Yes, I am crazy.......

To experience the full effect of this post, please allow the youtube video attached to play as the musical background. No need to actually watch, unless you're a Cowboy fan.

Yes, I am crazy...about my Cowboys. IT IS FOOTBALL SEASON....or at least preseason. There are only 3 things that matter in Texas....God, The Alamo, and FOOTBALL.....and not necessarily in that order. This time of the year in the US and 10 times more in Texas... all attention is turned to the gridiron ...that 100 yard, green, sometimes muddy, field with a goal post at each end. Two teams meet and square off trying to get into each others end zone. Hmmm, ok, it does sound alot like voetball....until you add the pads, the funny looking ball, helmets, cheerleaders, and the players who are obviously trying to kill each other. Some question the toughness of American football players, but to be honest, after watching the World Cup and watching players flop around on the ground after the slightest of hits...I still think American football players are pretty tough. Just wondering how Wesley would do with a 150 kilo defensive lineman trying to throw him to the ground. No offense, of course, I actually got into the Cup a bit...and the skill shown was incredible..and just for the record I played voetball in high school myself. Of course, some would say the US is "action horny" (quoting my Joost)...true, very true...we can not sit still long enough to watch only one goal being scored...we need our high scores, our tackles, our spectacular jumping catches, and watching one man try to run though 3 or 4 other players twice his size. Yep, we are "action horny", we get bored when the score is 0-0....we love a good, close game...21-21...sounds great to us...or if its your team 34-21 is even better. Football in the US is the mainstay of every weekend. On Saturdays...it's college football....which would be my University of Texas at Austin Longhorns...HOOK 'EM HORNS!...or my Texas Christian University Horned Frogs (no, there's no such thing as a horned frog...just horned toad) GO FROGS GO! Then, of course, it's Sunday (and sometimes Monday)....it's the NFL...and of course, the DALLAS COWBOYS... HOW 'BOUT THEM COWBOYS!!! On Saturday, Sunday, and even Monday night...it is football, football, and more football.

So who are these Cowboys, Longhorns, and Horned Frogs. We'll start with the Horned Frogs of TCU. TCU is the largest university in Fort Worth where I grew up. It's a small, private school that I lived less than 1 km from most of my youth. My high school often performed with their marching band at games. I even attended for one year. The TCU frogs have never been one of the big college teams, but they've always been fun to watch. Last year they were actually ranked #4 in the country...first time in many, many years that they even broke into the top ten. Oh, the "rankings" are done based on win-losses and also based on who plays who, most smaller schools can't really compete with the larger ones so TCU (being smaller) making the top ten along with some of the bigger schools was a big deal. Anyway, TCU will always have a little place in my heart because I practically grew up with them.

Now the Texas Longhorns. The University of Texas at Austin is the largest university in Texas and one of the top universities in the country. It's produced presidents, congressmen, movie stars, scientists...you name it. The Longhorns continually make the top 25 in the rankings and have won 4 National titles..the last in 2005...they were in the championship game last year but unfortunately lost to Alabama. The 'Horns are part of the Texas pride. Whether you attended the school or not, most Texans at least recognize the school fight song. Oh, fight songs, hmmm..how to explain that...fight songs are 'pump up 'songs played throughout games, parades, rallies etc...to cheer on the teams. The fight songs are such a part of college football that when former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson (LBJ's wife) passed away...the Longhorn Band played "the Eyes of Texas" at her funeral. Lady Bird was a UT graduate and proud supporter of the 'Horns, it was considered an honor and very respectful that the band played for her. Anyway, back to the 'Horns. If you are from Texas, you proudly know the burnt orange and white...unless you attend Texas A&M..in which case you despise the 'Horns. That's part of the fun of college football. The school rivalries...some are within their own states, some are with outside states. One of the biggest rivalries is the Texas Longhorns vs. the Oklahoma Sooners...called the Red River Rivalry or Shootout and it's one of the most watched national games on TV. Every year the two teams meet half way between their hometowns in Dallas at the Cotton Bowl ('Horns are in Austin, Sooners are near Oklahoma City, OK)...each has an equal number of seats for their fans...35,000 each. The roads leading to the Cotton Bowl are jammed the day before the game...both directions. No matter how either team has played all year...this game is always different. The winner takes home a gold ten gallon cowboy hat. The Red River Rivalry is even mentioned in wikipedia..that's how crazy it is and I'm sure you'll hear more about it when it comes in October. Oh, and if you happen to see me with a strange hand gesture..first finger and pinkie finger up..all others down...that means Hook 'Em Horns...it's just a way of cheering in the team...I promise I'm not being rude.

By now the other video is done, to continue the experience play this next one. Again, only need to listen unless you're a Longhorn fan.

Ok, enough of that....let's talk COWBOYS!!! If I "practically" grew up with the frogs...then I was raised by the Cowboys. Yes, my beloved Dallas Cowboys, America's Team. When I was kid, my Mom (yes, Mom..she was a bigger fan than I am) would go to at least one game a year at Texas Stadium...where there was hole in the roof so God could watch his team...and never missed a game on TV. I remember watching da 'Boys when the legendary Tom Landry was coach and Roger Staubach was Quarterback. I remember the names of the players when I was little... Ed "Too Tall" Jones, Charlie Waters, Cliff Harris, Drew Pearson, Harvey Martin, Randy White, Tony Dorsett....just to name a few. I remember watching Roger Staubach losing part of his finger during a game and continuing to play...throwing hail mary passes to Drew Pearson. I remember Too Tall Jones crushing quarterbacks. I remember Cliff Harris making spectacular interceptions. Those were the early years and under Tom Landry the Cowboys won 2 Super Bowls. There were a few lean years where the 'Boys didn't do so well. Then the team rebuilt under coach Jimmy Johnson and new owner Jerry Jones...they managed to win 3 Super Bowls in 4 years (although Jimmy was replaced for the 3rd Super Bowl win). It was a return to the glory years. This time it was Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Emmitt Smith, Darryl "Moose" Johnston, Darren Woodson, Bill Bates, and Charles Haley that dominated the field. Aikman, Irvin, and Smith became known as "the Triplets"... together they were unstoppable. Aikman passing, Irvin catching, Smith catching and running. This Sunday the last of the Triplets, Emmitt Smith will be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame...he will take his place along with 17 other Cowboys. Smith is the All Time leading Rusher in the NFL...he gained more yardage than any other player in the 90 year history of the NFL. But that was then, this is now. Today's Cowboys are Tony Romo, Miles Austin, Marion "the Barbarian"Barber, DeMarcus Ware, and Jason Witten. Unfortunately, the 'Boys haven't been to the Super Bowl since 1996 (don't forget though the Cowboys are still tied with the most Super Bowl wins and appaearances). Last year the Cowboys made it past the first round of playoffs for the first time since 1998. This year the Super Bowl will be played in Dallas at Cowboys Stadium (new stadium opened last year..and it has a hole in the roof, too) for the first time ever....and the Cowboys seem determined to defend their house. Training camp started 2 weeks ago and there seems to be an even bigger swagger in the clubhouse. I say bigger, because when you wear that star on your helmet it automatically adds a little swagger. So with some luck and some great football Romo and da 'Boys will be back where they belong...in the Super Bowl

Well, that's what my obssession is with football. It's funny, I was amazed by all Oranje stuff everywhere till I remembered...during football season the US can be even worse...with college flags, team flags flying everywhere, everyone sporting a jersey, tailgate parties at stadiums, bbq's at home to watch....yep, sports fanatics are sports fanatics so matter what country you are in.

Oh, and just for the record...my all time favorite players TCU..LaDanian Tomlinson, Texas...Colt McCoy and John Shipley, Cowboys...Coach Tom Landry, Roger Staubach, Bill Bates, "Moose"Johnston, and Marion "The Barbarian"Barber. Well, I leave it at this for now...season hasn't officially started yet so I have to save some stories for later...and I do have stories ....Hey, stop rolling your eyes... these are good stories. I will warn you though if you happen to hear alot of screaming...yelling ...Go! Frogs! Go!...Hook 'Em Horns....or How 'bout them Cowboys...don't worry it's just me watching a game.

Love and War

I'm in love! Yes, me, the Bas, has fallen in love. You see there's this cute, little corgi pup that just absolutely mesmerized me the other day.

There I was walking Mom on Hoofdstraat and there she was....wind gently blowing in her light blond with white fur. I couldn't stop staring at her. I rushed past parked cars trying not to lose sight of her as her petite, little legs ran to keep up with her Mom. But, alas, she didn't even notice me even as I tried to gain her attention...she wouldn't even give me a second glance. As she walked off into the sunset.....ok, really just her house... I watched still not taking my eyes off her....that is until ...SMACK!!...I walked into a light pole. Can you believe Mom found this funny, my heart was breaking and all she could do was laugh at me for walking into the pole....which I think she put it there, by the way, cause I don't remember it being there before. I searched the next day just to catch a glimpse, but to no avail. I'm one lovesick pup and I don't even know her name. I couldn't eat all day and all I wanted to do was sleep...well, ok all I want to do is sleep everyday, but I didn't eat till after Mom's final walk of the night. And I couldn't get comfortable for nothin'.

I guess they say all is fair in love and war. Right now I'm not so sure about that. I've been informed by a few of my bovine pals that ninja bunnies are preparing for an attack. On one of my nightly walks I counted 14...that's 14...bunnies including all the little baby bunnies...but don't be fooled...those babies are just ninjas in training. Their underground training camp is situated less than a kilometer from my house. You can also see signs that bunnies have been running recon missions in other parts of town like the park and such (the droppings are everywhere). Worse news followed though, from my bovine spies. It seems ducks, pigeons, and even chickens have aligned themselves with the ninjas. I'm afraid war is imminent. Heed my warnings now...a ninja bunny invasion is coming soon.

Love and war....seems they just somehow go hand in hand.

PS, Mom has some exciting news. She finally has some jalapenos growing in her garden. She gets so excited about such little things, yet she completely ignores my ninja bunny invasion warning...geez....what's a dog to do.

I have a confession to make....

I'm going to steal Bas's blog away for just a bit.

I'm almost always asked two questions since I arrived here in the Netherlands. First, how do you like Holland? Answer: Love it, weather's great, people are nice, it's been a great experience so far. Second, don't you miss America? Normally my answer is 'not really', I miss some things mainly food (still haven't had a jalapeno),TV, and such. This week, however, is a little different I have to confess I am missing the good ol' U.S. of A quite a bit.

See it's the week leading up to one of my favorite holidays...July 4th, Independence Day...America's Birthday, if you will. All through the week there will be tips on where to go for firework displays, Bbq'ing ideas, and parades on both local and national news broadcasts. It's the week you can show your pride in being an American just as loud and proud as you possibly can. July 4th itself is usually a fun day. Huge firework shows at night, baseball games and patriotic movies (like 1776, Independence Day, The Patriot) all day, and lots of parades, bbq's and picnics. Just a great day to celebrate.

But why do we celebrate this day....we don't celebrate so much the day as the meaning of the events of the day. In 1776, a committee formed called Congress signed and delivered the Declaration of Independence...declaring ourselves free of the governing rule of Great Britain. This congress took a great risk since they were in essence committing treason. This day represents freedom and courage. The freedoms we have fought and died for and the courage it took to do so. The freedoms that have allowed us to make mistakes and at the same time become world leaders. We aren't perfect, in fact we can be arrogant, rude, emotional, ignorant, and obnoxious, but we can also be very caring, sympathetic, kind, and there to lend a hand when needed most. Sometimes we're late to the party (World War 2) but once we get there you can't stop us. Right or wrong, Americans have conviction in everything we do. You can knock us down, push us down, but you will not keep us down.

Our freedom and courage won't allow us to stay down. I will never forget Sept.11, 2001 not just because of the events of that day, but how we as a nation reacted. Now I know everyone will point to the Afghan and Iraq wars, but what I'm actually talking about is the emotions that were brought out. I remember going to work on Sept. 12th, after listening to nothing but conflicting and frightening news reports the day before...I walked into work got started...everyone there was quiet and sad that day and didn't really want to be there, then a song came over the radio..."God Bless the USA" (Proud to be an American) by Lee Greenwood...we all stopped what we were doing and just stood there listening to a song we'd heard so many times...that day it just meant a bit more. Some of us were almost in tears, all of us felt a pride well up inside us. Almost like getting a shot of adrenaline we all got back to work with less sadness, talking more, and most importantly, with meaning. I realized quickly that you might beat us down, but we're going to get back up. For 30 days, by order of the President, the flag was flown at half staff to mourn those lost...I remember the first day they allowed the flags to be raised. I was driving down the street and saw our flag waving high and proud..it had never been more beautiful...what was funny was you could see that I wasn't the only one reacting...in virtually every face I saw there was pride showing through.

This is why July 4th is one of my favorite holidays. The signing of the Declaration of Independence is what gave us the freedoms and courage to be ourselves, be proud, and always get back up.

On July 4th, I will no doubt be thinking about the baseball game and fireworks and I will miss them. At the same time, I know that my American heritage is what gave me the freedom and courage to do the things I've done in my life...including moving to my new home...The Netherlands.

Yes, I have a confession to make...I'M PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!

Bas's Beach....No Bunnies Allowed!!!

Wow, what a week or two actually. I don't even know where to begin. Well, here goes. First thing that happened was I woken up rudely one morning by this very loud noise in the backyard. Now this was a bit scary because no one knows what was in that jungle...I say was because it's no longer a jungle. Turns out that noise was a mini bulldozer (or minicrane) clearing out the jungle. After a few hours all that was left was one big pile of weeds and dirt. Dad's friend Mark Elferink, who by the way can be hired to do this for you, controlled the giant beast as it removed every single weed...then I watched as a big ol' tractor took the jungle away.

Now I wasn't too sure about this at first, but I did make an initial inspection then went back inside. A day or two later Mom made me come out while she worked and I discovered my new talent....DIGGING! I am an expert excavator and I didn't even need training. I dug myself a little hole (Mom calls it a ditch) on the side by the fence and it is absolutely perfect to lay in. I truly enjoy my job, everytime Mom goes out there I race out to help her. The best news though is all my hard work will be rewarded. Mom and Dad have decided that my favorite digging spot is going to be turned into my own private beach...No Ninja Bunnies allowed of course. Mom figures if she puts down some sand that maybe I'll only dig there and ignore her veggie garden....silly human. But then again, a nice sandy beach of my own for summer...OH YEAH!

Mom says grass will going in too along with lots of veggies and something about a BBQ....hmmm...sounds like my clean up skills may be needed as well pretty soon.

Now I said things have been exciting. I wasn't just talking about my beach. There's a new resident in Overdinkel. Last week, Mom and I watched a calf being born. Cute little guy. We've been watching out for him, as well as my new little foal buddy. Cute little baby horse that loves to run and bounce. Also met a new little pup that I had fun knocking over with my nose....those young pups are easily entertained.

Well, that's been my week. Been a pretty busy one. As soon as my sand goes in for the beach I'll make sure you get some pics. Now all I have to do is find a speedo that fits.

All about Overdinkel

Hoi Bas here....how's it goin'...I mean going (Mom's Texas accent is catching)?! Ok, ok, I give up...all of Mom's friends want to know about Overdinkel, so I decided I'd give you a tour...Bas style.

Overdinkel apparently dates back to the middle ages, Overdinkel was first found in the record books in 1200. That's too many years for me to count in dog time. Up until the 1890's it was a farming community, then in 1907 became a full fledged village. Prior to and after World War 2, Overdinkel was prospering in textiles until the demise of the industry. Overdinkel is in the Overjissel providence and Twente region. You know that region, the one with the Champion FC Twente soccer team...little shout out for my Twente friends there.

Anyway, let me show you around town. You think people went crazy over FC Twente winning their first championship, check this out there's one whole street in town Orange..getting ready for the world cup. They love their voetball here.

Next we have Hoofdstraat, English translation...Main street. Down Hoofdstraat there are 2 grocery stores, a bakery, 2 hair salons, a bicycle shop, car dealers, drugstore, and my absolute favorite place... Pet's Place...best pig's ears in town.

Just off Hoofdstraat is my favorite park. Now you have to be careful here...this is where the first ninja bunny attack occurred. Gotta a bit dangerous lately with those bunnies, but I keep a watchful eye..trust me. This park also hosts the weekly Wednesday market which Mom loves. Fresh fruit, veggies, cheeses, olives, fish, and nuts.

The great thing about Overdinkel is there are plenty of places for a guy to take a nice, relaxing walk. There are two parks within walking distance and a couple of forest areas.

Then there's the country too, can't miss that. Although, you do need to be on the lookout there are ninja bunnies, kamikaze ducks, and a pigeons armed with torpedoes...if they catch you off guard...you're in a world of trouble. If you look around you'll see some big animals that look like really big dogs, but they're really cows and horses...be careful not to get them confused..I can only imagine what a cow would do if you brought it into the house at night.

Back in the town you'll see this wonderful bandstand (at least that's what Mom calls it)...it's really nice, but I keep waiting for the parade...don't parades usually end at the bandstand...oh well.

We go a little farther and you'll find my street. Which I think it's time to head inside and catch a little snooze..being a tour guide is exhausting. Catch ya'll (there's Mom's Texan again...she's a bad influence) later!!!

Ok, all feet in....curled up......ahhhhh......zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Bas's Excellent Adventure!!!

Hoi, Bas here...Ja, Ik ben terug!!! Did ya miss me? I see Mom kinda hijacked the blog, well don't worry I'm taking back over.

So wondering where I've been...well, I took a little vacation, you see my human Oma passed away and my Dad and Mom had to be with her and help the family, it's very sad, but I know she's up there watching out for us all now. While they were away I got to stay in the local hotel. Let me tell you they were charmed by me instantly at the Dierenhotel Hazewinkel in Oldenzaal....and who isn't. They were so charmed by me I immediately became the party coordinator...my job ...to make all the other dogs play with me....woohoo..that I can do. I have to admit I was a little confused when Dad left me in my room alone, but then I poked my head out the little door leading outside and I knew why I was there..to get all the other dogs to play. What can I say, I'm just a party animal. While I was there, I got a great manicure and a wellness check...I'm in great shape. After a few weeks, Mom came and picked me up and despite how much fun I was having...I was really glad to see her. I couldn't help myself I jumped up and gave her a big ol' kiss. Then I showed her the door and even opened it for her. Once we got home, I immediately got back to work. So much catching up to do, seriously, I don't think anyone did a thing while I was away. Mom and I took a walk...and no one had updated the news in the park I think since I'd been gone. I had to stop at every tree and bush along way and update leaving the latest news bulletins.

Well, after our walk we visited the dierenspecialzaak Pet's Place here in Overdinkel where I got some more pigs ears and new bone. I deserved it especially after all the work I did posting the news. I did learn a few things while I gone...I have increased my will power 100%. You can see in this photo...the cookie is right in front of my face...and I ignore it..,I'm a good boy.

Of course, sleep is what I do best. I'm even teaching Dad how to sleep on the floor. You humans don't always appreciate the art of sleep...and it is an art form. I feel it is an art to be explored...and I explore it as often as possible...I'm a sleep connoisseur if you will. Speaking of which it's about time for me to do some more exploring, so I'll say goodnight for now... but I promise the blog will kept up better now that I'm back in action.

Ps. Don't forget to check out my buddies at Dierentehuis Oost Twente.....

www.dierentehuisoosttweete.nl

To You From Failing Hands We Throw The Torch Be Yours To Hold It High

The words above are engraved on one of the walls leading to the cemetery for US soldiers who perished while fighting in the Netherlands, primarily during the failed 'Operation Market Garden'.

Honestly, I've always considered myself to be a World War 2 history buff, but no books, no films, documentaries could ever capture the reality that hits you in the face when you actually visit one of the cemeteries. The magnitude is overwhelming when you look across the virtual sea of more than 8000 crosses.

The first thing you see as you enter the monument is the diagrams and explanations of the battles themselves. The next thing you see are the 1700 names engraved in the stone walls lining both sides. The names are representative of those that were never found to bury. You walk around to the entrance of a tall monument and discover small room for prayer and contemplation. As you exit this room that when the overwhelming magnitude of the cost of war hits you. That's when you see a green lawn leading up to the American flag and on each side of this long field....rows and rows of crosses.

I remember several years ago when I had the good fortune to go to Hawaii, I was so excited that I was finally going to see Pearl Harbor...where everything started for the US. When you enter the Pearl Harbor Memorial on your way to the Arizona, the park rangers and US Sailors escort you first to a theater where you watch a film on the war and specifically its start...the surprise attack by the Japanese. As you watch this film, you slowly realize you're not really watching a film....you're actually watching footage that was shot during the attack. You almost have to look away as you see the ships and sailors in such peril. After the film, they take you by Navy ship to the Arizona itself. You can hear 'Amazing Grace' in the background as the ship docks. You also notice the sailors who guard the memorial as well as the sailors from the ship salute each and every time the ship arrives or exits. A salute that shows what true respect is. As you walk over the platform above the Arizona you start to look over the sides and start to realize what you are seeing. You watch the small oil droplets that are still rising to the top almost 70 years later. That's also when you realize there are men still trapped inside that ship. Overwhelming. You look at the wall with all the names of those resting inside the ship. Overwhelming.

Yesterday, I had that same overwhelming feeling looking across the sea of crosses. People say it makes you appreciate your life when you see something like this...that would be an understatement. It makes you appreciate just being alive to see it and understand it. Not to mention appreciating the liberties and freedoms we have and even more so those who have fought to give them to us. Must admit I swelled with pride and appreciation upon hearing 'God Bless America' being played as we left the cemetery.