM): The North (or its direction) seems to be part of the island's mystery:

The compass cannot indicate where the North is
Locke, since his encounter with the "monster", avoid going North.
Rousseau's card only indicates the South of the Island ; the North remains uncharted.
To find Walt, Michael heads North
The Others prohibit Jack to go North (crossing an "invisible" line) or they will kill Kate.
The polar bear comes from the North Pole.
The plane (or bird? (in the French version, it says "bird")) crashes on the Island because it loses its orientation (it couldn't find the North)

Till next week, Namaste

Kirk's QUICK Lost Thoughts Ep - 2.14

2006-02-16T07:22:00.000-05:00

Good morning guys and gals!

Yup, an amazing feat: getting my Lost Thoughts out the day after Lost! However, you may be disappointed…. Last night I was told that I had better have my thoughts out by 9:00AM, or else. The threat was left unsaid, but it had me worried enough to throw together what I could dig up in the ½ hour after the show and ½ hour this morning before coming into work. Sadly, it’s not a lot but all I could come up with that deadline hanging over my head. Without further ado:

Is Henry Gale an other? Why does that name sound familiar? Think Wizard of Oz. Also if you dig deep enough there are some (not so) famous scientists with the same name.
Hieroglyphics? Whatever could they mean???? How about: “to cause to die”. Check here to see what was displayed and here for a translation. (hat tip to AndyMac for sending me the links just now)
When Sayid was watching the film of the sarin gas attack on the village did you notice the numbers on the clip? How about the classified by D.I.A. in the lower corner? Shouldn’t that be the CIA? Alas, not enough time to dig up a screen cap.
Kate’s step-dad, the Sergeant, knows Sayid. Everyone is interrelated!
What’s up with the Frog that Sawyer killed?

AndyMac thinks it could mean...

a. the frog carries the sickness
b. Sawyer just poisoned himself by holding the frog
c. the croak? a harbinger of something?
d. raining frogs, later? like in the bible, or that god awful movie Magnolia
e. even frogs like ranch dressing

By the way, I was just kidding about this being the only posting for Episode 14; I was just messing around. Sometime early next week I’ll post my full thoughts.

Kirk's Lost Thoughts - Ep 2.13

2006-02-14T05:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day everybody! Hopefully you're all going to enjoy a fun night with the spouse, significant other, internet based adult entertainment, or Accounting 321. Speaking of classes, due to my OPIM class I was forced to harass my neighbor, Sara Elizabeth, into DVRing the show and watching it with me after class was over. Thanks Ms. Wards, I owe ya! A couple other housekeeping items, I've complied a list of all the blog entries I've done related to Lost on my web page, here. If you're looking for old entries or playing catch up, that's the place to start. Also, because of my scheduling acumen (or UConn's lack of insight into pop culture) it may take me a few days to play catch up and get my emails started. Ok, ok, ok, I'm lazy and using school as an excuse.

This week gave us an episode that was pretty light on overall plot development but we learned quite a bit about some main characters. Shocking no one, Sawyer is a jerk. Charlie isn't just a jerk, he's a thug too. At the end when Charlie came out of the woods Sara excitedly said "Hood!" I'm thinking he does sorta look like a Sith Lord (Darth Addictus?) but it's not like he's never worn his hoodie up. She explained that she thought it was Charlie that had knocked Sun over the head and pretended to kidnap her. How she got that from his wearing his hood up I have no clue and I figured she was nuts, Charlie would never do that. How wrong I was...

Andy figures that when Locke eventually finds the guns he'll notice the one statue missing (the one Sawyer gave to Charlie) and put two and two together. Then he'll fill Jack in and all hell will break loose.

Does anyone else find it odd that everyone on the Island is relatively squeaky clean, hasn’t lost weight or grown longer hair? After a few days on one of our Saco trips I look a lot worse for the wear than most of the survivors do after three months. The only person whose hair is noticeably longer is Jin. Sawyer got his cut a few weeks ago but it looks exactly the same as when they crashed. Sawyer & Charlie are by far the two filthiest looking; however judging from their flashbacks this may just be how they look normally. Case in point, in this episode Sawyer's scruff is no different in the present or during the flashback. Side note, Josh Holloway plays Sawyer, scruff and all, in his newest movie Hellion. Hurley hasn't lost a pound but it possible he's sitting in front of some sort of TV in the hatch downing cheetos and watching a Betamax. Ana-Lucia's teeth are still blindingly white; do you think she's gurgling with some bleach down in the hatch?

It wouldn't be a Blog entry without a few links to some new photos of Kate in her underwear (very tame & safe for work) and the Island's sexiest man. Sorry ladies, it's not me... I haven't gotten around to applying for a guest spot yet.

Some other interesting tidbits from this past week’s episode:

While Sawyer and his pal Gordy were having lunch in the diner did you recognize the waitress? None other than Kate's Mom. It is a small world after all. Hmmm, Lost is on ABC. ABC is owned by Disney. Disney owns the rights to that song. Coincidence? Most definitely, yes.
On the mural in the hatch you can clearly see the word Iowa (below the sun) where both Sawyer and Kate have been tooling around in their flashbacks.
The manuscript that Hurley was reading, The Bad Twin, is a Lost tie in book that will be out soon. Get this it's 'written' by Gary Troup. Anagram: Purgatory.
Locke was flipping thru Owl Creek Bridge and appeared to be looking for other film clips. This book was made into a Twilight Zone episode and has a very interesting plot:
''An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge'' centers on Peyton Farquhar, a southern planter who, while not a Confederate Soldier, is about to be hanged by the Union Army for attempting to destroy the railroad bridge at Owl Creek. As Farquhar stands on the bridge with a noose around his neck, Bierce [the author] leads the reader to believe that the rope breaks and that Farquhar falls into the water below, only to escape to his farm, where he is reunited with his wife. It is revealed at the end of the story, however, that Farquhar has, in fact, been hanged and that these imaginings took place in the seconds before his death.
While listening to the big band broadcast on radio w/Hurley, Sayid made the comment about the broadcast coming over long distances. Qctmos explains that this is a natural phenomenon: The signal bouncing off the ionosphere is a real effect. It's called skipping. That signal could come from anywhere. There are lots of kinds of radio programs out there. Now that said it is interesting that we have another reference from the 1940's era. We have a knife that Goodwin had, a gun that Zeke held, the bodies of Adam and Eve and now music. It is like the writers are hinting at something but I can't tell what. Did something happen on the island during the 1940's? Most likely this would involve WW II. The south pacific was of course the scene of many battles and there are many little islands out there.
Emily sent me an email with some more ideas about the music & plane crashes:

The song, Moonlight Serenade, was by Glenn Miller, whose plane crashed during WWII and was never found:
Finally, on December 15, 1944, Glenn boarded a single engine C-64 Norseman aircraft to travel to Paris, France where he was to make arrangements for a Christmas broadcast. Tragically, the plane never reached France and was never found.

Sawyer referred to Sun as “Tokyo Rose”, a name that some have tied to Ameila Earhart, whose plane disappeared:
Tokyo Rose was a name given by United States forces in the South Pacific during World War II to any of several English-speaking female broadcasters of Japanese propaganda. The name is usually associated with Iva Toguri D'Aquino, a United States citizen who was in Japan at the start of the war. In 1949, D'Aquino was tried and convicted of treason by the United States government, based on perjured testimony. She was later pardoned by U.S. President Gerald Ford.
Conspiracy theorists have suggested a number of other possible identities for "Tokyo Rose", including Amelia Earhart, who some believe was forced to make propaganda broadcasts after her disappearance in 1937 as some believe Earhart's plane went down in the South Pacific Mandate area, which was under Japanese Navy administration before WWII.

When Sayid & Hurley tuned in Danielle’s transmission, had it changed? Some people think it did...
How in the heck did Ana get Scott and Steve confused? Scott died long before the tailies got to the camp; she wouldn't know there was a Scott. The names aren't that much alike, it's not like she’s confusing Kirk and Curt.
Locke's Combination: Eight 7 Left 33 Right 18, can it be a reference to some Bible passages? A few posters thought so:

Ryan says: I find this interesting... You can take the numbers of Locke's combination to mean some kind of reference to the Bible. Since he's a "man of faith," I don't find that a stretch. I'm not that religious, but a random search of these numbers online brought up the following passage, from Luke, Chapter 7, verses 18-33:
The disciples of John told him about all these things. John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?"
When the men came to him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?'"
At that time he cured many of their diseases, sufferings, and evil spirits; he also granted sight to many who were blind. And he said to them in reply, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me."
When the messengers of John had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John. "What did you go out to the desert to see--a reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine garments? Those who dress luxuriously and live sumptuously are found in royal palaces.
Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom scripture says: 'Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you.'
I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."
(All the people who listened, including the tax collectors, and who were baptized with the baptism of John, acknowledged the righteousness of God; but the Pharisees and scholars of the law, who were not baptized by him, rejected the plan of God for themselves.)
"Then to what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, 'We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.'
For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said 'He is possessed by a demon.'
But there are other thoughts too: To the person who quoted Luke 7:18-33 as a possible source of Locke's combo, I think a better fit is ACTS 7:18-33. There's even a verse that contains something that Sawyer said last night. "Who made you ruler and judge over us?" (v. 27) Entire text here:

18: Then another king, who knew nothing about Joseph, became ruler of Egypt.
19: He dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our forefathers by forcing them to throw out their newborn babies so that they would die.
20: At that time Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child. For three months he was cared for in his father's house.
21: When he was placed outside, Pharaoh's daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. 22: Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.
23: When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his fellow Israelites.
24: He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defense and avenged him by killing the Egyptian.
25: Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not.
26: The next day Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them by saying, 'Men, you are brothers; why do you want to hurt each other?
27: But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, 'Who made you ruler and judge over us?
28: Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?'
29: When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons.
30: After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai.
31: When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to look more closely, he heard the Lord's voice:
32: I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.' Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look.
33: Then the Lord said to him, 'Take off your sandals; the place where you are standing is holy ground.

Is Locke taking a shining to Claire? I just think he's being grandfatherly but Nikki has an interesting theory, while others think he's just a dirty old man (you go Locke!).
More rain when something bad happens. It was pouring when Charlie killed Ethan. It was pouring when Ana killed no-great-loss-Shannon. And it had just started pouring when Charlie took Sun. That also lends support to the theory that, unknown to Charlie, Locke was somehow involved in the long con. Anyone else remember when Locke was able to predict the precise moment when the rain would start? Well, it was awfully convenient for the rain to start moments before the Charlie/Sun incident. And of course there's the whole idea of Locke being tracked and not knowing it being highly unlikely.

Here are a couple things that aren't associated with this episode:

Here is a list of all the books that have made an appearance, along with a synopsis.
Hurley and Locke's Mom DID reside in the same mental institution, The Santa Rosa Mental Health Institute. You can see the name on Mom's medical records and Hurley's visitor’s badge.
Mr. Bloggerson notices some coincidences and other oddities.
Andy noticed a very familiar noggin (and shirt too) in the mental hospital. Check out this screen cap.
Andrew has a wild theory that encompasses just about everything we've seen so far. If you've got time, check it out.

Coming in the future weeks:

Oh no! The counter hit zero! Or does it? The counter we've seen so far and the one from the preview. Mr. Bloggerson has some side by side compares.
A new Dharma station? Looks like Episode 15 has one.
Our favorite French lady is back in episode 15 too.

Till next time...

Kids say the darnedest things

2006-02-09T08:12:00.000-05:00

Every Wednesday some friends and I volunteer to tutor local Hartford elementary school kids through the St Paul Travelers Tutorial Program. For the past two years I've been spending my Wednesday afternoon with Carla, an adorable fifth grader. We generally help them with their homework assignments, talk to them about the working world and try to act as a big brother/sister. Man, when did I become a grown up?!? Just the other day Carla had to answer some questions about a book she read. There was no assigned book so the two of us dug thru the pile of books that Travelers donated. She picked out some cheesy comic book while I grabbed "The Prince and The Pauper". Somehow, and I still don't know how, I convinced her to read the first chapter of "The Prince and The Pauper". As we read along she came to this passage:
By day, London was a sight to see, with gay banners waving from every balcony and housetop, and splendid pageants marching along.
She said "By day... Lon..don was a sight to see with...." then her eyes lit up and her mouth formed an "O" in amazement. At this point I was thinking "Oh no... She doesn't know that other meaning of the word gay". She started to laugh! "Why do they have gay banners?", she asked. One of the other tutors looked up at me with a sly smile trying to see how I would get out of this one. "Ummm, Carla the word gay means a couple different things. In this case it means happy." She took this in and replied "So gay people are happy?" "Well Carla, some are. But in this case it has nothing to do with someone being gay. From now on just think of the banners as happy banners." This whole time I was struggling not to laugh aloud. Eventually she got the meaning of the word gay, in the happy sense. Hopefully she won't tell Ms. Knight, her teacher, everything she learned in tutoring this week. Hah ha hah. As a side note, she really doesn't enjoy reading but liked the first chapter so much that we made a deal to read a chapter a week together. It feels good to be making a difference!

Super Thoughts

2006-02-05T12:44:00.000-05:00

I've finally come to terms with the fact despite the fact that the Patriots are no longer playing there will be a Super Bowl tonight. It's been awhile since I've had any sports related thoughts, and I'm supposed to be doing OPIM 365 homework, so I'll throw down some random nonsense that will probably entertain only me.

No matter who wins I make money. If Seattle covers the 4.5 point spread I win $120, if not it's down to $40.
Who am I pulling for? Pittsburg, by a field goal.
It's good to be Big Ben.
What's the over/under on the number of "Drink like a Champion Today" signs in Detriot?
Bill Cowher's impressive mustache.
Were Sgt Slaughter and Bill Cowher seperated at birth?
Seattle's football team is owned by one of the founders of Microsoft. Does he really need to win a Super Bowl too?
What would it take for the CT legislature to change the law to allow selling of beer on Super Bowl Sunday?
Enjoy the game!

Hopping Mad

2006-02-04T15:24:00.000-05:00

It's been a long time since I've had a non-Lost post and after seeing this I had to write something.

On Friday I was having lunch with the guys from the football pool at The Arch Street Tavern. From our seats one of the visible TV's was tuned to CNN International which was showing clips of the riots in the Middle East. Side note, Kathleen Parker over at the Orlando Sentinel chimes in on the cartoons that started these riots. I was half-paying attention until I saw something and had to do a double-take. CNN was showing pictures of the cartoons that had everyone's panties in a bunch.

Pixilated.

Yup. They didn't want to 'offend' anyone. Can you believe that? It's a sad day when one of the major three news outlets is afraid to show the news. Joe over at Winds of Change.net has some thoughts too.

Kirk's Lost Thoughts - Ep 2.12

2006-01-28T08:52:00.000-05:00

Before getting into whats happening in the show, a couple fun things for you all:

The guys and non-traditional ladies will enjoy this link. Evangeline Lilly (Kate) has taken some risque photos for Arena. No nudity, but definately not safe for work. Check them out at What would Tyler Durden Do. What is Arena? Who knows and who cares!

To be fair, Josh Holloway (Sawyer) has been named In Touch's hottest hunk for last week. Here are some cheesecake photos for the gals.

When is Lost taking place? Can they be on the Island in the future? I've assumed that they crashed in 2004, when the show aired. Take a peek at this screen cap from Episode 2.11 of the X-Ray, make sure you enlarge it and scope out the date. Nov 16(that number again), 2005!

While chatting on IM with Andy he didn't buy Libby's story to Hurley.
Did anyone else think it was fishy that she mentioned him stepping on her foot? She described it long enough, with enough details (him sweating, her foot going "Crunch") that males it seem like she's 'implanting' or giving Hurley a false memory so he wouldn't really remember her. In psychology class, that is exactly how you give someone a false memory, just add a lot of details/sounds.

We discussed possibilities of why Libby may look familiar to Hurley
1) She was a doctor in the same mental ward
2) She was a patient
3) This one is my fav, she's a gold digger that knows about Hurley winning the lotto. She's been following him trying to 'meet' him. It's a strech but it's a lot of fun.

andymac### (11:16:27 AM): wait a second
andymac### (11:16:32 AM): just thought of something
andymac### (11:16:52 AM): how could Hurley have stepped on Libby’s foot... she was in the tail section
######Kirk (11:17:20 AM): GOOD POINT...
######Kirk (11:17:33 AM): Unless she was moving back to the tail section
andymac### (11:17:39 AM): or
andymac### (11:17:44 AM): she’s a pathological liar
andymac### (11:17:46 AM): and a patient!
######Kirk (11:17:54 AM): and a drunk!
andymac### (11:18:26 AM): nice!

Lost-Media wasn't on the ball with this episode and the screen caps are hard to come by.

With the new Washer and Drier (no screen cap) down in the Bunker someone has been paying a visit for maintenance. Perhaps it's the same person stocking the pantry.

How low did Driveshaft fall? Recording diaper commercials... Wow. This screen cap shows them in the crib. Look again, what kind of stuffed animals are in there with them?

Add Charlie to the list of characters with Daddy Issues.

Sier has a cap on LiveJournal that only HD viewers got to see. While Charlie was seeing the vision of Claire & Mum baptising Aaron the drug plane is visible crashing in the backgroud before the dove appears.

During this flashback they showed something Pink Floyd fans may recognize. Here, look at the scene on livejournal. Imboogaloosmom finds another Pink Floyd reference in the show.
Locke’s lips were moving during the scene when he came out of the hatch, but no words came out…others verififed this….
Makes me think of “Comfortably Numb”
“Your lips are moving, but I cannot hear what you’re saying”
HINT? Charlie is using?

Meridith has some neat thoughts on Psychological tie-ins with Lost.
Here are some interesting connections to the characters on Lost and psychology --
There are three main theories of early childhood development:
1. Original sin -- we are all born sinners into an evil world and need salvation.
2. Tabula rasa -- we all come into the world a blank tablet and everything that happens to us is written on the tablet and forms us into the adults we become. This theory was introduced by an English philosopher named JOHN LOCKE in the 1800's.
3. Innate goodness -- this theory was introduced by a French guy named ROUSSEAU. It states that we are all born good, and don't need any influence from our parents. In fact, we're better off with no guidance or discipline from our parents. If left alone, the child will "grow naturally."
Compare all three of these theories to the characters on Lost. Everyone on lost seems to have a back story that relates to their childhood or relationship with their father.
There are three main groups on the island -- maybe there are connections?
1. Eko - found salvation through his brother (the priest) (Locke and Eko have emerged as the two spiritual leaders on the island).
2. Locke (John Locke) - had a horrible childhood -- did this make him who he is today?
3. Rousseau -- the crazy French lady. Is there a connection with the Others who take children away from their parents? References have been made to them being "good" and "better off" away from their parents.
Don't know what this all means, but everyone seems to fall into one of the three categories.
Hmmm ... food for thought!
Be sure to read jadjarhq's comments as well:
Your original sin point has been summed up by yet another philosopher named John Calvin. Calvinism fits very neatly within the story of Mr. Eko. In addition we can find a clue in that Marvin Candle is an anagram for Calvin and Mr E
These philosophies are not just about child rearing, they are social guidlines. A disagreement in the adoption of social guidlines frequently leads to conflict. We are seeing some of that among the survivors but I expect that will become much more pronounced as the different populations of the island make more contact with each other.

We all know this symbol pretty well, now check ou t the I Ching characters on the South Korean flag.

Kirk's Lost Thoughts - Ep 2.11

2006-01-19T20:12:00.000-05:00

Is Lost starting to Jump the Shark? Hearing Jack say to Ana-Lucia "How long would it take to train an army" I started to visualize Jack on water skis wearing the Fonzie's leather jacket. Not Good Times. Tetto & Ali,who graciously let me watch the show at their place since mine was sans power, were in agreement. To top it off, why ask a cop? Why not ask the Iraqi Army Officer? One reason, as one of my buds (Dave I believe) said, "In recent years The Iraqi army doesn't have a track record of success". Good Point!

Scott has some more ideas how Lost reminds him of the Stand. If only they drink a Nozz-a-la Cola to wash down those Apollo bars while listening to Geronimo Jackson.

Finally, they get to talk to some of The Others! We did learn some important rules for house guests, but other than that very little. Here are a couple things that might have escaped our attention. "Zeke" made a comment to the group "From the dawn of our species, Man has been blessed with curiosity". Does that sound familiar? If you've checked out the Hanso Foundation website you'll see it attributed to none other than Mr. Alvar Hanso! Right before they drag Kate out "Zeke" yells 'Bring her out Alex". Alex? Same name as Danielle's kid that the others grabbed. Can is be Danielle's kid? Maybe someone with HD got a better view; the closest screen cap I got has Sawyer blocking the view. It looks like there are a lot of Others on the Island, this screen cap is the best view I can find of the torches being lit. I can make out a few of the people on the Island, look to the diagonal right of Locke, that's a pretty young looking Other. Could it be one of the kids from the tail section?

Can there be more than one group of Others? It appeared that "Zeke" seemed surprised when Jack mentioned the spies in their camp.

Why go on a hunting party and not bring Eko?

Jack is wearing a bit with the whole control freak thing. Locke is the voice of reason on the Island now?

Kirk's Lost Thoughts - Ep 2.10

2006-01-16T19:15:00.000-05:00

Hey guys and gals, sorry for the delay, and with the brevity, in getting these thoughts out but I've been distracted by events out of my control. Yup, just a little frustrating.

In addition, I had to spend a full 24 hours mourning the loss of my beloved Pats to the Broncos led by Mr. Clutch himself, Jake the Snake (?!?!).

Before I get into this weeks episode, some more info on Michelle Rodriguez and her DUI. Thanks to (Not Work Safe)What Would Tyler Durden Do(Not Work Safe).
Rodriguez, who ironically plays a police officer on 'Lost', was pulled over late on Dec. 1 after her black Mercedes was spotted weaving across the road. After failing a field sobriety test, she was arrested.
Just one week ago, Rodriquez finally paid several other driving-related fines, including a $357 fine for driving 83 mph in a 55 mph zone in Oahu on Nov. 1 and a $300 fine for going 90 mph in a 35 mph zone on Oct. 20; she had previously paid $197 for going 80 mph in a 50 mph zone on Aug. 24. In 2003, she was charged in Los Angeles with hit-and-run and failure to exchange insurance information, plus driving with a suspended (New Jersey) license and driving without a valid California license. Later that year, she was pulled over for speeding through a Hollywood Boulevard intersection. She was charged with driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license and driving without a valid license.
Darn, my head will still be spinning from the book the judge had thrown at me with a record that long.

This week focused on Mr. Eko's sordid past and we finally got to see "The Monster". Black smoke?!? It reminds Mr. Bloggerson of the novel Prey. Those of you who have HD may have noticed some visions in the smoke; others (like me) had to wait for other people to do it for them.
Eko after crash
Eko's Brother
Eko's Brother being shot
Eko's Partner
There are more photos at http://lost.cubit.net/pics/2x10/.
During the first season we saw faces in the smoke too, check it here.

How did a Beechcraft with a range of 1,200-1,500 miles make it from Nigeria, on the East Coast of Africa, to the South Pacific? I'll admit that I don't have a wide base of knowledge of the drug trade but flying a small plane like that across the Pacific doesn't seem too feasible.

Andy dug up an interesting theory over on The Black Rock messageboards.

Unfortunately I've got to cut this short, I didn't have a lot of time for research. Hopefully I can make it up next week.

Kirk's Lost Thoughts - Ep 2.9

2005-12-04T05:34:00.000-05:00

It looks like the cast of Lost is having a grand old time out there in Hawaii... A bit too good of a time according to CNN. The Smoking Gun has some lovely mug shots. Poor Michelle, her drunk judgement is notso hotso this being her third DUI and all. Yup, our little Michelle could end up in the slammer. How would they write that into the show? Since we're talking about her, the boys and non-traditional women will want to check out [NOT WORK SAFE] these pictures [NOT WORK SAFE] of her at the Sky Bar.

I'm pretty happy we've got a nice five week hiatus; it gives me time to move into my new place. If all goes well, I'll be watching episode 2.10 from my new living room. Good Times. A big shout out to Tetto for lending me the ladder, you've made my job so much easier!

Kate is not such a nice person after all. Torching dear old dad?

The new orientation footage was interesting; I've got some info on inconsistencies in it that I touch on later.

Every week it seems more and more like they are being manipulated from afar. Is it conincidental that when Locke & Eko watch the new film clip warning against using the computer to communicate that someone (Walt?) tries to contact the survivors? Or am I mistaking conincidence for fate?

Andy has been doing a lot of research on the crossword puzzle. Locke's answer of GiLGAMESH doesn't fit into the answers, but scripture does. Here are some of his thoughts:
36. Macbeth place = Glen (Scottish for valley, clearing)
37. Belgian port = Haven (port in Dutch)
38. Robbed = Plundered
40. WW II movie feature = B-reel
42. Enkidu's friend = Scripture (the Bible guides him)
43. less brazen = Obscured (hidden, brazen comes from brass) or Burnished
So: "Glen haven plundered; the b-reel hidden in Bible" (The bunker has been plundered; I hid the spliced film [from the Orientation movie] in the Bible.)
or (maybe better): "The b-reel is in the burnished Bible in the plundered/abandoned valley haven (safe house)"

Kate seems to have picked up Walt's ablity to materialize animals out of the blue. A Black Stallion, possibly from her past, has now manifested itself on the Island when she was thinking about the car crash. It reminds me of Walt and the Polar Bear from Hurley's comic. I'm wondering if any of the other suriviors will demonstrate this ablity. It's a damn good thing I'm not tooling around that Island or else they're be some messed stuff running about.

Our friends at The Hanso Foundation are at it again. Navigate over to http://www.thehansofoundation.org/alvarhanso.html and click on the picture of Alvar. Once the quick Flash clip is over we've got another letter from the GHO. No, not Sammy Davis' GHO!

It was good seeing Dr. Candle again, and a bit more of the Orientation clip. Here is a transcript of the new footage.
When the alarm sounds, either you or your partner must input the code. It is highly recommended that you and your partner take alternating shifts. In this manner you will stay as fresh and alert [splice] utmost importance that when the alarm sounds the code be entered correctly, and in a timely fashion. Do not attempt to use the computer [splice] for anything else other than the entering of the code. This is its only function. The isolation that attends the duties associated with Station 3 may tempt you to try and utilize the computer for communication with the outside world. This is strictly forbidden. Attempting to use the computer in this manner will compromise the integrity of the project and worse, could lead to another incident. I repeat, do not use the computer for anything other than entering the code. Congratulations, until your replacements arrive, the future of the project is in your hands. On behalf of the DeGroots, Alvar Hanso and all of us at the Dharma Initiative, thank you. Namaste. And good luck.
Also, Dr. Candle's tie changed slightly in the film clip. Here is a screen cap from Episode 3 and here is one from the Episode 9. It's tied slightly differently, check out the patterns on the knot. Is this just a wardrobe oversight?!? His right collar is also slightly rumped compared to the original film. Once again, wardrobe oversight? Here is a side by side comparison.

More father issues for the Islanders, Katie went and killed hers. When she went to go talk to her ' dad' in the army recruiting office Sayid was on the television. Look in the lower left hand corner on this screen cap.

On the subject of Father issues, everyone on the Island seems to have some sort of daddy issue here is what I have come up with so far:
Jack - His dad was a drunk, killed a patient and pushed Jack endlessly
Sawyer - Killed his mom and then commited suicide
Kate - Beat her Mom
Sun - A gangster that corrupted her husband
Locke - Stole his kidney and treated him like garbage
Walt - His adopted father wanted nothing to do with him and Michael wasn't too pleased to take Walt
Jin - His father seemed down to earth and very fatherly. Naturally Jin was ashamed of him
Shannon - Mr. Rutherford, we hardly knew thee
Sayid - Unknown
Boone - Unknown
Hurley - Unknown
Claire - Unknown
Charlie - Unknown

Any Stephen King fans out there? If so, one of the creators commented that The Stand was a big insipration for Lost. In fact, he joked and asked Stephen King not to sue them. How are they alike? Devil's Expresso has some ideas.

Apparently I' m not the only fan of attractive Hispanic women. In an earlier post I commented on how white and shiny Ana-Lucia's teeth were. This was not always the case! Mark pointed out that in the first season's airport scene she had crooked teeth and smaller lips.
Check out some season one pictures:
Lips - Notice the upper lip is pretty small, looks pretty normal.
Teeth - A couple crooked teeth here and there, personally I think it's cute.
Now compare those to Season 2:
Lips - Oh... Dear... Lord... Colligen anyone?
Teeth - Come on now, no one has teeth like that.
Someone had some work done. Good catch by Sprague, although why is he checking out Ana so closely? Lizzy, thoughts?

More tales from the edge of civilization

2005-12-01T06:24:00.000-05:00

One of my friends has a buddy stationed out in Iraq who sent this message back to us a few days ago:
So I’m sure everyone has seen the video out of Tikrit, Iraq today (where I’m at). If not, you’ll see it on the news tonight. There was a ceremony here with some US congressmen, Iraqi leaders, news cameras all over. Well, Colonel McNight, one of the US Commanders, was speaking at the podium when a mortar round came in and exploded about 70 yards from the ceremony. They scrambled for cover, and then 5 minutes later, resumed the ceremony. We won’t let the insurgents stop our job. So how did COL McNight resume his speech? With an interpreter, he said, "I’ve been told that I’m not a great public speaker, but I’ve never been shot at for it." Both the Iraqi and US personnel present bust out laughing.

Saving the World, One Cheetah at a time

2005-11-30T08:17:00.000-05:00

One of my buddies, Phil, is stationed in Djibouti (on the Horn of Africa). For the past few months we've been emailing back and forth about the Pats season and random happenings back at the homestead. He's also been entertaining me with stories from the edge of civilization just the other day he pointed me to these links:
Cheetah cubs rescued
US Troops fly cheetah cubs to safety
The military is doing some great things out there like: interdicting the enemy, combating pirates, disarming unexploded RPG rounds on Cruise Ships, diging wells, building schools & hospitals and attempting to eradicate poverty from Africa but Phil thinks: it is amusing that you can provide relief for tens of thousands of people in a town in Ethiopia that was about to have an epic famine (I mean, look up famine in the dictionary and there is a picture of Ethiopia), be ignored, and then two little fuzzy animals grab the headlines.
Don't worry Phil, some of us are trying to get the word out.

Kirk's Lost Thoughts - Ep 2.8

2005-11-25T07:58:00.000-05:00

Before going into my babblings on Collision, check out the Canadian preview for next week: http://www.lostlinks.net/promo2.htm. Trust me, just do it.

A lot of character development in this episode, focusing on Ana-Lucia, but little in the way of what the heck is really going on. If the Canadian preview is any indication, next week should make up for that. It's no wonder that Ana was so quick to the draw before shooting Shannon, considering what happened in her past.

Did you catch the name of the park where Ana's shooter was arrested? Echo Park. Quite a coincidence.

Speaking of coincidences, Locke was hard at work on 42 down on his crossword puzzle before Jack came rushing down with Sawyer. The question: Endiku's friend
Here is a picture of the crossword puzzle clues.
Here is a picture of crossword puzzle answers.
Oddly enough, Gilgamesh doesn't fit with the surrounding words. Lousms breaks it down and Mr. Bloggerson has some thoughts too.
Who is Gilgamesh? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epic_of_Gilgamesh
Who is Endkidu? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enkidu
Leggy did some research:
Gilgamesh, two-thirds god and one-third human, is the greatest king on earth and the strongest super-human that ever existed; however, he is young and oppresses his people harshly. The people call out to the sky-god Anu, the chief god of the city, to help them. In response, Anu creates a wild man, Enkidu, out in the harsh and wild forests surrounding Gilgamesh's lands. This brute, Enkidu, has the strength of dozens of wild animals; he is to serve as the subhuman rival to the superhuman Gilgamesh.

Some other instances of the numbers popping up:
Her call sign (whatever the cops call it) is 8-Adam-16
She was in therapy for 4 months

Since there wasn't a lot of plot in this episode, here is some other random info I dug up.
From http://www.lostdesmond.com/
The name Kelvin (Scottish/English) means Friend of ships.
Desmond was reading a book down in the hatch, The Third Policeman.
It is thought that "The Third Policeman" is a story that could have clues to what is really happening in the bunker. The synopsis is: A story about the nature of time, death, and existence. Told by a narrator who has committed a botched robbery and brutal murder, the novel follows him and his adventures in a two-dimensional police station where, through the theories of the scientist/philosopher de Selby, he is introduced to "Atomic Theory" and its relation to bicycles, the existence of eternity (which turns out to be just down the road), and de Selby's view that the earth is not round but "sausage-shaped." With the help of his newly found soul named "Joe," he grapples with the riddles and contradictions that three eccentric policeman present to him.

Kirk's Lost Thoughts - Ep 2.7

2005-11-17T20:52:00.000-05:00

This is a little rushed; I didn't have a lot of time to do research. The fam is coming into town over the weekend and if I didn't do it now, it'd never get done. I haven't found too much on the message boards but I'll put what I did find and follow it up with my own theories/thoughts/babblings...

First off, I re watched the episode after work today and got ALOT more out of it. Knowing the truth about Goodwin allows you to look at the whole episode differently.

Second, a correction. My last blog I reported that MC Gainey would be playing Kelvin in an upcoming episode. It was supposed to be this one. Apparently they are mucking with imdb. I'm no longer thinking that MC Gainey is Kelvin, Desmond's old partner.

Looking at IMDB for the next two episodes, it says that Dr. Marvin Candle will be a guest star. More orientation video? Or more red herrings? If I was a betting man, I'd say the latter.

Ana-Lucia has the most amazing white teeth of all. Seriously, check them out in the next episode. She needs to do commercials for Crest White Strips.

Want to see a good picture of Mr. Eko's stick? Check here. What does it say?
The first line (above his hand) looks like "HELP"
The second line looks like "I WILL"
The third line looks like "LORD" followed by "FA - maybe father?

Did you notice the car moving in the background behind Goodwin & Ana-Lucia? (here and here)? Yah, me neither. Just a little bit of an editing error there.

Is Nathan an Other? What do we know about our friend Nathan? He takes long bathroom breaks, claiming no one saw him because he was in the restroom on the flight. Using that bathroom excuse again he disappeared off the beach for two hours the night before the Others came and got nine tailies. Like Ethan Rom, he's Canadian. He does have some survival skills, before Ana-Lucia came and dragged him to the pit he was setting up a rabbit trap with Bernard. Naturally, having Goodwin, who we know is an Other, kill him kind of puts a damper on Nathan being a bad guy unless... Let's talk about Goodwin first.

Good old Goodwin. What do we know about him? He claims to have been in the Peace Corps and knows how to make fire with sticks. What is his full name? All we get is Goodwin, no first (or last) name. Going the Anagram route we get some doozies: God I Now, Now God I, I Own God for starters. What if his first name is really Kelvin, Desmond's old partner? Then we take Kelvin Goodwin and can make "Know evildoing". CRAZY! We first meet him as he runs, nice and dry, to the beach from the Jungle yelling about someone in a tree. Was he in the jungle watching the beach during the crash? Perhaps Bernard saw him there and he was forced to pretend he was a survivor. He suggests that Ana-Lucia climb up the tree after Bernard. Maybe hoping that Bernard will fall and die and his cover can stay intact. It turns out that Bernard probably didn't see him. Later when Nathan suggests they stay on the beach he readily agrees. Watching him during the episode you see him take a keen interest in the kids, he smiles watching Ana-Lucia watch them play. While they are walking around he asks Ana if she has any kids. Somehow I doubt it's because he’s a fatherly guy. Who does he work for? The Others? Dharma? Are Dharma and The Others the same? I'm beginning to suspect not, and here is why: When they stumble across the Dharma bunker Goodwin’s face registers surprise. He seems shocked that such a thing is there, and once inside he has a similar look when they find the radio. Then he tries to grab that bad baby which leads to the Ana/Goodwin face off. They both know the other person knows something. Ana asks why they are being attacked and Goodwin replies "Who says they are attacking?" After he is outed he tells Ana that Nathan was not a good man. I assumed that he meant morally good. Perhaps he meant good, as in experimental-wise. The kids are better off now. Heaven? More head scratchers. At least they got some info out of him before killing him off.

Why did the tailies get hit harder by The Others? I think it has something to do with the side of the Island they are on. Danielle referred to The Monster as a security system. Perhaps it's keeping groups of The Others away from Jack and Company. The first night they heard it in the woods making all kinds of racket. They assumed it was after them; well maybe it is inadvertently protecting them, or something on that end, from The Others.

The Others (which may not be Dharma) knew the plane was coming down (they may not be responsible for it). We know they sent people to infiltrate the survivors and prepare to assist in kidnappings. The infiltrators are a bit different than The Others that do the kidnapping; they have real clothes and wear shoes.

Could Nathan, Ethan (from Season 1) and Goodwin all be in cahoots? To me looks like it was Ethan and Nathan that got the infiltration job on each end of the Island. Ethan was able to sneak past the security (easier for one man than a group) to infiltrate the front-enders and later grab Claire. Nathan just kinda waltzed up onto the beach and joined in the party, getting wet and all. Goodwin was in the jungle watching, as an observer of some sort. However, he saw Bernard in the tree and was afraid Bernard saw him and he had to reveal himself. Why did Goodwin have to kill Nathan then? Perhaps he was afraid Nathan would break under interrogation and revel who Goodwin really was. He could have let Nathan go to the beach, perhaps he feared Nathan might try and get revenge on Ana Lucia. That’s a lot of ifs, but Nathan is REALLY shady and I think something was up there.

Did Nathan/Goodwin give the list of names to the kidnappers? Or was it something the kidnappers had already?

Why are The Others always barefoot? For tracking? If they have super human strength, like Ethan, why bother to sneak up on people?

Could the bunker (Arrow Station) have been the drug dealers' hideout (the pilots of the plane Boone & Locke found)?
The pilot in the downed plane had an eye patch
--Eye Patch
They were pretending to be like priests (Mary statues)
--Bible
Explains the radio
--Walkie talkie-like radios, plane to radio [Boone to Bernard]

Also, who is whispering in the jungle? It doesn't seem like The Others. They seem sneakier than that. On the subject of whispers...

Now, these are off LostLinks.net. It's the whispers in the woods. They're pretty funky but some of the stuff I could make out when listening to the MP3's that somebody recorded and transcribed:

ANA & MR. EKO'S GROUP IN THE JUNGLE
From 'Abandoned'
Combined Transcripts From 'Penyours' & 'RVTurnage'
Overlapping Left, Center & Right Audio Tracks

Who's this in the woods
Sawyer
Ana
I’m in someone’s dream
Ich Weiss Nicht
(German for 'I don't know')
She’s heavy
Black Rock
Bring the boy
I’m in someone’s dream
------
Look in the eyes, right?
Do you see her?
(or possibly 'Lucia')
It’s the brothers that help us
I can see eye to eye
Sawyer
Did she see?
Bossy eh missy?
I’m in someone’s dream
I know it all, I know it all
It’s the eyes
(or possibly 'Lucia')
I can see eye to eye
I’m in someone’s dream
------
I know it all, I know it all
Do you see her?
(or possibly 'Lucia')
I can see eye to eye
Did she see?
Shannon
Hide behind me
Bossy eh missy?
I’m in someone’s dream
I know it all
(repeated in background)
Under the eye
(or possibly 'Eye to eye')
It’s the eyes
(or possibly 'Lucia')
I can see eye to eye
She’s bossy
I’m in someone’s dream

SHANNON & SAYID IN THE JUNGLE
From 'Abandoned'

Combined Transcripts By 'Penyours' & 'RVTurnage'
Overlapping Left, Center & Right Audio Tracks
Relax dude
She likes the guy
She’s coming
I don't know if I can run, but I can (or can't) yell
Shannon sighs
(Scream)
Dying sucks
Hurry up
Shh
------
She likes this guy
Dying sucks
Hi sis
Here she comes, here she comes
His mouth
She drives me crazy
Hurry up
I see eye to eye
I see...
------
Relax dude
She likes the guy
What do you think we should do?
She’s coming
We should hide, we should run
Heard some voice
See ya
(or possibly 'Lucia')
Hide the scope
Hurry up

Before you pooh pooh on these, a lot of them are quotes that characters have said during the course of the show. "Dying Sucks" - Boone before he passed is one example...

Andy hooked my up with some good info from spoilerfix:

Andy (8:16:01 AM): Executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse reveal: It's always possible [Shannon] could pop up in someone's backstory. But she is definitely dead. When a character dies on the island, they stay dead. In the same moment that we decided Shannon would die, [we also decided that] Ana-Lucia would be responsible for that death. It would be the first time one castaway was responsible for killing another, and it would give so much inherent conflict and trauma [heading to] the merge. We're walking a very tenuous tightrope with her, but we feel that over the course of the next two episodes the audience will hopefully get a better understanding for that character and what she's been through. [Shannon] was shot. Walt's disappearance and, ultimately, Michael's efforts to reunite with him were part of a grander plan.
Andy (8:16:09 AM): As we move into the middle run of episodes, we're definitely emphasizing the Jack-Kate-Sawyer romantic triangle. The level of sexual tension between those three characters is definitely being ramped up. As the respective leaders of their respective units, Ana-Lucia and Jack have a great deal in common with each other, and that's definitely something we're going to be exploring. But [the fact that] Ana-Lucia inadvertently murdered one of the members of the tribe doesn't exactly [lend itself] to candlelight dinners and walks on the beach. She is a woman; she will have romantic entanglements.
Andy (8:16:18 AM): But I think the one that will begin to emerge over the season will be the one that you least expect. We're definitely going to be paying attention to [the Charlie and Claire] relationship, but it's not going to turn in ways the audience expects. I think that [the] question [as to what the numbers mean] will never, ever be answered. I couldn't possibly imagine [how we would answer that question]. We will see more ramifications of the numbers and more usage of the numbers, but it boggles my mind when people ask me, "What do the numbers mean?" You'll learn more about [why Ethan abducted Claire] this season. [We still plan on revealing why the plane crashed this season.]
Andy (8:16:25 AM): In the next string of episodes, one of the really compelling backstory elements is what happened to Jack's marriage. We think Julie Bowen is amazing and she and Matthew Fox are so great in scenes together, and I think the audience is really curious as to what went wrong there. And you should pay attention to Mr. Eko's stick. That stick is an important ongoing clue. [We will learn more about the monster this season.]

Kirk's Lost Thoughts - Ep 2.6

2005-11-13T17:24:00.000-05:00

Hey guys and gals. I'm posting all my lost thoughts that I send out to my blog from now on too. Why? A couple reasons, I didn't have anything to blog about and the Red Sox over White Sox in four games entry was kinda dated. Hah ha hah! Also, it's nice to have everything in one place for people to see. And now: WE GO!From my email 11/13...

I’m back baby! I took a little hiatus after the Jin episode… I actually had a lot of stuff written up, but like an idiot I overwrote the message. Anyway, lots of neat stuff happening on Lost! I can’t wait till next week when we see what happened to the tail-enders. My random musings on Lost; copied & stolen from message boards across the world. Without further ado…

Is it me, or when something bad happens on the Island does it always seem to rain?

Are the flashbacks actual events or memories? I’m leaning towards the latter; everyone remembers themselves in a positive light during these episodes. You can’t tell me that Shannon went from the sweet ballerina teacher to a b*tch in a few short years. Also, some of the people in the flashbacks are just such HUGE jerks (Locke’s Dad, Hugo’s boss, Shannon’s step mom) I think the recalling character’s opinions of them are the reason. Yes, some of the scenes do not have the central character present (i.e. In Jin’s flashback there was a scene between Sun & her mom). I think these are what the main character thought or were told what happened.

Check out MC Gainey’s IMDB entry, http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0301370. You’ll notice his part in Lost as “bearded man” (The Other that kidnapped Walt). All in all not that exciting, HOWEVER (and I saw this before it changed) in a future episode he plays Kelvin. Do you remember that name? It was Desmond’s partner in the Hatch. Hmmm… This was up on the message boards before, and IMDB changed the bio and removed the Kelvin entry. As an aside, he was also the naked guy chasing after Miles in Sideways.

You’ll notice Dr. Jack in Shannon’s flashback when the other doctor informed her that Pops had passed. Jack did save his future wife and thus Mr. Rutherford died.

Remember The Other with the Teddy Bear? Does this look familiar (from next weeks episode: Picture). If you’re really feeling like some possible spoilers, check out the promo pics from next weeks episode (Picture Gallery). There look to be a few shots of “The Others”

On the Hanso Foundation site, on the active projects page all of them were locked. Now one of them is open. Read about Joop the orangutan in the Hanso Life-Extension project.

Along those same lines…

If you mouse over the bottom paragraph “Barring unforeseen…” it redirects you to another hidden Hanso Page: http://www.thehansofoundation.org/khr.html
It’s password protected, Password: Copenhagen
This picture appears: http://www.thehansofoundation.org/images/ltr_who.gif

The W.H.O. said to stop the experiments… Look at the dates. Maybe the Island is their secret backup lab?

One more Hanso thing, the hidden Dharma initiative link on the active projects page leads you to the orientation video. Watch it again. Notice Dr. Candle's left arm. Never moves. Fake? Does it mean something? In this show, probably.

Here are some GREAT graphics…
All the logo’s we’ve seen so far: http://img100.imageshack.us/my.php?image=logos7sm.jpg
The shark logo: http://img449.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sharklogo4td.jpg

The Dharma research stations. We know there are six, and they have unique symbols. Also, those darn Apollo bars pop up and the camera likes to focus on them. Did you know there were six constellations of Apollo? And they have some groovy significance. Some pictures: http://img211.imageshack.us/my.php?image=apollo2fe.jpg

Station 1: Corvus/Crow
In the story, Apollo needed water to prepare a libation. He sent the crow, who did odd jobs for him, to bring water back in a cup(cup related to station 2).
Theory: Station set up to oversee the gathering of water needed for power(anybody check on strange things in the episode where the waves came crashing in, can occur when you have disturbances on the ocean floor, possible water dredging?And the occurence of freak rain.) - Meteorology

Station 2: Crater/Cup
Used by Crow
Theory: Station set up for storage and distribution of water e.g nuclear plants use massive amounts of water/Consider the entire island one massive machine - ElectroMagnetism

Station 3: Cygnus/Swan
Zeus was supposed to have placed the image of a swan in the heavens to commemorate the success of his trickery.
Theory: Are the survivors being tricked for some reason at this station e.g the button pushing - Psychology

Station 4: Ophiucus/Serpent Handler
The constellation is an ancient one, but most often associated with Asclepius, the son of Apollo and Coronis. Asclepius was regarded as the founder of medicine, having learned the healing arts from both his father Apollo and his tutor, the wise Centaur Chiron.
Theory: Medical Station - Utopian? Doubt this

Station 5: Orion/Hunter
One myth says that Orion was banished to the sky for boasting about how many animals he would kill (to impress Eos).
Theory: Zoology Station. Orions belt representing Shark logo

Station 6: Sagitta/Arrow
Is thought to be the arrow shot by Hercules as he is hunting the two birds, Aquila and Cygnus.
Theory: Tailies station...interesting that they are now going to be heading towards Swan station. Para-psychology - out on a limb here to